mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-9-12

amazingly, this report comes from the same Energy Department currently pushing coal bailout proposals, but that is what you get from helpless, weak leadership from this administration that will not face up either to the scientific reality of climate change or prgtoken the economic reality of energy markets. prgtoken FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, has just finalized a rule for energy storage that could spur as much as 50 gigawatts of additional energy storage across the United States, and that could be a conservative estimate if renewables prices keep along those trajectories we showed before. That FERC rule on energy storage, by the way, is unanimous and bipartisan. The ISO system operators, like ISO- New England, are doing their best to remove obstacles that had kept renewables from competing fairly in capacity auctions and dispatch decisions. This is saving consumers money. prgtoken It was reported by Utility Dive that during the July heat wave in New England, distributed solar, which can reduce demand during peaks, saved customers some $20 million. prgtoken This is reliable stuff out in Iowa, where Midwestern is the ISO. They figured out the algorithms to treat wind as reliable baseload power, and the FERC storage rule will further enable this transition. prgtoken As you can imagine, the fossil fuel industry is not letting this go without a fight. They are up to their usual political mischief to try to protect their $700 billion annual subsidy that they get from polluting for free. Their shady tactics are just as would be expected. prgtoken Start with the fossil fuel industry. They put in front of them the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers to screen what is really the dirty fossil fuel industry. Those two groups put in front of them some fake consumer group called the Consumer Energy Alliance, and that fake Consumer Energy Alliance put in front of it something called Kentuckians for Solar Fairness, all in an effort to fight rooftop solar for individuals in Kentucky. That is the kind of nonsense the fossil fuel industry gets up to to try to defend itself. But despite that, you can't stop progress. You can't deny costs. You can't win against energy that is cheaper, reliable, and carbon-free. It is time for us to wake up, throw our weight into clean energy, and move forward into the future, rather than let the fossil fuel industry condemn us to a dirty past. prgtoken With that I yield to my colleague, Senator Smith.
REMEMBERING SUVASH DARNAL
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-9-12

I have spoken before about Suvash Darnal, an extraordinary Nepalese Dalit activist who was tragically killed in a traffic accident in Virginia on August 15, 2011. prgtoken Mr. Darnal was only 31 years old when he died, but he had already made more of his life than many people who live to be twice or three times his age. He grew up impoverished, with nothing to look forward to. In large measure because of the adversity he experienced and his inherent thirst for knowledge, he became a passionate advocate for his people at home and around the world. As I have said before, his integrity, his humility, his vision, and his dedication live on as an inspiring example of why caste discrimination has no place in the 21st century, in Nepal or anywhere else. prgtoken From 2008 to 2009, Mr. Darnal was a fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy. Carl Gershman, President of NED, was among Mr. Darnal's admirers and has helped to convey the lessons of Mr. Darnal's life to a wider audience. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that Mr. Gershman's account of recent events in Kathmandu in remembrance of Suvash Darnal be printed in the Record.
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF SERGIO MARCHIONNE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-9-12

I rise to pay tribute to the distinguished life of Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. I extend my sincerest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of this gifted executive and business leader. My heart goes out to his children, Alessio and Tyler, as well as his partner Manuela Battezzato. Sergio and I had many interactions and conversations over the years and he is someone for whom I had the utmost respect. prgtoken Thanks to his indefatigable attitude and remarkable dedication, he shepherded the company through very turbulent times. After 2004, he worked closely and gained the trust of the Administration leading to the auto rescue preserving a long tradition and legacy of automobiles in Toledo, and across the region. prgtoken It will come as no surprise to the generations of workers in Toledo that Jeep continues to be named the `most patriotic' brand in America. Thanks to the leadership of Sergio Marchionne, today, Toledo's Fiat Chrysler Automobile's Assembly Complex is one of the region's largest and most modern manufacturing plants. prgtoken Since 1941 when Willys-Overland first contracted with the United States Military to design the Willys MB, what would become the iconic Jeep Wrangler, Toledoans' life blood continues to run through every Jeep Wrangler in the world. And nearly 80 years later, our region's heritage and connection to Jeep grows stronger each day, being a part of and touching the lives of thousands of families. prgtoken Mr. Marchionne uniquely understood the power of the Jeep brand as a sign of America's can-do and industrious culture, tripling annual sales of the brand to 1.9 million automobiles in seven years. As the proud home of the Jeep Liberty, the Toledo community expresses its deepest gratitude to him for his productive life, sparkling imagination and respectful manner to both management and workers. Indeed, he understood in order to create a truly high-quality, global brand, workers need be given first-order priority. prgtoken , Mr. Marchionne surely left his mark on our community and throughout our auto-producing American Heartland. I am proud to join thousands of workers and others across the region in saluting his life and paying tribute to his legacy.
HONORING THE WORLD WAR II AND KOREAN WAR VETERANS OF ILLINOIS
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-9-12

