mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-2-28

I also want to join my colleague from Missouri, Senator Blunt, and others today to pay tribute to the life of Billy Graham. prgtoken Last week we lost a man of great faith. At the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission, where he says: ``Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.'' prgtoken If any one man may be said to have fulfilled that charge, it is Billy Graham. Over a ministry that spanned more than 60 years, Billy Graham truly made disciples of all nations, preaching the Gospel in the United States and around the world. prgtoken In the days since his death, many have remembered Billy Graham as a spiritual adviser to several Presidents, which he was, but neither his association with Presidents nor the famous of this world ever distracted him from his primary purpose, which was making sure that the Good News of Christ reached everyone. From China, to South Africa, to Russia, to Australia, to his home State of North Carolina and his countless appearances on television, video, and the internet, Billy Graham labored tirelessly for the Gospel. I think it is fair to say that no one in our lifetime has lived a life of greater impact for the cause of Christ. prgtoken I remember, as a young child growing up in my home State of South Dakota, when the crusades would come on--my parents and I we would turn them on--you would have Billy Graham, George Beverly Shea, Cliff Barrows, and the message of hope, grace, and redemption that came across so clearly. It impacted so many people, not only here in the United States but all around the world. prgtoken It was great to hear Michael W. Smith today singing that great song, ``Just As I Am,'' that was always sung at the end of every Billy Graham crusade as an invitation for people to come to know the Lord whom he knew. prgtoken My wife Kimberley and I am were privileged to sing in the choir for Billy Graham's 1986 crusade here in Washington, DC. It was an experience that neither of us will ever forget. He reminded everyone that ultimately, there is one thing that matters in life, and that is serving Christ. prgtoken In the days since his death, many people have repeated one of Billy Graham's quotes where he paraphrased the American evangelist Dwight L. Moody. I think it sums up Billy Graham's message pretty effectively. It said: Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just change my address. I will have gone into the presence of God. prgtoken I remember in that 1986 crusade, there was a story that was written-- presumably in the Washington Post--in which he was interviewed. I am paraphrasing, but I remember that a question was asked about what he wanted to be remembered f
BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-2-28

I wish to submit to the Senate the budget scorekeeping report for February 2018. The report compares current-law levels of spending and revenues with the amounts the Senate agreed to in the budget resolution for fiscal year 2018, H. Con. Res. 71. This information is necessary for the Senate Budget Committee to determine whether budget points of order lie against pending legislation. The staff of the Senate Budget Committee and the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, prepared this report pursuant to section 308(b) of the Congressional Budget Act, CBA. prgtoken The enforceable levels included in this report reflect all of the numerical adjustments made to the resolution since its passage. The information contained in this report captures legislative activity from the passage of the budget resolution through February 26, 2018. prgtoken Budget Committee staff prepared tables 1-4 of this report. prgtoken Table 1 gives the amount by which each Senate authorizing committee exceeds or is below its allocation for budget authority and outlays under the most recently adopted budget resolution. This information is used for enforcing committee allocations pursuant to section 302 of the CBA. For this reporting period, 11 of the 16 authorizing committees are in compliance with their allocations. As previously reported, the Senate Veterans' Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources, and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committees remain in breach of their allocations. Since my last report on January 18, 2018, both the Finance and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committees have increased spending beyond allowable levels. Through the enactment of both the fourth continuing resolution, H.R. 195, P.L. 115-120, and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, BBA18, H.R. 1892, P.L. 115-123, which contained packages of healthcare extenders, the Finance Committee breached its allocation by $76.9 billion in budget authority and $7.8 billion in outlays over 10 years. Enactment of the BBA18 also produced the Agriculture Committee breach. That law changed the treatment of seed cotton, dairy, and livestock under Federal farm programs, increasing both budget authority and outlays by $1.2 billion over the 2018-2027 period. prgtoken Table 2 gives the amount by which the Senate Committee on Appropriations is below or exceeds the statutory spending limits. This information is used to determine points of order related to the spending caps found in section 312 and section 314 of the CBA. While no full-year appropriations bills have been enacted for fiscal year 2018, subcommittees are charged with permanent and advanced appropriations that first become available in that year and any full-year standalone provisions included in continuing resolutions. This table reflects one change from my January report. The continuing resolution portion of the BBA18 included full-year authority for the Secretary of Energy to dr
Tribute to Sally-Ann Roberts (Executive Session)
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-2-28

