mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, throughout the country, there are remote areas where the men and women of our armed services prepare for war in order to protect the peace. prgtoken Although these places are often overlooked, our investments in military test and training ranges are returned prgtoken to the Nation many times over in the projection of American military supremacy around the globe protecting the homeland and preserving international order. prgtoken In the Southeast, the Joint Gulf Range Complex facilities are for testing and training of supersonic and hypersonic weapons systems, including combat training and live-fire exercises of the frontline fighters like the F-22 and F-35. prgtoken The 325th Fighter Wing and the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group at Tyndall Air Force Base, the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, and the Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field make extensive use of the Joint Gulf Range Complex. prgtoken There is no comparable area in the United States near an established base with instrumentation infrastructure that can support advanced testing and joint training exercises like this. However, deployment of the instrumentation necessary to collect the data during the training on these fifth- and sixth-generation weapons systems is not in keeping with the U.S. Air Force needs. Instrumentation limitations have restricted the F-35 and F-22 training missions to the northernmost portion of the range. According to a study by the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, this limitation causes congestion and has obstructed at least 80 missions per year. prgtoken This amendment, which I am offering with my Florida colleagues, Mr. Tom Rooney, Mr. Matt Gaetz, and Mr. Francis Rooney, will accelerate investments approved by Congress to deploy new infrastructure along the Joint Gulf Range Complex. The amendment will maximize the utility of this vast range, which is a true national treasure for combat training and advanced testing and evaluation. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.
WELCOMING DR. GEORGE DILLARD
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to honor Dr. George Dillard, whose leadership and guidance have made him a valuable member of the community in Peachtree City and Georgia's Third District. prgtoken George was born in 1958, in Jacksonville, Florida, while his dad served in the Navy. He grew up in the Eastpoint Christian Church where he was ordained into ministry in 1982. prgtoken He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Atlanta Christian College in 1983, and answered the call for the First Christian Church in Rincon, Georgia, in 1985, where he began his first full-time ministry. prgtoken In 1993, George and his family moved to Peachtree City to serve the Peachtree City Christian Church, where he continues today. prgtoken George has been married to his wife, Renee, since 1988, and they have three children and one grandchild. George and his family live in Peachtree City, Georgia. prgtoken I want to commend Dr. Dillard for his commitment to our community. There is not a week that goes by where George isn't a visible and welcoming part of the Fayette County community. prgtoken The grace and love he has shown his parishioners and neighbors throughout his 24 years in Peachtree City is unparalleled. prgtoken I am truly honored to have Dr. George Dillard here with us here today.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-7-27

as we gather here, nearly 250,000 men and women in uniform are deployed in nearly 177 countries in all corners of the globe. Another 2 million Active Guard and Reserve are standing watch back here at home in the United States. prgtoken They are doing their jobs. We should do our jobs by providing them with everything they need to complete their mission. They are trusting us to do our jobs. prgtoken Defeat the motion to recommit, support national security, and vote ``yes'' on final passage. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING AVDHOOT BABA SHIVANDJI
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to recognize Avdhoot Baba Shivandji, a man who has dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others through sacred ancient Indian healing rituals. Also known as Babaji, he has deeply inspired many through his deep belief that each person comes into this world with vast potential. Through the innovative ancient integrative process of Shiv Yog Cosmic Medicine and Shiv Yog Cosmic Farming, individuals learn how to access their vast spiritual potential to create their own destinies. He has shared this knowledge through media and live conferences to millions of citizens from both our country and the world. In addition to educating others on his Indian healing practices, Shivandji teaches English on Indian television. Avdhoot Baba Shivandji is truly a selfless person, always looking to help others, and for that I commend him.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-7-27

my amendment at the desk, Heller amendment No. 502, repeals the Cadillac Tax, plain and simple. No gimmicks. It repeals the Cadillac Tax, plain and simple. This is a bipartisan issue with bipartisan support. Under these circumstances, it is probably appropriate that we have a bipartisan issue that is here in front of us. prgtoken I would like to thank Senator Heinrich, my friend from New Mexico, for his hard work and effort on behalf of this particular issue. He has worked hard. prgtoken This is an issue that is well-endorsed. We have the endorsement of organized labor, chambers of commerce, local and State governments, and small business organizations. They all supported repealing this very bad and onerous tax. Over 83 groups have endorsed full repeal. They are saying the same thing--that the Cadillac tax needs to be fully repealed, or employees will experience massive changes in their healthcare. prgtoken Previously, this Chamber has voted nearly unanimously to support this full repeal.
PEACE CORPS ANGEL ABROAD--JENNIFER MAMOLA
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-27

