mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-12-17

from Rhode Island for his work on this important issue. I have had numerous ALS sufferers and family members of those who suffer from ALS approach me about this bill early in my time in the Senate, and I have been grateful for the opportunity to work with the Senator from Rhode Island to try to address this very sad problem. prgtoken ALS is a progressive and disabling disease for which there is no cure. It is prgtoken fatal in all cases. Unfortunately, like almost every other condition, ALS sufferers are required to wait for 5 months before they receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they have earned; that they earned through a lifetime of paying taxes into Social Security. prgtoken I understand the purpose of this 5-month waiting period is to weed out temporary conditions, but ALS is not a temporary condition--or to prevent fraudulent claims, but it is hard to imagine anyone making a fraudulent claim on disability based on an ALS diagnosis. The average disability beneficiaries expect to receive benefits for about 20 years, but, unfortunately, those who have been diagnosed with ALS only have a life expectancy of approximately 3 years. Therefore, the disability waiting period of 5 months means that those on ALS will lose, on average, nearly one-seventh of the benefits they have paid a lifetime for. Of course, some will lose a lot more because of ALS's particularly degenerative nature. They will lose their fight to the disease before they ever become eligible for their disability benefits. prgtoken This legislation will simply ensure that those patients and their families can access the benefits they paid into as soon as possible by waiving that 5-month waiting period for disability benefits in this one exceptional case. prgtoken I understand there is objection about singling out the particular disease or condition. I would, however, say ALS is itself a singularly exceptional condition, and any sufferer of ALS deserves our sympathy, our prayers but also our action on the Senate floor. prgtoken I also understand there is objection to the cost of the legislation, which would be $270 million over 10 years--no doubt a lot of money to all Americans--but frankly a small rounding error in the Federal budget. For that matter, it is less than the amount of money for the piece of legislation that is pending on the floor today--a criminal leniency bill that would cost $352 million over 10 years. prgtoken If we are prepared to allow legislation to go forward that slashes sentences for serious drug traffickers and let sex offenders out of prison early, even though it costs $350 million, I would suggest it is a misplaced priority to object to legislation because it costs $270 million. So I hope, along with the Senator from Rhode Island, that we can pass this legislation in this week before Christmas and give some small measure of solace to those who are suffering from ALS an
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-12-17

I respectfully, most vehemently disagree with the characterization made by my distinguished colleague, the Senator from Rhode Island. prgtoken This is not, with all due respect, an instance of ``we can't help anyone until we help everyone.'' That is a blatant mischaracterization of the facts. We have already 233 conditions that qualify for the compassionate allowance category. prgtoken If you look through those, they are full of debilitating, life- threatening conditions. Those categories already do receive expedited treatment. They already are in a category where they have to be reviewed and a decision has to be made within a set period of time--I believe, within the range of 5 months. prgtoken That is a good thing, but it is simply not accurate. In fact, it is blatantly misleading to suggest that my argument here boils down to the notion that we cannot help anyone until we help everyone. That is not true. It is the point here that unless or until we can make a distinction between this condition and the other 233 conditions that are on that list, I see no valid prgtoken basis--other than the fact that this one has more political support and, perhaps, more financial backing--to draw that distinction here. I think it is unfair to those who benefit from and will need to invoke the need for Social Security disability insurance to put it in an even less sustainable posture moving forward. prgtoken Yes, in an ideal world we would like to say no waiting period for anyone. In an ideal world we would like to not have anyone have to wait for these sorts of things, but we do have, in our government, a susceptibility to claims that are not substantiated, and we also have people who have to review them. In the absence of a perfect system, it may not be possible. It certainly isn't going to be possible for us to make this program sustainable if we can't put meaningful limits on it. prgtoken Again, I am all for finding ways to shorten that waiting period as much as we possibly can. I have yet to hear an argument that sets this condition apart from the others in this category of 233 compassionate allowance conditions. prgtoken Thank you, . prgtoken .
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-12-17

