mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-27

I thank the distinguished chairwoman for yielding and admire her for her distinguished and hard work to bring a solution to the floor. This is not the one that we had hoped for, but it is one that we will be voting on today. prgtoken , I thank Nita Lowey, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and all of the appropriators for their relentless good faith work on a strong bill that we had hoped would completely protect vulnerable children, keep America safe, and honor our values. prgtoken Today, sadly, and almost with a broken heart, those values are being undermined by failed policies which have intensified a situation of heartbreak and horror on the border, all of which challenges the conscience of America. prgtoken I will be brief in just saying, right now, children need their families. Right now, little children are enduring trauma and terror; many are living in squalor at the border station, patrol station; some are sleeping on the cold ground without warm blankets or hot meals. prgtoken Kids as young as 7 and 8 years old are watching over infants because no one else is there to care for them. As one little girl caring for two infants said: I need comfort, too. I am bigger than they are, but I am a child, too. prgtoken , we could have done so much better--so much better--than what we are faced with today. It is my belief, my colleagues, that our country is at a moment of truth in acting upon our values as we develop policies. prgtoken I am proud of the work that our appropriators in the House have done in passing a bill that received overwhelming ic support on Tuesday. It was even bipartisan. prgtoken The current situation on the border is shameful and does not reflect America's values. We don't need anyone--especially the United States Senate--to tell us what the needs are on the border and that we have to act expeditiously. prgtoken Our Members are very well versed and excellent representatives of the regions they represent and that are affected, but we want to find a path to prgtoken improve the conditions under which we are addressing and ministering to the needs of children and families there. prgtoken We are gravely disappointed in the actions taken by the Senate in opposing the regular order of the Congress of the United States. We will continue to fight for our values and priorities in our legislation and beyond. prgtoken Our strongest ally in getting a better policy than that which was passed by the Senate is public opinion. And people and institutions of good faith in our country, our faith-based institutions who minister to the needs of our immigrants, know that this is not the best way to go. So as we go forward, we will continue to fight for our values with public opinion and faith-based organizations on our side. prgtoken The American people are constantly asking the question: Why aren't we doing a better job to respect the dignity and worth of our chi
Introductory Statement on S. 2036
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-6-27

I would like to call the Senate's attention to the Youth Summer Jobs and Public Service Act of 2019 that I am introducing today with my colleague from Maryland, Senator Van Hollen. This legislation authorizes the Department of Labor to award Summer Employment for Youth grants to connect youth with jobs that serve their local communities and private businesses over the summer months. prgtoken Since the mid-1990s, my home city of Baltimore has organized the Youth Works program out of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development. The Youth Works program provides individuals between the ages of 14 to 21 with a summer job with employers ranging from private businesses, local community nonprofit organizations, to city and State government agencies throughout the City. At these summer jobs, participants are provided with meaningful work experiences, are able to learn to develop the attitudes and grit necessary to compete in the workforce, gain exposure to a variety of career fields, and have a safe, stable environment over the summer months during the day. For the 2019 Youth Works session that begins next week, Baltimore youth participating in the program will have a job for five days a week, five hours per day from July 1st through August 2nd and be paid a minimum of $10.10 per hour for their service. prgtoken This program has grown to be one of the largest youth summer employment programs in the Nation. After the unrest in my home city in April 2015, the Federal Department of Labor provided the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and the Baltimore City's Mayor's Office of Employment with a $5 million grant to develop innovative job training strategies and work opportunities for youth and young adults across Baltimore. This Federal grant increased the number of individuals able to be served by the Youth Works program from an historic average of 5,000 participants to the more than 8,000 served today. Last year, Youth Works provided 8,600 Baltimoreans with jobs at more than 900 different worksites across my home city. I'm proud to say that some of those individuals who participated in the Youth Works program over the course of multiple summers while in high school have recently graduated and were hired by State agencies such as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Baltimore youth and their families clearly see the value of this program, with more than 14,000 individuals applying for Youth Works slots this upcoming summer. prgtoken Unfortunately, due to the lack of funding between the partnership between the City, State, private business, and philanthropic ventures, more than 5,000 Baltimore City youth who sought summer employment will be denied the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace, foster confidence that they are capable of being successful in a new environment, and lose the security of a safe environment over the summer. We can and must do more to help i
