mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3354, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-9-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken My friend is absolutely right, there is a lot of work to get done. That is why we both ran for Congress, to get that work done. I am incredibly optimistic that we will get that work done. prgtoken I wish from time to time we would celebrate our successes as fiercely as we observe our failures. My friend is absolutely right, there was a time in congressional history where appropriations bills came to the floor and any Member could offer any amendment they wanted at any time, and the process could go on for days or weeks or months. prgtoken To my friend's point, we can reminisce about those days and celebrate them, but we can't do it at the same time we observe the very limited deadlines that we have now trying to get work done. prgtoken It was back on August 24 that the Rules Committee created a deadline and said: We want to have every Member have their voice heard. We want to hear from every single Member on every single appropriations bill to understand what it is you would do differently to have the bills serve America better. prgtoken We created that deadline, , for exactly the reason my friend from New York suggested, and that is so folks would have the time to look at those amendments, to digest those amendments, to be thoughtful about those amendments. prgtoken Now, it turns out even in a body of 435 Members, you can have some repetitive ideas. It turns out a lot of us think a single amendment is a good idea. The Rules Committee looked at amendments and found multiple Members had exactly the same idea. In order to speed the process along, we let one of those Members offer the amendment; we asked the other Members not to. prgtoken That is not closing down the process. That is a good use of the American people's time, because we have so much that we must get done together. prgtoken , for folks who care about openness--and I am one of those Members--I just want to remind you that it is not just the 1,000-plus amendments we looked at in the Rules Committee. It is thousands upon thousands that were worked through the Appropriations Subcommittee process, and then the Appropriations full committee process. prgtoken The appropriations process is one of the best opportunities for any Member prgtoken in this Chamber to make their priorities known, act on those priorities, change the law of the land for the men and women they serve back home. Every single Member of this Chamber knows of that process, avails themselves of that process, and if we pass this rule, we will make several hundred more amendments in order and complete this process for the first time since 2009. prgtoken , .
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-9-7

I rise today in favor of my amendment to the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act. prgtoken This amendment would approve access to America's prized treasures by increasing the National Park Service's Facility Maintenance and Operations account by $9.7 million, bringing the funding amount up to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. In doing so, this amendment will help address the longstanding deferred maintenance needs of the Park Service. prgtoken Currently, the National Park Service has an $11.9 billion backlog, which is a figure that has increased steadily since 2009. According to the most recent NPS deferred maintenance report, the Yosemite National Park, in Chairman Calvert's home State, has a backlog of $555 million. Yellowstone has a backlog of $716 million across three States. prgtoken The Grand Canyon's backlog of $350 million makes up a large portion of my home State's--Arizona--delayed and deferred projects. In fact, Arizona has one of the largest backlogs of any State in the country: $565 million. prgtoken This problem doesn't only impact the crown jewels of the park system. In my district, maintenance projects require attention at the Saguaro National Park of approximately $12.9 million, of which the Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County faces roughly $10.3 million in needed restoration projects. prgtoken , this country and my State is home to some of the world's most renowned landscapes and natural beauty. By providing this modest funding increase to address some of the backlog across the Nation, my amendment will ensure Americans have unimpaired access to their national parks and that the enjoyment of these wonders is available for future generations. prgtoken , .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-9-7

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, MT. The Carter County Museum is a treasure to our State and well worth the time to stop in and visit if you are traveling through eastern Montana. prgtoken The Carter County Museum has helped preserve the history of eastern Montana for over 80 years and was the first county museum in the State. This region of our State is known for plentiful dinosaur discoveries, and one of the exhibits at the Carter County Museum includes a complete skull of a Triceratops. Recent regional history is also on display at the museum. Artifacts from American Indian Tribes and late 19th century homesteaders help visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the history of the 41st State to join the Union. prgtoken Over the past two summers, members of the museum's staff have used their expertise to help recover the remains of a Columbian mammoth along the Powder River. Just last month, the staff unearthed a mostly intact skull, including both tusks. It is uncommon to find a museum that offers such a unique collection of rare exhibits outside of a major population center, but that is precisely what you will find at the Carter County Museum. prgtoken Eastern Montana, widely recognized for its contributions to our Nation in the areas of agriculture and energy, is also home to many items of cultural significance. Local gems like the Carter County Museum and all of the folks that make its day-to-day operations possible help make Montana an exceptional place.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-7

