mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 6TH ANNUAL TASTE OF ETHIOPIA
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to recognize the 6th Annual Taste of Ethiopia. This yearly occasion celebrates and recognizes Colorado's Ethiopian immigrant community. The event encompasses an array of Ethiopian music, foods, arts, crafts, games and dances, creating an environment of cultural immersion. The event truly highlights the many wonderful and positive contributions our fellow Americans of Ethiopian descent make to better our community. Best of all, the event is designed to welcome everyone and every year more and more of our neighbors come to enjoy, experience, and learn more about the fascinating and deeply historic Ethiopian culture. prgtoken I am proud to represent the largest Ethiopian community in the State of Colorado in the United States House of Representatives. The Ethiopian community's dedication to work, family, and education truly exemplifies the values that strengthen our nation. I have had the privilege of attending the past Taste of Ethiopia events, and it is an honor for me to again take part in the festivities. prgtoken I would like to again offer my sincere congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of the Taste of Ethiopia for their dedication to promoting Ethiopian culture in the State of Colorado. Therefore, I include in the Record their names: prgtoken 1. Fikru Ayele. prgtoken 2. Girum Alemayehu. prgtoken 3. Nebiyu Asfaw. prgtoken 4. Bizuayehu Sebsebe. prgtoken 5. Sofia Belew. prgtoken 6. Adanech Dembel. prgtoken 7. Yalemwork Tekola. prgtoken 8. Senait Ketema. prgtoken 9. Tilahun Dessie. prgtoken 10. Selam Ayele. prgtoken 11. Aynalem Mamo. prgtoken 12. Helen Tekle. prgtoken 13. Sossena Dagne. prgtoken 14. Yohannes Mengistu. prgtoken 15. Aschalew Agonafer. prgtoken 16. Mequanent Mekuria. prgtoken 17. Mahder Mengiste. prgtoken 18. Admasu Chekole. prgtoken 19. Elizabeth Moltot.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-7-25

we were sitting in the cloakroom between the last two votes that just happened in the Senate, and everybody's phone started buzzing at the same time. That is because everyone receives these alerts from the National Weather Service. The alert said: Flash flood warning until 9:15 p.m. this evening. prgtoken I thought it was ironic because I was headed to the floor to speak about flooding--and in particular flood insurance--which is a threat to so many different States across the country. It was an ironic moment that reminds us what that means to us here but also what it means to people in the real world who are impacted by this. prgtoken Earlier today, the House passed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, and it extends it for 4 months and will expire November 30 of this year. I am here today to tell you how critical it is that the Senate act on this as soon as possible because this program will expire next Tuesday, July 31--6 days from today--if we do not take action. prgtoken Let me preface everything I am about to say by telling you that this program is badly broken. It is not financially stable. It is not financially sustainable. It is a program that needs to be reformed. I don't like the way it is designed one bit. I have been working for years to try to reform it and to try to open up space for the private sector to come in and compete with the program and provide more options for people who need it. prgtoken I want everybody to understand that in many parts of Florida--I am sure it is true in other parts of the country--you can't buy a house in some places if you don't have flood insurance. They will not write it because of the threat of damage to the property and the loss of value. That is widespread throughout the State of Florida. There are many places where that is a fact. prgtoken While I don't like the way the program is designed, and I desperately want us to reform it to be consistent with market principles and sustainable in the long term, the answer is not to let it expire. The answer is not to let it expire because if we do, we are going to have an economic catastrophe. If we allow flood insurance to expire, there are real estate closings that will stop. prgtoken I will add one more point to it; that is, we would be allowing this to expire in the middle of the hurricane season. We went through a hurricane season last year that impacted Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. The damage that it did, economic and otherwise, was extensive. We don't know what this season holds, but we are right smack in the middle of it. I can't think of anything worse than allowing it not just to expire but to expire in the middle of the hurricane season. I would have hoped the extension would have been for 6 months, the way we got done in the Senate farm bill. I believe a 4-month extension is better than none at all. prgtoken My biggest fear is that it is going to get lost here in all the o
EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE THAT NOT FULLY RESOURCING THE UNITED STATES ARMY IN A TIMELY MANNER ERODES THE ARMY'S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN READINESS
Steve Russell (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-7-25

I thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming for her important leadership in the strengthening of our military and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that I work with well on the Armed Services Committee. prgtoken , nothing is too good for the troops, and nothing is what they get--at least on time, year after year, by this Congress. Our lack of diligence and commitment to provide timely funds in Congress erodes military readiness and weakens our Nation. H. Res. 1007 helps fix that for the United States Army. prgtoken For me, these are not academic or political issues but, rather, experiential. Having served as a combat infantryman in more than two decades of uniformed service prior to coming to Congress, these are not issues that I take lightly. I have lived the hardships created when Congress is derelict in its duty. prgtoken When supply transactions are delayed, the Army is forced to order parts outside the Department of Defense supply system, pay for more parts, and risk getting any spare parts at all. Soldiers are severely hampered in their training, being forced to stay at home stations with limitations on equipment, fuel, and ammunition. Consequently, the readiness of units diminishes, and their morale flags. prgtoken Even if the Army were to somehow make the best of those circumstances and attempt to send their warriors to school in the time that is created because they can't train to maybe increase their vital skills, they can't. Their funds are delayed, so their schools get canceled, and the time is gone forever. prgtoken Adding insult to injury, many people who were promised schools to make important promotions have those schools taken from their grasp, and, disillusioned, they exit the force, affecting recruitment and the trained warriors who had invested years up to that point. prgtoken Another insult to injury is the relocation of families. It gets postponed, and it causes undue family hardship on those in uniform, missed school for their children, and stresses on the warrior at home which not only affect his performance, but what is sad is that it was all preventable, while we in this Congress who are responsible for this and the timely delivery of funds fly home to our families weekend after weekend without interruption. prgtoken Our founding documents state that we should promote the general welfare and provide for the common defense. Both sides of the aisle need to be mindful that these founding documents do not say provide the general welfare and promote, somehow, the common defense. If we cannot defend the Republic, all of these other things are simply not going to matter. prgtoken Our lack of diligence in Congress creates reduced readiness, a less capable military, cancellation of training, untold family hardships, and a less secure nation. It is so easily solved. We simply do the work, sign the bills, and get them to the President by October 1. prgtoken It is pretty simple, and it is ext
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-7-25

there are a few things I wish to talk about today, but I would like to start by recognizing the service and bravery of our Capitol Police officers. prgtoken This week is the 20th anniversary of a shooting which occurred in the U.S. Capitol that claimed the lives of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson when a gunman forced his way into this Capitol Building. They laid down their lives in defense of others and made the ultimate sacrifice defending the U.S. Capitol, this pillar of American democracy. prgtoken At the time, then-President Clinton said: ``The shooting at the United States Capitol yesterday was a moment of savagery at the front door of American civilization.'' He was right. prgtoken I was working in the Capitol that day, 20 years ago. I remember where I was, as I am sure everybody does who was here. I remember hearing the gunshots. I was on the telephone from my office in the House of Representatives with a member of the leadership staff, and I heard the chaos through the phone lines for the first time. prgtoken We are forever grateful for the sacrifice of those two police officers and their families and for the continued service and commitment of the U.S. Capitol Police every single day in the Capitol. They are the ones who protect us every single day. This week, we are reminded to thank everyone who puts on a uniform and steps into harm's way to protect fellow Americans. prgtoken Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act prgtoken , I also wish to discuss important legislation the Senate passed earlier this week and the House passed today to improve skills training in our country at a time when it is so badly needed. prgtoken I am the cofounder and cochair of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus. I have to tell you, I am excited about this bipartisan legislation. It reauthorizes what is called the Perkins Career and Technical Education, or CTE, Act. It is a Federal law designed to help Americans get the education, training, and skills they need to fill in-demand jobs. The President supports the legislation. I know he is excited about signing it into law and helping prgtoken those who need the skills to fill those jobs that are out there. prgtoken CTE--at one time called vocational education--is just a great opportunity for the students but also for our economy and for employers. The bill that passed includes what is called the Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act, legislation my colleague Senator Tim Kaine and I authored a few years ago to allow States and localities to use Perkins grant funding for a number of purposes. prgtoken No. 1, we allow them to use it for CTE-focused academies. We also encourage schools to incorporate key elements of high-quality CTE programs from around the country and promote partnerships between local businesses, regional industries, and other community stakeholders to create wor
APPROPRIATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-7-25