SECURING AMERICA'S FEDERAL ELECTIONS ACT
John P. Sarbanes (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken I very strongly support the SAFE Act. This is something that the have been focused on from day one. Day one meaning, the day after the 2016 election, when we saw the attacks that had come in against our democracy, we realized we were very exposed, and we needed to take action. prgtoken This is our chance to stand up against interference from foreign adversaries who are trying to hack in, sow discord, undermine our elections, and create havoc here in our own country. This is fundamental to protecting our democracy. prgtoken So we were on the case from the beginning. We convened the Election Security Task Force, which was led by Zoe Lofgren, Bob Brady, Bennie Thompson and others. They looked at all of the best practices that we need to put in place to make sure that our elections are strong and sturdy, and how do we fortify them, and they produced those recommendations. prgtoken We then took those recommendations and we put them into H.R. 1, the For the People Act, and we passed those on March 8 of this year, because we knew that this was a priority and that there is no time to waste. prgtoken Now, our colleagues, unfortunately, did not want to go along with those broad, sweeping reforms that were contained in H.R. 1, including election security measures. So we made it easy for them, we said, ``Okay. We will start to break those things out. We will take the election security piece and we will bring it as a separate bill to the floor of the House.'' That is the SAFE Act. But we still, apparently, don't have their support. prgtoken This is their opportunity, this is their chance to stand up and show their patriotism, to defend our democracy, to protect our Constitution, to make sure that our elections are going to be safe. prgtoken So let's talk about what is in the SAFE Act, the Safeguarding America's Federal Elections Act. prgtoken We have significant resources that are going to be brought to bear to build up, to fortify the election security infrastructure of our country. This is what the public wants to see. They want to be ready for the 2020 election. prgtoken We have risk-limiting audits to make sure that States across the country are figuring out what is going on. Where do we make changes? How do we protect ourselves? prgtoken Paper ballots. We have had a lot of discussion about that today. Paper ballots are incredibly important in terms of boosting the confidence of the public that elections will be carried out in a way that you can verify the tally, people have the confidence that when they go to the ballot box, they put their ballot in there, that that vote will be counted. prgtoken We have no time to waste. We need to get this done now if we are going to be ready for the 2020 election. prgtoken Bob Mueller came along with his report and he said that the Russian interference was sweeping and systematic in 2016. prgtoken Every leader in o
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--Resumed
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-6-27

I rise to speak in favor of the Udall amendment, a bipartisan amendment. I am a proud Virginian. The Commonwealth of Virginia is more connected to the Nation's military service by our map, by the installations in Virginia, and by personnel than any other State, and I am the proud father of a U.S. marine. I love serving with my colleagues on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees. prgtoken Tomorrow we are going to vote on a question that cannot be more fundamental: Can President take us to war with Iran without coming to Congress for authorization? That is the question. Can President take us to war with Iran without coming to Congress for authorization? This is a matter of the utmost importance for this body, for the American public, and for our troops. Americans, especially those who have family serving in the military--and many of those families have seen their loved ones deployed multiple times since 2001--want to know what each Senator thinks about this important question. prgtoken The Udall amendment to the NDAA, which has bipartisan sponsorship, is very simple. It states that no funds will be expended in a war with Iran or on Iranian soil, except in self-defense, unless Congress takes the affirmative step of specifically authorizing those hostilities. prgtoken My colleague from Arkansas talked about lawyers dancing on the head of a pin, as he tried to suggest that ``self-defense'' was not a clearly defined term. I think most of my colleagues who read the language will believe it is incredibly clear; the President has the power to defend the Nation from an imminent attack or ongoing attack without asking anyone for permission. That is specifically stated in our resolution. There is no confusion about it. There is no attempt to limit a President's power to defend the Nation, but if the President decides that we need to go on an offensive war against a sovereign country, this amendment would suggest he could not do so unless he came to Congress. prgtoken Those voting for this amendment will say clearly that no war should be started unless Congress votes for it. Those prgtoken opposing the amendment will say clearly that it is OK for the President to go to war against Iran whenever and for whatever reason on his own. prgtoken Those who vote against this amendment, in my view, are essentially giving the President a green light to wage war anywhere, against anyone, on his own. That is not a power we should give to this President or any President. I believe, in my 6\1/2\ years in the Senate, there has only been one vote as serious as the vote we will cast tomorrow morning. prgtoken Why do I believe war should not be started without a vote of Congress? The ic leader outlined the clear constitutional history in this regard. It is Congress that declares war. The history and context of that provision in article I is very plain. At that time in the world, in 1787, war
