mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Trump-Putin Summit (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-7-16

in my lifetime, no American President has ever had a more disastrous overseas trip than the one that was just concluded by President --5 days of disaster after disaster, insult after insult, capitulation after capitulation. Today, has America weaker in the world than at any time in recent memory. prgtoken Let's start with what just happened today that has the whole world reeling. To the shock and horror of the American public, President stood on stage with Vladimir Putin and told the world that he believes Putin when Putin insists that Russia did not try to interfere in the American elections in 's favor in 2016. prgtoken Despite what President wants us to believe these days, there are still some truths left in the world. Not everything is political spin. Not everything in the world today is up for debate. Russia did attack our elections in 2016. They plan on attacking our elections in 2018. In 2016, they did so with the explicit purpose of trying to elect . All 100 Senators agree on this. Every U.S. intelligence agency agrees on this. Every U.S. law enforcement agency in the country agrees on this. Everyone working for in his national security cabinet agrees on this. prgtoken Now, we actually have the specific names of the specific Russian individuals who carried out these attacks. They have been indicted by 's Department of Justice. There is simply no question, no debate over whether the Russian Government engaged in a massive, willful, illegal campaign to push the 2016 election to . It is a fact. prgtoken President , no doubt, doesn't like this fact. First, because there is an investigation that is pending right now over the outstanding question of whether he knew it was happening and whether he and his campaign team coordinated with the Russians to make that happen. There is increasing evidence that this might be the case, but we will have to wait for the Mueller report to know. prgtoken Second, without the Russians' help, it is possible that might not be President. We don't know this, but the slim margins where the President prevailed in certain States leave room to surmise that without Russia's help, might not have been elected President. prgtoken Regardless of whether coordinated with the Russians and regardless prgtoken of whether their support tipped the balance, it frankly doesn't explain what just happened in Helsinki. When asked if agrees with his staff, every Member of the Senate, and every law enforcement and intelligence agency in his government or Russia, he chose Russia. prgtoken Let me say that again. When asked whether the President of the United States believed his own government or Russia, our President said he believed Russia. He took sides against American national security interests, and we are left with a question of why. We raise that question
RUSSIANS ARE NOT OUR FRIENDS
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-7-16

