mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. WECKSTEIN'S 3RD GRADE CLASS
David A. Trott (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-5-4

I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Weckstein's 3rd grade class at Hickory Woods Elementary in Novi, Michigan. prgtoken I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Weckstein's. prgtoken In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program. prgtoken Brimming with talent, Mrs. Weckstein's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a- kind program. prgtoken Let me tell you, , Mrs. Weckstein's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way. prgtoken It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent. prgtoken Congratulations to Mrs. Weckstein and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.
HIRE VETS ACT
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-5-4

I will speak in a few minutes about the business before the Senate today, but first I wish to speak about what is happening at the White House today. prgtoken President is expected to sign an Executive order to protect religious freedom. Many times during the last year, the President has talked about his commitment and our commitment as a nation to religious freedom, but I expect that today he will lay down, specifically, by Executive order the policy of this administration to protect and to vigorously promote religious liberty--not to vigorously promote religion but to vigorously promote religious liberty. prgtoken Reports are that the President will tell the IRS that we can't challenge churches and what they say, as well as challenge their not- for-profit status, simply because of what that pastor or that rabbi or that imam believes in the place where they deliver their message and how they live out their faith. It also tells Federal agencies to stop forcing religious organizations to pay fines if they don't want to cover certain healthcare items that conflict with their faith views. prgtoken In fact, just this week, Senator Strange and I sent a letter to the Attorney General after we saw that in the Fifth Circuit the Attorney General's office had said that they want 60 more days for all of these pending cases on this very matter. In the letter that Senator Strange and I sent to our former colleague, the Attorney General, we just pointed out to him that the President repeatedly said, as a candidate for President, that this sort of prgtoken continued action of taking religious organizations to court that simply want the ability to practice their faith is going to stop, and we hope it stops and we hope it stops now. prgtoken Lastly, I think this order has the potential to be either more specific or to really instruct the Attorney General to look throughout the agencies of government and issue guidance, so that in all of those agencies, as they go about the work that they do, one of the things they want to be sure they are doing is promoting religious liberty; so that religious organizations that have traditionally or are hoping in the future to be delivery services for adoption, delivery services for addiction, delivery services for other problems that people face, would continue to have the ability to be competing to provide those services. prgtoken We know this hasn't happened over the last several months. Religious groups that have had contracts for a long time and the availability to provide those services, even when they scored the highest on the scoring of the competitive bids for these contracts, were not given the contracts because they were faith-based. prgtoken Well, if there is any country in the world that has understood the importance of religious liberty, it has been the United States. Religious freedom is the first freedom in the First Amendment to the Constitution, the first r
HIRE VETS ACT--Continued
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-4

if I may speak on the bill before the Senate, yesterday the House of Representatives passed the Omnibus appropriations bill. Of course, this is the legislation that keeps the Congress and the government up and running through the end of the fiscal year, the end of September. It actually represents the first demonstration of s and in both Houses of Congress working with the White House in order to pass an important piece of legislation and keep the government up and running through the end of the fiscal year. prgtoken Over the last few weeks, we have had many productive conversations and debates about how best to establish our priorities, how much we should spend--particularly my concern about underfunding our military and our national security funding but also to update our priorities because that is one of the things that happens in an appropriations bill. When programs are obsolete or ineffective, there is no way to eliminate them while operating under a continuing resolution. It takes a positive piece of legislation like an appropriations bill--like this appropriations bill--to eliminate those obsolete or no longer effective programs. prgtoken I am hopeful that once we pass this bill and after the President signs it, we will continue to plot a course toward a long-term strategic budget that reflects the priorities of the American people. I firmly believe we were elected to govern, not to shut down the government. In my view, that is an abdication of our responsibilities. I hope we will continue to follow on now after we have been able to accomplish this bipartisan, bicameral negotiation with the White House, and we will continue to govern and to demonstrate our sense of responsibility to the American people for doing just that. prgtoken This omnibus package includes a good blueprint for how we can order our priorities and take care of our country. prgtoken Yesterday I mentioned the increases in resources to better shore up border security. This is the largest increase in border security funding in 10 years. That is a significant accomplishment. This funding will help the Department of Homeland Security hire more Border Patrol agents and Customs officials to improve the infrastructure at our ports of entry and checkpoints and hire more immigration judges to process more immigration cases. prgtoken It also creates funding for our troops fighting abroad and for our military in general and includes a pay raise for our men and women in the military, which is very important as well, particularly in an All- Volunteer military and one that has been stressed by 15 years of continuous conflict around the world. prgtoken This bill also takes a more strategic look at the threats we are facing, including resources to shore up technology and equipment that will help our military stay No. 1. After years of putting military improvements and readiness on the back burner, actually cutting d
HIRE VETS ACT--Continued
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-5-4

