mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Shea Woodard Hall (Executive Session)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-26

I rise today to give tribute to a great American, a great Texan, a dear friend, and a 26-year veteran of this institution who has dedicated her career to serving the needs of her fellow citizens. Her name is Shea Woodard Hall. Shea has worked as the West Texas regional director on my team for 7 years. She is now retiring. Shea started working in the Senate in 1993, when she was hired by my predecessor, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. prgtoken As West Texas regional director, Shea started with 89 counties in her region. By land area, that is bigger than some States. She could leave her office in Abilene, drive 7 hours north, and still be in her region. That is how much territory she was responsible for. prgtoken Shea has always been willing to go the extra mile, literally. In her first 3 years working in the Senate, Shea put 75,000 miles on her car. In fact, she has put so many miles on her vehicles throughout the last 26 years that it is probably for the best that she married a local car dealer in Abilene. prgtoken After 26 years serving 89 counties in West Texas, everyone knows Shea, and Shea knows everyone. From every mayor, to every county judge and sheriff, to every State elected official, Shea made it a point to know them all. In fact, when I traveled with Shea in West Texas, we would arrive at an event, and there was no doubt who folks were happy to see--me or Shea, and it sure wasn't me. prgtoken Shea is also known in West Texas for her rural tours. They are legendary. You see, Shea's region is diverse. It spans from Amarillo, to Lubbock, to Abilene, to San Angelo, to Big Spring, to Midland- Odessa. prgtoken On the last tour she planned, an ag tour, we started in Lubbock, with stops in Muleshoe, Fredonia, Dalhart, and Amarillo. If you know Texas, that is one heck of a big loop. On one of the stops, I asked Shea what we would be seeing that day, and she answered: ``Strippers.'' I was fairly puzzled with prgtoken that response, and she quickly clarified: ``Cotton strippers.'' I was relieved. prgtoken There are too many stories of Shea helping people in West Texas, but one of my favorite stories is about how Shea helped to bring the B-1 bomber to Texas. When the city of Abilene and Dyess Air Force Base were working to secure low-level training routes for the B-1 bomber, Shea received some questions and some concerns from local ranchers who were afraid that the noise would upset their cattle. Always the steady hand, Shea responded with some West Texas wisdom. She would tell them that the low-level training routes were good for our national security; that they would enhance Dyess Air Force Base as the premier B-1 base in the country; and finally, she would tell them that she hadn't received a single phone call from a cow protesting the noise. I am proud to say that because of her efforts and many others, those training routes remain, and today Texas is one of the homes of the B-1 bomber. prgtoken
RECOGNIZING WIMMER'S DIAMONDS
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2019-9-26

I rise today to recognize the legacy of Wimmer's Diamonds, which this month is celebrating a century of doing business in Fargo. prgtoken Throughout these years, this fourth-generation jewelry store has been a mainstay in downtown Fargo. It has grown along with the city, adding a second location at West Acres Mall in 1985. prgtoken The business began as the Fargo Jewelry Manufacturing Company, founded by Fred Wimmer, a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in New York City in 1907. He began working in America at Tiffany & Co. as an engraver. He moved West 3 years later, continuing his work in Minneapolis and Owatonna, Minnesota, for 6 more years before arriving in Fargo in 1919. prgtoken In the years since, the Wimmer family has designed, sold, and serviced diamonds to customers throughout the region. The responsibility for keeping the business going has been passed on from Fred to his son, Art, then to grandson Andy, and on to the current generation of owners, Brad Wimmer and his son, Aaron. prgtoken Likewise, Wimmer's Diamonds has been a destination for generations of customers, who have looked to it as a trusted partner when occasions call for a gift of diamonds and fine jewelry. prgtoken In a time when there are fewer family-owned businesses, Wimmer's has been successful by adapting to the changes of retail management and customer preferences. It has been long established as a valued member of the community, giving back over the years in every way possible. prgtoken I congratulate the entire Wimmer family for a century of business in Fargo. Wimmer's Diamonds is testament to the importance of small businesses in communities of all sizes across the Nation and the impact entrepreneurs have on our American economy. prgtoken You have enhanced the quality of life we treasure in North Dakota and have set a very high bar for being a dedicated community partner. Thank you for all you have done to enhance the happy occasions in the lives of your customers, and I hope you will remain part of our celebrations for many years to come.
Tribute to Jenny Donohue (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-9-26

