mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PULLING OUT OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-6-8

I rise to express my deep disappointment that President intends to pull the United States out of the historic Paris climate agreement. This agreement is a powerful symbol of America's strength and global leadership. It promised a bright future for our Nation and the world powered by clean energy. prgtoken America was poised to lead that clean energy revolution. Instead, the world is now making plans to move ahead without us. Jobs will be created without us. New industries will be born and new innovative technologies manufactured without us. If we stick with this President's decision, America will be on the outside looking in. prgtoken I want to make one thing perfectly clear. I am still in, and so are more prgtoken than 1,000 of America's most forward-thinking cities, States, universities, and businesses, including the cities of Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, Union and Skidmore Colleges, and SUNY Albany. So are millions of our fellow Americans and communities in every single congressional district across our great Nation. Together, we will embrace the climate economy, even if our President does not. prgtoken President 's decision is a scar on America's image, but the American people will continue to demand leadership on reducing carbon pollution. Our children and our grandchildren are counting on us. Let's not fail them.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JOHN T. KNOX
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-8

I rise today to recognize the life and service of a former Contra Costa Assemblyman, Mr. John Knox. prgtoken Mr. Knox spent 20 years in the Assembly, representing western Contra Costa County. Besides the state's environmental law, he sponsored laws creating the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, which was signed by Governor Reagan and thwarted plans to fill in parts of the bay; authorizing state regulation of health maintenance organizations, rewriting standards for sales of stock and other corporate securities in California, and establishing regional planning agencies. prgtoken Even after he retired from the Legislature and joined a law firm, he was often brought back to preside as the house parliamentarian. A section of Interstate 580 leading to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is named the John T. Knox Freeway because of his success in obtaining funding to rebuild a dangerous, undivided highway. prgtoken After his time in the Assembly, Mr. Knox was always willing to sit down and discuss issues, whether that be in classrooms or simply over lunch with colleagues and peers. He was always willing to lend his knowledge and experience to the betterment of the Contra Costa community. prgtoken John was an inspiration and a friend, and will be greatly missed by not only myself, but the entire Contra Costa community.
FINANCIAL CHOICE ACT OF 2017
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-6-8

I thank Ranking Member Waters for yielding. prgtoken , today I rise in opposition to H.R. 10. prgtoken While this bill may contain some language that I would agree with and that is helpful to our community banks, as well as some of our credit unions, it would be very harmful to our seniors and the elderly. prgtoken Additionally, the Financial CHOICE Act, as written, would be dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate and a monumental waste of time for this Chamber. As a public servant, we are called to serve the citizens of our great Nation, those who raised us; those who consistently told us, ``it is more important to have the will than to have mere ability,'' ``hace mas el que quiere que el que puede;'' those who forged a new path and a better way of life. prgtoken One of the best measures of a nation is how it cares for its elderly. As a country, we made a promise to our elderly, to protect them and ensure that they would have reliable access to resources, and the support they need to live a dignified life in their later years. prgtoken In my book, a promise made should be a promise kept. prgtoken Today, my colleagues in support of the ``Wrong'' CHOICE Act seek to renege on this promise and leave millions of elderly Americans vulnerable to financial exploitation schemes. One in every five Americans have been victims of financial abuse, accounting for a cost of over $36 billion annually. We cannot abandon our elderly when their resources and, ultimately, their independence is threatened. We must stand with them and enable the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to continue to protect our elderly.
FINANCIAL CHOICE ACT OF 2017
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-6-8

this bill is all about obstructing effective law enforcement that challenges predatory payday lending, that protects military families from unjustified foreclosures, and addresses the burden of mounting student debt. prgtoken s give new power to fire the chief cop on the beat who protects consumers against wrongful financial practices. We have seen how well that worked with and the FBI. Have you learned nothing about giving more power? prgtoken Without the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Wells Fargo would never have been penalized for its multimillion-dollar fraud. prgtoken s here want to shield Wall Street, granting it free rein to run over people across America and later reward it with even more tax breaks. They tolerate almost any wrongdoing, any crazy tweet, so long as they can get more tax breaks and less consumer protection. prgtoken Enough is enough. It is time to say no to this sorry bill and offer protection to the people of America from financial wrongdoing.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-6-8

