mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-2-5

last night, our colleague from Nebraska, Senator Ben Sasse, brought a bill to the floor to protect infants who are born alive during abortions. prgtoken The legislation is simple. In the words of the bill, it finds: If an abortion results in the live birth of an infant, the infant is a legal person for all purposes under the laws of the United States, and entitled to all the protections of such laws. Any infant born alive after an abortion . . . has the same claim to the protection of the law that would arise for any newborn. prgtoken In other words, any living, breathing baby outside of its mother's body should be protected. That is a pretty basic standard of decency. One would assume that there is no human being alive who would object to such a bill--that even my colleagues across the aisle who don't think that living, breathing unborn babies should be protected could get behind this bill--but you would be wrong because, last night, Senate objected to the consideration of this bill. They objected to the consideration of legislation to protect babies who are born alive. prgtoken Let's take a step back and remember why Senator Sasse brought this bill up in the first place. prgtoken Last week, the ic Governor of Virginia was asked about an extreme proposal from a Virginia to remove restrictions on late-term abortions. In his comments on the bill, the Virginia Governor had this to say: If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother. prgtoken In other words, the ic Governor of Virginia not only endorsed prgtoken late-term abortions--abortions performed on babies old enough to survive outside of the mothers--he left open the door to infanticide. He left open the possibility of killing a baby born alive. prgtoken I would think those would be comments that my ic colleagues would be recoiling from in horror. I would think they would be rushing to make it very clear that they absolutely do not support the killing of a baby born alive. Yet, yesterday, my ic colleagues objected to a bill that would do nothing more than declare that any infant who is born alive during an abortion is entitled to be protected--to be given the basic medical care that would be afforded any other baby. prgtoken Most Americans think there should be, at least, some limits on abortion. Most countries in the world think there should be some limits on abortion. Only China, North Korea, the United States, and two other countries allow elective abortions through all 9 months of pregnancy-- not a list we ought to be on. At least some of my ic colleagues used to be a little bit mor
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-2-5

I rise today just hours before our 45th President, , will deliver the State of the Union Address. prgtoken Members of Congress and guests will fill the Chamber tonight to hear the President speak about a host of issues impacting America: from economic growth to trade deals, and infrastructure investments to immigration reform. prgtoken I look forward to hearing about the administration's successes and the plans for the future. I know that we all want to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions to the challenges before us. prgtoken , many distinguished guests will be here tonight, each with a story to tell and each representing the very best of America. prgtoken I will host Mr. Bill Jones, president of Penn United Technologies. Headquartered in Cabot, Pennsylvania in Butler County, Penn United Technologies provides high-quality, high-precision manufacturing solutions in various markets and employs more than 500 individuals. prgtoken Since 1971, Penn United Technologies has provided quality products and has established itself as an industry leader. It is an honor to have Mr. Jones here this evening, and I look forward to the President's address.
DEMOCRACY FOR VENEZUELA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-2-5

the people of Venezuela have taken to the streets to demand an end to 20 years of dictatorship and repression. I am grateful that President is supporting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people. prgtoken The people of Venezuela deserve to prosper. They are fortunate to hold the world's largest supply of crude oil, but decades of socialist corruption and mismanagement, first under Hugo Chavez and then Nicolas Maduro, have impoverished Venezuela. prgtoken Then came the sham 2018 Presidential elections. That is why the National Assembly President Juan Guaido implemented their constitution by declaring himself interim President and called for new elections. prgtoken We must continue to support hope in Venezuela. Free and fair elections must be held. The people of Venezuela deserve freedom and democracy. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
TRIBUTE TO DONALD L. WATTENBARGER
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-2-5

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Donald Wattenbarger of London, Kentucky, a retired Laurel County Sheriff's Deputy who dedicated more than 20 years as a bailiff for district and circuit courts. prgtoken In addition to his commitment to serve and protect the people of Laurel County, Don had a generous heart for local youth. He was a former chairman and avid supporter of the prgtoken local Shop with a Cop program, providing children in need with the opportunity to go shopping during the holidays with an officer or first responder from the Sheriff's Department. He and his wife, Virginia, were instrumental in bringing the program to London in 1996. As a result of their perseverance and fundraising efforts over the last two decades, Shop with a Cop has continued to grow and give hope to children who need it the most. Don was also a board member of the London-Laurel County DARE program for many years, where he tirelessly worked to prevent drug abuse through school education programs. prgtoken Don was a faithful member of the Calvary Baptist Church and a member of the C.D. Ward Masonic Lodge and Oleika Shriners Temple in Lexington, Kentucky. He was also named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Paul Patton. In fact, Don was so beloved by his hometown, he was voted a ``London Living Treasure'' in 2018, an award presented to those who have given a lifetime of service to London and Laurel County. prgtoken Don's commitment to Laurel County is a testament to the impact one person can have on a community. My wife, Cynthia, and I send our heartfelt condolences to Virginia and the host of family, friends and community members whose lives were affected by this great man. We deeply appreciate the compassion he shared and the service he gave to his community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late Don Wattenbarger for a lifetime of dedicated service in southern Kentucky.
THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ON FAMILIES
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-2-5

