mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Opioid Epidemic (Executive Calendar)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-4-26

last month I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with several mayors and local leaders who were in Washington with the Arkansas Municipal League. We had a lively and informative discussion on ways to continue the economic growth that has been taking place throughout Arkansas. prgtoken While much of our conversation was focused on forward-thinking ways to continue these positive trends, there was also a very frank and candid discussion about an issue that is currently holding our communities back--the opioid crisis. prgtoken Policymakers across our State have been struggling to help confront Arkansas's heroin and opioid epidemic. The Natural State has been hit particularly hard by this national crisis. Retail data collected from pharmacies shows that Arkansas has one of the highest per capita opioid consumption rates in the Nation. CDC data shows that we have the second highest prescribing rate in the country--enough for each Arkansan to have more than one opioid prescription in his or her name. prgtoken It is an issue that all of us--from city leaders to lawmakers in Little Rock, to our Congressional delegation in Washington--continue to work tirelessly to confront because we have seen how pervasive this crisis is and how devastating its effects are. prgtoken I know that everyone who serves in this Chamber is working just as feverishly with their State and local leaders to confront the crisis. That is why it is so important that we included substantial resources for a wide-ranging strategy to counter the epidemic, nearly $4 billion, in the omnibus bill. prgtoken This funding will be used to provide additional resources for law enforcement and to continue important grant programs that help State and local governments offset the cost of opioid abuse. It will also support research into opioid addiction and alternative treatments. prgtoken We must ensure that we are doing all we can to supplement State and local efforts to combat the spread of opioid abuse. Unfortunately, this is not currently happening. The Department of Justice is hurting our communities' efforts to get a handle on the crisis by withholding critical funds. prgtoken The Byrne JAG grant program was created more than a decade ago to help States and local law enforcement agencies purchase essential equipment and support drug treatment and enforcement activities. It is the largest source of Federal justice funding to help provide law enforcement officers with the tools and training to protect our communities. prgtoken Currently, DOJ is denying every State access to those funds because some communities and States are violating Federal immigration law. This leaves States like Arkansas scrambling to continue funding crucial safety programs. prgtoken Arkansas law enforcement agencies have received millions of dollars through this program to support training, personnel, equipment, supplies, and information sharing. Arkansas is eligible f
TRIBUTE TO ALAN GERSHENHORN
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-4-26

today I would like to recognize the career and service of Mr. Alan Gershenhorn, a 38-year veteran of United Parcel Service. Mr. Gershenhorn started his career as a part- time package handler in Houston, TX, and has since held a number of positions within the company, including his most recent position as UPS's executive vice president and chief commercial officer. He has been a member of the UPS management committee since 2007. prgtoken In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Gershenhorn served as a delegate to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and as a prgtoken trustee of the UPS Foundation. As trustee, he oversaw investments of more than 2.6 million volunteer hours and $116 million in direct and in-kind donations to communities in need around the world in 2016. prgtoken Mr. Gershenhorn worked to increase diversity at UPS and to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. In addition to supporting UPS's business resource groups that championed employees from a wide array of backgrounds, he also served in a leadership role on the Crecer BRG. prgtoken UPS CEO David Abney recognized Mr. Gershenhorn's impact on UPS as ``tremendous.'' UPS president of global public affairs Laura Lane noted that he is an ``outstanding leader who encourages and empowers the people around him.'' There is no doubt that Mr. Gershenhorn's vision and strategic leadership have played an integral role in UPS's growth over the last 38 years. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Mr. Gershenhorn's true lifetime of achievement and example of the American dream. Mr. Gershenhorn contributed to the dreams of others in every position he held. I congratulate Mr. Gershenhorn on his nearly four decades of service and wish him the very best in retirement.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-4-26

the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is doing extensive work with private industry stakeholders in advancing this very important emerging industry. However, the growth of the UAS industry is reliant on receiving dedicated spectrum allocation to ensure the connection for beyond visual line of sight operations. prgtoken My amendment simply directs the FAA, the NTIA, and the FCC to submit to Congress a report on whether UAS operations of all sizes, at all altitudes, should be permitted to operate on spectrum that is designated for aviation use. It may also include recommendations of other licensed spectrum frequencies, such as LTE, that may be appropriate for flying UAS. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to vote for my amendment to advance the UAS industry, and I look forward to working with stakeholders and Members of the Senate to take it across the finish line.
TRIBUTE TO EMILY TETER
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-4-26

