mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2017-5-15

I rise today to recognize National Police Week and the service and sacrifice of our country's law enforcement officers. As past Governor of the State of West Virginia, I worked with West Virginia State Police very often and saw firsthand their dedication to the rule of law and commitment to keeping West Virginians safe. prgtoken Last year, the State of West Virginia lost one of our own, West Virginia State Police first sergeant Joseph Portaro. Joseph was from Clarksburg and joined the State police in 1998 and served in Kingwood. In 2008, he was assigned staff officer at the academy and was then promoted to deputy director of training. Joseph was a veteran of the West Virginia Army National Guard and served in the West Virginia State Police for 17 years. prgtoken Although the loss of Joseph will never heal, I know I join all West Virginians and the entire law enforcement community in praying for Joseph's family and friends. prgtoken National Police Week acknowledges the service and sacrifice of our country's law enforcement officers and the safety and protection they provide our communities I know you do too. I go to a lot of schools and talk to the children. I want them to understand that anytime they see a person in uniform, whether it be a policeman, fireman, or EMT, these are people willing to get in front of harm's way for their safety and sacrifice themselves for them. When you have a police officer willing to take a bullet for you, that is a pretty special person. They don't do it for the pay. I think we all know that. They are dedicated and committed to the well-being and safety of every American. We are very lucky to have them in our respective States of Iowa and West Virginia. prgtoken This week, we must remember Joseph and the other 139 law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2016 and continue to support their families as they continue to mourn their loss. We can never bring back the person who basically sacrificed for all of us, but we can make sure we never forget their families, and I hope we all do that. prgtoken This is a special week and a special day for these people we recognize. One hundred and thirty-nine people gave their lives for us. The least we can do is make sure that not only do we remember them but that we go beyond that in order to support the members of the family, their children who need a father or mother they might not have now, who need the nurturing and the financial support for their education so they can continue to grow to be good, healthy, productive adults. I hope we never forget. prgtoken , .
National Police Week (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-16

I am delighted to be here during Police Week, along with our colleagues from Missouri, Delaware, Minnesota, and Iowa to celebrate the men and women in blue who put their lives at risk so that our communities can be safer, more stable, more prosperous places. prgtoken I am reflecting this week on the terrible experience in Dallas, TX, about a year ago when Chief David Brown inspired the Nation with his response to the terrible tragedy there that took the lives of five Dallas police officers and injured seven more. prgtoken Following the attack, Chief Brown made clear that if you want to see change or if you want to protest law enforcement, why not instead join their ranks and be a part of the solution. I am grateful to him for his encouragement of the young men and women who have many opportunities to serve their communities--many in uniform. prgtoken The truth is, we can do a lot of good by inspiring confidence in law enforcement and showing our support for them. We saw what was referred to by the former Director of the FBI as the ``Ferguson effect,'' where, in fact, he said it was his view that many police officers were afraid of being criticized unjustly, so they withheld or were reticent in acting in the face of a criminal activity. prgtoken We need to make sure that our law enforcement personnel know we are firmly behind them and we will always support them. As Chief Brown liked to point out, if somebody has crossed a line they should not cross, that is an appropriate subject for disciplinary action on a police force. prgtoken There is never any excuse for assaulting a police officer. That is the thin blue line between us and anarchy in our society. prgtoken from Minnesota for working with me on the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act that the chairman of the Judiciary Committee just mentioned. This bill will help State and local law enforcement hire more veterans into their ranks. Obviously, that is relevant experience and training that can help our law enforcement departments across the country be better and take advantage of these great patriots who have now taken off one uniform to put on another. prgtoken We know there are places in the country where, despite the best efforts of law enforcement, danger is spiking violent crime rates in some parts of the country due to dangerous criminals like the MS-13 gang, a vicious gang from Central America that is wreaking havoc in parts of the country. We can't let our officers face these dangers without knowing we have their backs. prgtoken I am delighted to be here with our colleagues celebrating National Police Week and making it clear to the men and women in blue that we unequivocally support them and stand by them and need to let all of our country men and women know that these are true American heroes who deserve our respect and support every day, not just during Police Week. prgtoken I yield to our friend and our colleague fro
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-5-16