it is very hard, as the Presiding Officer knows, to become an icon in television news as station owners change, as demographics change, and as on-air personalities change. The ``Guinness Book of World Records'' actually tracks the longest serving television news broadcaster. In case one is curious, the current record holder is a broadcasting legend named Don Alhart, who has been delivering the news in Rochester, NY, for 51 years. I am happy for Mr. Alhart, but Sally-Ann Roberts could have taken that title from him had she not decided it was time to pass the baton. prgtoken After 41 years at WWL-TV Channel 4, in the great city of New Orleans, Sally-Ann Roberts is embarking on a new chapter in her life. She is retiring today. If anybody is worthy of icon status, it is Sally-Ann, and she is absolutely humble about it. If you talk to her about her career, she will probably turn the conversation around to you. If you insist on talking about her career, she will always give credit to her parents for instilling such a strong work ethic and a love for the Lord in their children. prgtoken Ms. Roberts came to WWL-TV from Laurel, MS. She was working as the weekend anchor in that small, wonderful town. She didn't even work every weekend; she worked every other weekend. Talent, though, does not stay hidden in America. A WWL-TV journalist by the name of Angela Hill, an icon in her own right, stopped near Laurel for the night. She turned on the television, saw Sally-Ann, and immediately told her news director to hire Sally-Ann. Angela recognized intelligence and talent when she saw it. Very shortly thereafter, Ms. Sally-Ann Roberts had the city hall beat in New Orleans, and the rest, they say, is history. prgtoken For the past 26 years, Sally-Ann has anchored the morning show on WWL-TV Channel 4 in New Orleans. She is as much a part of the morning routine in New Orleans as eggs and beignets. Part of the reason people feel so comfortable with Sally-Ann is her positive attitude and pleasing personality. During cooking segments, she has been known to sneak bites of the crispiest bacon. During stories about neglected children--stories that would break anyone's heart--she would often tell us that she was shedding light on the need for foster parents, always trying to be positive. prgtoken The Presiding Officer probably knows Ms. Sally-Ann Roberts's little sister. Her name happens to be Ms. Robin Roberts. Robin is an anchor on ``Good Morning America.'' A few years ago, Robin was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder. A bone marrow transplant saved Robin Roberts's life. Sally-Ann Roberts provided that lifesaving bone marrow. Here is a typical story about Sally-Ann. She went through the bone marrow collection process on a Tuesday and a Wednesday. By Thursday, she was dressed to the nines and doing a national interview to emphasize how quick the recovery time is. She wanted to educate America about bone marrow
THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-2-28

. In that article, talked about the impact Billy Graham had on his life. My favorite line from that article talked about when 's father was President, and his father was gone, and he and his mother Barbara were having dinner at the White House. They began to argue a little bit about what it took to get to Heaven. So Mrs. just decided, well, we will call Billy Graham and ask him what it takes to get to Heaven. If anybody would know, Billy Graham would know. According to President , here is what Billy Graham said to them: Barbara and George, I believe what is written in the New Testament. But don't play God. He decides who goes to heaven, not you. prgtoken We spend a lot of time arguing about lots of things, but a grace- filled life, a life built on the fundamental principles of the Gospel, is a life that we have benefited from and we uniquely recognize today. I am glad to be here with my colleagues on the floor as we talk about this great life and the impact it had.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-2-28

