mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
H.R. 1
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-1-30

on an entirely different matter, I spoke for the first time, yesterday, on the subject that House have crowned as their signature effort for this Congress-- H.R. 1, also known as the ``ic Politician Protection Act.'' Pelosi and her colleagues are advertising it as a package of urgent measures to save American democracy. What it really seems to be is a package of urgent measures to rewrite the rules of American politics for the exclusive benefit of the ic Party. prgtoken Yesterday, I gave a brief tour through several of the most bizarre components of their proposal. Today, I would like to focus on just one of the legislation's major victims--the American taxpayer. prgtoken H.R. 1 would victimize every American taxpayer by pouring their money into expensive new subsidies that don't even pass the laugh test. In several new ways, it would put every taxpayer on the hook to line the pockets of candidates, campaigns, and outside consultants. prgtoken Do you look forward to bumper stickers, robocalls, attack ads, and campaign mail that descend on the country in seemingly endless cycles? prgtoken Pelosi must think you do, because she wants you to pay for these things with your tax dollars. You get the opportunity, with your money, to pay for attack ads and bumper stickers and the rest. This bill creates brand-new government subsidies--government subsidies--both for political campaign donors and for the campaigns themselves. prgtoken The Federal Government would start matching political donations the same way some employers match gifts to charity. You would be literally funding attack ads for the candidates you disagree with. How about that--your money funding ads for the candidates you disagree with? prgtoken Maybe that is why every opposed our tax cuts for middle- class families and small businesses. They were counting on that money to pull off this stimulus package, if you will, for campaign consultants. prgtoken And for what reason? To increase the competition? Well, studies have shown that incumbents win just as often in taxpayer-funded elections as they do when campaigns are funded with private money. prgtoken To reduce corruption? Hardly. Jurisdictions that have toyed with taxpayer-funded political systems have turned out to be replete with misappropriation, personal use, straw donors, and public corruption scandals. prgtoken So I remain curious why, exactly, the ``ic Politician Protection Act'' wants to offer the American people's money to thousands of candidates that run for the House of Representatives every 2 years, whether they support these candidates or not. They want citizens to bankroll political materials that they totally disagree with. prgtoken But they aren't stopping there. also want taxpayers on the hook for generous new benefits for Federal bureaucrats and government employees. prgtoken Their bill would make election day a new paid holi
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-1-30

I appreciate the fact that the majority leader has put before the Senate an important piece of legislation that reemphasizes our support for our allies in the Middle East, a very dangerous neighborhood that has a tendency to have others drawn into the neighborhood and into the fight. This legislation is comprised of four bills that have enjoyed bipartisan support, but we weren't able to prgtoken get them done before the deadline at the end of the 115th Congress. prgtoken Each of these four bills speaks directly to our national security interests in the Middle East and the support for our allies, particularly allies like Jordan and Israel. Every day, the State of Israel faces attacks from adversaries in the region, ranging from rocket and missile attacks to various explosives and foot soldiers-- namely, Hezbollah, the Iranian-financed and trained effort to try to exterminate the Jewish State. prgtoken Israel is also enduring a different type of warfare, this time an economic war known as Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions or the BDS movement. This campaign began in 2005 with more than 170 Palestinian nongovernmental organizations lobbying foreign governments, corporations, and academic institutions to sever all their ties with Israel. In the years since, this movement has expanded with participants seeking to isolate Israel both economically and politically. prgtoken For some, their participation in the movement is simply a means of voicing their opposition to Israeli policies in the Middle East-- something that at least in the United States, they have every right to do under the First Amendment. For others, though, it is part of a strategy to isolate Israel politically and economically, either to delegitimize the State or to force it to redraw its map. prgtoken State-sponsored BDS is incredibly harmful. We have seen support for BDS in capitals across Europe and, sadly, even in the United Nations, where the movement has been supported by countries with questionable humanitarian records, such as China, Russia, and Venezuela. A few years ago, the U.N. Human Rights Council called for the creation of a so- called blacklist, naming companies that do business with Israel. Then, in a report in January, the U.N. Human Rights Council laid the groundwork for utilizing those databases to boycott those businesses, including at least 22 American companies. prgtoken It is shameful, really, that the U.N. has chosen to fuel this movement by encouraging countries to boycott these businesses for what they claim are illegal activities, even though that argument has absolutely no bearing on either the United States or Israel. This effort to choke off Israel's economy by ending business ties with other countries could have serious impacts. We want to make sure State and local governments have the flexibility to avoid business with entities that support the BDS movement if they wish. prgtoken One of the bills included in
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-1-30

