mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Stefanie Mohler (Executive Calendar)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-17

I thank the distinguished Senator from Oregon, Senator Merkley, for allowing me a few extra minutes of his time ahead of his speech. I appreciate his courtesy, and I will pay him back. prgtoken Ironically, I am thanking him for giving me time to make a speech I have never wanted to make. In fact, I have three times canceled the time I had asked for to make this speech in the last month because when it came time to make it and I opened those doors to come down here, I couldn't quite do it. I couldn't quite do it because, every once in a while, something happens in your career with a loved one or friend or cohort who is so close to you and so meaningful to you that to talk about it is an emotional thing to do. prgtoken Such is the occasion tonight for me to pay tribute to Stefanie Mohler, who is my scheduler and has been for years. She came to work for me when I was a Member of the Senate. She has worked for me time and again in the U.S. Senate, except for the one time she left me to go work for --and I understand that. That was a higher pay grade than mine. prgtoken Stefanie was a young lady working for a Congressman from her hometown in Florida when I came to Washington. She wasn't married. She had a wonderful family and lived at home with her folks. She applied for a job as a scheduler for me and came to work for us. prgtoken I ran a pretty large company. I had about 1,000 independent contractors and 250 employees. I know a good worker when I see one. Stefanie was the best. But she had that quality beyond just being the best. She cared about every single thing she did and every single person whom she helped and every single person whom she couldn't help. She grew in the job, and she made me a better Congressman and, later, a better Senator. prgtoken She came to me about 18 months ago and said: I have some news for you. I am pregnant. I am pregnant with identical twins. prgtoken I was so excited for her and her husband because she wanted more than anything else in the world to have a family. My wife and I had a party for her at Christmas in December, and the two babies came in the early part of this year. They are beautiful. She is a wonderful mother. But she has stayed, and she has worked. Her mom has come in and helped her do the chores at home as she continued to fulfill her commitment to me. I thank her so much on the floor of the Senate today for that. prgtoken She is married to a great guy named Chase Mohler. Let me tell you a little bit about Chase. prgtoken All of us at one time or another in our lives have fallen in love. You know what it feels like to fall in love. You also know what it looks like to see somebody who is in love. You can't describe it, but there is a glow. It is just something that is there. prgtoken I was in Jacksonville, FL, with Saxby Chambliss, waiting to come back to Washington when Stefanie was prgtoken coming back from taking Chase to meet her family in Flor
Nomination of Patrick Shanahan (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-7-17

I rise today in support of the nomination of Mr. Patrick Shanahan to be Deputy Secretary of Defense. prgtoken The Department of Defense is going through historic changes in its organizational structure. These much needed changes are thanks to the chairman of the Armed Services Committee and his unwavering commitment to strengthening our Nation's security and ensuring that American taxpayers get the best return on their investment. We should all applaud the chairman for his efforts. prgtoken But even as we make these reforms, we should also heed the lessons of the past. History shows us that the Department of Defense runs best under a Secretary who is a strong policy leader and a Deputy Secretary who is a dynamic business manager. The most obvious example of this preferred structure was when David Packard, the former CEO of the Hewlett-Packard corporation, was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Defense. Thanks to Deputy Secretary Packard's considerable business acumen, his term in office is still regarded as the model of effective management at the Department of Defense. prgtoken That leads us to today and our once-in-a-generation opportunity to replicate this efficiency and success at the Department of Defense. The pieces are now in place. Chairman McCain has provided the statutory catalyst, and I am sorry he has had some difficulty healthwise over the last few days. We can't wait to get him back. Secretary Mattis is a brilliant thinker and a master strategist who is providing the critical leadership we need during this period of uncertainty, and today he is seeking to replicate the Packard model by choosing as his Deputy a man of proven business and management skill. prgtoken I understand that things could have gone a bit better during Mr. Shanahan's confirmation hearing, but I believe we all should remember that Mr. Shanahan has not been nominated for a position in public affairs--far from it. He has been nominated to be a strong manager who can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department of Defense. In this role, I believe Mr. Shanahan will excel. I think everybody who knows him believes that. prgtoken Currently, Mr. Shanahan is a senior vice president at the Boeing corporation, where he has been responsible for designing and producing some of the world's most complex machines. For example, when the Boeing Company's latest aircraft, the 787, was experiencing developmental difficulties, Mr. Shanahan was one of the key leaders tasked to solve these issues, earning himself the nickname ``Mr. Fix-it.'' prgtoken As further evidence of his leadership, I was particularly impressed with one of Mr. Shanahan's written answers to the Armed Services Committee's questions. He wrote: In my three decades of experience, I have developed and practiced a formula to create change at scale in large, complex organizations. I believe leadership is essential to changing the stat
SERGEANT JOSEPH GEORGE KUSICK VA COMMUNITY LIVING CENTER
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 2210, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Butler Township, Pennsylvania, as the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center. prgtoken Sergeant Kusick, a native of Bruin, Pennsylvania, served in the United States Special Forces during the Vietnam war. During a combat mission, deep in hostile territory, on November 8, 1967, Sergeant Kusick was seriously wounded during an ambush by enemy forces. prgtoken Wounded, yet refusing aid and initial evacuation, he remained in the midst of battle to help secure emergency extraction for his fellow soldiers. The helicopter that Sergeant Kusick finally boarded was shot down by Viet Cong fire and Sergeant Kusick's life was lost. He was just 22 years old. prgtoken Sergeant Kusick was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for `` . . . gallantry in action, at the cost of his life . . . in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.'' prgtoken It is only fitting and appropriate that we honor Sergeant Kusick's service and sacrifice by naming the VA Butler Healthcare's Community Living Center after him. prgtoken H.R. 2210 is sponsored by Congressman Mike Kelly, from Pennsylvania, and I am grateful to him for introducing it and allowing us to honor and forever remember this great American hero. This legislation satisfies all of the committee's naming criteria and, as such, is supported by the entire Pennsylvania congressional delegation, as well as by many veterans service organizations. prgtoken Once again, I thank Congressman Kelly for sponsoring this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it. prgtoken , .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-7-17