I spoke yesterday about the bipartisan cooperation that has made it possible for us to return to a regular appropriations process. Collaboration got the four measures we are now considering through the subcommittee and full committee process, thanks to the efforts of Chairman Shelby, Senator Leahy, and the subcommittee leaders, Senators Murkowski, Collins, Hoeven, and Lankford. prgtoken On the floor, bipartisanship let us turn to legislation by consent and kick off the amendment process with several votes yesterday. If we can keep it up, we will soon take four more big steps toward our goal of funding the Federal Government the right way and avoiding another omnibus. prgtoken Yesterday, I mentioned that the legislation before us addresses two pressing national needs: rebuilding America's infrastructure and bolstering the fight against opioids. But that is far from the whole story. These measures cover about one-eighth of the total discretionary spending for next year. They fund a long list of key services that Americans depend on every day--everything from food safety inspections to child nutrition programs, to the Forest Service and national parks. Communities in all 50 States are connected to this legislation. prgtoken Here are a few of the provisions that will be particular cause for celebration in my home State of Kentucky: $37 billion toward rural development, including support for rural businesses, and loans and grants to improve rural infrastructure for electricity, telephone, and broadband internet in communities in Kentucky and all across the country; another $1 billion in grants to help communities invest in highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, with a guarantee that 30 percent of this funding would go into rural areas; more funding for the Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program, which helps communities reclaim abandoned coal mines and put that land to better use; more funding and a sharper Federal focus on controlling the evasive Asian carp that threaten local prosperity and water safety in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in Western Kentucky; and more help for the Kentuckians who battle the scourge of opioids every day. prgtoken The legislation funds the FDA's efforts to intercept illegal drugs, the DEA's program for high-intensity trafficking areas, and increased training for first responders. prgtoken It also contains a provision I secured directing the Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage more access to transitional housing opportunities for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorder. prgtoken I could go on. The ways the bill before us would assist families and communities across Kentucky are practically countless, and the same is true for every State in our country. prgtoken That is why every Member understands the importance of appropriations. Funding the Federal Government--matching resources with urgent challenges--is one of Congress's mos
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-7-25

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Jenna for her hard work as an intern in my Cheyenne office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Jenna is a native of Cheyenne. She is a student at the University of Wyoming, where she is studying business economics and management, and psychology. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Jenna for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It was a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her next journey.
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-7-25

