mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEMAND FOR AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF THE TRUMP-RUSSIA SCANDAL
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to express my constituents' demand for an independent investigation of the -Russia scandal. prgtoken Since mid-November, this has been a major issue for the people I represent, who are deeply concerned about protecting democratic elections. Among their concerns are the following: prgtoken Changes last July to the Party's platform that are beneficial to Russia, which the campaign spearheaded. prgtoken A few days later, 's call on Russia to launch a cyber attack against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. prgtoken 's refusal to say anything negative about Vladimir Putin, such as his terrible record on human rights or his crackdown on dissent. prgtoken The intelligence community's consensus that Putin directed a campaign of weaponized information against Hillary Clinton. prgtoken And the implication of numerous advisers in unseemly relations with Russia, including Michael Flynn, Jeff Sessions, Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen, and Carter Page. prgtoken , my constituents have watched as the House Intelligence Committee's investigation lapsed into confusion and obfuscation, obviously at the behest of the White House. prgtoken Last month, that committee canceled public hearings which would have included the testimony of former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates. prgtoken My constituents have watched President , whose Presidential campaign is under FBI investigation, alternate between protestations that ``-Russia is a hoax'' and repeated attempts to change the subject.
ENCOURAGING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT OF 2017
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-4-6

today we consider another bill requested by large corporations. But, I have to wonder, of all the things the American public want, why is a revision to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules--Section 701 to be precise--the priority for this week? prgtoken We've been here for three months now. House s set the agenda. They lead this governing body. Why do they keep bringing us bills that are the priorities of corporate prgtoken America? In the past few months, Congressional s, who decide which bills get considered have brought forward a hodgepodge of corporate requests. prgtoken Here are some of the bills that are now law: prgtoken 1) s passed--and the President signed--a law to protect corporate firms from having to disclose labor violations--like wage theft--before winning government contracts (H.J. Res. 37). prgtoken 2) s made it easier to drug test people receiving unemployment compensation (H.J. Res 42). prgtoken 3) House and Senate s--and the President signed--H.J. Res. 86 which allow Internet Services Providers to sell your browser history. prgtoken 4) s enacted a new law making it easier to dump coal debris near rivers and streams (H.J. Res. 38). prgtoken 5) s stopped efforts to help governments around the world avoid corruption. H.J. Res. 41 removed the requirement that corporations disclose resource payments to foreign governments. This is a crushing blow to democracy activists working in fragile nations. prgtoken 6) And, a law preventing state governments from setting up retirement plans for residents who do not have a work-based plan (H.J. Res 66). prgtoken So, in the three months we've been back, these laws, removing competition, disclosure, and consumer privacy, are the priorities of s who set the agenda. These are all asks of corporate America-- prgtoken 1) don't punish us for polluting streams, prgtoken 2) let us sell your internet browser history, prgtoken 3) let us make money drug testing laid off workers receiving unemployment due them and do not make us disclose our payments to foreign governments when we drill for oil or minerals. prgtoken When I talk to my constituents, they don't ask for any of these. They say, ``Where's the jobs bill?'' My constituents say, can't we raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour? They say, our roads and bridges need work. Let's raise the gas tax a bit and invest in infrastructure. They say, we want to increase our skills; let's invest in pre-school, Pell grants and community colleges. prgtoken Let's put people, not corporate wish lists-- first. prgtoken But, nope, today we are asked to vote on a bill that makes it easier for private companies to provide options--like stocks--rather than compensation to their employees. prgtoken This bill makes it easier for firms to offload some of their options to their employees without disclosing financial information to them. While I'm glad to see comp
RECOGNITION OF THE WEST GADSDEN BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
Al Lawson, Jr. (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to honor the West Gadsden Boys Basketball Team on their 2017 FHSAA State Championship win over Wildwood. This is the first time in 46 years that the mighty bulldog's basketball team has accomplished this great milestone. They have proven that dedication, hard work and unwavering passion will carry you a long way. prgtoken This win was a special moment for West Gadsden Bulldogs as it honored one of their very own. On June 17, coaching legend William Moody, who helped the Bulldogs win 75 games in a row and Class C state tides from 1969-71, passed away. prgtoken The Bulldogs has made not only me and Coach Moody proud, but the entire Fifth Congressional District proud as well. prgtoken I look forward to watching their future success in both their academic and athletic pursuits and wish them all the very best.