I am pleased to commend Emmett Chassaniol, Jr and the Chassaniol family of Greenwood, MS, for 100 years of service and contributions to the U.S. cotton industry. prgtoken Mr. Chassaniol and his family are the subject of a profile published recently by the Delta Business Journal. The profile not only reviews a century of influence by an agricultural family in the Mississippi Delta but also the changes in the cotton industry over the decades. Mississippi remains one of the leading cotton-producing States in the country. Farmers in my State produced more than 1 million bales of cotton in 2016. prgtoken Since its founding in 1917, the Chassaniol and Company has helped producers move cotton from the farm to the marketplace. Three generations of the Chassaniol family have engaged in the business of buying, shipping, or selling cotton. I am pleased to recognize their continuous role in meeting the needs of cotton farmers in this important and challenging industry. prgtoken Today Emmett Chassaniol, Jr continues the family cotton business established by his grandfather. Since 1996, he has expanded Chassaniol and prgtoken Company's reach, selling cotton for producers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and areas of the State beyond the Mississippi Delta. Emmett, Jr like his grandfather, father, and other family members, has served in leadership positions that have helped to maintain cotton as an important commodity crop in my State. prgtoken I am pleased to join cotton producers throughout my State in commending Emmett Chassaniol, Jr and the Chassaniol family for 100 years of business in the cotton industry. prgtoken I ask that the June 15, 2017, article from the Delta Business Journal magazine, titled ``A Century of the Cotton Business--The Chassaniol Family,'' be printed in the Record. prgtoken The material follows: [From the Delta Business Journal, June 15, 2017] A Century of the Cotton Business--The Chassaniol Family (By Mark H. Stowers) Cotton has been king in Mississippi since the early 1800s but has seen its reign diminish since the late 1980s. The majestic crop has seen a rise in its ranks with an increase in acres planted the past decade. For the past century, the Chassaniol family of Greenwood has been part of the cotton kingdom and its rise and fall and rise again. Emmett Chassaniol Jr still works in the family cotton business his grandfather started in the early 1900s. He explained the family history in the cotton business by gathering correspondence from his grandfather, family input and his own recollection. In 1917, the Chassaniol and Company cotton business opened its doors in the Cotton Capital city when the transplanted cotton shipper Herbert Spencer (H.S.) ``Pop'' Chassaniol decided to stay in his adopted home town. His original office was on 117 Front street
CONGRATULATING JAMES HAUTMAN
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-7-17

