mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS
Alexander X. Mooney (Republican, WV) \u2014 2018-7-13

. Madam , I am pleased to commend the House Appropriations Committee for passing 11 of the 12 appropriations bills out of committee. All the bills except Homeland Security have passed committee. prgtoken Here on the House floor we have passed four of those appropriations bills. The Senate has passed three. This is what we call regular order, and it is very important to the political process that every Member of Congress in this Chamber and the Senate have a chance to offer amendments, be heard, and speak. Both parties have agreed to this. prgtoken We need to get all the bills through the House and appoint the conference committees. Those conference committees are where you reconcile the differences. We have fallen away from this here in this Chamber in the past few years. It is about time we got back to the regular appropriations process. prgtoken I want to keep the positive momentum going and commend us for passing those bills. Let's get that Defense bill passed and fund our troops the way that the American people deserve.
RECOGNIZING LTC CLINTON SEYBOLD UPON CHANGE OF COMMAND
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican, AS) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today to highlight the service of Lieutenant Colonel Clinton ``Clint'' Seybold as Commander of the American Samoa Detachment upon the occasion of the Change of Command Ceremony. prgtoken In American Samoa, our men and women of the Armed Forces are very important to us. The people of our islands take great pride in being patriotic Americans and our people are known for a high rate of service in our military. In particular, our U.S. Army recruiting center ranks number one in the nation in enlistment rate. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Seybold has deployed in numerous postings from Kentucky to Korea, and in 2015, assumed Command of the American Samoa Detachment, Theater Support Group, 9th Mission Support Command, Tafuna, American Samoa. prgtoken He has an extensive list of military awards and decorations, and is a graduate of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also graduated U.S. Army Airborne School, Ranger School and Air Assault School, followed by a Master of Arts in U.S. History from Eastern Illinois University. prgtoken In honoring this one outstanding officer today, we also express our deep appreciation to all who serve, including the many in uniform from American Samoa serving with distinction all over the world. prgtoken In American Samoa, we've come to appreciate Clint as one of our own. Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Seybold, on his next role and the great future ahead of him. I thank him and his wife, Wendy, for his service and his time on our beautiful Islands. prgtoken God bless and Soifua.
WELCOMING DR. STEVEN W. SCHENEWERK
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today for the distinct honor and pleasure of welcoming Pastor Steve William Schenewerk as the guest chaplain in the United States House of Representatives this morning. prgtoken Pastor Schenewerk serves the congregation of Community Baptist Church in Winston, Oregon. He was raised in the Midwest but followed the call of God to the Pacific Northwest to become a pastor. His path led him to Community Baptist Church, where he has humbly offered spiritual guidance and encouragement to the community for over 25 years. prgtoken Pastor Schenewerk's devotion to his community does not stop there, though. He serves on the board of the Winston Area Community Partnership and is involved in several organizations that help the needy in Douglas County. prgtoken Ever committed to serving those who have served others, Pastor Schenewerk has most recently become the chaplain to the local police force in Winston. prgtoken Of all the joys in his life, nothing compares to that for his wife, Cindy; his daughter, Megan; and son, Josh. prgtoken , I thank Pastor Schenewerk for his words this morning. They are most inspirational.
RECOGNIZING NATHANIEL PRYOR REED
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise to recognize the passing and the important contributions of a great Floridian for his unrelenting determination to protect the Florida Everglades. Nathaniel Pryor Reed was a man whom I was proud to know, and he was one of Florida's most influential environmental leaders. prgtoken He served six Florida Governors and two United States Presidents, advising them on environmental protection and conservation. He worked instrumentally in the legislation of the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act. He was an avid fisherman and a conservationist. He served on more nonprofit boards than I can count, and he was a founding member of the Everglades Foundation, serving on the board of directors since its inception 25 years ago. prgtoken He championed the bipartisan saying: ``The Everglades doesn't care what party you belong to, she cares what you do.'' prgtoken Nathaniel ended every phone call by sending his sincerest best wishes, and he always truly meant it. Today we send him our sincerest and remember his unwavering commitment to America's Everglades and his service to our Nation.
GOVERNMENT OVERREACH
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-13

