mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Gun Violence (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-3-1

I rise today to talk about the tragedy in Parkland and the responsibilities of the Senate to try to make our communities safer. I am going to talk very personally about my own experience in confronting gun violence as a mayor of an urban area, Richmond, VA, and as the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. prgtoken I will start by saying, I am a gun owner. I am a Second Amendment supporter. When I was an attorney in private practice, I was the lawyer who worked with an effort to amend the Virginia constitution to guarantee Virginians the right to hunt and fish. The Second Amendment and private gun ownership is an important part of our framework. I support it, but I obviously believe that we can do things consistent with the Constitution that will make our Nation safer, and I ask my colleagues to join in that effort. prgtoken When I was elected to the Richmond City Council in 1994, Richmond, at that time, was only on one top 10 list that I am aware of. It is not the one you want to be on. We had the second highest homicide rate in the United States. We were not a high-crime area generally, if you looked at all crime, but in homicides and aggravated assaults--assaults committed with weapons--we were unusually high. The weapons of choice in these homicides and aggravated assaults were guns. prgtoken I remember very early in my time at the city council getting called to a neighborhood, Gilpin Court, which is a public housing community in my city council district. There had been a gun crime that killed an entire family of five--adults and little children. prgtoken Over the course of my 8 years of working in local government, I went to too many crime scenes and funerals and wakes. In some ways, the things that were the most memorable were the meetings in church basements of the families of homicide victims. We embarked upon a set of strategies to make our communities safer. Amidst all the bloodshed and the tears, we actually found strategies--some dealing with reductions in guns, some dealing with law enforcement strategies, some dealing with police and community relations. We found strategies that, over the course of about 8 years, reduced the prgtoken homicide rate in Richmond by 60 percent and the aggravated assault rate by an equivalent number. prgtoken Out of the pain, what we learned is you can actually take concrete steps that will make your community safer and that will reduce gun violence. You will not eliminate it. That is beyond our power as humble people to do, but you can reduce it. If you know you can, then you must. You have a responsibility to do what you can. prgtoken I was elected Governor of Virginia in 2005, and I will never forget April 16, 2007. I had just embarked on a trade mission. I had landed in Japan with a delegation to recruit business to my State. I had gone to the hotel, and I got a call after midnight from my chief of staff, who said: There is a shooting under way at
RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF RON CARSON
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-3-1

I am honored to rise, on behalf of Congressman Morgan Griffith and myself, to recognize the achievements of Ron Carson who has made the plight of tens of thousands of disabled coal miners a central part of his life's work. Through his decades of work directing three black lung clinics in Southwest Virginia, and tireless advocacy efforts across the coal fields of this country, he offered help and hope to miners whose lungs were irreversibly scarred with the scourge of black lung disease. prgtoken Ron was born in Pennington Gap, Virginia during segregation. He attended a one-room primary school on land that his great-great- grandmother, Rachael Scott, had donated in 1939 for education of black children in Lee County. Ron and his wife Jill, a Member of the Town Council in Pennington Gap, founded the Appalachian African American Cultural Center in that same brick school house, which now preserves the life stories, history, heritage, culture and events of African Americans in Southwest Virginia. Although segregated in housing and schools, African Americans found a measure of inclusion in Central Appalachia, where they were able to work free from the harsh conditions in the Deep South, and many received equal pay for their work mining coal. prgtoken Ron worked for Westmoreland Coal Co. in Appalachia, Virginia as did his stepfather. His grandfather and great-grandfather both worked for many years for Blue Diamond Coal in Bonny Blue, Virginia. Ron later attended the Massachusetts School of Pharmacy, and in 1990 returned as an outreach worker in the black lung clinic operating out of the St. Charles Community Health Clinic. For the past 20 years he has served as the director of three black lung clinics which are now part of Stone Mountain Health Services. In addition to helping miners secure diagnostic tests, treatment and benefits counseling, Ron led an effort to develop what is now the largest program for non-lawyers to successfully advocate for black lung benefits before the U.S. Department of Labor. prgtoken There are very few attorneys who represent miners filing claims for black lung benefits. And, coal miners proceeding pro se are no match for the expert legal and medical resources that coal companies and insurers dedicate to each case. Ron and his team have worked to fill this void by providing training for clinics, doctors, lawyers and lay representatives in all 15 coal producing states. The lay advocates working for the Stone Mountain clinics have helped miners win over 2,000 black lung claims in the past 17 years. prgtoken In recent years, Ron documented how miners with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the most advanced form of black lung disease, have flooded the clinics in southwestern Virginia. Working with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), he recently co- authored an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association which verified an epidemic of this let
16TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL TEACHERS AWARDS
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-1

