mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-9-14

I thank the leaders of the Armed Services Committee. I know the Presiding Officer serves on that committee so he is well aware of the extraordinary work and service done by Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed and our colleagues on the committee who have cooperated so collegially, in a bipartisan way, to produce a defense bill that supports our military men and women and their families and, more importantly, supports the United States of America in continuing to be the greatest and strongest power ever on the planet. prgtoken I want to talk about some of the specifics of that measure but first want to honor the 17 sailors who perished on the USS McCain and USS Fitzgerald. Two of them were sailors from Connecticut, and I want to pay tribute to ET2 Dustin Doyon of Suffield and ST2 Ngoc Truong Huynh of Watertown, CT. They were true patriots. Their families prgtoken should be proud of them. All of Connecticut celebrates their extraordinary service and sacrifice to our Nation, even as we are struck by the grief and share the sadness of their families as best we can. prgtoken I know we also feel we owe it to them, their families, and all families of the men and women in uniform to be safe. The investigation is proceeding into the circumstances surrounding the crash that caused their deaths. I will be interested, and I hope that investigation will be expedited. prgtoken The NDAA is a vital measure that preserves our national security in an uncertain era of unprecedented threats and delivers support necessary to sustain our servicemembers and our national defense. A number of the provisions I helped craft in this measure will improve opportunities for veterans, military sexual assault survivors, help with the Ukrainian soldiers, and extend the Afghan special immigrant visa program. Those measures, among others, I am proud to have participated in crafting and supporting. prgtoken This year's bill invests billions of dollars in submarines, helicopters, and the Joint Strike Fighter engine, all produced by Connecticut's highly skilled and dedicated workforce. prgtoken The bill includes over $8 billion for Virginia and Columbia class submarines, including over $1 billion above the President's request for Virginia funding and full funding for the Columbia class program following a successful amendment I led to secure our undersea superiority and grow Connecticut jobs. Nothing is more important to our national defense than our undersea superiority. The stealth, strength, and power of our submarine force is vital to our national security. prgtoken The measure also includes $25 million for undersea research and development partnerships which Electric Boat and the University of Connecticut are well poised to take part in. prgtoken This defense measure provides, as well, $10.6 billion for 94 Joint Strike Fighters across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, adding 24 above the budget request submitted by the Pre
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--Continued
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-9-14

I have filed Baldwin amendment No. 329. This deals with the subject matter of ``Buy American'' in the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken I have long been a strong supporter of our manufacturing sector, of our national security, and I believe this amendment strongly supports both. prgtoken All week we have been going back and forth about whether we are going to vote on amendments to this measure. The Senate is supposed to be an institution where we can debate and bring our ideas forward, represent our States, represent the hard workers of this Nation, and I reserve the right to object to this unanimous consent request because I am frustrated, on behalf of those I represent, that we are not going to see a vote on this ``Buy American'' amendment. prgtoken I would additionally note the unique status we have--actually, in this case, a Statement of Administration Policy indicating strong support for the amendment that I have filed. To me, the ultimate test will be what is in the final bill that is signed into law. I am going to continue to push on, but I am, again, disappointed that this Senate is not operating in a fashion where we can offer amendments, debate those amendments, and have votes on those amendments. prgtoken I wish to yield to both the chairman and ranking member, as we have had discussions on this subject matter during these negotiations.