today I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. prgtoken As a former chairwoman of the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I worked very closely with the U.S. Institute of Peace. From firsthand experience, I can tell you how important their mission is. They send staff to some of the most volatile areas of the world to promote peace. prgtoken For instance, in Afghanistan, the Institute facilitated peaceful elections in 2014, despite Taliban calls for violence. prgtoken Also, in 2015, the Institute facilitated a local Sunni and Shia agreement in Iraq that averted bloodshed and let 380,000 internationally displaced people return home. prgtoken Let's not forget that it was under President Ronald Reagan that the Institute of Peace was created. prgtoken Funding the Institute of Peace is an important investment. It is for these reasons that I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.
CONGRATULATING INDIANA STATE SENATOR LUKE KENLEY
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-9-7

I rise today to congratulate Indiana's State Senator Luke Kenley on his retirement, and to thank him for the many years he dedicated to serving our fellow Hoosiers. prgtoken From balancing the budget to reforming State taxes, he has worked for 25 years to empower local communities and strengthen Indiana's economy. He led important efforts to enhance our schools, roads, businesses, local institutions, and more. prgtoken Senator Kenley's commitment to Hoosier common sense, and his tireless efforts to bring our State's economy into the 21st century, helped transform Indiana and improve Hoosiers' lives. I am grateful for Senator Kenley's leadership and his keen understanding of the Hoosier values that are so important to our way of life. I have no doubt his impact on our State will last far into the future. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Indiana State Senator Luke Kenley the absolute best as he embarks on this next chapter in life.
DIASTER RELIEF FUNDING BILL
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-9-7

today I am home in West Miami, FL, which is now under a Hurricane Watch for Hurricane Irma and currently projected to take a direct hit from a category 5 storm. Tropical storm conditions are expected in south Florida less than 48 hours after the time of this vote. Had I remained in Washington, DC, the earliest possible return to south Florida would have given me less than 12 hours to safely secure my home and my mother's home and otherwise prepare my family to face the brunt and the aftermath of a potentially catastrophic storm. Therefore, given these circumstances and the fact that my vote would not have been determinative of the outcome of the measures before the Senate, I felt the prudent course of action was to remain in south Florida, take appropriate actions to protect my family and helping to coordinate efforts between Federal, State, and local officials. prgtoken If I had been able to participate in today's Senate vote in Washington, I would have voted to approve the supplemental package before the Senate, but my vote would come despite significant reservations about some of the other items attached to this legislation. prgtoken As I have always done in the past, I support providing additional emergency resources for disaster aid and recovery. Disaster relief is an appropriate function of the Federal Government. Unlike some previous disaster relief legislation, these funds are to be spent immediately, and are properly targeted to assist the areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey and potentially Hurricane Irma. prgtoken The rest of this spending package, however, contains items that, under normal circumstances and offered separately, I have opposed. prgtoken I strongly disagree with the decision made by the administration to agree to pair funding for FEMA and emergency disaster relief to short- term extensions to the continuing resolution, the debt ceiling and the National Flood Insurance Program unaccompanied by significant reforms. prgtoken During my service in the Senate, my support for increasing the debt limit has consistently in the past and will again in the future be conditioned on meaningful spending reforms that address our long-term debt. prgtoken Absent extenuating circumstances such as the outbreak of the Zika virus last year, I have consistently opposed passage of short-term continuing resolutions because it is an incredibly inefficient way of spending taxpayer dollars and fails to provide the certainty required for effective planning. prgtoken I am frustrated that Congress has once again temporarily reauthorized the outdated National Flood Insurance Program without enacting a long- term solution that makes much-needed improvements for the people of Florida and places this vital program on a sustainable path. prgtoken It is shameful these necessary and important measures are not being considered separately. Linking them to funds needed to assist our fellow Americans recovering from a
HONORING GREG BRUNT OF CATAWBA COUNTY
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-9-7

