mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-12-6

such time as I may consume. prgtoken A final statement of something I am about to submit for the Record, it is a Statement of Administration Policy. It says this: ``In sum, several provisions of H.R. 4 violate principles of federalism and exceed the powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, and these provisions would likely be found unlawful if challenged. Accordingly, the administration opposes H.R. 4.'' prgtoken , I include in the Record this Statement of Administration Policy. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 4--Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (Rep. Sewell, D-AL, and 229 cosponsors) The Administration opposes passage of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. H.R. 4 would amend the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 by imposing a new coverage formula and transparency obligations on States and local jurisdictions regarding their elections. These amendments raise serious policy concerns because the Federal Government would be granted excessive control over State and local election practices. Additionally, the Supreme Court has already held similar restrictions imposed by Congress on States and localities to be unconstitutional. No individual should be denied or deterred from exercising his or her right to vote. Federal law protects against voting discrimination, allows judicial review of State and local voting laws, and establishes preclearance requirements. H.R. 4 would overreach by giving the Federal Government too much authority over an even greater number of voting practices and decisions made by States and local governments without justifying the current needs for such policies. Section 3 of H.R. 4 would amend the VRA by setting forth a new coverage formula that subjects certain States and local subdivisions to Federal preclearance requirements before undertaking certain election activities. For example, the coverage formula would place restrictions on States with ``15 or more voting rights violations [that] occurred in . . . the previous 25 calendar years.'' Once a State or locality is covered by the formula, it would need permission from the Attorney General or Federal courts before conducting certain election activities prescribed by the bill. In striking down the VRA's prior coverage formula, the Supreme Court held that although ``[o]ur country has changed, and while any racial discrimination in voting is too much, Congress must ensure that the legislation it passes to remedy that problem speaks to current conditions.'' Shelby County v. Holder, 570 U.S. 529, 557 (2013). Accordingly, the coverage formula set forth in section 3 of H.R. 4 that ``imposes substantial federalism costs'' on States must therefore be
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT LAKES MARITIME ACADEMY
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Through its commitment to excellence and dedication to its students, GLMA has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken Founded in 1969, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy is one of only six maritime academies in the United States. The first cadets of the academy received an associate degree and a license allowing for service on the Great Lakes upon graduation. In the 1980s, GLMA partnered with Ferris State University to allow cadets to earn bachelor's degrees, opening opportunities for graduates to serve in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. In 2012, thanks to the dedicated efforts of President Nelson and other public leaders, Governor Snyder signed legislation allowing community colleges to award bachelor's degrees in disciplines including maritime technology. This change allowed GLMA to partner with Northwestern Michigan College and enabled cadets to earn a bachelor's degree at a fraction of the cost. prgtoken The work of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy is essential for providing the next generation of Merchant Marine officers with the education, training, and credentials needed to serve on the Great Lakes and the high seas. Piloting everything from cruise ships and ferries to tankers and cargo ships, graduates of GLMA play an essential role in supporting our economy, national security, and everyday lives. The impact of their work on the people of Michigan and the United States cannot be overstated. prgtoken Madam , Michigan's proud maritime history is continued every day by the students, graduates, faculty, and leaders of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, and it is my honor to congratulate them for fifty years of excellence. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish GLMA all the best as it ventures into the future.
COMMEMORATION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to mark an important anniversary. Last month, the Daughters of Penelope, an international woman's organization and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), celebrated its 90th anniversary on November 16. Founded in San Francisco, the Daughters of Penelope originally worked to improve the status and well- being of women and their families. They also sought to provide women with the opportunity to make significant contributions to their communities and country. After successfully achieving many of their early goals, the Daughters of Penelope now promote the ideals of ancient Greece: philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence, achieved through community service and volunteerism. prgtoken I am a proud Greek-American. As a young boy, my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles instilled in me an appreciation for our beautiful Greek culture, which focuses on family, community, and faith. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, it is with great pride that I see these values shine through the Daughters of Penelope today, across all its 250 chapters worldwide. Through the exceptional Penelope House in Mobile, Alabama and Penelope's Place in Brockton, Massachusetts, the organization vigorously supports efforts to combat domestic violence in Greece as well as the United States. The development of these shelters brought renewed hope to many areas with suffering families who previously did not have access to the same level of care. prgtoken As a member on the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am impressed with the organization's efforts to provide financial support and raise awareness for medical research on treatments for breast cancer, Thalassemia (Cooley's anemia), muscular dystrophy, and Alzheimer's disease. The Daughters of Penelope are also a leading sponsor of the U.S. Department of Housing prgtoken and Urban Development's Section 202 Housing for the Elderly Program, which offers affordable housing to senior citizens in Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Texas. Recently, the Daughters of Penelope has also demonstrated support for senior nutrition and isolation with support for Meals on Wheels of America. prgtoken In addition to helping the elderly, the Daughters of Penelope Foundation, Inc supports the educational objectives of the Daughters of Penelope by providing tens of thousands of dollars annually for scholarships, sponsoring educational seminars, and donating children's books to schools, shelters and churches through the ``Penelope's Books'' program. After ninety meaningful and productive years, it excites me to see what the Daughters of Penelope will accomplish and how they will help our country and our culture in the next ninety years.
CONGRATULATING STEPHEN JOHNSON
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-12-9