Jennifer Mamola represents the very best of America. She volunteered for the Peace Corps at 26 and served in Uganda. prgtoken While there, tragically, she was hit from behind by a drunk driver, breaking both of her legs. Her life changed forever. prgtoken When she returned home to America, she faced an uphill battle to get treatment and endless bureaucracy. After 3 months, the Peace Corps stopped covering her medical costs and sent her to face the bureaucracy of the Department of Labor. prgtoken Instead of serving as a resource, the Peace Corps' postservice unit was no help at all. When she reached out asking for mental health services, they ignored her. She has undergone four surgeries and endless hours of agony. prgtoken America's angels abroad deserve better. My legislation will ensure that Peace Corps volunteers have medical care in foreign countries and in America when they return home. prgtoken I want to welcome Jennifer to the House Chamber today. Congress appreciates her service as a Peace Corps volunteer, and we must provide help for wonderful people like her. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-7-27

let me congratulate my colleague from Oklahoma for a very fine statement, and let me associate myself with each and every word and each and every fact he outlined in his very fine statement, and also with the remarks of my friend from Missouri who went before him. I appreciate their leadership on this issue. prgtoken Let me, at this point, also give a salute to the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, to the right of freedom of speech, which we have seen exercised in this building and in this Nation during the course of this debate, and the freedom granted to petition the government for address of grievances. We have seen examples of that. They have been on full display in this healthcare debate, a phase of which will come to a close I hope this evening. prgtoken Let me give a shout out to our staff members. They have fielded thousands, if not tens of thousands, of phone calls, letters, emails, and visits from Americans exercising their rights under the First Amendment. Americans have come to their Capital City, almost all of them in an appropriate and nondisruptive way--sometimes intense, for sure--expressing their opinions but also in display of their First Amendment rights. prgtoken After all the debate, all the conversation, and all the exhortation on this issue, we have seen a lot of things said from the floor and a lot of things said on the news media that have amounted to a matter of opinion. But here is one thing I know for a fact. For four straight elections--2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016--s ran on a promise to repeal and replace Care. We ran on that platform, and for four straight elections s prevailed at the ballot box on the strength of that platform. I know that for a fact, and this I believe. Millions of Americans are at work today or at home or getting home from their offices, from their shops, from their factories. They are turning on the media. They are checking online. They are turning on the radio. They are wondering if a campaign promise is going to be kept by this party to which they have given the reins of government in four straight elections. prgtoken We are close to keeping that promise. We are closer than we have ever been, and we can take a big step tonight on making good on that promise. That is not just a matter of keeping a promise, but I will say to my colleagues that it is important this platform be honored. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to speak for 10 additional minutes if there are no other people on the other side asking for consent.
TRIBUTE TO CYNTHIA K. DOHNER
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-7-27

