mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-13

just 2 days ago, the White House announced its plans to reduce gun violence in our Nation's schools. This is an important issue, and the White House's recommendations should be taken seriously. I certainly do. prgtoken The President's blueprint attempts to address this pervasive problem from multiple angles during what has been a period of heightened tension and discord across the country. Parents and children continue to grapple every day with the aftermath of the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. But, of course, the problem didn't start with that single event and what I think can only be fairly called a catastrophic failure across the board, which resulted in this terrible tragedy. prgtoken One important piece of the White House plan is to train school staffers. The President strongly supports a bill introduced by the senior Senator from Utah that would authorize funding for school safety improvements. You wouldn't think that would be controversial. Those school safety improvements include training efforts, school threat assessment, and crisis intervention teams. This bill is called the STOP School Violence Act. We ought to pass it, and we ought to pass it today. prgtoken As Senator Hatch said last week, there has been little disagreement but a lot of discussion and debate and not much legislative progress. He said: ``To break the impasse, we must unite on the issues where we agree.'' prgtoken I couldn't agree with Senator Hatch more. We must unite on the issues where we can agree. One of those issues relates to a bill that I have introduced with the junior Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Murphy, to improve background checks on gun purchases. prgtoken NICS is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. As of earlier today, the bill called Fix NICS now has 69 cosponsors. That is nine votes more than we need in order to pass legislation, so clearly we could and should get it done. prgtoken The numbers speak for themselves: 32 s and 36 want to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Why? Because we want to save lives. prgtoken There have been some who have come to the floor and have said in public comments: Well, we want to do more. prgtoken Well, God bless you. I hope that we will have other ideas presented that could do even more, but we know this has the political support and the critical mass we need to get this done in the Senate and to get it done now. prgtoken The reason this particular legislation is supported by so many Senators is, essentially, that it enforces current law. In other words, current law states that a felon--a person convicted of a felony in any court in the Nation--cannot buy or possess a firearm. It also says that a person who has committed and been convicted of an act of domestic violence cannot purchase or possess a firearm. If you entered the country illegally, you cannot possess or purchase a
TRICKETT WENDLER, FRANK MONGIELLO, JORDAN McLINN, AND MATTHEW BELLINA RIGHT TO TRY ACT OF 2018
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-3-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , when the Energy and Commerce Committee took up this issue in its broadest form, we heard from the FDA Commissioner, we heard from patients, we heard from family members, and what we heard was that there are barriers in States that preclude these State laws from working. prgtoken That is what the Government Accountability Office told us. They identified two issues--liability and use of outcomes--as the two barriers as to why these laws passed in 38, soon to be 39, States. And in many cases--most cases, I would say--these laws have passed unanimously, with s and back home supporting them, including in my own State. I think it was unanimous in both the house and the senate, all controlled by , in Oregon. prgtoken We have listened to our constituents; we have observed what has happened in our States--great laboratories--and we are acting here today to allow those who have been given this wretched, wretched prescription that their life is about to end to have a chance and a choice. That is what we are doing today. We are overcoming the barriers that exist at the State level. We are doing it in a reasonable and thoughtful way that protects patient safety and creates this new alternative pathway for them. prgtoken This is important legislation. It is not often in this body we get this opportunity to make this kind of a change and provide chance and hope for those who see their loved ones dying before their eyes. prgtoken I met with Jordan McLinn and his mother, Laura, earlier today. They have been incredible advocates for this cause. And they had just come from a meeting with Vice President , who, with the President, has been an extraordinary supporter of this effort. prgtoken From his Bible, Jordan showed me the Parable of the Lost Sheep, which is one of his favorites. It is a parable he had shared with the Vice President. prgtoken That Parable of the Lost Sheep tells us that not a single sheep should be lost, that the shepherd cares about them all. That same sentiment is what brings us here to right to try today. prgtoken Every opportunity to save a life matters, and every patient deserves that right to try. That is the legislation before us today, Mr. . It is well conceived, it is well thought out, and it will make a difference in saving lives. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and pass this legislation and give people a right to try. prgtoken , .
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-3-13

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14; 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, I ask that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of S. 2155 under the previous order.
DEAN STONE BRIDGE
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-13

