mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION (NIAAA)
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-12-7

I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), headquartered in Indianapolis. The NIAAA is an organization founded in 1977 to preserve, enhance and promote the educational value of interscholastic athletics through the professional development of its member athletic administrators. Extracurricular activities, such as interscholastic athletics, emerged about a century ago as part of education reform with the idea to use extracurricular activities to help teach ``soft skills''--strong work habits, grit, self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of civic engagement. The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. prgtoken The NIAAA, with its 11,000 individual members and athletic administrators nationwide, makes available the resources and support that our secondary school athletic administrators need to administer safe, high quality athletic programs that provide participation opportunities and positive experiences for students. The NIAAA became the first national association to be accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement in the post-secondary division. It has also developed and administers the only comprehensive Professional Education Program and Certification Program for secondary school Athletic Administrators. prgtoken Involvement in interscholastic athletics has shown a strong association with a variety of positive outcomes during the school years and beyond, including higher grade-point averages, lower dropout rates, lower truancy, better work habits, higher educational aspirations, lower delinquency rates, greater self-esteem, more psychological resilience, less risky behavior, more civic engagement (like voting and volunteering), and higher future wages and occupational attainment. prgtoken That is why the work of the NIAAA, and the school administrators and programs they recognize, including those in my district, deserve our recognition--for taking the steps to help ensure our secondary school athletic programs are the best they can be and students athletes have the opportunity to develop into the leaders our nation will depend on in the future. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the NIAAA and the recognized exemplary programs and administrators for their commitment to America's future, its youth.
FAREWELL TO THE SENATE
Luther Strange (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-12-7

I rise today to address my colleagues for the last time. After nearly a year in this Chamber, I am both its newest Member and the next to depart. As such, I have both the optimism of a young student and the battle scars of a man in the arena. Today I would like to offer my colleagues some observations from the perspective of my unique circumstances. prgtoken My fellow Senators and I come from different places. We were raised differently, and we have lived differently. In coming to serve in the world's greatest deliberative body, we have carried and tested different notions of America. prgtoken There is, however, one reality that transcends our individual experiences. In this Chamber, we are each humbled by history. The Senate has been a forum for some of the great debates of our Republic. It has shaped--and has been shaped by--citizen legislators from every State in the Union. We are awed by the strength of an institution that has weathered great challenges and the wisdom of those who first envisioned it. prgtoken As I rise today in that spirit, I would like to shed some light on a page of Senate history that bears great significance in our current political climate. As we know, across the aisle behind us is a space known as the Marble Room. In a building that is home to so many breathtaking historic sites, this alcove has a singular beauty and a story worth telling. prgtoken As part of the 1850s expansion of the Senate's Chambers, the Marble Room began as a public gathering place and has been frequented over the decades by politicians and protesters alike. When the Union Army camped on the grounds of the Capitol, soldiers even used its fireplaces for cooking. prgtoken For over 60 years, the Marble Room was steeped in the life of the American citizen. It hosted meetings with advocates, constituents, and the free press. It became a very tangible example of our Nation's experiment in representative government. In March of 1921, it took on a new, equally important purpose. The space was reserved by the Rules Committee as an escape for Senators from the crowded halls of the Capitol and the windowless, smoke-filled rooms where they often had to gather off the floor. It became the place where Senators of all stripes would come to catch their breath and take their armor off. Some would nap, some would eat lunch, some would read the newspapers, and all would end up forming bonds that rose above politics. prgtoken Today the Marble Room is almost always empty. This emptiness symbolizes something that worries me about today's politics. It is likely both a symptom and a cause of the partisan gridlock that often dominates this Chamber. prgtoken But the story of that room--the interplay between citizens and institution, between pragmatism and principle--is the story of the Senate and in some ways the story of republican government in America. prgtoken What was once an incubator for collegiality and bipartisansh
TRIBUTE TO WALTER STRONG
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-12-7