when I came onto the floor, you were not presiding; you were on the floor talking about the Visa Waiver Program. It is an agreement we have with almost 40 other nations that allows for the free flow of visitors from those countries to our country. It is viewed, in part, as a way to promote tourism and help grow that part of our economy and the economies of the other 38 or 39 nations with which we already have this agreement. Some people believe it is a gaping hole for fomenting terrorism and giving terrorists the ability to infiltrate our countries and do mischief here and other places around the world. prgtoken I applaud the Presiding Officer, the Senator from Missouri, for actually explaining how the system works. It is actually not just a way to enhance and promote tourism, which is important to all of our economies, it actually enhances our security if done well, done right, and done correctly. I say to the Presiding Officer, the former chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, I appreciate very much your making those comments today. Resolution Condemning Recent Terrorist Attacks prgtoken I am going to do something today, , that I have never done before. I have never come to the floor and actually read a resolution or a piece of legislation that we are going to be voting on later today. This is a resolution that came out of discussions yesterday as we were contemplating voting on additional sanctions with respect to Iran--sanctions not related to violations of the joint agreement on nuclear weapons. They appear to be in full compliance with what they professed to do, promised to do a year or two ago. There doesn't seem to be a question that they are doing what they promised to do, and that is good. prgtoken There is what we believe is an obvious violation of U.N. requirements that say the United Nations doesn't believe that Iran should be testing ballistic missile systems. Even though they have no nuclear weapons--we don't believe they are going to have them anytime soon; hopefully not, because that would help spark a nuclear arms race in that part of that world--we still have, along with the U.N this prohibition against them developing and testing ballistic missiles. They have violated that a number of times, and a lot of other nations, including us, are concerned about that. We have before us this week and again next week legislation dealing with that. prgtoken My hope is that next week we will consider that legislation and have a chance to offer amendments to it. My strong hope is that we will not only be talking about our desire to see Iran fully comply with the U.N. guidelines but that we will also couple with that legislation sanctions dealing with Russia. This is a country that continues to make mischief in this country and countries around the world. prgtoken Today, a lot of attention was riveted on the testimony by former FBI Director Jim
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-6-8

today the Secretary of Homeland Security has the opportunity to prevent an injustice and keep a family together. At 9 a.m. Hawaii time, Andres Magana-Ortiz was scheduled to report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Honolulu to be deported from his home of nearly 30 years. prgtoken Andres was brought to America when he was only 15 years old. In the years since, he has raised three children who are U.S. citizens, is married to a U.S. citizen, has built a business, and has distinguished himself as a hard worker and a pillar of the South Kona community in Hawaii. prgtoken Andres' immigrant story is one familiar to so many American families. After working for more than a decade as a laborer on coffee farms across the Big Island, Andres saved enough money to buy his own farm. In the years since, Andres has taken on management of 15 other area coffee farms. prgtoken Suzanne Shriner, president of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, put it best in her letter of support for him when she said: Mr. Ortiz is a true example of the American Dream. Rising from a farm worker to a farm owner, he has created a successful business through hard work. He has sent his children to college. And he has given back to his community, by working with other farms and farmers to control an invasive pest. His story is why we need to find a path to citizenship for these vital members of our farming community. prgtoken Andres has three children. Victoria, age 20, is a junior at the University of Hawaii. Paola, age 14, and Hector, age 12, are still in middle school. Their lives will be shattered without their father. prgtoken Andres remains on very good terms with his first wife, Veronica Ledesma Magana. In a letter she wrote to me, Veronica shared how much Andres cares for his children and how devastated they would be if he is forced to leave. She said: Andres is a wonderful father to our children. They depend on him for so much and need him during these years that are so important to their development as human beings and citizens of the United States. Paola and Hector are children with special education needs. This has been very hard for us as parents, but together we have worked to help her through school and life. I am not able to support this family by myself. Andres is an amazing role model to my children. He is a patient, loving, and supportive father to them in whatever they need. Victoria, Paola, and Hector love Andres very much and would go through extreme emotional hardship if he is deported. prgtoken She continues: My oldest daughter will need to halt her college career to help me support Paola and Hector, especially because this deportation would bar him from returning to the [United States] for 10 years. My children deserve a father to care for them,
COUNTERING IRAN'S DESTABILIZING ACTIVITIES ACT OF 2017--MOTION TO PROCEED
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-6-8

