mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-2-16

, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, for anchoring this Special Order and rise to remember and mourn the millions of souls lost in the Holocaust, the worst instance of man's inhumanity to man in human history. prgtoken Nearly 72 years have passed since the end of World War II but for those who survived, and the descendants and relatives of those who perished, the Holocaust is not ancient history but a reminder of the evil that can be unleased when humans give into their worst instincts and appetites. prgtoken The Holocaust's magnitude of destruction numbered more than 12 million deaths, including 6 million Jews and 1.5 million children (more than 2/3 of European Jewry), and the ramifications of prejudice, racism and stereotyping on a society. prgtoken A haunting quote in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum refers to the story of Cain and Abel: The Lord said, ``What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground (Genesis 4:11). prgtoken The Holocaust forces us to confront uncomfortable questions such as the responsibilities of citizenship and the consequences of indifference and inaction, and the importance of education and awareness. prgtoken The Holocaust is a testament to the fragility of democracy. prgtoken We must resolve to resist prejudice and intolerance in any form. prgtoken It fills me with grief to know that the leaders of nations can destroy their own, as did the Nazi regime. Yet I hope that we can continue to strengthen the means by which we can pursue justice. prgtoken And I am saddened, outraged, and embarrassed that the current President of the United States could think it appropriate to issue a statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day that fails to make any mention of the defining crime of the 20th Century, the murder of 6 million persons for no reason other than they were Jews. prgtoken But the vast majority of Americans remember and are united in this prayer and promise: Never Again. prgtoken Thank you, Congresswoman Kaptur, for holding this important special order. prgtoken I include in the Record the following statement from the President regarding International Holocaust Remembrance Day: The White House Office of the Press Secretary [For Immediate Release--January 27, 2017] prgtoken Statement by the President on International Holocaust Remembrance Day It is with a heavy heart and somber mind that we remember and honor the victims, survivors, heroes of the Holocaust. It is impossible to fully fathom the depravity and horror inflicted on innocent people by Nazi terror. Yet, we know that in the darkest hours of humanity, light shines the brightest. As we remember those who died, we are deeply grateful to those who risked their lives to save the innocent. In the name of the perished, I pledge to do everything in
Calling for a Special Counsel (Executive Calendar)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-2-16

