mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING KATHLEEN ``MIKE'' DALTON
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-3-6

she was a mentor, communicator, historian, volunteer, role model, and a friend with an incredible memory of Alaska history, a journalist, public servant, a , a woman who had strong opinions and was not afraid to express them, a pillar of the community, a legend. prgtoken This weekend, the Pioneers of Alaska Fairbanks Igloo will remember Kathleen ``Mike'' Dalton who passed in January at the age of 93. I rise today to speak in memory of my friend, this woman named Mike, an oracle of Alaska history and at the same time a fixture of Alaska's political history. prgtoken So how does a girl get the name Mike? Mike was born to an Irish father who anticipated that he would have two children. One named Patricia, the other named Mike. Problem is that Mike's father had little control of the gender of his children. Mike's sister, the first of the children, was named Patricia. The second, who turned out to be a girl as well, was named Kathleen, but that stubborn Irish father would have nothing of it. Kathleen was ``Mike'' from the very beginning. prgtoken Mike grew up in Arizona. Her father worked on the Navajo Reservation as a carpenter and construction worker. She moved to Tucson to attend Catholic school at age 10 and graduated with a degree in English from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She followed a friend and schoolmate to Alaska, and as they say, the rest is history. prgtoken Mike acclimated well to the north and was quickly introduced to the sport of dog mushing. She met Jim Dalton, the son of a pioneer and Klondike gold rush legend and married him in 1950. Jim was an engineer who played a major role in development of the naval petroleum reserve on Alaska's North Slope. Jim and Mike lived in Barrow, now the community known as Utqiagvik, and had two children. They bought 30 acres in Fairbanks and built a loghouse. Jim continued to work on the North Slope. Mike stayed in Fairbanks to raise the children, but ever ingenious, she found ways to hitch a ride to see Jim. She made 12 trips above the Arctic Circle during the winter of 1968-1969. prgtoken Mike chose to live a full life in Fairbanks. She was a reporter for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, writing the first draft of Alaska's post-Statehood history. She covered all of the big events: the 1964 earthquake, the 1967 Fairbanks flood, the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay, and the construction of a 500-mile haul road that made oil production possible. That road is today known as the Dalton Highway, in acknowledgment of Jim Dalton's pioneering work on the North Slope. Jim died in 1977. prgtoken While Mike's writing endeared her to Alaskans, her greater contribution may be her decision to rescue all of the News-Miner's World War II era photo archives from a dumpster, after an editor new to Alaska, determined that they lacked historic value. Waiting until dark, she dove in, dusted the photos off, and preserved them. prgtoken She was recrui
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON PARISH
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-3-6

today I wish to acknowledge the 200th anniversary of the founding of Washington Parish in my home State of Louisiana. It is a parish filled with determined and patriotic citizens who work day in and day out to better our State and our Nation. prgtoken Washington Parish, named in honor of our first President, is located in the section of Louisiana known as the Florida Parishes. The parish government was founded on March 6, 1819, and a few years later, the town of Franklinton would become the permanent parish seat. The parish covers 676 square miles with the Mississippi State line serving as the eastern and northern borders. prgtoken The area is rich with American history. In 1814, Andrew Jackson marched with his soldiers across the Pearl River and recruited many of the local citizens to join them in the Battle of New Orleans. The ``Military Road'' constructed by General Andrew Jackson crossed the Pearl River into present-day Bogalusa. Records from the War Department show the future President and his troops made camp in the area on November 28, 1814. prgtoken As one of the most rural parts of the State, the parish is known for its pine forests, rolling hills, and many farms. The people who call Washington Parish home are incredibly proud of their local heritage, good food, and for hosting the Washington Parish Free Fair, the Nation's largest free fair. prgtoken I would like to wish the citizens of Washington Parish a very happy bicentennial and thank them for their many contributions over the last 200 years to our beautiful State and to our Nation.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-3-6

