mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , the President and Members of Congress each take an oath to uphold the Constitution. When the President abuses his Presidential power to upend the constitutional order, we have an obligation to live up to our oath of office. prgtoken We have been presented with direct evidence about the President's actions. They threaten our national security and undermine the integrity of the next election. We now vote on Articles of Impeachment for abuse of power and contempt of Congress as a result of that evidence. prgtoken I have worked on Presidential impeachments as part of the Committee on the Judiciary twice before. This third time brings me no joy. prgtoken President Nixon attempted to corrupt elections. His agents broke into the ic Party headquarters to get a leg up on the election, and then, just like President , he tried to cover it up. Then, he resigned. This is even worse. prgtoken President not only abused his power to help his reelection, he used a foreign government to do it. He used military aid provided to fight the Russians as leverage solely to benefit his own political campaign. prgtoken George Washington would be astonished since he warned ``against the insidious wiles of foreign influence.'' prgtoken The direct evidence is damning. The President hasn't offered any evidence to the contrary. These actions constitute grounds for Presidential impeachment. prgtoken What is before us is a serious abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. These abuses strike at the heart of our Constitution. prgtoken The President's unconstitutional abuse of power, a high crime and misdemeanor, is ongoing. He totally refused to provide any information to Congress related to the impeachment inquiry. prgtoken It is our responsibility to use the tool our Founders gave us in the Constitution to preserve the constitutional order. We must impeach.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , I include in the Record my remarks supporting the impeachment of President . prgtoken Madam , I rise today as a strong believer in the American experiment and the democratic norms that distinguish us from the monarchies that existed at the birth of our nation and from the authoritarian tyrannies that exist today. prgtoken The facts that were uncovered during the House's impeachment inquiry point to unlawful misconduct by President --misconduct that demands that we, the Congress, hold him to account. prgtoken The president's egregious abuse of power undermined the integrity of our elections, which are the foundation of our democracy, and threatened our national security. prgtoken Furthermore, his refusal to cooperate with the House's impeachment inquiry represents an unprecedented level of contempt for the law and violation of our democratic norms. What the president obstructed wasn't trivial, nor was it about concealing private conduct--he obstructed a Congressional investigation of great significance to our national interest and infringed on Congress' ability to carry out our constitutional duty. prgtoken As a separate and co-equal branch of government we must hold the president accountable for his abuse of power and his violation of the public trust.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-18

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the House of Representatives must now consider two Articles of Impeachment against President . The first article charges that the President used his public office to coerce a foreign government into attacking his political rival. The second article charges that the President took extreme and unprecedented steps to obstruct our investigation into his conduct. prgtoken Taken together, the two articles charge that President placed his private political interests above our national security, above our elections, prgtoken and above our system of checks and balances. prgtoken After months of investigation, there can be no serious debate about the evidence at hand. On July 25, when he spoke to President Zelensky of Ukraine, President had the upper hand. The President, through his agents, had already demanded that Ukraine announce an investigation of his political opponents. Ukraine needed our help, both military aid, which had been appropriated by Congress because of our security interests, and an Oval Office meeting to show the world that the United States continues to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression. prgtoken President should have been focused on the interests of the American people on that call. Instead, he prioritized his private political interests. President asked President Zelensky for a favor. He wanted Ukraine to announce two bogus investigations, one into former Vice President , then his leading opponent in the 2020 election, and another to advance a conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, attacked our elections in 2016. prgtoken Neither request was premised on any legitimate national security or foreign policy interests. One was intended to help President conceal the truth about the 2016 election. The other was intended to help him gain an advantage in the 2020 election. prgtoken After the call, President ratcheted up the pressure. He deployed his private attorney and other agents, some acting far outside the regular channels of diplomacy, to make his desires clear. There would be no aid and no meeting until Ukraine announced the sham investigations. prgtoken To our founding generation, abuse of power was a specific, well- defined offense. A President may not misuse the powers of the Presidency to obtain an improper personal benefit. The evidence shows that President did exactly that. prgtoken For this alone, he should be impeached. But the first article also identifies two aggravating factors. prgtoken When President conditioned military aid on a personal favor, he harmed America's national security. When he demanded that a foreign government target his domestic political rival, he took steps to corrupt our next election. To the Founders, these offenses clearly merited removal from office. prgtoken The President faces a second Article of Impeachment for his efforts to
RECOGNIZING THE JESSE WHITE TUMBLERS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-12-18