this afternoon I would like to honor and recognize the important service of three men, three Marine generals who have served their country in uniform and who have served their country in the civilian world as well, who have served with honor and dignity in ways that I think deserve recognition on the floor of the U.S. Senate. They have done this service in a manner that is befitting of marines, with dignity, class, and honor. I am talking about prgtoken former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, former Secretary of Homeland Security and the President's Chief of Staff at the White House, Gen. John Kelly, and, lastly, I would like to recognize Gen. Joe Dunford, who, on Monday, will be stepping down as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. prgtoken I intend to be there to honor him and to witness another remarkable transition of authority and power when U.S. Army General Milley takes over in what is the most important position for a military officer in the United States of America. prgtoken It will be the end of an era, a remarkable era, for the Marine Corps--the smallest of the military services, where these three Marine generals--Kelly, Mattis, and Dunford--served with distinction, not only in the Corps as four star generals but at the highest levels of government at a critical time in our country's history. prgtoken It is a remarkable story. It is a story of service, sacrifice, and friendship. These extraordinary men rose through the levels of command together and the ranks of the Marine Corps together. They served together all over the world, including in combat in places like Fallujah, Al Kut, and Baghdad. They fought together, and they sacrificed together for our great Nation as Marine Corps officers. They then went on to serve in other ways. prgtoken The three of them have spent their whole lives in service to our country, and they have left an indelible mark, certainly, on the Marine Corps but, I believe, other institutions. prgtoken Between the three of them, they have 130 years of Active-Duty military service to America--130 years. Think about that: 130 years of Active military service to the United States of America and the Marine Corps. prgtoken They have given their all for us in a way that I think makes most Americans proud, emphasizing the ethos of the Marine Corps, which is honor, courage, and commitment, and I know they have inspired countless numbers of young men and young women across the globe in the Marines and beyond. prgtoken I am going to talk a little bit about them today. prgtoken Gen. John Kelly is a straight-talking, blunt, and fierce warrior. Before he was 16, he hitchhiked to the west coast and rode the rails back. He is then said to have joined the Merchant Marine for a year, where he is quoted as saying: ``My first time overseas was taking 10,000 tons of beer to Vietnam.'' prgtoken In 1970, he enlisted in the Marines, where he found purpose and found a home. prgtoken Gen
SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-9-26

as part of National Clean Energy Week, I am grateful for clean energy and its advances in South Carolina. prgtoken The success of President has been the achievement of energy independence for America. prgtoken South Carolina is home to seven nuclear power reactors that produce 95 percent of the State's emission-free electricity. In addition, nuclear energy facilities in South Carolina employ over 2,800 South Carolinians. Nuclear energy is a reliable source, providing over half of the State's electricity. prgtoken Solar energy is also a reliable form of clean energy. Currently, there is enough solar installed in South Carolina to power over 90,000 homes. prgtoken I have been impressed by visiting Cypress Creek Renewables, a solar farm in Gaston-Swansea, Lexington County, welcomed by Wannelle Lefkowitz; NARENCO solar farm in Orangeburg County, welcomed by Michael Cox; and Green Energy Biofuel in Aiken County, reprocessing cooking oil, welcomed by Joe Renwick; along with Ameresco, clearing woody debris at the Savannah River Site. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S.J. RES. 54, TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-9-26

I want to thank my friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), for his tremendous service and for yielding to me this time to talk about this very pressing and important issue. prgtoken , I rise today to urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that the House of Representatives can finally debate and vote on the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act. prgtoken While my colleagues on the other side of the aisle play partisan games on border security and impeachment, critical programs authorizing the testing of DNA evidence across the country are set to expire in just 4 days, on September 30. prgtoken Along with my colleague Carolyn Maloney, I introduced and am the lead sponsor on the Debbie Smith Act, with the support of the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. prgtoken Debbie Smith programs provide funding to crime labs to process DNA evidence and strengthen the national DNA database that provides justice to victims. prgtoken The legislation requires that States like mine, Missouri, create plans for the reduction of backlogs and the testing of rape kits and other DNA evidence. prgtoken Since this program was created on a bipartisan basis, nearly 200,000 DNA matches have been made in criminal cases, since 2005, providing justice to the victims in cases that may otherwise have gone unsolved. The number of DNA samples collected is skyrocketing, sadly, and we need the Debbie Smith programs now more than ever. prgtoken The Senate has already unanimously sent their version of the legislation over to the House, but House leadership continues to refuse to bring it to the floor. This, , is unconscionable. prgtoken Every Member of the House Conference is demanding that we bring the Debbie Smith Act to the floor, but our pleas for justice for victims of sexual violence are being ignored. prgtoken , I beg of my colleagues to please join me in defeating the previous question and urge House leadership to put politics aside and reauthorize these critical programs to convict dangerous predators and help end sexual violence in our country.
UNITED STATES-ISRAEL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2019-9-26

