mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-15

. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2851, the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act. prgtoken This bill is well intentioned but fatally flawed. I agree with the goal of preventing dangerous synthetic drugs from evading regulation, but this bill circumvents existing procedures for placing synthetic analogues on the existing schedule of the Controlled Substances Act, which reasonably incorporate medical and scientific analysis in favor of a law enforcement-focused approach that would worsen the mass incarceration crisis and could undermine scientific research. prgtoken There are already statutory mechanisms in place to provide for the scheduling and regulation of new drugs that may be dangerous if misused. Those mechanisms require an appropriate degree of collaboration at the outset among the Justice Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Food and Drug Administration in scheduling synthetic analogues. This is because each of these agencies is equally important to the scheduling process. prgtoken By marginalizing the roles of HHS and the FDA in this bill, we would establish a mechanism that does not adequately consider scientific and medical evidence about the substance in question. Such input is critical to a process that may result in the imposition of significant criminal penalties related to these analogue drugs. prgtoken Under this bill, not only would the Attorney General hold the sole authority by himself to schedule these substances, but he or she would also have the power to set sentence levels for newly scheduled analogue drugs by establishing equivalencies between each newly scheduled analogue and drugs that are already controlled. prgtoken As a result, this legislation would expand penalties for drug offenses, concentrate an overwhelming amount of unchecked power within the Justice Department, overcriminalize certain conduct, and punish individuals without adequate proof of intent. prgtoken While the bill was slightly improved during our committee markup by eliminating the new mandatory minimum sentences included in the bill as introduced, the bill, nevertheless, would impose potentially lengthy maximum sentences for offenses involving these analogues. prgtoken I am mostly concerned that substances designated as analogues under the procedures instituted by this bill could trigger the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences under other provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. Although we have been told by the majority that this is not the intent of the bill, this ambiguity is another reason to oppose the legislation. prgtoken At the very least, the bill would explicitly impose mandatory minimum terms of supervised release, which, as the Judicial Conference of the United States observes, undermines the discretion of judges who are in the best position to make such determinations based on the facts and circumstances
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF BERTHA ALICIA PENA
Filemon Vela (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to thank Bertha Alicia Pena of Brownsville, TX for her outstanding contributions as a teacher and administrator for the past 32 years. prgtoken In May 1974, Ms. Pena received her Associate of Arts from Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, TX. She graduated from Pan American University at Brownsville, Texas in May 1980 and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her passion for teaching drove her to pursue additional educational opportunities. She earned a Bilingual Certification in 1982 and a Master of Arts in Education Administration in 1990 from Pan American University. prgtoken Ms. Pena's teaching career began in 1986 with the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) as a Kindergarten teacher at Villa Nueva Elementary School. She also taught Gifted and Talented Second Grade, Fourth Grade, and Sixth Grade. Ms. Pena became the Assistant Principal at Faulk Intermediate School in 1990 and the Principal at Lopez High School in 1993. She served in that position until 1999, when she was appointed Area Assistant Superintendent for BISD. prgtoken Her commitment to the educational success of underserved communities continued as she became Executive Director for Project Grad Brownsville from 2003 to 2005. The program, which was first implemented in the summer of 2003, includes the four-week Summer Bridge Program for incoming ninth graders. Most recently, she served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at BISD. prgtoken I thank Ms. Pena for her unending dedication to shaping the lives of countless young people. While many pursue careers in teaching, Ms. Pena viewed education not as a job, but a calling. She used her classroom experience to improve quality of education and expand opportunities for all students, and South Texas owes her a great debt of gratitude. prgtoken , I honor Bertha Alicia Pena for her lifetime of public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing her a happy retirement as we celebrate her great legacy of teaching and giving to our children and community.
INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 6076
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-6-15