I am pleased to recognize Mr. Walter Strong on the occasion of his retirement. Walt has led the University of Oklahoma's Max Westheimer Airport, OUN, for 19 years and has a lifelong dedication to the aviation community. Under his leadership, the Max Westheimer Airport has demonstrated it is one of the best flight schools in the Nation, organizes successful pilot fly- ins, and maintains a youth outreach program to encourage the next generation to get involved in flying. prgtoken Mr. Strong began his career in aviation in the U.S. Air Force, working as an air traffic controller in both control tower and radar approach control facilities. Retiring after 20 years of service in the Air Force, Mr. Strong began working at the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, rising to the level of deputy director. He was one of Oklahoma's first airport inspectors. From 2004 to 2005, he served as the president of the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association. A pillar of the Oklahoma aviation community, Mr. Strong was awarded the ``Airport Manager of the Year'' in 2011, the same year that Max Westheimer Airport was recognized as ``Airport of the Year.'' In 2016, under his leadership, the Max Westheimer Airport received the Willie F. Card Contract Tower Service Award from the Federal Aviation Administration, which recognizes one tower each year for embodying Willie Card's vision of a tower that places profound emphasis on both safety and efficiency. prgtoken At the Federal level, Mr. Strong has been a passionate advocate for aviation, serving on the board of the American Association of Airport Executives and as the chair of the U.S. Contract Tower Association and ensuring that all Members of Congress are aware of the importance of general aviation to their constituents and to their communities. prgtoken I know that I join his family, the Max Westheimer Airport, and the University of Oklahoma community in thanking him for his years of service and contributions to the aviation community. Congratulations on your retirement.
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-12-7

I thank my friend and classmate from Georgia, Mr. Woodall, for the opportunity to be here. prgtoken , more and more baby boomers retire every day, and it has been estimated that approximately $10 trillion of privately owned, small, and family-run businesses will either be closed or, if possible, sold to a new generation of entrepreneurs in the coming years. prgtoken Mergers and acquisitions--or M&A as it is oftentimes referred to-- brokers play a critical role in facilitating the transfer of ownership of these smaller, privately held companies. However, today's one-size- fits-all system of broker-dealer regulation unnecessarily burdens business sellers and buyers with the pass-through of heavy regulatory compliance costs that do not provide significant incremental benefits in privately negotiated M&A transactions. prgtoken Today, Federal securities regulations technically require local mergers and acquisitions brokers to be registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and FINRA, just like Wall Street investment bankers. Those bankers are trying to sell or buy publicly traded companies. That is right; anyone brokering the sale of a hometown small business in your district or in mine, like in Holland, Michigan, must be federally registered and regulated as a securities broker-dealer, in addition to State law requirements, regardless of the size of the business or the sale transaction. prgtoken Federal securities regulation was primarily designed to protect passive investors and public securities markets. Privately negotiated mergers and acquisitions transactions facilitated by these small business brokers are vastly different and do not typically relate to the transactions meant to be protected by the SEC and FINRA regulation and registration. prgtoken That is why I have continued to introduce bipartisan legislation known as the Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act. This bipartisan bill would create a simplified system for brokers performing services in connection with the transfer of ownership of smaller, privately held companies. prgtoken I would like to thank Representatives Sherman and Maloney, along with the work of Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters for what they have done. And as my friend from Georgia had pointed out, not every day do we have to just keep kicking each other in the shins. We actually can work together, and this is an example of doing that. prgtoken So the impact of this legislation would significantly reduce transaction costs, promote competition among these small business brokers, and facilitate private businesses and acquisitions of these small businesses. prgtoken This initiative promotes economic growth and development through these sales, and there is really substantial relief of regulatory burdens on small business professionals who serve these smaller business owners. prgtoken Business brokerage services are
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-12-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today to present H.J. Res. 123, a continuing resolution that maintains funding for Federal Government operations and prevents a shutdown. prgtoken Current funding legislation expires tomorrow, Friday, December 8. Congress must act now to prevent a government shutdown and preserve vital Federal programs that Americans rely on. This action is critical to our Nation's stability, our national security, our economic health, and the well-being of the American people. prgtoken This simple, clean extension of funding provides fiscal year 2018 funding for government programs through December 22, an additional 2 weeks, and will allow time for leadership to reach a deal on overall topline spending levels for the 2018 fiscal year. prgtoken I would note that the executive branch supports adoption of this continuing resolution. Yesterday's Statement of Administration Policy says: ``This legislation funds the Federal Government at current spending levels without unnecessary extraneous provisions.'' prgtoken It concludes that his advisers would recommend that the President sign the bill into law. prgtoken , I include in the Record the December 6 Statement of Administration Policy regarding H.J. Res. 123. Statement of Administration Policy h.j. res. 123--further continuing appropriations act, 2018--rep. frelinghuysen, r-nj The Administration supports House passage of H.J. Res. 123, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018. This legislation funds the Federal Government at current spending levels without unnecessary extraneous provisions through December 22, 2017, while the Congress continues to work on a longer-term funding agreement. The legislation also includes language to ensure that States and Territories have adequate funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through December. The Administration believes that funding for national security, including for our military, to secure the Southern Border, and to enhance missile defense capabilities, must be prioritized in a long-term funding agreement, and will continue working with the Congress to achieve that goal. If H.J. Res. 123 was presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign the bill into law.
Order of Procedure (Executive Session)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-12-7