I am on the floor this afternoon to honor a friend, a colleague, and the senior Representative from Kansas, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, who has gracefully and honorably served Kansas for two decades in both our State and here in the Federal Government. prgtoken While I am going to talk a little bit about Lynn's history and past, none of this should be taken just as something that is being read in her honor. She is a very special person who has served Kansas so well, and she brings such tremendous attributes to public service. We will miss her greatly, and Kansans will have benefited from her service, but she will also remain a role model for many who look for ways to make America and to make our State more prosperous, with a brighter future. prgtoken Congresswoman Jenkins grew up on a farm outside of Holton, KS--a small town just about 100 miles away from Kansas City, just north of Topeka, where she learned the value of hard work and perseverance. You cannot meet somebody who grew up working on a dairy farm without determining that they have those attributes, and Lynn has exemplified that in every endeavor. prgtoken She was taught that what needed to be done was something she would do. When you do it, you do it right, and every day you need to step up and do your job to make certain things get done. That is a dairy farmer, and that is Lynn Jenkins as a Member of the U.S. Congress. prgtoken Before becoming a Member of Congress and before being elected in Kansas, Lynn was a CPA--a certified public accountant. She recognized a real need for financial reform as a result of that experience, and she used her skills as a CPA to benefit Kansas. prgtoken In 2003, Lynn was elected the 37th Kansas State treasurer. Lynn then took that same tax and financial experience to Washington, DC, where she was elected the Congresswoman from the Second District of our State. prgtoken After her election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Lynn quickly rose to become one of the highest ranking Members of Congress, serving today as the vice chair of the House caucus; she served in that capacity for 4 years. She is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken It goes without saying that in addition to her background as a CPA, her intellect, and her service-oriented mindset, Lynn is one of the most beloved Kansans we have. We meet with many of the same groups here in Kansas and in Washington, DC, and I know that visiting with Lynn is, without a doubt, one of the highlights for Kansans who come to Washington, DC. prgtoken Lynn also understands that while it may seem that this environment is a loud and boisterous one and that making your appearances on national TV is an effective way of serving as a Member of Congress, she knows you can really serve your country, and especially Kansas, by rolling up your sleeves and just getting to work. It has been a privilege to witness this firsthand and to
TRIBUTE TO THOMAS G. HUNGAR
Paul D. Ryan (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-12-17

I rise today to express the appreciation of the entire House of Representatives to Thomas G. Hungar for his exemplary service as General Counsel of the House. Tom has been a faithful defender of this institution, its Members, and its prerogatives since his appointment in 2016. Tom's distinguished legal career has included service in all three branches of government. In the Judicial Branch, he served as a law clerk in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. In the Executive Branch, he served in the Office of the Solicitor General at the Department of Justice, including as Deputy Solicitor General. Having presented oral argument before the Supreme Court in 26 cases, Tom is one of our Nation's leading appellate lawyers and an expert on constitutional law. prgtoken Tom began his Legislative Branch service with the House in 2016, as one of only a small number of lawyers ever to serve as General Counsel of the House. Under Tom's guidance and leadership, the General Counsel's Office has provided sophisticated and invaluable legal advice and has been a trusted institutional resource for Members, Officers, Committees, and staff, regardless of political affiliation. Through excellent legal work and counsel, undertaken with zeal for the best interests of the House, Tom and his office have earned the respect of Members on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken When the House's institutional interests were at stake, Tom's legal advice was always tailored to safeguarding the House's constitutional prerogatives and protecting the House' s vital role in our constitutional structure. Tom successfully litigated cases defending and protecting the House's constitutionally based subpoena authority. Tom also defended the House and its Officers to preserve and protect the House's longstanding practice of opening each legislative day with a prayer. Additionally, under Tom, the House has filed amicus briefs articulating its position on the proper interpretation of the Appropriations, Rulemaking, and Speech or Debate Clauses of the Constitution. Numerous Members, Committees, and Subcommittees relied on Tom's extensive litigation expertise in connection with investigative and oversight activities. Finally, Tom defended House Members, Officers, and staff in judicial proceedings at both the trial and appellate levels and advised Members and Committees in connection with their interactions with both private and other governmental entities. prgtoken I know that Tom will continue his exceptional work wherever the next chapter of his impressive legal career takes him. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I express my deepest gratitude to Tom for his dedication to this institution, and I extend our very best wishes to him, his wife Jaye, and their children, Brett, Claire, Lance, and Paige.
TRIBUTE TO DAVE BUSIEK
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-12-17

