mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INCREASING OPPORTUNITY AND SUCCESS FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED HOME VISITING ACT
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-9-26

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, this amendment seeks to establish a careful balance between two competing views in regards to where and how home visiting programs prgtoken should be operated. The law requires States to operate home visiting programs in areas of highest need. However, some States expressed concern that they have been required to operate home visiting programs in areas where they were likely to fail, as they were not permitted to take into account staff and community resources and other requirements of a home visiting model when choosing where to operate. prgtoken In the bill I introduced with my colleagues, we allowed States to take these considerations into account, and States were generally pleased with this change. However, since the introduction of the bill, we have received additional feedback that some changes might be needed to make sure States could take into account these factors but not simply avoid serving actual areas with the highest need, including rural areas and remote areas that I represent, as well as others. prgtoken During the Ways and Means markup of this bill, Representative Sewell offered an amendment to address this problem. Although we did not include her actual amendment in the reported bill, as we did not have enough time to review it and consider any unintended consequences, Representative Sewell and I have been able to review her proposal since the markup and discuss its implications. I am pleased today to offer this bipartisan amendment to address the concerns she and others have raised. prgtoken Specifically, this amendment, combined with the language in the underlying bill, allows States to take into account staffing, community resources, and other requirements when determining how to operate their home visiting programs, while requiring that they operate at least one home visiting model in those communities with a high need for services. This ensures States do not shy away from some of the most difficult areas, which are often those that need home visiting services the most. prgtoken I am glad we have been able to work together on this bipartisan amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment as well as the underlying bill. prgtoken , .
HURRICANE HARVEY BRINGS NEW LIFE
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-26

as Hurricane Harvey's hammering floodwaters crept closer and closer to their home, Annie and her husband, Gary, became nervously anxious because, you see, Annie was pregnant and needed to get to the hospital. prgtoken But the 2-mile drive to the hospital was no longer possible due to high rising water. So they called 911, but the lines were busy. Both doctors in training, the Smiths started preparing for a home delivery. Finally, a call to Annie's school brought a rescue team to their door. But the waters were still high and moving fast. prgtoken Risking their own lives, numerous neighbors and firefighters formed a human life chain, passing Annie along in the raging floodwaters to a high-water truck. A few hours later, Annie brought new life--Adrielle Smith--into the world. prgtoken That is the thing about Texas, , we help each other. That is what makes us Texas strong. prgtoken Congratulations to the Smiths on the birth of their hurricane daughter, Adrielle. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
EPA PROPOSAL ON BIODIESEL
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-9-26

I come to the floor because I am very disturbed about some actions coming out of EPA affecting biofuels and contrary to what the President promised. In other words, I think people working for the President aren't following the President's direction. prgtoken As my colleagues know well, I have championed renewable fuels and other energies for a long period of time. I have worked hard to enact policies to encourage the growth of renewable electricity from sources such as wind and solar. The same is true for biofuels. I have pursued policies to grow our country's production of renewable fuels, such as conventional corn ethanol, biodiesel, and cellulosic ethanol. I support renewable energy because it is good for the economy. It is good for our national security. It is good for our balance of trade. It is good for the rural economies, and it is good for energy independence. prgtoken I was pleased that in the most recent Presidential election, then Candidate --now our President--made clear his support for ethanol and the renewable fuels standard. He said clearly: ``We are going to protect the Renewable Fuels Standard.'' prgtoken On another occasion, Candidate recognized the benefits of the industry when he said this at an ethanol biorefinery: Amazing what you've been able to do--amazing. And it's great for the country and the investment is great. Beyond even the product, the investment and the jobs and everything else are great for the country. prgtoken Finally, at a summit focusing on renewable fuels in Iowa, as a candidate in January of 2016, Mr. said this: The RFS, which is Renewable Fuel Standard, is an important tool in the mission to achieve energy independence to the United States. I will do all that is in my power as President to achieve that goal. . . . As President, I will encourage Congress to be cautious in attempting to charge and change any part of the RFS. . . . Energy independence is a requirement of America to become great again. prgtoken Candidate continued: My theme is `Make America Great Again.' It's an important part of it. The EPA should ensure that biofuel RVOs, or blend levels, match the statutory level set by Congress under the
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-9-26