I rise to honor the World War II and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on September 12, 2018 with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides World War II and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country. prgtoken The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on September 12th answered our nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the European Campaign to the Pacific Asian Theatre to the African Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed. prgtoken I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude. prgtoken Howard J Adolph, William J Alpers, Thomas A Altosino, John R. Anderson, James A. Bansley, Joyce Luke Barber, Robert L. Borgstrom, Theodore R Borowski, Joseph Bosnyak, David D. Brockman, John M. Brown, Anthony T Buckun, Michael Cadena, Charles Callahan, Gus Candilas, James F. Carsten, Albert Cato, Berry Conner, Roy Dahl, Philip Davis, Richard DeSandre, John M. Fausel, Joseph R Forbes, Erwin B Forde, Virgil D. Foster, Edward A Friz, Jon T Fuglestad, Martin V. Garcia, William P Gardaphe, Joseph J. Gauthier, Dominick Geraci, Dominic Giannini, Lawrence Goudzwaard, Homer Grady Jr Kenneth Grill, Ralph R Gross, Kenneth E. Grudis, William R. Gurolnick. prgtoken Paul W. Jacobs, Harold Erwin Jerde, Ronald D Johnson, Dave Jones, Edwin Kaye, Bruce Killings, Robert A. Kratochvil, Thomas B Larson, William E Leber, James V Leonard, Peter Leuzzi, Donald E Lewandowski, George D. Logothetis, Fred Lott, Edward J. Lukas, Lloyd H. Lundberg, Al J. Mack, John Mahoney, Raymond E Mahoney, Frank Mareska, Donald R Mathews, James D. Mays, Warren McClure, Matthew T McIntyre, Michael L. Meier, Milan Menich, Lawrence J Metz, Jacob Molter, James J Mortell, Gerald L. Netherton, William J Ohlhaber, Raymond W. Olson. prgtoken Daniel A Pacella, Mercus L. Payne, Robert Porter, Donald Pracht, Howard Pratt, George I. Price, Raymond Przybylski, Raymond Rafter, William Rehbock, Charles W. Richardson, Robert Riegel, Allen Roderick, Freddie Rouse, Donald A Sandstedt, Nicholas L. Sassone, James F Scheffler, Robert L Schmidt, David I Schuman, James Shields, Paul J Sifter, Richard Smigel, Phillip F Smith, Stanley L. Stock, Charles E. Swickard, Gregory Tomaino, Robert A. Traglia, Pasquale A. Valentino, William M. VanDuyn, Vincent Vitucci, Clarence Vos, Richard J Welch, Eugene Yale.
AUTHORIZING EARLY REPAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS TO BUREAU OF RECLAMATION WITHIN NORTHPORT IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Niki Tsongas (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-9-12

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 4689 would authorize landowners served by the Northport Irrigation District to prepay the remaining portion of construction costs allocated to them for the North Platte project. In exchange, the landowners who pay will no longer be subject to Federal acreage limitations and other requirements associated with the Reclamation Reform Act. prgtoken , we do not object to this legislation, and .
9/11 MEMORIAL ACT
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-9-12