I am here with my colleague from the State of Alaska, Senator Sullivan. We have heard his comments, his very strong support of the nomination of Joe Balash to be the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. As he has indicated, he speaks as one who has great insight and knowledge, having worked with Mr. Balash for a period of years. prgtoken As we think about those who are willing to step up and serve in this new administration, I think it is particularly telling that when we have personal knowledge, when we have had these relationships, when we know intimately of a person's work ethic, of their dedication to issues and their willingness to serve, we pay particular attention to that. prgtoken I, too, stand in strong support of Joe Balash for this position, and I thank the Secretary of the Interior for placing his trust, placing his confidence in Mr. Balash to serve on his team at the Department of the Interior. prgtoken We have an individual who knows intimately the subject area to which he has been appointed. Joe is from a community by the name of North Pole. We are all thinking about the North Pole as we get closer to Christmas. I suggest that just being from Alaska is enough to convince me that he is qualified for this position, but, honestly, the breadth and depth of his experiences and his commitment, his care, his passion, his dedication to serving not only the people but the lands that we hold so dear is a great tribute to Joe Balash. prgtoken I have known and worked closely with him for years now, from the time that he was at the department of natural resources with then- Commissioner Sullivan to the time that he served as the chief of staff for Senator Sullivan. Both of those jobs have allowed Mr. Balash to demonstrate time and again his competence, his expertise on a wide range of issues, particularly the stewardship of our public lands. prgtoken We had an opportunity while in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to listen to a little bit of his background, his upbringing, and how he became so personally involved and intertwined with our public lands. Then, if you think about the role he played when he was at the State as commissioner of natural resources, he had direct responsibility, management, and protection of 101 million acres of the State of Alaska. This is larger than the entire State of California-- 101 million acres. He also had control of a State park system containing 3.3 million acres of land, more than twice the size of Delaware. He is used to dealing with large areas of land and the complicated and complex issues that are associated with them. He genuinely understands how we can develop our natural resources while protecting the environment and sustaining the health of wildlife and ecosystems. prgtoken He is able to balance, he is able to understand people, and he is able, as he has demonstrated as a manager, to manage land--managing e
WELCOMING THE GUEST CHAPLAIN
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-12-7

