mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL AIR PATROL
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-9-13

I include in the Record the following Proclamation: prgtoken Whereas, members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), founded in December of 1941, have honorably served our country for 76 years; prgtoken Whereas, CAP has moved its Illinois Wing Headquarters to the Illinois Second Congressional District at Bult Field in Will County; prgtoken Whereas, in all 50 states, as well as in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, CAP serves the American Air Force in times of need; prgtoken Whereas, CAP's 57,000 members not only protect the American people, but build and support American's next generation of leaders through scholarships, education, and training; prgtoken Whereas, CAP diligently strives toward its three main initiatives: aerospace education, cadet training, and emergency services for the U.S. Air Force. Through state and local offices, CAP fosters an ethos of civil aviation and public service in local conununities; prgtoken Whereas, the Civil Air Patrol volunteers perform 90 percent of the country's inland search and rescue missions; prgtoken Whereas, CAP's Illinois Wing received an overall ``excellent'' rating in its biannual U.S. Air Force evaluation and rescue mission; prgtoken Whereas, the Illinois Wing operates out of 35 locations statewide, and hosts 622 adult volunteer members, 543 cadets, 686 voting-age members, 673 emergency responders and 124 aircrew members; prgtoken Whereas, the Illinois Wing's volunteer members conducted 2,147 hours flown in 2015; prgtoken Whereas, the Illinois Wing flew 399 real-world sorties and conducted 71 ground sorties during 2015. In addition, its members led two missing aircraft finds, four tornado or flooding disaster relief missions, and 20 counterdrug reconnaissance missions; prgtoken Whereas, the Illinois Wing hosts the Johnson Flight Academy, which attracts aspiring pilots from all corners of this country; and prgtoken Whereas, the Illinois Wing conducted 62 training missions in 2015, which consisted of 357 flights and 229 ground sorties: Now, therefore, be it prgtoken Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the United States of America, That the contributions of the Illinois Civil Air Patrol be recognized and honored.
RECOGNIZING THE GUADALUPE CENTERS
Claire McCaskill (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2017-9-13

I ask the Senate to join me today in recognizing the work of the Guadalupe Centers in Kansas City, MO. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Latino communities of greater Kansas City, and they excel at their mission. Many Kansas City families view Guadalupe Centers as a pillar in their lives. I am here today to honor the Guadalupe Centers as the standard all community organizations should strive to become. prgtoken Founded in 1919, the Guadalupe Centers originally served as a safe haven for Mexican immigrants who experienced discrimination, poverty, and lack of social services following the Mexican revolution. During the subsequent decades, the centers expanded its services to include English classes, boys' and girls' clubs, adult education classes, and home economics. Much of this expansion came under the leadership of Dorothy Gallagher, known as the Godmother of Guadalupe. prgtoken While the Guadalupe Centers continue to assist members of the Latino community balance life in the United States while maintaining their cultural heritage to this day, it has also expanded significantly. As Kansas City's Latino population grew and prospered, the centers added employment assistance programs, a credit union, a health center, counseling, youth programs, a preschool program, and the Alta Vista Charter High School. In 2013, the Missouri Public Charter School Association recognized Alta Vista High School as the ``Missouri Charter of the Year.'' prgtoken To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month each year, the Guadalupe Centers host the Blanco y Negro Awards gala in Kansas City. While honoring individuals and institutions critical to the growth and development of the organization, the gala also assists with funding the nonprofit. Last year alone, the Guadalupe Centers served over 9,268 individuals and families through its variety of programs and services. It will be my honor to attend the Blanco y Negro Awards gala on September 15 to support the Guadalupe Centers and honor the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. prgtoken Since 1988, we have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Each year, we take these 30 days to commemorate the significant contributions of Hispanic and prgtoken Latino Americans to our country. Our 58 million Latino colleagues, neighbors, and friends teach our children, enhance our economy, and honorably serve in our military. Hispanic Americans have embodied our entrepreneurial spirit and influenced our communities since America's inception. prgtoken America's annual tribute to Hispanic heritage reminds us of the extraordinary impact those in the Latino community have made to our Nation. Without vital organizations like the Guadalupe Centers fostering communal development, the American Dream might be out of reach for many. prgtoken I ask that the Senate join me in commending the Guadalupe Centers on their 98 years of providing educ
URBAN AGRICULTURE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-9-13