from Florida for the report from his State and for his words about the devastation in Puerto Rico. Our hearts go out to those in Florida, Texas, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. We do have a responsibility to respond quickly. They are responding to some devastating storms, especially when they are combined. prgtoken Our thanks also go to the first responders and the many volunteers, including some in the State of Ohio and those from my hometown, who stepped forward to help the people in need. It is extraordinary. prgtoken Again, I look forward to working with my colleagues to come up with additional assistance as we have done prgtoken already for some of the initial damage in Texas. There is so much more now that we must do. Tribute to Tim O'Neill prgtoken , I rise today to talk about one of our colleagues here in the Senate, who has an inspiring story and is celebrating an important anniversary this week. prgtoken I want to mention this week Doorkeeper Tim O'Neill, who works with us in the Senate and celebrates 27 years of Government service. He has been a doorkeeper since 2010, during which time I have had the pleasure of getting to know him, as have many of my colleagues in the Senate. prgtoken His career has been a remarkable journey. He started in the Senate as a legislative director, and he later went on to work in the White House--not during one Presidential administration but during four Presidential administrations. Tim worked for President Ronald Reagan, President George H.W President Bill Clinton, and President . prgtoken He worked in the Department of Treasury and at the Federal Housing Finance Board, eventually becoming the chairman of that agency. After that he went to the House of Representatives, where he was senior legislative counsel for the Financial Services Committee. We are happy to have Tim back here on the Senate side, where he works today. prgtoken Tim has had an impressive career which I outlined, but the most amazing thing about his career doesn't reside in what he has done but what he has overcome. prgtoken One weekend in January of 1989, when Tim was at the Treasury Department, his life was altered forever. Tim's life had first changed on Friday morning when he found out his wife Ginny was pregnant with their first child. But later that weekend, on a Sunday, as he was putting on his shoes to go jogging, at 34 years old, he suffered a major stroke that affected two-thirds of his brain. prgtoken The doctors didn't immediately tell Ginny how serious it was. Later she would find out that they did not believe he would live through the night, and, if he did, they believed his lasting brain damage would mean he would never walk again and never talk again. prgtoken Despite this very grim prognosis, Tim had a few things going for him. First, there was an incredible positive attitude that we all see i
HONORING LEWIS DONELSON
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-9-26

I rise today to honor a very good friend of mine, Lewis Donelson of Memphis, Tennessee. prgtoken This October, ``Lewie,'' as most call him, is turning 100 years old, and I cannot be more proud to celebrate with him. prgtoken Lewie is a brilliant lawyer who has practiced law for almost 70 years. He founded one of our Nation's largest law firms with Senator Howard Baker, now called Baker Donelson. But Lewie's impact extends far beyond his legal accomplishments. prgtoken Lewie was one of the founders of the Shelby Party, and he was instrumental in building the party throughout the entire State of Tennessee. In 1968, Lewie helped establish the very first Memphis City Council at the height of the civil rights movement and played a significant role in resolving the sanitation strike led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He led the charge for peaceful integration and legal equality in Memphis. prgtoken Lewie served as Tennessee's commissioner of finance for then-Governor Lamar Alexander. He was chairman of the Board of The Med in Memphis and served on the board of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, also in Memphis. Amazingly, through all of this, Lewie taught his Sunday school class at Idlewild Presbyterian for more than 60 years. prgtoken Lewie is a visionary and a leader. He is bold and not afraid to do the right thing. Roberta and I are so glad to call Lewie our friend, and we cannot wait to celebrate his 100 remarkable years.
PUERTO RICO AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS RECOVERY EFFORT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-9-26

on another matter, we have seen all the serious problems facing the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a result of recent hurricanes. The damage has been terrible. The latest hurricane was especially devastating. prgtoken We want the people of Puerto Rico and the islands to know that we are thinking of them, and, more importantly, we want them to know that we will continue to work with FEMA, the Department of Defense, and the rest of the administration to help in the recovery. prgtoken I expect we will hear more soon on what additional resources will be necessary in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the paths of the storms. The recovery effort is certainly not going to be easy. It is not going to be quick. But we are here to do our part.
SALUTING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF FORMER MARINE AND ONEIDA COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF KURT B. WYMAN
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-9-26