CRIMINAL ALIEN GANG MEMBER REMOVAL ACT
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to H.R. 3697. Gang members and serious criminals should not be granted admission to the United States. That is not a controversial position. I think almost every Member of Congress, or , agrees with that. It is our highest priority to protect the safety of the American people. That is a duty I think we all take seriously, but this bill does something other than that. prgtoken The title of the bill is the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, and, as we have seen in the past, there are times when the name of a bill is not always reflected in the actual proposed language of the statute, and that is true in this case. prgtoken First, section 2(a) of the bill defines criminal gang as ``an ongoing group, club, organization, or association of five or more persons that has as one of its primary purposes the commission of one or more'' of a wide range of offenses. This may seem reasonable until you look at the offenses listed. prgtoken These offenses could sweep in many people that no reasonable person would think of as a gang member--for example, one of the offenses relates to the harboring of undocumented immigrants. This statute includes people who give shelter to, transport, or provide other kinds of aid to undocumented immigrants. That means that, prgtoken under this bill, a religious organization that aids undocumented immigrants could be a criminal gang. prgtoken This isn't just theoretical. During the 1980s, members of the faith community were repeatedly criminally prosecuted for providing transportation to undocumented immigrants. In one case, the FBI even infiltrated a Bible study group to learn about the group's plan to support undocumented immigrants. Under this bill, DHS would have expanded authority to go after all such groups as criminal gangs. In one fell swoop, it could turn nuns into gang members. prgtoken The bill also refers to felony drug offense, which would include the repeated possession of marijuana. In California, my State, along with several other States, voters decided to decriminalize marijuana--first, for medical uses, then later for broader uses. Under this bill, a group that regularly gets together to use marijuana that is legal under State law would still be committing a felony under Federal law and would be a criminal gang. That could include groups of people who are using marijuana for medicinal purposes to treat epilepsy or cancer who are taking marijuana consistent with State law. prgtoken Second, the bill authorizes DHS to deny admission or to deport any immigrant, including one who has no criminal history or gang affiliation whatsoever, so long as DHS merely believes the person is associated with such a group. prgtoken Sections 2(b) and 2(c) of the bill expressly authorize DHS officers and immigration judges to deport an immigrant on nothing more than a reason to believe that the indiv
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF FINNISH INDEPENDENCE
Richard M. Nolan (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today as Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Finland Caucus to extend a warm welcome to Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, who is visiting Minnesota to celebrate Finland's upcoming 100th Independence Day, and attending FinnFest, an annual festival celebrating Finnish heritage and culture. FinnFest is held in cities across the U.S. and Canada, and this year Minnesota is especially honored to welcome the Finnish delegation in preparation for the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence later this year. prgtoken Minnesota is home to more than 60,000 Finnish-Americans, and our state's culture is enriched with many proud Finnish traditions and customs. Finnish Americans have established many Minnesota cities including Hibbing, Mountain Iron, Tower, Eveleth, and Virginia. Today, Finnish Americans continue to contribute to our state as leaders of industry, education, and local government. prgtoken It is truly an honor to represent so many proud Finnish-Americans in Congress, and to support our Nation's warm diplomatic relationship with Finland. Trade and tourism between our Nations continues to be mutually beneficial, with thousands of American's visiting Finland every year to experience Finnish culture firsthand, and explore Finland's many historic and beautiful sights. prgtoken Thank you President Niinisto for visiting our state and helping us celebrate Finnish heritage and culture during this very special year for your great Nation.