section 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, BBEDCA, establishes statutory limits on discretionary spending and allows for various adjustments to those limits, while sections 302 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 allow the chairman of the Budget Committee to establish and make revisions to allocations, aggregates, and levels consistent with those adjustments. The Senate is considering H.R. 244, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017. This measure provides full-year appropriations for Federal Government agencies and contains spending that qualifies for cap adjustments under current statute. prgtoken This measure includes $93,470 million in budget authority that is designated as being for overseas contingency operations/global war on terrorism pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of BBEDCA. Of that amount, $76,985 million is for spending in the security category, and $16,485 million is for nonsecurity spending. CBO estimates that this budget authority will result in $41,444 million in outlays in fiscal year 2017. prgtoken Division F includes $6,713 million in nonsecurity discretionary budget authority that is designated as being for disaster relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of BBEDCA. This designation makes the spending associated with this provision and its associated outlays of $336 million eligible for an adjustment. prgtoken This legislation includes language that increases nonsecurity discretionary budget authority by $1,444 million this year and designates it as emergency funding pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of BBEDCA. CBO estimates this budget authority will result in $497 million in outlays in fiscal year 2017. prgtoken Finally, division H provides $1,960 in nonsecurity discretionary budget authority for program integrity efforts. This funding is designated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(C) and section 251(b)(2)(B) of BBEDCA. CBO estimates that this budget authority will result in $1,635 million in outlays this year. prgtoken As a result of the aforementioned designations, I am revising the budget authority and outlay allocations to the Committee on Appropriations by increasing revised security budget authority by $76,985 million, revised nonsecurity budget authority by $26,602 million, and increasing outlays by $43,912 million in fiscal year 2017. Further, I am increasing the budgetary aggregate for fiscal year 2017 by $103,161 million in budget authority and outlays by $43,541 million. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the accompanying tables, which provide details about the adjustment, be printed in the Record.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-5-4

tomorrow, May 5, Hanna should have been 25 years old. Instead of celebrating a birthday, we will be celebrating her memory. Hanna was a 21-year-old member of the Cheyenne Tribe. She lived in Lame Deer, MT, with her 10-month-old son. The last time she was seen alive was the Fourth of July of 2013. After that, she went missing, and 5 days later, her body was found. Hanna was found to have been raped and murdered. prgtoken For too long, the stories of missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Native women have gone unheard. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide was the third leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native women between the ages of 10 and 24 years and the fifth leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native women between 25 and 34 years of age. prgtoken According to a study commissioned by the Department of Justice, American Indian women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average. Let me repeat that. American Indian women face murder rates 10 times the national average. If this were the case in any other community outside of Native communities, there would be public outcry, but there hasn't been until now. In fact, yesterday the Senate approved my resolution to designate May 5, Hanna 's birthday, as a day of remembrance. It will be a day to join together to commemorate the lives of those we lost tragically, like Hanna. It is a day to validate the pain Tribal communities have felt and feel every day. It will mark a national day of awareness for Native women and girls who have gone missing or have been murdered. prgtoken I was joined by 12 of my colleagues in passing this resolution to declare that the tragic loss of Native women and girls is not just an issue, it is an epidemic, and I thank them for their support. prgtoken Tomorrow, on Hanna's birthday, I will walk with Melinda Limberhand , Hanna's mother, and with Tribal leadership, as well as members in Lame Deer, MT, who have also lost a mother, a daughter, a sister, or a friend. On May 5, we will remember RoyLynn Rides Horse, we will remember Kenzley Olson, and we will remember the thousands of other American Indian and Alaska Native women who have been killed or have disappeared without a trace. And we will remember Hanna on her birthday tomorrow as we walk together in Lame Deer, MT. prgtoken , . prgtoken .
HIRE VETS ACT--Continued
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-5-4