I have been coming to the floor to talk about the many ways the tax relief law has helped people all across America. prgtoken Last week, there were even more examples. One thing we saw was the ``Economic Report of the President'' that came out last Wednesday. This is a report from the top economists at the White House. According to the report, the tax relief law that we have passed and signed into law is going to raise prgtoken the average wages for working families across this country by over $4,000 in the long run. That is a huge raise. This report said that more than 4 million workers are also getting one-time cash bonuses and other benefits. These one-time cash bonuses mean a great deal to American families. It says that so far, over $2 billion in cash bonuses have been given. prgtoken Today in Wyoming, we heard another great report that Taco John's--an establishment at which I frequently ate lunch when I was in the Wyoming Legislature, as did so many members of the Wyoming Legislature. They are providing bonuses for employees. That is another case in point. The reason they say they are doing it is the tax relief tax cut benefits that people all across the country are receiving as a result of the tax law we passed. prgtoken If you remember, a lot of predicted gloom and doom if we were to pass this piece of legislation. Nancy Pelosi actually said it was Armageddon. She said it was the end of the world. Well, with all of these workers getting bigger paychecks and more take-home pay, have now started to panic. Nancy Pelosi said all the benefits people are getting under the tax law are ``crumbs.'' That is what she called them, but that is not what people across the State of Wyoming are calling them. prgtoken I received a note the other day from a man who said he heard all the rhetoric from Nancy Pelosi and the . He said: ``Here is what the crumbs mean to a fellow working in Casper, Wyoming.'' He said that the first thing he noticed was that his take-home pay was higher in his latest paycheck. He figures that the tax cut works out to about a 2- percent raise for him. He and his wife decided to put that money straight into his retirement savings plan and invest it. He figures that over time, as those investments grow, it could add up to an extra $97,000 by the time he is ready to retire. He said: ``A few crumbs over time really do matter.'' prgtoken There was a second part of his story about what the tax relief means for him and his family, and that is the bonus. Because of the tax cuts, his employer gave him a bonus of $1,500. He said: ``I plan to enjoy the summer just a little bit more with this surprise income.'' He said he is investing the tax cut in his retirement, and he is investing the bonus in creating additional memories with his family today. He said that it means they are going to take an extra camping trip to Yellowstone this summer. They will
Introductory Statement on S. 2465
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-2-28

as we close out Black History Month this week, I wanted to recognize a few people and initiatives that we are really excited about. prgtoken Yesterday, I joined Congressman Mark Walker, Chairman of the Study Committee in the House, to host our Second Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fly In. prgtoken We hosted Presidents and Administrators from HBCUs throughout the country, including four from my home State of South Carolina--South Carolina State University, Claflin University, Allen University and Benedict College. prgtoken We were able to host some great panels on ensuring curricula are matched with the needs of the workforce, how to best encourage entrepreneurship among students, and what steps we are taking at the Federal level to help our HBCUs provide an invaluable education for students for generations to come. prgtoken Representatives from the HBCUs heard from Google, McDonalds, Starbucks, Bank of America the Morehouse College Entrepreneurship Center, John Deere, Wal-Mart, the Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development, and the Koch Foundation. I also want to thank my friends Senator Lankford and Congresswoman Terri Sewell for joining us on our member panel. prgtoken For decades, HBCUs provided Americans of color with educational opportunities they would not have otherwise had. For generations, they have given low-income students an education they could not otherwise afford. prgtoken We have stood by them with the restoration of year-round Pell Grants, a top legislative priority from last year's fly-in, which benefits more than one million students. prgtoken I joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress, including Representative Alma Adams, to ensure an increase in the Department of Defense's HBCU and PMI grant program, boosting funding for this important collaboration to $40M. prgtoken And earlier this month, we saw the Environmental Protection Agency renew its partnership with Bowie State University to provide professional experiences and advanced resources to Bowie State students. prgtoken We will continue to stand with our HBCUs, and help ensure they are providing the opportunities sought by so many people of color and low- income families from across the Nation. prgtoken I also want to talk about legislation my friend Senator Booker and I introduced today to help combat Sickle Cell Disease. prgtoken Our Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention and Treatment Act will do exactly what the title suggests . . . aid in fighting sickle cell through research, surveillance, prevention and treatment. prgtoken Currently, we don't really know exactly how many people have Sickle Cell Disease. There's no real surveillance and reporting in place at the Federal level, and only a handful of states have a reporting process. prgtoken To best battle Sickle Cell, we have to know the universe of what we're fighting against. So, our bill establishes the Natio
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-2-28

