mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 2334
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-1-24

I rise with my good friend from Tennessee to discuss some truly landmark legislation we are introducing today that is long overdue. It is called the Music Modernization Act, and it will reshape the music licensing landscape to bring it into the 21st century. prgtoken As a songwriter myself, I have a deep interest in music issues and in ensuring we have a music licensing system that works. Unfortunately, our music licensing laws have not kept pace with technological change. We have an outdated, antiquated system that is designed for the era of CDs and cassette tapes rather than the era of digital streamlining and audio on demand. prgtoken Most of us rarely think about the complex laws that govern who can listen to what music when and who gets paid when we purchase an MP3 or listen to an interactive stream. We pay our money to iTunes or the streaming service without thinking about how that money then gets distributed to dozens or even hundreds of actors across the music industry. You have songwriters and publishers and recording artists and record labels. You have agents and broadcasters and streaming services and performing rights organizations. You have multiple copyrights across multiple individuals for the same song. It is a dense, interconnected web of licenses, rights, and legal obligations that all need and should be carefully calibrated, but our current regime is not well calibrated--far from it. prgtoken To begin with, the process of ensuring that songwriters are paid when the songs they have written are downloaded or played on the internet is a complete mess. The problem lies in matching sound recordings to the underlying musical work; that is, to the song performed in the sound recording. When a person downloads or streams a song, there are actually two sets of copyright holders whose interests come into play. prgtoken The first is the recording artist who owns a copyright in the sound recording; that is, in the recorded version of the song. Often, the recording artist will have assigned his or her copyright to a record label. prgtoken The other relevant copyright holder is the songwriter--the person who actually wrote the music and, in virtually every case, the lyrics that the recording artist performed. The songwriter owns a copyright in the song itself, in the actual words and music. Often, the songwriter will have assigned his or her copyright to a music publisher. prgtoken When a sound recording is reproduced, whether by download, interactive stream, or fixing the song on a CD or other physical object, the recording artist and songwriter or their respective assignees will both receive royalties. The recording artist receives a royalty for the sound recording itself, and the songwriter receives a royalty for the underlying song. These are called mechanical royalties because, historically, the reproduction of sound recordings was done through mechanical means. Think of a vinyl recor
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-1-24

I want to thank the Senator from Utah for his leadership. He is not only the senior Senator and former chair of the Judiciary Committee, which will hear this legislation, and chairman of the Finance Committee, he is a songwriter himself. He is not prgtoken just a songwriter; he has a platinum record, he has a gold record, and he has another one that might become gold. So he knows what he is talking about. prgtoken I think, for all of us in the Senate, when Orrin Hatch says that in his 40 years or so here--more than any other Senator--this is the capstone of his career in his work on copyright and it is personally important to him, that means something to the rest of us here. I think that means--among all of the other issues here--we are going to pay more attention to this, and we are going to work hard to pass it. I hope it also means something to those outside this Chamber-- the songwriters themselves, the digital music companies, the music publishers, the broadcasters. This is something we intend to do. We intend to make this a law because it is right thing to do, because the songwriters aren't being treated fairly, and because it is important to Senator Hatch, whom we respect. prgtoken When Senator Hatch stands up on the floor and says: I have been working since 1977 on copyright issues--and we know how many important issues he has dealt with--and he says this is a capstone of all those issues, we should pay attention to that, and we should deal with it. I think we will be able to deal with it because we start off with very strong bipartisan support. prgtoken This afternoon, Senator Hatch and I will file the Music Modernization Act. We will begin with eight Members of the Senate, including Senator Hatch, as the lead sponsor; I will be there, in addition to Senator Whitehouse, a Senator from Rhode Island, a ; Senator Corker, a Senator from Tennessee; and Senator Dick Durbin, the Senator from Illinois. prgtoken Dick Durbin is in Nashville nearly as much as Orrin Hatch is in Nashville. He is not a songwriter, but he loves country music, and he loves songwriting and music, and he is the No. 2 Senator in the Senate, the ic whip. To begin to have that sort of cosponsorship, in addition to Senator Isakson, Senator Coons of Delaware, and our newest Senator, Mr. Jones of Alabama--those are the eight of us in the Senate who are starting this bill. We hope others on both sides of the aisle will see the wisdom of it. prgtoken Italy has its art, Egypt has its pyramids, Napa Valley has its wine, and Nashville has its songwriters. Songwriters are the lifeblood of Music City. The mayor of Nashville was in my office today and we talked about that. We have thousands of songwriters in Nashville. We have a lot in Memphis too. We have many in Bristol and Knoxville in East Tennessee, where country music really started. They are waiters, they are bus drivers, they are teachers
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-1-24

