mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE PLIGHT OF THE OROMO PEOPLE OF ETHIOPIA
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to address the plight of the Oromo people of Ethiopia. The Oromo are Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, with a population of more than 25 million, or 35 percent of Ethiopia's total population. prgtoken I speak here on behalf of one of my constituents, Ms. Seenaa Jimjimo, who is of Oromo descent. Ms. Jimjimo is the president of the Coalition for Oromo Human Rights and Democracy. The coalition is dedicated to bringing the suffering of the Oromo people and other Ethiopians to the attention of Americans and the world. prgtoken She impressed me with her passion for defending the rights of her people, and that is why I bring this issue to the floor. Human rights in Ethiopia have been subject to deteriorating conditions for over a decade, with a sharp decline since 2014, making an already difficult situation even worse. prgtoken The Ethiopian Government has adopted laws restricting freedom of expression, association, and assembly, including rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the Ethiopian constitution. These violations have been widely decried by numerous international bodies and nongovernmental organizations. Our own State Department has said the following about Ethiopia: ``The most significant human rights problems included harassment and intimidation of opposition members and supporters and journalists; alleged torture, beating, abuse, mistreatment of detainees by security forces and politically motivated trials.'' prgtoken Free expression is curtailed by laws permitting the government to punish speech it disagrees with up to 5 years in prison. prgtoken In just 2016, security forces killed at least 1,000 and held more than 28,000 newly arrested persons in detention centers. prgtoken In the midst of the difficult situation for all Ethiopians, the situation for the Oromo people is particularly dire. The Ethiopian Government released the Addis Ababa Master Plan, which sought to expand the capital into the Oromia region. The plan would displace millions of farmers, carve Oromia into two regions, changing the livelihood of 36 Oromia towns and 17 districts by hurting the livelihoods and lives of the Oromo without consulting the Oromo. prgtoken The Oromo protests erupted in November 2015 in response. The Ethiopian Government admitted the use of excessive force. A Human Rights Watch report described interviews of hundreds of people who survived gruesome and inhumane acts by security forces. Even so, no one has been brought to justice. prgtoken According to the State Department report, the government also recently won what appears to have been a rigged election. The deaths of thousands of Oromos and other Ethiopians cannot bring a lasting solution to the country's mounting problems, yet the Ethiopian Government continues to receive money for its role in the Somalia and Sudan peacekeeping missions. prgtoken We must ask how long the United States should keep financing a regime tha
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank our colleagues in the House for their agreement. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the brave men and women of the greatest military on Earth and to ensure that they are properly equipped for any and all challenges on the horizon. I support increased investments in our military test and training ranges with help from our Armed Forces to deal with the world's challenges. prgtoken In my district, the Gulf Test Range provides approximately 120,000 square miles of overwater airspace. It is used for high-altitude, supersonic air combat training, air-to-air missile testing, drone targeting, hypersonic weapons testing, space launches, and much more. It is critical training space for our Armed Forces, including the Air Force Special Operations Command, the 96th Test Wing, the 33rd Fighter Wing, and others. This is why I ask my colleagues to support the amendment to increase funding for the test range program. prgtoken I thank the Congressman from Florida, Dr. Dunn, for his leadership, for the men and women in the military. I thank Chair Granger for her agreement to this amendment. I thank the minority party.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3219, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-7-27

the American people spoke loud and clear last November. They voted to support a stronger military, an unyielding national defense, and that includes the need for a much-improved border security. As the gentleman from Texas said, we have threats of human traffickers, drug smugglers, terrorists coming across our borders, and this is something that the American people said that they wanted, and we are responding to that with recommendations from the Customs and Border Protection agency. prgtoken , .
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-7-27

in preparing this and in reading this bill, for those who want to see the heart and soul--the vision--of the , they can be found in this first paragraph of the bill. In fact, I will read it. ``The bill establishes the Medicare-for-all program to provide all individuals residing in the United States free healthcare.'' prgtoken It goes on to say a couple of paragraphs later: ``Health insurers may not sell health insurance that duplicates the benefits provided under this bill.'' prgtoken If that is not a complete takeover of the healthcare system from the government, then you tell me what is.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-7-27

