mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF THE I-75 COLLISION NEAR GAINESVILLE, FL
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-1-8

I want to take a few minutes to join my colleague, Senator Cassidy, to talk about the unspeakable tragedy that happened last Thursday near Gainesville, FL, when a large tractor- trailer crashed into a car, crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a church van that was bound for Disney World. prgtoken I wish I understood why bad things happen to good people. There were five kids--five youngsters--from Marksville, LA, who lost their lives in that terrible collision. They were Joel Cloud and Jeremiah Warren, both 14 years old; Cara Descant, aged 13; Brieanna Descant, aged 10; and Cierra Bordelon, aged 9. These five youngsters were members of the United Pentecostal Church in Marksville, LA. They were five beautiful lives, full of potential, who were gone before their time. It is heartbreaking, and there are, simply, no words. prgtoken I will say it again. I wish I understood why bad things happen to good people. I can't imagine any greater suffering than a parent's being asked to bury a child. The love of a child is not like the love for a parent or a spouse or a sibling. That is deep love. Yet, as my late father used to tell me, ``Son, you will never, ever understand love until you have a child.'' I can't think of any greater suffering than to ask a parent to bury his or her child. prgtoken I want to tell each of these kids' families, the United Pentecostal Church in Marksville, the whole community in Marksville, and the Avoyelles Parish that the entire State of Louisiana grieves with you and that you are in our prayers. prgtoken The Marksville van was carrying some very precious cargo. In total, there were 12 passengers: 3 women--one of whom is pregnant--and 9 children. There were survivors--thank you, Lord--but many of the survivors were gravely injured, and I pray that they all have a swift and full recovery. prgtoken I want to express my sympathies to the families of the two drivers who died in that accident. I also thank the first responders who put themselves at risk every day to try to save lives during these catastrophes. prgtoken There are no words to describe this tragic accident. It happened far too close to the holidays, but there is never a good time. I am going to say it again. If I make it to Heaven, the first question I am going to ask is, Why do bad things happen to good people? For now, I just pray that these families will find the strength they need to go on and that all the injured are healed quickly. prgtoken Thank you. prgtoken .
MEDICAID EXTENDERS ACT OF 2019
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-1-8

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019. The Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019 includes legislation that I worked on, the EMPOWER Care Act, which will extend the vital Money Follows the Person program. prgtoken The Money Follows the Person program allows certain Medicaid beneficiaries, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities, to transition from healthcare facilities to receiving care in their own homes or communities, if they choose to do so. This program empowers patients to choose the care that makes the most sense for them while saving taxpayers money. prgtoken Kentucky Transitions, which operates the Money Follows the Person in my home State, has helped hundreds of Kentuckians transition to receiving care in their homes or their communities. prgtoken I thank Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for working so hard on this legislation and working together on this bipartisan piece of legislation. I thank the chairman's kind words as he was talking about this legislation. I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill.
HONORING MR. CLIFTON JAMES COWARD, JR.
Walter B. Jones (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-1-8

. Madam , the Vietnam War is widely regarded as one of the most brutal conflicts our young service members have faced to this day. With such brutal conditions abroad and dwindling support within the United States, the Vietnam War left an indelible mark on our nation, and most importantly, on the people who served. One man to experience these effects was Mr. Clifton James Coward, Jr of Washington, North Carolina. I rise today to honor him. prgtoken Known as C.J. to his friends, Clifton was a happy and outgoing person when he was younger. Unfortunately, by the time he returned home following his tour in Vietnam, his world was flipped upside down. prgtoken C.J. served in the military from 1967 to 1970, completing one tour in Vietnam. As a Specialist 4th Class in the U.S. Army, he was a part of a New Equipment Training (NET) team and was the operator/gunny attached to a Sheridan M551 tank. One of the hardships the group faced while fighting was that they traveled so quickly throughout the country. Letters that their loved ones sent often wouldn't arrive until after they had moved on to a new location. prgtoken Unfortunately, by the time his tour was over and C.J. was discharged, he had developed anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. This greatly exacerbated other health problems, which arose later in his life. Having married Lola Woolard after returning to the states, C.J. dealt with emphysema and episodes of anxiety that led to his wife driving him around into the early hours of the morning to help calm him down. Even throughout the hardships, the couple was happily married for 48 years. The two of them have lived in my district for 45 of those 48 years. C.J. was a proud father to Lynn and Kylie Coward Carter and a grandfather to Lucas and Lily Carter. After his service, he continued supporting his family by preparing bread trays, that way he could avoid the stress of your typical 9 to 5 job and he was able to work at his own pace. prgtoken The effects of Vietnam are still felt by many, just like Clifton. Despite never returning to the same happy, outgoing young man he once was, he always tried to keep a smile on his face and was a dear friend who will be missed by many. May God continue to uplift his family.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed (Continued)
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-1-8