now that the Manchurian President has come back from meeting with his holders in Helsinki, we need to look at what is going on here. prgtoken We were scolded today in another country by the President of the United States telling us how: Well, Russia has made mistakes. Well, we have made mistakes, too. prgtoken When has a President ever done that? And all my colleagues do is sit over there and don't say a word. prgtoken Let this have been some other President, it would be holy water in here. prgtoken He attacks women all the time--Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, Elizabeth Warren, Megyn Kelly, Hillary Clinton, you name it. But then stands there next to the person that had everything to do with our elections being rigged or held up, and he stands there and says: Well, he said he didn't do it. prgtoken What is going on here? Is there any backbone? prgtoken The President of the United States doesn't have a backbone. What did I see today? prgtoken It used to be being called a communist was the worst thing you could call someone. Now they are our friends? prgtoken Wake up.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE PRESERVATION ACT OF 2017
Elijah E. Cummings (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-7-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of the Electronic Message Preservation Act of 2017, and I want to thank Mr. Gowdy, our chairman, for getting this bill to the floor as he has today. prgtoken I introduced this bill with the goal of modernizing the Federal and Presidential Records Acts. This bill would require the Archivist of the United States to issue regulations mandating that all Federal agencies manage and preserve their email records electronically. This bill would help ensure that email records from Federal agencies and the White House are preserved. prgtoken According to an October 2017 report from the National Archives and Records Administration, approximately 46 percent of agencies continue to print and file paper copies of email messages. These records are more likely to get lost and are harder for agencies to retrieve during record searches under the Freedom of Information Act. prgtoken This bill would put into statute what agencies are already required to do under a directive issued by the Archivist and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. prgtoken In 2016, the National Archives issued a document for agency records officers titled: ``Why Agencies Need to Move Toward Electronic Recordkeeping.'' The document identified a number of reasons, including long-term cost savings, information security, and more efficient and effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. prgtoken This bill also would require the Archivist to establish standards for the preservation and management of email records that are Presidential records and to certify annually that the White House has records management controls in place that meet those standards. prgtoken Under this bill, the Archivist must report 1 year after a President leaves office on whether the controls used by the President met the required standards. This legislation would provide accountability to encourage every President to have the controls in place that are necessary to preserve emails and other electronic records. prgtoken This bill has been passed by the House with bipartisan support several times before. I urge my colleagues to support the bill again today, and I hope that the Senate will act on the bill and send it to the President's desk before the end of the year. prgtoken , I think the gentleman from North Carolina and I have laid out very nicely exactly and eloquently what this bill is all about. It is very important that we modernize all of our systems in the Federal Government, and recordkeeping is so important. prgtoken We see it, particularly in our committee, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, because we are constantly trying to get records and requesting records and occasionally subpoenaing records. So this is a way, I believe, to make that whole process more effective, efficient, and transparent. prgtoken , .
EXTENDING VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2018-7-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise to speak on my bill, H.R. 4446, to extend the Virgin Islands Centennial Commission. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Gowdy and Ranking Member Cummings, House leadership, and staff for their work to bring this bill to the House floor. prgtoken The Virgin Islands of the United States Centennial Commission Act was signed into law in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Islands of the United States becoming an unincorporated territory of the United States and to facilitate discussions and events on its relations with the territory. prgtoken Since its creation, the Commission has seen the appointments of Senators Lisa Murkowski, Bill Nelson, and Marco Rubio, Representatives Tom MacArthur and Mia Love, and Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Douglas Domenech. prgtoken The Commission expires September 30, 2018, without the extension of such time. prgtoken The Commission has been formed to plan, develop, and carry out such activities as the Commission considers fitting and proper to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Islands of the United States becoming part of the United States. The Commission also will provide advice and assistance to the Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, as well as civic groups, to carry out activities to commemorate this milestone in the movement of the Virgin Islands in its relationship with the United States. prgtoken Passage of this bill would allow the Commission additional time to accomplish its mission to study specific issues related to the Virgin Islands of the United States by extending the final report termination deadlines by a year to January 31, 2019, and September 30, 2019, respectively. prgtoken In June, the Centennial Commission met and selected a chair and interim executive director. We are currently in the process of collaborating with the National Museum of African American History and Culture on public programs as well as hearings here and in the Virgin Islands. The Commission is also in the process of engaging stakeholders to become involved in developing future projects to meet its goals and objectives. prgtoken Last September, as we all know, the Virgin Islands faced catastrophic damage from two unprecedented back-to-back Category 5 hurricanes. The recovering American citizens residing on the islands would benefit greatly from continued congressional recognition, as well as the work of the Commission not only in commemorating our past, but, more importantly, talking about our future and our continued relationship with the country. prgtoken This Commission has received national and international support, and an extended lifespan of the Commission would allow it to better benefit from this support and further examine the often inadequate relationship between the territory and the rest of the United States. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4446, and I yield
Trump-Putin Summit (Executive Session)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-7-16

almost everybody in the world knows by now that the President met with Vladimir Putin today. While nobody knows what the two Presidents said in their private meeting, what they said afterward certainly should alarm all of us. prgtoken President refused, once again, to accept the fact that Russia, at Putin's order, interfered in our elections. What the President said was alarming, it was embarrassing, and it is unacceptable. We know Putin interfered, and we know he will do it again in our upcoming elections. This is from the unanimous report of the intelligence community of this country and was reaffirmed earlier today by the Director of National Intelligence, former Senator Dan Coats, who was President 's appointee. prgtoken In its January 2017 assessment, the IC assessed that Russian President Putin ordered an influence campaign in the 2016 election, which was aimed at the U.S. Presidential election. That assessment described the campaign as a mix of cyber operations that were conducted by Russian intelligence services in its overt use of propaganda and fake social media accounts and trolls. prgtoken Take it from President 's own administration. Then-Director of the CIA and now-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acknowledged the Russian interference. He stood by the intelligence community's assessments, and that was a year and a half ago. He even said he had every expectation that Russia would continue to try to interfere in our elections. prgtoken A few days ago, Dan Coats, who is the Director of the DNI, said: The warning lights are blinking red again. . . . The digital infrastructure that serves this country is literally under attack. prgtoken Just this past Friday, the Justice Department announced the indictment of 12 Russian intelligence officers for hacking the Clinton campaign and the DNC. This is just the latest in a series of indictments. prgtoken Today, though, the President, while standing right next to Vladimir Putin, said that while the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community concluded with high confidence that Putin did, indeed, interfere in our elections, President said: [President Putin] said it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be. prgtoken That is rather curious. prgtoken Even worse, the President stood next to Putin and said the United States was to blame for the Russian aggression. Let me repeat that. The President stood next to Putin and said the United States was to blame for the Russian aggression. This Senator believes our own intelligence community, not a former KGB spy and colonel who is bent on undermining democracy and the rule of law around the world, is whom you ought to believe. prgtoken What does a spy do? In order to achieve a spy's ends, the spy lies. That is what and how Vladimir Putin was trained, and it is obvious he is no friend of the United States. prgtoken There has been a lot of discu
ESSENCE OF BETRAYAL
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2018-7-16