every year, 250 Chicago kids form 8 teams to perform 1,500 shows of acrobatic wonder at major sporting events, community businesses, and charities. They are called the Jesse White Tumblers, and for 60 years the troupe has delighted audiences in Illinois and across the world, including Hong Kong, Israel, and Croatia. Since 1959, more than 18,000 youths have put in the hard work and performed in the Jesse White Tumblers. Today, we congratulate this well-loved Chicago institution on its 60th anniversary. prgtoken Jesse White, the man whom the troupe is named after, is the 37th secretary of State for Illinois. He is the first African American to win statewide office in Illinois, and he has held the office longer than anyone else. I am honored to count him as a friend. prgtoken Just like the Tumblers, Jesse was an outstanding athlete and student growing up. He attended Waller High School in Chicago, earning All-City honors in basketball and baseball. He hoped to play professional baseball after graduating, but his father insisted on him going to college first. He went to Alabama State College, majoring in physical education. He was All-Conference in baseball and basketball. When he graduated, Jesse signed with the Chicago Cubs. Four days before leaving for spring training, the U.S. Army drafted him, assigning him to the 101st Airborne Division. In 1959, Jesse returned to Chicago and played third base in the Cubs minor league system. prgtoken During the off-season, Jesse taught physical education at his alma mater, Schiller Elementary School, and in the Chicago Park District. In December 1959, the Chicago Park District asked Jesse to create a gym show for the Rockwell Garden Fieldhouse. The show he developed became the foundation for the Jesse White Tumblers. prgtoken Jesse White has served the people of Illinois throughout his career, along with being secretary of State for Illinois. He was the recorder of deeds of Cook County from 1992 to 1999, a legislator in the Illinois General Assembly for 16 years, and a public school teacher for 33 years. But his favorite role may still be coach of the Jesse White Tumblers. prgtoken Children between the ages of 6 and 20 can find a second family in the Jesse White Tumblers. Becoming a Tumbler is not an easy task. Thousands of young people apply every year, and few make it. In addition to athletic achievement, members must stay in school, maintain a C average, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. For the hard work, members get the thrill of performing and develop confidence, structure, and discipline. The program also helps with homework, study skills, and can provide financial support through scholarships. The Jesse White Tumblers have changed the lives of generations of young people. prgtoken The Jesse White Tumblers have earned their reputation as a legend in the State of Illinois. Here is to many more years of success.
IMPEACHING DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-12-18

from our founding, the United States has been a special nation, a city upon a hill. Our values are enshrined in our Constitution: liberty, equality, and opportunity. We are a self- governing people where every person is equal before the law. In the United States, we don't have a king. We choose our leaders. We vote. prgtoken Generations of Americans have fought, and some have died to secure these inalienable rights. The Constitution begins: ``We the People of the United States.'' That is us. It is not ``we the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, or China'' or ``we the '' or ``we the s.'' It is: ``We the People of the United States.'' All Americans--and only Americans--get to have a say in our elections. prgtoken used the high power of the Presidency to pressure a foreign nation to besmirch his perceived primary political opponent. He corrupted our elections and compromised our national security so that he could keep power--not power for the people, power for himself. In 2016, Candidate called for foreign interference when he said: ``Russia, if you are listening. . . .'' prgtoken In 2019, President sought foreign interference when he needed a favor from Ukraine to intervene in the 2020 election. President attacked and is a continuing threat to our system of free and fair elections. prgtoken Like all of you, , I took an oath to support and to defend the Constitution. I urge my colleagues to abide by that oath and stand up to President 's abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I appeal to your patriotism and implore you to defend free and fair elections and preserve the Constitution. prgtoken God save the United States of America.
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shooting (Executive Calendar)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-12-18

