mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FIXING OUR BROKEN NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-5

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my good friend and chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment's legislation, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017. prgtoken This legislation is important, not only because of what it means for the future of clean energy opportunities for this country, but also what this means for the safety of our communities. Nuclear energy has become a safe and effective way to generate large amounts of energy capability, while maintaining a source that doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions. prgtoken We have come a long ways from Three Mile Island and the safety standards in place to ensure our communities and our grid aren't negatively impacted by nuclear energy. The Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act would finally put in place a permanent repository for the waste generated by energy production that powers millions of homes and businesses across the United States. prgtoken As of December, there were 61 nuclear power plants in the United States with 99 operating nuclear reactors. Those nuclear plants provide nearly 20 percent of the country's energy production capability. This is significant because these plants have continued to provide reliable flows of energy for decades, giving Americans a carbon-free source of energy to fuel their consumption. prgtoken But one thing hasn't been addressed: what to do with that spent fuel. We began a process in the 1980s to seek and construct a permanent repository for the Nation's spent fuel, eventually coming to Yucca Mountain in Nevada. This site was decided upon, due to its geological features, and extensively studied to ensure it could be done in a safe and effective manner. prgtoken Millions of dollars were spent studying and doing initial project development of the site, but it was eventually halted, and that progress was stalled. While this was going on, ratepayers in 39 States continued to pay towards the cleanup fund for a total of nearly $40 billion. However, that money hasn't been able to be put towards a permanent repository due to resistance. prgtoken In Georgia, at Plant Vogtle, we are currently undergoing the only nuclear energy construction project in the country, in large part because of issues that have deterred companies from wanting to expand. That means that people are losing out on energy production, and it actually creates clean energy. prgtoken My good friend's legislation authorizes the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste to find a safe, permanent place in contrast to the temporary locations at each nuclear plant. It also authorizes a consolidated interim storage site to ensure there is an option available for the eventual transition. prgtoken This is something that needs to get done, and soon. Right now, spent fuel is sitting on site in either dry casks or spent fuel pools without an alternative. Now is the time for us to pass this bipartisan
TARIFFS
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-5

16 years ago President announced that tariffs would be imposed on steel imports from several countries. The goal was to help protect the domestic steel industry. It was a good goal by a well-intentioned President whom I supported, but it backfired. prgtoken Last week President announced that he intends to impose new tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum for the same reasons. It is a good goal by a well-intentioned President, but I am afraid it will backfire, just as it did for President 16 years ago. prgtoken Here is the problem: Tariffs are big taxes, and they are big taxes that raise consumer prices. These new tariffs may temporarily save a few jobs in plants that produce steel and aluminum, but they will destroy many more jobs in auto plants that use steel and aluminum. prgtoken This is especially bad news for Tennesseans because one-third of our State's manufacturing jobs are auto jobs, with more than 900 plants in 87 of our 95 counties. Anything that threatens to destroy or damage auto jobs is of grave concern to Tennesseans. It will now be cheaper for some Tennessee auto parts suppliers to move outside the United States, buy steel and aluminum there, and then ship finished parts back to this country. prgtoken These new tariffs will hurt more than U.S. auto manufacturers. The President indicated this morning that a final decision hasn't been made. I hope that before he makes a final decision, he will take into consideration the choices that companies such as Electrolux are making, which demonstrate that broad tariffs are bad for American workers and will cost Americans jobs, not just auto jobs. prgtoken Here is one example of the damage the proposed steel tariff would do in Tennessee to a home appliance manufacturer that uses 100 percent American steel. Immediately after the tariff was announced last week, Electrolux--Europe's largest home appliance manufacturer--announced that it was putting on hold a $250 million expansion in Springfield, TN, just outside of Nashville. Electrolux has made multiple investments in Tennessee, with plants in Memphis, as well as Springfield. Electrolux employs more than 1,000 Tennesseans. prgtoken The company said: ``Unfortunately, this decision gives foreign appliance manufacturers a cost advantage that is prgtoken hard to compete against.'' Note that Electrolux says that it gives foreign manufacturers an advantage. Electrolux buys all of the carbon steel it uses in its Tennessee plants from American steel mills. Let me say that again. Electrolux, which employees 1,000 people in Tennessee making home appliances, buys all of the carbon steel it uses in Tennessee plants from American steel mills. Yet it has put its expansion on hold because it believes the tariff will make it difficult for Tennessee plants to compete with plants overseas. Why? Because the new tariff is expected to cause American steel mills to raise their prices to m
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-5

