mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ROAD TRIP CAMARADERIE
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-15

. I would like to thank the , and I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. prgtoken One of my favorite quotes is from Teddy Roosevelt. He says: ``Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.'' prgtoken The gentleman from Texas and I had a great 31 hours--I guess, 36 hours, 31 of it being in a vehicle. It was fun, and it was like going on a road trip with my buddy having a good time, but it was more impactful for that. prgtoken Actually, I think I am going through separation anxiety. I want to know what Sarah is doing right now, or Carol. They were with us late last night in those last 3 hours of our trip when we were tired and hungry and ready to go to sleep. But these are folks that we didn't know--and I didn't even know what part of the country they were in-- that kept us going, and it was because of their excitement about what we were doing that kept us going. prgtoken We talked many times about how this was an opportunity. In the press, in the media, we focus on the things that divide us, not the things that unite us; and it was a great opportunity to show that there is a lot between s and that brings us together. It was great. We didn't always agree, and we show that we could disagree without being disagreeable. prgtoken My heart was warmed. At the beginning of the trip, some of the responses to our trip were mean-spirited. By the end of it, I think people understood and recognized what we were trying to do, and they valued that. prgtoken I hope that this trip--and the response that the American people across these great States--showed, as an example to our colleagues, that bipartisanship is a real thing; that people care and want to see folks working together and to stop retreating to their tired corners and instead try to talk about what we need to do to do the work of the American people. prgtoken I got to learn a lot about the gentleman from Texas (Mr. O'Rourke), a person I would like to be able to call my friend, a battle buddy now, having spent so much time in a Chevy Impala with him. I still question why he positions himself so close to the steering wheel when he drives, but I think that is one of the things that another trip may have to help figure out. prgtoken Really, to all of those who watched, listened, shared, enjoyed, and made comments, thank you. Thank you because this was a truly wonderful experience and it made the entire trip worth it. prgtoken We made it on time. We actually got here early, which we weren't expecting, and that is because of my good friend from the great State of Texas' (Mr. O'Rourke) discipline and tenacity going from point A to point B. We were able to do our job today, and we just want to say thank you to those who helped us do that.
Nomination of Neil Gorsuch (Executive Session)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-3-15

I want to thank my esteemed colleague from Wyoming, Senator Barrasso, for his comments. He shared many of the same views I have. prgtoken As I think about the job I do as a Senator--perhaps one of the most important jobs we have as Senators is approving a Supreme Court Justice. An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court can serve an average of 27 years. We think about Justice Scalia; he served 30 years. Neil Gorsuch is 49 years old. God willing, he probably will serve 30 years or more, perhaps. Think about that. My wife and I have four children. They are going through the college years and so forth. They are in their early and midtwenties. They will likely be grandparents when Judge Gorsuch wraps up his career on the Supreme Court, assuming he is approved. That is why a decision like this about whom to vote for, whom to stand behind, whom to stand with is so important. It is not just for today, it is for our children and our grandchildren. prgtoken The people want a Supreme Court Justice who does not legislate from the bench. The people want a Supreme Court Justice who upholds the rule of law and follows the Constitution. The people want a Supreme Court Justice with a record of constitutional jurisprudence and legal restraint to match what we saw from Justice Antonin Scalia. The people want a Supreme Court Justice with the academic credentials, who is well prepared to serve the American people on our highest Court, to wrestle with some of the most complicated issues that the High Court wrestles with. prgtoken When President announced that he was appointing Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, the American people knew he was truly a supreme pick. He has a brilliant legal mind. He understands the role a judge plays in our judicial system--to interpret the law and not to legislate from the bench. In fact, on the night he was announced, when President revealed his pick, I was at the White House, and I heard Judge Gorsuch say: ``A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.'' That is the humility of a great judge. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch has impeccable legal qualifications that demonstrate he will be the type of Justice every American deserves to have on the highest Court. He graduated from Harvard Law School. He was a Harry Truman Scholar, graduated with honors in 1991. He earned his law degree and then attended Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar and received his doctorate degree in 2004 from Oxford. prgtoken As we say out West, and as a Montanan, I have to say I am thrilled to see somebody from Colorado be nominated for the Supreme Court. We say out West: Go get a good education and then get over it. And he brings that kind of humility to the bench. He understands that he is beneath the law, he is subject to the law. He is there to interpret the law, not to make the law. prgtoken H
TRIBUTE TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN JOHN WOLD
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-3-15