I rise today to congratulate James Hautman of Chaska, Minnesota, who recently won the Federal Duck Stamp Contest for the fifth time. This year, James' design depicts three geese flying at sunset. prgtoken Since 1934, sales of the Federal Duck Stamp have raised more than $950 million for the conservation of wetlands and national wildlife refuges all over our country. The money raised helps to preserve the habitat of hundreds of species, as well as provide clean water for many communities throughout the Nation. prgtoken Last fall, a panel of five judges selected James' submission out of 152 total entries, marking the fifth time that he has won the competition. Only two other artists, , have ever won the Federal Duck Stamp Contest five times, including James' own brother Joseph. prgtoken , I once again extend my sincere congratulations to James Hautman. Minnesotans are proud to see such a gifted artist from our home State get recognized and use his talents for such a great cause. We wish him the best in his future.
IN HONOR OF MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT D. CARLSON
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-17

I rise to recognize Major General Robert D. Carlson, who departed from his role as Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Division, on July 14, 2017. Major General Carlson has dedicated his life to keeping this nation safe, and I am grateful for not only his outstanding service to our great nation, but also to the citizens of Virginia's 10th Congressional District in his capacity as commander of the Transatlantic Division, located in Winchester, Virginia. prgtoken At a young age, Major General Carlson chose to pursue a career of service in defense of the freedoms that we cherish. This led him to attend the United States Military Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in general engineering. Upon graduation, Major General Carlson was commissioned into the Engineer Regiment and later received a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Missouri and a Master of Arts in strategic studies from the United States Army War College (USAWC) at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Throughout his distinguished career, Major General Carlson has served in numerous command and staff positions from company-to division-level units. Before assuming his current position, some of Major General Carlson's assignments include commanding the 372nd Engineer Brigade and the Contingency Response Unit, 416th Theater Engineer Command, and serving as the Chief of Staff, U.S. Agency for International Development. The colossal amount of prestigious awards and decorations that he has attained are illustrative manifestations of his heroic service and devotion to this nation. These honors, among others, include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Department of State Meritorious Honor Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO-SFOR (Balkans) Medal, NATO-ISAF (Afghanistan) Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Engineer Regiment Bronze DeFleury Medal. prgtoken Under his esteemed leadership as commander of the Transatlantic Division, he oversaw both the USACE Contingency Construction Program and the Associated Foreign Military Sales Construction Programs, which provided vital facilities for U.S. Forces and our allies throughout the Middle East. Additionally, Major General Carlson has also been a proponent of increasing awareness of and expanding opportunities for today's youth in the Science, Engineering and Technical career fields and has been involved in STEM-related events, such as National Engineer Week and TAM-sponsored STEM events in the Winchester area. prgtoken , on behalf of the entire 10th District, I would like to express my gratitude to Major General Carlson for his dedicated career of
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-17

I ask unanimous consent that at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 18, there be 15 minutes of postcloture debate, equally divided in the usual form, on the Shanahan nomination; that following the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate vote on the nomination; and that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate immediately resume consideration of the nomination.
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-17

on Thursday, after two additional weeks of consultation and input from Senators, we released an improved version of the bill we call the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which represents our efforts to address the failing status quo of Care. prgtoken We have said all along that even if Hillary Clinton were elected President, we would have to revisit Care because we have seen in a number of States that insurance companies are fleeing, leaving people with few, if any, options. People in the individual and small group market are seeing their premiums skyrocket 105 percent, nationwide, since 2013 alone--a 105-percent increase in premiums. prgtoken For many of these folks, even though they paid the higher additional premium, their deductibles are so high that, effectively, they are being denied the benefit of any insurance whatsoever. I guess, perhaps, it is no surprise that 28 million Americans would simply be willing to pay the fine that goes along with the individual mandate for not buying government-approved health insurance or claim some sort of hardship exemption. prgtoken Care was sold under the premise that, if you like your policy, you can keep your policy, and, if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor and, oh, by the way, your premiums are going to go down $2,500, but what people have experienced has been the opposite of that, with premiums going up on average $3,000. prgtoken We simply believe that we have to act to save the millions of people who are being hurt by the status quo. That would be true whether Hillary Clinton were President or were President. prgtoken Our first goal in the Better Care Reconciliation Act is to stabilize the insurance markets, to make sure that people actually have an insurance company they can buy from. prgtoken Our second goal is to get premiums down. The reasons premiums are not down are mainly twofold. One is that you have younger, healthier people simply forgoing insurance, leaving only sicker, older people in the risk pools. Under adverse selection, that means everybody pays higher premiums when younger, healthier people simply don't purchase the product because they can't be part of that risk pool. The second reason why premiums are so high is the mandates. People are simply being ordered by their own government to buy coverage they don't want or need, which drives up premiums, not to mention the fact that young people are subsidizing older people's health insurance premiums the way that Care was constructed. prgtoken We are going to do everything we can to get the premiums down. The first Congressional Budget Office report said that long term you would see premiums go down by as much as 30 percent by the year 2020, but we want to do even better than that if we can. prgtoken The third thing we said we wanted to do was that we wanted to protect people with preexisting conditions. When prgtoken people are forced to keep
OZONE STANDARDS IMPLEMENTATION ACT OF 2017
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-18