I will be quick. I know we have a lot to do before we vote, but if you are from South Carolina, you have a lot to be happy about today. If you watched the football game last night, I thought you saw a real display of college football. prgtoken I am a South Carolina graduate. I went to the University of South Carolina. I have lived near Clemson most of my life, and I am here to congratulate the Clemson Tigers because after last night, the Clemson Tigers have become the gold standard for college football, both on and off the field. prgtoken What I like most about Clemson is, they believe you can't win on the field if you lose off the field, and it starts at the top. Coach Swinney is the very definition of ``all in''--with his family, his faith, his coaches and staff and his dedication and loyalty to his current and former players. He is one of the most beloved men I have ever met in the coaching profession. His players understand that he cares about them, and when he pushes them, it is only because he wants them to be the best they can be and the best the team can be. prgtoken Clemson University is not a football school, for those who are wondering. It is one of the top-tiered, academically challenging public universities in the entire country--and it is not bragging if it is true--which happens to have a great football team and a great coach. prgtoken To those who don't want to see Clemson versus Alabama part 5, I can understand that. I have some advice for you. Get better and beat one of them. Don't complain. These are the two best teams in the Nation. prgtoken To my friends from Alabama, your program is going to go down as one of the most historic programs in the history of college football, but last night, the best team in the Nation was the Clemson Tigers. They won decisively. They won with class. The 2018 season will be remembered as long as there is a Clemson University. prgtoken I live 5 miles from the stadium. I grew up in the shadow of Clemson University. I got an honorary degree from Clemson. That is about the only way I would have ever gotten a degree. I am very proud of what Clemson University has accomplished on and off the field. Tim and I will be introducing a resolution recognizing this great accomplishment by the Clemson Tigers. prgtoken I just want to end with this. In these troubled times, when there is a lot going on in the world, and there is a lot of bad news, this is a chance to celebrate something very positive. America is a football country, and college football is one of our most beloved sports. Last night, you saw two quality teams. I can say, without a doubt, if you are going to follow college football, get to know the Clemson Tigers because you are going to see them again. Go Tigers. prgtoken .
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-1-8

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, January 9; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following the leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:15 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
CLOTURE MOTION
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-1-8

I rise to speak in memory of five children from Louisiana, my home State, who were tragically killed in an awful car wreck last Thursday in Florida--Jeremiah Warren, 14; Joel Cloud, 14; Cara Descant, 13; Brieanna Descant, 10; and Cierra Bordelon, 9 years old--all from Marksville, LA, a small town of less than 6,000 people. prgtoken All of the children were members of the Avoyelles House of Mercy Church family. They were traveling together in a van with four other children and three women from the House of Mercy Church while on their way to Disney World. A tractor-trailer that was traveling in the opposite direction hit a car that crossed the highway, hit their van and another 18-wheeler, and created a ball of fire. The drivers in the two tractor-trailers died as well--Steve Holland of Florida and Douglas Bolkema of New Mexico. We include them in our prayers. prgtoken Losing five children is such a devastating tragedy for the Marksville community. One can hardly imagine the grief and shock that grips everyone who knew them--their neighbors, friends, family, and fellow church members. prgtoken Pastor Eric Descant said: ``I cried so much this morning that my tears felt like lava running out of a volcano.'' His granddaughters Brieanna and Cara died in the crash. His wife, Karen, is still hospitalized. prgtoken During a Monday night vigil at Marksville High's stadium, Pastor Descant spoke to the crowd over the PA system by phone from Florida. He said: ``I never knew a heart could break so much and still work.'' prgtoken He also delivered an important reminder that even in the midst of such immense heartache and loss, ``God will get the glory out of it.'' prgtoken He added: Don't stop. Keep praying. prgtoken I know so many around Louisiana and the country are doing just that. prgtoken We are also praying for the full recovery of those who were injured and who are still hospitalized: Karen Descant, Robyn Rattay, Amy Joffrion and her 14-year-old son Noah, Ali Laborde and her 11-year-old daughter Chelsea, and two other children, 9-year-old Trinity Woodward and 9-year-old Chance Bernard. prgtoken We are sincerely grateful to the people in Florida who assisted the victims and their families--the first responders, law enforcement, everyone at Health Shands Hospital, North Florida Regional Medical Center, and the Pentecostals of Gainesville. prgtoken To those around the country who have heard about this tragedy and have donated money through GoFundMe, thank you for your generosity, support, and prayers. prgtoken To my fellow Louisianans, I remind you of what Scripture says in Psalm 34: ``The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.'' prgtoken .
THE CRISIS ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-1-8