I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and former Member of this House, John Wold, of Casper, Wyoming, who passed away on February 19. Congressman Wold was a member of the Greatest Generation serving as a naval engineer during World War II. He also served Wyoming in our State legislature and as our Member of Congress. He was a leader and pioneer in the energy field, and he made numerous contributions, along with his incomparable wife, Jane, to our civic life and as a philanthropist. prgtoken I knew John my whole life. The friendship between our families goes back even farther. John was the oldest living former Member of Congress, and I was honored to receive his advice and counsel over the years. prgtoken I will never forget attending his 100th birthday this past summer in Casper and seeing the joy it brought him to be surrounded by so many of his wonderful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. prgtoken We will miss him, but the impact Congressman Wold had on our State and our Nation and the legacy of leadership and honor he leaves behind will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
DENNIS COUNIHAN SELECTED AS SAVANNAH'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE GRAND MARSHAL
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-3-15

I rise today to congratulate Mr. Dennis Counihan for being named grand marshal of Savannah's 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah has been a beloved local tradition and an important family affair since its beginning in 1824. prgtoken Welcoming visitors from all over the world to celebrate its Irish heritage, Savannah astonishingly hosts the third largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the world and the second largest in the United States. As such, the position of grand marshal is not to be taken lightly. This year there were a record-setting six nominees vying for the position, but Mr. Counihan rose above the rest due to his experience and dedication to Savannah. prgtoken Mr. Counihan's love for his community is emphasized through his work with the Hollander Senior Living company, where he purchases old real estate to be redesigned as nursing homes. prgtoken It seems as if Mr. Counihan was destined to be grand marshal, considering his family's role in the parade over the years. His brother Brian is currently the parade chairman, and his father, Michael, served as the parade's grand marshal in 1988. prgtoken Mr. Counihan has been on the parade committee since 1980. He certainly knows the dedicated effort that goes into making this event special and successful. prgtoken Congratulations, Mr. Counihan, on this great honor. I look forward to seeing the new additions you will bring to the parade.
Order of Procedure (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-15

for yielding for a brief UC request, as I think this would be in the best interests of the entire Senate. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motion on Executive Calendar No. 19, the McMaster nomination, be withdrawn; that the time until 1:45 p.m. be equally divided in the usual form on the Coats and McMaster nominations concurrently; and that at 1:45 p.m. the Senate vote on the Coats nomination, followed by a vote on the McMaster nomination; and that, if confirmed, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions, with no intervening action or debate. I further ask that 1 hour of minority debate time be reserved for Senator Wyden.
RECOGNIZING MS. LISA COHEN
David G. Reichert (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-3-15

today I rise to recognize Ms. Lisa Cohen, Executive Director of the Washington Global Health Alliance, in light of her retirement. During a CODEL to the Middle East I visited Afghanistan as a freshman in Congress and visited an abandoned school meant for female students. Yet unfortunately, it was not used for very long due to rule of law that girls are not allowed to be educated. Since then, I made it a mission to serve as a Co-Chair on the Global Health and Poverty Caucus and fought for the opportunity that girls can and should be educated. And I could not have done this without the extremely important and valuable partnership of Ms. Cohen. From day one, Ms. Cohen has never said no in helping me fight for human rights around the world, and in fact, she has taught and encouraged me to take on other global issues that we must stand for today. Ms. Cohen has been such a wonderful force in the global community, and not just in the Seattle area, but around the country, as she has been diligently working to form an alliance in the Atlanta region too. With more alliances for global health, we can someday have a world where polio no longer exists and every woman can give a healthy birth to a child in a fully-functioning hospital. I will truly miss working with Ms. Lisa Cohen of the Washington Global Health Alliance, but am delighted to know that we shall remain friends. I thank Ms. Cohen for everything that she has done to make this world a better place for every single person.
HONORING TRINITY UNITED METHODIST ON ITS 200TH YEAR
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-3-15

this year, the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, marks its 200th year as a house of worship. prgtoken Founded in April of 1817, the church congregation began with just seven people. Schoolmaster and Methodist layman James McGee led the first meeting. Over the years, Trinity's congregation has steadily grown, and today it boasts 200 members. The current church was built in 1875, and in 1962, an educational building was added on. prgtoken The church plays an important role in the Bellefonte community and it organizes several programs throughout the year, including a free community lunch, a New Year's Day dinner, free public concerts, and a toy drive before Christmas for children in need. prgtoken , for the last 200 years, Trinity United Methodist Church has opened its doors for people to hear the Word of the Lord, but a church is much more than a building. It brings a love of God into the community and into the hearts of those who fill the seats each Sunday. prgtoken God bless Trinity United Methodist Church on the momentous occasion of its bicentennial.
COMMONSENSE VA REFORM
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-3-15