I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding me this time. prgtoken , 2 years ago, in February of 2016, I spoke on this floor in tribute to Dean Stone shortly after he retired from his full-time position as editor of The Daily Times newspaper in Maryville, Tennessee. prgtoken Dean Stone worked for The Daily Times for an astounding 67 years, serving as sports editor; managing editor; and then starting in 1988, until 2016, as the top editor. prgtoken He was always very proud that he gave our great Senator Lamar Alexander one of his first jobs when Senator Alexander was in high school in Maryville. prgtoken Dean Stone was the standard of journalistic fairness and integrity in my district and a towering figure in east Tennessee. prgtoken Unfortunately, he was unable to enjoy a long retirement, as he passed away several months later at the age of 92. prgtoken , today I rise in support of a bill that I have introduced to name a very unique 800-foot-long bridge on the Foothills Parkway in his honor. prgtoken This bill is a fitting tribute to Dean Stone because his story and that of the Foothills Parkway will be forever linked in history. prgtoken First authorized by Congress in 1944, the Foothills Parkway was intended to be the Tennessee companion to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which was built to link the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Shenandoah National Park. prgtoken Construction on the Foothills Parkway did not begin, however, until 1960; and in the early decades, a few detached sections of the highway were completed. prgtoken Despite this progress in the early years, construction of the 16-mile stretch between Walland and Wears Valley, Tennessee, became plagued with problems. A 1.5 mile section in the middle of this segment, which eventually became known as the ``Missing Link,'' featured rugged terrain that was extremely difficult to build upon. prgtoken Construction was further complicated by the discovery of minerals in the soil that could cause damage to the environment. prgtoken Despite these complications, my staff and I worked hard to keep the project alive. In my early years in Congress, we obtained a $3 million appropriation to resurface and maintain existing sections of this parkway. prgtoken I was pleased that I was able to include $8.6 million in the Federal highway legislation, T-21, which was signed into law in 1998, and then the 2005 highway bill contained another $7.5 billion to continue this project. prgtoken In 2016, the Department of Transportation awarded $10 million toward the completion of the parkway, and the State of Tennessee committed to providing an additional $15 million match to fund the final paving of this project. During these years, Dean Stone was a key ally in this process. It was then that the histories of the parkway and Dean Stone became permanently linked. prgtoken Dean Stone didn't just write in support of the Foothills Parkway. As chairman of the Great Smoky Mountains
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT-- Continued
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-13

reserving the right to object, I, for one, really appreciate the Senator's attempt to solve this issue. Our hearts are very similar. But a temporary solution, such as the one the Senator from Arizona has proposed, is not a solution, as he just said. It is, rather, another failure of Congress to provide real border security for the American people. It provides only 25 percent of what we need to secure that border for the next 3 years. Does anybody really think that is acceptable? prgtoken Something the President and the American people have in common is that they want border security. In addition, Members of this body and the administration have spent a great deal of time over the last year, as a matter of fact, talking about a potential DACA solution. I am happy to report that people on both sides want this DACA situation solved permanently. I think the Senator from Arizona and I have the same desire there. prgtoken Further, as a result of recent decisions by Federal district courts, current DACA recipients are free to continue renewing their status unless and until the Supreme Court overturns those lower court decisions. It will likely be over a year before the Supreme Court would even hear such a case. prgtoken It is my opinion that we should take that time right now and continue working on a permanent DACA solution, as well as the other legal immigration issues that we know are within reach, rather than settling for a temporary solution that does not address the problem. That permanent solution should also be one that ensures we are not back here in the future dealing with the same issue again. prgtoken The bill the Senator from Arizona is now proposing would only take us further away from fulfilling our congressional responsibility, with a 3-year delay. I will be happy to work with the Senator from Arizona and any of our colleagues in this body to try to address any of the concerns he and they have with the Secure and Succeed Act, which we just voted on a couple of weeks ago. That bill is exactly what the President said he would sign into law. Therefore, , I respectfully object.
RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN OAKES FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY HUMANITARIAN AND RELIEF EFFORTS TO HURRICANE VICTIMS
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-13