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 1:30 p.m. today, the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of Calendar No. 99, the nomination of Scott Brown to be Ambassador to New Zealand; I further ask that there be 15 minutes of debate on the nomination equally divided in the usual form; that following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote on confirmation with no intervening action or debate; and that, if confirmed, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
DODD-FRANK HINDERS ECONOMIC GROWTH
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-8

for the past 8 years, we have been stuck in the slowest economic recovery in 70 years. With all the debate about the Financial CHOICE Act today, a simple question gets to the heart of the matter: Do we want to grow again? prgtoken I contend, , the answer is--the answer has to be a resounding yes. It has to be yes because there is a moral imperative at play. The Financial CHOICE Act is about ending a stagnant status quo that is crushing our economy and opportunity. prgtoken Multiple studies show that the Dodd-Frank Act has hindered economic growth. One study estimates that, because of the overregulation we have seen since the 2008 financial crisis, there are 650,000 fewer small businesses than there otherwise would be, which would have provided 6.5 million jobs. That is 6.5 million people not utilizing their God-given talents for the betterment of society. That is 6.5 million people not paying the Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes that we need to fund critical programs. prgtoken Some just want to raise taxes on the already-burdened taxpayers. I say, let us get new taxpayers into the game. Having more taxpayers helps us to pay for programs for veterans, education, medical research to find cures for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer, taxpayers to help fund the national defense. prgtoken A couple of weeks ago, I visited a senior center in my district and had some very special conversations. Folks told me about the days when there were lots of jobs in factory towns in western Pennsylvania, and one World War II veteran showed me his Bronze Star. prgtoken These individuals are counting on us to allow an economy to grow that will create the taxpayers who can help pay for the critical programs that support them, that pay for their care. prgtoken We have a moral obligation, , to restore healthy growth to this economy. Today, let us pass the Financial CHOICE Act. Let us move from overregulation to right-sized regulation. Let us unclog the flow of capital to small businesses. Let us unclog consumers' access to credit. Let us lower the cost of financial services for everyday consumers. Let us bring an end to the anti-growth policies of the last 8 years and move into a much brighter, more prosperous future for everyone.
REMEMBERING JOSEPH ELIJAH ``BUCKSHOT'' COLLETON
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-6-8

today the Awendaw and McClellanville communities will pay tribute to a man known by many as Joseph Elijah ``Buckshot'' Colleton, who departed this life on June 3, 2016. prgtoken He was a gentle giant who loved children and cooking. Buckshot served in many capacities in the community, but he is most remembered for his loving spirit towards children. He served the Head Start community for more than 35 years as their bus driver and often referred to Head Start students as all of his children. prgtoken When he was not with the children, he was cooking and feeding people at Buckshot's Restaurant in McClellanville. People from all around would visit for a taste of his shrimp and fish dishes and other southern cuisines. prgtoken Today we remember the life of Buckshot as loved ones, friends, and other guests come together to pay tribute to a great American and South Carolinian.
FIVE MILLIONTH SOLDIER COMPLETES BASIC TRAINING AT FORT JACKSON
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-6-8

today I wish to congratulate South Carolina's Fort Jackson, as the 5 millionth soldier has just completed the Basic Combat Training, BCT, Program. prgtoken Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, SC, and has a deep and proud history. For 100 years, Fort Jackson has helped the U.S. Army train and fulfill needs for disciplined and skilled soldiers in times of war and peace. As the U.S. Army's largest location for BCT, Fort Jackson is responsible for training half of the entire Army's BCT population. Fort Jackson also provides an array of services outside of BCT, including the U.S. Army's Drill Sergeant School and Soldier Support Institute. prgtoken Today I join the citizens of South Carolina in recognizing Fort Jackson, the soldiers, civilians, and retirees employed there, and the soldiers who have been trained there. I also extend my deepest gratitude to these soldiers' families, as they have also served and sacrificed for our country. With the completion of each mission, Fort Jackson continues to make the Palmetto State and the U.S. Army proud. I will always be thankful for Fort Jackson's dedication to protecting our great Nation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PHILLIP D. LEDFORD
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-6-8

