mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING BALDWIN COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTION
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to recognize the Baldwin County Family Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children across the great State of Georgia. This organization has done outstanding work to revitalize a county hit hard by the Great Recession. prgtoken In 2011, Baldwin County faced an unemployment rate of 16.5 percent and burg, one of its communities, suffered an unemployment rate of 25 percent. However, through a community of partners who were willing to work together and share their resources, the Baldwin County Family Connection was able to secure funding for a community garden, a walking trail, and a pavilion, providing places for families to gather and thrive. prgtoken , I am grateful to have an outstanding organization that restores health and vibrancy to the local community in my home district. It is my honor to congratulate and applaud the Baldwin County Family Connection for its commitment to serving children and families in the Tenth District of Georgia.
Nomination of Ryan Zinke (Executive Calendar)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-2-16

. If the Senator would yield, what the EPA has stated is admitting fault, admitting and promising that they would pay for those who were injured, and then just weeks ago, as the previous administration was ending, they denied every single one of the private claimants. The Senator has talked about Scott Pruitt at EPA. prgtoken When I spoke with the Administrator-designate of EPA, Scott Pruitt said they would make the private claimants whole; that they would pay the Navajo Nation; that they would pay the claims made by outfitters who were shut down. prgtoken Will the Senator help me make sure that the EPA stands up to its obligations and recognize that Scott Pruitt--at both the EPW confirmation hearing and to me--has committed that the EPA will do what they did not do; that is, to make our citizens whole?
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Kristi L. Noem (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 43 which overturns an -era regulation forcing States to administer title X healthcare funding to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. prgtoken Time and again, this Congress has risen with bipartisan support to oppose the taxpayer funding of abortions. Annual provisions, including the Hyde amendment, have been passed repeatedly and have saved an estimated 2 million innocent lives. prgtoken Today, we rise again to stop the taxpayer funding of abortion providers. I want to be clear. Nothing we do today will take a penny from women's health. Instead, we are empowering States to redirect these funds to community health centers and hospitals that offer more comprehensive coverage to women. prgtoken In 2014 alone, Planned Parenthood performed more than 300,000 abortions while failing to provide even the most basic services, like prenatal care, at many of their facilities. prgtoken Hospitals and federally qualified health centers not only offer a broader range of services, but also greater accessibility in many cases. While there is only one Planned Parenthood center in South Dakota, we have six federally qualified health centers that operate in 45 service sites and serve more than 54,000 individuals per year. These care centers offer low-income families health services, but they don't perform abortions. We can support women's health--and, specifically, health care for low-income women--without supporting abortion providers. prgtoken Simply put, H.J. Res. 43 does not restrict access or funding to health care for low-income women. What it does do is help protect taxpayers from funding abortion providers. It empowers the States to direct healthcare funding to organizations that truly do support women's health, and it makes strides toward protecting the most vulnerable among us, the unborn. prgtoken I thank Chairman Black for her commitment to this issue, and I am proud to stand beside her as a partner in this effort.
HONORING NEW JERSEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE TOMMY JAMES
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise in honor of Cedar Grove resident and recent New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, Tommy James. Mr. James is a pop-rock musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and is one of the fifteen new inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. prgtoken America in the 1960s was a time of significant cultural and musical development. From Tommy James to the Beatles, Bob Dylan, prgtoken Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, and a young New Jerseyan named Bruce Springsteen receiving his first guitar from his mother in 1964, the artists from the 1960s shaped the music landscape forever. prgtoken In the 1960s, a young, outspoken and politically active generation often told their stories through music and art. As a young person during this era, I can attest to the importance of the messages conveyed by musicians about contemporary society and their unwavering belief in building a better America for future generations. prgtoken The State of New Jersey can bestow no higher honor on one of our citizens than induction into our Hall of Fame and I congratulate Tommy James, who helped to influence generations of musicians. prgtoken , with an award-winning music career spanning over three decades and countless contributions to our State and its citizens, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tommy James to his induction to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIZONA
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-2-16