I rise today as a cosponsor of H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act. prgtoken This important piece of legislation targets vulnerabilities within the VA employment structure that prevent bad actors from being fired or demoted. This commonsense reform gives the Secretary of the VA the flexibility to dismiss or demote employees who are guilty of on-the-job inebriation, drug diversion, and sexual assault, just to name a few. Our veterans deserve quality care. They have earned quality care. prgtoken As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, it is my highest priority in making sure that our Department of Veterans Affairs is working for the men and women who have worn the cloth of our Nation and made the sacrifices that keep us free: our veterans. prgtoken This bill moves the needle in the right direction, and I commend Chairman Roe for introducing it.
RICHARD BLANKENSHIP
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-3-15

I rise today to honor the life and memory of Richard Blankenship of Hillsboro, Ohio. prgtoken Richard's time here on earth will be remembered by many as serving both his community, and his country. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served his country with dedication. prgtoken And that dedication and passion was felt in the Cincinnati and Hillsboro communities, where Richard served in a number of different roles, influencing the lives of many. prgtoken From the Cincinnati Bengals, to the Southern State Community College, to East Clinton High School, where he served as both a coach and a teacher. At Finneytown Local Schools, where he taught and held various coaching positions, teaching students important lessons of teamwork and leadership. prgtoken When Richard retired from teaching in Finneytown in 2003, he said ``I will miss being with students and parents, but it's time to hang up my gym shoes.'' prgtoken Richard, our communities are better for having you here, teaching our children, students, and those around you, and changing their lives for the better. prgtoken My thoughts are with the Blankenship family.
BULLY BUSTERS
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-3-15

I rise today on behalf of a group of 11- and 12-year-old girls from my district who have noticed an unsettling trend in modern politics and who are absolutely determined to do something about it. They see bullying from leaders who are supposed to be their role models. They witness fear, intimidation, and vitriol being thrown at religious minorities, LGBTQ people, women, immigrants, communities of color. And, yes, I am also somebody else's baby. prgtoken In the face of this hate, these girls have decided to take action by forming the D.C. Bully Busters. These change-making girls, not even old enough to vote yet, but certainly old enough to make their voices heard, have vowed to stand up against the bullying they are seeing in American politics. prgtoken , if grade-schoolers can say that bullying, intimidation, and silently standing by are cowardly tactics that have no place in politics, then the adults who represent them must be courageous enough to do the same thing. prgtoken On Friday, I will be proudly signing the D.C. Bully Busters pledge, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me so that we can let everyone know at every level that bullying is never acceptable.
Introductory Statement on S. 630
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-3-15

I come to the floor again today to speak about a program I have been working on that has had bipartisan support for a number of years; that is, the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program. This program allows Afghans, including interpreters, who have supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and who face threats as a result of their service to apply for refuge in the United States. As I said, this has had strong bipartisan support. I have worked with Senators McCain, Tillis, Leahy, Graham, and so many others here in the Chamber to try to make sure we provide enough visas for those Afghans who are being threatened and who want to come to the United States. prgtoken I wish to point out that the administration, even as it has sharply restricted immigration and refugee programs, has made exceptions for those who served alongside our soldiers and diplomats. In fact, when the administration's original Executive order on immigration was released, there was bipartisan anger that Iraqi interpreters were not protected because this program has served not just those in Afghanistan who have helped us but also those in Iraq. So the administration recognized its mistake and has made an exception for Iraqi SIV recipients, and now they have exempted Iraq from their Executive order. prgtoken It is really past time that we rally renewed support for the Afghan SIV Program. Last week, we learned that the State Department has stopped interviewing applicants for the Afghan program because there are more applicants in the final stages of the process than there are visas. Unless Congress acts, the final visas will be exhausted by the end of May. It is estimated that more than 10,000 applicants are still in some step of the process of obtaining these visas. prgtoken For these Afghans, it really is no exaggeration to say that this is a matter of life and death. Interpreters who served the U.S. mission are being systematically hunted down by the Taliban, and unless Congress acts, this program will lapse and we will abandon these Afghans to a harsh fate. prgtoken The United States promised to protect those Afghans who served our mission with great loyalty and at enormous risk, and it would be a stain on our national honor to break this promise. It would also carry profound strategic costs. U.S. forces and diplomats have always relied on local people to help us accomplish our missions. We continue to require this assistance in Afghanistan, and we will need this support in other places in the future where we face conflict. So we have to ask, if we don't keep our promise, why would anyone agree to help the United States if we abandon those who assist us? This is exactly why the former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, GEN David Petraeus, and his predecessor, GEN Stanley McChrystal, have pleaded with Congress to extend the Afghan SIV Program. In a letter to Congress last year, more than 30 additional prominent ge
IN SUPPORT OF THE GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-3-15