2 weeks ago today, the State of Hawaii was in shock as an active shooter took the lives of two workers at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and wounded a third worker. prgtoken Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, the shipyard is a pillar of our community. It employs over 6,400 workers who labor every day to keep our Pacific Fleet ``Fit to Fight.'' prgtoken Hawaii is a small place where we have deep connections to one another. Almost everyone in Hawaii either is related to or knows someone who works on base or in the shipyard. In my State office in Honolulu, a member of my staff has a son who is an apprentice at the shipyard and who was there that day. These connections are part of the reason why the shooting has impacted our State so deeply. Too many families were waiting that day for news of their loved ones in harm's way. prgtoken The investigation into what happened is ongoing, and there is no easy explanation for what happened and why. prgtoken It is clear that no community in our country is immune from the tragedy of gun violence. Today, I rise to honor the lives of those we lost--Roldan A. Agustin and Vincent J. Kapoi, Jr. prgtoken Mr. Kapoi and Mr. Agustin were both dedicated Department of Defense-- DOD--civilian shipyard workers and members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 121. prgtoken Roldan Agustin was 49 years old and lived in Ewa Beach. He was adored by his family, who describe him as a ``true American patriot'' who dedicated his career to his country. After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Agustin also served in the Army National Guard, retiring as a staff sergeant, having deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait. prgtoken At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, he served as a DOD civilian employee, working as a shop planner in nondestructive testing and a metals inspector. prgtoken In paying tribute to their lost loved one, Mr. Agustin's family said in a statement: He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Having grown up in Waipahu, Roldan enjoyed working on cars with his friends and spending time with his family and adored his nieces. We will forever remember Roldan to be humble and honest, and a generous and patient man. prgtoken Vincent Kapoi was 30 years old and lived in Honolulu. He grew up in Waianae and graduated from Kamehameha schools. His father, brother, sister, and sister-in-law are also civilian employees at the shipyard, where he served as a metals inspector apprentice. He was dearly loved by his family, which includes his wife, parents, siblings, aunties, uncles, grandmother, cousins, and friends. prgtoken His wife offered these loving words: I have been through a lot of tragedy in my life, but nothing compares to losing the love of your life. I will miss you truly, and I will always love you Vincent J. Kapoi Jr. prgtoken His sister Theona said in a family statement:
Impeachment (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-18

in response to the limited set of relevant witnesses I proposed for a potential Senate trial earlier this week, the leader gave a lengthy speech on the floor yesterday and another speech today. In neither of those speeches could the leader offer one salient argument as to why the witnesses I proposed--all senior administration officials-- shouldn't be allowed to testify. Instead, he made what are, in my view, irrelevant and incomplete comparisons to the 1999 Clinton trial. prgtoken When faced with the fact that it is only fair to have these witnesses, who were eyewitnesses to the major, major allegations against the President and who had not testified before, the leader can't talk about 2019. He has to go back to 1999 because he has no good argument as to why they shouldn't testify. prgtoken We are not asking to be dilatory. We are not asking for a list of 4,000 witnesses. We are simply asking that those who know the truth best come and talk to us here in the Senate and to the American people. prgtoken There is one fact that is impossible for the Senate to ignore. In the two Presidential impeachment trials in the history of this body, the Senate heard from witnesses, but Leader McConnell continues to push for no witnesses in the Senate trial. I have yet to hear an explanation as to why less evidence is better than more evidence, particularly when it comes to something as somber, as serious, and as important as impeachment of the President of the United States of America. prgtoken Leader McConnell keeps talking about 1999 because he doesn't want to talk about 2019. The two situations are not analogous. Rather than focus on the past, the leader should focus on the present and offer one good reason why relevant witnesses shouldn't testify in an impeachment trial of President , particularly in light of the fact that we have not prgtoken heard from them. They probably have better evidence than anybody, even though the evidence the House has prepared, in the eyes of so many, is overwhelming. prgtoken I was disappointed to hear yesterday that Leader McConnell declared that he would not be an impartial juror when it comes to the serious charges against President . He said it proudly. What kind of example does that set for the country, which is looking for fairness and impartiality? prgtoken In the event of a trial, every Senator will swear an oath--different from our standard oath of office--to do impartial justice, but yesterday McConnell told reporters: ``I'm not an impartial juror. This is a political process. I'm not impartial about this at all.'' Let me repeat that. Let the American people hear it loud and clear. The leader said proudly: ``I'm not an impartial juror. . . . I'm not impartial about this at all.'' This is an astonishing admission of partisanship. The President may demand these public displays of fealty, but they are troubling f
RECOGNIZING 14TH STAR BREWERY
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-12-18