this week, my home state of Arizona turned 105 years old. The Grand Canyon State is an incredible state in which to raise a family and earn a living. There is so much to love about Arizona. We have over 300 days of sunshine; we enjoy the cool pines of Flagstaff and the rustic and historic towns of Prescott, Show Low, and Tombstone, which give perspective into Arizona's first days as a state; and we greatly benefit from the agriculture city Yuma. Arizona's lakes, mountains, and skies provide countless activities throughout the year for natives and visitors alike. Arizona also enthusiastically hosts 15 Major League Baseball teams for Spring Training, Super Bowls, College Football playoff games, and the Waste Management Open, which many call the Greatest Show on Grass. Most of all, I love the people of Arizona. Arizonans are diverse, patriotic, and fiercely independent. They bring so much talent and potential to our communities. I am deeply honored to serve my constituents in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. After a long week in Washington, I cannot wait to step off the plane into the fresh, free air of Arizona. It is the greatest state in the union, and I will always be proud to called Arizona my home. Happy Birthday, State 48.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE OF DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-2-16

on August 5, 2016, the administration published another overreaching regulation that threatens the authority of States nationwide to manage fish and wildlife. prgtoken Specifically, the new rule undermines Alaska's authority to manage fish and wildlife on State, private, and Federal lands. The new regulation destroys the cooperative relationship between the State of Alaska and the agency that historically worked well. prgtoken This power grab threatens management policies and wildlife refuges nationwide and, if allowed to stand, will set a dangerous precedent for future top-down mandates from the Federal Government that seize authority from States. prgtoken The rule violates the Alaska constitution and two laws that were passed by Congress in the form of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and the Alaska Statehood Act. People throughout the country oppose this misguided rule that harms the State of Alaska's authority to manage fish and wildlife within its borders. prgtoken In my home State of Arizona, 21 different sportsmen's groups have come out publicly against the rule and endorsed Representative Young's bill to overturn this Washington power grab. The 21 Arizona sportsmen's groups include: prgtoken Anglers United; Arizona Flycasters; Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation; Arizona Antelope Foundation, Arizona B.A.S.S. Nation; Arizona Big Game Super Raffle; Arizona Bowhunters Association; Arizona Catfish Conservation Association; Arizona Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation; Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited; Arizona Deer Association; Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society; Arizona Elk Society; Arizona Houndsmen Association; Arizona Outdoor Sports; Coconino Sportsmen; Outdoor Experience for All; Shake Rattle and Troll Outdoors; the Bass Federation-AZ; Xtreme Predator Callers; and 1.2.3.Go. prgtoken Representative Don Young's bill is also supported by 27 different sportsmen and conservation groups throughout the country. The National Rifle Association, who is key voting in support of Representative Young's bill, stated: The sustainable management of these natural resources needs to be led by the State working in cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The Fish and Wildlife Service's final rule would set an ill-advised national precedent that could have far-reaching negative implications on the lower 48 States. H.J. Res. 69 will restore the jurisdictional State- Federal relationship as Congress has previously directed. prgtoken Americans for Prosperity, who is also key voting in support of H.J. Res. 69, stated: The Interior rule relating to nonsubsistence take of wildlife, and public participation of closure procedures on national wildlife refuges in Alaska undermines the ability of Alaskans to manage fish and wildlife on refuge lands, which make up more than 20 percent of the State. Instead, C
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , I rise today to offer my unwavering support for the lives of the unborn, to stand in solidarity with the States, and to urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.J. Res. 43. prgtoken This resolution does not cut a dime from family planning funding available to States. It simply enables States to direct the funding towards nonabortion ``whole women'' healthcare providers, such as rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. prgtoken It is important to remember that, for every Planned Parenthood clinic, there are 20 federally qualified health centers. Each year, these centers serve over 21 million American women. This is almost eight times the impact of Planned Parenthood clinics. prgtoken We know that Federal law requires that federally qualified health centers provide mammograms, prenatal services, and emergency medical services, none of which are offered by Planned Parenthood clinics. prgtoken The States were wise to prioritize such quality health care for women with title X funds. Prior to this new, heavy-handed, agenda-driven policy, the States maintained the flexibility to determine grant recipients. This last-minute administration rule effectively nullifies the policy of 13 States that want to prioritize women's health over abortion. prgtoken This -era rule could also impair funding for another 10 States that have chosen comprehensive care over abortion-focused clinics like Planned Parenthood. But it gets worse. Of the 13 States impacted by this rule, five States--Tennessee, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Ohio--could lose almost $16 million in title X funding for failing to abide by the rule. This regulation forces these States to forego their title X funding for all of the women in their State. prgtoken Today's resolution resolves this encroachment on the States, rolls back this last-minute rule, and restores flexibility to the States so that women can receive the health care they deserve. prgtoken I would like to thank Chairman Black for her work on this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.J. Res. 43.