the Endangered Species Act was passed 45 years ago. We have seen a recovery of approximately 2 to 3 percent of species since then, but when the baseball All-Star Game is in town, nobody is an all-star at 3 percent. prgtoken In my home State of California, an increasing trillions of gallons of fresh drinking water flow unused into the ocean, still fish species don't recover with all this new water introduced in the last 30 years. People's needs are decimated as people need to ask for a glass of water in a restaurant or soon decide if they will shower or wash clothes on a given day in their homes. Electricity is much more expensive than need be. prgtoken Home prices are so high in California, people cannot even live where they work, in many cases sometimes commuting 3 hours to where they work. No new lands, they say, are suitable other than building on ag land or on floodplains. This, while the State attempts to commit tax dollars to what they deem affordable housing. prgtoken The ESA back then that was passed with bipartisan support in 1973 was well-intentioned, we all agree, on preserving species. Liberal courts, nongovernmental organizations, and complicit Federal agencies have weaponized it to stop productive Americans, harm jobs, and increase imports. prgtoken The Congressional Western Caucus has a package of modest reforms to reset back to bipartisan goals of the Endangered Species Act, but we will hear how it is gutting the ESA when it is, instead, a series of course corrections applied to a 45-year-old law that has been reinterpreted and weaponized--accountability, transparency in data use, how it is gathered, how success is measured, instead of just being a roadblock for no-growthers, lawyers, and environmental groups. prgtoken , I commend the Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Gosar and Mr. Bishop for their work in prgtoken this effort in making this happen and, hopefully, being fruitful in adjusting the Endangered Species Act.
URGING NATO ALLIES TO HONOR FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today with grave concern regarding the security of our world. prgtoken Recently, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included my amendment urging our NATO allies to step up and participate in the cost of their own defense. President was correct to raise this issue at the NATO summit in Brussels. prgtoken America's commitment to our NATO allies is absolutely ironclad--it always has been--but for too long, the United States has shared an unequal financial burden in contributing to the global and regional security that NATO provides. prgtoken In 2014, each member country agreed to spend a minimum of 2 percent of their GDP on defense, but currently, only 5 of 29 member countries meet this threshold. With new challenges from an increasingly belligerent Russian state, instability across the Middle East and North Africa, and emerging cybersecurity threats around the world, it is time for our allies to honor their commitments. prgtoken As negotiators continue to finalize the NDAA conference report, I urge the inclusion of my amendment that passed the House to ensure our allies pull their own weight in support of our collective defense, which will strengthen NATO and help achieve peace through our collective commitment.
UNFUNDED MANDATES INFORMATION AND TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-7-13