I rise today to call on my colleagues to please join the Urban Agriculture Production Act of 2017, a bipartisan measure that bolsters local farming and inspires communities to create food production systems that stimulate development and healthy eating. prgtoken There are more than 23 million people in food-desert neighborhoods across our country where there are no stores within 1 mile to buy healthy food. Without healthy options, people are relegated to eating unhealthy, processed, junk food because that is all that is available and affordable. prgtoken Communities that lack access to fresh, nutritious, affordable foods are also facing growing epidemics of obesity-related diseases such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This bill is a step to correct this unacceptable trend. prgtoken Community gardens, greenhouses, farmers' markets, hoop houses, and other local food initiatives tend to be the best outlets to purchase local fresh prgtoken foods. Our bill builds on these local successes by expanding local farming in nontraditional agricultural areas like our cities and towns. prgtoken , urban food production should be part of America's solution for healthier communities. I hope my colleagues will join me in helping to unleash the power of our communities to produce healthier foods for the future. Let's make it happen.
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLIANCE TO SAVE ENERGY
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-9-13

today I wish to recognize the achievements of the Alliance to Save Energy over its 40-year history of working with Presidents of both political parties and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance Federal energy efficiency policy. prgtoken In 1977, Senators Charles Percy and Hubert Humphrey--a from Illinois and a from Minnesota--founded the alliance as the leading energy efficiency coalition of businesses, governments, environmental groups, and consumer advocates. The goal of the alliance from the start has been simple: ``Use less and do more.'' In the wake of the oil embargoes and energy shortages of the 1970s, that message resonated loud and clear, and it still does. prgtoken Energy efficiency is America's largest energy resource, contributing more to our Nation's energy needs over the last 40 years than any other fuel source. Without the economy-wide improvements in energy efficiency made since 1973, it is estimated that today's economy would require 60 percent more energy than we consume now. In fact, savings from energy efficiency improvements over the last 40 years have reduced our national energy bill by an estimated $800 billion, all while growing and expanding our economy. Energy efficiency saves money, improves national security, reduces pollution, encourages innovation, boosts U.S. competitiveness, and creates jobs. prgtoken For 40 years, the alliance has taken great care to cultivate and maintain bipartisan support for policies supporting energy efficiency. Maybe the best example--certainly for me the most personal example--is the alliance's steadfast support and continued advocacy for the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, bipartisan energy efficiency legislation I have introduced along with my friend and partner, Senator Rob Portman. They recognize, as I do, that to accomplish anything in Washington, you must have friends and supporters across the entire political spectrum. The alliance's commitment to bipartisanship is not simply rooted in their history, but is also as a matter of practicality. In a Congress that is divided along partisan lines on so many issues, energy efficiency is one priority that can bring us together on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to get big things done. prgtoken The alliance also prides itself on its ability to bring businesses together alongside public and consumer advocates. The business case for energy efficiency is unimpeachable. Energy efficiency is the largest sector within the U.S. clean energy economy, employing nearly 2.2 million Americans nationwide--the majority of whom work for small businesses. American companies are leading the way in innovation and technological advancements in lighting, appliances, and building materials, to name a few. By working collaboratively with businesses and consumer leaders, the alliance is helping to improve energy efficiency across all sectors of the econo
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-9-13