I have 11 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled, ``The state of the American maritime industry.'' Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``The economic benefits of highway infrastructure investment and accelerate project delivery.'' Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10:15 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Protecting American from abuse and neglect nursing homes.'' Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: John P. Abizaid, of Nevada, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Matthew H. Tueller, of Utah, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, both of the Department of State. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Recommendation to reduce waste, fraud, and mismanagement in Federal programs.'' Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of customs and border protection's response to the smuggling of persons at the Southern border.'' Committee on Rules and Administration prgtoken The Committee on Rules and Administration is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 10:30 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Library of Congress.'' Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship prgtoken The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Small business and the American worker.'' Committee on Veterans'
Nomination of Eric E. Murphy (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-3-7

. This issue today we are about to vote on is about Eric Murphy. It is about confirming a very young, very inexperienced lawyer in Cleveland whose claim to fame is that he argued against marriage equality in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case. It is why Jim Obergefell has spoken out against his nomination. prgtoken Here is what he said. He actually argued that marriage equality would be disruptive--disruptive--to our Nation. Telling people who love each other that they can marry is disruptive to our Nation? Who does that harm? Why would it matter? A couple in Atlanta or Decatur or a couple in Sioux Falls or Topeka or Omaha or Lincoln or Manchester or Laconia or Cleveland or Mansfield--why would it matter? Why would it be disruptive? prgtoken This gentleman whom we are about to--I know every , except maybe one courageous one, will vote for him because that is how we do it nowadays. You can't win through the democratic process; you win through the back door of the judiciary. That is what they are going to do. They are going to vote for a man who said it is disruptive to allow people who love each other to marry. He will make decisions on the rights of LGBTQ couples. Some in this body like to claim they support people regardless of their orientation. He has moved to restrict access to contraceptives for women. We are going to have women s vote for somebody like that? He has defended Big Tobacco, as if there is any defense for addicting our children to tobacco. prgtoken We have had huge public health victories, but let's go back. Let's go back on voting rights. Let's go back on supporting public health. Let's go back on equal rights for people. Let's go back on civil rights. Is that what we are going to do today? prgtoken But maybe most despicable, on this day today 54 years ago, in Mr. Figures' State of Alabama--my wife has visited this bridge five times, crossed it since then--54 years ago, John Lewis, our colleague down the hall--you know, just on the other side of the special interest majority leader's office down the hall--John Lewis--I think he was 25 years old at that point--got his head beat in by Alabama State troopers. Do you know why? Because he wanted people to register to vote. He wanted people to have their full rights. That happened 54 years ago today--the day we are going to vote on Mr. Murphy. prgtoken Mr. Murphy defended Ohio's voter purge, taking registered voters off the rolls. He led the efforts to take away Golden Week in Ohio, passed by a legislature on a bipartisan basis. He defended restrictive voter ID and provisional ballot rules. prgtoken This weekend, Connie and I walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. We saw foot soldiers who had been beaten up 54 years ago as they were trying to cross this bridge. We listened to their stories. These men and women were beaten. Many of them were 15, 16, 18, 20 years old. They did that so that in the future, they and th
DMITRII ZHELEZOGLO
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Dmitrii Zhelezoglo for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Dmitrii Zhelezoglo is a student at Arvada West High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Dmitrii Zhelezoglo is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dmitrii Zhelezoglo for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
Nomination of John Fleming (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-3-7