I want to celebrate the success of a Vermont entrepreneur and small business owner, Steve Gagner, of 14th Star Brewery. Started in 2012, 14th Star Brewery began in a hand-built brew house in St. Albans, VT, with beer brewed in repurposed maple sap collection tanks. Under the leadership of the team he has assembled, the company has grown immensely since then, increasing their staff to 24 and moving to a new location where they are expected to produce over 8,000 barrels of craft beer by year-end. 14th Star has become widely popular throughout Vermont and distributes to six nearby States. prgtoken The creation of this Vermont brewery, however, began on the battlefields of Afghanistan. The founders of 14th Star, Steve Gagner and Matt Kehaya, served in Afghanistan with the Vermont Army National Guard. During their deployment, they drafted the business plan for their dream company on the back of a notebook. Even as the business has grown dramatically, Steve continues to serve in the Vermont Army National Guard and has been named commanding officer of the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, VT. Steve was deployed for two combat tours and is a two-time Bronze Star recipient. He also teaches the next generation of leaders as an assistant professor at Norwich University. prgtoken Named after Vermont's status as the 14th State to join the Union, Steve has ensured that 14th Star Brewery maintains a close tie to service of our fellow Vermonters. Taking its values from Steve and his close-knit leadership team, the brewery directs a portion of its proceeds towards supporting Purple Hearts Reunited, an organization founded by fellow Vermont Guardsman Zach Fike to return lost or stolen military medals to veterans and their families. Each June, which is PTSD awareness month, 14th Star releases a special brew, 11Bravo, and hosts an annual event to support the Josh Pallotta fund for addressing veteran suicides, in memory of his fellow Vermont Guardsman. prgtoken Steve and 14th Star are proud and devoted members of the St. Albans and Franklin County community, serving every way possible, such as raising enough funds to ensure eggs and milk were supplied to a local kitchen for an entire year. 14th Star's tireless efforts to give back to their community and the State shows how far a small business's impact can go. prgtoken Marcelle and I have enjoyed getting to know Steve and his wife Nicole over the years. During the Vermont Brewers Festival in 2015, Steve kindly gave me a tour of the festival and introduced me to many amazing brewers within our State. Marcelle and I have also had the pleasure of visiting 14th Star Brewery, where we were impressed not only by the creativity and quality of the beer but also the sense of community they have fostered by creating a welcoming gathering space in St. Albans. His sister and business partner, Andrea Gagner, who is the CEO of 14th Star, has also joined us in DC to par
Bipartisan American Miners Act (Executive Calendar)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-12-18

they have all recognized, just like President Truman, that our country would not be where it is today without them and that we needed to get this done--and we did. prgtoken I want to give you a little bit of a background and history of why this is so near and dear to me. prgtoken My grandfather came to this country--this wonderful country, the United States of America--in 1900 as a baby. He started working in the coal mines at 9 years of age. So he was able to get a fourth grade education before he had to go help support his family. prgtoken In 1927, he and my grandmother had four children, and my grandmother was pregnant with my uncle. So she would have had four and three- fourths of a child at that time. My grandfather would always tell me: Joey, we couldn't pay the bills at the end of the month. He said: I never did see any money because it was all script, and it went to the company house or the company store. So the old song lyrics, ``I owe my soul to the company store''--he truly did. He just said: We can't make it. prgtoken He would go out, and he would tell people: We have to do better than this. We have no healthcare. We have nothing to look forward to and we can't pay our bills and we are working 6 days like dogs. He had a mule. Poppa had a mule; he had a buggy; and he had a carbide light. prgtoken He would go in and have to do everything. He would have to, as he would say--he loved to say: Fire in the hole. He would always tell me that. Basically, what he meant by that is, he would have to go back into the mine. He would have to get a block of coal he was assigned to, and he would have to drill it. He would have to tamp it and put the dynamite in it, and he would pack it. Then he had to go back, and he would fire it. Then everything would blast away, and he had to get all the coal and load it by hand. This is what he did from 9 years of age. prgtoken He was trying to improve the quality of life for all coal miners. He said: This is not right. Well, he fought for those rights of coal miners. It is engrained in my family history. prgtoken The rest of the story is, in 1927--with those four children and being pregnant with Uncle Jimmy, because he was talking about improving the quality of life for the people who did this unbelievable work for this great country, at a time when this country needed it, and the industrial age was coming--on Christmas Eve, they came to the company house where he lived and rented, took all of their furniture and threw it in the middle of the street. They threw them out because they said he was an organizer. prgtoken Papa was a survivor. He was just trying to survive, and he wanted other people to have the same quality of opportunity to survive. I know this is ingrained in me. Let me just tell you, when you saw these miners and you saw the fight they had in them, that is why. There is still more that we have to do. We have to do much more. prgtoken If you want to stop