HONORING MS. BOBBE NORRISE
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to honor the vibrant life of Bobbe Norrise, the first African-American yoga instructor in the San Francisco Bay Area, who shared her passion with our community for over four decades and passed away on May 24, 2017. prgtoken Ms. Norrise was born in Berkeley, California, and graduated from Berkeley High School before she received her Bachelor and Master's Degrees from San Francisco State University. prgtoken In 1970, while challenged by the hardships of being a new mother going through a divorce, Ms. Norrise took her first yoga class at Oakland's Studio One which she credited with easing her stress and changing her life. Six years later, Ms. Norrise earned certification from America Yoga College to be an Iyengar Yoga Instructor, thus becoming the first African-American yoga teacher in the Bay Area. prgtoken Initially, Ms. Norrise taught her classes in a church on Oakland, California's Webster Street, pioneering a welcoming space for African- Americans in the yoga community. She later became a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at San Francisco State University and dedicated over 20 years to teaching Hatha Yoga in the Bay Area. prgtoken In the mid-1970s, Ms. Norrise and her husband began hosting retreats to assist others on their spiritual journeys. In the 1990s, Ms. Norrise began hosting retreats for women with her daughter, Stacey Harmon. prgtoken In 1990, Ms. Norrise published ``Easy Yoga for Busy People'', thus becoming the first African-American yoga instructor to write and publish a book about yoga. prgtoken Many Bay Area media outlets have featured Ms. Norrise. Stories about her influence in the Bay Area have been documented by KRON-Channel 4, KQED radio and television, Mercury News, and the Oakland Tribune and features about her impact on the yoga community have been published in the Yoga Journal and Heart & Soul Magazine. prgtoken In 2011, then-mayor of Oakland, Jean Quan, declared May 15th to be ``Bobbe Norrise Day'' to acknowledge Ms. Norrise for all of her accomplishments in the field of Yoga instruction and advocacy. prgtoken Today, on behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, it is my honor to commend the life and achievements of Ms. Bobbe Norrise. I offer my sincere gratitude to Ms. Norrise for her dedication to spreading self-discovery and tranquility throughout the Bay Area and yoga communities. I also offer my condolences to Ms. Norrise's family and friends as they cope with this immeasurable loss and join together to celebrate her life.
CONTINUE FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Niki Tsongas (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-9-14

for more than 50 years, community health centers across the United States have delivered affordable, accessible, and quality primary healthcare to patients regardless of their ability to pay. They care for the whole person, bringing together medical and behavioral health with pharmacy services. prgtoken In my district, I have seen the important work that goes on at community health centers in Massachusetts, in Lowell, Lawrence, Gardner, and Fitchburg. In 2016, these facilities and their staff cared for more than 100,000 people. prgtoken Unfortunately, community health centers are facing a funding cliff if the Community Health Center program is not reauthorized by the end of this year. A lack of funding means too many of my constituents would immediately lose access to care, putting the health of our communities at risk. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together and make sure this vital program is funded.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bipartisan amendment with Senator Lee calling for a ``think first'' assessment of recent Russian violations of the Intermediate- Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the response of the United States. prgtoken The INF Treaty has been the bedrock of European security for nearly three decades, and Congress must ask a few reasonable questions before we fund a missile research and development program that our military leaders have not asked for, that our allies do not want, that would undermine the spirit and intent of our longstanding treaty commitment, and that would make the world a more dangerous place. prgtoken No one is more concerned about Russia's recent aggression than I am. From their annexation of Crimea to their meddling in our election and the elections of our allies, Russia's behavior must be met with a firm and unequivocal response. prgtoken Last month, I traveled to the Baltics to see firsthand the threat Russia poses to NATO allies and to meet with senior U.S. Army officials and local political leaders. On that trip, one thing was abundantly clear: We need to be tough in the face of Russian provocation, but we also need to be smart. That is what our amendment is about today. It isn't about playing politics; it is about smart, strategic, informed toughness that advances the interests of the United States of America. prgtoken The INF treaty, negotiated and signed by President Reagan nearly 30 years ago, erased an entire class of nuclear weapons from the European continent. It eliminated ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers--roughly up to twice the distance between Moscow and Paris. This is also the same class of missile that Russia deployed earlier this year, in violation of the treaty. prgtoken Russia's treaty violations have been widely reported. There is no question that bringing Russia back into compliance with the treaty must be a top priority. Russian compliance is in the best interest of the United States, it