with fourteen legislative weeks left in 2018, it is imperative the Congress take up legislation to provide the United States Postal Service with the legislative relief that it needs to stabilize its finances, modernize its business model, and return to solvency in order to continue to provide dependable service to millions of Americans across this country who rely on it. prgtoken Last year, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved the Postal Service Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 756) by voice vote. Throughout the process, the Committee worked with the United States Postal Service, private sector stakeholders, and the postal unions in order to report a bill that has near unanimous support. Unfortunately, shortly after the Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved H.R. 756, then-Chairman Chaffetz retired from the House of Representatives, leaving the bill without a primary sponsor. prgtoken That is why I am pleased to join my friend Representative Mark Meadows to re-introduce the Postal Service. Reform Act (H.R. 6076) with the language that the Oversight and Government Reform reported out last year. Like last year's bill, H.R. 6076 would sustain six-day delivery, which provides vital services to millions of Americans and thousands of businesses across the nation. The bill would require the Postal Service to establish and follow a rigorous, empirical, and transparent process when evaluating whether to close postal retail or processing facilities, while empowering the Postal Regulatory Commission with the authority to review and overturn closure decisions. Additionally, the bill would authorize the Postal Service to modernize its business model through innovative service enhancements, such as co-locating retail and government services with postal facilities. This reform would not only boost revenue, but increase convenience to everyday Americans who would benefit from being able to simultaneously renew their drivers licenses while mailing a package. Most importantly, the bill would fix a problem Congress created by providing the Postal Service with relief from the onerous and unnecessarily high prepayment requirements for the Postal Retirement Health Benefit. prgtoken The Postal Service plays an important role in the lives of every American and a critical role for our country's economy. Unlike private companies who pick and choose their customers, set their own rates, and can decide to deliver mail and packages only where it is financially beneficial, the Postal Service has a universal service obligation to deliver mail six days a week to every part of America--rural or urban-- for the same price. In fact, companies such as FedEx and UPS use the Postal Service to do ``last mile'' delivery for many packages in rural areas. And for many Americans, the Postal Service is the only option for them to pay their bills or receive communication and packages, including medicine and goods tha
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LESS CANCER ``SPLIT THE MITT'' BIKE RIDE IN MICHIGAN
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to recognize Less Cancer, founded by Michigander Bill Couzens, to help remediate the alarming increases of cancer diagnosis and raise awareness about cancer risk reduction and prevention strategies. Less Cancer facilitates continuing education for physicians, nurses and public health professionals to highlight the 50 percent of cancers that are preventable, and how to best educate patients on specific contaminants, pollution sources, and healthy lifestyle choices. Less Cancer also founded National Cancer Prevention Day, the National Cancer Prevention Workshop and facilitates the U.S. Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus. prgtoken On June 23 and 24, cyclists from all over the country will team up for the Less Cancer ``Split the Mitt'' Bike Ride, an epic two-day 238- mile charity ride through the heart of Michigan. The Less Cancer cycling tradition started in 2012 when Suzi Tobias rode to Mackinac City to honor her friend Aileen O'Brien who lost the battle with cancer. This year's cyclists will travel from Flint to Traverse City and conclude their overnight ride with a Cancer Prevention and Survivors' Picnic at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City, Michigan. prgtoken The yearly ride could not happen without the many cyclists that participate year after year including Tom Petzold, Brian Dooms, Dave Toutant, Tricia Petzold, Ed Shumaker, Lars Perkins, Jeanne Petzold, and Andrew Bowman. Tireless volunteers include Melanie Awe, Sue Coughlin, Steve Theil, John Kretzschmar, Miles O'Brien and Ted Shaw along with support from the Less Cancer Board of Directors and Board Chair Donna Eacho. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Less Cancer's tireless efforts to highlight cancer prevention strategies, and wish them luck in their yearly bike ride. Nonprofits like Less Cancer are a huge form of support for cancer survivors, their families, and future generations of cancer-free Americans.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-15