I rise today to honor the life of Phillip D. Ledford, Navy veteran, dog lover, patriot, and husband to Helene, his wife of 41 years. prgtoken I was blessed to be Phil's next-door neighbor in Tucson for the last 20 years. Having lost my father at the age of 12, Phil became a father figure to me, and I loved him deeply. prgtoken Phil was born in Ohio and joined the Navy in 1963, at the age of 17, requiring his father to approve his enlistment. After 4 years serving as a boilerman and traveling the world, he transitioned to civilian life. After working in Ohio as a commercial refrigerator technician, Phil, Helene, and their beloved English Setter named Molley moved to Tucson. prgtoken Phil and his best friend and brother-in-law Mike would go on adventures in the desert and mountains, exploring old mines, gold prospecting, and hiking the beautiful landscapes of Arizona. prgtoken After Molley passed away, Phil and Helene couldn't imagine bringing another dog into their broken hearts for a while. Slowly, my Golden Retriever, Penelope, started to melt his heart, and soon they were spending their days together. Phil and Helene cared for Penelope when I was deployed to Afghanistan, then drove across the country to help me move when I got orders to Alabama. Phil came out to babysit Penelope and even drove her all the way back to Tucson to be at home for a while with Helene. prgtoken Phil volunteered to be a foster for the local Golden Retriever rescue organizations. He took this responsibility seriously, caring for many goldens coming out of difficult circumstances. One golden named Rudy had cancer, and Phil agreed to care for him until he passed. Rudy was deathly afraid of thunder, but Phil discovered that Rudy's fears were cured if he was riding in a car. So every time storms came, Phil would load Rudy up--even borrowing Mike's van so that Rudy could enter more easily--and drive him around so he wasn't afraid during the storm, even if the storm lasted all night--no complaints and no questions asked. prgtoken When I returned home to Tucson, we cut a hole in the wall between the two houses, and we had doggy doors, food bowls, toys, and treats in both places. Penelope happily lived in both of her homes again, roaming freely. What a life. What love. prgtoken Phil was with me when Penelope passed in 2014. Within a few weeks, Phil's best friend Mike went to be with the Lord after battling Agent Orange-caused cancer for years. It was a rough spring for Phil, losing his best guy friend and furry friend so quickly. prgtoken Despite our grief, we soon welcomed a rescue golden named Boomer into our lives and hearts. Boomer was a 10-month-old, energetic handful, and Phil got to work with his training, coaching, and love. prgtoken Phil was a patriot, who loved his country, God, and valued a hard day's work. He was a skilled tradesman, who was always eager to pull out his tools and try to fix literally anything that broke in the hou
FINANCIAL CHOICE ACT OF 2017
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-6-8

I am very proud to stand with Chairman Hensarling today and offer my support for H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017. prgtoken This bill offers a responsible approach to financial regulation that will protect consumers and allow the American economy to flourish. The Financial CHOICE Act makes meaningful reforms that ensure transparency, restore a rule of law, and help consumers and small businesses gain access to the credit they need to move forward towards financial independence, be the entrepreneurs they are, and be able to realize their dreams. prgtoken , we lose one community bank or credit union a day, as the chairman just mentioned, every day. These are the institutions that lend to families and small businesses across America. These institutions are the backbone of each of our communities and something that must be done to reverse this dangerous trend of consolidation and closure. prgtoken There has been a considerable amount of discussion on both sides of the aisle on the need to help community financial institutions. The legislation we will consider today provides every Member of Congress the opportunity to cast a vote in favor of responsible regulatory relief for credit unions and community banks across the Nation. prgtoken The Financial CHOICE Act will increase access to credit for consumers by easing rules and regulations that never should have been applied to smaller financial institutions in the first place. prgtoken H.R. 10 also makes important reforms to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an unaccountable agency that embodies the Washington-knows-best mentality that the Nation is so tired of seeing and, instead, creates a more responsible framework that actually protects consumers instead of special interests. prgtoken The Financial CHOICE Act offers a new model for financial opportunity and responsible regulation. It is time to take steps to remove the boot from the neck of our Nation's lenders and their customers. prgtoken Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan has said about the bill that it would have a tremendous stimulative effect on our economy. The Financial CHOICE Act is the right choice to help our communities grow their economies and our citizens realize their dreams. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Hensarling for his unwavering leadership and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 10.
NATIONAL HEMP HISTORY WEEK
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-6-8

this week is National Hemp History Week. prgtoken Industrial hemp is a crop that can be used to produce more than 25,000 products, from textiles and fabrics to composites, auto parts, or even food. Hemp is such an industrial crop that, during World War II, the USDA produced a film encouraging farmers to grow hemp to support the war effort because textiles and fibers were in such short supply. prgtoken George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe all grew hemp. Today, however, industrial hemp is largely illegal for widespread production because the Controlled Substances Act does not make the distinction between hemp and marijuana. prgtoken Both are varieties of the cannabis plant, but that is where the similarities end. Unlike marijuana, hemp is high in fiber that makes it so useful and only has miniscule amounts of PSC. prgtoken In 2004, Congress began to recognize the differences when it passed the 2014 farm bill, which included language to allow industrial hemp pilot programs. Today, more than 30 States have enacted laws to legalize industrial hemp for research or commercial purposes. prgtoken I was proud to lead the effort to create a hemp program in Kentucky that has been highly successful, with nearly 250 permitted growers and small businesses today. Now we need to take the next step in bringing hemp into the mainstream as a crop. prgtoken I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation to make industrial hemp a legal crop for the farmers of Kentucky and across the United States of America.