I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Massachusetts for giving me the opportunity to speak on what we all consider a national tragedy, but are trying to do something here that will help us remember those lost on that fateful day. prgtoken Yesterday morning, like many of my colleagues, I was back in my district to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001. My district borders on New York City. Across the river, I can see the World Trade Center building from my district office. Every single day thousands of my constituents travel to and from New York City for work. prgtoken The 9/11 attacks were deeply personal for New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, as we lost 57 residents from my home county in which I live in Newark, New Jersey, the County of Essex, and we have erected a beautiful memorial in Essex County at Eagle Rock Reservation, which is a mountaintop where you can see over into New York City, where many people ventured to see what had happened on that fateful day. prgtoken And so it has become a beautiful memorial there at Eagle Rock Reservation, and it is a pristine, beautiful symbol of never forgetting. The names of all of the people who perished that day are printed on a marble wall that overlooks New York. prgtoken H.R. 6287 will ensure that ``never again'' is more than a slogan. It will help protect memorials in my district and across the country for future generations. prgtoken The men and women who lost their lives on 9/11 and in the aftermath of the attacks are American heroes. I am proud to support this bill which will make sure that the memorials to those heroes are preserved for future generations.
RECOGNIZING DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I wish to recognize the 80th anniversary of Detroit Diesel Corporation, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America in Detroit, MI. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this truly significant milestone in the history of the Detroit brand, as well as speak to the importance of this anniversary to the greater legacy of Detroit as the ``Motor City.'' prgtoken Established by General Motors in 1938, as the General Motors Diesel Division, Detroit Diesel produced the company's flagship engine, the two-cycle Series 71 engine or ``two stroke.'' The two-stroke engine was introduced as a prgtoken cylinder inline engine and in a V-configuration in 1957. prgtoken Detroit Diesel played an important role during World War II as an essential contributor in the U.S. ``Arsenal of Democracy,'' manufacturing engines for the Allied forces. These engines were used for construction equipment, power generation, agriculture, and military operations. prgtoken In 1955, Detroit Diesel evolved to meet the demands of the commercial trucking market. Introduced in 1957, the Series 53 engine was GM Diesel's first heavy-duty engine. The powerful Series 53 engine was made for multiple applications in various industries. It has powered the American timber industry, propelling logging skidders through deep, dense woods. The Series 53 became an indispensable tool on construction sites all over the United States and around the globe. With greater sophistication and power, building from the simple two-stroke Series 71 of 1938, the Series 53's heavy-duty capabilities provided operators with the muscle needed to break ground in many infrastructure projects through the United States. The Series 53 engine's versatility has been trusted for years in the aviation industry to haul packages and tow planes, and has been relied on to safely transport our troops on unforgiving terrain. prgtoken In 1965, General Motors Detroit Diesel consolidated into the Detroit Diesel Engine Division and introduced the Series 149 engine, which would be used to power tugboats and mine haul trucks. Over the next 20 years, the Detroit Diesel Engine Division combined with General Motors' Allison Division, becoming the Detroit Diesel Allison Division. From the mid to late 1960s to the late 1980s, the Detroit Diesel Allison Division would continue to innovate and strengthen its position as a leader in the field. During this time, the division created and introduced the Series 92, which would increase its capabilities in marine transportation. In the 1980s, Detroit Diesel Allison would hit yet another milestone: producing its first four-cylinder engine. prgtoken In 1987, Detroit Diesel introduced the heavy-duty, four-cylinder Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine. The Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine is known for its fuel efficiency as a heavy-duty engine. As the company's namesake, it would become one of its most well-known engines. prgtoken In 1987, General Moto
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-9-12

I rise today to join my colleague Senator Whitehouse as he takes to the Senate floor to speak on climate change for the 219th time. prgtoken Mr. Whitehouse is the Senate leader on climate change, and his foresight, actions, and determination on this issue are remarkable. I am very proud to join him today. prgtoken Climate change is a dire threat to our environment and to our children's future, and yet, if we rise to the challenge of responding to climate change, it will offer us major economic opportunity. The clean energy transition is already creating jobs, reducing the cost of generating electricity, clearing the air, and improving our health. prgtoken The old idea that responding to climate change comes at the expense of the American economy is outdated and inaccurate. The clean energy economy is the economy of the 21st century. We see this every day in Minnesota, which is a national leader in the clean energy transition. prgtoken The climate is rapidly changing, and these changes are caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases. I know this because it is what science shows us. prgtoken In Minnesota, we take special pride in the severity of our winters, but Minnesota winter temperatures have increased by 6 degrees since 1970. More than our pride is at stake. Agriculture and forest pests that were once held in check by severe winter cold are now thriving. Summer temperatures are on a pace to make Minnesota as warm as Kansas by the end of the century. Some models suggest that changing climate and spreading pests could eliminate Minnesota's iconic evergreen forests by 2100. prgtoken Urgent action is needed to limit further climate change. If we don't reduce greenhouse gas emissions to near zero by 2060, the world will cross a dangerous warming threshold--a threshold that the United States and other nations have pledged to avoid. prgtoken I am deeply worried about these threats, and so are our children, but I am also hopeful because I have seen how tapping into the abundant wind and sunshine is building a new energy economy that is clean, green, and full of opportunity. prgtoken Here is just one example. Shortly after becoming a Senator, I visited the Vetter family farm near Mankato, MN, and saw firsthand how renewable energy can provide new sources of income for farmers. The Vetters raise hogs, but they also farm the sun through a 14-acre community solar garden. The Vetters inspired me to become a champion for the energy title in the Senate farm bill, which provides Federal support for rural renewable energy projects. prgtoken Just 3 years ago, Minnesota wasn't much of a player in solar energy, despite the fact that we had nearly the same solar potential as Houston, TX. However, new State policy has led to strong growth and solar energy development. The State began a community solar garden program in 2013, and Minnesota now has enough solar energy to power nearly 120,000 homes. During t
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-9-12