we are in a day--in fact, yet another day--of fast-developing, dramatic events. The news today that LTG Michael Flynn, who served until recently as National Security Advisor, may be culpable of lying to the FBI and therefore prosecutable for a Federal criminal violation adds urgency to the need for a special independent counsel to investigate all of the events surrounding his conversation with the Russian Ambassador and who knew what about it when and what was done. prgtoken The severity of this potential constitutional crisis--and we are careening toward a constitutional crisis--makes it all the more necessary that we have an objective and independent investigation, that Attorney General Jeff Sessions recuse himself, and the White House guarantee that documents are preserved--as we have requested in a letter sent by Members of the Judiciary Committee, including myself-- today. prgtoken The severity of this potential constitutional crisis cannot be exaggerated. Still we are in the early days of a new administration but already the turmoil and turbulence throw into question almost all of the proceedings here on other issues, urgent and important issues-- whether infrastructure, trade policy, job creation, economic growth, all of the pressing issues of our day. They also raise potential conflicts of interest on the part of other officials before us now, including the nomination of Scott Pruitt. News that we have also learned very recently, in this day of fast-developing events, increases the importance of deliberate and thoughtful consideration of this nomination. prgtoken Just within the last hour, a judge in Oklahoma has ordered the release of thousands of emails sent by this nominee, Scott Pruitt, the attorney general of Oklahoma, relevant to his dealings with oil and gas interests in his State and elsewhere on relevant legislative and litigation issues. This development really requires a delay in this vote so we can review those emails and know what those conflicts of interest were, what they may continue to be, and whether his answers to our colleagues in his testimony at his confirmation hearing were completely accurate and truthful. We need to delve into those emails, know their contents, examine the contents, in fairness to him and in fairness to an administration that may be appointing for confirmation yet another official like General Flynn, who was forced to resign just days after his appointment. prgtoken The interests of the administration, as well as this body, would be well served by delaying this vote so we can review those emails. I call upon the leadership to delay this vote, give us a chance to review the emails, and give the American public a chance to understand how those emails reflect on the qualifications of Scott Pruitt and the potential conflicts of interest that may disqualify him from serving in this all-important role. prgtoken I am here to oppose th
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , the war on women is escalating and more dangerous with H.J. Res. 43. prgtoken Let's not beat around the bush. Let's call this joint resolution what it really is. It is a backdoor attempt to restrict access to a woman's constitutional right to an abortion. prgtoken We all know that Federal funding for abortion is already prohibited, but this goes further--much further. It cuts off funding for contraception, screenings, and treatment if a provider also offers abortions paid for with private funds. prgtoken Providers either stop doing abortions or they lose the Federal funds they need to keep their doors open to serve their communities. In other words, the supporters of this resolution are willing to sacrifice women's access to basic healthcare services in order to stamp out abortion. It is cruel, it is wrong, and I would say it is discriminatory. When is the last time this body was called upon to cut off access to basic health care for men? prgtoken Vote ``no.''
HONORING MARK HAWKINS
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise to honor and congratulate Mark Hawkins, who will retire tomorrow after 29 years as chief executive officer of Altura Credit Union in Riverside, California. prgtoken After nearly three decades, Mark's greatest contribution is likely not to the credit union, which grew significantly under his leadership, but to the members of our community who have benefited so much from his commitment to supporting the Inland Empire. prgtoken Whether it is academia, athletics, the arts, or charitable organizations, Mark has been a fixture in promoting the institutions that define and enrich our community. His work with organizations, including the United Way, the Kiwanis Club, and the University of California-Riverside, has strengthened our community and expanded opportunities to thousands of Inland Empire residents. I know he will continue that work for many years to come. prgtoken Once again, I congratulate Mark on his well-earned retirement, and I thank him for his continued service to our community.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Susan A. Davis (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , it's been less than two months since the start of the 115th Congress and s have already taken every opportunity to roll back progress made for women. prgtoken They have pledged to tear down the Affordable Care Act and block access to Planned Parenthood. prgtoken They passed a bill through the House that limits insurance coverage for comprehensive reproductive healthcare. prgtoken Now they've turned their sights to title X, a family planning program that is crucial for women's health. prgtoken There are serious consequences for scaling back title X: without the contraceptive services provided at these title X sites, pregnancy rates would be 30 percent higher among teens. prgtoken We in government should be making it easier for young people to make smart and informed decisions, not depriving them of the ability to be responsible about their health. prgtoken Please, Madam , think about those young women. Their lives and their health should be a concern to all of us
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SAVES LIVES
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-16

from the mother of four with a preexisting condition to the family of a young boy who can now afford health insurance for the first time--we have heard constantly and over and over how the Affordable Care Act has saved lives. The Affordable Care Act provides quality, affordable insurance to millions of Americans. prgtoken For example, just in my district alone, nearly 100,000 people who are now covered through the Covered California exchange or through the Medicaid--which is in California Medi-Cal--expansion, they stand to lose coverage if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. prgtoken It is completely irresponsible to speak about repealing the Affordable Care Act with no replacement. I urge my colleagues to think about their own constituents before doing so.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-2-16