before I rise to speak on behalf of the nomination of Dr. John Fleming to be Assistant Secretary for Economic Development at the Department of Commerce, I remind my friends that the pot calls the kettle black once again. prgtoken Whatever harm or abuse has been done to this nominee or other nominees pales by comparison to what happened to one of the most distinguished judges in America, Merrick Garland, who was nominated, literally, a year before the end of the last President's administration. He never got a hearing, never got a vote, no committee--none of that. There are no clean hands. prgtoken , I am pleased to rise in support of the nomination of John prgtoken Fleming to be our Assistant Secretary for Economic Development at the Department of Commerce. In that role, Dr. Fleming would oversee the Economic Development Administration--we call it the EDA. In my home State, we benefited a great deal from EDA in recent years. We are grateful for them. EDA provides money used to leverage other moneys for economic development purposes. If I had more time, I would be able to give you some good examples. prgtoken When Dr. Fleming was a Member of the House of Representatives, he voted repeatedly to eliminate the Economic Development Administration. That is why I initially held deep reservations about his nomination. When Dr. Fleming and I met before his hearing last year, he assuaged most of my concerns. In the end, I decided to vote my hopes over my fears and voted to approve his nomination out of committee. Today I will again vote in support of his nomination. prgtoken As the senior on the Environment and Public Works Committee in the Senate, I will work to ensure that EDA programs are protected and promoted, and I hope Dr. Fleming will be leading in those efforts. Today I will be leading the efforts to get him confirmed for his post and put him to work. prgtoken The last thing I would say, if I have a few more seconds--I think I may. One of the things I do is customer calls, and I suspect the Presiding Officer does this back in his home State of Indiana. I do them often. I visit businesses large and small. I ask three questions: How are you doing? How are we doing? What can we do to help? prgtoken One of the questions I asked once while visiting a large auto dealership was, how are you doing? prgtoken He said: Well, you know, we sell plenty of vehicles, but we have a hard time attracting and getting people to work as technicians to maintain the vehicles we sell. prgtoken I said: Maybe you need to pay them more money. prgtoken He said: No, we start people at about $50,000 and pay them up to $80,000, $90,000 a year. prgtoken I said: You are still having a hard time attracting people? prgtoken He said: Yes, we are. prgtoken We worked with EDA to get a Federal grant to create a center for automotive excellence in the middle of Delaware, in the Delmarva Peninsula. They are working
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2019
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-3-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I was sent to Congress by the Sixth District of Pennsylvania prgtoken to fix the broken culture in Washington. H.R. 1 will help to reduce the role of money in politics and address the culture of corruption in Congress. I rise today to support my amendment, No. 57. prgtoken This bill also takes key steps to expand voting access to eligible voters. Currently, my constituents in Pennsylvania have no access to early voting and have severe absentee restrictions on voting by mail. This bill will introduce early voting and vote by mail to all 50 States, which will greatly help working families who may have trouble voting around their working schedules on election day. prgtoken I am introducing an amendment to further expand this early voting provision to mandate at least 10 hours of early voting each day for the final 15 days before election. prgtoken Expanding access to early voting, especially in Pennsylvania, is a key component to bringing the government back to the people by helping people with inflexible hours or people who work shift work to exercise their right to vote. This ensures that their voice is heard and that they are represented in our government. prgtoken This week, with H.R. 1, we are taking a big step to returning us to government of, by, and for the people. prgtoken , .
THE GREEN NEW DEAL
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-7