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
Nomination of Tilman Self (Executive Session)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-5

I rise out of a great sense of pride to exercise one of my responsibilities in the U.S. Senate to speak on behalf of Tripp Self, a judge from the Georgia courts, who has been nominated to become a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. The vote will take place not too long from now, and I encourage every Senator to cast his vote for Judge Self. He is the whole package. prgtoken He has a wonderful wife and family and four great children. He worked in the private sector for years and accomplished many things in the private sector. He went to the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated cum laude and summa cum laude from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and went on to have a distinguished private career. He then served as a superior court judge on the Macon Judicial Circuit for the State of Georgia. In that job with the superior court, he did something that I am very close to. He is an entrepreneur because he started the Veterans Treatment Court for the Middle District of Georgia and for that judicial circuit. prgtoken The Veterans Treatment Court, as all of you know, is a court that is formed to help veterans who stray from the law or who have difficulties when they come home either because of PTSD or TBI. It helps them with the struggles of battle that they have had and with whatever problems they may have had from representing us on the battlefield. They trip and they fall, and they need somebody to help get them up. We want to make them do the right thing but also help them get themselves brushed off, look forward to careers, and help them get that step forward. We do that with teenagers with what are called CASAs, Court Appointed Special Advocates. We turn people around who otherwise might go to jail--young kids. The Veterans Treatment Court takes those who have risked paying the ultimate sacrifice--that of their lives for you and for me and for everybody else--who might have fallen off just a little bit. When we get them back into the judicial system, we get them straightened out, and we move them forward so they have better lives and rewarding careers of their own--thanking them for all of the things they have done for us as veterans. prgtoken As the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate and as one who recognizes the value of the court system for all of the things it does to administer justice, I am particularly proud to have a judge who has used his entrepreneurial skills to deal with a problem our society has in the legal sense and in the court sense and to see to it that our veterans are getting the help they need and that our communities are getting the representation they need. prgtoken I am also a football fan. I know calling football games is tough, just as making judicial decisions is tough. Tripp Self officiates NCAA football in the Southern Conference. Two years ago, he was selected to do the 2
IN HONOR OF HOWARD AND JOAN KUNESH'S 71ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-3-5

I rise today to extend my congratulations to Howard and Joan Kunesh on the celebration of their 71st Wedding Anniversary. This significant benchmark is a symbol of their commitment to each other and to their family. I am happy to join their friends and family in extending my best to them on this special occasion. Again, , I would like to extend my congratulations to Howard and Joan on the celebration of their 71st Wedding Anniversary. I wish them the best today and for many more blessed years to come.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-3-5

today I wish to honor the Uni- Capitol Washington Internship Programme, UCWIP. Our Nation has benefited from the service of outstanding Australian college students who participate in internships throughout the U.S. Congress through this program. prgtoken The program provides students with the opportunity to obtain considerable experience through their congressional internships, while also making available other educational experiences throughout their time in the U.S. Uni-Capitol Washington Programme interns have helped me serve Idaho constituents, and I am grateful for their efforts and dedication. prgtoken Caitlin ``Katie'' Brand, a UCWIP participant, joined my staff as an intern this semester. Katie is studying a double bachelor of commerce, accounting, and law with a diploma of languages, Mandarin, at Monash University. Upon completion of her degree, Katie intends to pursue a career in either the international relations, finance, or banking fields. Katie has been a pleasure to have on my staff and quickly adapted to her role and responsibilities in the office. Her eager and intelligent demeanor have allowed Katie to put forth her best work in helping to advance crucial work for Idahoans. I commend the level of professionalism Katie exhibits in every office interaction. She has shared with us some of the political and cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia, and it has been a great learning experience for both Katie and the staff. ``Being part of the UCWIP program and working in Senator Mike Crapo's office was an invaluable experience,'' Katie has said about her experiences in Washington. ``The opportunity has afforded me unparalleled insight into the world's foremost legislative body and enriched my professional development, including opportunities beyond what I imagined, such as attending the State of the Union as the Senator's guest. I want to wholeheartedly thank Senator Crapo and the staff in Senator Crapo's office who have made my internship so enjoyable and educational.'' prgtoken Eric Federing, UCWIP's director and founder, has successfully focused his Capitol Hill and Australia experiences to provide this valuable educational exchange opportunity that benefits Australian students and congressional offices. His dedication to advancing this learning experience is remarkable. prgtoken I have been honored to have worked with the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme for several years. The program is shaping young leaders who are helping to deepen understanding between our two nations while providing outstanding constituent support. I commend Katie Brand, Eric Federing, and the other Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme participants and interns for their achievements and wish them continued success.
IN RECOGNITION OF RODNEY T. MITCHELL
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-5