I rise today to salute Deputy Kurt B. Wyman, a Marine Corps veteran and Oneida County sheriff's deputy who was killed in the line of duty in 2011 at only 24 years old. prgtoken Deputy Wyman served with distinction in Iraq, earning the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. During his service in the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, he was named Rookie of the Year and earned the Grand Cordon Medal twice. prgtoken Following his tragic death, the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Foundation was created to celebrate and honor his distinguished life of service to our community and our Nation. Through the foundation's efforts, the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Memorial Park in Whitestown was constructed as a resource for local families. prgtoken Each year, an annual fall festival and a motorcycle ride are held at the park to honor and remember Deputy Wyman's legacy. I am honored to be joined by so many others who are grateful citizens by riding my own Harley-Davidson in this beautiful tribute to Deputy Wyman each year. prgtoken Please join me and our entire community today in celebrating the life of Deputy Kurt B. Wyman, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community and this great Nation.
MAKING CLEAN WATER A TOP PRIORITY
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-9-26

I rise today to recognize one of Minnesota's finest military families who fought during our Nation's darkest hour. I would especially like to remember one family member who made the ultimate sacrifice and who, after more than a half century, will finally be returned and laid to rest in his beloved home State. prgtoken Quentin, Earl, and Harold Gifford all bravely served our Nation during World War II. While Earl and Harold made it home safely, Quentin, who served on the USS Oklahoma, died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken For 75 years, Quentin remained in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, until this year, when his remains were finally identified. The identification of Quentin has brought relief and closure to his family, who never forgot the brother they lost. The Giffords are happy to have the chance to give Quentin the memorial he deserves. prgtoken , I speak for all Minnesotans when I say we are happy to finally welcome home a hero like Quentin. 2017 Minnesota Farm Families
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. JAMES DURELL TUBERVILLE
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-9-26

it is with profound sadness that I rise today to recognize the life and dedicated service of one of the Lord's most humble and outstanding servants, Dr. James Durell Tuberville. He made it his life's work to help others during difficult times, and he was a beacon of light and a towering figure in the life of countless many people, including my own family. His lasting influence on our community cannot be expressed enough, and I am humbled to rise and pay tribute to his life today, his faithful stewardship, and his unwavering commitment to the people of our region in northwest Louisiana. prgtoken James Durell Tuberville was born on October 25, 1958, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and on Sunday, August 13, 2017, he left this world to be with our Lord. prgtoken After graduating from Southwood High School in Shreveport, Dr. Tuberville continued his education at Grawood Christian School and Southwestern Assemblies of God College. He majored in pastoral ministry at Southwestern University, and received a master of arts in counseling from Louisiana Tech University. prgtoken He did all things for the glory of God, , and he brought care and compassion to multitudes. Dr. Tuberville served his early ministry as a youth pastor in Luna and then in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He later served as pastor of the Bethel Assembly of God in Shreveport for more than 11 years, before becoming counselor on the pastoral staff at Shreveport Community Church and president of Personal Solutions, Inc. prgtoken He selflessly aided those suffering through some of the largest disasters of our lifetime, including the horrific earthquake in Haiti, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the great tragedy on September 11, 2001. prgtoken Known and loved by all, Dr. Tuberville also served selflessly as chaplain for the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Caddo Fire District 3, and as national chaplain of the firefighters Brother's Keepers Motorcycle Club. prgtoken It is difficult to imagine our community without the leadership and the larger-than-life presence, always encouraging, of Dr. Tuberville. His legacy and example are an enduring lesson for all of us, and we are comforted to know he has been received by the Lord with that ultimate affirmation: ``Well done, good and faithful servant.'' prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a privilege to honor Dr. James Durell Tuberville today and to celebrate a life exceptionally well lived. prgtoken My wife, Kelly, and I extend our continued prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife and soulmate, Susan, and their two sons, Joshua Durell and Dustin Bruce, to the entire Tuberville family, and to all those whose lives were changed by this true giant of a man. Recognizing the Service and Achievement of Major General Joanne Sheridan
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-9-26

I rise today to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the contributions of Americans of Hispanic descent to our Nation's diverse history and culture. prgtoken Our central Washington communities are blessed to include a growing number of Hispanic Americans, and I have witnessed firsthand the many ways Hispanic Americans strengthen our communities and our way of life. Hispanic Americans have greatly contributed to our country's history. These Americans have enhanced our economy through entrepreneurship, and many have served our Nation honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. prgtoken America is truly the world's melting pot where people of diverse backgrounds and cultures come together as one people united by shared values. We cherish our unity and diversity. In the upcoming month, we will celebrate Hispanic Americans' patriotism and the traditions they add to American culture. prgtoken , please join me in honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-9-26