I rise today in recognition of outstanding public school teachers in Florida's 16th Congressional District. prgtoken I was once told that children are 25 percent of the population, but they are 100 percent of the future. prgtoken And it's true. The education of a child is an investment, not only in that student, but in the future of our country. prgtoken Therefore, I established the Congressional Teacher Awards to honor educators for their ability to teach and inspire students. prgtoken An independent panel has chosen the following teachers from Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough counties for Florida's 16th District 2018 Congressional Teacher Award for their accomplishments as educators: prgtoken Ms. Michelle Brewster for her accomplishments as a sixth grade Math teacher at Eisenhower Middle School. prgtoken Ms. Karen Lewellen, for her accomplishments as a Math teacher at State College of Florida Collegiate School. prgtoken Ms. Carrie Ling, for her accomplishments as a Math and Science teacher at Braden River Elementary School. prgtoken Mr. Nelson Lopez for his accomplishments as an ELA and Journalism teacher Palmetto High School. prgtoken Ms. Barb Rannigan, for her accomplishments as a third grade teacher at Alta Vista Elementary School. prgtoken Ms. Es Swihart for her accomplishments as an English teacher at Riverview High School. prgtoken Dr. Terri St. John for her accomplishments as an English teacher at Sarasota High School. prgtoken Ms. Deborah Walker, for her accomplishments as a sixth grade Science teacher at Sarasota Military Academy Prep. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District I congratulate each of these outstanding teachers and offer my sincere appreciation for their service and dedication.
Gun Violence (Executive Session)
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-1

it was 2 weeks ago yesterday that the tragic incident in Parkland took place--one of many that have impacted our country over the last decade and beyond. That community in Parkland, FL, and the residents of the State of Florida whom I represent--and, frankly, the entire Nation--have demanded not just action but immediate action. prgtoken We know--and anyone who watches this process is well aware--that there are deep differences on how far and how much we should restrict the Second Amendment right of every American. We know there are deep differences about whether some of those proposed restrictions work. I imagine those debates and those differences will not be easily resolved and will continue, but I also know there is widespread support and agreement that we must act now--as soon as possible--to do everything we can to prevent another tragedy like Parkland from happening anywhere else ever again. That is a consensus position. No matter where one falls on this debate, no matter how one feels about how far or how restricted restrictions on gun sales in America should be, no matter what your views are on that, I don't know of anyone who is in favor of school shootings, and I don't know anyone who is in favor of seeing another one happen. There is common ground in that regard. prgtoken What I have tried to do, over the last couple of weeks, is undertake efforts to determine what changes in Federal law not only could have prevented this attack but could prevent future ones. In that vein, I have met with State and Federal law enforcement investigators involved not just in this case but in gun laws in general. I have met with students and with teachers from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, including two teachers who were injured in the attack. I have met with school board administrators. I have met with the community at large, including an appearance last week at a nationally televised townhall. I have been in contact with several of the parents of the victims who lost their lives. I have also spoken to experts in firearm sales. I have spoken to a number of federally licensed firearm dealers who talked about some of the frustrations they have with our existing law and their inability to address people who ultimately turn out to be individuals who should not own any gun of any kind. prgtoken So based on these meetings, based on all of this input, and based on all of the other research that is out there leading up to now, the first thing I want to say is, I actually believe this attack could have and should have been prevented if current law had been fully enforced. prgtoken This killer was a well-known danger to the school district. He was a well-known danger to the Broward Sheriff's office. He was a well-known danger to his neighborhood. He was also the subject of two separate and specific warnings to law enforcement agencies: a call to the Broward Sheriff's office last November, a call to a
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-1