I rise today in order to honor a Catawba County native. prgtoken Mr. Greg Brunt has won more than 100 medals in the Special Olympics and serves as an inspiration to the wider Catawba community and, in my opinion, the Nation. prgtoken Mr. Brunt's road cannot have been easy. He has overcome challenges that many Americans don't have to face. Instead of giving in, Mr. Brunt gives back. As a swimming instructor to younger students, Mr. Brunt teaches children the value of practice and perseverance. prgtoken Mr. Brunt has earned many Special Olympic medals, and has aspirations of being in the Catawba County Hall of Fame. Though I am not a voting member of the board, Mr. Brunt would have my vote. prgtoken Additionally, I was thrilled to learn that Mr. Brunt is a man of faith, who attends Corinth Reformed Church, and that his favorite song is ``Amazing Grace.'' prgtoken When I think of the amazing accomplishments Mr. Brunt has achieved, I cannot help but think, how sweet the sound. prgtoken I wholeheartedly congratulate Mr. Brunt on all of his many wins, and wish him continued success.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FALLEN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER CAPTAIN (CPT) LOWELL T. MILLER, II
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-9-7

today I rise in memory of Michigan Army National Guard soldier Captain (CPT) Lowell T. Miller, II who died while defending our great nation on August 31, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. CPT Miller and his military training team came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire in Iskandariyah, Iraq. They were conducting military operations with the Iraqi Army. CPT Miller was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, McComb, Mississippi. prgtoken According to the Associated Press, CPT Miller was a member of Calvary Christian Church in Flint, Michigan. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized at the age of eight. He was active in his church's youth group, youth choir, and the Bible Quiz Bowl. CPT Miller attended Carman-Ainsworth High School where he lettered in track. He also prgtoken held the school record in the 4X100 meter for six years. CPT Miller graduated from high school in 1988. In 1993, CPT Miller graduated from Virginia Military Institute where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant upon graduation and was transferred to the Michigan Army National Guard. In January 2005, CPT Miller volunteered with the 1-155th Infantry Regiment, McComb, Mississippi in order to deploy to Iraq. At the time of his deployment, CPT Miller was employed as an electrical engineer for Yazaki North America, Inc. prgtoken CPT Miller's father, Lowell Thomas, wrote about his son's death on a memorial website. ``It was a night mission that they said was too dangerous for American soldiers and they called on the group of Iraqi soldiers he had been training for six weeks,'' Mr Miller wrote. ``He didn't want them to go alone, so he went with them. He was a soldier's soldier. He always took care of his men and never gave a thought for his own safety.'' prgtoken CPT Miller was remembered by a fellow soldier on a memorial website. ``My brother in arms, you were more than just an officer, more than just a soldier, and more than just a leader,'' Specialist (SPC) Rickland L. Scholz, II wrote. ``You were a true friend. I will never forget the missions we had been on together nor the long conversations and sound advice that you have given me. You will never be forgotten and I will always remember the time in Egypt that we were able to have long discussions. Rest in peace now, my fallen brother.'' prgtoken During the funeral service, at the Swartz Funeral Home in Flint, Michigan, Eric Leszczynski, CPT Miller's supervisor at Yazaki North America, Inc said he was a man who knew how to get his coworkers motivated. ``If you gave him something to do, it would get done,'' Leszczynski said. prgtoken In September 2005, family and friends attended the burial service at the Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium Complex in Arlington, Virginia. During the service, an honor guard held an American flag over the urn contai
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT JOSEPH LEON GEORGE SHOULD BE HONORED FOR HEROISM AT PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, ON DECEMBER 7, 1941
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-9-7

