mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARD
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise to recognize the men and women of the Nebraska National Guard. Whether it is a natural disaster in Nebraska or elsewhere in the United States, or doing combat operations in the Middle East, the Nebraska National Guard is willing and ready to assist those in need and are poised to fight our Nation's wars. prgtoken The Army National Guard has approximately 3,500 soldiers stationed throughout Nebraska, and the Air National Guard has approximately 950 airmen. Joining us today in Washington are 60 of those soldiers and airmen. prgtoken The Nebraska National Guard is made up of selfless and courageous men and women who continue to make Nebraska and the Nation proud through their rescue and assist efforts and during times of crisis. prgtoken The Army National Guard has over 80 units throughout Nebraska. These guardsmen are also called citizen soldiers and they respond to national disasters in the State and around the Nation. prgtoken There are two Air National Guard units in Nebraska: the 155th Air Refueling Wing in Lincoln and the 170th Group located at Offutt Air Force Base. The 155th Wing is responsible for refueling aircraft worldwide, while the prgtoken 170th Group provides support to the 55th Wing by training airmen conducting worldwide missions for our Nation. prgtoken In addition, they have become a premier example of total force integration between the Active Duty Air Force and the Air National Guard. In my 30 years in the Air Force, this is the best Active Duty and National Guard relationship that I have seen. I think it is the best in the Nation. prgtoken Since September 11, the Nebraska National Guard has deployed over 10,000 soldiers and airmen. The guardsmen not only provide assistance to the United States, but throughout the world. There are dozens of Nebraska soldiers deployed to Guantanamo Bay supporting detainee operations. Next year, the Nebraska Air National Guard will deploy to key locations in the Pacific and Middle East. prgtoken Most recently, members of the Nebraska National Guard deployed to Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist with the hurricane relief efforts. prgtoken The Nebraska National Guard rescued 461 people and 22 pets, and they served 6,000 pounds of bottled water, 3,000 pounds of food, and 1,000 pounds of medical supplies to the people of Texas. prgtoken In response to Hurricane Irma, 102 Guard members were in Florida providing an aviation task force for support operations. Currently, there are 58 soldiers and airmen providing support to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These efforts range from rescuing people to cleaning up St. Croix's Ricardo Richards Elementary School. prgtoken The Nebraska National Guard's value to Nebraskans and Americans across the Nation cannot be understated. Our soldiers and airmen risk their lives to save our neighbors in need. prgtoken I thank the Nebraska National Guard for their service to the Nation and Nebraska. Al
Texas Church Mass Shooting (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-8