as the senior Senator from Georgia, it is my honor to pay tribute to South Georgia on its selection as a ``2018 Great American Defense Community'' by the Association of Defense Communities. prgtoken Since 1941, this region of my State has been the proud home of Moody Air Force Base and some of the best airmen in the world. prgtoken I congratulate the outstanding South Georgia Military Affairs Council, which is led by local chambers of commerce in Berrien, Cook, Lanier, and Lowndes Counties, and the many community members who work to support Moody Air Force Base. They take great pride in this installation, and they understand how important the brave men and women who are based there are to our national security and to America. prgtoken The Great American Defense Communities Program honoring these special volunteers recognizes the overall support that communities and regions in the U.S. provide to service members and military families to help ensure the highest quality of life possible. Selection for this honor is based on community building and integration, support and collaboration, educational and employment opportunities, and veteran and family support. prgtoken I have seen firsthand how strongly the airmen and families associated with Moody Air Force Base are supported and appreciated by the South Georgia community. It is much more than simply a place to live. For our military members serving at Moody, their community is a place to call home. It is family. prgtoken Moody Air Force Base is the home to the 23rd Wing ``Flying Tigers,'' which consists of the 23rd Fighter Group, the Air Force's largest A-10 fighter group, the 347th Rescue Group, and the Avon Park Air Force Range, among others. From close air support to combat search and rescue, the dedicated airmen of Moody Air Force Base play a critical role in our national defense and our ability to project power around the globe. prgtoken Throughout Georgia, we are fortunate to be home to welcoming communities for the servicemembers who are stationed at military bases across our State. South Georgia is a wonderful example of this spirit of service and patriotism. I congratulate this region and Moody Air Force Base on this distinct honor.
RECOGNIZING THE RAVALLI COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-3-1

this week I have the honor of recognizing the Ravalli County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Stephen Holton for their work to prevent an attack on the students and teachers of Darby School District. prgtoken Just last week, on the heels of 17 tragic murders in Parkland, FL, a Darby High School senior allegedly made threatening comments and social media posts directed at fellow students and faculty at Darby High School. After receiving information about the concerning threats, Sheriff Holton took action, and law enforcement arrested the student on felony charges. prgtoken While we will continue to investigate the tragedy in Florida and the performance of law enforcement in that incident, it is important that we commend students who speak up, school officials who respond, and those law enforcement officers who bravely act to keep our communities safe. The Darby students and school officials did the right thing. prgtoken Sheriff Holton and the quick response of students and school officials may have prevented a tragedy in Montana, and for that, we are very grateful.
Iran Legislation (Executive Calendar)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-3-1

this Chamber is familiar with deadlines and has a habit of running up against them. We cannot lose sight of May 12, the deadline when President will make a decision about sanctions on Iran. prgtoken In January, the President waived sanctions for the last time, calling on Congress to ``either fix the deal's disastrous flaws, or the United States will withdraw.'' We now have less than 3 months--a period in which bipartisan consensus on the issue of Iran is absolutely necessary. prgtoken To reimpose sanctions would effectively signal the end of America's participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA, an agreement better known as the Iran nuclear deal. The plan is flawed, and we cannot fix it without action. prgtoken I ask my colleagues for cooperation and collaboration so that we can act in the national interest and prevent the nefarious aims of the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. When it comes to Iran, we must put aside our differences and work together on a bipartisan bill. prgtoken I know that the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Corker, has been working with Senator Cardin on this issue. Their efforts are commendable and necessary. prgtoken Let me stress again that this effort must be bipartisan. One-sided legislation would signal division and weakness on the issue of Iran. A partisan bill would also undermine our diplomatic efforts with the P5+1 countries to improve the JCPOA through a supplemental agreement. I am confident we can do our part. prgtoken First, Congress has repeatedly demonstrated its support for countering Iran's malign activities. Second, President has laid out a clear road map for legislation that he would sign. Finally, this President has the will to walk away. He has made this promise, and I believe he will keep it. prgtoken Let me explore these three points in turn. No. 1, we have a long history of acting in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion on this issue. Last August, the President signed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The legislation included tough new sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program, on its sponsorship of terrorism, and its human rights abuses. The Senate approved it by a vote of 98 to 2, and it earned a vote of 419 to 3 in the House-- bipartisan majorities. We also passed by voice vote Senator Rubio and Senator Shaheen's bill to crack down on illicit financing for Iran's client Hezbollah. The House companion also passed by a voice vote. prgtoken We have a blueprint for what to do. The President has outlined four proposals addressing critical flaws in the nuclear deal. prgtoken One of those proposals is that Iran allow anytime, anywhere inspections. Currently, Iran is blocking international inspectors from accessing military sites, such as the Parchin facility. Inspectors also have to follow elaborate rules even to request and receive access, despite Iran's long his
RECOGNIZING JUDY BLAND FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-3-1