today I wish to recognize the distinguished public service career of Cynthia K. Dohner. Cindy served the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with distinction and honor for more than 24 years and will leave the Service on August 30, 2017. prgtoken Cindy's passion for the outdoors began at an early age while fishing and hunting with her father. These experiences encouraged her to pursue an education to ensure the outdoor way of life she enjoyed would continue to be available for future generations. prgtoken She earned a bachelor's degree in marine biology, a master's degree in fisheries and aquaculture, and led a long career protecting fish and wildlife and their habitats. prgtoken Cindy worked for a private environmental consulting firm and held positions in several State and Federal agencies before joining the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993. Prior to her time in the Southeast Region, Cindy worked with the Service's Division of Fish Hatcheries and as the branch chief for Recovery and Consultation in Washington, DC. She moved to Atlanta in 1999 to serve as the assistant regional director for Ecological Services and later served as deputy regional director. prgtoken For the the last 7 years, Cindy led the Southeast Region in its mission to make a difference for fish, wildlife, plants, and the people who live and work in communities across the region. As regional director, she has provided vision and leadership to more than 1,300 employees in 10 southeastern States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and has positively influenced conservation successes and solutions nationally. prgtoken In Arkansas and throughout the Southeast, Cindy is recognized as an honest partner and innovative leader. She has worked alongside Arkansas' fish farmers, cattemen, and local elected officials, including the Association of Arkansas Counties, to solve complex conservation challenges in a way that keeps working lands working, reduces regulatory burden, and helps local economies to thrive. Her responsiveness to private-sector concerns and willingness to find creative ways to conserve fish and wildlife resources has made a difference to wildlife and people alike. prgtoken Under her leadership, the Southeast Region has joined forces with States, private landowners, the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies, and several sectors of industry and business including energy, timber and finance among others to find creative ways to conserve fish and wildlife resources. This collaboration resulted in notable conservation successes including removing Arkansas Magazine Mountain shagreen snail and the Louisiana black bear from the endangered species list and precluding the need to list more than 100 fish, wildlife, and plants petitioned for Federal protection in the past several years. She and her team worked closely with many partners to restore more than 1 million acres of bottomland hardwood habitat in the S
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I wish I could stand here today and tell you that the Affordable Care Act, or so-called Care, had worked. I wish I could sit here and tell you today that the American people were better off as a result of the Affordable Care Act, but I can't do that, and it gives me no joy in having to make that statement. prgtoken Now, as you know, , not a single voted for the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act was passed at President 's suggestion by the ic Members of the House and the Senate. They had a majority, and in this body the majority rules. I don't want to ascribe to the President or to our ic friends any ill motives whatsoever. They wanted what was best for the American people. It wasn't a question of bad motives. It was just a bad idea. It didn't work. prgtoken Let me say this another way. I believe that President and our colleagues on the ic side of the aisle in the Senate and in the House of Representatives passed Care with the best of intentions. But, you know what, --I know you also happen to be a physician--150 years ago, doctors used to bleed their patients with the best of intentions, and they stopped doing that. They did it. They didn't have any bad motives in doing it. They did it because they thought it would help the patient. It killed many of them. So they stopped doing it. prgtoken You know we were told when the Affordable Care Act, so-called Care--I don't mean any disrespect in calling it Care. President himself refers to it as Care. When the in the Congress passed Care, I remember well what we were told because I wanted to believe it. The President said: If you like your insurance plan, you can keep your insurance plan. I think he meant that at the time. It wasn't true. It turned out not to be true. prgtoken The President said: If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. I think that is what he wanted, but you couldn't. prgtoken He said the Affordable Care Act would ``cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family's premium by up to $2,500 a year.'' It is not even close. prgtoken President said Care would ``bend the cost curve for healthcare'' without adding ``one dime prgtoken to the deficit.'' None of that was true. I think the President meant it at the time. I think he wanted it at the time. I know I did. I know you did, . But it just turned out not to be true. prgtoken Now, the simple fact of the matter is--and I think every reasonable person has to conclude--that the Affordable Care Act has not worked for the American people. prgtoken Let's talk about the exchanges. As you know, , there are two parts of the Affordable Care Act. There are the exchanges through which people go and buy insurance directly from an insurance company, and then there is the Medicaid expansion. I want to talk about the exchanges
COUNTERING AMERICA'S ADVERSARIES THROUGH SANCTIONS ACT
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-7-27

. from New Jersey for his outstanding leadership on Iran and his leadership on Russia and North Korea. He has led us for years and years in sanctioning Iran and has brought them to the table. I thank him for that. prgtoken For those who are here and want to vote, I am going to yield 1 minute to Senator Gardner. I am going to speak for about a minute and a half, and to my knowledge, we will be ready to vote. I thank all of my colleagues for their patience. prgtoken Senator Gardner.
RECOGNIZING THE 2017 VETERAN COMMENDATION RECIPIENTS
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2017 Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 16th District of Illinois. The eight veterans receiving this commendation represent the best of the brave men and women who serve our country. These veterans answered their country's call during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. As a veteran myself, it is incredibly humbling to not only represent these heroes in Congress, but also to have the opportunity to honor them for their patriotism and sacrifices on behalf of our nation. After their military service to our country, these veterans came home to serve their communities. They are civic leaders, active citizens, and many continue to serve their military brothers and sisters through veteran service organizations. Although their mission has changed since returning to civilian life, their leadership and tenacity remains steadfast. It is truly an honor to recognize the recipients of the 2017 Congressional Veteran Commendation: Sergeant David S. Buennemeyer of Marseilles, IL; Private First Class William J. Butzen of Ottawa, IL; Captain Thomas M. Craig of Streator, IL; Chief Petty Officer Irving F. DeWald of Coal City, IL; Chief Warrant Officer Four John ``Jack'' A. Leininger of Marseilles, IL; Master Sergeant Ashley ``Dave'' C. Davis of Rockford, IL; Sergeant Kelly Frey of Kankakee, IL; Sergeant Steven M. Huettemann of Morris, IL; Staff Sergeant Wm. Walter Lochbaum of Streator, IL; Sergeant Alan D. Love of Morris, IL; Petty Officer Third Class James A. Rissman of Sheridan, IL; Petty Officer Third Class Robert T. Rogers of Morris, IL; Specialist Four Randal E. Rosengren of Ottawa, IL; Sergeant Eric W. Sampson of Morris, IL; and Airman Third Class Timothy K. Stratton of Poplar Grove, IL. Again, I am truly honored to be able to recognize these distinguished veterans from my district. I thank and acknowledge not only their service and sacrifice but also that of their families and loved ones. The recipients of this commendation serve as the embodiment of both military and civil service, and it is my hope they will inspire the next generation of great American leaders.
COUNTERING AMERICA'S ADVERSARIES THROUGH SANCTIONS ACT
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-7-27