today I rise to honor Christian Oakes of Walton County, for his success and remarkable relief efforts to reach those devastated by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. prgtoken Weathering through the storm to reach those previously deemed ``unreachable,'' Christian Oakes defied all odds. His leadership and persistence represent what Northwest Florida is all about--helping those in times of need. prgtoken Christian and Cass Oakes were married on August 21, 2017. Four days later, they exchanged their honeymoon for a rescue mission. Without a second thought, they loaded up donated supplies that Christian miraculously accumulated by reaching out to business partners and clients, and headed to help Harvey victims in Texas. prgtoken Mr. Oakes' relentless spirit in helping the people of Texas is a spirit that I hope everyone can look to and admire. He proved nothing would stop him from doing everything he could to help, when he offered the very shoes off his feet. He traveled from truck to foot to boat and finally had to be airlifted by a Blackhawk--which he thought was pretty cool. Christian extended his hand to people he had never met before. He simply wanted to help. prgtoken When Hurricane Irma hit south Florida, Christian and Cass immediately began planning and executing. Using only their Excursion and U-Haul trailer, they delivered over 5,000 cubic feet of supplies in Collier County, Florida alone. Christian was so incredibly dedicated to this mission, he passed up an opportunity to meet the President so he could immediately begin preparation for the next relief effort. prgtoken Following the aftermath of Maria in Puerto Rico, Mr. Oakes' rose to overcome many challenges. One of those being the need to administer vaccines to those affected by the flu. After running into some issues, he contacted my office for assistance and throughout the night, together, through many phone calls and emails, we were able to successfully get those vaccines to the proper destination in time for most to be administered. prgtoken I am very proud of Christian, his wife Cass and their incredible team for the phenomenal aid for victims in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. This spirit of duty to help others during times of disaster should inspire and be emulated by every American. prgtoken Cass Oakes summed up their mission statement well as she stated, ``I never want to buy anything for myself again, I just want to help others. Everything you work so hard for in life can just be taken away in an instance.'' prgtoken Christian and Cass Oakes continue to give of themselves on a daily basis to assist those in need. I look forward to partnering with them in the future and I am honored to be their Congressman. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Christian and Cass Oakes for their extraordinary humanitarian and relief efforts across our state of Florida and around the United States of America.
TRICKETT WENDLER, FRANK MONGIELLO, JORDAN McLINN, AND MATTHEW BELLINA RIGHT TO TRY ACT OF 2018
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-13

I rise today in support of the Right to Try Act because this legislation will improve access to potentially lifesaving treatments for patients with terminal diseases or conditions. prgtoken Currently, patients can only receive drugs that are undergoing FDA review through clinical trials, through compassionate use, or expanding access. They access these unapproved treatments exclusively through the FDA but not through the drug sponsor. This critical legislation would establish informed consent for patients to access unapproved drugs that could save their lives. prgtoken This bill still guards patients from manufacturers misbranding or mislabeling drugs and specifies that any unapproved drug used in the alternative pathway must have an active application and is not the subject of a clinical hold. prgtoken I thank my good friend Chairman Burgess and the rest of my colleagues on the committee for moving this legislation forward and working with the administration and stakeholders on all sides of these issues. This is a great step forward towards ensuring our patients get to take advantage of the incredible pharmaceutical therapies that our manufacturers are known for. prgtoken I applaud the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work in moving this legislation forward, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
HONORING INDIANA STATE SENATOR DAVID LONG
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-3-13

tomorrow, the 2018 session of the Indiana General Assembly will draw to a close, and with it, so will the career of one of the Hoosier State's most distinguished legislators. prgtoken Senate President Pro Tempore Senator David Long recently announced that, after 22 years of public service, he will retire later this year. Under his transformational leadership, our State enacted sweeping education reforms, balanced the budget, delivered historic tax cuts, advanced the cause of life, and passed right-to-work legislation. prgtoken Senator Long played a pivotal role in our State's progress over the last decade and a half, and his impact in Indiana will be felt for generations to come. prgtoken My wife, Amanda, and I both had the honor of serving with David in the State Senate, and we are proud to call him a mentor and friend. During my time at the statehouse, I learned so much from Senator Long; and in my work here in the Congress, I am constantly reminded of lessons I learned from him when we served together. prgtoken Hoosiers deeply appreciate Senator Long's incredible record of accomplishment during his time in office. I wish him; his wife, Melissa; and his family the very best in the years to come.
REMEMBERING GRADY ``BUBBER'' BROWN
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-3-13