. Today, , I rise to speak from the floor of this proud Chamber for the first time. My message today is, at once, a warning and an invitation. prgtoken Dear colleagues, as our Senate increasingly grows more partisan, we move further and further away from the practical governance our Founding Fathers espoused, and so today I would like to talk about the principle of the common good in the hopes that this body might be reminded that is our unifying purpose for serving. prgtoken Two Hoosiers exemplify the principle of working for the common good that I believe our Founding Fathers envisioned. prgtoken Governor Ed Whitcomb was the 43rd Governor of Indiana. A hero from World War II, he twice escaped capture from the Japanese, making it to safety by swimming through shark-infested waters all night to get to safety. Whitcomb pursued the common good in the midst of a rift in his own Party. He successfully led Indiana in improving our State's highways, mental health services, and creating our State's Higher Education Commission. He bucked his own party's interests frequently to do what he thought was right for Hoosiers. Governor Whitcomb has been described as Indiana's most amazing Governor. He passed away this past year and in tribute s and alike acknowledged that he served all Hoosiers well. prgtoken Coach John Wooden was born and raised in Indiana, and he learned to coach basketball there before heading to UCLA where he became one of the most successful college basketball coaches of all time. Wooden understood the importance of working together as a team, that working together as a team was better than working as individuals. Wooden acknowledged this principle in saying, ``Ten field horses couldn't pull an empty baby carriage if they worked independently of one another.'' He also said, ``If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, you need a team.'' prgtoken These two Hoosiers remind us that we are here not to work for ourselves or our parties, but the interest of all Americans for the common good of the American people. prgtoken Can we perpetuate our Founders' brilliant system to safeguard our liberties by vesting power in the American people themselves? prgtoken Our charge is simple, but it will not be easy: for our republican system to endure, we must breathe life back into the notion of the ``common good'' through the relentless application of common sense. prgtoken Now, I don't profess that Hoosiers have a monopoly on the common good, but rather than allowing ideological labels to guide policymaking decisions, we should instead be guided by what we in Indiana call Hoosier common sense. It is the notion that we should be guided by the facts, and that we are open to change or new ideas, regardless of ideology, when presented with results. prgtoken The common good--I happen to know from personal experience that any young boy or girl who grows up in Indiana alre
ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017, AND MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-4

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until Friday, May 5, at 12 noon, for a pro forma session only, with no business being conducted. I further ask that when the Senate adjourns on Friday, May 5, it next convene at 2 p.m Monday, May 8; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume executive session as under the previous order.
RECOGNIZING RED RIVER BREWING COMPANY
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-5-4