the balance of my time. prgtoken , we have heard time and again of the burdens the Federal Government imposes on State, local, and Tribal governments. We have also heard from businesses throughout the country, both large and small, that have to forego investments in employees and infrastructure in order to comply with these mandates. prgtoken Congress passed the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act in 1995 to require the Federal Government to think twice before imposing unfunded mandates. And let me say, that bill passed, I believe, with unanimous support from both the House and the Senate. If not unanimous, it was overwhelming, over 400 votes in the House and, I believe, 98 votes in the Senate. prgtoken Of course, in the 23 years since passage, the bureaucrats in the Federal prgtoken Government have found ways around many of those requirements. As I pointed out in my opening remarks, the GAO has reported that 35 percent, more than one-third of major rules, are issued without a notice of proposed rulemaking so that the public has no idea what is coming out in the rulemaking in advance. It is time to make sure UMRA works as Congress intended. prgtoken Again, I am fascinated sometimes by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who don't want to take responsibility for our actions and want to give over the running of the entire government to the executive branch. It makes absolutely no sense to me. I am not sure why some run for office if they don't want to take on their responsibilities. prgtoken Legislative and regulatory decisions should be made in consideration of all of the available information, not just part of it. The government should consider every option before imposing unnecessary burdens on the States, localities, and even private enterprise. prgtoken H.R. 50 closes UMRA's loopholes and enhances transparency, accountability, and communication between the Federal Government and State, local, Tribal, and private sector partners. prgtoken We do not do away with all rulemaking. We do not want to make food, water, housing, all those things that are regulated for the good of the American people, we don't want to do away with those. We simply want to have more transparency and understand the cost of the regulations. prgtoken H.R. 50 codifies bipartisan regulatory principles, enhances required analysis, adds independent agencies to the cost-benefit analysis requirements, extends judicial review to hold agencies accountable, and improves stakeholder consultation. prgtoken I urge adoption of the bill, and .
IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF LEE HOWELL
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today to honor the public service of Police Chief Lee Howell and thank him for his service to the greater Denton Community. Chief Howell has led the Denton Police Department since 2011. However, his service to Denton extends throughout his 37- year law enforcement career. Chief Howell has fostered goodwill and civility between the Denton Police Department and local political and civic groups, elected officials, and the public. As our region grows, he has helped the police department expand to meet new needs. During his tenure, Chief Howell has been responsible for enforcing the law, keeping the peace, and maintaining the safety of citizens. He has overseen the biannual Denton Police Academy that produced trained officers who now serve throughout the North Texas region. It is my great privilege to recognize Chief Howell for his service, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Chief Howell's expertise and leadership will be missed by the greater Denton community. On behalf of the 26th District, I congratulate him as he starts a new leadership role as Chief of Police in Saginaw, Texas.
HONORING PENSKE RACING/WILL POWER
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today to honor and recognize Mooresville, North Carolina's own, the Penske racing team, as they recently added yet another big win to their legendary trophy case and brought home the 2018 Indianapolis 500. prgtoken North Carolina is proud of the whole team, , but I want to specifically recognize Will Power who was behind the wheel when they took home the win. I also want to recognize team owner, Roger Penske, who, with this latest win, can claim his 17th victory at the speedway. prgtoken Iredell County and the entire State of North Carolina is proud of the 32 national championships, including 15 in IndyCar, specifically coming from the Penske team. prgtoken , it is an honor to represent a group whose leadership, determination, and drive brings so much pride to our area. I am also glad they choose this part of North Carolina to call home, and I look forward to their bringing even more trophies back to our area in the coming years.
NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-7-13

Sunday is National Ice Cream Day. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day in the United States. prgtoken The sweet treat holds a special place in the hearts and refrigerators of many Americans. In fact, almost 90 percent of Americans have ice cream in their refrigerator as I speak. prgtoken The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania produces 10.8 billion pounds of milk annually, and 10 percent of our Nation's milk supply goes to the production of ice cream. prgtoken In the Fifth District, the Penn State Berkey Creamery has been researching dairy and producing ice cream for more than 150 years. They were the first collegiate institution in the United States to offer lessons on making ice cream; and in 1978, two men by the name of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield took one of their courses and later went on to launch their company, Ben & Jerry's. prgtoken , I congratulate Penn State for being an industry leader, and in honor of National Ice Cream Day, I hope all Americans will celebrate with a scoop on Sunday.
UNFUNDED MANDATES INFORMATION AND TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-13