as the world now knows, there was a tragic shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX, last Sunday, which took the lives of 26 innocent people and injured 20 more. On Monday evening there was a prayer vigil for those victims. The community gathered to pray and to pay their respects to the deceased. prgtoken There are two people in particular who were in attendance, whom I want to highlight: Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff. I mentioned them yesterday, and perhaps you have seen them on the news, but I have been thinking a lot about them lately. In addition to the tragedy, this was really one of the things that gives you a little hope amidst the terrible circumstances. Stephen, of course, is the man who responded to the shooter's rampage by grabbing his rifle and running toward the First Baptist Church. Johnnie drove the truck that chased the gunman down at high speed. In typical Texas fashion, these two gentlemen don't consider themselves to be heroes, but I consider them to be heroes. They said that they were just doing what needed to be done. Johnnie said it was an ``act now, ask questions later'' kind of deal. prgtoken I think we in Washington should take more of our cues from people like Johnnie and Stephen. We should show courage, track down anything that is not right, and do our very best to fix it. In particular, Stephen Willeford--maybe you have to be a Texan or an Alaskan to really appreciate what he did. From what I have read, he was an NRA-certified shooting instructor. He apparently heard the shooting at the church, grabbed his gun and went there and, basically, ended up stopping the shooter from killing more people. prgtoken The shooter apparently had accumulated enough ammunition to do a lot more damage than he did, but, thanks to the intervention of this concerned citizen, this person who was willing to put himself in harm's way actually shot the shooter and discouraged him from doing more. But for his actions, a lot more people would have died on that terrible, terrible Sunday. prgtoken The police can't be everywhere all of the time. That is one reason why, in my State and around the country, we believe that citizens ought to be able to defend themselves under appropriate circumstances. prgtoken We now know that the gunman was court-martialed by the Air Force and convicted of serious domestic abuse. Under current Federal law, this should have prohibited him from ever purchasing a firearm. The fact that it didn't means that we need to figure out why Federal law wasn't followed and make darn sure that the relevant information is always uploaded into the background check databases. prgtoken There were multiple errors--human and systematic errors--that should have prevented this shooter from ever buying a firearm. He unlawfully purchased four firearms that he wasn't permitted to purchase. Federal background checks did not turn up his Air Force conviction for domestic violence, a fel
Recognizing the Nebraska National Guard (Executive Session)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise today to recognize the men and women of the Nebraska National Guard. For more than 150 years, the Nebraska National Guard has been protecting our State and keeping our Nation safe. prgtoken Established in 1854, the Guard predates the founding of the State of Nebraska by 12 years, and those who serve in its ranks today carry on a proud tradition. Whenever the Nation calls, Nebraska Guard men and women have been at the leading edge, responding in times of military need and national crisis. prgtoken When the shadow of fascism spread across Europe in World War II, Nebraska's 134th Infantry Regiment was there to bring the light of democracy back to the continent, liberating the French city of Saint-Lo from Nazi occupation. prgtoken When terrorists struck on September 11, the Nebraska National Guard was there to answer the call. In the time since, over 10,000 Nebraska Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed to fight the War on Terror and serve in defense of our Nation. This means that in the last 16 years, there have been only 3 days when every Nebraska soldier and airman was at home with their loved ones. Saying no is not part of the culture of the Nebraska National Guard. When the Nation calls, there is no hesitation. They go where the mission requires them to go. prgtoken At this very moment, we can find Nebraska soldiers and airmen deployed all across the globe, protecting our great Nation. Whether it is the dozens of National Guard men and women who are currently conducting detainee operations at Guantanamo Bay or those preparing to deploy next year to key positions in the Pacific and the Middle East, our Guard stands ready to answer the call. prgtoken The Guard is also playing an important role in working with our allies abroad. Since 1993, the Nebraska National Guard has been linked with the Czech Republic through the State Partnership Program. As Eastern Europe emerged from the heavy hand of communism, the Nebraska National Guard was there working side by side with their military to collaborate, share, and assist, forging a lasting bond that remains strong to this day. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that partnership, and we are all extremely proud of the work our Guard is doing to help bring our democracies together. prgtoken That spirit of service extends to their operations here in the homeland as well. When hurricanes so tragically struck our neighbors in Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, the Nebraska Guard was there to help. The numbers speak for themselves. In Texas, they rescued 461 people and delivered 142,000 pounds of cargo, 6,000 pounds of bottled water, and 1,000 pounds of medical supplies. During Hurricane Irma, 102 members participated in an aviation task force for support operations. Right now, 58 soldiers and airmen are providing assistance to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. prgtoken The scope of their response to these disasters is a testam
HYDROPOWER POLICY MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2017
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-11-8

. Mr. Chair, this legislation is not going to solve all of our problems for California's Central Valley, but it will help us with the challenges we are facing with relicensing. prgtoken We can do things better, we can do them more efficiently, and we can actually bring water delivery to the people who need it most. It starts with FERC relicensing and changing the process to a much more transparent and efficient process. This bill deserves a ``yes'' vote, which will help us through that process.
Veterans Day (Executive Session)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-11-8