I am pleased to speak on this bill. prgtoken As anybody who talks to the average person knows, in this country today, we have a huge labor shortage of people ready to do the type of jobs that industry needs. prgtoken I have more manufacturing jobs in my district than any other congressman around the country, and the number one problem we have is we can't find people to do those jobs. We all have medical facilities around this country, and again and again, nurses or other skilled people are not available for the huge number of job openings that are out there. prgtoken Meanwhile, we have hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of people getting 4-year degrees or part of 4-year degrees and not finding jobs that pay anywhere near as good as some of the jobs you can get at a technical school. prgtoken Earlier this morning I looked at a local technical school here in town that had a demonstration project on some of the robotics training that they are doing, and we had people who are starting at $25, $30, $35 an hour, and that is before overtime. And these people, because the degrees take only 2 years to get and frequently allow you to live at home, are graduating without debt, unlike many people who have been foolishly told to go to a 4-year college and are not getting a lot out of it. prgtoken So I am pleased today to vote for the Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which will also reduce, to a degree, paperwork required by the Federal Government.
CTE BILL A WIN FOR ALL AMERICANS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to speak about the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which has seen unanimous support in both Chambers of Congress, something I hope continues today. I proudly championed this bill because I truly believe that passing it will be a win for students, for workers, and for every person in America. prgtoken , America is ready for a win. prgtoken In June 2017, the House unanimously passed this bill to strengthen career and technical education. On Monday, the Senate also approved it unanimously, and we are now just steps away from getting this critical legislation to the President's desk to be signed into law. prgtoken This bill has been supported by House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Ranking Member Bobby Scott. I thank them both. I want to thank the ic lead, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, and my CTE Caucus co-chairman, Representative Jim Langevin. prgtoken House and Senate leaders have brought this legislation to their respective floors because they know it is an important bill. prgtoken , this legislation aims to restore rungs on the ladder of opportunity, because all Americans deserve a good-paying, family- sustaining job. Too often, we see students pushed down the college-for- all pathway that just doesn't work for some people. prgtoken But CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certifications and hands-on skills that they can use right out of high school in a skills-based education program or in college. prgtoken By modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs, we will be able to connect more educators with industry stakeholders and close the skills gap in this country. prgtoken , 6.7 million jobs, good jobs, are currently available because people need to be qualified to get them. prgtoken In fact, today, right here in Washington, CTE will be highlighted. The House Education and the Workforce Committee has invited 24 innovators from across the country for the bipartisan Innovation Forum and Showcase. Dedicated professionals will share with Congress and the public how they are addressing the Nation's education and workforce development changes. prgtoken I am proud to count among these professionals Mr. Joe Luther from my district. Mr. Luther is the horticulture and landscaping instructor at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, located in Pleasant Gap, Centre County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Mr. Luther uses hands-on instruction to inspire students to reach great heights and achieve success in life. He brings real-life scenarios into his classroom at every opportunity to show students what their future can be like in the workforce. prgtoken I know every Member of this House wants to give every American, regardless of where they come from, the best opportunity to succeed. That is why I urge my colleagues to support the Strengthening
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-7-25

I want to speak this evening for a few moments about trade and tariffs. They certainly have been in the news for a long time. They are in the news today. I want to highlight the importance of trade and exports to Kansas, my constituents, and express my concerns about tariffs and an escalating trade war. prgtoken A global trade war will raise the price of goods for American consumers; result in retaliation against farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers who depend upon exports; and weaken our ability to work with our allies to challenge China's unfair trade practices. prgtoken Kansans are already feeling the effects of tariffs. Approximately $361 million worth of Kansas exports are being targeted by the emerging trade war, including soybeans and sorghum exports to China, aerospace exports to Canada, and beef and corn exports to Mexico. Moving forward with another $200 billion to $500 billion in tariffs against China or new section 232 tariffs on automobiles for supposed national security concerns will only increase the negative impact upon my folks at home. prgtoken With 95 percent of consumers living outside our country's border, the ability for Kansas farmers and rancher to earn a living is directly tied to our ability to sell food, fuel, and fiber. The food, fuel, and fiber we grow in Kansas must be exported to people around the world. prgtoken Since March, uncertainty in trade has contributed to the price of soybeans falling by $2 a bushel. A $2 drop in soybean prices equates to Kansas farmers and grain handlers losing out about $378 million of possible revenue solely on soybeans--one crop. prgtoken The significant harm the trade war is causing to farmers and ranchers is no doubt the reason the administration is proposing $12 billion in disaster relief for agriculture. Unfortunately, it is only a short-term fix to a long-term problem and will not make up for the lost markets for farmers. prgtoken China and Mexico, two of our largest markets in Kansas for agriculture producers--Mexico is No. 1, and China is No. 2--have already started to increase purchases of ag commodities from Brazil and Argentina instead of from U.S. producers, including those in Kansas. I am concerned that once we lose those markets, it will take years, if ever, for us to regain those markets. prgtoken This hit could not come at a worse time for ag producers. Farm revenue has already fallen by over 50 percent since 2013. Low commodity prices have pushed many producers to limits of financial viability. prgtoken I wrote an op-ed this spring arguing that Kansas farmers and ranchers can't afford a trade war. With fall harvest around the corner, many farmers will be faced with the reality of selling grain at or below the cost of production just to be able to pay off this year's operating loans. prgtoken The impact of the downturn in the ag economy cannot be solely quantified on a balance sheet. I am concerned that reduced economic oppo