I would like to pay tribute to an Iowan whose stewardship at a leading television news station in Des Moines, IA, has strengthened the principles of good government, transparency and the public's right to know. prgtoken As a member of the broadcast press corps for four decades, Dave Busiek understands that freedom of the press is fundamental to liberty in this country. I often say that journalists serve an important role in our system of checks and balances, which preserves liberty. They are integral to keeping an engaged and infoimed citizenry. They report corruption, weed out wrongdoing, and hold government accountable to the American people. prgtoken Throughout my public service and political life, I hold myself accountable to Iowans by making myself accessible to members of the media. I hold regular news conferences and answer their questions in the hallways of the U.S. Capitol and after my county meetings at home in Iowa. prgtoken It is a commitment I have kept since my first campaign for the U.S. Senate back in 1980. And that happens to be the year my political path crossed with Dave Busiek. In fact, for as long as I have served Iowans in the U.S. Senate, Dave Busiek has served the people of Iowa in broadcast journalism: as a reporter, anchor, and news director at prgtoken KCCI-TV in Des Moines, where he started in 1979 after working for 3 years at WHO Radio. prgtoken Dave has led coverage of breaking news events, natural disasters, government and politics, and human interest stories that keep Iowans informed. When there has been a story to tell and information that matters to Iowans, Dave has led the coverage over the span of four decades. Twenty-nine years ago, he covered the United Flight 232 plane crash in Sioux City. He made sure Iowans knew what they needed to know during the historic floods of 1993 and during the tornadoes in Marshalltown, Pella, and surrounding communities this past summer. With fairness, accuracy and objectivity, Dave has led a team of journalists to report the news that affects the lives of Iowans, including decades of coverage of one my favorite places in Iowa: The Iowa State Fair. prgtoken Of course, Iowa is considered ground zero for the presidential campaign trail and all things politics. Dave's political coverage extends to six Iowa Governors and dates back to George H.W. beating Ronald Reagan in the 1980 caucuses. As I mentioned earlier, he covered my first Senate campaign in 1980 and 35 years later, partnered with CBS News and the Des Moines Register to cosponsor the ic Debate for President at Drake University. prgtoken His 29-year tenure as news director at KCCI helped the station win countless awards for journalistic excellence. In 2002, he was elected chair of the Radio-Television News-Directors Association and was named News Director of the Year in 2014 by Broadcasting and Cable Magazine. He was inducted this summer into the Iowa Broadcaster
RECOGNIZING THE BRAVERY OF DARRYL TRAPPS
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-12-17

I rise today in recognition of Syracuse firefighter Darryl Trapps, who serves as an emergency responder at the Carrier Dome during Syracuse University basketball games. During the December 4th game against Northeastern University, Mr. Trapps performed CPR on a patron suffering from a medical emergency. The actions of Mr. Trapps and others in attendance saved the man's life. prgtoken Since 2004, Mr. Trapps has worked as an emergency responder at the Carrier Dome. Mr. Trapps diligently monitors athletic events for emergencies and, before December 4th, no serious incidents had occurred during his tenure. However, before the December 4th game, a patron went stiff in his seat and began suffering a cardiac event. Mr. Trapps recognized the severity of the situation and jumped into action. prgtoken Mr. Trapps arrived to the man's section and, upon discovering the man had no pulse, began performing chest compressions. Mr. Trapps was surrounded by concerned attendees but his emergency response skills and training allowed him to block out any sort of distraction. He administered chest compressions while a doctor performed rescue breathing, both of them trying to keep oxygen flowing to the patient's brain. prgtoken Emergency Medical Technicians arrived with a defibrillator shortly after Mr. Trapps began assisting the man. They administered two shocks to the man's chest with Mr. Trapps continuing chest compressions between the shocks. On the third shock, the man's pulse returned and he was taken to Upstate University Hospital for further treatment. Mr. Trapps had successfully saved the man's life but immediately returned to his duty. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the courageous actions of Darryl Trapps. His composure during this chaotic situation was no easy task and his efforts saved the life of another individual. I applaud Mr. Trapps, as well as first responders around the country, whose daily actions save countless lives.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF TOM TORLAKSON
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-17