INVESTIGATE RUSSIA'S INVOLVEMENT IN OUR NATIONAL ELECTIONS
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I remember well the investigations that Congress undertook in the Nixon period--the Watergate investigations. prgtoken Frankly, I am appalled at the way in which this House is conducting its investigations. It is high time that we have an independent investigation. prgtoken The reality has changed since the sixties and seventies. We now have 24-7 cable TV, and everything seems to be momentarily disclosed. We can't continue. We need an independent investigation of this extremely important issue of Russia's involvement in our national elections.
SUPPORTING AMERICA'S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today in support of H.R. 1219, the Supporting America's Innovators Act of 2017. prgtoken This bill will increase the number of accredited investors who can invest in an angel or venture fund before requiring the fund to register as an investment company. This will encourage capital formation in one of the major types of funds that seed startups and helps bring new ideas to market. prgtoken Innovation and invention are integral to economic growth, but new ideas are only the first step in the type of businesses that can grow the economic pie. It is crucial that these companies have access to capital to grow and to bring the product to market. Competition from startups, bolstered by access to funding, creates jobs and forces incumbent firms to stay aggressive in their own research and development. prgtoken H.R. 1219 is exactly the type of bipartisan legislation that Congress should be considering to facilitate capital formation. prgtoken This bill will make it easier to form a fund made up of sophisticated investors who can assess and bear the risks that come with investing in startups. These funds are capped at $10 million in paid-in and callable capital. This means the funds will largely be engaged in angel investing that helps early-stage investors build a better mousetrap. These funds can often be cheaper for the company and can be structured as equity debt or a combination of both. prgtoken A fund like this can bring expertise and connections that increase the likelihood of success for the inventor. It can also spread the risk and rewards for investors because it is important to note that not every invention will turn into the next big thing. prgtoken We need a startup ecosystem that encourages the testing of new ideas and products with a wide range of risks and rewards. This bill is a targeted measure to help create that ecosystem by enhancing the ability of early-stage companies to get funding. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the bill today.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Stephanie N. Murphy (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-4-6

on April 4, 2017, I was unavoidably absent from the House chamber due to a family medical emergency. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to vote on six legislative measures on the floor. prgtoken Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken 1) Nay on Roll Call No. 211: H. Res. 241, On Order the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1304, the Self-Insurance Protection Act prgtoken 2) Nay on Roll Call No. 212, H. Res. 241, On Agreeing to the Resolution, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1304, the Self- Insurance Protection Act prgtoken 3) Nay on Roll Call No. 213, H. Res. 240, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017 prgtoken 4) Nay on Roll Call No. 214, H. Res. 240, On Agreeing to the Resolution, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017 prgtoken 5) Aye on Roll Call No. 215, H.R. 1343, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017 prgtoken 6) Aye on Roll Call No. 216, H.R. 1343, On Passage, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017
FUND THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-4-6

I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island for yielding. Thank you, Representative Langevin, for leading us in this hour, and also for your great leadership on behalf of the arts and humanities. prgtoken I am very pleased to join my colleagues in taking this time to speak about the critical importance of the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH. prgtoken Any great civil society will grow even stronger by embracing the arts and humanities, and certainly America, when she embraces the arts and the humanities, grows to the greatest potential; so the greatness of America is reflected by that interest and that investment. prgtoken At a time when some are arguing that we must cut our way to success, I would remind them that investments in the arts and in humanities are investments in our workforce and in our economy. I fully support funding for these programs. prgtoken The National Endowment for the Arts provides a foundation for America's artistic excellence, her creativity, and innovation that benefits individuals, communities, and our industries. prgtoken As NEA Chair Jane Chu once said: ``Although many may not realize it, the arts actively intersect with areas such as the economy, human development, and community vitality.'' prgtoken The NEA, as a strong sponsor of the arts and artists, is an integral source of strength at these intersections, challenging students to turn imaginative ideas into brilliant solutions for generations to come. prgtoken Art in our communities, and especially in our schools, is indeed vital. It is one of the most important ways that we celebrate our unique regional heritage and expand our own horizons of creativity and innovation. prgtoken In the capital region of New York, the area that I am so proud to represent, we value the arts. So much of our artistic achievement would not be possible without the National Endowment for the Arts. prgtoken For many years, the Albany Symphony Orchestra has received NEA grants in support of the American Music Festival. prgtoken The Arts Center of the Capital Region has received NEA grants for exhibitions, workshops, and master classes. prgtoken Yaddo has been the recipient of many NEA grants to support residencies for collaborative teams. prgtoken Fence magazine uses NEA grants for publication of books of poetry and podcasts. prgtoken Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was just awarded an NEA grant for residencies to create works investigating the intersection of art, media, technology, and, yes, science. prgtoken Without the NEA, these programs would not be there to enrich our communities and our lives. prgtoken National Endowment for the Humanities awards also support research and innovation, strengthen critical thinking and writing skills, as well as strengthen humanities education in all institutions of learning. prgtoken Supporting the growth of the humanities in our communities is just as essential. The Nation
RECOGNIZING THE 2017 FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken This is the 39th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 125 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medals of Valor. prgtoken Twenty-three awards will be bestowed upon first responders who serve with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in recognition of their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients. Bronze Medal of Valor prgtoken Captain I Bruce A. Neuhaus prgtoken Lieutenant Ji Y. Lee prgtoken Lieutenant Sean E. Ferguson prgtoken Lieutenant Diron D. Powell prgtoken Master Technician Marc G. Campet prgtoken Master Technician Daryl T. Casey prgtoken Master Technician Herbert M. Knerr prgtoken Master Technician Michael C. Lewis prgtoken Master Technician Peter G. Zagorites prgtoken Technician Sean P. Allen prgtoken Firefighter Fidel A. Blanco Lifesaving Award prgtoken Deputy Chief Andrew L. Duke prgtoken Captain II Mark E. Kordalski prgtoken Captain Walter Johnson prgtoken Lieutenant Scott F. Primrose prgtoken Technician James L. Campbell prgtoken Technician Travis L. Franks prgtoken Technician Michael A. Garcia prgtoken Technician James E. Pfister prgtoken Technician Adam J. Silvers prgtoken Firefighter Medic Vicki L. Swain prgtoken Firefighter Sidney B. Boyd prgtoken Firefighter Robert L. Knupp prgtoken , I congratulate the 2017 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.
HONORING GIVE EVERY CHILD A CHANCE CEO CAROL DAVIS
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I want to honor Carol Davis for her long commitment to the future of our youth and her belief in the power of education to improve our communities. Over the last 17 years, Carol Davis' leadership has been instrumental to the academic success of thousands of struggling students in my district. prgtoken Ms. Davis turned her lifelong passion for helping children into reality when she became the CEO of Give Every Child A Chance 17 years ago. At that time Give Every Child A Chance (GECAC) was tutoring 125 students within the Manteca Unified School District and had 50 volunteer tutors. In her first year as CEO, Ms. Davis expanded Give Every Child A Chance to provide tutoring assistance to 325 students in need. 17 years later, Give Every Child A Chance reaches more than 4,500 students in 49 schools with more than 400 mentors and tutors. Carol Davis' outstanding leadership and vision has helped make Give Every Child A Chance the San Joaquin region's leading non-profit afterschool program and has greatly improved the lives of thousands of children. prgtoken Carol Davis recently retired as CEO of GECAC. She is a highly respected and inspiring public servant of San Joaquin County. I wish Ms. Davis and her family well and thank her for her years of dedicated service to the students and families associated with Give Every Child a Chance.