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding the time. prgtoken , synthetic opioids are a dangerous new frontline in our efforts to end the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities. prgtoken A recent analysis found that synthetic opioids, particularly illicit fentanyl, caused more overdose deaths in the United States in 2016 than prescription opioids. Synthetics are many times more potent and fatal than heroin, sometimes requiring two, four, six, or even more doses of antidotes like Naloxone to revive an overdose victim. prgtoken The Federal Controlled Substances Act was signed into law more than 40 years ago, and it is not equipped to handle this dangerous new development. Put simply, illegal manufacturers, especially those operating overseas, are creating deadly new synthetic opioid analogues faster than our laws or research can keep up. prgtoken That is why I rise today in support of the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017 to equip our law enforcement officials with the tools they need to keep our communities safe. prgtoken This bill creates a schedule A in addition to the five existing schedules in the Controlled Substances Act. This is a mechanism to temporarily schedule and set regulations around new synthetic drugs while our scientific and research communities develop a better understanding of the associated risks. This bill also adds 13 existing synthetic fentanyls to this new schedule. prgtoken Importantly, this crackdown is targeted at the manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these deadly substances, not the individual users. Simple possession is expressly omitted from the scope of this bill. Individuals suffering from addiction need medical help, not prison time. To start to turn prgtoken the tide on the opioid epidemic, we must address synthetic opioids. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me and my fellow members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in support of this needed legislation.
DACA
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-6-15

normally at this time the majority leader and I do a colloquy. We do a colloquy to discuss the schedule for the week to come. My suspicion is they don't know what the schedule is for the week to come because they were going to offer two immigration bills to undermine the proposal that so many have made to have four alternatives on DACA available for the people's House to speak for the people. prgtoken We are noting today 6 years since President put into place protection for DACA protectees 86 percent of the American people support doing just that, and the President asked this House to act. Mr. Aguilar and Mr. Hurd in a bipartisan way--everybody says to the public: Yes, we want to work in a bipartisan way--well, the majority had the opportunity to do it, and they have retreated from that responsibility and that assertion. prgtoken I lament the fact that we have not acted as the President asked us to on protecting DACA. They are Americans in everything but paper.
IN RECOGNITION OF KXTN 107.5'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to commemorate KXTN 107.5 radio station of San Antonio, Texas. prgtoken Tejano music leader, KXTN 107.5, is celebrating a significant milestone this year as 2018 marks its 30th broadcasting anniversary. In an effort to commemorate this achievement, the station has teamed up with over 30 artists and bands for a two-day music festival. prgtoken Founded on the principle of giving back, KXTN 107.5 has been a leader in many community service initiatives over the years. This includes raising over $1.4 million dollars for the San Antonio Children's Miracle Network, over $1 million dollars for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and blood donation drives for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. prgtoken KXTN 107.5 has worked to provide listeners with a taste of Hispanic culture and values through its broadcast. The station represents the standard of broadcasting with their unyielding commitment to their listeners. prgtoken For these reasons and more, the staff and support team of KXTN 107.5 is recognized for their hard work and leadership over the years. prgtoken , I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize KXTN 107.5.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BRETT SCHWANBECK
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-6-15

today I rise to remember the life of Brett Schwanbeck. Brett attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Brett was a retired truck driver who was engaged to be married to his fiancee, Anna. prgtoken Brett was a father of three and a grandfather of five. He was a kind and loving man who treasured the time he spent with his family. Brett loved lake trips, family gatherings, hunting, and camping. His favorite thing to do was go out into the middle of the woods and purposely get lost. Brett would do anything for anyone who needed help. His family remembers Brett as being funny, generous, and full of joy. prgtoken I would like to extend my condolences to Brett's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA POLICE HOME RULE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-6-15