Grady ``Bubber'' Brown passed away on February 10, 2018, in Lake Providence, Louisiana. prgtoken Born on March 8, 1934, he was the son of the late William Dennis Brown, Jr and Martha Wyly Brown. prgtoken During college at the age of 19, he and his younger brother, Philip, were given 48 acres of land to farm rice on during their summer break. That year, they made a $800 profit and immediately spent it on an airplane. prgtoken Buzzy Tomlinson had a plane for sale, and they bought it with the agreement that he would teach them to fly, and he did. He gave them about 5 hours of instructions and sent them on their way. prgtoken They landed on their own front yard, as proud as they could be to show their parents the new purchase. prgtoken Steve Guenard did give them official flight lessons, and both received their pilot's license. prgtoken After graduation from LSU, Bubber joined the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School. He spent the next 4 years flying F-J3s, F-J4s, Chance Vought F8U-1s, and F8U-2s. prgtoken He had two Mediterranean tours, one North American tour, and he had a 3-month tour off the coast of Cuba. prgtoken He made over 400 carrier landings, both day and night, during his time in service. prgtoken His father died in 1961, so he decided to resign his regular commission and return to manage the family Panola farm. prgtoken In 1966, his cousin, Brenda Brown, came home from college with her roommate, Jennie Lou Ropp. Bubber and Jennie Lou were married a year later, and they have three children today: Grady, Jr.; Glen; and Katie. prgtoken He was always involved with the children's activities. He was president of St. Patrick's school board for 12 years, baseball coach, flight instructor, hunting guide, and more and more. prgtoken He not only taught both of his sons to fly, but his nephew, too; and he was very proud of them. prgtoken Bubber was an entrepreneur. He was the first farmer in the area to utilize second growth farming. He always came up with new projects. prgtoken In 1983, Bubber decided to start a new business, Panola Pepper Corporation, making his mother's recipe for her famous hot sauce. The idea was to employ his farm workers during the winter season. Creating jobs was his passion, and it was his specialty in the Lake Providence, Louisiana, area. prgtoken Bubber was on many councils and committees, and received numerous awards. He served on the Louisiana Rice Council for many years and was actively involved in the LSU Rice Research Station. prgtoken He was the lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he was on the church building committee, parish council, finance council, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. prgtoken He was also a lecture, usher, and Eucharistic minister. prgtoken In 2003, he received the Louisiana Small Business Award. prgtoken In 2005, he was asked by Governor Blanco to travel to Cuba with her delegation to promote Louisiana agriculture. prgtoken Bubber had seven
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT-- Continued
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2018-3-13

I come to the floor today to express my strong support for the legislation we are debating, which will restore economic opportunity, create jobs, help businesses grow, and help every Nevadan as they work to achieve the American dream. prgtoken As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, I can tell you that this legislation is years in the making, and I wish to thank the chairman of the committee, Senator Crapo, and my fellow colleagues who are on the committee for their efforts to get us where we are today. prgtoken For years the economy had been growing slowly after the great recession. It was like a truck with a bad transmission. It was moving, but it wasn't going anywhere fast. Today everything has changed. The American economy has been primed, the engine has been started, and through the work of the Senate and President , the gas pedal has been hit, and our economy is finally going full speed ahead. prgtoken Just a few month ago, we passed historic tax cuts for Nevada families and for Nevada businesses. A typical Nevada family of four will roughly get a $2,200 tax cut. We lowered the individual rates across the board and doubled the standard deduction used by most Nevadans, allowing them to keep more of their paycheck. This bill also included my efforts to double the child tax credit, from $1,000 to $2,000, further easing the tax burden on working families. prgtoken Overall, these tax cuts accomplish my three major goals of creating more jobs, increasing wages, and making America more competitive around the world. I am proud to have worked on these tax cuts, but Congress can do more. That is why we are here today. prgtoken The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act we are debating is the next major step that we must take to shift our economy into another gear. This bipartisan bill tailors financial regulations to protect consumers and help Nevadans have more access to financial resources and more access to economic opportunities. It will give Nevadans more choices when it comes to finding a loan to buy a house, to buy a car to get to work, to start a business, and, for that matter, to grow their business. Finally, this bill helps to ensure that local lenders can grow their services for every community in Nevada. prgtoken This is the oil in the economic engine. It keeps not only cities like Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno running but all communities in Nevada, such as Mesquite, Pahrump, Carson City, prgtoken Fallon, Elko, and Ely. This bill includes many bipartisan proposals that I fought for. I am pleased that the legislation I offered with Senator Menendez to ease workforce mobility for mortgage loan officers who wish to move to Nevada or to change jobs is included in the base text. prgtoken In committee I offered an amendment that was based off of legislation I worked on with Senator Warner that would require the regulators for cred