the crisis on our southern border is very real. When I took the oath to represent the big First District of Kansas, it became my responsibility to put our citizens and their security first. Without secure borders, we cannot ensure our Nation's safety, period. prgtoken We have tens of thousands of immigrants filling our entryways every month and, in result; drugs, criminals, and violence spilling into our country. I challenge all my colleagues that are denying this crisis exists to go and see our southern border firsthand, as I did, and it was quite an eye-opening moment. prgtoken Last year alone, there were 1.7 million pounds of narcotics--let me say that again--1.7 million pounds of narcotics seized by Customs and Border Patrol. Seventeen thousand adults with existing criminal records attempted to enter our southern border; that is over 40 per day. prgtoken But perhaps, , the most eye-opening of all, we are now averaging over 1,000 illegal and inadmissible people per day. That is in 1 day, over 1,000 people. prgtoken The $5.7 billion the President is asking for is an investment of taxpayer dollars that will pay off for decades. prgtoken The fact that some of my colleagues are blatantly ignoring that walls along the border work is intellectually dishonest. According to DHS and U.S. Border Patrol, illegal trafficking has dropped more than 90 percent in places where walls and barriers were built. prgtoken It is embarrassing that, even with this evidence, my friends on the other side of the aisle shut down the government because this Congress cannot do its most basic duty to do its job and prioritize our country's safety by funding initiatives that we know for a fact work. prgtoken I agree, though, that we cannot stop at border security alone. It is crucial that we also address and fix our very broken immigration system and allow hardworking migrants who want to work hard and raise their families in the United States to come. prgtoken There is a right way to do this. There is a win-win-win opportunity. There is a win for border security; there is a win for immigration policy overhaul; and there is a win to reopen the small portion of government which is closed. prgtoken I am continually frustrated by the narrative that we can't win for all American parties here in these negotiations. This is an opportune moment to quit kicking the can down the road and actually work together to couple border security priorities with long-term immigration fixes. prgtoken As we enter the 17th day of this government shutdown, I will continue to stand for a secure America and hope my colleagues choose an open government over open borders.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF TYLER TRENT, A PURDUE BOILERMAKER
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-1-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Tyler Trent, a twenty-year-old Purdue University student journalist and super fan who devoted his all too short life to inspiring and helping others. He recently lost his battle with cancer as 2019 began. Tyler Trent is now a name known in households across the nation for his love of Purdue football and his inspiring passion and energy as a fan. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Tyler's significant impact on Purdue University, the State of Indiana, and our nation. prgtoken Tyler was a life-long Hoosier, a native of Carmel, Indiana and son of Tony and Kelly Trent. The oldest of three brothers, he was always described as a special kid who ``stood out'' his entire life. This maturity would follow Tyler throughout his life as he faced three consecutive battles with osteosarcoma or bone cancer, starting at the age of 15. Determined not to let cancer impede his dreams of attending Purdue University, Tyler graduated from high school and scored in the 1500s on the SAT. His hard work and dedication to success earned him the Presidential Scholarship to Purdue in early 2017. This scholarship is awarded to individuals with high academic achievement, leadership, and service in their school or community. Determined to not let cancer dictate his life, Tyler began college at Purdue University in the fall of 2017. Unwavering in his dream to be a Boilermaker and become a national sports writer, Tyler attended class during the week and returned home on the weekends for cancer treatment at Riley Hospital for Children. prgtoken His remarkable spirit was evidenced by his unwillingness to let cancer impede his passion for Boilermaker football, attending Purdue football games and cheering on his favorite team whenever possible. His passion was quickly recognized by Coach Jeff Brohm, who admired his fight and inability to quit. When asked about his future, Tyler stated, ``The immediate future in my mind . . . Purdue beats number two-ranked Ohio State.'' And they did. He also earned the position of honorary team captain. The team often credited Tyler for their wins, particularly the Old Oaken Bucket game. Ever committed to his Boilermakers, he attended his last game while in hospice care. prgtoken Beyond Tyler's love of sports was a love of doing good. Even as he battled osteosarcoma, Tyler thought of others, forming an organization called Teens With a Cause where he raised over $100,000 for pediatric cancer research. The organization recruited kids to do service projects for families affected by cancer, such as raking leaves, shoveling snow and running errands. Tyler also volunteered with the Purdue Dance Marathon, which raises money for Riley Hospital for Children and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research. Committed to advancing research and curing his cancer, Tyler donated the tissue from his tumor for research, one of the first o
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF AUBURN, MAINE
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-1-8