. As an African-American woman and a Member of Congress, I know I stand on the shoulders of giants. prgtoken My election would not have been possible without the efforts of Maya Angelou, Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, and many other sheroes who came before me. These women championed civil rights and women's rights and fought oppression so that African-American women could have a voice in politics. prgtoken When I was elected, I became the 100th woman to serve in the 114th Congress, the 20th woman in the Congressional Black Caucus, and only the second African-American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. That night was a historic win for women, but it was particularly special for African-American women. prgtoken Shirley Chisholm once said: ``Women must become revolutionary. There cannot be evolution but revolution.'' prgtoken At a time when the President's Cabinet does not include a single African-American woman and just one African-American woman in the Senate, we are reminded that there is still much work to do. prgtoken If this administration will not make a place for us, we will make one for ourselves. It is time to stand up, speak up, and make our voices heard.
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF GRADUATING SENIOR BUFFALO STATE BENGALS MENS BASKETBALL PLAYERS, NICO McLEAN, JORDAN GLOVER, LEON MOISE, JORDAN CHATEAU AND LOVELL SMITH
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to recognize five exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Nico McLean, Jordan Glover, Leon Moise, Jordan Chateau and Lovell Smith. During their collegiate careers, these young men have proven to be talented and dedicated scholars and athletes. Their achievements on and off the court are worthy of praise and I congratulate them on the completion of their undergraduate degrees. As members of the Buffalo State men's basketball team, these students are known as leaders among their peers and teammates. I commend these young men for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them as their college careers come to a close. Buffalo native and graduate from Amherst High School, Nico McLean plays Guard for Buffalo State. The senior currently majors in Computer Information's Systems. Jordan Glover, a Buffalo native and graduate of St. Josephs Collegiate Institute majors in Communications. The senior plays Guard for Buffalo State and leads the team in steals. Leon Moise, a Brooklyn native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School plays Forward at Buffalo State. The senior is currently studying Biology. Bayside, New York native and graduate of Lowell High School, senior Jordan Chateau plays either Forward or Center for Buffalo State. Outside of basketball, he is majoring in Criminal Justice. Lovell Smith, a senior Guard from Buffalo, New York, leads the team in games started. A graduate of McKinley High School, Smith is studying electrical engineering. Balancing the responsibilities demanded of student athletes is a true challenge, and each of these students handled the test with dignity and grace. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
CERBERUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-2-16

before President and Steve Bannon bring in a Wall Street billionaire to delve into our Nation's most classified intelligence, the American people have a right to know the facts about who he and his firm are. prgtoken If you believe in the United States military, as I do, and not simply cashing it out to private guns for hire, then we would best pay attention to Stephen Feinberg, CEO of Cerberus, who is to be tasked with leading a review of our U.S. intelligence agencies. prgtoken Cerberus also owns DynCorp, which is in a legal dispute over a $10 billion State Department contract for operations in foreign countries. prgtoken The Director of Homeland Security, retired General Kelly, received $166,000 as an adviser to DynCorp prior to his Cabinet appointment. Simply put, Cerberus profits off the privatization of war. prgtoken Handing the keys to our intelligence agencies over to Wall Street is dangerous. Privatization of our homeland security and Armed Forces jeopardizes our national security. It is critical we stand together, take action to demand transparency, prevail for the sake of future generations, and prevent the siphoning of funds intended for our military. prgtoken Before any Wall Street speculator sets foot on our Nation's most precious security turf, the American people and our military need complete disclosure and divestiture of all Cerberus' and Mr. Feinberg's holdings.
Nomination of Ryan Zinke (Executive Calendar)
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to discuss the nomination of Scott Pruitt. prgtoken I understand when we hit high noon, there will be time for prayer. You tell me, and we will yield back and get this done. prgtoken I want to talk about the nomination of Scott Pruitt and how this important vote will impact my home State. So many folks call Montana home today because their parents or grandparents or great-grandparents pushed west to start a new life in the homestead era. My family is no different. prgtoken I am proud and honored that my wife and I are still able to farm the land that my grandparents homesteaded over a century ago. I know that it does not matter if you are growing alfalfa, winter wheat, spring wheat, safflower, or garbanzo beans. I know it doesn't matter if you are raising cattle or sheep or hogs. You have to have access to clean water or you cannot succeed in agriculture. prgtoken In Montana, agriculture is the number one industry. Local economies around our State are driven by that agriculture economy, whether it is farms or ranches. In a good year, our State's wheat production alone will clear a trillion dollars. prgtoken This production not only helps create jobs and farms and ranches but it boosts the bottom line for the local grocery store, the hardware store, and local construction crews keep busy. Agriculture is the backbone of Montana's economy, but it is not the only industry in Montana that relies on clean air and clean water. prgtoken Montana's outdoor economy is growing rapidly every year. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping generate over $6 billion and sustain over 64,000 jobs in Montana each and every year. More folks are visiting Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks every summer. prgtoken And when they visit, these folks spend millions of dollars in communities outside the parks. Communities like Gardner, Livingston, Coram, and Columbia Falls constantly have packed restaurants and bars and hotels, thanks to our clean water and our clean air. Folks are flocking to Montana because of those assets. prayer
THE WIDENING FLYNN SCANDAL
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-2-16