I rise today to thank Father Steven Boes from Boys Town for delivering our opening prayer this morning. The work he does to help at-risk youth across America is awe-inspiring, and I am proud to say that he is a Nebraskan. prgtoken Boys Town is a special place, and it is located in the heart of our country. In the late 1910s, while ministering to the homeless of Omaha, Father Edward Joseph Flanagan became interested in young people and their struggles to grow into responsible, productive adults. He wanted to help them improve their lives, and he soon founded Boys Town on December 12, 1917, as an orphanage for boys. prgtoken A few years later, Father Flanagan purchased Overlook Farm on the outskirts of Omaha, which soon became known as the Village of Boys Town. He knew that children would thrive if given love, a home, and a purpose. His message that every child deserves a loving home and a chance to create a positive future for themselves is one that resonates across social boundaries. prgtoken Today, Boys Town is one of the largest nonprofits in the country, serving underprivileged and at-risk children. Father Boes's leadership at Boys Town is a tribute to Father Flanagan's mission to build better communities by promoting stronger families. For nearly 100 years, Boys Town has worked tirelessly to nurture troubled children and heal broken families. Every year, the organization helps more than 2 million children and families across the United States. prgtoken Boys Town also has a renowned school, which offers a year-round traditional academic curriculum that focuses on helping students, especially those who are behind in their school work. It helps children in difficult circumstances find success in the classroom, as well as get back on track toward graduation. prgtoken The school's motto echoes that of the organization as a whole: ``He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother.'' I believe that motto is a great explanation of why we are celebrating Boys Town's 100th anniversary next week. For a century, through terrible depressions, horrible world wars, droughts, and snowstorms, Boys Town has served as a glimmer of hope for many who are looking for help. prgtoken I don't think Father Flanagan would be surprised to learn that Boys Town has grown to include 12 regional headquarters across our great Nation or that his charity really has become a jewel of the nonprofits. His outlook created a firm foundation for helping our communities, and it is one that Father Boes continues to build on. prgtoken That deserves to be celebrated. I am happy that on July 6, 2015, the Boys Town Centennial Commemorative Coin Act was signed into law. This bill authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to mint five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar coins in honor of Boys Town's 100th anniversary. Adorned with designs and sayings that capture the spirit and mission of prgtoken Boys Town, these coins can act
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-12-7

I have 8 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 Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 2 p.m. in SD-215 to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Kevin K. McAleenan, of Hawaii, to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room SD-430 to conduct a hearing entitled ``Implementation of the 21'' Century Cures Act: Progress and the Path Forward for Medical Innovation''. Committee on Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room SD-226 to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Leonard Steven Grasz, of Nebraska, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, James C. Ho, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, Don R. Willett, of Texas, to be a Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Terry A. Doughty, to be prgtoken United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, Terry Fitzgerald Moorer, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama, Mark Saalfield Norris, Sr to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, Claria Horn Boom, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, John W. Broomes, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, Rebecca Grady Jennings, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky, and Robert Earl Wier, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 2 p.m. in room SH-219 to conduct a closed hearing.
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-7

I rise today in support of this continuing resolution. prgtoken Our most solemn responsibility as Members of Congress is to provide for our Nation's security. prgtoken The world is more dangerous and unstable than at any time in recent history. The threat from North Korea grows each day. Russia continues to create instability in Ukraine, the Baltics, and the Balkans. Chinese is militarizing the South China Sea and modernizing their military at an alarming pace. prgtoken Meanwhile, ISIS and al-Qaida continue to spread their perverted version of Islam across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. prgtoken We must send a clear message to our adversaries that our military is prepared to confront anyone who threatens us at any time. prgtoken A shutdown in the Department of Defense will only embolden our adversaries and threaten our national security. Our military needs stable, predictable, and timely funding to ensure it is prepared to meet the threats we face now and in the future. prgtoken Members demonstrated their commitment to rebuilding our military this past summer by passing the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, which included the defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018. Only a budget agreement that gives our men and women in uniform the funding they need and removes the threat of sequestration will provide them that certainty. prgtoken The House must pass this continuing resolution to allow time for an agreement to be reached that will fully fund our Nation's defense. Shutting down the government is not an option. prgtoken , I urge all Members to support this very important legislation.