today President went to a foreign country and criticized his own country, the United States of America, while bowing and scraping to a foreign dictator, Putin. prgtoken Americans must ask this obvious question, and it is: Why does President refuse to criticize Vladimir Putin about anything? prgtoken It must be because Putin knows something about President that President doesn't want the rest of us to know. If that is true, then President has put his own well-being and interests above those of the Nation. prgtoken And that, , is the essence of betrayal. His actions have betrayed the confidence and the trust of the American people and could be called treasonous. prgtoken Sadly, 's supporters must look at themselves and think whether or not they were sold out by the dog whistle ``Make America Great Again.'' They must now realize that the President has subjected himself to domination by the leader of the international white nationalist movement, Vladimir Putin.
Trump-Putin Summit (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-7-16

I come to the floor in support of the nomination of Scott Stump, to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Career, Technical, and Adult Education. prgtoken As President and Secretary DeVos continue to roll back protections for students and make it easier for predatory for-profit colleges to take advantage of our students, students need someone at the Department who will remain committed to putting them first no matter what Secretary DeVos tries to pressure him to do. prgtoken Although most of the nominees President has picked for the Department have pledged their allegiance to Secretary DeVos and her agenda, I believe Mr. Stump will be different. If confirmed, Mr. Stump would be responsible for advising Secretary DeVos on career and technical education, adult education and literacy, and community college education while overseeing over $2 billion in funding to provide our students and workers with the education and skills they need to compete and get ahead in the 21st century. prgtoken Mr. Stump's resume shows he is a nominee who is qualified for this position. He has served as the assistant provost for career and technical education for the Colorado Community College System. He was elected by his peers to serve as the president of the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium. He also earned the support prgtoken of a number of key stakeholders and advocacy groups. prgtoken If confirmed, Mr. Stump would be responsible for adult education and literacy, which would help adults get the basic skills they need to be productive workers and family members and citizens, and which would help community colleges ensure students have the education and skills they need to advance in their education and their careers in order to remain competitive in the 21st century. prgtoken Finally, the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Department of Education is responsible for implementing the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. It is a critical law that gives students and workers the education and skills they need to succeed, and it provides businesses with a high-quality talent pipeline of workers with in-demand skills to compete in a 21st century economy. prgtoken Last month, members of our HELP Committee set partisan differences aside and passed the reauthorization of the Perkins CTE Act, which makes important updates to support an education system that prepares students and workers for an economy and a country that works for everyone. prgtoken In order to help students, workers, and businesses compete in a rapidly changing global economy, it is critically important that we pass that reauthorization, which would allow programs to adapt to the unique needs of their communities and continue to provide students and workers with the education and training that is necessary for them to get better jobs, earn higher wages, and climb up the econom
Trump-Putin Summit (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-7-16

like any patriotic American--, , or Independent--I was appalled by the press conference that capped off the President's trip to Europe this morning. President hardly pressed President Putin on a single issue, saying that ``both countries'' are responsible for the state of relations between the United States and Russia. prgtoken When it comes to interference in the 2016 elections, the President has managed to point the finger at just about everyone except the culprit. The one person he hasn't blamed is the man who is actually responsible--Vladimir Putin. Rather than taking the opportunity to confront Putin and stand up in defense of the United States, rather than demanding that Putin hand over the Russian intelligence agents who were indicted last week, the President took the word of the KGB over the brave, hard-working men and women of the CIA. It is amazing. When has a President ever done something like that--believed our enemies instead of our own intelligence agents, who have worked so diligently and hard to keep us safe? prgtoken Vladimir Putin's goal for over a decade has been the weakening of American leadership and the erosion of vital international alliances, such as NATO, that promote American values of democracy, freedom, and open markets. He has labored for 10 years, and he didn't get very far, and now President is handing him the keys to the city. prgtoken President Putin could hardly have scripted a more successful foreign trip for his interests than the one we have just witnessed by President . Now, because of President 's inexplicable actions, Americans and citizens of the world from one end to the other are scratching their heads, saying: What is going on inside the President's head? Because of the President's almost inexplicable actions, a single, ominous question hangs over the White House: What could possibly cause the President to put the interests of Russia over those of the United States? Millions of Americans will continue to wonder if the only possible explanation for this dangerous and inexplicable behavior is the possibility--the very real possibility--that President Putin holds damaging information over President . prgtoken The questions of the moment--now that our security has been put at risk by the President--are these: Where are our colleagues? Where are the s who cheered Reagan's famous challenge to Gorbachev to ``tear down this wall''? Where are the s who demanded a strong response from President when Putin annexed Crimea? Where are the s who surely know in their hearts that trusting Putin over American intelligence, defense, and law enforcement diminishes the standing of our great country? prgtoken Now is the time, if there ever were one, for s to stand up. If we wait much longer, our global alliance will fracture; the institutions America created in the ashes
HONORING ZACH MARTINEZ
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-16