as a member of the Small Business Committee, it is my pleasure to recognize Red River Brewing Company from Shreveport, LA, as the Small Business of the Day for National Small Business Week. Small businesses like Red River Brewing Company are the backbone of this country. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. small businesses employed 56.8 million people--or 48 percent of the private workforce in 2013. Louisiana small businesses employed 903,281 people, which made up 53.5 percent of the private workforce. prgtoken Red River Brewing Company, founded by entrepreneurs Jared Beville, Robert McGuire, and Beau Raines, began like many great small businesses do: as a hobby in Jared's garage. The group decided to turn their home brewing hobby into a business in the fall of 2013, becoming the first brewery in Shreveport since Prohibition. Red River is now a thriving small business that employs more than a dozen employees and offers locally brewed craft beer to the people of Shreveport, LA, and beyond. What makes their beer unique is the Louisiana twist they put on their products. The beer is designed to be indicative of the culture and climate of Louisiana. In addition, Red River often names their beers after the cultural and historic aspects of Louisiana. Session 18 IPA, for example, got its name from Louisiana being the 18th State in the United States. prgtoken The fruition of hard work and passion has been the catalyst for many small businesses around the country, including Red River Brewing Company. Those who are able to create successful small businesses create economic stability for their families and their communities, and in doing so, they are carrying out the American dream. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Red River Brewing Company on being recognized during the 2017 National Small Business Week. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to seeing your future success.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT (SSG) TOMMY SEARY LITTLE
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-5-4

today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Tommy Seary Little who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 2, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Little died at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas from injuries sustained on April 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee outside Iskandariyah, Iraq. Sergeant Terrance A. Elizenberry of Clinton, Sergeant Wyman H. Jones of Columbus, Private First Class Stephen B. Brooks of Columbus, and Sergeant First Class Grayson ``Norris'' Galatas of Meridian were also injured in the explosion. prgtoken SSG Little, an Aliceville, Alabama native and the youngest of 11 children, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, Columbus, Mississippi. SSG Little joined the Mississippi Army National Guard after he graduated Aliceville High School. prgtoken According to an Associated Press news article, Major General Harold A. Cross, Adjutant General of the Mississippi Army National Guard, said members of the Guard would mourn the loss of this brave soldier. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour said his family was deeply saddened by another death of a member of the Guard serving in Iraq. prgtoken SSG Little's brother, Jack Little says his brother was liked by all. ``He was easy to get along with,'' Jack said. ``If he could help, Tommy always would. He loved the Army.'' prgtoken SSG Little's sister, Ruth Henderson, said her brother was dedicated to the Army. ``He was a hard worker,'' Ruth said. ``He was also a great father.'' prgtoken SSG Little is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter, Ashley; his mother Lue Della Little; his siblings, Otis Roosevelt Little, Louise Murray, Alfred Little, Eddie Lee Little, Idella Little, Lillie Hutton, Jack Little, Ruth Henderson, Eddie Dean Little, and Bessie Hinton. prgtoken The National Guard Armory in Ackerman, Mississippi was named in honor of SSG Little. His sacrifice will always be remembered.
RECOGNIZING HYDROHOIST
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-5-4

small businesses play an integral role in Oklahoma's economy. They consist of over 52 percent of all employees in Oklahoma. Additionally, within Oklahoma, over 84 percent of all exports come from small businesses. Today I have the distinct honor of recognizing one of the many successful small businesses in my home State of Oklahoma for National Small Business Week. While there are many businesses worthy of recognition, I am particularly proud of HydroHoist. prgtoken For over 53 years, HydroHoist has been not only a leader but an originator and industry innovator of the market for boat lifts, personal watercraft--PWC--ports, and boat protection packages. Their products range from 900-pound drive-on docking platforms for PWCs, to lifts with the holding capacity for 130,000 pound watercraft. HydroHoist launched half a century ago by an Oklahoma marina owner in Grand Lake, OK. By 1971, the company moved into an old World War II munitions plant in Claremore, OK, where it is still located today. HydroHoist's technology revolutionized the boating industry, and remarkably, some of these original hoists are still in use today. HydroHoist has expanded far beyond America's borders to international waters, too. prgtoken I want to congratulate and thank president and CEO Mick Webber of HydroHoist for his outstanding and devoted work in creating a shining business model with over 4 distribution warehouses and over 600 dealers throughout the world. Mr. Webber's dedication to making these products in America should not only make Oklahomans proud, but all Americans. HydroHoist's success should be an example for all businesses, and I am proud to recognize their hard work and dedication.