today, I introduce the District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act. This bill is necessary to eliminate the President's authority to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the local District of Columbia police department. The President has no authority to federalize any other local or state police department, and no president has tried to federalize MPD. Under the Home Rule Act, ``whenever the President . . . determines that special conditions of an emergency nature exist which require the use of the [MPD] for Federal purposes, he may direct the Mayor to provide him, and the Mayor shall provide, such services of the [MPD] as the President may deem necessary and appropriate.'' prgtoken Under the section of the Home Rule Act that would be repealed by this bill, the President may federalize MPD for a period of not more than 30 days, unless a resolution passed by Congress extending such federalization is enacted into law. Congress may also terminate the federalization at any time by enacting a resolution. This bill is necessary, even with these protections, because, under the principle of home rule, the President should not have control over the District's local police department. prgtoken While it does not appear that a President has exercised this authority over MPD, this latent power is totally unnecessary, should not exist and is an affront to MPD, which has always voluntarily assisted federal authorities. MPD's first responsibility is to protect District residents and visitors, and it must always remain under the authority of the D.C. mayor to accomplish its mission. Moreover, federalization is outdated in light of current practice. MPD regularly assists the federal government as a matter of comity, not as an arm of the federal government, just as I am sure other local police departments do in the region. There are approximately 30 federal police departments under the President's control in the District. In the case of a federal emergency, the President can unilaterally deploy these federal officers, as well as the D.C. National Guard, to address it, and also request the support of our local police department, as the President would do in any other jurisdiction. prgtoken This is an important step to increase home rule for the District, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
OPPOSING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ACA SABOTAGE
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-15

President 's cruel attempt to sabotage affordable healthcare access for more than 130 million Americans is inhumane and, mark my words, deadly. prgtoken If has his way, anyone who has survived or lives with cancer, asthma, diabetes, mental health issues, or virtually any other medical conditions that you can think of, and many that you can't, will risk losing their health coverage. That is because the President is bent on dismantling the Affordable Care Act, which protects Americans with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Before the ACA, insurance companies refused coverage or charged people more with these commonplace maladies. They even charged women more just for being women. prgtoken I am a woman, and I also beat breast cancer. And it sickens me to think of the anxiety and pain this President is causing my sister survivors right now with this threat. It is absurd, it is discriminatory, and it is, frankly, monstrous. prgtoken Every time it appears that the reckless disregard for people's lives shown by this administration and their enablers in Congress couldn't possibly get any worse, they find a new low. prgtoken , there are too many real problems facing Americans today. This President and his party need to stop creating deadly new ones.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Sean Patrick Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-15

I offer this amendment in honor of a young man called Daniel Keegan. prgtoken Daniel served in the Army's 82nd Airborne as an intelligence analyst for 8 years. He was deployed to Afghanistan twice. In 2009, Daniel was named Soldier of the Year of the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg. He was a remarkable young man. prgtoken Like many of our heroes, he came home with PTSD. It took too long to get him hooked up at the VA. There were a bunch of dropped balls. So he began to self-medicate. He did that with drugs that he found online. He could order the drugs right from his own couch. prgtoken Daniel lost his life in January of 2016. His mother, Stephanie, came to my office not long after. Stephanie Keegan has now dedicated her life to improving services at the VA and fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic, particularly as it relates to our men and women in uniform. prgtoken Just a couple of months ago, Stephanie joined me in Hudson Valley to announce the Stop Online Opioid Sales Act, and that is what is in this amendment. prgtoken We started looking at this issue, and we found out that we are losing the information battle in the fight to stop online drug sales. In fact, we don't even know exactly how much is coming into our country, or where it is coming from. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Senate released a report suggesting that $800 million of opioids were coming just from China alone and being sold online. I am told that 50,000 doses of fentanyl can be fit inside a business size envelope. prgtoken We need to get on top of this problem. These statistics are alarming. The trend is alarming. We don't know what is happening. We need the DEA to get in the game on this, and we need to know how much of an issue this really is. prgtoken It is really hard to keep up with the constantly evolving tech landscape when it comes to drug sales. But the first step in stopping the problem is understanding the scope. prgtoken What we know is that drug addicts, right now, can conduct their online habit without leaving their home. The drugs come in the UPS truck, or the FedEx truck, or the U.S. mail, and they can sell drugs to people who come to that location. prgtoken I have spoken to recovering addicts who never left their house, who conducted, for years, an online drug business out of their own house and fed their own habit with it. prgtoken We need to get on top of this problem. That is what is in this amendment and what it would allow us to do. We would simply require the DEA to compile a comprehensive report on the sale of drugs online within a year, and then be required to continue to issue annual reports containing this information. prgtoken Under the amendment, the reports would include the types and amounts of controlled substances and analogues sold online, the name of each entity and person selling them, and an estimate of the revenue being generated through these illegal channels. prgtoken This opioid crisi