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to speak today on the floor of the Senate after my esteemed colleague from the State of Georgia. My colleague is the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and I just want to express my appreciation for his commitment and his work on behalf of all of our great veterans. prgtoken Like him, I rise today to speak in tribute to our veterans and men and women in uniform and all that they do for us. prgtoken This weekend at events across the country, we will pay tribute to the fine men and women who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces. Every day--but especially on Veterans Day--we honor these soldiers who have left the comforts of home and family to defend our freedoms and fight for our way of life. prgtoken Our freedoms have been secured by the sweat and sacrifice of courageous men and women who, throughout our history, have bravely done what was needed to protect our great Nation. We also recognize that those who serve do not serve alone. We appreciate, too, the sacrifices of the families and the loved ones who have supported our veterans in their service. prgtoken This Veterans Day, we will honor military members from our ``greatest generation'' to those men and women fighting in the War on Terror today. These Americans understand best the words of President Ronald Reagan when he said: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. prgtoken These men and women who have fought for and protected our country have given so much, and we cannot do enough to thank them, whether they returned from Active military duty 7 days ago or seven decades ago. prgtoken Although we can never repay our debt of gratitude, one of the most tangible ways we recognize our veterans' service is by providing these men and women with quality healthcare and support services, including education and work opportunities. With that debt in mind, let me briefly outline some initiatives that we have been working on to provide for our veterans. Congress has passed significant veterans bills this year, including legislation that holds the VA accountable and ensures that VA employees are putting our veterans first and legislation that updates and modernizes the VA's benefit claims and appeals process, reducing wait times for our veterans. prgtoken Additionally, one of my top priorities is ensuring that our veterans have access to healthcare options closer to their homes and their families. prgtoken This includes improving veterans' access to services under the Veterans Choice Program and building on the success of the Veterans Care Coordination Initiative at the Fargo VA Medical Center in my home State. This effort has decreased the wait time for scheduling an appointment under Veterans Choice from 24 days a year ago to 5
WELCOMING PASTOR JEFF WILLIAMS
Paul D. Ryan (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-11-8

it is my absolute privilege and honor to welcome Pastor Jeff Williams, who just led us in the opening prayer. He is the head pastor at Faith Community Church in Janesville, Wisconsin. prgtoken Jeff is the son of a Swedish immigrant. Pastor Jeff began in the ministry at his home church in Rockford, Illinois, where he was born and raised. prgtoken In 1989, he and his wife, Brenda, moved about 30 minutes north up I- 90 to begin Faith Community Church in Janesville. ``We had nothing but a vision,'' he said. ``No people, no equipment, and no place to meet. Just a vision and the Lord. And that was enough.'' prgtoken Over the years, Pastor Jeff has turned that vision into a beautiful house of worship and fellowship at the heart of our community. I have been there many times. It is really an impressive place. prgtoken Pastor Jeff has been a very good friend to me and to our family for many years. I will note, however, that he is a Bears fan, and we can forgive him for that one. prgtoken But it is an absolute honor and privilege of mine to honor and to welcome Pastor Jeff here, and I want to thank him for offering today's prayer.
HONORING ROBERT L. SKEWES FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE NATION
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise today to honor Mr. Robert Skewes upon his retirement from 48\1/2\ years of honorable service to the United States Coast Guard, and this great nation. prgtoken Mr. Skewes has served as the Chief, Office of Work-Life, within the Coast Guard's Health, Safety, and Work-Life Directorate, under the direction of the Assistant Commandant of Human Resources. In this role he established work-life policy and interpreted program standards for Coast Guard-wide implementation of a myriad of individual and family support services. These services included health promotion, food services, employee assistance, critical incident stress management, transition relocation assistance, personal financial management, adoption reimbursement, child and elder care, special needs for family members, family advocacy, addiction and substance abuse prevention, and sexual assault prevention including response. prgtoken Mr. Skewes is a 1973 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. He began his Coast Guard career as an Engineering Officer and Damage Control Assistant aboard the USCG Cutter Hamilton in Boston, Massachusetts. Following a tour at the Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Research and Development, and postgraduate training at the University of Michigan, he was assigned to the Third Coast Guard District Merchant Marine Technical Branch at Governor's Island, New York, where he reviewed commercial vessel plans and specifications. In 1983, he was assigned to the Marine Inspection Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served as a Marine Inspector and Investigator, Administrative Officer, and Training Officer. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Skewes was an instructor and Assistant Chief, Marine Safety Schools, at the Reserve Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia, where he was instrumental in the development and review of all marine safety program resident training. He served as the Executive Officer of the Marine Safety Office in Providence, RI, from 1990 to 1993, and as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Safety Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1993 to 1995. From 1995 to 1999, as the Chief of the Office of Operating and Environmental Standards at Coast Guard Headquarters, Mr. Skewes was responsible for coordinating the development of international and domestic standards for personnel, vessels, facilities, hazardous materials, and environmental issues, and the activities of five industry Federal Advisory Committees. From 1999 to 2003, he served as the Chief, Office of Work-Life, the same position he currently holds. In July 2003, Mr. Skewes retired as a Captain following a 30-year career in the Coast Guard. From July 2003 to June 2007, he served as the Chief, Shore Safety Division within the Office of Safety and Environmental Health, at Coast Guard Headquarters, where he managed programs that focused on the safety concerns of personnel and their dependents that work and live at Coast Guard shore facilities as wel
Veterans Day (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-11-8