I had the opportunity yesterday, along with the Coast Guard and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonzalez, to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, to see firsthand some of the devastation that has impacted this U.S. territory. I would summarize it by saying that what I saw were more than 3.5 million American citizens potentially on the verge of a serious and growing humanitarian crisis. prgtoken There are a lot of reasons for this. The first is that Puerto Rico has been in the eye of not one but three storms. The first was Hurricane Irma, which impacted it a few weeks ago, followed by the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and preexisting these two things was a very significant fiscal crisis that placed extraordinary constraints on the ability of the territory's government both to prepare for the storm and now to respond to it. prgtoken Our traditional model of hurricane response--one that, unfortunately, because of numerous storms, I have come to know well as a resident of Florida--is that FEMA basically arrives in support of the State. When Florida gets hit by a storm and Texas gets hit by a storm, FEMA comes in to the State and tells the State: We are here to help. Tell us where to go, tell us what you need, and we will provide those resources to the places you want. It works that way. The President issues an emergency declaration, and it opens up FEMA and other disaster relief, and then the State government directs that assistance and tells them: This is what we need, this is where we need it, and this is what we can handle on our own. This model will not work in Puerto Rico. It will not work foremost because, as I stated earlier, the financial and fiscal constraints have limited its capacity to build its own internal ability to respond. prgtoken They had just finished repairing the damage from Irma a few weeks ago. So, literally, there are not nearly enough basic things like those wooden poles to hold up the electric lines or the transformers that are attached to them or even the lines themselves, and, in many cases, the fuel, power, and crews to get to the work sites. prgtoken It will not work because, in many cases, the government of Puerto Rico still does not have a full assessment of the damage of the storm. While communication in San Juan is severely limited, in most of the other areas of the big island and smaller islands, communication is nonexistent. prgtoken Something was brought to my attention firsthand yesterday when we visited one of the Coast Guard centers and watched. Much of the response they are conducting there is limited to a paper map on the wall with some sticky note pads and four landlines on which they hope people can call in and get updates on what they are seeing in the field from a satellite phone. Hopefully, that has improved over the last 24 hours as more Coast Guard vessels have come in to support communications. But we still have large parts of Puerto
THE GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE
John R. Moolenaar (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-9-26

I come to the floor today to thank all of the Members who voted to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. prgtoken In the appropriations legislation the House passed 2 weeks ago, we included $300 million in the fiscal year 2018 budget for protecting our Great Lakes. prgtoken The Great Lakes are a critical resource and an essential part of Michigan's outdoor heritage. They are enjoyed by millions of Americans from across the country, and they are a unique ecosystem with one-fifth of the world's freshwater. They are also a major trade route and they form an international border. prgtoken There is a Federal role for protecting the Great Lakes, and by working with public and private organizations like Michigan's universities and Ducks Unlimited, the GLRI does vital work to protect the Great Lakes and the streams, rivers, and wetlands that flow into them. prgtoken Again, I want to thank all of my colleagues for their support of this critical program.
BOEING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-9-26

this morning I was grateful to join my fellow South Carolinian colleagues at the Boeing Leaders for the Second Century program. This program is dedicated to discussing leadership capabilities and better understanding public policy. prgtoken Boeing has brought thousands of jobs to South Carolina, and we are grateful that they call us home. prgtoken Additionally, I am thankful for the inspiring leadership of Charleston Vice President and General Manager Joan Robinson-Berry; Chairman, President, and CEO Dennis Muilenburg; Vice Chairman Raymond Conner; Executive Vice President Leanne Caret, as well as all who have joined us this morning from worldwide operations. prgtoken I appreciate Boeing suppliers creating jobs in the Second Congressional District. This includes: Zeus, located in Orangeburg and Aiken; Prysmian of Lexington; Thermal Engineering of Columbia; and AGY of Aiken. prgtoken When I think Boeing, I think jobs, and I look forward to continuing to work to bring jobs to South Carolina. Best wishes to the Boeing Company for successfully creating more jobs in South Carolina. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
HURRICANES' DESTRUCTION AND COST
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-26

I thank Congresswoman Gonzalez-Colon for her remarks. prgtoken My good friend from the Southwest, Blake Farenthold, is going to come and address us. Blake represents the area where Harvey actually made landfall and brought Category 4 winds and storm surges. As Congressman Farenthold knows, I understand the devastation that that brings. My heart goes out to them, and, Blake, please come share with us.