last month I spoke here about an amazing story I was told when I had the opportunity to host several veterans who survived the sinking of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. They recalled to me the incredible story of a true American hero named Joe George, and I would like to briefly remind everyone of that story now. prgtoken On December 7, 1941, Joe was a 26-year-old boatswain's mate second class aboard the repair ship USS Vestal in Pearl Harbor, HI. That morning, the Vestal was moored alongside the USS Arizona. prgtoken At 7:48 a.m many sailors, including Joe, had just finished their breakfast when the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Pearl Harbor. prgtoken As we know, the Arizona suffered a direct hit by a Japanese bomb that detonated in the ship's powder magazine. The resulting explosion sank the ship and claimed the lives of 1,177 servicemen. prgtoken During this unimaginable chaos and carnage, Joe George displayed stunning composure and courage. Joe spotted six sailors trapped in the control tower of the sinking USS Arizona. These men were severely burned and were searching for a way to safety. prgtoken Those six wounded sailors were Seaman First Class Harold Kuhn, Seaman First Class Russell Lott, Gunner's Mate Third Class Earl Riner, Boatswain's Mate Second Class Alvin Dvork, Seaman First Class Donald Stratton, and Fire Controlman Third Class Lauren Bruner. prgtoken Upon seeing these men, Joe threw a heaving line between the Vestal and the Arizona to rescue the wounded soldiers from the sinking ship. Suspended 40 feet in the air, the six sailors climbed 70 feet hand- over-hand across the rope to safety on board the Vestal. These sailors did all this while enduring injuries so severe that two would succumb to their wounds in the weeks following the attack. As they struggled across the heavy line, Joe George remained close by, all the while encouraging the men to push on. prgtoken The four soldiers who survived their injuries each returned to serve with honor during World War II, and then went on to live long lives. Joe George's legacy of heroism will remain alive forever in the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the four sailors who survived that infamous day thanks to Joe George's incredible bravery and service. prgtoken Joe George was never awarded a medal for his role in the rescue of these six sailors, although his commanding officer commended his courageous actions. prgtoken When I met one of the Arizona survivors who was rescued by Joe, he told me: Joe George was never awarded anything for his bravery. He is no longer with us, but I believe in his memory he should be awarded the Navy Cross. prgtoken Lauren Bruner was another survivor Joe saved. He said to me: The six of us would not have survived except for his courage, in spite of being at high risk himself. He fully deserves high commendations for his actio
FINDING COMMON GROUND
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-9-7

before we adjourned for the recess, I came to this lectern to issue a call for comity, cooperation, and compromise. My message that day was simple: If we are serious about legislating--if we are truly committed to doing the work the American people sent us here to do--then we must look beyond the horizon of our differences and find common ground. prgtoken Since January, this Congress has been its own worst enemy. It has been mired in the muck of its own making, bogged down by partisan squabbles and gripped by gridlock--the likes of which I have never seen in all my years of public service. I wish I could say the situation across the country is better, but sadly it isn't. The polarization we see in the Senate is only indicative of the division we see all around the Nation. The events of August threw that division into sharp relief, but it also showed us our ability to heal--our remarkable capacity to lay aside superficial differences in moments of crisis to come together as one. prgtoken In Charlottesville and Houston, August brought us a tale of two cities--one that showed us at once both the weaknesses and strengths of our great country. prgtoken In Charlottesville, we saw the worst of America on full display. In the violence, vitriol, and vulgar racism of Nazi demonstrators, we stared evil in the face, and in the terrorist attack that ensued, we saw the ideology of hatred brought to its logical endpoint. None of us will soon forget this attack on innocent civilians. I am sure, in the stagnant human air of that hot summer's day, we caught a glimpse of the darkness buried deep in the soul of America. prgtoken Charlottesville was more than a tragic event. It was a gut-check moment for all Americans. It was a national low point that demanded all of us to take stock of where we are as a society and where our rhetoric is taking us. prgtoken The men who perpetrated this horrific act of violence--whether by their words or by their actions--represent the dregs of a dying culture, but if the violence in Charlottesville showed America at its worst, then the rescue and recovery efforts in hurricane-ravaged Houston showed our country at its best. prgtoken Just 2 weeks after the brutality in Charlottesville, our Nation again watched in horror as Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, unleashing a flood of biblical proportions. Relentless rainfall battered the coast for days, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and shattered life. prgtoken Harvey left behind unprecedented devastation, but it also gave us countless stories of hope and heroism. On national TV, we saw a weatherman rushing to the aid of a stranded driver, pulling the man to safety before the current could take him away. We saw everyday Texans wade in the neck-deep waters to form a human chain, saving the life of a stranger trapped in his car. We watched as three teenage boys navigated the streets of Houston in a fishing boat, driving fr
REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-9-7

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, the vote on the motion to invoke cloture occur at 1:45 p.m.; further, that the time until 1:45 p.m. be for debate only; finally, that if cloture is invoked, the McConnell amendment No. 809 be withdrawn and all postcloture time be expired and the Senate vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment with further amendment.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-7

I thank the gentlewoman for those comments. prgtoken My point is, though, that this actually takes $32 million and puts it like a laser on an area where we know that environmental damage is well documented and we have very effective public-private partnership techniques to address. prgtoken , such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee.