mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN APPRECIATION OF JAMES LIEBERMAN'S CAREER AT U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION AGENCY
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to honor a fine constituent and public servant, James Lieberman. After thirty years, Mr. Lieberman will be retiring from a prolific and significant career at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. Between 1985 and 2005, Mr. Lieberman's career blossomed as a U.S. Customs Service Contract Specialist. During this period, he served as a Procuring and Administrative Contracting Officer on many of the highest-visibility, highest-priority and highest-impact acquisitions within the agency. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Lieberman was asked to serve as Chief of the Business Management Branch of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency supervising contracting professionals who provided acquisition services to support the Offices of the Commissioner, Chief Counsel, International Trade, Internal Affairs, Congressional Affairs, Public Affairs, Finance, Training and Development, and Human Resources. Between 2007 and 2012 James served as the Director of the Border Patrol Contracting Division. His division was responsible for acquiring all supplies, equipment and services for Office of Border Patrol. After an exemplary demonstration of skill, Mr. Lieberman was asked to serve as the Director of the Border Enforcement Contracting Division from 2012 to 2017. His career crescendoed during his time as the Acting Executive Director, Procurement Directorate, from 2016 to 2017. His department is comprised of seven divisions authorized for 166 full-time employees. We appreciate Mr. Lieberman's profound commitment to public service and honor his long and successful career.
HONORING ELIZABETH D. EVANS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to honor the incredible educator, leader, and public servant, Elizabeth D. Evans. prgtoken Elizabeth Evans joined the Mississippi Valley State University faculty in the fall of 2003 where she currently serves in the Social Sciences Department. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Mississippi Valley State University, where she was commissioned as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Public Management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas, and a Ph.D. degree in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University. prgtoken Other educational ventures include completion of the Air Force's three-tier Professional Military Education program (Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College) and Academic Instructor School while serving in the U.S. Air Force. prgtoken As an assistant professor in the Social Sciences Department and the Public Administration Program, she teaches freshman through senior level courses, manages the internship program, advises all students in the Public Administration program, and serves as coordinator for the Public Administration program. prgtoken Her primary interests are in continuous personal improvement and student achievement. She believes that teaching is more than the giving of information; it is working to ensure prgtoken learning takes place and students must be engaged with exciting instruction, materials, examples, and demonstrations of real world situations to excite their desire to learn and use what they learn for a lifetime. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Elizabeth D. Evans, an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-25

I have 5 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 9:30 a.m in open session, to receive testimony on policy and strategy in the Asia- Pacific. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 10 a.m in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building, to consider the nomination of Robert Lighthizer, of Florida, to be United States Trade Representative. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 9:45 a.m to hold a hearing entitled ``The Crisis in Libya: Next Steps and U.S. Policy Options.'' Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate, on April 25, 2017, at 10 a.m in room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Intellectual Property--Driver of Innovation: Making Our Lives Healthier, Safer, and more Productive.'' Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the 115th Congress of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, from 2:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m in room SH-219 of the Senate Hart Office Building to hold a closed hearing.
SOLVING OPIOID CRISIS
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-25

as communities across my district and across the Nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction, it is hard to imagine that a synthetic drug exists that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. prgtoken Fentanyl is a manufactured opioid, which, especially in its illicit versions, has contributed to tens of thousands of deaths. Especially concerning is the fact that this synthetic poison can be ordered online and delivered via medical or express consignment couriers from places like China, and because of its high potency in small amounts, Fentanyl is extremely difficult for law enforcement officials and authorities to detect. prgtoken That is why I have joined Congresswoman Niki Tsongas in introducing the INTERDICT Act which will provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents access to the latest chemical screening devices and scientific support to both detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause our communities more harm and more devastation. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. As both parties, we must come together, and this is one piece of a larger response to the opioid epidemic. Both parties can and must come together to solve this crisis to take on this challenge head on.
NORTH KOREA
Mimi Walters (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to voice my deep concern regarding the dangerous and irresponsible actions of the Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea on behalf of the people of Orange County and the Korean Americans I represent. prgtoken This week marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Army. The North Korean military marked the occasion by conducting a large scale artillery drill in the coastal region of Wonsan on the Sea of Japan. prgtoken Make no mistake, this was a direct message to our ally, South Korea, where millions, including nearly 30,000 U.S. troops, are within range of the North Korean artillery. This drill comes on the heels of North Korea's threat to destroy U.S. aircraft carriers. prgtoken , North Korea is the top threat facing the American people. North Korea's efforts to extend the range of their ballistic missiles, while working to miniaturize a nuclear warhead, will eventually place the West Coast of the United States under direct nuclear threat. Intelligence experts estimate that the regime will be capable of striking the West Coast in less than 4 years. prgtoken That is an unacceptable risk for U.S. national security and an intolerable threat facing the residents of Orange County. I urge my colleagues to join me in condemning the recent North Korean provocations, demanding comprehensive sanctions on the North Korean regime, and supporting all actions necessary to secure the safety of our Nation and allies.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-4-25

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m Wednesday, April 26; 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; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Acosta nomination, with the time until 11:30 a.m. equally divided in the usual form; finally, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture vote on the Acosta nomination occur at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Congratulating Senator Kennedy (Executive Calendar)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-4-25

I would like to acknowledge my experienced and talented friend from Louisiana in his maiden speech, speaking about something that reflects his experience. Briefly, his experience, aside from being an outstanding citizen, was as a secretary of revenue in Louisiana, a State treasurer in Louisiana, and an attorney and a law school professor. prgtoken So now there are his committee appointments, which include the Banking, Appropriations, and Judiciary Committees, which are tailor- made for what he does. As a product of a small town and as someone who as treasurer in our State has been so aware of the economic development issues, no one would know better than he what a critical role small banks play in generating the capital and delivering the capital to a small business that grows to be a bigger and a bigger and a big business, while along the way employing more folks. prgtoken So, as we as a nation grapple with how to create better-paying jobs, it is fitting that Senator Kennedy would begin by speaking directly to how to create better-paying jobs. I welcome him as a colleague. I look forward to working with him for things that would benefit our State, our Nation, and the people who live here. prgtoken . prgtoken .
Foreign Policy (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-25

as we come back into session after a 2- week State work period, I think we need to take stock of what we have been able to accomplish in working together during the last few months. prgtoken Through the efforts of the administration and in working with Congress, we have been able to greatly lessen the regulatory burden on many American job creators, which is something sorely needed while our economy has been bumping along at, roughly, 2 percent growth of our gross domestic product since the Great Recession of 2008. We have confirmed a ninth Supreme Court Justice, and we have seen strong, credible action taken against people like the terrible Assad regime in Syria. prgtoken It is important to remember, as folks continue to judge the current administration and its foreign policy in particular, how we got here and what this White House inherited after 8 years of the administration. prgtoken As President left office, he left in his wake fires burning around the world. There is no better example than the Middle East. President celebrated the Arab Spring as a testament to the power of a democratic voice, but he did little to help our partners across the Middle East and North Africa find stability and prosperity. Along the way, he made the world a lot more dangerous for all of us by his inaction or, in some cases, by his actions. Libya is one of the most tragic examples. prgtoken Without his coming to Congress but instead going to the United Nations for a resolution, under President 's watch, the country fractured after he helped to launch a poorly conceived military campaign that helped depose Muammar Qadhafi, with no plan at all as to what to do afterward to stabilize the country. Apparently, despite all of President 's criticisms of President 's 2003 invasion of Iraq, he learned very little from it, and terrorists, including ISIS, jumped at the opportunity to fill the vacuum in Libya. prgtoken Later, the American Consulate in Benghazi would be attacked, resulting in the deaths of four Americans, including that of Ambassador Christopher Stevens. That was the result of President 's failed strategy in Libya. prgtoken To the east, as 2016 came to a close, Syria was embroiled in even more disarray, more bloodshed, and more violence than when the civil war initially broke out. President promised the world--now infamously--that should the Syrian Government use chemical weapons that at that point a red line would have been crossed. We know how that turned out and so do the citizens of Syria and so do, importantly, other thugs, autocrats, and dictators around the world--red lines crossed but not enforced. prgtoken President 's threats went unanswered. Russia became bolder in its support of Assad as it became clearer that the United States would not intervene. Now, in light of years of inaction by the previous administration, we have a refugee crisis in the Middl
IN RECOGNITION OF MADELAINE WALKER KIRLIN
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise to congratulate my Chief of Staff, Michael Kirlin, and his wife Emily, who serves as Director of Member Services for the Senate Majority Whip, John Cornyn of Texas, upon the birth of their beautiful daughter. Madelaine Walker Kirlin arrived into the world at 5:50 pm on Monday April 24, 2017 at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Madelaine weighed nine pounds and measured twenty-one inches long. Madelaine is their second child, and her big brother Brock is just as excited as his parents. I would also like to congratulate Madelaine's grandparents, Michael Kirlin of Bethany Beach, Delaware, and Brock and Cameron Hill of Crossville, Tennessee. Congratulations to the entire Kirlin and Hill families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.
RELATING TO EFFORTS TO RESPOND TO THE FAMINE IN SOUTH SUDAN
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-4-25