last Wednesday at the White House, President invited Senators there, and he recommended to us that we repeal and replace Care at the same time, simultaneously. He said that before in his interview on ``60 Minutes'' in January--we should repeal and replace Care simultaneously, which means, to me, at the same time. prgtoken That is one reason I voted yes on Tuesday for us to proceed to the House of Representatives' bill, because it would replace and repeal Care at the same time. That is one reason I voted on Tuesday for the Senate healthcare bill, which would have replaced and repealed Care at the same time. I agree with the President--we should replace and repeal Care at the same time. The House voted to do that, the President recommended we do it, and I agree we should repeal and replace at the same time. prgtoken Why would I say it needs to be done at the same time? There was a time in the past where we might have just repealed it and said: In 2 years, we may come up with an answer. But we can't do that now. Conditions have changed in Tennessee. Our State insurance commissioner, Julie McPeak, says our individual insurance market is ``very near collapse.'' That means that up to 350,000 individuals in our State-- songwriters, workers, farmers--who buy their insurance on the individual market are sitting there worrying in July and in August whether they will have any option to buy insurance in 2018. prgtoken So I don't think we can wait 2 years to repeal and replace Care, which is why I voted twice on Tuesday to do it now and why I voted against an amendment yesterday that said: Repeal it now and replace it in 2 years, if you can. I don't think Tennesseans would be very comfortable canceling insurance for 22 million Americans now and saying: Trust Congress to find a replacement in 2 years. Pilots like to know where they are going to land when they take off, and so should we. prgtoken We are proceeding ahead with our debate on the healthcare bill. It may be a little convoluted for people watching from the outside, but it is fairly straightforward. The House of Representatives has gone through a series of processes in committees and votes, and it passed a bill to repeal and replace Care now, to do both now. The Senate has been working for 6 months not just to repeal Care but to repeal and replace it now. prgtoken There is some urgency about this. We have millions of Americans who are worrying they may not be able to buy insurance in 2018. That is a very personal worry for millions of Americans. They want us to address it now, not 2 years from now. prgtoken How do we do that? Well, later today we will have an opportunity to vote for a bill which will take us to the place called a conference committee with the House of Representatives, where we can get a solution to our goal of repealing and replacing Care now. It is being called a skinny b
CONGRATULATING CRITTENTON HOSPITAL ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to pay tribute and congratulate Crittenton Hospital as we commemorate its 50th anniversary in the Rochester, Michigan, community. prgtoken Over the past 50 years, Crittenton Hospital has faithfully dedicated itself to serving the Rochester area community and all of its citizens. Since opening its doors in 1967, Crittenton Hospital has expanded to meet the needs of a growing community while keeping pace with advances in healthcare technology and modern approaches to medicine. prgtoken The longevity enjoyed by Crittenton Hospital is a testament to its unique and enduring impact on our community. Its dedication to our residents ensures that Crittenton Hospital will continue to serve and care for patients for many years to come. prgtoken , I am honored to recognize Crittenton Hospital's 50th anniversary. I thank Crittenton Hospital for its commitment to the people it serves and to our entire Rochester area community.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-7-27

. Well, I think we have a very honest choice. There has been a lot of talk about single payer. There was a lot of talk about it early on in the debate about Care. I recall in observations made by President that this was the first step toward single payer. I understand that--well, I know that the former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, had the same plan, that Care was the first step toward single payer. All you are doing is just saying, OK, if that is the goal, bring it to a vote.
VETERANS HOUSING
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-7-27

agriculture is a driving force behind our economy and a way of life in northeast prgtoken Wisconsin, which is why I was honored that Farm Technology Days decided to hold their annual event in Kewaunee County at Ebert Dairy Enterprises, an impressive sixth-generation family farm in Algoma. prgtoken Farm Technology Days is the largest agricultural show in Wisconsin, and one of the largest in the Nation. The 3-day event showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, recent research findings, and technological developments. prgtoken , 15,000 hamburgers and 11,000 bowls of ice cream later, the event was a huge success for our local ag economy. The first day alone saw an attendance of over 10,000 people. prgtoken Because of the hard work of the Ebert family and the nearly 2,000 volunteers who pitched in, northeast Wisconsin was able to demonstrate the powerful role we play in Wisconsin's agriculture industry.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-27