for all of the Senate's vaunted traditions about grand debates, we very rarely practice the actual art--the real back and forth, the exchange of ideas. For weeks now, we have heard our colleagues come to the floor and rail against the Green New Deal, as the leader just did. have simply been trying to get a few honest answers out of the leadership about their position on climate change so that we might have a real debate. prgtoken Yesterday, as after lined up to give speeches against taking bold action on climate change, several tried to steer the conversation in a more positive direction by asking our colleagues simple questions--and I ask this again of every , particularly of Leader McConnell: Do you, Leader McConnell, and our friends believe climate change is real? Yes or no? Do you believe that climate change is caused by human activity? Yes or no? Most importantly, do you believe Congress should do something about it? Yes or no? prgtoken If our colleagues believe it is a problem and agree to that, what is their plan to deal with climate change? We know they don't like the Green New Deal. They have made that clear. It doesn't forward the debate. But what is their plan? prgtoken We might have ruffled some feathers on the other side. I think my colleagues just wanted to give speeches on the Green New Deal and then leave the floor. It is a sad state of affairs when even a little debate, even heated debate, is something unsettling here in the Senate. But I have to give credit to the few s who did engage us. prgtoken A few said they did believe in climate change and offered some examples of minor legislation where our parties could work together to begin tackling this crisis. I give them credit for that. But here is the problem: When is Leader McConnell going to schedule time for consideration of this and other climate change legislation? We are ready to work. Will Leader McConnell bring his own Members' clean energy legislation to the floor? prgtoken Others have said that climate change is happening, but the free market could take care of it through ``innovation.'' With all due respect, that doesn't mean much. Most of us would agree we live in an incredible time of innovation and technology, yet we continue to pour even more carbon into the atmosphere than in previous years, not less. Left alone, the market has proved incapable of curing climate change for the simple reason of what economists call externalities. You run a coal plant; you make the profits from selling the electricity that the coal plant produces, but you don't pay the price for the carbon you put in the air. So it is not going to happen through the free market alone because of what even Adam Smith recognized: There are externalities that have to be captured, and it is government's job to at least make sure they
CONDEMNING ANTI-SEMITISM AND ANTI-MUSLIM DISCRIMINATION
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-3-7

one thing we are all reminded of this week is that words have power, and divisive words cause pain. Every Jewish person in America, no matter where they are from, could share a story of deeply painful anti-Semitism that they have personally experienced. For me, at its worst, Nazi-obsessed internet trolls mercilessly taunted my children with Holocaust threats too vile for me to describe on this floor. prgtoken This pain is frequently felt by all too many Americans. How you look or speak, whom you love, or where you live and pray can still invite unwanted and potentially dangerous words of hostility. prgtoken The conversation today about anti-Semitism, allegiance, and loyalty is necessary because remaining silent against hatred and bigotry is not an option. prgtoken I am a second-generation American on both sides of my family. Two generations later, it was possible for me to become a Member of the U.S. Congress--only in America. So, questioning my allegiance is painful and personal. prgtoken Unfortunately, this dual loyalty question is not isolated to Jews. Words have power. We must carefully choose our words and make sure that we use them to unite us and not to divide us.
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2019
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-3-7

. Madam Chairwoman, I rise today to offer an amendment that I think everyone in this Chamber can support. Whenever possible, voting machines used in America should be made in America. prgtoken Aside from the obvious that it just makes sense to have the infrastructure of American democracy made in America, this amendment seeks to help safeguard our elections. Manufacturing voting machines in America will ensure that production lines are secure, and that we know without a doubt whether or not our voting machines have been compromised. prgtoken Today's amendment simply requires States to seek to ensure that any voting machine used in any election for Federal office is a machine that is made in this country. The deadline for this requirement would be the 2022 election. prgtoken Madam Chair, I believe that the intent of this amendment is clear. I anticipate strong support from my colleagues, and for that reason I will stop here, urge the Chamber to vote in favor of this amendment, and .
STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-7

. Madam , forcing Americans to pay Federal tax money they have already paid to State and local governments is double taxation, and it is wrong. But that is just what the tax law passed by my colleagues in 2017 did. prgtoken The law places a severe $10,000 restriction on the State and local tax deduction. According to the United States Department of the Treasury, more than 11 million households will exceed this new cap. In my district, around 42 percent of filers use the SALT deduction, and I have heard from many constituents stuck this year with a higher tax bill. prgtoken Madam , Illinois already pays approximately $1.36 for every dollar we receive in Federal spending. It is not right that our communities now must bear the burden for the President's irresponsible tax law. prgtoken Lifting these punishing caps is a top priority for my constituents, and I am pleased that there is growing bipartisan support for the effort. This week, I cosponsored legislation introduced by Chairwoman Nita Lowey, a , and Peter King, a , to restore the full SALT deduction. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to join us in this effort and help bring needed tax relief to the communities we all represent.