another aspect of this does deal with the BDS movement, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement that we see right now. It has a goal of delegitimizing Israel. prgtoken We heard from the factory workers, the business leaders like Ashraf, and the Judea and Samaria Chamber of Commerce. We saw a different story where they are really working together in peace, and that economic relationship must be foundational to peace. prgtoken For the Palestinians and the Israelis, though, BDS is going to threaten it. Both the Palestinian business leaders as well as the Palestinian workers told us that BDS actually hurts them more than the Israelis because, for the first time, they have an opportunity for a really good-paying job, to be able to provide for their families, to be able to make sure that their kids are getting a good education. That is their dream. That is what gives them hope. prgtoken So it hurts them. It hurts their ability to work, to provide for their families. They want economic freedom, not boycotts. And this desire is overwhelming. prgtoken That is why I am proud of the leadership of my colleague, the gentlewoman from Missouri, Ann Wagner, in leading the resolution that passed here on the House floor, overwhelmingly, a statement that we do not stand for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, BDS, that this is actually going to work against peace. prgtoken What we saw, what we witnessed, that is the foundation for peace and must be a part of any of the peace plan moving forward. prgtoken So I believe that, as America continues to influence and encourage this kind of grassroots movement, we are going to see growing economic opportunity that is foundational, that is vital for Israel's future, but also for the Palestinian people. prgtoken Israel is our greatest ally, our greatest friend in the Middle East. They are also vital for America. So I am going to be encouraging, and I know my fellow colleagues who traveled with me, we are going to be talking to the administration and Jared Kushner about the peace plan that is being developed right now and urging them to include, in any kind of a peace plan, this economic cooperation and America standing in support of this bottom-up grassroots approach that really makes a difference in people's lives.
U.S. BORDER PATROL MEDICAL SCREENING STANDARDS ACT
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-9-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , here we go again. Yesterday, the majority passed a partisan messaging bill to provide illegal immigrants with an additional complaint line at the Department of Homeland Security. It has no chance of becoming law. Today, they are back at it with prgtoken another partisan messaging bill that will never become law. This time, it is a bill to provide illegal immigrants with electronic health records. prgtoken This bill before us today requires the Department of Homeland Security to set up an interoperable electronic health records system to track the medical history of millions of illegal immigrants. The bill requires the system to be up and running in 90 days. prgtoken Implementing an electronic health records system is a complicated, labor-intensive undertaking. They begin with a configuration process to tailor the commercial software to a client's needs and then proceed to a site-by-site installation process, followed by workforce training. prgtoken It typically takes a year or more to get new electronic health records up and running at a hospital with just one location. Making these systems interoperable across government agencies only creates more complexity, extending implementation by years. prgtoken If you need a real-world example of just how unachievable this is, look no further than the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard spent 7 years trying to get an interoperable health records system in place for its 50,000 employees. But, after all that time, the system didn't work. Coast Guard servicemembers are still forced to rely on paper medical records. prgtoken The Coast Guard is not alone. The Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration won't have fully interoperable health records systems in place for another 5 to 9 years, respectively. prgtoken H.R. 3525 also requires DHS to research innovative ways to conduct medical screenings on illegal immigrants. DHS already conducts thousands of medical screenings on migrants on a daily basis. Finding new ways to deliver health screenings more effectively could save time and money, but researching innovations in healthcare delivery is not the mission of DHS. prgtoken The research mandated by this bill is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Human Services. DHS research is properly focused on preventing drugs, criminals, and terrorists from entering our borders. We should not force DHS to lose its focus on these critical Homeland Security priorities. prgtoken Finally, the bill before us today fails to provide DHS with any funding to achieve the illegal immigrant medical screening research and interoperable health records mandates. We have no idea how much this bill will cost because the majority failed to file a cost estimate from CBO. prgtoken However, we do know from the experience of the VA, DOD, and Coast Guard that interoperable electronic health records systems are extremely expensive undertak
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020, AND HEALTH EXTENDERS ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-26

