mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
KAZAKHSTAN'S ROLE IN GLOBAL AND REGIONAL SECURITY
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-1-11

I rise today to recognize the important role Kazakhstan plays in ensuring regional and global security. Since declaring its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has shown its leadership in nuclear disarmament by working with the United States to eliminate regional nuclear weapons stockpiles. From the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site in 1991 to the opening of Kazakhstan's Nuclear Security Training Center in 2017, the country has demonstrated its leadership in strengthening international security through promoting non-proliferation in the region. Kazakhstan's commitment to nuclear security extends past non- proliferation, as the country also promotes safe nuclear power to support the needs of the international community. The U.S. recently supported Kazakhstan's offer to host the world's first low-enriched uranium bank, which will help to guarantee that all nations have an energy source for peaceful civilian nuclear power. Affordable energy is a prerequisite for modernization in Central Asia, and future access prgtoken to safe energy sources will help promote stability, development, and prosperity in the region. Kazakhstan has also been a strong U.S. partner in our efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region--particularly in Afghanistan. Under the leadership of President Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has continued to provide indispensable aid to U.S. troops in Afghanistan. They have not only helped assist the Afghan National Security Forces to promote security and stability, but have also contributed to the Northern Distribution Network. I look forward to President Nazarbayev's visit to the United States and a healthy exchange of ideas about how our government can work with Kazakhstan in promoting human rights and the rule of law. At a time when the world is increasingly unstable due to the rise of non-state actors and conflicts across the Middle East, Kazakhstan has proven itself as a reliable U.S. partner in the region--one we can count on to advance our shared goals. As Kazakhstan serves on the United Nations Security Council, it is my belief that there is a bright future ahead for our collaboration in advancing peace and security.
RECOGNIZING DR. DAVID ARBUTINA FOR HIS SERVICE TO TYRONE REGIONAL HEALTH NETWORK AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGION
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-1-11

I rise today to recognize David Arbutina, MD, FACS, Founder and Medical Director of Tyrone Regional Health Network's Breast Cancer & Women's Health Institute. prgtoken Dr. Arbutina is a board certified general surgeon with a focused area of expertise in breast cancer surgery. He is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and a retired Colonel of the United States Air Force. prgtoken During his military career, Dr. Arbutina served at United States Air Force bases in Japan and California. He served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Hospital Services in Japan at Misawa Air Base. He also served as the Commander of the second largest department of surgery in the Air Force at Travis Air Force Base. prgtoken Dr. Arbutina is a nationally recognized educator and leader in surgery. Since 1988, he has dedicated his career to the treatment of breast cancer and has personally treated over 1,000 breast cancer patients. prgtoken As Medical Director of the Breast Cancer & Women's Health Institute, he has provided educational programs in the community and authored articles on breast health and breast cancer topics to educate community members and raise breast health awareness. prgtoken Dr. Arbutina is recognized for his unwavering commitment to educate women on breast health issues and provide guidance to empower them with the knowledge they need to make the right decision regarding their care.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-1-11

this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA), located in Dillon, MT. The MYCA is sponsored by the Montana National Guard and the State of Montana and assists at-risk youth in our state to develop the skills necessary to become productive citizens. This academy focuses on the physical, emotional and educational prgtoken needs of the youth using a quasi-military style technique of discipline and motivation. To date, they have graduated over two thousand students. prgtoken I would like to thank six of the original staff who began work at MYCA when it opened in 1999 and who are still employed there today. Director Jan Rouse, Deputy Director Trent Gibson, Lead Teacher Carolyn Bielser, Lead Counselor Ben Stewart, Counselor Tammy Pittman and Cadre Team Leader Cheryl Miskowic have spent years working to help Montana's at-risk youth and their work has touched the lives of many. Along with the other staff at MYCA, they have helped students become contributing members of our Montana communities. Thank you to all those working hard at the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Beaverhead County.
RAPID DNA ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-1-11

30 seconds. prgtoken , let me pose a hypothetical about the Amash amendment. In the criminal world, if an FBI agent is told through a tip that someone has just purchased unusual amounts of fertilizer that could be used to make a bomb, the Amash amendment would prevent that FBI agent from looking at the FBI's databases to determine if the suspicious individual's email address or other identifier--not the content of the email, just the email address or identifier--is located in the 702 database. prgtoken What would the American people say if we hamper our law enforcement from protecting them? What would people of this country say if we had another Murrah Building blow up and the FBI couldn't look at even an email address? prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BLUE CAMPAIGN AUTHORIZATION ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-11