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Thursday, January 25; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the James nomination.
Disaster Relief and Funding Our Military (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-24

on Monday, relented after 3 long days and allowed the government to reopen. They agreed to pass a continuing resolution to reopen the government until February 8. prgtoken I am glad they finally decided to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program on which 9 million vulnerable children rely as well as fund our military and essential government entities prgtoken that could not operate during the shutdown. Now we have to work on other items that have been stalled and held hostage too. prgtoken The first is disaster aid, which has been held up for months. The House of Representatives passed an $81 billion disaster relief bill back in December, but so far that package has gone nowhere in the Senate. That is incredibly disappointing and exacerbates the hardships to the victims of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey, as well as the folks out West who suffered extreme wildfires, floods, and mudslides. They need to get access to that $81 billion of disaster relief funding the House passed last December, but that too has been held hostage in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken It is especially disappointing in my home State of Texas. I just got off the phone talking with Governor Abbott, who is perplexed--the kindest word I can think of--as to why we would continue to delay disaster relief to the people who suffered as a result of Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken I am sure Governor Scott in Florida feels the same way. I am sure Governor Brown out in California feels the same way. I am sure the Governors of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands feel the same way. What is wrong with Congress? Why can't they take up and pass an $81 billion disaster relief supplemental that the House sent the Senate in December? prgtoken Last August, Hurricane Harvey devastated 28,000 square miles on the Texas coast. It has been called the most extreme rain event in history, certainly in the history of the United States. Highways were flooded. Thousands of homes were gutted. Places like Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Houston have not returned to normal. Routines are disrupted, shops and businesses remain closed, and houses are being renovated or rebuilt. But because of the size and the scope of the devastation, it is hard to get building supplies and it is hard to get the workers to rebuild these damaged homes and businesses. prgtoken In Rockport, where I visited over Thanksgiving, Harvey made landfall with 150-mile-per-hour winds and a 13-foot storm surge. As of the end of December, 284 families were reported to still lack permanent housing. Some people are even living in tents. prgtoken Rockport Mayor C.J. Wax said that 70 percent of businesses in Rockport remain closed--70 percent. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, one-third of Rockport is so badly damaged that it will be impossible to rebuild. Think about that. Think if this hit your hometown. One-third of your hometown is so badly damaged by a natural disaster
Nomination of R.D. James (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-1-24

I wish to thank Senator Barrasso and Senator Carper for their bipartisan work to get this nomination to the floor. prgtoken I have known R.D. James for a long time. He understands the projects involved, the work involved, and the challenges involved. He is a civil engineer and brings a lot of experience to this job. prgtoken The work of Senator Carper and Senator Barrasso is deeply appreciated. I think it will be appreciated by the Corps and the Department of Defense.
Nomination of R.D. James (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-1-24

I rise in support of the nomination of R.D. James to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. The Assistant Secretary establishes policy direction and provides leadership for the Civil Works programs at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. prgtoken In this position, Mr. James will play a central role ensuring the navigability of America's ports and inland waterways. He will oversee the Army Corps' flood and storm risk management and responses to emergencies like the hurricanes we saw in Florida and Texas this past fall. prgtoken Mr. James will also play a central role in modernizing America's aging water infrastructure. This month, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, which I chair, has held two hearings on the needs and challenges facing America's water infrastructure. These hearings are important steps as the committee works toward a new Water Resources Development Act, which will be reauthorized this year. prgtoken It is critical to have Mr. James confirmed so he can partner with us in this important process. I look forward to working with Mr. James on projects and issues that are important to my home State of Wyoming. He has already committed to me that he will work to find a permanent solution to preventing ice-jam floods, like those that caused the Big Horn River to flood the city of Worland, WY. prgtoken There is no reason this confirmation should be delayed any further. His nomination was unanimously approved by voice vote in both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee. Mr. James is well qualified for this position. prgtoken He has served as a civil engineer member of the Mississippi River Commission since 1981. That is 37 years. He was appointed to that position by both ic and Presidents. Mr. James is also an accomplished farmer and businessman. He is experienced, qualified, and ready to start. prgtoken It is time for the Senate to confirm his nomination. prgtoken .
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YELLOW RIBBON REINTEGRATION PROGRAM
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-1-25