one of the great privileges of representing my fellow Utahns in the U.S. Senate is the annual opportunity to meet the exceptional young men and women from the great State of Utah who have answered the call of service by applying to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. prgtoken Under title 10 of the U.S. Code, each year, Members of Congress are authorized to nominate a number of young men and women from their district or State to attend the country's service academies. It is my distinct honor to recognize 10 of these exemplary Utahns this year. prgtoken Each of these 10 students is of sound mind and body. This will serve them well in Colorado Springs, West Point, Annapolis, and Kings Point-- but to succeed they will need more than this. prgtoken The journey on which these young men and women will soon embark requires more than mental and physical aptitude. It also demands strong moral character--leadership, courage, honesty, prudence, and self- discipline. It calls for a commitment to service and love of country. prgtoken Today I would like to recognize and congratulate each of these impressive students, all of whom embody, in their own unique way, the standards of excellence on which America's service academies are built. prgtoken Jacob Lee Angeletti will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jacob will be graduating from Bingham High School, where he was the captain of the soccer team. He also captained his championship club soccer team, was named to the Utah Olympic Development Soccer Team, and encouraged young athletes as a coach in the local soccer league. A leader among his peers, Jacob participated in the Boy Scouts and also served as a president in his church's youth organization. prgtoken Emilyanne Rose Baker, from Wasatch High School, accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after visiting multiple service academies. Active in both her school and community, Emilyanne served as president of the Japanese Club, a group leader for Youthlinc, and a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was the scholar-athlete on the swim team. prgtoken Cody William Brophy will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy after graduating from Corner Canyon High School. Throughout high school, Cody prepared himself to attend an academy by preparing academically, physically, and by seeking leadership opportunities. prgtoken He ran cross county and track, played competitive soccer, was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in the Civil Air Patrol. Cody also attended Boys State and served as president of the peer leadership team council. prgtoken Andrew Jesse Dansie has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. An Eagle Scout and active member of JROTC, Andrew will soon graduate from Snow Canyon High School. Using his skills
HONORING HOMETOWN HEROES ACT
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-5-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing an official flag for the new American Nation. The resolution, now known as the Flag Act of 1777, stated that the flag would be ``thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.'' prgtoken For the last 240 years, the American people have celebrated Flag Day every June 14, and, over that time, the flag has evolved. As we all know, changes have been made to its design, shape, and arrangement. The Flag Act of 1794 changed the design from 13 to 15 stars to accommodate the admission of Vermont and Kentucky into the Union. The Flag Act of 1818 mandated that the 13 stripes represented the Thirteen Original Colonies, the number of stars matched the number of States, and provided that subsequent changes in the number of stars would be made on the 4th of July. prgtoken What has remained rock solid over that quarter millennium, however, is what our flag represents. It represents one nation, freedom, and justice for all, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of those core American values. prgtoken Current law provides guidance for displaying and handling the flag so it is afforded the respect it deserves and has earned. In abiding by these guidelines, we all commemorate the value and love we hold for what our flag represents. That is why the legislation before us today, H.R. 1892, the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act, is not only appropriate but necessary. prgtoken This bill amends Federal law to permit State and Territorial Governors and the Mayor of Washington, D.C to order that the flag be flown at halfstaff in the event that a public safety officer dies in the line of duty. For purposes of this legislation, ``public safety officers'' include local police officers, firefighters, and EMS professionals. These are individuals who make great sacrifices so we all can live in a free country. These men and women work long hours, separated from their loved ones, and consistently place themselves in harm's way so we as Americans can enjoy our freedom and our way of life. These sacrifices often go unappreciated. prgtoken When an officer dies in the line of duty, he or she is making the ultimate sacrifice for their community, their family, and for their country. H.R. 1892 allows the American people to show their appreciation to these men and women, who are truly the bulwark between order and chaos. They represent the values the Founders held so dear nearly 250 years ago, and their sacrifices must be publicly acknowledged so they are not taken for granted. prgtoken I thank the lead sponsor of this bill, Congressman John Larson. On May 3, the House Committee on the Judiciary approved the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act with unanimous, bipartisan support. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and the other b
COMMENDING COMFORT CREW FOR MILITARY KIDS FOR THEIR EFFORTS
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-16