I rise to discuss a very important amendment that has broad support. That is the Klobuchar-Graham amendment on election cyber security. It is an amendment that Senator Lindsey Graham and I are working to include in the National Defense Authorization Act. Senator McCain is supportive of this bill, and I understand why he is, and that is because he understands that our election infrastructure is a major part of our national security. If we can allow foreign countries to influence our elections, to hack into our local, State election equipment, then we do not have a secure America. prgtoken As we know, recent reports show there were 21 different States in which Russians attempted to hack into their actual election software and their equipment. This is not the focus on fake news right now. This is not the focus on emails. This is a focus on actual attempts to hack into State election equipment. It is very straightforward, and that is why there is bipartisan support to pass this amendment to help States to simply strengthen their election equipment. This is not a partisan amendment. Some that come before this body are. As you will soon find out, this has broad support on the side. I am asking my colleagues to help me pass it, to overcome the objections from one Senator. prgtoken First of all, I would like to thank my colleagues Senator Lindsey Graham, prgtoken Senator , and Senator Lankford for their work on this important issue. Senators and Lankford have been working with us, with Senator Graham and me, and I really appreciate their work on this issue. prgtoken Senator Schumer mentioned this bill in his remarks yesterday. He said securing our election infrastructure is a top priority, and I am thankful he is a champion for this amendment. As I mentioned, Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed, who are the two top Senators on the Armed Services Committee--that should matter--I appreciate their work for our Nation's defense and their work on the NDAA and the fact that the legislation today includes an important provision championed by Senator McCain. That provision says it is the policy of the United States to defend against and respond to cyber threats to our democratic system, to our system of democracy. prgtoken Senator McCain understands that election security is national security. They are forever intertwined. If the people of this country do not have the freedom to have their say in who should be elected-- , , Independent--then we have a breach to our national security. That is why we have such broad support to simply authorize State grants so they can upgrade the security of their election equipment. prgtoken I am here to fight for a vote, a simple up-or-down vote--which, yes, I am well aware this will pass--but a simple up-or-down vote, supported by this amendment, both Members who lead this committee. Our election systems have been under at
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3697, CRIMINAL ALIEN GANG MEMBER REMOVAL ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2017, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2017.
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-13

today's bill that is on the floor is nothing more than a harsh measure that seeks to cast a broad net and cast immigrants in general in a poor light by labeling them criminals based on the suspicions but not the actual facts. What is more, this harsh and reckless measure provides virtually no procedural safeguards for people to challenge a police officer's opinion as to whether or not they are involved in a gang. A mere suspicion can mean that somebody can be facing removal. prgtoken Instead of dealing with such draconian legislation, we should really be talking about the positive contributions that immigrants make to this country and the fact that we have over 800,000 DREAMers in this country who are waiting for this Congress to act. They have been hoping and they have been waiting for years for this Congress to provide a legislative solution to allow them to continue to live in their communities, to contribute to the economy, to pay taxes, and to be a part of a country that they consider their own. prgtoken Many of these DREAMers were brought to this country as children, and they had no say in the matter. They speak the language here, not even that of their home countries of birth. Many of them have no families or ties there. Many of them are outstanding students who are studying law, medicine, and engineering. They want to put their talents to work for this country, and yet here today we are talking about a bill that would basically seek to condemn all immigrants as gang members and try to deport them as quickly as possible. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in opposition to the bill that we are debating today and in support of allowing DREAMers a legislative path to remain in this country, to continue to serve in the military to fight and die for this country, to put their God-given natural talents to work to pay into the system, and to generate good economic results. Committee on Migration, Migration and Refugee Services,
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2017-9-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , my amendment strikes the repeal of the District of Columbia's Local Budget Autonomy Act, which allows the District of Columbia to spend its local funds consisting solely of local taxes and fees after a 30-day congressional review period; and this is now law. prgtoken It is astonishing that my colleagues are so at odds with a local jurisdiction spending its own local funds without the approval of a Federal body, U.S. Congress, and that the House will be voting for a third time since May 2016 to repeal this local law. The first two attempts were not enacted into law, and I expect this third attempt to fail, too. prgtoken In fact, I should not even have to offer this amendment. The bill's repeal of the Local Budget Autonomy Act violates the House rule against legislating on an appropriations bill. Of course, the special rule governing consideration of the bill prohibits me from raising a point of order against the repeal provision, which would be sustained by the Chair. prgtoken The Local Budget Autonomy Act is in effect. It is now law, I repeat. This year, the D.C. Council passed its second local budget under the Local Budget Autonomy Act. prgtoken Smart lawyers differed about the validity of the Local Budget Autonomy Act when D.C. enacted it. However, the Local Budget Autonomy Act has been litigated. The only court ruling in effect upheld it, the ruling was not appealed, and the court ordered D.C. officials to implement it. prgtoken Some House s disguised their opposition to the Local Budget Autonomy Act with legalistic arguments until Ryan revealed last year the real reason the House passed the stand-alone bill repealing the Local Budget Autonomy Act. He said: ``There are real consequences. The D.C. government wants to use revenues to fund abortions in the District. House s will not stand for that.'' prgtoken The was wrong about the effect of the Local Budget Autonomy Act. Congress loses nothing under our budget autonomy law. Congress retains the authority to legislate on any D.C. matter, including its local budget, at any time. That is unfortunate, but that, too, is the law. prgtoken The Local Budget Autonomy Act is a modest attempt by the District to be able to implement its local budget soon after it is passed, like other jurisdictions, instead of having it caught up in congressional delays. prgtoken Indeed, the riders in the bill prohibiting D.C. from spending its local funds on marijuana commercialization and abortion services for low-income women were changed from those in prior appropriations bills to account for the Local Budget Autonomy Act. Still, that is not enough. prgtoken Historically, D.C. riders applied only to funds included in appropriations bills, because only appropriations bills authorized D.C. spending. In this bill, as in fiscal year 2017, the riders apply to D.C. local funds
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3697, CRIMINAL ALIEN GANG MEMBER REMOVAL ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2017, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2017.
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-9-13