today I wish to recognize the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 established the Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to assist National Guard and Reserve servicemembers as they transition between their civilian and military roles and back again. The program ensures the readiness of Reserve Component members, their families, and communities before, during, and after deployment. prgtoken National Guard and Reserve servicemembers are the backbone of our Nation's military, comprising nearly half of our total force. We have relied on them to support combat missions abroad, and we will continue to rely on them. Nearly 1 million guardsmen and reservists have deployed since September 11, 2001, with nearly 35,000 currently mobilized. prgtoken Not only do National Guard and Reserve servicemembers support combat operations, security, and humanitarian missions around the world, they also ensure our safety when unforeseen disasters and emergencies occur. Just this past year, Reserve Component members have responded to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, providing relief and emergency services to hundreds of thousands of Americans. Through their compassion, professionalism, and courage, they protect our way of life, not just abroad, but also here at home. prgtoken In establishing the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, Congress recognized that National Guard and Reserve servicemembers face challenges throughout the deployment cycle that are uniquely different than those confronting their Active-Duty counterparts. Most notably, Reserve Component members often live far from military installations and other members of their units, decreasing their opportunities for support during each stage of deployment. prgtoken The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program bridges this gap by connecting National Guard and Reserve servicemembers and their families with resources where they live and provides a support network to aide their unique challenges. Through the program, Reserve Component members and their families gain access to relevant information and resources, including family and marriage counseling, financial planning and education, small business planning, legal benefits, healthcare information, employment training opportunities, and veterans benefits education. prgtoken I had the distinct pleasure of working with Congressman John Kline and Senators Norm Coleman, Saxby Chambliss, and Johnny Isakson in introducing the legislation that created the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in 2008. I am pleased to say the Minnesota National Guard's program, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, sought to improve how Minnesota's servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan experienced reintegration and became the model for the national program we are recognizing today. prgtoken Since its launch, the Yellow Ribbon Rei
HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-1-25

I rise today, along with my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, in recognition of the Santa Rosa Junior College's centennial anniversary. Serving more than 1.7 million students since opening its doors, this public institution has grown from seven women's vision for a local junior college into a nationally and internationally recognized leader in removing barriers to higher education. prgtoken Founded in 1918, the Santa Rosa Junior College was conceived of by members of the Federated Home and School Association of Santa Rosa, an organization of prominent women from across the City of Santa Rosa who came together around the idea of bringing higher education to their community. prgtoken Starting with an inaugural class of 19 students, the college had eight faculty members and was located in the basement of Santa Rosa's primary high school. Within the first seven years of operation, Santa Rosa Junior College went through great adversity: briefly closing due to a severe city-wide influenza outbreak, losing its basement location due to a fire, and operating nomadically out of several temporary spaces for four years. But out of this early turmoil came remarkable growth and resilience. prgtoken By 1927, the college attained the stability it needed to succeed and grow. Operating out of a permanent campus on over 40 acres of land, the college was able to begin extending its roots throughout the community, becoming the inaugural member of the newly created Santa Rosa Junior College District. prgtoken Today, Santa Rosa Junior College has grown significantly in scholastic capability and quality. Now spanning a combined total of more than 500 acres, the college district operates two campuses, a public safety training center, and a nationally ranked farm laboratory, among other facilities. The college now employs over 3,000 faculty and staff to instruct the more than 28,000 students who enroll each semester. With these sizable gains in students, facilities, and staff, the district has also expanded to serving 15 major high school campuses and 1,600 square miles, making it one of the largest college districts in the nation. prgtoken Santa Rosa Junior College, one hundred years old, offers exceptional academic, career technical, athletic and performing arts programs that have consistently garnered state, national and worldwide attention. Mr after a century of steady scholastic achievement and operational stability, the continuing success of Santa Rosa Junior College has led to immeasurable social and economic improvements for not only the North Bay community but the nation. It is therefore appropriate that we stand together in recognition of this momentous occasion.
HONORING MEMBERS OF THE WORCESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-1-25