I rise today to pay tribute to Rodney Mitchell, associate dean of students at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. He tragically passed away February 26, following almost 30 years of affiliation to UNT first as a student and then as a cherished staff member. Rodney was a UNT alumnus who earned his BA in Applied Arts and Sciences in 1996 and his MPA in 1999. A proud member of the Mean Green family, he was a life member of the UNT Alumni Association, a Mean Green football season ticket holder, and supporter of various student programs with his gifts to the university. The Residence Hall Association created the ``Rodney T. Mitchell Advocate of the Year'' award in honor of his service and leadership as the College Inn Hall Director and Residence Hall Association President. After working for the City of Denton as the Assistant to the City Manager, he returned to UNT as a member of staff in 2001. He served as assistant director for academic development--Upward Bound program and as director of TRIO Upward Bound and student support services before becoming associate dean of students in 2013. Throughout his time at UNT, it was clear that Rodney had an enormous heart for students. He assisted students through the SOS (Seeking Options and Solutions) Program, opened and grew the UNT Food Pantry, and oversaw various intervention programs to support student success. He made a significant impact as a part of the University and community he loved, touching thousands of lives as a generous, caring servant. It was at UNT that Rodney met his wife Melanie. Together they served for many years at the Denton Church of Christ at Welch Street on the UNT campus and at the Singing Oaks Church of Christ. Rodney was a kind and generous man, and the world is a lesser place with his departure. His servant heart is a shining example as we seek to treat others as we want to be treated. He is survived by Melanie, a current UNT employee, and his 13-year-old son, Hayden. On behalf of the 26th Congressional District, I wish to extend condolences to Melanie, Hayden, Rodney's mother Joyce Mitchell, his father Marvel Mitchell, his brother Zachary Mackey and many other family members, as well as the entire UNT and Denton communities. Rodney will be remembered and loved forever by his family and a multitude of friends. I am grateful for the legacy he has left for the UNT and our North Texas community.
REMEMBERING OFFICER JUSTIN BILLA
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-3-5

I rise today to remember the life of Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa. Officer Billa was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty on February 20. prgtoken I am not sure my path ever crossed with Officer Billa, but it may have. We take for granted the work our police officers do on a daily basis. prgtoken Police officers hug their families good-bye and leave their home each day or night not knowing whether they will come home safe. prgtoken Each and every day, our law enforcement and first responders work to keep us safe and support our communities, but we far too often take their service for granted. prgtoken I can think of no better way to honor the life of Officer Billa than to encourage every American to take time to say ``thank you'' to your local police officers. prgtoken , I hope Officer Billa's wife, Erin, and their young son, Taylor, take comfort in knowing that they are loved. Justin's service and sacrifice to Mobile, Alabama, and to the United States will never be forgotten.
USS ``CARL VINSON'' MAKES A PORT CALL IN VIETNAM
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-3-5

this week, the USS Carl Vinson arrives in Da Nang, Vietnam. This is the first visit of a U.S. aircraft carrier to Vietnam in four decades, and obviously for a very different purpose. Together, Vietnam and America are demonstrating the importance of open sea lanes for commerce, security, and regional development. prgtoken Arriving aboard the USS Carl Vinson is a young officer named Tower Cook. Tower is from Dallas, Texas, and the grandson of former U.S. Senator John G. Tower of Texas. Senator Tower was elected to the Senate in a 1961 special election and served the people of Texas for 24 years. He led the implementation of President Reagan's strategy of a larger, competitive, modern Navy, and it was an honor for me to work for him the final 2 years of his term in office. prgtoken President Reagan and Senator Tower's vision of the importance of the Navy is illustrated by this week's visit of the Carl Vinson to Vietnam. Senator Tower, also a master chief petty officer, is looking down from his heavenly perch with great pride in seeing his grandson, Tower Cook, and the success of the United States Navy.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY'S FOUNDERS DAY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-3-5