I rise today in defense of one of our most magnificent natural wonders: the Great Lakes. They contain a fifth of the world's freshwater and are vitally important to the economy and the quality of life in my district. prgtoken The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which has received strong support from both sides of the aisle, works to clean up the Great Lakes, control invasive species, restore habitats, and reduce runoff. Yet we have heard that President may virtually eliminate this critical program with an eye-popping irresponsible 97 percent cut to the budget; $300 million in funding would be reduced to just $10 million. prgtoken At the same time, his administration may gut EPA funds for climate science, clean air, and safe water. prgtoken Let me be clear. I am adamantly opposed to these cuts and will do everything in my power to stop them. prgtoken Tomorrow, on Great Lakes Day, the President is expected to release a budget proposal. I urge him to include robust funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the EPA programs and ensure we pass on a sustainable, healthy planet to our children.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-3-15

I wish to honor the life of Joseph ``Joe'' Celestino Gallegos, a beloved leader and constituent from my home State of Colorado. Mr. Gallegos passed away on December 11, 2016, at the age of 60, after a battle with cancer. He was a true visionary and leader in his hometown of San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, where he was elected to a fourth term as Costilla County commissioner just a few months ago. prgtoken Mr. Gallegos was a fifth-generation farmer and rancher with deep ties to the American West. His family property, the Corpus A. Gallegos Ranches, was settled in 1860 and recognized as a ``Colorado Centennial Farm'' in 1990. The son of educators, Mr. Gallegos spent his youth in Pagosa Junction and Colorado Springs, CO, and in Questa, NM. He spent his weekends, vacations, and summers working the family ranch in San Luis and tending to livestock in the surrounding mountains of the Sangre de Cristo Range. prgtoken After graduating from Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in mechanical engineering, Mr. Gallegos became an engineer in the oil fields. His work took him to Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Ireland, and Africa before he returned to San Luis permanently in 1986. prgtoken Working with his father on the family ranch, Mr. Gallegos soon became a trailblazing advocate for the land, water, people, and culture of San Luis and Costilla County, working selflessly to preserve the area's rich local traditions. Mr. Gallegos was one of the founders of the Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association, which protects some of the oldest water rights in the State of Colorado, and his work has inspired younger generations to respect local water rights and acequia conservation. He served on the Costilla County Conservancy Board for 13 years and was also a member and ditch rider of the San Luis People's Ditch, which holds the oldest water right in Colorado. prgtoken Mr. Gallegos was elected as a Costilla County commissioner four times, serving in office for 12 years. He was passionate about creating and sustaining local jobs; rehabilitating infrastructure and historic structures; and supporting veterans, senior citizens, and youth. One of the projects of which he was most proud was the restoration of the old Costilla County courthouse. Built in 1883, it is one of just two intact adobe courthouses in Colorado. Mr. Gallegos also worked to restore the Lobatos Bridge, the southernmost bridge over the Rio Grande River in Colorado, originally built in 1892. prgtoken He oversaw the construction of a Health and Human Services complex and a senior citizens' center; helped create a county Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Program; supported the effort to name State Highway 159 as the Costilla County Veterans Memorial Highway; and developed the Costilla County Biodiesel Project. He also pursued other renewable energy initiatives such as biomass heat for county shops and solar electricity for