I rise today to honor six members of the Worcester Police Department who assisted with recovery efforts in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the worst natural disaster that island has ever experienced. prgtoken In response to an urgent request from their colleagues in Puerto Rico, the Worcester Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Gary Gemme, deployed six officers to assist with recovery efforts on the island. prgtoken On Wednesday, October 18, four of Worcester's finest deployed to Puerto Rico for two weeks and then, two weeks later, a second group deployed for another two weeks. prgtoken These officers: Sargent Armando Garcia, Officers Danny Diaz, David Rojas, Jose Lugo-Gardner, Luis Baez, and an undercover officer--all with personal ties to Puerto Rico--joined members of the Massachusetts State Police to help their fellow Americans recover and rebuild. prgtoken The experience was emotional--the work, demanding. They labored in and around the city of Carolina, where the hurricane caused catastrophic damage to the power grid, roads, and bridges. Around the clock, they responded to emergency calls, enforced curfews, and secured infrastructure. prgtoken They distributed food and water. They saved the life of a suicidal man, administered CPR to victims of a motor vehicle accident, and assisted someone who was suffering from seizures. They provided a much- needed respite for local law enforcement officials who were exhausted by their own responsibilities to their communities and their families. prgtoken These officers represent the absolute best of the kind-hearted, compassionate people of Worcester. The emotional toll of bringing order to such chaos is high--yet these officers gave their time and talent unconditionally to the people of Puerto Rico. prgtoken We owe them our respect, our admiration, and our gratitude. Their example of putting others first inspires us all. They have truly made a difference, and for that, they should be proud. I, for sure, am proud of them. prgtoken , on behalf of the citizens of Worcester, the people of Massachusetts, and the United States Congress, I would like to recognize and applaud these officers and all who made their mission in Puerto Rico possible.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FRANCES GRICE
Pete Aguilar (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-1-25

today it is my distinct privilege to pay tribute to the life of Frances Grice. Frances was a beloved member of my community who committed her life to the people of the Inland Empire. Frances believed whole-heartedly that every person, regardless of skin color, religion or economic status, deserved to be treated equally, and with respect and compassion. A civil rights leader and longtime advocate for racial equality, Frances led the charge to desegregate public schools in San Bernardino, California. As a cofounder of the Community League of Mothers, Frances became a voice for the African-American community in the San Bernardino region, and used her tenacity and compassion to represent the interests of one of the area's most under-represented populations. Frances later founded Operation Second Chance, a training program to help young people in the Inland Empire gain work experience and become economically independent. Her students still remember her fondly, and her dedication to those who were in need made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young people across the Inland Empire. Sadly, Frances passed away last month. I speak on behalf of the entire Inland Empire community when I say our region is devastated by this loss, and that her contributions to making our community a better place to live will never be forgotten.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-1-25

my vote on January 22 is the same as my vote the prior time: No. The situation is the same as it was then, except there is one week fewer to actually get something done. prgtoken This legislation represents a fundamental failure on the part of s to govern. This bill does next to nothing for Community Health Centers, the Children's Health Insurance Program, our veterans, our pension systems--some of which are in a state of crisis, and the victims of natural disasters. Hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico remain without power. And, most glaringly, this bill does nothing to improve the situation of two-thirds of a million Dreamers, who deserve certainty and protection but whose lives 's reckless actions have turned upside down. prgtoken The situation continues to be outrageous, and it doesn't have to be this way. The priorities I'm fighting for are broadly supported by the American public. We should be able to address them directly and quickly, but I fear that we will be in the exact same spot in three weeks.
HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF PICO RIVERA
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-1-25

I rise to honor one of the cities in my district. On January 28, Pico Rivera, California celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Pico Rivera is a thriving community nestled on the eastern edge of the Los Angeles basin. With over 120 acres dedicated to recreational space, and 100 acres of local parks, Pico Rivera offers residents a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. prgtoken Pico Rivera was officially incorporated in 1958 as the 61st city in Los Angeles County. Before the community evolved into a lively residential area, the historic communities were originally home to agricultural practice. Now, Pico Rivera is home to a vibrant industrial and prgtoken commercial community, attracting many businesses small and large. prgtoken Pico Rivera has a rich history, and has continued to invest in the local community through projects such as the Passons Boulevard railroad underpass project, and the new Pico Rivera Library. These types of city projects make Pico Rivera a great place to live, work, and relax. I am honored to represent this city and its residents, and look forward to what the next 60 years have in store.