WHY THE MEDIA ATTACKS PRESIDENT TRUMP
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-16

it is no surprise that the media's credibility has hit a record low with the American people, according to a recent Gallup Poll. prgtoken The media attacked President because he proved their predictions wrong and their candidate lost. They attack him because they are mostly liberal and he is a conservative . They attack him because he is reversing many of the policies of President , whom they openly supported. They attack him because he is going around them, directly to the American people with his Twitter messages. They attack him because they can't intimidate or control him. prgtoken The media's hate is poisoning the country. prgtoken Wouldn't it be better for our country if the media gave the American people the facts rather than told them what to think? prgtoken Wouldn't it be better for our country if the media treated the President fairly and without malice?
OPIOID ABUSE EPIDEMIC
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today because the opioid abuse epidemic continues to worsen across this country. prgtoken In Florida alone, heroin and fentanyl deaths have risen by nearly 80 percent. Local governments in Florida are responding as best they can with their limited resources, but they cannot solve the problem alone. The 18th District of Florida includes parts of Palm Beach County, where my colleague, Lois Frankel, resides, which is one of the hardest hit counties in the State. In 2016, the county received more than 4,000 overdose calls, and there were approximately 500 opioid-related deaths. prgtoken , our Nation's veterans are uniquely vulnerable to this crisis. We must never forget our responsibility to these brave men and women to ensure that, when they leave the battlefield overseas, they aren't left to fight their personal battles here at home all alone. prgtoken I commend Congress for passing legislation last year to combat this epidemic, but we have to do more. I urge my colleagues to pass the bipartisan STOP Act to crack down on illicit opioid shipments into the U.S and I also hope that we can continue to work together in other ways to fight this epidemic. prgtoken Only by working together at the Federal, State, and local government levels can we defeat this terrible scourge that is creating new tragedies daily.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF TIM PRENDIVILLE
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise to commemorate the life of Tim Prendiville, an active member of Tucson's Irish community and dear friend of my family and mine who sadly passed away on February 14. prgtoken Tim dedicated his life to giving back to others. For example, he organized meals and bought sleeping bags for the homeless at Armory Park, and he donated his time to help those who could not read or write send letters to their loved ones. prgtoken He was a founding member of Tucson's St. Patrick's Day committee and was honored last year as grand marshal of the annual parade. prgtoken He was a gifted storyteller, a reflection of his Irish roots. One of his favorites was the time he sang ``Oh Danny Boy'' at a dinner with then-Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. prgtoken I've known Tim ever since I was a young child. When I was 12, he delivered the eulogy at my father's funeral. Throughout my life, he has been a constant source of encouragement, and, although we belonged to different political parties, he was somebody who shared widely his faith and belief in me. prgtoken , I am deeply grateful for Tim Prendiville's love and support. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones in our time of grief. I know he is now singing ``Oh Danny Boy'' with the angels.