I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership on this issue. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 50, the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act. prgtoken One of the laws of physics states: For every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The same thing happens in our economy. prgtoken Well, I can confidently say that, for every action made in Washington, D.C.'s bloated bureaucracy, there is going to be an unfunded mandate for private businesses and State, local, and Tribal businesses to grapple with. prgtoken In 1995, Congress passed the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act to help stop the burden of these costly Federal unfunded mandates. However, over the last 23 years, many unfunded mandates have slipped through the cracks due to loopholes or failed analyses, costing taxpayers more of their hard-earned money. prgtoken As a small-business owner for more than 40 years, I am a strong advocate for scrutinizing every tax dollar spent and holding agencies accountable. prgtoken As Dr. Foxx mentioned of her travels in her district and my travels in my district, for the last 500 days since this administration and this President took office, it is like somebody flipped on the light switch. More jobs are being created; wages are rising; and the economy is growing. prgtoken Jobs are being created. There are more jobs available today than there are people seeking jobs. prgtoken H.R. 50 does this. It closes loopholes in the current law, strengthens analysis requirements to identify harmful Federal mandates, and requires detailed assessments of authorized funding levels. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I encourage all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 50 today.
TRIBUTE TO BARB AND DARWIN SNOOK
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Barb and Darwin Snook of Grand River, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary on July 6, 2018. They were married at the United Methodist Church in Earlham in 1968. prgtoken Barb and Darwin's lifelong commitment to each other, their two children and four grandchildren truly embodies our Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken , I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Barb and Darwin Snook on this meaningful occasion and in wishing them both nothing but continued happiness.
CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF ESPERANCE
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the Village of Esperance, New York and to recognize two hundred years of faithful and distinguished service by the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department. prgtoken For two hundred years, the Village of Esperance has contributed to the American story, weaving together a diverse community, cultivating a strong civil society, and fostering a resilient fire department. Situated on the north bank of the Schoharie Creek, Esperance is the oldest incorporated village in Schoharie county, and the fifth oldest incorporated Village in New York State. prgtoken Formerly known as ``State Bridge'' when it was originally settled in the late 18th century, the settlement consisted only of three cabins surrounded by dense forest land. Hermanus Ten Eyck received the land grant in 1739, and allocated about sixty acres of land to be sold as building lots. Mr. Ten Eyck became disappointed by the slow sale of the lots, and eventually sold his land holdings to Gen. William North--a general in the Revolutionary War, U.S. Senator, and Member and of the New York State Assembly--in 1806. It was Gen. North's daughter that suggested the name ``Esperance'' for the village. prgtoken The name ``Esperance,'' which translates to ``hope'' in French, truly describes the common thread that runs through its history. Hope has persisted through the nascent years of Esperance's existence, the tribulations of depression and war, and the many great triumphs of American history. The strength and independence that continues to define this town are a result of roots that have grown strong these past two hundred years. prgtoken Protecting the village and its treasures has been the job of the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department. For two centuries, brave volunteers from the community have put their lives on the line for their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. I commend them for their service and their sacrifice. Additionally, I would like to recognize the Department's place in history as the owner of ``Deluge No. 1,'' the first fire engine owned by the village and the oldest fire engine in America. prgtoken This bicentennial anniversary marks a great milestone in Esperance's history, and serves as an important time for reflection. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations to the Village of Esperance and to the firefighters who continue to protect it. As the residents celebrate its 200th birthday, I would like to commend them on the success of their small, vibrant community and wish Esperance continued prosperity in its next 200 years.
EUROPE SHOULD PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE FOR NATO
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-7-13

. Madam , ``This is no NATO for deadbeats,'' to quote Wesley Pruden of The Washington Times. prgtoken Some of our NATO allies are beside themselves over President 's calling out our NATO friends for not helping pick up the tab of 2 percent in military spending. prgtoken As a member of the U.S. NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I have been befuddled for years how some of the countries make excuses for not paying their committed share of NATO defense--defense against the Napoleon of Siberia, Putin. prgtoken Our ever-proper European friends may not remember that American teenagers went to war and shed blood two times in the last century to help save Europe. Well, Madam , Americans have not forgotten the American sacrifice in those lands over there. prgtoken It is time for all NATO countries to be as concerned about European defense as America is. If President 's comments irked the sensibilities of our allies, well, they should just get the message. It is time for NATO to buck it up and keep their word and help pay for our common defense. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
LASER INTERFEROMETER GRAVITATIONAL OBSERVATORY NAMED HISTORIC SITE BY AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-7-13

I rise today to recognize the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory, or what is known as LIGO, for its achievements in the field of gravitational discovery. prgtoken The American Physical Society recently named LIGO, which is located in my district in Richland, Washington, as a historic site for its groundbreaking detection of gravitational waves. These waves passed through the Earth on September 14, 2015, nearly 100 years after Albert Einstein predicted their existence. This discovery has opened up new opportunities for learning about the universe. prgtoken I am amazed by the work being done in central Washington. In addition to this recognition, three LIGO scientists, Rainer Weiss, Barry Barish, and Kip Thorne, also received the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physics. prgtoken A plaque that will be placed at the site reads: ``The precision required to detect these tiny disturbances in space-time, caused by emerging black holes, was made possible by the coordinated labor of over 1,000 scientific and technical workers.'' prgtoken I want to thank the American Physical Society and the Nobel Committee for recognizing the hard work and dedication of these men and women, and I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating LIGO's scientists and employees.