in recent weeks, President has gone around the country touting the strength of the economy. He said: Our economy is the strongest it has ever been in the history of our country, and you just have to look at the numbers to know that. prgtoken The numbers do tell us that the economy is strong and getting stronger, and that is a good thing, but they also tell us that the economy has been strengthening since 2010--after President acted to save us from another Great Depression and when some Members of Congress wouldn't lift a finger to help him. prgtoken During President 's term, even as the economic data showed more and more investment and more growth, the other side talked down the recovery because, even though it was good for America, it didn't help them win elections. As a candidate, this was 's specialty. He was a master of this in September 2016--long into the recovery--when he said: ``This is the weakest so-called recovery since the Great Depression.'' The Great Depression wasn't a recovery; it was the Great Depression. We were coming out of the great recession. prgtoken He even questioned the government's monthly jobs report, at one point calling it ``total fiction.'' ``Nobody has jobs. . . . It is not a real economy. It is a phony set of numbers. They cooked the books,'' he said of the government's report. ``Don't believe those phony numbers when you hear 4.9 percent or 5 percent unemployment. The number's probably 28, 29, as high as 35. In fact, I even heard recently 42 percent.'' He campaigned on that. prgtoken Now that he is President, 's attitude has changed. This month he said that we have the strongest economy in the history of our Nation. It turns out that he loves those jobs reports that he criticized so readily under President : JUST OUT: 3.9% Unemployment. 4% is Broken! In the meantime,
REMEMBERING THOMAS C. MANESS
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I want to recognize and honor the late Dr. Thomas C. Maness, dean of the College of Forestry at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, for his outstanding contributions to forest research and his efforts to grow the wood product industry in my State and nationwide. prgtoken Dr. Maness served as dean of Oregon State University's College of Forestry from 2012 until his death on July 12. He was a visionary leader in my State and was known around the world for his advocacy of science-based management in the stewardship of our lands and resources. Under his guidance, the College of Forestry earned worldwide recognition for its innovative research and is currently the top-ranked program in the United States and second in the world. Dr. Maness's leadership has improved the health of our lands, people, businesses, and ecosystems by bringing credible, relevant, and timely information and science to our public and private forest land managers. prgtoken Prior to arriving at Oregon State University, Dr. Maness worked in both the private and public sectors, logging substantial achievements managing lands in the northwest, honing his scholarship in forest science and engineered timber products in both Europe and Canada, even contributing to the research arm of the U.S. Forest Service here in Washington, DC. He spent a decade in the industry as a research engineer and founded the Canadian National Centre of Excellence in Advancing Wood Processing at the University of British Columbia. Working closely with industry, Dr. Maness advanced research in sawmill optimization and real-time quality control systems and believed deeply that his research efforts should be translated into practical use for professional foresters and manufacturers. prgtoken Dr. Maness built his career on collaboration and believed it was key to effective forest management. He worked tirelessly to bridge the urban-rural divide and bring new economic life to our forest-dependent rural communities by starting what is now a nationwide movement to use mass timber building components such as cross-laminated timber in tall buildings. He called it the Forest to Frame movement. Dr. Maness truly represents what I call the Oregon Way: bringing everyone together, using science, collaboration, and cooperation to foster healthy, working landscapes capable of supporting local economies and our strong stewardship values. prgtoken Healthy forests, people, businesses, and ecosystems are the heart of the Pacific Northwest, and Oregonians feel a strong connection to these values. Dr. Maness sought balance between these ideals and provided not only Oregonians, but the Nation, with sound guidance on all matters related to one of our greatest natural resources. Dr. prgtoken Maness will be remembered for his tremendous contributions to forest management and science.