today I introduced the End Shutdowns Act. Enacting this bill would go a long way towards avoiding the pain and suffering caused to families from government shutdowns, such as the recent 35 day partial shutdown. prgtoken I have been outspoken against President 's use of a government shutdown as a negotiating tactic, and--in an effort to take away that option in the future--this bill would initiate an automatic continuing resolution on October 1 if no appropriations bill is passed by that date. The legislation would then stop the Senate from moving forward with any other legislation, outside of an emergency scenario, until Congress reached an agreement on a long-term spending deal. prgtoken I am advocating for my colleagues to consider supporting this bill, especially those negotiating on the current spending bills set to expire February 15, to include legislation to prevent future shutdowns in any bipartisan deal reached by that deadline.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 790, FEDERAL CIVILIAN WORKFORCE PAY RAISE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2019, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-1-30

such time as I may consume. prgtoken My friend from Georgia eloquently calls us back to bipartisanship, and I could not agree more. I would love nothing more than for him and for all of our colleagues across the aisle to join us in supporting the 2.6 percent pay raise for America's Federal workforce. prgtoken I almost feel as though, if we were to add the names of our distinguished colleagues on the other side to the bill, they might support it. So I would reopen that offer and restate that offer: We invite everybody to come on and to be cosponsors with us in giving America's Federal workforce a pay raise right now. prgtoken But we do have to think about this in bipartisan-nonpartisan terms. prgtoken It was the President of the United States who maligned the Federal workforce, apparently, from his perspective, by calling them , and there are two problems with that. prgtoken One, it is not true. I have got lots of s who work as Federal employees. I have got lots of Independents who work as Federal employees, as well as , as well as Greens, as well as people who are not affiliated with any party at all and are probably sick of a lot of the partisanship that goes on here in Washington. prgtoken Think about what the real problem with the President deriding Federal workers as is. The real problem is that they are Americans. We are all Americans. We stand together as Americans. That is why we have got to stand behind our Federal workforce. prgtoken I want to just clear up one other thing that has been bugging me, because the gentleman from Georgia is so persuasive in his tactics, and he kind of mixed apples and oranges. prgtoken We are talking about a pay raise for the workforce, and he said: Well, maybe most of the workers deserve one, but there might be some who don't. prgtoken I just want to state generally what the procedure is for evaluating Federal workers. Federal agencies use formal performance-rating programs for almost all of their career employees, typically with five different levels. The ratings are used in deciding on promotions, merit pay increases, cash awards, or discipline. prgtoken In the most severe cases, low-performing employees can be disciplined and removed from their jobs. prgtoken Now, the gentleman, I am sure, has some ideas for how we can improve that system and make it better. By all means, let's discuss that, but let's not cloud the issue of the fact that our workers need a raise. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule.
HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FIREFIGHTERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Elijah E. Cummings (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 10th Anniversary of the African American Firefighters Historical Society. The African American Firefighters Historical Society was founded in Baltimore, Maryland on January 23, 2009 by two, now-retired, members of the Baltimore City Fire Department: Firefighter George Collins and Lieutenant Michael Jenson. It was started as part of an event celebrating the 55-year reunion of the first African Americans appointed to the Baltimore City Fire Department. While researching the history of African-American firefighters in Baltimore, it did not take long before they discovered that nearly every fire department around the country had its own story of African Americans contributing to their ranks. prgtoken The mission of the African American Firefighters Historical Society is to collect, preserve and disseminate historical data and information relating to the contributions made by firefighters of color, and others who have contributed to such history. This material is used to educate and mentor firefighters and the communities that they serve. prgtoken The Historical Society is also a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and it hosts an annual Salute Dinner. This dinner honors African- American firefighters, entities, individuals, and dates that are significant to the fire service history of African Americans. It is the only event of its kind in the world, and they are proud that the dinner has become their signature event. prgtoken All the honorees over the last 10 years have been extremely deserving of their recognition. Most have never had their contributions acknowledged. These individuals are humble men and women, who would tell you that they were just doing what needed to be done. Whether it be to acknowledge a heroic act or some other significant act, such as being the first to reach a rank or position, accomplished by firefighters, the African American Firefighters Historical Society is always interested in finding these individuals. The organization also welcomes information about organizations who have reached historic milestones or anniversaries relevant to African-American firefighters. prgtoken To show just how relevant The African American Firefighters Historical Society has become, I would like to take a moment to share the stories of some of its honorees. prgtoken Stories of people like Edward Collic, who faced significant hurdles to becoming Baltimore City Fire Department's First African American Lieutenant Pilot. During promotion testing, Collic was given ten additional navigation questions by his Coast Guard examiner, effectively turning what is normally a 4-hour test into an 8-hour exam. Still, he passed and was reluctantly given his 100 Ton Masters Licenses. Collic worked as an Acting Lieutenant for thirteen years, being passed over for promotions several times despite consistently scoring first or second on the promotion exam. In some cases, he was deliberatel
FEDERAL CIVILIAN WORKFORCE PAY RAISE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2019
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-1-30