yet another instance of illegal immigration impacting real families has occurred in the western States, Nevada and California. prgtoken I thank President and First Lady Melania for honoring three people from my district tonight as guests for the State of the Union Address. prgtoken Sadly, Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong, and Madison Armstrong will be here as guests because of the tragedy that happened in their life. They are the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of Gerald and Sharon David, who were murdered in their home in Reno, Nevada, just this last month. prgtoken The murderer? An illegal immigrant from El Salvador who had been living in Carson City for over a year. No motive has been released, but, then, does the motive really matter to this family, to yet another loss of life due to illegal immigration and the sieve we have of a border in this country? prgtoken But Gerald and Sharon were two of four people who this man, whose name I will not mention, shot dead in their homes over the course of a week. The other two victims were Connie Koontz and Sophia Renken, from Reno, Nevada. prgtoken These brutal murders will have a tremendous impact on the families of each of these victims, including Debra, Heather, and Madison, whom we will meet tonight. prgtoken When we talk about border security, when the President speaks about it tonight, these three faces should serve as a reminder of the real- life consequences of our open border policy that this country seems to have. prgtoken This is not just a talking point or political football to be tossed around. Real people are being hurt--the ones left behind--lives are being ruined, as well as the lives being taken, time after time, because the Congress can't get its act together to get a bipartisan solution for border security, for a border barrier, and a combination of things that it will take to effectively run the border, to patrol our border, and to give our personnel down there all the tools they need to do it effectively, safely for the American citizens and safely for themselves. prgtoken It doesn't matter if you want to call it a wall, a fence, a physical barrier, or anything else. It is long past time to do something about the crime, violence, drugs, and human trafficking. prgtoken The human trafficking, we don't talk about that enough, what is really happening to the people who are being brought across who do want to come seek something better in America but are subject to the coyotes who take advantage of them, extracting dollars from them and unspeakable things from the women whom they bring across the border and the kids. It is long past time to do something about all those subjects that are currently moving fairly freely in our country. prgtoken For Debra, Heather, and Madison from Redding, California, they represent three generations in their family that has been devastated by the status quo of our border situation. prgtoken I
RECOGNIZING ANGELA HRITZ AS THE OKALOOSA COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-2-5

. Madam , I rise to recognize Angela Hritz as the Teacher of the Year for Okaloosa County, Florida. prgtoken Ms. Hritz teaches World History at Davidson Middle School, where she has spent her twenty-year teaching career. prgtoken Ms. Hritz has served the Okaloosa County School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence. prgtoken It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult yet rewarding professions in existence. Ms. Hritz has continued to exceed all expectations and proves her devotion to her profession in a multitude of ways. prgtoken Ms. Hritz possesses the dynamic capability to encompass many different facets in her lessons. She is specifically known for incorporating ELA standards within her social studies activities. prgtoken She immerses her students in the content by using Socratic Seminars to deepen their understanding and develop communication skills in a respectful environment. prgtoken Ms. Hritz exhibits her passion for education every day in her actions. Her unmistakable love for her job provides a strong foundation for her ability to successfully engage and encourage her students. prgtoken Ms. Hritz also effectively draws from her own experiences to compliment her instruction. Having traveled to some of the very places of which she teaches, enables her to better instill a sense of wonder about the world in her students and to encourage them to embrace other cultures. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Angela Hritz for her accomplishments and her profound commitment to the Okaloosa County School District. I offer my gratitude for her service and wish her all the best for continued success.
HONORING MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-2-5

today I would just like to give thanks to be able to be here at this State of the Union to hear about what our wonderful Nation is doing. prgtoken It is such an honor to be here, and to have the opportunity to be present during one of these State of the Unions. But, , most importantly, I want to recognize the men and women who are down range today serving this great Nation, and who can't be here and probably will never be afforded the opportunity to stand here in this great House and hear the State of the Union. prgtoken Without those men and women in uniform who defend this Nation every day, this Nation cannot exist and because of them, we will always be the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth. prgtoken God bless you.
DESIGNATING THE OUTSTATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN NORTH OGDEN, UTAH, AS THE MAJOR BRENT TAYLOR VET CENTER OUTSTATION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-2-5