TRIBUTE TO BLAIR BRETTSCHNEIDER
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-6-27

I want to tell you about two young women from Chicago and a discovery they made together that has helped to transform the lives of hundreds of other young women. prgtoken Domitira Nahishakiye moved with her family from the African nation of Burundi to Chicago in 2007. Three years later, she found herself overwhelmed. At 18, she was attending high school, trying to prepare for college, and caring for her three younger siblings. prgtoken The refugee resettlement efforts worked mostly with boys and young men. It didn't offer many programs to help Domi balance the pressures of caring for her siblings and preparing for college. Getting ready for college is tough for almost everyone. Imagine how much harder it is if you have grown up in another culture and you are helping to care for three siblings. prgtoken Fortunately, Domi met another young woman named Blair Brettschneider. prgtoken Blair grew up in Detroit. After graduating from the University of Miami in Florida, she had hoped to become a journalist, but the Great Recession caused Blair to rethink her career path. She moved to Chicago to work for AmeriCorps VISTA, sometimes called the domestic Peace Corps. Blair was a ``gofer'' for the refugee resettlement agency. prgtoken Not content with coffee runs and other ``busy work,'' Blair started talking to the families her agency was helping. That is how she met Domi. prgtoken Blair started to tutor Domi and help her with her homework at the afterschool center, but Domi's home responsibilities made it difficult for her to attend the sessions regularly. prgtoken Rather than give up, Blair started tutoring Domi at her home. She helped her master her studies and apply for college. She also helped Domi adapt to life in her new homeland. prgtoken Blair realized that Domi was not alone. Many immigrant girls and young women Blair spoke with shared the same needs, and many refugee agencies just weren't set up to help them. prgtoken That realization led Blair to establish a foundation in 2011 to provide other young women refugees in Chicagoland with the same types of support that Blair offered Domi. It is called GirlForward. It has since expanded its reach to help young women in Austin, TX, as well. Since 2011, GirlForward has helped nearly 300 refugee women in the Chicago area and in Austin find mentors, friends, support, and encouragement in America. prgtoken Amina Imran, a refugee from Pakistan, is one of those fortunate young women. She used to joke that the only way she could attend college is if she robbed a bank, but after finishing the Chicago GirlForward program in 2017, she now attends North Park University in Chicago, on a scholarship. prgtoken GirlForward is routinely cited as one of the best charities in Chicago. Reader's Digest declared GirlForward the Best of America. prgtoken My visits to GirlForward in Chicago were some of the happiest moments on my schedule. Young women from every comer of the world fou
Introductory Statement on S. 2032
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-27

I rise today to introduce the Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act with my colleagues. prgtoken Anecdotal evidence suggests that marijuana and its derivatives, like cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, may be helpful in treating serious medical conditions. However, anecdotal evidence alone cannot be the basis for developing new medications. Rather, medication development must be based on science. prgtoken Unfortunately, marijuana research is subject to burdensome regulations which may unintentionally inhibit research and medication development. prgtoken The Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act will reduce these barriers without sacrificing security or enabling diversion. It will ensure that marijuana-derived medications are developed using strong scientific evidence, and provide a pathway for the manufacture and distribution of FDA-approved drugs that are based on this research. prgtoken First, the bill streamlines the regulatory process for marijuana research. Specifically, it requires the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to quickly approve or deny applications to research CBD or marijuana and establishes a process by which applicants may submit supplemental information, if necessary. prgtoken It also improves regulations dealing with changes to approved quantities of marijuana needed for research and approved research protocols. These improvements will eliminate lengthy delays that researchers encounter under current regulations. prgtoken Second, this legislation seeks to increase medical research on CBD. prgtoken It does so by explicitly authorizing medical and osteopathic schools, research universities, practitioners and pharmaceutical companies to produce the marijuana they need for approved