the employees I talked to at the IRS are noble. They are hardworking. They are working with the utmost integrity. They have endured cuts to their agency, at times doing jobs that used to require two, sometimes three people to do. prgtoken Again, my amendment merely makes a clarifying change to be certain that all of these employees, all IRS workers, receive the benefit of this well-deserved pay adjustment. I urge my colleagues to adopt the amendment. prgtoken , .
EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE THAT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS ARE DETRIMENTAL TO NATION AND SHOULD NOT OCCUR
Wm. Lacy Clay (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-1-30

such time as I might consume. prgtoken , I am sure my friends on the other side will agree it does no one good, it does this country no good, when we shut down government. prgtoken I don't know about you, but my friend from North Carolina, I believe he goes through airports sometimes. I will say this: Over the last 5 weeks, it was quite difficult for me to look in the eyes of my constituents who happen to be TSA agents and tell them: ``I am sorry, but you are going to miss a payday,'' or, ``You are going to miss another payday.'' prgtoken We are better than that. We are better than that as a Congress, as an institution, and as a government. prgtoken , I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton), the sponsor of this legislation and my friend.
FEDERAL CIVILIAN WORKFORCE PAY RAISE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2019
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-1-30

I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding and for his tremendous leadership on behalf of the hardworking Federal employees who serve this Nation in such a tremendous fashion. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of this legislation which will provide a modest and well-deserved cost-of-living increase for the Federal workforce. prgtoken For 35 days, this administration recklessly shut down the government so it could try to fund a campaign applause line. For 35 days, this administration shut down the government and held hardworking employees hostage using them like bargaining chips from a bankrupt casino. For 35 days, hundreds of thousands of Federal employees were furloughed, putting their well-being in jeopardy. prgtoken For 35 days, members of the Coast Guard, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, FBI agents, Border Patrol agents, Secret Service agents, and so many others were forced to work without pay in the wealthiest country in the history of the world. For 35 days, these hardworking Federal employees across the country from north to south to east to west stepped up for us. Now it is time for this Congress to step up for them. prgtoken Over the last 2 years, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have spent their time working on behalf of the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected. That is the only way, , that you can explain jamming a reckless tax scam down the throats of the American people where 83 percent of the benefits went to the wealthiest 1 percent. prgtoken House will spend our time fighting for working families, middle class folks, senior citizens, the poor, the sick, the afflicted, and veterans from all across this country, many of whom, by the way, are part of the Federal workforce. We are going to continue to stand up for them. prgtoken We promised the American people that we would increase pay for everyday Americans. Keeping that promise begins today. Day after day, week after week, and month after month we will continue to do everything possible as we fight hard for the people. prgtoken , I strongly support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I thank the distinguished chair and this wonderful committee for their great work.
EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE THAT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS ARE DETRIMENTAL TO NATION AND SHOULD NOT OCCUR
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-1-30