. Madam , today I wish to congratulate Dr. Stephen G. Johnson, a researcher at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). At its recent annual meeting in Washington, D.C the American Nuclear Society (ANS) honored Dr.Johnson as a Fellow, which is the highest member status presented to an individual. Dr. Johnson was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments in nuclear science and technology, specifically highlighting his work in rebuilding the national radioisotope power system program for NASA's deep space exploration. prgtoken Dr. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in mathematics and chemistry from Lake Superior State University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Iowa State University. He currently serves as the director of the Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies Division at INL's Materials and Fuels Complex. prgtoken During his tenure at INL, Dr. Johnson has successfully reestablished the Radioisotope Power Systems program, initiated the Technical Integration Office for Radioisotope Power Systems, and most recently named the National Technical Director, for the Department of Energy's (DOE) national Space Nuclear Power program. Steve and his staff focus on cross-cutting initiatives, mission planning scenarios for nuclear power systems for DOE customers, such as NASA, and providing resources for various other needs for DOE's Space Nuclear Power department. prgtoken For the last few years, Steve has been a regular visitor to Capitol Hill, presenting an overview of the Department of Energy space power work for NASA at lunches hosted by the Foundation For Nuclear Studies. This summer, my staff and I had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Johnson in his facility where they were assembling the radioisotope thermoelectric generator that will power the Mars 2020 Rover. prgtoken It is a great privilege to congratulate Dr. Stephen G. Johnson on receiving this prestigious recognition, and I am grateful for his exceptional work in the field of nuclear science and technology. His accomplishments are a reminder of the many skilled researchers and scientists currently working and living in Idaho. Congratulations to Steve on his accomplishments and I thank him for all of his hard work.
S. 2543
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-12-9

I and my friend Senator Wyden released an updated version of our bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act. This bill will now deliver even more savings for seniors and Americans with disabilities. When I say ``more,'' it will be more than the bill that was voted out of the Senate Committee on Finance on a 19-to-9 vote during the last week of July. The bill will also help pay for critical health programs. Billions of dollars saved in out-of- pocket costs are also a result of the bill and billions of dollars allocated for healthcare programs that tens of millions of Americans rely upon. prgtoken What I just said will be accomplished all without spending a dime more of taxpayer dollars. That is because Big Pharma, our pharmaceutical industry of the United States, will finally be held accountable. Taxpayers shouldn't be put on the hook for unlimited subsidies from the Federal Treasury to big companies that make billions in profits. prgtoken I don't often quote the Washington Post about legislation I put in, but the Washington Post recently wrote that our bill was the ``drug pricing bill with the best chances of passing Congress.'' prgtoken Over the weekend, President applauded the work my friend Senator Wyden and I have done to improve our bipartisan legislation. The President was very supportive of it even before we made these changes. That is because, in the Congress of the United States today, it is the only significant bipartisan legislation that exists to address the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. prgtoken The Senate must demonstrate courage and finally pass this very important bill because very few Members of Congress can miss the cry of their citizens that drug pricing is too high, and they expect Congress to do something about it. This bill answers that cry and should soon get a vote. prgtoken . prgtoken .
ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-12-9

. Madam , today is International Anti-Corruption Day, recognizing the need for governments and civil societies around the world to be vigilant in the fight against bribes and abuse of power for personal gain. prgtoken According to the United Nations, every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen through corruption, more than five percent of global GDP. prgtoken No more is this on clearer display today than across the Middle East, which is witnessing a revival of the 2011 Arab Spring protests in places like Lebanon, Iraq, Iran and in towns and cities across Syria. Peaceful protesters are demanding an end to abusive policies and practices by government officials who seek little else than their own profit--always at the expense of the peoples' fundamental rights. The persistence of protestors today despite increasingly violent government responses indicates a point of no return. The brazen willingness to sacrifice their lives signals just how precarious these citizens' lives have become under their governments. prgtoken Syria is ground zero for what happens when corrupt governments refuse reform and respond to peaceful demands with violence. The Assad regime continues to leech Syrians of their basic human rights, uprooting their lives, indiscriminately bombing his own people, and deliberately starving them while blaming the United States and other Western states for the dismal conditions of his country and the Syrian people. And all for the sake of protecting the power and interests of corrupt officials who are part of the Assad network, including Fahd Darwish, Samer Al- Debbes, Samir Anis Hassan, Samer Awees, Kanaan Kanaan, Tamim Badr, Mahran Khonda, Osama Ali Zayoud, Iyad Habib Baytnjaneh, Tarif Akhras, and Fares Shehabi, among others. The United States must target these individuals for exposure and sanctions for their corruption and theft from the Syrian people. prgtoken And in response to these widespread cries for change, the United States must continue to pursue a relentless campaign against corruption everywhere. Without such accountability, perpetrators within and partners of corrupt governments will boldly continue, extending the suffering of innocent civilians around the world. If the United States does not demonstrate its commitment with action, nefarious actors and businessmen around the world will feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices. On International Anti-Corruption Day, we must stand with those calling out for change.
ESTHER MARTINEZ NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-12-9