today I would like to honor a nonprofit organization in Austin for their outstanding achievements. The Comfort Crew for Military Kids develops and delivers programs to help support the children in our Gold Star families who serve around the world. prgtoken This month, the organization is celebrating their 10th anniversary. As a Congressman from Fort Hood, the largest military base, Comfort Crew for Military Kids holds a very special place in my heart. For too long, military families have faced constant struggles and have had few places to turn. The Comfort Crew helps provide relief for these American families who sacrifice so much for our country. prgtoken I have personally met with Comfort Crew both in Washington and, just last month, in Austin, Texas. While I was in Austin, I was fortunate enough to lend a hand, assembling care packages for the military children whose parents are deployed. These care packages may not seem like much in comparison to what these kids are giving up in return; however, they provide some comfort and solace. prgtoken , I would like to commend the Comfort Crew for their selfless efforts. They have had an impact on over 1 million military family members. In this unstable world, it is vital that we support these military families that give so much to us. prgtoken I am proud to represent this organization and will continue to do everything I can to ensure our military children receive the support they need and the support they deserve. prgtoken In God we trust.
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-5-16

I, too, stand in honor of National Police Week. I want to thank my two previous colleagues from Utah and North Dakota for their heartfelt tributes to the men and women in blue and the hard work they do in protecting us every day. prgtoken National Police Week was established in Congress in 1962. National Police Week is an opportunity to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is also an opportunity to recognize and thank the members of our law enforcement community in Nevada and throughout the country. prgtoken Each day our law enforcement officers put themselves at risk to protect our families and to protect our communities. Their courage, selflessness, and commitment to serve is a reflection of what makes this country so great; that is, their willingness to answer the call-- without being asked--to put the welfare of others over themselves. prgtoken This commitment doesn't come without tremendous sacrifice. I was reminded of that earlier this month at the 30th annual James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial in Reno. prgtoken The James Hoff Peace Officer Memorial is a tribute to Nevada law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. prgtoken The memorial also recognizes officers who were placed in danger and survived. Named after Reno Police Officer James Hoff, who was killed in 1979 by the suspects he was investigating, the memorial hosts an annual ceremony attended by State and local officials and members of the law enforcement community. It is always a privilege to attend this annual event honoring the heroism of fellow Nevadans whose names and legacies are enshrined in this memorial. prgtoken At this year's ceremony, we honored and celebrated the life of Detective Chad Parque, who served with the North Las Vegas Police Department for 10 years. At just 32 years old, Detective Parque tragically lost his life after his department vehicle was struck head- on by another vehicle earlier this year. Detective Parque is survived by his wife, children, and siblings, and mourned by all of those who had the privilege to know him. prgtoken In describing Detective Parque, a fellow law enforcement officer said: He was a ten-year officer and you could see the fire in his eyes as if he had just signed on. He loved his community. prgtoken He served with passion and dignity. He will never be forgotten for the many contributions to North Las Vegas and to our great State. prgtoken His plaque is now alongside other members of Nevada's law enforcement community who were enshrined on this memorial from past years and whose stories continue to inspire all of us. prgtoken In 2016, at least 144 law enforcement officers across this country lost their lives in the line of duty, a sharp increase from the previous year. prgtoken Let's not forget that behind the names--the many names--of those who have fallen are the people, spouses, children, and parents who may not
User Fees (Executive Calendar)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-5-16