today I wish to honor the service to our country of an exemplary American, Zach Martinez. Born in East Los Angeles, Mr. Martinez entered the United States Navy in 1966, answering the call to duty as our country engaged in one of its most agonizing conflicts, the Vietnam war. He answered by throwing himself fully into harm's way for the freedom of the Vietnamese people and fighting shoulder to shoulder with his brothers in arms. A mine explosion left him with shrapnel torn into his body and a steel ball bearing in his skull. He returned home, not only with a richly deserved Purple Heart, but with a determination to nurture the spiritual health of his fellow veterans. He became a certified chaplain offering free counseling to those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even more: He rallied his fellow citizens to found and maintain grounds dedicated to our heroic veterans in Huntington Beach, called Patriot Point, where on this day a memorial service will take place in his honor. To his wife Alberta, his three sons and six grandchildren, I want them to know that he inspires this Member of Congress to serve our country with all the spiritual fortitude and love that he so manifestly gave. May all of us here be so inspired.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-7-16

I stand here today to honor the distinguished veterans of the Northern Colorado Honor Flight who have made the 21st trip to Washington, DC. Over 120 distinguished veterans from World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietname war made the trip to visit our national memorials that were built in their honor. prgtoken Military service is an exceptional duty to country. Few words can describe the sacrifice that these men and woman have made for our country. They have helped to preserve our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Without reservation or fear, when our country has been threatened, our veterans have stepped up and have answered our country's call. prgtoken Twice a year, veterans are able to travel to our Nation's Capital, where we get to recognize their selflessness, fortitude, and bravery. In 2005 the Honor Flight Program was formed to honor veterans that served in World War II. Now, 13 years later, the program spans across our country and recognizes veterans from every generation, who are able to travel to Washington, DC, free of charge. prgtoken Please join me in honoring William Behrns, Leila Morrison, Gail Wares, Melvin Cook, Eldred Cooley, Eugene Curry, Bead Dennison, James Dewey, Tito Garcia Jr Karl Gruber, Manuel Jimenez, Donald Johnson, Myron Kapperman, Roger Lindgren, Bobby Lewis, John Mansfield, Thomas Mathias Jr Dale Mikkelson, Mary Miller, Robert Murphy, Howard Nornes, James Onorato, Wilbur Smith, Sigvard Stenlund, Bruce Abel, Gary Allen, Russell Ayer, Roger Baker, John Ballenski, Phillip Ballenski, Robert Beckman, Delmar Benkendorf, Joseph Bicek, Ivan Birdsall, Roger Booker, James Boyle, Ronnie Brown, Robert Buchanan, Ronald Byers, Wesley Carter, Timothy Casseday, Everett Collins, David Cordova, John Cordova, Keith Cross, Terry Curry, Terry Dack, Scott Dallman, James Ehrlich, Rodney Enriques, Gary Evans, Brian Finkle, Lewis Finch, Rudolph Gallegos, Pete Gomez, Clayton Goss, Stanley Graffis, John Haddick, Michael Hadwick, William Hamlin, Arthur , Michelle Herdengen, Charles Hill, Richard Hill, William Hilgenberg, Ronald Hoagland, Robert Johnson, Ronald Klug, Terry Kramer, Lonnie Kruise, Darrel Kyger, Bertram Langeberg, Gerald Lauer, Jay Lee, James Lichty, Anthony Lucas, Thomas Mannix, Juan Martinez, Modesto Martinez, James McDaniel, Kenneth McDonald, Ronald McDuff, Phyllis Minch, Alfred Montoya, Thomas Moreno, Donald Morris, Stephen Morris, Dennis Moss, Joseph Muzy, Emery Patrick, Joseph Plummer, Steven Prater, Benjamin Prieb, Ronald Rains, Donald Ratliff, Richard Regan, Fredrick Reiter, Thomas Robb, Bonnie Rohn, Fernando Romero Jr Charles Rossi, Janice Schilling, Dennis Seitz, William Sladek, Michael Smith, Stephen Smith, Edward Snider Jr John Tallman, Bruce Tibboel, Gary Todd, Gary Trippel, Billy Trobee, David Valdez, Wesley Van Pelt, Louis Velasquez, Stuart Veltkamp, Paul Wallace, Bryan Warwick, Tom Wasmer, Robert Watters, Steven Wilson, Jo