I thank the managers of the resolution, both of them, the gentleman from Missouri and the gentleman from North Carolina. prgtoken I thank Ms. Wexton and Mr. Connolly for capturing the essence of what this legislation is all about. It is not contentious. We don't intend to divide this House. We intend to unify this House. prgtoken But I think as we speak to our colleagues and the American people, it is clear that the opening sentence says that this body believes that shutdowns are detrimental to the Nation. That is a word that I think all of us can join on. prgtoken And if we look at the desperation of our Federal workers, 800,000-- 270,000 in Texas, 4,000 in my district--you see the opening line: ``My landlord is calling and I must pay.'' And the follow-up is: ``I have no money.'' prgtoken All that we are saying today is to affirm the value of our constituents, prgtoken from the Coast Guard to FBI, to Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security, and Forest Service fighters who are on the front lines. prgtoken To my good friend from Texas, I can't count the times I have been to the border and seen barriers and fencing, but what I do know is, yes, Sheila Jackson Lee has voted over and over for border security here, years ago, and made the first crunch of dollars that dealt with increasing Border Patrol when they were barely in existence by providing laptops and providing the kind of vehicles that they needed and worked with landowners who didn't want any kind of fence, stone or otherwise, but to be able to give them the support. prgtoken Now we need smart border security, technology with drones, better infrastructure, more ports of entry. Today, we hope that will happen, because it will happen because appropriators are sitting down. prgtoken But can we reflect? This shutdown was in the midst of Christmas when we had bills that s and had signed onto that came from the Senate. We could vote. prgtoken This is saying that whatever our policy differences are, you never hold a Federal worker, a person who is serving his or her Nation, hostage. You never make them desperate. prgtoken You never make them have to call a congressional office, ``I am about to be evicted,'' as my constituent did. We never let them lose their house. We never let them bring their children out of school, as some had to do. prgtoken You never let them do as they are doing in my district right now, going to get groceries. And you never let them hear the words: ``Go to a bank. I don't know why they just can't walk into a bank.'' Or someone else says: ``It is okay. They are doing it for their Nation.'' prgtoken That is what this is about. It is simply allowing us to tell a reservist from the Middle East, Edith Banda, that she doesn't have to sell her belongings because she doesn't have a job because she is a Federal worker and she had been furloughed. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to support this resolution, and I ask the
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , as the gentleman knows, the conference committee has either met or is meeting. It is my understanding that Chairwoman Lowey is going to have a press conference after the first initial meeting, so that we are in a conference. That is good news. I am sure the conferees are going to talk about proposals that they have to reach border security. prgtoken I might say that, although it appears to be the central part, in terms of our perspective, a shutdown is not about border security or any other particular issue. It is that it is a bad policy to shut down the Government of the United States. Notwithstanding that, I expect that Chairwoman Lowey will be explaining our position in the conference.
FEDERAL CIVILIAN WORKFORCE PAY RAISE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2019
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-1-30

I rise to speak on behalf of this amendment, which would guarantee the United States Secret Service receive a 2.6 percent pay increase with the rest of the civilian workforce. prgtoken The underlying bill will nullify the President's executive order that froze pay for Federal workers. It is important we include all employees of the Secret Service in that correction. prgtoken The Secret Service's most well-known mission is to spend every day protecting the President of the United States. That is why it is unfortunate. First, he froze their pay, and then he didn't pay them for 35 days in the longest government shutdown in history. prgtoken I represent a district right outside of Washington, D.C and a lot of my friends and fellow constituents are Federal workers. I was disheartened to learn in December they would not be receiving a pay increase. They go to work every day to serve our country. They are American workers; they are patriots; they are friends; and they deserve better. prgtoken This amendment will ensure that no Secret Service employees are inadvertently left out of a much-needed pay raise. They work every day to protect the President and the Vice President from harm and protect against crimes of our Nation's financial and banking infrastructure, and they deserve recognition, and they deserve a raise. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. prgtoken , .
HOWARD G. LANE--JUSTICE, JUDGE LAWYER, ADVOCATE
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , the Honorable Howard G. Lane, Supreme Court Justice, Queens County, 11th Judicial District (Retired) was elected Judge of the Civil Court in Queens County in November 2003, after 24 years of practicing law. A graduate of Manhattan College where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and awarded a Juris Doctor degree in 1978 from Hofstra University Law School and the recipient of Fredrick Douglass National Moot Court Competition, ``Best Oralist'' Northeast Regional Competition Award and admitted to practice law in the state of New York in 1979. prgtoken From 1979 to Judge Lane's election to the Civil Court, he served as Law Clerk and Principal Court Attorney for Supreme Court Justice Leslie G. Leach in the Queens County Court prior to serving as a sole practitioner engaged in the private practice of law and hearings. In his long and distinguished career, he also served as a Hearing Officer for the Transit Adjudication Bureau and staff attorney for Community Action for Legal Services, Inc. prgtoken Justice Lane's approach to leadership is exemplified by his fervent belief in the concept of teamwork and empowerment. His aim has been to lead by example, re-energizing and transforming the culture of the judicial institutions he has led through a partnership between administrators and front-line staff. His commitment to the Judicial System and his respect for the value of our law resulted in his legal opinions and rulings being recognized as exemplary of the finest legal analysis and thinking. prgtoken That I, Gregory W. Meeks, Member of the 116th Congress, on behalf of the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of New York, congratulate Howard G. Lane for his twenty-four years of service to quality legal practice. On behalf of the 723,000 residents of the Fifth Congressional District, I thank Judge Lane for his outstanding and ongoing contribution to our Judicial Institution's integrity and local and global community's wellbeing.