are we witnessing the first Manchurian presidency in the history of the United States? prgtoken This resignation of President 's National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, has done nothing to end the controversy surrounding the administration's relationship with Russia. I am calling for an independent investigation into Flynn's actions. prgtoken The White House knew for weeks that Flynn misled about his secret communications with the Russian Ambassador, but apparently that was not a problem for the administration as long as it was hidden from the public. prgtoken Did the White House authorize Flynn's secret communications? Did the President? Why wasn't Flynn gone sooner? prgtoken We don't know yet the answers to these and other questions. What we do know is that the administration is not prepared to protect this Nation. prgtoken For all their talk of national security, s are giving President a pass. An independent investigation into Flynn's actions is needed. The investigation must determine if improper relationships between the administration and the Russian Government exist. prgtoken , the American people are demanding to know, and they deserve to know just how tight Russia's grip is on the administration.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , for her leadership on this subject. prgtoken I am a doctor, and I have worked in low-income and free clinics, and I know title X funding works. It has impact. Here is how we also know it works: by expanding access to full reproductive services under the Affordable Care Act and contraception, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of unintended pregnancies. prgtoken We are debating the wrong thing here. We should be increasing title X funds right now. We should be debating how we make access to full reproductive services more readily available. That is what the women of America want. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this dangerous bill. I urge my colleagues to understand the women of America are watching. prgtoken I also urge, if somehow this makes it to the President's desk: The mothers and daughters, , are watching; so be careful here. This is about preserving access to care and full reproductive rights. We are watching.
Agriculture (Executive Calendar)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-2-16

no one wants to live on a dirty planet. Before we created the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA, nearly 50 years ago, rivers actually caught fire from pollution, smog covered our cities, and powerplants spewed arsenic prgtoken and mercury into the sky with impunity. prgtoken In the years since, the EPA has been at the vanguard of the effort to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. prgtoken This work is not easy, and the person who leads the EPA has a tough job. It requires toughness and fortitude to fight back against polluters and special interests. prgtoken In all the years the EPA has been around, we would be hard-pressed to find someone more hostile to the Agency's fundamental mission or as less suited to leading it than Scott Pruitt is. prgtoken As Oklahoma's attorney general, Mr. Pruitt organized, led, or participated in virtually every challenge to the EPA's work during his time in office. His lawsuits have, among other things, sought to prevent the EPA from enforcing rules that keep our water safe, protect our air from harmful pollutants, like mercury and arsenic, and limit the carbon pollution that causes climate change. prgtoken These lawsuits beg the question: Does Scott Pruitt believe the EPA should even exist? In the weeks and months since he was nominated, Mr. Pruitt has gone out of his way to try and smooth over his record and say what he thinks we want to hear, but we can't fall for it. prgtoken Instead of listening to what he is saying now, let's examine more closely what he has done as Oklahoma's attorney general. prgtoken His record is troubling. Throughout his term of office, Mr. Pruitt has been very cozy with fossil fuel companies and affiliated interest groups. prgtoken A 2014 investigation by the New York Times revealed that energy lobbyists drafted letters for Mr. Pruitt to send on State stationary to the EPA against the administration's environmental regulations. prgtoken The CEO of Continental Energy--an oil and gas company based in Oklahoma--served as the campaign chairman for his reelection bid. We just got word yesterday that a State district judge in Oklahoma ordered the attorney general's office to turn over as many as 3,000 documents related to Mr. Pruitt's communications with oil, gas, and coal groups during his time in office. Unfortunately, we will not get a chance to see what these documents reveal before voting on his confirmation. prgtoken Based on his record and associations, however, I think we can make an educated guess that these documents will reveal the extent of Mr. Pruitt's ties to fossil fuel interests, and we have no reason to believe he will renounce these connections if confirmed to serve as EPA Administrator. prgtoken He also fought relentlessly against the EPA's efforts to establish basic limits on smog, arsenic, mercury, and other dangerous air pollutants. prgtoken Mr. Pruitt, for example, sued the EPA not once but twice to ove