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Johnson has done a great job. That was a great presentation. I am very proud of him. prgtoken Each person who has spoken on this legislation really put it in context about the Esther Martinez program started in 2006. I happened to be a cosponsor of that bill. I watched it pass and become a reality, and it has worked. prgtoken What we are doing is reauthorizing a program that allows a culture to be retained through languages. In Alaska, we have 20 Native languages and 40-some dialects. prgtoken As the gentleman said, we lost that for a long period of time. Language is what keeps the culture together. It is important for the past, important for the present, and important for the future. prgtoken The University of Alaska has a program, the Alaska Native Language Center, which has worked very well since the 1970s. We were well ahead with this program, and we want to continue it. prgtoken We have an innovative Alaska Native Cultural Charter School in Anchorage that teaches Yupik to all the students so there is an exchange, not just Native, but between other races, so they understand the language. prgtoken I believe this is one of the best programs that we are able to achieve. The funding probably is still inadequate, but it is a continuation of good work by this Congress. prgtoken I thank each one of you who has been participating in this, especially Representative Lujan. I am a little bit prgtoken concerned, if I may. I don't want to speak about the other body, but we know who it is. They have taken Mr. Lujan's bill and sort of put their name on it, but we will forgive them because we will get it done. prgtoken This is good legislation. I also would like to thank Representative Price, who co-chairs the American Languages Caucus with me. prgtoken Again, congratulations. This is good legislation. The chairman has done well, and let's continue to act.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-12-9

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Rounds), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Sasse), and the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio) would have voted ``yea.''
STOP IGNORING CRISIS IN IDLIB, SYRIA
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-12-9

I rise today again to bring attention to the travesty happening in Idlib, Syria. prgtoken A week ago, Syrian dictator Assad, his protector Putin, and his Iranian coconspirators continued to bomb civilians in the town of Idlib. prgtoken The Wisdom House School, a school supported by my constituents in Arkansas, has had to close for the third time due to this bombing and the massive attacks. prgtoken I recently watched a video posted on Twitter of the airstrikes hitting a civilian home in the same town where Wisdom House School is located. Many of the children attending the Wisdom House School are now orphans. There are no military targets in this area, which has been repeatedly bombed by the Assad regime. prgtoken When we look back on this calamitous conflict, the United States and our allies in Europe will hang our heads in shame for ignoring red lines that gave a green light to Assad's slaughter of his own civilians by the hundreds of thousands. Fund NATO to Counter Russia
HONORING DALE WILKERSON FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR NATION
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-12-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and service of an upstanding American citizen, Dale Wilkerson. prgtoken After serving twenty years in the U.S. Air Force, where he earned the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal, Mr. Wilkerson began working for the National Park Service in 1994 as a branch chief for contracting, property, and financial management at the Natchez Trace Parkway. prgtoken In 2010, Mr. Wilkerson was temporarily assigned to the NPS Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta to serve as the acting regional comptroller. In that role he directed the annual fiscal year closing process for more than sixty park units in the region, with the execution of obligations totaling more than $245 million. prgtoken From August 2012 through December 2013, he served as the Acting Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo National Battlefield, Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, where he was responsible for leading and managing the eighth most visited NPS unit in the country. prgtoken In 2015, Mr. Wilkerson was appointed as the Superintendent of the Shiloh National Military Park. Over the last four years, he has performed a remarkable job of managing and overseeing all aspects of the Shiloh National Military Park. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mr. Wilkerson on his retirement from the National Park Service as Superintendent of Shiloh National Battlefield and his forty-six years of service in our nation's military and in the National Park Service.
EMERGING TRANSPORTATION SECURITY THREATS ACT OF 2019
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-12-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 3318, the Emerging Transportation Security Threats Act of 2019, sponsored by my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce). prgtoken This legislation establishes a task force aimed at improving the security of the traveling public by bringing together relevant Federal authorities and transportation security stakeholders. prgtoken The task force established by this legislation will look at emerging and prgtoken potential future threats to transportation security from a number of threat vectors, including cybersecurity, explosives, public area security, and evolving terrorist attacks. prgtoken This bill also directs the Administrator of the TSA to develop relevant threat mitigation plans in close coordination with transportation security stakeholders and appropriate Federal agencies. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his leadership on this issue. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
TRIBUTE TO JASMINE SLUSSER
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-12-9

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Jasmine for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Jasmine is a native of Pennsylvania. She is a student at George Washington University, where she is studying public health. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Jasmine for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It was a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her next journey.