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4708) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
RAPID DNA ACT OF 2017
Tom Marino (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-1-11

1\1/2\ minutes to make a statement. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 139, the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act. As a former United States attorney, I know firsthand the enormous value that programs like section 702 provide in protecting our country. prgtoken The worst threats have been thwarted due to our intelligence and law enforcement communities having tools like section 702. Chairman Goodlatte, along with the members of the Judiciary Committee, worked diligently on legislation to implement meaningful reforms while ensuring the law enforcement and Intelligence Committee still had the necessary tools available. This bill includes many other reforms from the USA Liberty Act, enhances section 702 protections, and maintains law enforcement abilities. prgtoken , I would ask all Members to join me in voting ``yes'' on this legislation to implement real reforms, while ensuring that we still provide the tools necessary to keep American citizens safe. prgtoken In conclusion, as a U.S. attorney, I have used this section. My office used this section. We followed the law to the letter. There were no complaints, and I want the American people to realize something: we in law enforcement, law enforcement throughout the U.S we have to be right and on spot every second of every day. It only takes a terrorist a moment to get lucky and set off a bomb killing Americans. prgtoken , .
THANKING CHRISTIAN MORGAN FOR HIS SERVICE TO MISSOURI'S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-1-11

today I include in the Record a tribute that means a great deal to me, my family, and my staff. Tomorrow we bid farewell to my Chief of Staff of five years, Christian Morgan. prgtoken Every day, Christian has exemplified the conservative principles for which my office fights. His love for his family, faith in Jesus Christ, and undying belief in what our country stands for have led my office from the day I was sworn in, and his presence will be felt prgtoken long after his departure. Christian led by example; he was always the last to leave the office and the first to arrive. He guided, motivated, and empowered my staff and myself through fiscal cliffs, our historic fight against human trafficking, and countless pieces of legislation that improved our community in St. Louis. prgtoken I owe Christian a great debt of gratitude that I will never be able to fully repay, and today we bid him, the man who steered the ship, a fond farewell. It is a sendoff to a person who always kept a level head, was slow to anger, and quick to listen and lead with a spirit of humility. Christian truly embodies our guiding mission to serve a cause greater than oneself and be a voice for the most vulnerable. We wish him the very best moving forward, and we are grateful for Christian Morgan's service and sacrifice to our office, the Second District of Missouri, and our Great Nation. prgtoken May he always remember these words in Romans 5: 4-5, ``Endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.''
Special Counsel Mueller, Department of Justice, and FBI (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-11

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander), the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham), the Senator from Nevada (Mr. Heller), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. McCain), and the Senator from Georgia (Mr. Perdue). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Alexander) would have voted ``yea.''
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-11

as a judge in Texas, I saw it all: rape, robbery, murder, kidnapping, child abuse. Now, in Congress, we are learning about the horrors of human trafficking, sex slavery. prgtoken Many groundbreaking laws have been passed to increase resources for victims and crack down on traffickers and buyers, but like all criminal enterprises, traffickers constantly stay ahead of the law. prgtoken Fortunately for victims, there is an army of individuals, NGOs, religious and other advocacy groups fighting on behalf of victims. The people serving in these organizations are New Friends New Life, RAIN, Polaris, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope, Coalition Against Trafficking, and Demand Abolition, just to name a few. They have all dedicated their lives to serve and save victims of trafficking on the front lines. prgtoken On this National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, I want to thank all those warriors--the victims' posse, as I call them--battling the injustice of human slavery. We will not give up this fight until this scourge has been eradicated. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
TRIBUTE TO DR. HOWARD WILLSON
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-1-11