the legislation I just laid down is called the Health Care Freedom Act, and it restores freedom to Americans that Care took away. It does so in a number of ways. prgtoken First, the Health Care Freedom Act repeals the core pillars of Care. It eliminates the so-called individual mandate that forces many Americans to buy Care insurance they don't want, can't afford, or can't use, and taxes those who don't. It also repeals the employer mandate that cuts hours, take-home pay, and job opportunities for workers. prgtoken Second, the Health Care Freedom Act provides significant new flexibility to States. The Health Care Freedom Act gives States just the kind of flexibility they need to implement reforms that provide more options for consumers to buy the health insurance they actually want. These reforms also help make insurance more affordable and flexible so it is something Americans actually want to buy. prgtoken Finally, the Health Care Freedom Act frees Americans from Care in several other ways too. It provides 3 years of relief from the medical device tax, which increases costs, hurts innovation, and has drawn significant criticism from both sides of the aisle. It expands, for 3 years, the contribution limits to health savings accounts so Americans can better manage their health costs and pay down more of their medical expenses like prescriptions with pretax dollars. prgtoken Also, the legislation will prioritize funding for women's health through community health centers instead of large abortion providers and political organizations. prgtoken The American people have suffered under Care for too long. It is time to end the failed status quo. It is time to send legislation to the President which will finally move our country beyond the failures of Care. Passing this legislation will allow us to work with our colleagues in the House toward a final bill that could go to the President, repeal Care, and undo its damage. prgtoken I urge everyone to support it. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that Senator Murray or her designee be recognized to offer a motion to commit; further, that the remaining time be equally divided between the managers or their designees.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-7-27

I wanted to weigh in on a debate that took place on the floor a couple of hours ago--actually, when I was presiding in the chair--between the majority leader and the minority leader on what we are going to be doing here in the next couple of days on the Senate floor. prgtoken So right now we are having a healthcare debate. We are finally having a healthcare debate. Many Members on both sides of the aisle--I say to the Presiding Officer, I saw your speech a few hours ago--are talking about the importance of healthcare for our country, the importance of, from our perspective, repealing, replacing, repairing a healthcare system that is not working. It is certainly not working the way in which it was promised to Americans. I will not repeat all the promises made by the former President and many Senators, but we know those haven't come to pass. prgtoken As a matter of fact, a number of us--I certainly believe in my State, the State of Alaska, the so-called Affordable Care Act has done a lot more damage than good. Here are just a few statistics in Alaska: Premiums in the individual market went up over 200 percent since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act--200 percent. Alaskans in that market--individual Alaskans, for one health insurance plan for one individual, pay almost $1,100 a month in premiums for healthcare. That is not affordable. prgtoken So we are debating it. It is important. There is an open amendment process. We are probably going to be debating all night, and that is what we should be doing--the world's greatest deliberative body debating a very important topic, but healthcare is not the only issue the Senate is focused on.
IN MEMORY OF PFC JAMES T. STANFORD
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-7-27

this morning, I would like to recognize Marine Private First Class James T. Stanford for his duty, his selfless service, and his sacrifice to our great Nation. prgtoken Stanford was a native of Gadsden, Alabama, and he lost his life back in 1954 after a devastating explosion on board the aircraft carrier USS Bennington. I am honored to recognize Private First Class Stanford this morning, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great Nation. prgtoken Stanford attended Gadsden High School in Gadsden, Alabama, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on February 21, 1953. After completing basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he was assigned to the USS Bennington in June 1953. prgtoken On May 26, 1954, the USS Bennington was sailing off the coast of Rhode Island for aircraft carrier qualification when hydraulic fluid from a forward catapult caught fire. The resulting explosion caused massive damage to the forward portion of the ship. It resulted in over 200 casualties, including 103 sailors and marines who lost their lives that day. prgtoken On May 28, 1954, Private First Class James Stanford, at just 20 years old, succumbed to his critical burn wounds and passed away at Newport Naval Hospital in Rhode Island. By his side were his wife, the former Lou Moore; and his father, Mr. J.C. Stanford. James and his wife, Lou, had recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary. prgtoken , may the sacrifice of Private First Class James T. Stanford and the other 102 sailors and marines who lost their lives as a result of that explosion onboard the USS Bennington on May 26, 1954, never be forgotten, and may those individuals be remembered as they gave their all.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-27