my friend on the other side of the aisle is a multitalented person. In addition to his curriculum vitae, he carries with him the mantle of being a man of the cloth. I know he knows Matthew 25:35. It is oft quoted, and we do well to remember it. Among the things that are said in that verse are: ``For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.'' This sentiment must be our guiding principle, our North Star, as we work to repair our broken immigration system. prgtoken Today's bill is in total opposition to this sentiment as it works to demonize, with one broad, careless, and probably unconstitutional stroke, an entire group of people, the vast majority of whom simply wish to find refuge from immense hardship in their country of origin. prgtoken My friends should take yet another in a long line of legislative mulligans on this bill and come to the table ready to work in a sensible way to fix our immigration system. I would suggest they could start by bringing the DREAM Act to the floor for an up-or-down vote. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule and the underlying bill, and .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-9-13

the National Defense Authorization Act before us is more than just an important defense policy bill; it shows what we value as a nation. prgtoken In Michigan, we value our freedom. We cherish the rights we enjoy as citizens of this great country. Above all, we honor those brave men and women who are willing to lay down their lives to protect our freedom and defend our rights. prgtoken We also value our workers and our businesses. You put Michigan's workers and entrepreneurs on a level playing field, and they will out- work, out-build, and out-imagine anybody anywhere. prgtoken I am standing here today because within the NDAA is an important opportunity to not just meet the needs of our national defense but also to help create good-paying American jobs in Michigan and across the country. It is true that we can't have a strong economy without a strong military, but it is also true that when we invest in businesses that are creating good-paying jobs here at home, we are improving our own security. I have seen evidence of this in Michigan. prgtoken In 2015, I was honored to lead the first-ever instate Michigan delegation to tour all of our State's military installations. We started at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which has just celebrated 100 great years of service to our Nation. We then went to TACOM/TARDEC, which--both are the people on the front lines for our Army with research as well as making sure they have the vehicles and the supplies and everything they need to be able to do their jobs and protect us. We went to Camp Graying, Battle Creek, and Fort Custer. We saw firsthand how critical their work is, not just for our national defense but also to Michigan's economy and jobs. prgtoken During the past 2 years, I have had the opportunity to visit over 120 small businesses all around Michigan. That is a very inspiring thing to do--talking with people who put their own dollars and sweat and tears into creating a business, products and services they care deeply and passionately about. prgtoken One of those visits really stood out to me--the connection between our defense and jobs. R.A. Miller Industries--RAMI for short--is a Grand Haven manufacturer of high-tech products for our military, including very high-tech antennas. Clear communication--the kind provided by RAMI's talented workforce--is critical to the success of military missions. prgtoken RAMI's CEO told me that the Buy American Act--a law passed in 1933 that gives priority to American companies when the Federal Government purchases goods--was no longer working. We checked into it, and it turns out that he was absolutely right. prgtoken This is no small deal. The U.S. Federal Government is the single largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, spending some $450 billion annually on everything from file folders to fighter jets. ``Buy American'' rules exist because we as a nation believe that when we invest taxpayer dollars to