I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding and for his leadership. I especially thank my good friend and colleague, Ms. Bass, for this resolution. prgtoken , last August, my staff director Greg Simpkins and I visited Juba, South Sudan, to press President Salva Kiir, his Vice President, the minister of defense, and five of his top generals to end the civil war, protect innocent lives, and reverse the conditions causing rampant disease and severe malnutrition that could soon lead to a famine. prgtoken , just 2 months ago, famine was formally declared in South Sudan. I especially asked President Kiir to personally intervene and issue and enforce an executive order of zero tolerance on rape and sexual abuse by his soldiers and security personnel against mostly humanitarian aid workers and civilians. I told the President that it was unconscionable in the extreme that South Sudanese soldiers had raped, beaten, and murdered humanitarian aid workers in July at the Terrain compound. One of those workers that was sexually assaulted, as it turned out, was from my own district. I didn't know until 3 days before leaving on that trip that she was in the compound and came close to being raped and it was the intervention of other forces that precluded her from suffering that horrible trauma, but she was, indeed, severely traumatized. prgtoken I asked him for a review to hold people to account and put them in prison--yes, there have been arrests, but there have been no prosecutions yet--and, again, to issue a zero tolerance policy. prgtoken On March 28, I chaired a hearing on the famine and the growing crisis in South Sudan, which is also being chaired by some of the other neighboring countries in the region. prgtoken Matt Nims, the acting director of the Office of Food for Peace testified that for 3 years the international community has employed massive efforts to stave off famine in South Sudan. Yet, as conflict intensified, the food security situation continued to deteriorate. And he said: This is a man-made crisis and the direct consequence of prolonged conflict. prgtoken Ken Isaacs, the vice president of Samaritan's Purse--and Samaritan's Purse has an extensive footprint in South Sudan doing unbelievably great humanitarian work--testified: The most significant driver of the current crisis in the worst hit areas of South Sudan, however, is the political insecurity and brutal conflict that continues to engulf the region. In South Sudan alone, 1.85 million people have been internally displaced because. Because of this, many people are calling this a man-made famine, and it is hard to argue with that assessment. prgtoken Today, the United Nations reports that two-thirds of South Sudan's population requires humanitarian assistance, and almost 5 million people--more than 40 percent of the population--are in urgent need of food, agriculture, and nutritional assis
AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR GREATER WASHINGTON SOAP BOX DERBY
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-4-25

as much time as I may consume. prgtoken H. Con. Res. 36 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby in June. prgtoken Since the first official All-American Soap Box Derby in 1934, the mission of the soapbox derby has been to build knowledge and character and to teach fair and honest competition. This tradition also allows children to demonstrate their dedication and creativity. prgtoken Winners from this local competition will join those from other races, including from my home State of Georgia, in competing at the world championship in Akron, Ohio. prgtoken , I urge support of this resolution, and .
RECOGNIZING MR. ``BUZ'' EDDY, THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF GULF BREEZE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise to recognize Mr. ``Buz'' Eddy, the City Manager of The City of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mr. Eddy has served the city in this role since 1992. On May 1, 2017, Mr. Eddy is retiring after twenty-five years of dedicated service. prgtoken Mr. Eddy has contributed his expertise and guidance in many different capacities. He served on the Board of the Florida City/County Managers Association, and as a member of the Gulf Breeze Sertoma and Gulf Breeze Rotary Clubs. Buz served as President of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club in 2015-2016. Mr. Eddy also serves as the City's representative on The Santa Rosa County RESTORE Council and is President of Fairpoint Regional Utility System. prgtoken As City Manager, Mr. Eddy made structural transformation the cornerstone of his administration. He has put in place the plans, procedures, systems, and controls necessary for accountability and performance to ensure Gulf Breeze will continue to operate under the institutional principles established by his administration long after he leaves the post. prgtoken During Mr. Eddy's tenure, Gulf Breeze was impressively recognized as the Number One Most Successful City in Florida over 215 top livable cities, based on national quality-of-life rankings. prgtoken Mr. Eddy has contributed to the creation of countless successful projects and programs. He has demonstrated a profound dedication to the concepts of effective and democratic local government. His negotiations on behalf of the City have resulted in the expansion and redevelopment of a variety of enterprises. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mr. ``Buz'' Eddy and congratulate him on his retirement. I thank him for his fairness, diligence, encouragement, and trustworthy leadership; and wish him all the best for continued success in the future.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-4-25

today I wish to honor the life of Shawn Gilbert. Shawn was a prominent member of Montana's Little Shell Tribal community who tragically lost his battle with cancer this past January. Even in his final days, Shawn maintained a positive attitude, and all who knew him fondly remember the constant smile on his face. As is the Montana way, Shawn loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and hunting with his family, as well as reloading his own ammunition and target practice with his pistols. Shawn served his people as a member of the tribal council and dreamt of the day his nation, Little Shell Nation, would be formally recognized. It is our duty and my honor to keep that dream alive as my colleague, Senator Tester, and I work to enact into law legislation to do just that. I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn while he was in office at the Little Shell Tribal headquarters. Along with his fellow tribal leaders, Shawn presented me with a beautiful beaded bolo tie which sits on display in my office. It serves as a daily reminder of the Little Shell people and of Shawn. May God watch over his soul as his light lives on through the memories of his loved ones.
Tribute to Brian McGuire (Executive Calendar)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-4-25

this is one of those days I never look forward to. In my time in the Senate, I have had a lot of outstanding chiefs of staff. It is a pretty impressive group of men and women who have been in that position with me over the years--none more impressive than the person who, unfortunately, I have to say goodbye to today. prgtoken I am here today to pay tribute to Brian McGuire, the chief of staff in my personal office, who is going to be leaving after well over 10 years of service in several different capacities but over the last few years as my personal office chief of staff. He is really a uniquely gifted person. He is one of the most skilled writers I have ever encountered and, in fact, in my career, the most skilled writer I ever encountered. But in addition to that, he is good at a whole lot of other things, too, as I will subsequently describe in my remarks. prgtoken As I think back about the chiefs of staff I have fortunately been lucky enough to have, none has been better at so many different things than Brian McGuire. I always hate to see these talented people go, but we know the best way for each of us to operate is to do what is in our own best interests. Of course, he has reached the point where he has a big family. There are more lucrative alternatives out there--maybe not as much fun and not as meaningful as daily life around here but important to making sure our families are taken care of. prgtoken It is hard to know really where to begin with Brian. He came to my office in 2007. It was a critical time. I had just been elected Senate leader. We were not in the majority, but I had just been elected to this position. There was a lot of pressure to get things right. prgtoken Obviously, I was setting up a new staff in the leadership office. I wanted the best I could find. When we set out to hire a speechwriter, I certainly wasn't envisioning an upstate New Yorker with a master's in philosophy and a resume that included stints at HUD and the Schenectady Daily Gazette. From HUD to the Schenectady Daily Gazette and a guy from Albany, NY--not exactly what I had envisioned, but that was Brian McGuire, and he quickly proved himself in that role. That wouldn't surprise anyone who knows Brian. He is, as I said earlier, a skilled writer. He is bright. He is talented. He is guided by faith and his family. He is also the consummate professional, going above and beyond each and every time, no matter what the challenge, and we have plenty of them. As the years went by, there would be many different challenging situations--communications challenges, policy challenges, political challenges--but whatever the issue, Brian always rose to the moment. prgtoken After the 2014 election, when I became majority leader, I asked Brian to leave speechwriting behind and become the chief of staff in my personal office. He agreed, fortunately. He took to his new opportunity to serve the people of Kentucky