I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson to recognize Tom Torlakson for his dedicated and passionate service to our community. prgtoken A recipient of the Merchant Marine Service Medal, Tom began his life- long commitment to service as a fireman in assignments such as Guam, Vietnam, and Thailand. After his service, Tom attended the University of California Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Life Secondary Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education. prgtoken Tom has served as a teacher for the Mount Diablo Unified School District, a councilman for the City of Antioch, a county supervisor for Contra Costa County, and as a legislator in both the California State Senate and State Assembly. During his tenure in the California State Legislature, Tom fought to increase funding for education, implement school nutrition programs and physical education, and improve school safety. He also led the charge for making the California public school system more inclusive by eliminating the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate, and funding afterschool programs. prgtoken As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom brought his experience and drive to the California Department of Education where he continued his vow to improve our state's public education system. During his two terms, Tom set new standards for testing student achievement, expanded programs that meet the needs of children outside of the regular school day, and oversaw a record high school graduation rate. Tom is also the chair and founder of the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, where he has continued to promote healthier meals and physical activity for students. prgtoken Tom Torlakson has left a positive impact on the California public school system and its students, and the community at large. While his leadership and enthusiasm will be dearly missed in his official capacity, he will surely continue to contribute to California. I join with Congressman Mike Thompson in thanking Tom for his service to our County, our state, and our students, and wish him the best in his retirement.
HONORING BMC RACING
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-17

I rise today to recognize BMC Racing for their success in the 2018 Tour de France. prgtoken BMC Racing is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, in my district. Headed by former American cyclist Jim Ochowicz, who serves as President and team manager, the team sent six cyclists to the Tour this year, including Tejay van Garderen of Tacoma, Washington. prgtoken At the 2018 Tour de France, BMC proved its abilities once again at the highest levels of competition in the cycling world. The team finished eighth overall in the 2018 Tour de France, emerged victorious in the Stage 3 Team Time Trial, and earned seven yellow jerseys--along with five stage victories. Individual team members also did well: Greg Van Avermaat stood in first place for eight consecutive stages, while Damiano Caruso finished in 20th place overall. prgtoken The BMC organization regularly trains in Santa Rosa and the wine country area. They are also active in the community. Their ``Cycle with Champions'' ride is done in conjunction with Team Swift, a local youth cycling organization, and many organization officials have ties to the Santa Rosa region. BMC has a history of producing champion cyclists, and once again displayed their resilience and dedication in 2018. At the finish line, Damiano Caruso summed up the overall morale of the team, saying, ``At the end of three weeks, I can say that my experience was positive.'' prgtoken , BMC Racing has deep roots in the Santa Rosa community, and continues to inspire generations of young cyclists. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the cyclists and owners on their accomplishment in this year's Tour de France.
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-12-17

I ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 379, a bill to eliminate the 5-month waiting period for disability insurance benefits under such title for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; that the bill be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, as we come into this Christmas season.
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-12-17

. Let me start by joining my colleague, the ic leader, in his words about Lamar Alexander--a great Senator and a personal friend, someone I am sorry is going to bring his Senate career to an end in 2 years because he has done so many good things. I could spell out many of those things, but one comes to mind immediately. A few years ago when I was deciding whether to run for reelection myself, I thought one of my goals would be to increase the Federal investment in medical research. That is right in the wheelhouse of the committee jurisdiction of Lamar Alexander. I went to him and his counterpart on the ic side, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, and Roy Blunt of Missouri, and we put together an informal team pushing for increases in medical research. We have had amazing success. It has been bipartisan, and it has been an enthusiastic effort all around. We couldn't have done it without Lamar's wholehearted participation. He was committed to medical research, and as a result, we have had more than a 5-percent increase each year for the last 4 years in the budget and appropriations for the National Institutes of Health. That is going to end up creating more opportunities to spare people suffering and to cure disease and to save lives than we can possibly imagine. That is the kind of thing people expect of us, don't they, in the Senate? prgtoken The and s will find a common goal and work together to achieve it. Lamar Alexander was part of that successful effort. I am going to hold him to it for the next 2 years, as I am sure he will hold me to the same goal. I look forward to working with him but certainly with some pain in my heart, as the ic leader said, with the knowledge his career is coming to an end. He has been an extraordinary public servant as a Governor, as a Presidential candidate, as a Cabinet member, and as a Member of the U.S. Senate. I am sorry for his decision, but I certainly understand why he would make that on a personal and family basis. First Step Act prgtoken , I wish to say a few words about the legislation currently pending before the U.S. Senate. Every once in a while--it doesn't happen very often--the stars line up and the and s and the conservatives and the progressives and the President and the Congress agree on something. I am not talking about Flag Day or apple pie or whether Lassie was a collie dog. It really comes down, occasionally, to something that is meaningful. We are in the midst now of a debate on the floor of the Senate, which will culminate probably tomorrow in some historic votes on the whole question of criminal justice reform. prgtoken How important is this issue? It is so important that we rarely take it up more than once a decade; that we sit down and look at criminal justice standards and laws in America and decide whether we can make them better and more