RECOGNIZING MARY GROSSE
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to recognize Ms. Mary Grosse, from Tybee Island, Georgia. At 85 years young, she remarkably set a USA Track & Field Masters Outdoor 10K record. prgtoken She accomplished this during the 2016 Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run, where she finished with a time of 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 59 seconds. Not only did that time win her the 80 to 98 age group, but it also placed her in the top 10 of the women's 65 to 69 age group. prgtoken With her passion for exercise, Ms. Grosse has gained local celebrity status on Tybee Island, where the locals greet her as she walks her daily 6-mile route. prgtoken In 1964, Ms. Grosse moved to Tybee Island after working as an FBI secretary in Washington for several years. In 1971, Ms. Grosse and her family opened The Sugar Shack, which is now a staple of the Tybee Island community. prgtoken Her daily walks, for the past 30 years, have been a positive outlet for her and kept both her body and mind young over the years. Her dedication serves as inspiration for her family and the community. prgtoken I am proud to congratulate Ms. Grosse on her new record, but also recognize her for her positive attitude, her dedication, and her contributions to Tybee Island. Failure of Care
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-2-16

Idaho's small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them are known for their perseverance and get-it- done mentality. They have a seemingly innate understanding of the importance of delivering the highest quality products and services. Successful small businesses are also known for their commitment to getting the job done right. These qualities are on display in this month's Small Business of the Month. Located in north Idaho's rich timber country, this month's honoree is well known in my home State for its strong commitment to its local community and sustainable forestry. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to recognize Bennett Lumber Products, Inc as the Senate Small Business of the Month for February 2017. prgtoken Led by a legendary lumberman, Mr. Frank Bennett, Bennett Lumber Products, Inc is a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Princeton, ID. The company has two highly efficient mills, one in Princeton, ID, and the other in Clarkston, WA. Bennett Lumber also owns and sustainably manages approximately 70,000 acres of forest lands throughout the Northwest. The Idaho location, originally known as Boones' Mill, was purchased by Bennett Lumber in the early 1950s. The company invested in upgrading the old mill's equipment and modernized its processes in order to mill smaller dimension logs with a largely automated milling process. Always at the forefront of innovation in the lumber industry, Bennett Lumber implemented prgtoken the use of a mechanical lumber sorter in 1972, which set the company apart as being ahead of its time. In addition to their commitment to innovation and efficiency, owners and employees of Bennett Lumber pride themselves on producing high-quality products while also adhering to sustainable land management principles. prgtoken Bennett Lumber also displays a commitment to the communities in which the company operates by contributing to the Idaho Forest Products Commission's Project Learning Tree. This award-winning organization is dedicated to children's environmental education programs that help to teach students about land stewardship. Bennett Lumber also organizes youth summer reading programs, scholarship awards, school forestry tours, 4-H projects, and contributes to the Distinguished Young Women of Idaho Program. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the employees and owners of Bennett Lumber Products, Inc for being selected as the February Small Business of the Month. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Ryan A. Costello (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today in support of three veterans' bills the House considered this week and passed. I would like my constituents to know how the House is working to better serve our veterans, and I want to specifically focus on the WINGMAN Act, which we passed. prgtoken , enabling caseworkers to more efficiently handle the casework that we receive from veterans is critically important. Right now, my office, much like most Members in Congress, is experiencing a tremendously high volume of phone calls and office visits about a multitude of issues; and I welcome that continued energy and interest from my constituents. prgtoken I also want to remind everyone that a central function of congressional district offices--perhaps its most important day-to-day function--is to be a clearinghouse for solving a variety of problems for our constituents and a resource to help them. And the caseworkers in our district offices do an exceptional job. That is why enhancing the tools available to caseworkers to more efficiently serve veterans can result in more cases being effectively administered and answers provided to veterans. prgtoken This week we took an important step in streamlining this process by passing the WINGMAN Act. This bill would allow caseworkers to access read-only versions of veterans' records without having to first contact the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is if a veteran grants their congressional office this access. prgtoken It is important to note that casework staff is already trained to handle this sensitive information as part of their work to serve constituents who are veterans. I was pleased to support this bill and believe it will have a positive result for veterans seeking assistance from my office in Pennsylvania and veterans across the country. prgtoken In fact, I did ask for some comments from caseworkers in my office in Wyomissing and West Chester; and I especially want to thank them for the above-and-beyond, 110 percent effort that they are giving day in and day out. Particularly, at this point in time, with such a high volume of phone calls and office visits, they are still getting their casework done. prgtoken This bill that we passed in the House will help them further in helping veterans. Jason, my constituent services director, had this to say about the bill: The accountability piece is extremely important. This will allow us to see a more complete picture rather than just relying on what we are told by the VA. This should also help us triage the inquiries, thereby reducing the number of contacts we have to make to our VA liaisons, something they would probably welcome as well. prgtoken Lisa from my West Chester office indicated that she also believes it is a great initiative. It is important to note the claims process is a lengthy one. It would be beneficial to be able to periodically check in on the record to monitor its progress. Mo
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2017, THROUGH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-16

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn, to then convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business being conducted, on the following dates and times, and that following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Monday, February 20, at 4:30 p.m Thursday, February 23, at 9 a.m.; I further ask that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, February 23, it next convene at 12 noon, Monday, February 27; 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; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session, as under the previous order; finally, that at 3 p.m Senator Sasse be recognized to deliver Washington's Farewell Address, as under the previous order.