our country was founded upon the concept and in the midst of a great boycott. At the time, we were boycotting British goods and, most specifically, British tea. There is likely nothing more American than to protest, to dissent, and to boycott. prgtoken In fact, our Founding Fathers--many of them, including Sam Adams and the Sons of Liberty--gathered in 1773, dressed as Indians, and dumped 90,000 pounds of British tea into the harbor. Some of our Founding Fathers were actually involved with trying to smuggle and import Dutch tea to get around the rules and to get around having to be so dependent on England. prgtoken But this was a boycott. The sad thing today is that we will be debating whether or not to place limitations on the First Amendment right to boycott, and we will do it because the vast majority of this body disagrees with the concept of what the people are boycotting over. prgtoken I would argue that it doesn't matter what the issue is. In fact, the First Amendment is to protect issues of speech and issues of boycott that you may disagree with. prgtoken I am not particularly enamored with--in fact, I don't favor--the boycott of Israel. I think Israel has been a good ally. Yet the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom to protest, and the freedom to boycott are fundamentally American. How can we give that up so easily? How can we just say: Oh, well, it is a good ally, and we don't want anybody boycotting them. We are just going to amend the First Amendment because we don't like this boycott. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers would roll over in their graves if they knew what we were doing today. prgtoken I stand today at Henry Clay's desk. This desk has been passed down to the Senator from Kentucky ever since he left the Senate in 1850. In 1809, before he arrived here, there was a boycott of British goods. In fact, there was an official embargo that Jefferson had put on when we were upset with what the British were doing on the high seas with confiscating our ships, and we decided to have an organized embargo, a boycott. prgtoken In Kentucky, Henry Clay was still in the State legislature, and he proposed a rule saying that the legislators themselves should not wear British clothing. It was opposed by a guy named Humphrey Marshall, who was a cousin of the fourth Chief Justice John Marshall. They got into heated words, at which time Henry Clay, wearing his American homespun clothing, was confronted by Humphrey Marshall, who came in wearing what was described as garish English imports, and he called Henry Clay a demagogue for passing this legislation. prgtoken Well, Henry Clay gave it right back and called him a liar, at which point the words accelerated, and they were about to come to blows when a massive 6-foot-6-inch German-American legislator jumped in between them and stopped the fight from ensuing on the floor. prgtoken Henry cooled down. Henry Clay decided to apologize. He
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-2-5

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of Calendar Nos. 1 through 4 and all nominations on the Secretary's desk; that the nominations be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate then resume legislative session.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-2-5

I have 9 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 Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining the United States Central Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2020 and the Future Years Defense Program.'' Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 2:15 p.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining the United States Central Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2020 and the Future Years Defense Program.'' Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining the outlook for energy and minerals markets in the 116th Congress.'' Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 3:30 p.m to conduct a business meeting entitled ``Organizational business meeting to consider committee rules, subcommittee assignments, and an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee.'' 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 Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a business meeting and the following nominations: Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Administrator, and Peter C. Wright, of Michigan, to be Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste, both of the Environmental Protection Agency, Nicole R. Nason, of New York, to be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, John Fleming, of Louisiana, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, John L. Ryder, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 10:15 a.m to conduct an organizational business meeting and the following nominations: Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary, and Michael J. Desmond, of California, to be Chief Couns
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-2-5

I want to talk again for a few minutes about S. 1, which is sponsored by Senator Rubio. prgtoken As I have cautioned the last few times I spoke on the subject, nothing I say is meant to be construed as a criticism of Senator Rubio. There are some really good things in this bill, as the Presiding Officer knows. prgtoken I forget the title of it. I think Senator Rubio is calling it the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act. I like the fact that S. 1 reaffirms our commitment to protecting Israel. I think that is important. I think Israel is certainly our best friend in the Middle East and one of our best friends in the world. Some days I think Israel is our only friend in the world. prgtoken S. 1 is going to strengthen America's bonds with Jordan, and I think that is very important. Jordan has been a key ally in fighting terrorism and, frankly, a key ally in helping us deal with the humanitarian catastrophe as a result of Assad and his butchering of his own people in Syria. prgtoken S. 1 is going to combat a radical economic warfare campaign against our friend Israel. That is long overdue. S. 1 is also going to create new sanctions on the Government of Syria. I support all of those. I intend to vote for S. 1, despite the fact that, in my opinion, there is a great deficiency with S. 1. prgtoken I know Senator McConnell offered an amendment to reflect the will of the Senate with respect to whether America ought to get out of Syria. In his amendment, he suggested that we should not. I voted against Senator McConnell's amendment not because I think he is wrong but because I just don't know if he is right. I don't think most Members of Congress know. prgtoken We have received such conflicting information, and I have asked Senator McConnell to hold a briefing for us--a classified briefing in which we bring over people who think we should get out and people who think we shouldn't get out, and let us hear the facts and the informed opinions of people who know better than we do. Frankly, I would like to see us do the same thing with respect to Afghanistan. prgtoken I share the President's concern about nation-building. We have spent $6 trillion since 2001 in the Middle East. I share the President's concern about mission creep. But, once again, just as I am not saying that Senator McConnell is wrong; I just don't know that he is right, and, quite frankly, I am saying the same thing with respect to President . I am not saying he is wrong about withdrawing from Syria; I am just saying I don't know if he is right. prgtoken I do know this: President is going to do what he thinks is best for America. The Senate can pass all of the bills and resolutions about the will of the Senate that it wants to, but if the President of the United States thinks it is best for the American people and the world to withdraw all troops from Syria, then my experience is, by God, he is going to do it. prgtoken
McKAY RUSSELL MARBLE
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-2-5

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize McKay Russell Marble. McKay is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 96, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. McKay has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years McKay has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, McKay organized his troop to nail 600 metal plates to the power poles in Gallatin Missouri, so the city could slide in numbers to help them identify different power poles. Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in commending McKay Russell Marble for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.