medical research. This will ensure that researchers have access to the material they need to develop proven, effective medicines. Once the FDA approves these medications, pharmaceutical companies are permitted to manufacture and distribute them. prgtoken Third, the bill fosters increased communication between doctors and patients. prgtoken Because it is a Schedule I drug, some doctors are hesitant to talk to their patients about the potential harms and benefits of using marijuana, CBD, or other marijuana derivatives as a treatment, for fear that they will lose their DEA registrations. Yet, if patients are using marijuana or its derivatives without their doctors' knowledge, it could impact the effectiveness of the care they receive. That is why our bill authorizes these discussions to occur. prgtoken Finally, because existing Federal research is lacking, the bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and coordinate research to determine the potential medical benefits of CBD or other marijuana-derived medications on serious medical conditions. prgtoken I have heard from many parents who have turned to CBD as a last resort to treat their children who have intrac
IN RECOGNITION OF MS. SADIE NELSON
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ms. Sadie Pike Nelson from Virginia's 10th Congressional District for her 70th birthday on June 24, 2019. Ms. Nelson is an active member within the 10th Congressional District which includes her accomplishments within the Frederick County School system, United Methodist Women, and Winchester Lioness Lions Club. prgtoken I commend Ms. Nelson on her lifetime pursuit of community activism. After moving to Winchester, VA in 1980, Ms. Nelson became a teacher with the special education program at the Robert E. Aylor Middle School, where she taught for 25 years. She then became the Assistant Principal for Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School for seven years before retiring with 32 years in education all together. Ms. Nelson was the first African American Administrator in the history of Frederick County Public Schools. prgtoken Ms. Nelson joined the John Mann United Methodist Church in 1985. She is presently the Administrative Chairman of the church council, President of the United Methodist Women, and President of the Usher Board. She has also served as the Spiritual Growth Coordinator for the Winchester District of United Methodist Women for a total of five years. Outside of the church, Ms. Nelson was the first African American to be invited to join the Winchester Lioness Club where she served as president in 2005, 2006, 2011, 2018, and 2019. Through this organization she strives to make a difference in women's lives with philanthropies that include ownership of a two-year woman's college and five programs that provide higher educational assistance through scholarships and loans for women to continue their education. prgtoken Ms. Nelson is also the proud mother of one daughter, proud grandmother of four granddaughters, and proud great-grandmother of a set of twin great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and applauding Ms. Sadie Pike Nelson on her accomplishments and wish her the best for her 70th birthday celebration.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3401, EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SECURITY AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER ACT, 2019
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-6-27

. Madam , I rise in support of this emergency supplemental bill. prgtoken Madam , the principles guiding this bill were clear from the outset. It is a response to a humanitarian crisis. prgtoken By increasing the housing capacity at Health and Human Services to moving these vulnerable children from the detention centers at Customs and Border Protection as quickly as possible to Health and Human Services, because we know what the conditions are at CBP. They are deplorable. In fact, it is government-sponsored child abuse. prgtoken We wanted to build in the protections for children that have been nonexistent in the past, and we uncovered those abuses. They have been reported in the press. The Miami Herald just recently said they are ``prison-like conditions'' at Homestead. prgtoken And we wanted to place children with a sponsor in a safe placement, a safe environment, as expeditiously as possible to reverse the administration's policy of frightening sponsors to come forward. prgtoken This bill includes strong protections and safeguards for these vulnerable children; it extends to the influx shelters' enhanced standards of care. And, my friends, it is for the first time ever. These protections have never been required of these influx shelters. prgtoken It continues to prevent the waiving of core standards and protections after 6 months. prgtoken It continues to hold influx shelters accountable by requiring HHS to remove an operator if they do not comply with these core standards. prgtoken If the shelter is not in compliance, then HHS is required to award the contract to a new service provider, and the bill continues to protect sponsors and potential sponsors by extending a provision that prohibits funds from being used to put anyone into a removal proceeding based on information from HHS' sponsor-vetting process. prgtoken The bill continues to require HHS to maintain the directives that they issued in December that removed bureaucratic barriers and have helped to place these children with sponsors as expeditiously as possible. And the bill continues to require HHS to report to Congress within 24 hours if an unaccompanied child dies in HHS custody.