the distinguished Senator from Alabama mentioned music, and I guess a lot of us have been watching Ken Burns' ``Country Music'' film the last several days, which is terrific and includes lots from Alabama and even more from Tennessee. prgtoken My experience with music and Nashville songwriters is, to get a melody, you need some cooperation. You need cooperation. Usually, they have three songwriters who will write a song. I am interested in harmony, but I think we need some cooperation across the aisle as on our committee--thanks to the distinguished Senator from Washington State, Mrs. Murray, and Senator Jones--we often have. We had it on fixing No Child Left Behind; we had it on the 21st Century Cures; we had it on the Opioid Crisis Response Act; we had it on the Lowering Healthcare Costs Act, which came out of our committee 20 to 3 just recently; and we need to have it on higher education. prgtoken So I have a suggestion today. I want to speak about it for about 10 minutes. It would, I believe, give an opportunity to deal with the historically Black colleges legislation and indeed an opportunity to do more than that. prgtoken In the first place, the bill passed by the House is a short-term bill, which is funded by a budget gimmick, which has no chance of passing the Senate. I propose that we do permanent funding of historically Black colleges. That is the way to provide certainty. I propose that we include within it a package of seven or eight other pieces of legislation on which there is bipartisan support--as many as half the Members of the Senate, about half and half ic. All of these provisions--simplifying FAFSA, short-term Pell grants, Pell grants for prisoners, increasing the amount of Pell--help low-income Americans go to college and simplify the process for doing that. prgtoken So if it is urgently important, as I believe it is, to properly fund historically Black colleges, I am ready to do that, but I am also ready to continue to work to pass a small package of bills that will help many of the same people the historically Black colleges legislation would help and then continue to work with Senator Murray and with other members of the committee on a larger package of bills that would include issues that could be part of a more comprehensive Higher Education Reauthorization Act--issues such as accountability, Federal- State partnership, campus safety, and the like. prgtoken For the last 5 years, Senator Murray and I have been working on a bipartisan reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. We have had about 30 hearings on all manner of issues, from accountability, to campus safety, to simplifying the student aid process. We have yet to reach agreement on some of those issues, but on several important issues, as I mentioned, we have bipartisan proposals by members of our committee and Senators who are not on the committee that will make college more affordable fo
Government Funding (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-9-26

the Permanent Subcommittee for Investigations just finished a major research project. prgtoken I happen to sit on that committee led by Rob Portman. He has done a phenomenal job of trying to pull all the information together to study government shutdowns. prgtoken Government shutdowns are not new to us. We hear about them a lot lately, but in the last 40 years, we have had 21 government shutdowns-- 21. prgtoken We have seen this issue over and over again; that when we get to a point of contention and argument, we end up shutting the government down to be able to resolve it. prgtoken So the point of discussion is not just here in DC; it is all over the country. The question is, How does that really affect the country and how does that affect the U.S. Government? prgtoken The basic study PSI did to go back and look at this was they found that the Federal workforce in the last shutdown lost 57,000 years of productivity, if you spread out all the Federal workers who were furloughed, the time they were furloughed, and the time that was lost. prgtoken The total economy lost about $11 billion in productivity during that time period, and the Federal taxpayer lost right at $4 billion in lost money that is just gone. The cost of shutting the government down, the cost of reopening, the cost of pay during the furlough time periods when there weren't actually people there--$4 billion lost to the taxpayer. prgtoken Yet we will probably have another one at some point and probably have another one, and it seems they just keep coming--21 of these in the last 40 years. prgtoken There is a group of us who have continued to push this. Rob Portman has done it for years, several others of us have worked on other projects to try to figure out how do we resolve this issue of government shutdowns. prgtoken Maggie Hassan, a ic colleague from New Hampshire, and I a year ago started talking through how we could get to a bipartisan solution to end government shutdowns. prgtoken We have a very unique proposal to go with this. It is a proposal that is not trying to be novel; it is not trying to be cute. It is trying to solve the problem. prgtoken Our issue is that we have very serious differences when we get to budget areas. It is $1 trillion in total spending that we are talking about when we do the 12 appropriations bills. It is no small argument. But we should be able to resolve these things in a way that actually works and is effective. prgtoken So here is our basic idea. The process works, supposedly, where you do a budget that determines an overarching number that everyone agrees to. This is what is called the top-line number. prgtoken Then you take that top-line number in the House and the Senate in their Appropriations Committees. It gets broken up into 12 smaller bills. Those are called the appropriations bills. Those 12 bills all have to be passed by the House, by the Senate, and then they have to conference them toge