I am honored to recognize my friend, Dr. Howard Willson, as Wyoming's 2018 Physician of the Year. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Willson tirelessly worked to improve healthcare in Wyoming. His contributions in medical education, quality improvement, and public health touched countless patients in our State. Outside of medicine, Dr. Willson served Wyoming as member of the University of Wyoming's board of trustees and as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. prgtoken In addition to his many professional accomplishments, folks in Basin and Thermopolis simply know Howard as their family doctor. Multiple generations of patients benefited from Howard's caring and compassionate approach to medicine. From Dr. Willson's perspective, being entrusted to care for his neighbors was the highest compliment he could receive. prgtoken While Howard Willson made his greatest impact in Wyoming, he was born in the small town of Spring Lake, FL. After completing his undergraduate degree from Florida State University, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Howard then attended medical school at the University of Florida and graduated in 1965. After graduation from medical school, he completed his internship at the U.S. Air Force Hospital at Andrews Air Force Base. In total, Dr. Willson served in the Air Force for 10 years, eventually rising to the rank of captain. prgtoken Over the next several years, Dr. Willson practiced medicine in Florida, where he served as an active member of the medical community. Then in 1976, he decided to make the move to Wyoming, a decision that has benefited the people of our State ever since. Howard began his practice in the town of Basin and eventually moved to Thermopolis. Once he arrived in Wyoming, Howard not only became a valued doctor, but also an energetic member of the community. prgtoken He quickly became active in his county's medical society and in the Wyoming Medical Society, eventually becoming president of the Wyoming Medical Society in 1986. In addition, he was an active leader of the medical staff of two different Wyoming hospitals, South Big Horn County Hospital and Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. prgtoken In addition to his active medical practice, Dr. Willson was passionate about training the next generation of Wyoming healthcare providers. In particular, Howard wanted to introduce medical students to the joys and rewards of working in rural communities. This is why he was an active preceptor in the Wyoming Family Practice program for over 20 years. prgtoken To this day, medical students in Wyoming are benefiting from Dr. Willson's passion for medical education. This is because he was vital in bringing the WWAMI medical education program to Wyoming. Folks in Wyoming are now very familiar with this program, which allows students from Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho to attend medical school at the University of Washi
RAPID DNA ACT OF 2017
F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-1-11

when James Madison wrote the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, one of his overriding concerns was to prevent any branch of the three in government from becoming too powerful. That is why he put the checks and balances in the Constitution, so that the other branches could oversee and make sure that a branch that was trying to push the edge of the envelope would not be able to succeed in that. prgtoken The warrant amendment that has been talked about quite a bit today during the debate really is not effective. It is nothing at all. It ends up putting James Madison's legacy into the trash bin of history, and it does not deserve to go there. prgtoken Yesterday, The Washington Post reported that FBI officials told aides of Mr. Nadler that, under the proposed bill--meaning the underlying bill--they anticipate rarely, if ever, needing permission from the FISC to review query results. So this warrant requirement of the supporters of the bill and the opponents of the amendment basically doesn't mean anything at all because the FBI told Mr. Nadler's aides that that was the case. prgtoken Now, we have a debate here today on whether to put the F back into the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The F means ``foreign.'' That is why prgtoken the amendment should be adopted, or, if it fails, then the underlying bill should be defeated. prgtoken This is a time to stand up for the oath of office that every one of us took a year ago to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The only way we can do that today is by supporting the Amash amendment and defeating the underlying bill.
TRIBUTE TO EARL BUSH
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-1-11

today I wish to recognize Earl , the judge-executive in Bracken County, KY, who will retire at the end of his current term. In my home State, a judge-executive is the highest elected county official, and since 2011, Earl has earned a reputation for accomplishment on behalf of the people of Bracken County. prgtoken After graduating from Western Kentucky University, Earl served our Nation in the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of captain. For the next three decades, Earl worked at Dayton Power and Light in various construction management positions. prgtoken In 2010, Earl decided to put his efforts to work for his neighbors because, like so many of us in public life, he wanted to make a difference. Along with his team, Earl has spent his time in office working to help the men and women of Bracken County. As a former county judge-executive myself, I know firsthand about Earl's wide-ranging responsibilities. Looking at his results, Earl seems to have found success. prgtoken In addition to equipment upgrades and road improvements, Earl has also championed the addition of recreational trails and a fishing lake at a local industrial park. Working with other officials, Earl also lowered taxes and helped the county's largest employer bring new jobs to Bracken County. By nearly any standard, that is an impressive record of accomplishment for a public official. prgtoken I have enjoyed every opportunity I have had to work with Earl. Throughout his time in office, he has been a strong partner as we serve the people of Kentucky. In retirement, Earl looks forward to spending more time with his wife and grandchildren. He also plans to work with his brother to restore classic cars. Along with many in Bracken County, I wish him a relaxing next chapter, and I am confident that my Senate colleagues will join me.
80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHAWNEE PEAK SKI AREA
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-1-11