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 Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, February, 28, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight: FBI Headquarters Consolidation Project.'' Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, February, 28, 2018, at 9:45 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, February, 28, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on pending legislation and the following nomination: Michael K. Atkinson, of Maryland, to be Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, February, 28, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a joint hearing with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Subcommittee on Water and Power prgtoken The Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, February, 28, 2018 at 11 a.m. to conduct a hearing.
FIX NICS BILL
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-2-28

my colleague from Connecticut is here in the room and mentioned the bill we have been working on together, the Fix NICS bill. I want to remind all of us what the motivation was, at least on my part, for introducing this legislation and express my gratitude to the Senator from Connecticut, as well as the ic leader Senator Schumer, and others who have cosponsored this legislation. prgtoken It was just a few short months ago when someone murdered 26 people worshipping in a small church just outside San Antonio in Sutherland Springs. He had purchased these firearms having lied on the background check when they asked him whether he was a convicted felon, whether he was honorably discharged from the military, and whether he had ever committed any domestic violence. He lied. prgtoken If he had told the truth, he would have been prohibited from buying those firearms and perhaps--maybe, perhaps--he would have been dissuaded, slowed down, or perhaps would not have committed that terrible atrocity that day when 26 people lost their lives, and 20 more were injured. prgtoken We have come to find out that the Air Force, which had convicted him of two of those offenses--domestic violence and the felony--failed to upload the information that was required in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. If they had, then he would not have gotten away prgtoken with lying because the FBI background check system would have revealed the truth. prgtoken I can state that I have the utmost confidence that if the Fix NICS law were in effect at the time he was attempting to purchase those firearms, in all likelihood, he would have been prohibited from purchasing those guns, and I would conclude from that, lives would have been saved, and the lives which were changed forever because of the terrible injuries that the other 20 received would not have been changed in such a terrible way. prgtoken I told myself at the time that I cannot go to another church service--we went to the church that met in a tent just down the street from the place where the shooting took place a week after the shooting. The pastor and his wife who lost their teenage daughter were there. The wife was distraught, as you can imagine. The pastor summoned a power that is greater than human power to preach that day. It was emotional, it was inspirational, but it was a terrible tragedy. I told myself that day that I never wish to look another family in the face and say we failed to do everything that was in our power to prohibit or to stop something like that from happening again. prgtoken Fix NICS, as I think people who are familiar with it understand, basically takes the laws that currently exist and makes sure it is applied so people like this shooter in Sutherland Springs can't lie their way out of it and get access to firearms and ruin people's lives in the process. prgtoken I realize it may not be as comprehensive as some people woul
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-3-1

I was not present for the following Roll Call votes. I would like to reflect how I would have voted, had I been present. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted the following: ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 81; ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 82; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 83; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 84; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 85; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 86; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 87; ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 88; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 89; ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 90; and ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 91.
CONGRATULATING IAN KUEHL, STATE CHAMPION IN WRESTLING
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-3-1

I rise today to congratulate Ian Kuehl, a student from Lena-Winslow High School, for earning the Class 1 A wrestling title for the Illinois State Championship in the 285lb weight class. prgtoken Ian Kuehl pinned his opponent in 3 minutes 25 seconds to claim his title as state champion, and I would like to recognize Ian for his tremendous accomplishment. Ian's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment that goes into being awarded such a title. Ian's title demonstrates the value of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Lena throughout the state. prgtoken , I would like to again formally congratulate Ian Kuehl on his title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing him every success in the future.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE VICTIMS OF THE SUMGAIT POGROMS
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-3-1

I rise today to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Sumgait pogroms, one of the most horrific attacks against the Armenian people committed at the hands of Azerbaijanis. prgtoken On February 27, 1988, up to 200 Armenian civilians living in the city of Sumgait in Azerbaijan were indiscriminately killed, raped, maimed, and even burned alive for no reason other than their ethnicity. This senseless violence was instigated by hostile, anti-Armenian rhetoric from Azerbaijani citizens and officials against these innocent individuals. prgtoken For three decades, Azerbaijan has taken steps to cover up these crimes against humanity and dismiss the atrocities at Sumgait. Even more disturbing is that perpetrators of these events and similar violent attacks have since been lauded as national heroes. prgtoken I condemn these horrific attacks. Tragically, the Azerbaijani government's approach toward the Armenian people has not changed much since these attacks were perpetrated. In 2018, we hear the same violent rhetoric and witness the intimidation tactics by the Azerbaijani government against the people of Nagorno Karabakh. prgtoken If we do not condemn crimes against humanity, we only strengthen the resolve of those seeking to perpetrate these crimes in the future. The Armenian people have known this for too long, as we prepare to commemorate the 103rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in April. prgtoken I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus to remember the victims of the pogroms at Sumgait and to condemn all acts of violence against people who are targeted simply because of their existence. I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting violent rhetoric and intimidation by renewing our commitment to achieving a collective and lasting peace.