. Mr. Chair, I appreciate my colleague and friend from Texas pointing out that we have counties in San Joaquin Valley that have extreme ozone problems, but to ask to do more with less is not reasonable. It is the DERA grants given to the counties from the EPA's budget that have allowed the agencies to have the 80 percent reduction in air pollution. prgtoken So taking that money away is not going to help. It is going to make matters worse. Our agencies aren't going to be able to do the things that they have been able to do, and they are not going to be able to continue those things. So I think saying that we can't put more money into air pollution reduction is not the answer. We need to be able to spend money to do this. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMAINE DROUHIN WINERY IN OREGON
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-7-18

I rise today to pay tribute to the Drouhin Family, who this month celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Domaine Drouhin Oregon, their esteemed winery in the Willamette Valley's Dundee Hills. The Oregon wine industry, now so acclaimed, was still in nascent form back in 1987 when the Drouhins purchased land in Dayton, Oregon. Their bold leap to Oregon from Burgundy, France, brought great recognition to our region, and international confirmation of our enormous potential. It is rightly considered a historic moment for Oregon wine. In 1989, the Drouhins built their landmark winery, a building that will continue to inspire guests from all over the world while facilitating the production of exceptional wines for decades to come. The Drouhins embraced the character and soul of Oregon. Through hard work, and in collaboration with their fellow Oregon wine producers, the Drouhins have helped Oregon wines take their place on the world stage in the finest restaurants, in the most respected shops, and in the best cellars. Oregon wine country is a destination, and Oregon wines are sought around the world. The Drouhin Family's Oregon adventure vividly shows the cooperation--in knowledge, experience, and passion--between France and America, between Burgundy and Oregon, in the service of excellence. I am proud to acknowledge that, over the years, the Drouhins have contributed their extraordinary energy and resources to a substantial range of charitable pursuits in Oregon, prgtoken working to strengthen the community that warmly welcomed them many years ago. Wine is a reflection of people and place, and it is with great pleasure that today we recognize the Drouhin Family of Burgundy and Oregon. Please join me in thanking the Drouhin Family for their enormous contributions to the Oregon wine industry. I look forward to their next 30 years, and more, of work in and on behalf of the Oregon wine industry.
ENHANCING STATE ENERGY SECURITY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACT OF 2017
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I want to also commend my friend and my colleague from the great State of Michigan, the chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, my longstanding friend, Mr. Upton, for working with my office to bring H.R. 3050, the Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2017, to the floor today. prgtoken , this Upton-Rush bill represents bipartisan negotiation between Chairman Upton and myself to much-needed Federal guidance and resources to the States that are on the front lines when it comes to protecting critical energy infrastructure and responding once disaster strikes. prgtoken Members on both side of the aisle, , support the State Energy Program, and this bill will help provide resources to further develop and enhance the State energy security plans. prgtoken Since their inception in the 1970s, State Energy Programs, bolstered by Federal aid, have assisted States in developing these energy security plans in order to help prevent disasters from happening and to mitigate the damage once they do occur. prgtoken , funding provided in this bill will help States to implement, revise, and to review their energy security plans while also laying out criteria for the contents of these plans. These emergency plans have been instrumental in improving States' abilities to identify potential energy disruptions, quantify the effects of the disruptions, establish response plans, and limit the risk of further disturbances, whether they be natural or manmade. prgtoken Federal funding and leadership has also been critical in helping States and local stakeholders identify the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies in times of emergencies while also supporting training and response exercises. prgtoken , as the administration weakens America's leadership role globally by signaling its intentions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, it is even more vital that we provide the resources and funding needed for States to take more of a permanent role in advancing smart and sustainable energy policy. prgtoken , Federal leadership and investment must continue to play a vital role in developing State Energy Assurance Plans, and it is my hope and my expectation that this legislation will indeed bolster these State-led programs by enhancing Federal support. prgtoken , .