I appreciate the kind words of Senator Hoeven and his affinity toward veterans. I am here to talk about our veterans as well. prgtoken I come at it from three different perceptions. I chair the Military Personnel Subcommittee in the Senate Armed Services Committee. We are trying to work on things to make sure that when somebody goes out of Active Duty into veteran status, we make it as productive as it can be, making sure they enter back fully into the workforce, the education opportunities, and all the kinds of opportunities that are afforded them as a result of serving in our armed services. prgtoken I also want to take a minute to talk about the person who served but never wore a uniform, and that is the husband or the wife or the children whom, on this Veterans Day, we should also thank. prgtoken A lot of times, when I have an opportunity--I live in Charlotte, NC, where we have nearly 800,000 veterans. It is one of the largest populations of any one State--I make a point to get to the airport a little bit early so I can go up to the USO and just spend a moment meeting with people who are there transitioning from Active Duty and veterans to thank them for their service. Oftentimes, I will thank a man or woman, and they will say: I didn't serve; my husband or my wife did. I will say: By virtue of your being a military spouse, you served, as did your children. prgtoken On this Veterans Day, let's make sure we expand those thank-yous to include everybody who is affected when somebody is deployed in a dangerous place or even serving in peacetime. It is a great sacrifice, and it is one we should always show our gratitude for. prgtoken As I said, in North Carolina, we have about 800,000 veterans. We also have one of the highest military concentrations of any State. It is the home of the Global Response Force at Fort Bragg, with over 65,000 men and women serving and 38 generals. You go down closer to the coast and you get to Jacksonville, NC, where we have Camp Lejeune. There is a debate over the pronunciation so I will pronounce it both ways, but there we have nearly 45 percent of the Marine Corps. Many people don't realize that. Stationed out of North Carolina, we could go to Seymour Johnson, we could go to New River, or go to Cherry Point and see these men and women serving every day--and the ones who served before them who are now part of our veteran population. We should thank them all for their current service or their past service. prgtoken I say to the Presiding Officer, the Senator from Arkansas, I want to thank you for your service because you served bravely in combat positions before entering the Senate. That is another amazing thing about the veterans. They continue to serve. If you go to a coffee shop, you may see a huddle of veterans around somebody who is organizing the event. That is probably a veteran making sure veterans are speaking with each other and working through some of the
INTRODUCTION OF THE CURRENT EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION ACT
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-11-9

I rise today to introduce the Current Employee Representation Act with Congressman Bradley Byrne of Alabama and Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina. The Current Employee Representation Act would provide union members more representation as their views may differ from decisions made decades ago especially in the rapidly modernizing workforce of today. This legislation also gives union employees more power to be heard and hold the higher-up decision makers within unions more accountable to the rank and file. prgtoken The United States is seeing shifts every day towards a more modern workforce. Many current employees are locked into old and outdated union contracts, approved long before they were hired. All employees deserve a voice that is reflective of today's workplace. They should be given options and a voice in the structure of their workplace, and not be subject to the same union practices of the past. This legislation aims to allow new employees an option to elect new union representation. And if they deem the union unnecessary, it would give employees the right to decertify and represent themselves. Why should outdated union agreements set the rules for the 21st-century economy? prgtoken s who have already supported this legislation and look forward to working with them to see this and other modern workforce policies advance in this chamber.
HAPPY 242ND BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-11-9

tomorrow marks the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken In today's own unpredictable world, the Marines are as important and essential now as ever before. prgtoken I am proud to have a member of the Marine Corps serving in my Washington office as a legislative fellow. Paul Camacho achieved the rank of staff sergeant during his service from 2000 to 2008. He is a native of Philadelphia and served as a field artillery cannoneer. prgtoken At one point, Paul was the youngest marine in the entire Marine Corps, an achievement that is celebrated each year during cake-cutting ceremonies. prgtoken To Paul and all those who are part of ``The Few. The Proud. The Marines,'' I say happy birthday and thank you for your service. Thank you to all who have served in one of the most respected fighting forces in the world. prgtoken , it was President Ronald Reagan who said ``some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.'' prgtoken Happy birthday.