today I wish to recognize the 80th anniversary of the Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton, ME. Shawnee Peak is the oldest continually operated major ski facility in Maine and possesses natural beauty, which combines with the love of the outdoors and the strong sense of community of the region's residents. prgtoken Originally called Pleasant Mountain Ski Area, the facility opened with a rope tow on January 23, 1938. That day of celebration was preceded by many years of hard work by Bridgton's Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce, Bridgton Academy, the Pleasant Mountain Ski Club, and the local Civilian Conservation Corps to plan, raise money, and clear trails. With Maine's Western Mountains providing spectacular views of the Lakes Region and Mount Washington, Pleasant Mountain soon began attracting skiers from throughout New England. prgtoken Renamed Shawnee Peak in 1988, the ski area has long been a place of innovation, including the site of Maine's first T-bar and chairlift. Shawnee Peak pioneered night skiing and in the 1970s helped to lead the acrobatic freestyle skiing movement that is now a favorite event in the Winter Olympics. Shawnee Peak also is a leader in offering youth programs in skiing and snowboarding to encourage children to stay active and to challenge themselves. prgtoken In 1994, Shawnee Peak was purchased by business leader and entrepreneur Chet Homer and his family. Echoing the conservation ethic that defines our State, Mr. Homer has stated he does not think of himself as owning the mountain, but rather of being its steward. prgtoken For 80 years, Shawnee Peak Ski Area has strengthened Maine's skiing industry, spurred economic development in a rural region, and brought families and friends together in wholesome recreation. It is a pleasure to congratulate Chet Homer and his team for the accomplishments of this Maine family business and to wish them continued success in the years to come.
RAPID DNA ACT OF 2017
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-1-11

earlier this month, I announced that my current term of service would be my last. Since then, many of my colleagues have asked how I feel with my Senate tenure drawing to a close. I think many expect me to say that I feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and relief. Hardly. If anything, the decision to retire has imbued me with a sense of urgency that I have never felt before. prgtoken With a year left in office, I have an agenda that is as ambitious as ever, prgtoken and the ticking shot clock is a constant reminder of just how much I have left to accomplish. Just 168 legislative days remain in my Senate term, and I can assure you that those 168 days will be among the proudest and the most productive periods in all my public service. prgtoken Anyone who thought Orrin Hatch would coast quietly into his golden years clearly doesn't know me. The stars have aligned for this year to be one of my most successful yet. So don't expect me to go gentle into that good night. Expect me to be right here on the Senate floor, early and often, pushing the most critical reforms of this Congress. Expect me to take the lead on a Finance Committee agenda that will equal in ambition our accomplishments of 2017. Expect me to be the same steady presence in this body that I have been for the last 41 years. prgtoken Above all, expect a flurry of legislative activity from my office. I have a dedicated staff. They are determined to drive this old workhorse into the ground. And I have arguably the best working relationship with this President of anyone on Capitol Hill. Add to this the advantages that accrue from a lifetime of legislative experience and bipartisan dealmaking. prgtoken The point I wish to make is simple: In legislative terms, my final year could well be the most fruitful yet, and I hope it will be. prgtoken In the months ahead, I am eager to capitalize on our tax reform victory by putting the Nation back on the path to fiscal sustainability, finding a way forward on immigration, and securing long-term funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program--a program that I helped put into law and have been very pleased with over the years. I also intend to update our intellectual property laws for the 21st century, enact key fixes to our higher education system, and fill our courts with as many qualified judges as possible. Likewise, I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to improve the competitiveness of our workforce, strengthen digital privacy, and blaze new trails on medical marijuana research. prgtoken But this brief overview doesn't cover even half of my agenda for 2018, nor does it include some of the legislative surprises I plan for later this year. The virtue of being a seven-term Senator with a reservoir of good will is that you have a little bit of latitude in your final year. That is why my plan is to go big and to go bold, because unless you are Michael Jordan, you retire