last year seems like a long time ago, but just 5 months ago, 94 Members of this body voted for a bill called the 21st Century Cures Act. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called it the most important legislation of the year. The Presiding Officer, the Senator from Ohio, had a major role in that legislation, especially the part having to do with opioids. This was legislation to spur research and development of cures, devices, and treatments for some of the most deadly and some of the most stubborn illnesses and diseases. prgtoken Dr. Frances Collins, head of the National Institutes of Health--which he calls the ``National Institutes of Hope''--last year offered what he called bold predictions about major advances that we could expect over the next decade with a sustained commitment to medical research. One prediction of Dr. Collins is that science will find ways to identify Alzheimer's before symptoms appear, as well as how to slow down or even prevent the disease. Another is that doctors could use the patient's own stem cells to rebuild his or her heart. An artificial pancreas will help diabetes patients by tracking blood glucose levels and by creating precise doses of insulin. He also predicts a Zika vaccine, a universal flu vaccine, and an HIV/AIDS vaccine in the next 10 years. To relieve suffering and deal with the epidemic of opioid addiction, Dr. Collins predicts new, nonaddictive pain treatments to manage pain. prgtoken The 21st Centuries Cures Act became a law last year and authorized 4.8 billion new dollars for medical research, on top of the support Congress already provides through the annual appropriations process. Because of bipartisan support, that was an extra $2 billion last year and an extra $2 billion this year. The way we add up money around here, over 10 years, that is $20 billion over 10 years last year and another $20 billion this year, which includes the $4.8 billion authorized in the 21st Century Cures legislation, all for medical research. prgtoken The next step in our efforts to turn Dr. Collins' predictions into a reality and to help America's patients benefit from all the research we are helping support is to fund the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA, as we call it, is the agency responsible for making good on the promise of the 21st Centuries Cures Act to actually reach America's patients. prgtoken Before September 30 of this year, four different FDA user fee agreements need to be reauthorized. They need to be acted on by the Senate, by the House, and sent to the President of the United States. These user fees are paid by manufacturers of drugs and medical devices and account for $8 billion to $9 billion over 5 years and over a quarter of all FDA funding. prgtoken Last week, 21 of the 23 members of the Senate HELP Committee voted to send to the Senate floor a bill reauthorizing those four user fee agreements based on recommendations from industry and from
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-5-16

it is fair to say that Americans are sick of partisanship when it comes to issues of greatest concern. They are asking, if you will, that we in the Senate put party behind us--behind the needs of the people. This is especially true when we are speaking of those issues of greatest importance, and I would argue that the replacement of the Affordable Care Act is one of those issues of greatest importance. prgtoken Whatever the excuse, no Senator of either party should sit on the sidelines. This is such an important issue that every Senator, whatever her or his personal views, should be engaged. prgtoken We know President 's principles, if you will. He laid them out time and again on the campaign trail. He wants to maintain coverage, lower premiums, care for those with preexisting conditions, and eliminate the Care mandates upon individuals and businesses. prgtoken At his inauguration speech, he spoke of the forgotten man and of the forgotten woman. In fact, we can see that just before his inauguration, he emphasized that with what he said during the campaign: We're going to have insurance for everyone. There's a philosophy in some circles that if you can't pay for it, you don't get it. That is not going to happen to us. prgtoken He also emphasized the quality of the care, saying that people covered under the law that he would propose to replace can expect to have great healthcare. ``It will be in a much simplified form. Much less expensive, much better,'' he said to the Washington Post just before he was sworn in. These are his principles. prgtoken When he was sworn in and gave his inaugural address, speaking of the forgotten man and the forgotten woman, I cannot help but think that he was influenced as he went through counties seeing folks with terrible tales of their child dying from opioid addiction or their spouse unable to afford insurance under Care. prgtoken I will point out that there is a huge dimension to this that we sometimes forget, but we should not. Senator Jerry Moran from Kansas made the point that healthcare is like no other issue. It is an issue which touches us most personally. I think President saw that on the campaign trail. He saw the parent of an adult child with mental illness, and she could not get a psychiatric bed for her child. We know the fate of that child if he does not have the care he needs. He will end up either in a homeless shelter, a jail cell, or the morgue. That is the human dimension to this, and that is why we need to help President fulfill his pledge. prgtoken Voters understand what we are speaking of; they understand the importance of it. But let me speak just a little bit more to the politics of this because we cannot separate what we do here in Washington, DC, from politics. prgtoken There are researchers from Princeton who recently published a report. If you look at White males and females between 18 and 54 who
JUDGES THREATEN OUR DEMOCRACY
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-16

in their coverage of the President, the liberal media have given up being objective, and their credibility is now at an all-time low. prgtoken Are the courts next? prgtoken When considering the President's written immigration orders, some judges are basing their decisions not on the actual text but on what was said during the heat of the campaign. prgtoken This is a dangerous development, dangerous to our judicial system and dangerous to our democracy. The judiciary's role is to interpret the law and decide whether it is constitutional. prgtoken When judges decide to become politicians, injecting their own political bias into a decision, our Constitution and our government are at risk. prgtoken If the media and the judiciary cease being objective, we should fear for the future of our country.