these important revisions have been included in several appropriations bills for several years running. They represent a strong and enduring consensus in Congress that Guantanamo should remain open and that detainees should not be transferred to the United States for any reason. prgtoken Striking these provisions would have unknown consequences for U.S. communities. It is impossible to know how many detainees might be brought here, where they might be held, and the impacts on communities and facilities holding them. It is also impossible to know what the potential costs could be. prgtoken Putting detainees in U.S. prisons, as the administration originally proposed, would be disruptive and, potentially, disastrous. Former FBI Director Mueller has stated: ``To transfer detainees to local jails could affect or infect other prisoners or have the capability of affecting events outside the prison system.'' prgtoken The idea of bringing detainees for trials in the U.S. quickly collapsed as local jurisdictions voiced their strong opposition. prgtoken As everyone here is aware, several detainees who have been released from Guantanamo have gone back to the fight and killed and wounded Americans. The threat is real, and Guantanamo is already equipped to handle the detention and military trial of these individuals, as appropriate. prgtoken Any proposal that results in these detainees being sent to the United States, for any reason, is simply the wrong policy. prgtoken I, therefore, oppose the amendment, and I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment. prgtoken , .
HIGH-SKILLED IMMIGRANT WORKERS
Kevin Yoder (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-7-27

more than 700,000 high-skilled immigrant workers from India are in the United States today on temporary work visas. These people are working hard every day helping grow our economy and raising their children as Americans right here in our communities. prgtoken But under our legal immigration system, they are essentially here as indentured servants, stuck in a cycle of temporary work visas, unable to change jobs or even start their own businesses to create more American jobs. They are stuck because of the arbitrary 7-percent-per- nation cap on employment-based green cards. prgtoken Now there is a mother in Greenland whose unborn child will be able to obtain permanent residence in America before someone from India who has already been working here for years. That is absurd, and it is wrong. prgtoken My bill, called the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, would fix this problem. It would transition us to a first come, first served, merit-based legal immigration system. It would help these people in need, and it would help create new jobs. prgtoken , with more than 230 cosponsors, it is time to pass this bill and get this done.
RECOGNIZING MARIENVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY ON 125 YEARS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to congratulate the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company as it celebrates 125 years of service on Saturday, August 19. The prgtoken Marienville Volunteer Fire Company began in 1892 at the home of Dan Moriarty as a small group of men with a wagon, a pump, and a determination to keep their community safe. prgtoken In 1902, a great fire ripped through the area, destroying a substantial section of Marienville. In response, the company came together to raise money for better equipment, and soon became a well- organized department with official uniforms, its first fire truck, and a firehouse on North Forest Street. prgtoken As the team grew, a new building was built on North Forest Street that still houses the company today. Today there are about 40 active members under the direction of President Randall Parrett and Fire Chief Greg Geyer. prgtoken As a state-certified firefighter, EMT, and rescue technician myself, I know these firefighters are always ready to answer the call. prgtoken , I proudly congratulate the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company on this outstanding milestone, and I thank each member of the company for their service.
COUNTERING AMERICA'S ADVERSARIES THROUGH SANCTIONS ACT
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-27

I thank Senator Menendez. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about what this Senate and Congress has done. Last Congress, we passed unanimously the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act. prgtoken This legislation that we are about to vote on builds on the success we started with last year. We have more work to do to stop the crazed Kim regime. prgtoken I thank the chairman and the leader for committing to further conversations on North Korea, further action that needs to be taken because we know that, in China, there are over 5,000 businesses still doing business with North Korea. China is responsible for 90 percent of the North Korean economy. Now, 10 of those 5,000 businesses are responsible for 30 percent of the economic activity, the imports from North Korea into China. More work has to be done to stop this madman in Pyongyang. prgtoken I thank this Senate for moving forward on legislation today to build on the success we had last year. I urge its passage. We have more work to do to put an end to this regime.