today I wish to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city of Auburn, ME. Auburn was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today, and this is a time to celebrate the generations of hard-working and caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. prgtoken Auburn was settled in 1786 and first incorporated as a town in 1842. The name was inspired by a popular poem by Oliver Goldsmith that begins with this line: ``Sweet Auburn! Loveliest village of the plain.'' prgtoken With the mighty Androscoggin River providing power, Auburn soon was home to many lumber, grain, and textile mills. When the factory system of shoe manufacturing was developed there, the people of Auburn formed a skilled and dedicated workforce that built a great Maine industry. The factories attracted many French-Canadian immigrants, whose culture continues to enliven the city. The prosperity produced by hard work and determination was invested in schools and churches to create a true community. prgtoken On February 22, 1869, the fast-growing community incorporated as the city of Auburn. Together with Lewiston across the Androscoggin River, an economic powerhouse was created, and the ``Cities of the Androscoggin'' today form Maine's second largest municipal region. prgtoken The decline of traditional industries in the 20th century posed a great challenge. Auburn's response is described in words etched into the walls of Auburn Hall: a Latin phrase that translates to ``No Steps Backward.'' Auburn is a community that was built by the power of a great river. Now, the power of community is building a new future on that river with new economic opportunities, wonderful food, vibrant arts and entertainment, and exciting recreation. Auburn cherishes its history as it continues to move forward. prgtoken Auburn is a city of compassionate, involved people. It is home to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Maine. The Auburn Police Activities League, which provides educational and athletic opportunities to children and teens after school and during the summer, is an outstanding example of public officials and committed citizens joining together to change lives today to create the leaders of tomorrow. The energy and planning that are going into Auburn's 150th anniversary celebration demonstrate the pride residents have in their city. prgtoken The celebration of the city of Auburn's 150th anniversary is not merely about the passing of time. It is about human accomplishment. We celebrate the people who, from the dawn of our Nation to our time, have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. Thanks to those who came before, Auburn, ME, has a wonderful history. Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future.
PANDEMIC AND ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS AND ADVANCING INNOVATION ACT OF 2019
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-1-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken We often hear it said that life is a multiple of threes, and here we are, the third time, passing this important legislation. prgtoken One hundred years ago, this country was in the midst of the worst pandemic in its history, claiming the lives of almost 700,000 Americans and killing more than 50 million people worldwide. prgtoken As we discuss the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019, it is paramount that we remember the significance of the centennial anniversary of the 1918 influenza pandemic. prgtoken I must also note, again, the third time the House has passed this legislation. We have clearly done our work, and it is time for the other body to do their work and send this bill to the President's desk. prgtoken The creation of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response under the original legislation in 2006 has helped us to make monumental strides in preparedness, coordination, and response. prgtoken Close collaboration and efforts between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and our State, local, Tribal, and territorial public health partners have been vital in making this progress. prgtoken Like politics, much of public health is local and executed on the ground by our hospitals, by our health departments and our emergency responders, who are our front lines in addressing infectious diseases, disasters, and threats. prgtoken We hear each and every year of the dangers of the influenza as flu season wreaks havoc on communities across the country. Last year, in north Texas, some schools had to close in order to contain the spread of the flu. This bill includes an important provisio dedicated to preparing for pandemic influenza to protect our Nation against the terror of a pandemic. prgtoken , I would just parenthetically add that if anyone has not yet had their influenza immunization this year, it is still a good idea to avail yourself of that protective measure. The flu vaccine not only can prevent the flu, but if someone gets the flu after having had the flu vaccine, their clinical course is likely to be more benign. prgtoken This reauthorization includes an important provision, the MISSION ZERO Act. The MISSION ZERO Act seeks to connect American patients with battle-tested trauma care through the craft of military trauma care providers. prgtoken The bill provides grants to integrate military trauma care providers and teams into the Nation's leading trauma centers and systems. This will also ensure that our military can maintain battlefield-ready trauma care providers in between periods of active engagement. The need for top-notch trauma care extends across our Nation, far removed from the battlefield. prgtoken We must also remember that infectious diseases are a much more serious threat in the global community, and we must continue to ensure that we are prepared and