it is my privilege to highlight the 50th anniversary of the founding of Northern Kentucky University, NKU. I am proud to join with NKU's more than 14,000 students, its faculty and staff, and its supporters in marking the history of the institution. prgtoken As northern Kentucky was previously the only region in the State without a traditional public university, many students lacked the opportunity to attend a local 4-year institution of higher education that students in other regions of Kentucky enjoyed. In response, a bipartisan group of State legislators from the region worked with Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn to establish a new school in 1968. Originally named Northern Kentucky State College, the school proved to be an attractive option for local students from the region. Less than a decade later, as the campus continued to expand its programs and services to accommodate a growing student population, the school became a university, changing its name to Northern Kentucky University, NKU. Since that time, NKU has continued to thrive, adding more undergraduate, graduate, and even doctoral programs, which have attracted a broader base of students to the university. These advancements, coupled with the region's population growth and economic development, have been an immense benefit to Northern Kentucky. prgtoken NKU has also expanded athletic opportunities for its students and has built a number of strong teams. Having dominated NCAA Division II play with two women's basketball national championships and one men's soccer national championship, the Norse recently transitioned into NCAA Division I. With this new reclassification, the Norse teams have continued to excel. Winning the Horizon League tournament last year, the men's basketball team earned their first trip to the NCAA Division I tournament. This year, the team's hard work earned their title as the Horizon League's regular season champions. In addition, the Norse have many other impressive teams and dedicated fans. prgtoken On its golden anniversary, NKU has so much to be proud of. Under the leadership of Interim President Gerard St. Amand, the school continues to grow in both size and prominence. It has matured into a comprehensive university that delivers innovative, student-centered education and engages in impactful scholarly and creative endeavors, all of which empower its graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. prgtoken With successful alumni who have entered a wide range of careers, from government leaders to entrepreneurs, to artists, and to coaches, NKU has helped more than 60,000 students achieve their dreams. For a half century, NKU has had a tremendous impact on the economic, civic, and social vitality of the region, and all Kentuckians are benefiting from having such an outstanding higher education institution in our Commonwealth. I would like to congratulate the entire Northern Kentucky University
Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Bill (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-5

this week, we will be voting on an important piece of bipartisan legislation that recently passed out of the Senate Banking Committee, led by our colleague, Chairman Mike Crapo. prgtoken The bill is called the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. The purpose of the bill is to rightsize the onerous regulations that are currently imposed on community and independent banks and that stifle their ability to loan money to people who need access to credit in order to start a business or to grow a small business. prgtoken Under the current law famously known as Dodd-Frank, these smaller banks are often treated just like the largest banks and financial institutions in our economy. That doesn't make any sense at all. Main Street, we need to remind some of our colleagues, is not Wall Street. prgtoken The bill would make changes to reflect that important distinction. I can't tell you how many of my small bankers in Texas have told me they had to hire additional personnel, not to make more loans, just to comply with the onerous overregulation coming out of Washington, DC. prgtoken Unfortunately, we lost over 2,000 banks nationwide since the end of 2010. Two thousand banks have gone out of business, either as a result of a merger with a larger bank that could sustain the additional cost of complying with these regulations or those that have just given up and said: We can't cut it because of the costs, and we are hanging up our spurs. In Texas, 165 bank charters have vanished during that same timeframe--a 26-percent reduction. Like I said, some of the decline is due to mergers with larger banks, but there have also been a number of bank failures. prgtoken We all heard about too big to fail, but some institutions were deemed essentially too small to save. They were the ones left behind and forgotten under Dodd-Frank. Because of the regulatory burdens, some small banks said enough is enough and opted to get out of the lending business altogether. You know who ends up paying the price and who ends up getting hurt? It is the married couple who wants to borrow money to buy their first home or, as I said earlier, a business that wants to expand and hire more people. Those are the people who ultimately get hurt. prgtoken In this bill we are considering this week, we are trying to change that situation. No less than former Congressman Barney Frank--the ic author of the original law--has emphasized the point that we need now to remember: The bill we are voting on keeps in place rules and regulations that were imposed on large Wall Street banks after the financial crisis. In other words, the big banks on Wall Street were the ones that helped contribute to the financial crisis, and they are the ones that will continue to be regulated under Dodd-Frank, but the community and regional banks that were, in essence, the collateral damage to the great recession of 2008, following the big fin