INTRODUCTION OF BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION EXPRESSING STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE COUNTRIES OF EASTERN EUROPE AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise in support of a bipartisan resolution I introduced earlier today with my colleague John Shimkus expressing strong support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This resolution reaffirms the importance of harmony and stability rather than war and conflict and acknowledges the NATO's pivotal role in achieving such goals. NATO remains the most important and critical security link between the United States and Europe. The incorporation of Eastern European countries into NATO has contributed towards a vision of a stable and united Europe. NATO allies and partners in both Central and Eastern Europe have stood alongside the United States in joint peace operations in the Western Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. Our resolution emphasizes the United States' strong commitment to the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic development of the countries that have emerged from the former Soviet Union, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. During the past three decades, many of these countries have undertaken considerable political and economic reforms necessary to achieve aspirations for European integration and Euro-Atlantic cooperation. I want to thank Congressman Shimkus for his partnership on this resolution and urge my colleagues to pass it swiftly to reaffirm the United States' commitment to our NATO allies.
FUND THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-4-6

I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) for his dedication to the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and for organizing this Special Order today. prgtoken As the 12th Congressional District Representative from North Carolina, as a practicing professional artist, as an arts educator, a curator, and a retired 40-year visual arts professor, I am pleased to join with all of my colleagues expressing my support for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. I want to associate myself with the previous comments made by my colleagues from North Carolina and New Jersey as well. prgtoken I have learned throughout my professional arts education and arts management careers that, yes, the arts are nice; but beyond being nice, they are absolutely necessary and essential to enriching our lives. prgtoken Artists connect the past to the present. They convey our unique experiences. And they are presented in many forms, sometimes familiar and other times unfamiliar. prgtoken A universal language, the arts speak to people everywhere to help them understand diversity and cultures and some of the most complicated issues. prgtoken The arts and humanities are critical for adding value to our shared culture. They are not just used to mark celebrations, but to challenge perceptions of society. prgtoken Museums function as tools to house and preserve our collective history as a nation and bind us together as one community. Visual artists reflect on our society and they force us to reconcile our past. Writers record history and expose and challenge readers to different ideals presented in our society. Musicians transcend social and cultural boundaries to connect the listener through the sound of their instruments. prgtoken Time and time again, we have made a conscious decision to fund the arts and the humanities, signaling that we intrinsically value the arts as being crucial to our collective identity. prgtoken The NEA and the NEH have been and continue to be necessary to the success of the arts and humanities in my home State of North Carolina. As a Representative of Charlotte, one of the largest cities in the South, I understand how important the NEA and the NEH is to Charlotte's unique and thriving art culture. prgtoken In 2016, the NEA invested $60,000 in grants in Charlotte for programs such as the Children's Theatre of Charlotte Inc.'s performance of the ``Journey to Oz'' and the McColl Center for Art and Innovation's exhibition and residency featuring Latino and Hispanic artists. NEA grants make these cultural events possible not just in my State, but in States throughout this Nation. prgtoken The arts not only provide entertainment, but they also encourage us to think critically. Advocates and researchers have shown that the arts have a positive impact on a young person's development. And because of this understanding, the arts and m
IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to recognize today to recognize National Volunteer Week, which will take place the week of April 23-29, 2017. During National Volunteer Week, organizations across the country celebrate the efforts of volunteers who share their time and talents with those in need--the homeless, the hungry, the elderly, the at-risk youth, and other marginalized populations. prgtoken National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon. Every U.S. president since then has issued a proclamation during National Volunteer Week, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities. This week serves to remind us all that we are a nation of people that thrives on serving others. The volunteering of time and resources has been an instrumental part of the essence and tradition of our country and remains essential to its spirit and vitality. prgtoken I especially would like to recognize the great work of the Tri- Community Directors of Volunteer Services (Tri-DVS), which has been providing support to professionals working in the volunteer services field in Columbus and Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama since 1985. In addition to promoting volunteerism, Tri-DVS provides support, training, networking opportunities, and professional skills accreditation to its members. prgtoken Each year, Tri-DVS holds a luncheon during National Volunteer Week to recognize and thank the volunteers in the tri-city area. In September, the group sponsors a seminar, Investing in Volunteerism, to help organizations integrate volunteer services into their operations. prgtoken Tri-DVS is a leader in the movement to improve communities through volunteerism and I applaud their resounding efforts to encourage and expand volunteer services for individuals and organizations throughout the tri-city area. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing National Volunteer Week by acknowledging the positive impact volunteerism has on communities throughout the country. In addition, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Tri- Community Directors of Volunteer Services for their efforts to provide support for the volunteers who tirelessly share their time and talents with those in need.