I rise today to recognize Ms. Judy Bland and her selfless contributions to the residents of Kane County, Illinois. For nearly 20 years, Ms. Bland has worked as a Victim Advocate for the Kane County State's Attorney's office. prgtoken In 1996, Ms. Bland joined the office as an intern and soon after was offered a full-time position as Administrative Assistant. Less than two years later, she began working as a Victim Advocate and was recently named as the Director of the Victims' Rights Unit. Early in her career, she was asked to advocate for a mother whose 20-month-old daughter was a murder victim. Ms. Bland was there every step of the way and her persistence encouraged the mother to seek her own career as a paralegal. prgtoken When the death sentence of Luther Casteel, who killed two and wounded 16 in Elgin, Illinois in 2001 was commuted, Ms. Bland personally called the families of the victims and survivors informing them of what the Governor's action meant. From Ms. Bland's perspective, everyone who witnessed the shooting deserved a phone call. Ms. Bland helped coordinate crisis and grief counselors in the aftermath of the Northern Illinois University attack that killed five and wounded 17. Name a major crime or crisis in the last two decades and it is likely Ms. Bland helped people deal with the aftermath through her comfort, advocacy, and good counsel. It's not an easy nor a glamorous job, but the important work that Ms. Bland has done has changed the lives of people when they were in the greatest need of support. prgtoken , and distinguished colleagues; please join me in recognizing and thanking Ms. Judy Bland for her selfless contributions to the residents of Kane County, Illinois and her excellent example of public service.
ZIMBABWE AFTER MUGABE
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-3-1

yesterday we held a hearing on Zimbabwe. The hearing has been a long time in the making--for some 37 years since the birth of the modern nation of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe dominated the political landscape of this resource rich and promising country, first as Prime Minister, then as President, always as Strongman. It was a 37-year rule which, sadly, betrayed the post- colonial aspirations of freedom, one which was marked by misrule, mismanagement and mistreatment of Mugabe's fellow citizens. prgtoken For many Zimbabweans, and for many years, envisioning a ``Zimbabwe after Mugabe'' was considered a fool's errand. Elections--some more flawed than others--had come and gone, opportunities for reform fallen by the wayside, and through it all the domineering presence of one man haunted the dreams of his countrymen. prgtoken Then, in a matter of weeks, culminating last November, the landscape changed. The once-invincible ruler in October 2017 set into motion a series of events which left him not only ousted from the Zimbabwe National Union-Patriotic Front party, or ZANU-PF, but pushed off his presidential perch. prgtoken The drama began in earnest when Mugabe sought to prop up his wife Grace's standing as his designated successor by ousting one of his two Vice Presidents, Emmerson Mnangagwa, presumably to elevate his wife to the position, while simultaneously moving against Mnangagwa's allies in the government and in ZANU-PF, promoting a younger generation aligned with Grace. prgtoken Mnangagwa was part of an older faction in ZANU-PF, the generation that fought for liberation, with roots and strong connections in the military. As Rhodesian War veterans and political survivors, Mnangagwa and his comrades could draw upon a reservoir of experience and cunning; they were not to be so easily pushed aside. prgtoken So while Mugabe sought to tighten the reigns of control in favor of his wife and her allies, the other Vice President and head of the Zimbabwe Defense Force, Constantino Chiwenga, made a bold statement on November 13, saying in ``matters of protecting our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in.'' This was declared ``treasonous,'' but before Chiwenga himself could be arrested, the Zimbabwe Defense Forces did in fact step in and confined the long- serving President to his quarters while taking control of key points around the country. prgtoken What followed were spontaneous popular demonstrations against Robert Mugabe, indicating that a spell had been broken. ZANU-PF convened a meeting which declared Mnangagwa to be interim leader of the party, and in the face of impeachment proceedings against Mugabe, the 93-year-old President reluctantly stepped down, allowing Mnangagwa to assume the vacancy. This series of actions preserved a veneer of constitutional process, such that neither our country nor the African Union would label the events that took place a ``coup;'' indeed, if it were a coup, it
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-3-1

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, March 5; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed. Finally, I ask that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Scholer nomination under the previous order.