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Emily for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Emily is a native of Wheatland. She is a junior at the University of Wyoming, where she is studying phychology and criminal justice. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Emily for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It was a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her next journey.
TRIBUTE TO ANDY ANDERSON
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-4-26

this week, I have the honor of recognizing Andy Anderson for his over 60 years of commitment to being the go-to barber in Judith Basin County. prgtoken Andy grew up in Harlowton but spent a few years in Two Dot, where his parents worked as ranchers. After turning 17, Andy went to barber school in Washington but swiftly moved back to Montana following the training. He opened his first barber shop in Stanford and shortly thereafter opened a second in Denton. In December of 2017, Andy celebrated his 60th year as a barber. prgtoken Andy believes strongly in giving back to his community. He spent 4 years serving as State barber inspector on the State barber board. This involved visiting barber shops around the State, inspecting their shops, but also offering any assistance he could to local barbers. Additionally, he spent a term serving as a member of the city council. Andy and has wife, Alverta, have been married for 58 years. They have three kids and eight grandchildren. Andy's son Scott has followed in his father's footsteps and works in the Denton shop on Thursdays. prgtoken I congratulate Andy Anderson on his tremendous career. He has improved the lives of many around him and will continue to leave a lasting impact on the people of his community and the greater State of Montana.
Remembering Matthew Pollard (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-4-26

. Thank you, . prgtoken I certainly agree with and really understand and appreciate all the comments the chairman just made about prgtoken Matt Pollard. He was the person I worked most closely with in the intel community. He served his country his whole adult life. He loved his country. He loved his work. He understood the importance of protecting, advancing, and defending who we are. prgtoken The chairman pointed out his real dedication to his son. Often, Matt would come over to my office for a topline indication of what we were going to be doing when we got to the Intel Committee. Since you really can't talk about that until you get to the Intel Committee, a sure way to get a good conversation going was to say: Tell me about that son of yours. He would have chapter and verse of what had happened in the last few days of the things he was doing with Brad. prgtoken He was really appreciated by his coworkers. I talked to the Chaplain yesterday. He went to see our Intel team moments after they found out about the loss of Matt Pollard, and the Chaplain was impressed by the emotional sense of loss this whole team felt. prgtoken He knew more about his area of expertise than anybody on our staff. We will miss that, but we will mostly miss him. We are grateful for his service, grateful for his dedication to his country and his son and the future of both his country and his family. prgtoken to the chairman.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT--EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-26

I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the ic leader, the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 607. I ask consent that there then be 10 hours of debate equally divided in the usual form and that following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote on the nomination with no intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements relating to the nomination be printed in the Record.
CONFIRMATION OF KYLE DUNCAN
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-4-26