. I thank Senator Corker I thank, too, all those who were mentioned: the Foreign Relations leadership, Senator Corker and Senator Cardin; Senator Brown, my colleague in the Banking Committee; and all the others who have been so involved in this issue. prgtoken This is one of the examples of how we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to craft critical legislation for protecting and strengthening America. Frankly, it is past time for us to stand strong as a nation in response to the increasing aggression that we see in Russia around the world--whether it be in Ukraine, in Crimea, in Syria, in facilitating corruption globally, or in the cyber security attacks we have seen that have been directed not only at us but at our allies across the world. prgtoken It is very important that we implement this legislation. I am glad to see the solid bipartisanship that we have been able to build. I also hope that we can build this bipartisanship on many, many other issues. prgtoken We are going to be looking at North Korea, as has already been said. I am hopeful and confident that we will stand again on this floor soon as we deal with the threats we face from North Korea. prgtoken Again, I thank all of those who have worked so closely with us on this legislation and appreciate the opportunity for us to move forward, united tonight on this critical issue. prgtoken .
REPEAL INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS' CLASSIFICATION
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-7-27

during my ``Freedom Fridays'' series, each week I highlight burdensome regulations that limit American freedom. This week, my focus is on the administration's net neutrality policy. prgtoken The internet is one of the greatest innovations ever. This has largely been possible because of the Federal Government's regulatory absence from the industry. Yet the administration, in one of many cases of overregulation, took a radical step to inappropriately insert government interference. prgtoken In 2015, the FCC adopted a rule to reclassify internet service providers as ``common carriers'' under title II of the Communications Act of 1934. This reclassification caused undue burdens for American ISPs and consumers. prgtoken The administration has been supportive of rolling back the -era regulation. Now Congress needs to limit the authority of Federal bureaucrats and preserve a free and open internet. We should repeal the 2015 rule and prevent the FCC from issuing a similar rule. prgtoken , I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in restoring internet freedom.
POW/MIA SELECT COMMITTEE
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-7-27

sharks are being killed 30 percent faster than they are able to reproduce, which is having a serious impact on our ocean's ecosytem. One contributor to this decline is an inhumane practice that is known as ``finning.'' prgtoken Finning is the removal of the fins from a shark and, often times, is done while the shark is still alive. These fins are mostly used for shark fin soup, which is a traditional soup seen in many Asian countries. After harvesting the fins, these sharks are thrown back into the ocean, where they are left to die from suffocation, blood loss, or be killed by other predators, since they have no way of having an opportunity to defend themselves. prgtoken That is why I am cosponsoring the Shark Fins Elimination Act, which will make it illegal to possess, buy, or sell shark fins, unless the shark was lawfully taken with a license or permit. This bipartisan effort will protect the fragility of our ocean wildlife and prevent these cruel practices.
HONORING MOZELLE REYNOLDS DOBYNS
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I would like to honor the life of Mozelle Reynolds Dobyns, who passed away on June 29, 2017 at the age of 102. Mozelle and her late husband Garner were always wonderful people, and they were always giving people. Mozelle loved politics, but she loved her God more. prgtoken Mozelle was born in a Roanoke County farmhouse in 1915, in a farmhouse without electricity or running water. In an early sign of her tenacity, Mozelle proved wrong the doctors that had told her parents she would not live more than a few days. She attended Andrew Lewis High School in Salem and contributed to the war effort in World War II as a worker at Radford Arsenal. She then worked at Burlington Hosiery Mill until it closed in 1963. prgtoken Mozelle put her faith first. It guided how she lived and how she cared for others. She attended Ft. Lewis Christian Church in her early years, spent 65 years at Melrose Christian Church, and in 2014 returned to Ft. Lewis. While at Melrose, she served as the first female Elder, as Elder Emeritus, and as Chairman of the Board. She taught Sunday School for decades and worked along with Garner as a counselor for Christian Endeavor, a nondenominational youth group. Generations of young people benefited from her guidance. prgtoken Mozelle was not expected to live long at birth, but she kept going until near the end of her life. Even at 95 years of age, she still bought groceries for a neighbor. She drove until she was 96, and mowed her own lawn until she was 98. prgtoken Mozelle lived her life well, and many are better for it. I will miss this good woman, but as her many ``children'' from her Sunday school classes and youth groups will tell you, she always knew her Lord, Jesus Christ.