this week I cast my vote in support of the nomination of Kyle Duncan to serve as a judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Duncan has been a successful trial and appellate attorney, as well as a law professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law. He was the assistant solicitor general for the State of Texas and the appellate chief for the State of Louisiana. He has tried cases at the State and Federal levels and has argued twice before the U.S. Supreme Court. The American Bar Association has reviewed his nomination and has rated Mr. Duncan ``well-qualified.'' prgtoken Some have criticized Mr. Duncan for his work on certain high-profile cases. Nearly all nominees for the Federal courts who come before the Senate have advocated for various positions. Some of them have been involved in controversial, high-profile cases. In considering a nominee's fitness to serve on the bench, we should consider whether they have the intellect, the temperament, and the respect for precedent to fairly and faithfully uphold the law. prgtoken One case that Mr. Duncan litigated has been mischaracterized in a way that suggests he is biased against the LGBT community. Mr. Duncan's opponents argue that his work in V.L. v. E.L in which the opposing party was a lesbian, demonstrates this bias. What these critics fail to mention is that Mr. Duncan's client was also a lesbian. The matter was a custody case involving two women in a same-sex partnership. As his cocounsel in the case, Randall W. Nichols, has described in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, dated November 27, 2017: I note that some may criticize Mr. Duncan for representing clients in the same-sex marriage litigation. It must not go without notice that our mutual client, E.L was a same-sex woman asserting a strong, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, legal argument. Mr. Duncan represented our mutual client without once making an issue of her sexual orientation, without once displaying any personal bias, and without once indicating a desire to advance any agenda other than winning the case for E.L. prgtoken Mr. Duncan has testified to the Judiciary Committee that he would follow all applicable precedents of the Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit. He demonstrated his deference to precedent during his time representing the State of Louisiana. While the Supreme Court was deciding the Obergefell case on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage laws, Mr. Duncan was representing the State of Louisiana in a challenge to its marriage law. Following the Court's decision, the Fifth Circuit instructed the parties in the Louisiana case to explain whether Obergefell resolved the matter for the court. prgtoken The very next day, Mr. Duncan filed a letter explaining that, despite Louisiana's disagreement with the Obergefell outcome, the Fifth Circuit must follow the new Supreme Court precedent and str
FUTURE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-4-26

I wish to honor 591 high school seniors in 12 northeast Ohio counties for their decision to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Of these 591 seniors, 163 will enter the Army, 134 will enter the Marine Corps, 107 will enter the Navy, 19 will enter the Air Force, 7 will enter the Coast Guard, 153 will enter our Ohio Army National Guard, and 8 will enter the Ohio Air National Guard. In the presence of their parents-guardians, high school counselors, military leaders, and city and business leaders, all 591 will be recognized on May 9, 2018, at the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism ``Our Community Salutes'' event. prgtoken In a few short weeks, these young men and women will join with many of their classmates in celebration of their high school graduation. At a time when many of their peers are looking forward to pursuing vocational training or college degrees or are uncertain about their futures, these young men and women instead have chosen to dedicate themselves to military service in defense of our rights, our freedoms, and our country. They should know that they have full support of this Senate Chamber and the American people who are with them in whatever challenges may lie ahead. prgtoken These 591 young men and women are the cornerstone of our liberties. It is thanks to their dedication and the dedication of an untold number of patriots just like them that we are able to meet here today in the U.S. Senate and openly debate the best solutions to the many diverse problems that confront our country. It is thanks to their sacrifices that the United States of America remains a beacon of hope and freedom in a dangerous world. We are grateful to them, and we are grateful to their parents and their communities for instilling in them not only the mental and physical abilities our Armed Forces require, but also the character, the values, and the discipline that leads someone to put service to our Nation over self. prgtoken I would like to personally thank these 591 graduating seniors for volunteering to risk their lives in defense of our Nation. We owe them, along with all those who serve our country, a deep debt of gratitude. prgtoken I ask to have printed in the Record the names of the 591 high school seniors. prgtoken The material follows: United States Army--163 Aguerrero--Jefferson; Allen--North Canton; Allen-- Wellsville; Ambiz--Ashtabula; Ashley--Fairlawn; Banegas Valladares--Barberton; Bansek-- Lorain; Beckley--Youngstown; Benco--North Ridgeville; Besosa Cortes--Brooklyn; Black--New Waterford; Bluford-Brown-- Lorain; Bost--East Liverpool; Bowser--East Palestine; Bradford-- Oakwood Village; Branch--Cleveland; Brandenburg--Broadview Heights; Breeds--Lorain; Brown-- Wooster; --Columbia Station; --Uniontown; Calhoun--Medina; Campbell--Kent; Cardarelli--Youngstown; Carducci--Ashtabula; Casen
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-4-26

for 7 years, I have been working to provide American companies with the capability to conduct commercial space support activities. American companies would like to utilize space support vehicles to train crews and space flight participants for the rigors of space flight and research. prgtoken Last year, our office worked with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to draft language to address this issue. At the time, we agreed on language that the committee included in the manager's amendment to an older version of the FAA reauthorization. Since that time, a whole lot has changed in the commercial space industry. prgtoken Recently, I worked with the industry, in coordination with the FAA, to create a legislative solution to allow these companies to operate. My bill, H.R. 5346, was favorably supported from the Science, Space, and Technology Committee a month ago, and has the support of industry and the FAA. prgtoken We owe it to our Nation's commercial space industry to get this language right. I am sure you will agree with me that we cannot support the passage of outdated or problematic language, and I hope you will commit to working with me, going forward, to provide the industry with an effective legislative solution.
Unanimous Consent Request (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-4-26

, the legislation in question makes a significant change to the pension funding rule, but it is narrowly written to only address issues concerning a single retirement plan. There are a number of companies that have similar funding issues which are not addressed by my colleague's proposal. prgtoken I appreciate the work that my colleague Senator Murray has done on this issue, and I appreciate that there is ongoing bipartisan work on issues that her legislation addresses as well as on other issues surrounding retirement plans. prgtoken The committees with jurisdiction over these issues, including the Finance Committee, continue to work on bipartisan solutions that have not fully vetted the matter that my friend Senator Murray is putting forth today. Until they do so, it is not appropriate to move this measure forward. Therefore, I respectfully object to this unanimous consent request.
TRIBUTE TO HOLLY CHRISTENSEN AND BREE HITCHCOCK
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-4-26

it is Thursday. As you know, I like to come to the floor, and a lot of the time, my colleague from Louisiana is actually in the Chair, so he gets to hear a lot about the great State of Alaska. I like to come to the floor to talk about someone in my State who has done an amazing job either for their community or the State or even the country. We call this person our Alaskan of the Week. I know, for the pages, it is their favorite time in the Senate because they get to learn all about what is going on in Alaska. A lot of people watching or watching on TV have found a lot of interest in this because, like every Senator here, I certainly think I come from the best State in the country. It is beautiful right now. I really want to invite everybody who is in the Gallery or watching on TV to come up to Alaska and visit. It will be the trip of a lifetime. I promise. prgtoken Yet what makes my State truly great is the people, not just the majestic mountains and the beauty and the wildlife but the people-- strong, kind, caring people who band together--let's face it--in a State with some extreme environment. Oftentimes, they band together in creative ways. prgtoken I would like to introduce today our Alaskans of the Week--Holly Christensen, from Palmer, AK, and Bree Hitchcock, who lives in Anchorage, AK. Both of these incredible women have spent countless hours helping thousands of children in Alaska and, really, across America--children who need help and care and love. They have been helping children who are suffering from cancer. This is a really incredible story. It is one of these stories that, I think, most people love to hear about because it starts with just an idea--a little movement, a spark--that turns into something big unexpectedly. It is a pebble in a pond that creates ripples that turn into waves. prgtoken This incredible story starts when Holly, an oncology nurse with three young children of her own, received news that Lilly, who was a child of one of her former classmates, was diagnosed with cancer. Lilly is young girl, and she is going through treatment--chemo. Holly knew this would be a difficult time for Lilly or for any kid who was working through the difficulties associated with cancer. Of course, a lot of times with chemo that means losing your hair. It is especially difficult for a young girl. prgtoken Holly had an idea. Why not crochet a wig for Lilly with soft yarn that made her look like a princess? So she did that. She found some soft yarn. She crocheted a whimsical wig with long, branded strands of yellow yarn, decorated with blue and red flowers, modeled after the hair of the Disney character Rapunzel. She gave this to Lilly, and this wig brightened this little girl's day during a very difficult, dark time. She was able to twirl around in a dress with her Rapunzel braid. She was able, in many ways, to be a kid again and get out of the darkness and difficulty and pain of the