is in the best interest of our European and Asia Pacific allies, and it is ultimately in the best interest of the Russian Federation. But this is a tough job. Our military leaders have told us they see no indication that Russia plans to resume honoring its treaty obligations anytime soon. prgtoken In the short term, we must ensure that Russia does not gain a military advantage from its violation and that Russia--Russia--takes the blame on the world stage for breaking this treaty. We cannot accomplish these goals by signaling to the world that we have lost faith in the very treaty we seek to preserve. But that is exactly what section 1635 of the NDAA would do. This section calls for the ``establishment of a research and development program for a dual- capable, road-mobile, ground-launched missile system with a maximum range of 5,500 kilometers''--or, in plain language, the development of a new nuclear m
HEALTHCARE (Executive Session)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-9-14

the most important words in our Constitution are the first three words: ``We the People.'' That is the mission statement for the United States of America. It is written in big, bold, beautiful letters so that even from across the room, if you can't read the details, you know what our Nation is all about. As President Lincoln summarized, a Nation ``of the people, by the people, for the people.'' prgtoken What we have seen this year is quite an assault on this vision of government of, by, and for the people. It came in the form of President 's plan to rip healthcare from millions of Americans in order to deliver billions of dollars to the very richest among us--plan after plan, version after version, wiping out healthcare for 24 million, wiping out healthcare for 23 million, wiping out healthcare for 32 million, and so on and so forth, always over 20 million, and always delivering this enormous gift of hundreds of billions of dollars to the richest Americans. prgtoken You look at this from a little bit of distance, and it is just incredible to imagine that this could have occurred--that any member, a single member of our Nation would possibly prgtoken have supported such an outrageous, diabolical, dangerous, damaging plan to the quality of life for so many people across our Nation. prgtoken It wasn't just that it ripped healthcare from more than 20 million people. It wasn't just that it delivered billions of dollars to the wealthiest among us. It also ensured that those with preexisting conditions wouldn't be able to get care. It was also that it would have raised our premiums an estimated 20 percent for those who were able to secure insurance. prgtoken If one set out to design the worst possible healthcare plan you could ever imagine, you probably couldn't come up with one as bad as President and the team came up with. It seems incredible that we are still debating the basic premise of whether healthcare should be part of a standard foundation for families to thrive here in this century. Every other developed nation understands that healthcare is so essential to quality of life, so essential for our children to thrive, so essential for our families to succeed that they make sure that, just by virtue of living in a country, you have that healthcare. prgtoken Well, I have to salute the millions of Americans who weighed in to say that this diabolical plan needed to be dumped. They filled our streets and overflowed our inboxes and flooded our phones. They made it perfectly clear that healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege reserved for the healthy and the wealthy. I certainly agree with them. We decided collectively that we were not going to allow this diabolical plan to undo the progress we made. We made significant progress with Care. After decades of being essentially unable to change the uninsured rate, we made significant progress. There we are with a big
HONORING CORPORAL FRANK LOUIS GARGUIOLO
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-14

with POW/MIA Recognition Day on September 15, I rise to honor Corporal Frank Louis Garguiolo, a veteran of, and prisoner of war during, the Second World War. He embodies the best of the Greatest Generation. prgtoken The son of immigrants, Frank was born in 1923, the youngest of seven siblings. He grew up in Cheektowaga and attended Buffalo schools. Tragedy struck young, and Frank's father passed away when he was just 12. Frank then went to work to support his mother and family. prgtoken At 19, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 3rd Infantry Division. His tour saw him through many major battles in North Africa and Europe. Corporal Garguiolo was captured by Axis forces and subjected to brutal forced labor for over half a year. Eventually, he was rescued by his brothers in arms from the 3rd Infantry Division. prgtoken Today, at age 94, Frank is a fixture in his community and happily lives in the same house his father built. prgtoken , we must do everything we can to bring our heroes home so they can live out their lives like Corporal Garguiolo has.
HONORING FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM C. RYAN, JR.
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to honor an American hero from New Jersey's Fifth District, First Lieutenant William C. Ryan, Jr. Lieutenant Ryan served our country as an aviator in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. For his heroism in combat, Lieutenant Ryan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. Lieutenant Ryan grew up in Bogota, New Jersey, and was an athlete and community leader at St. Cecilia's High School. Nicknamed ``Rhino'' for his toughness and composure, Lieutenant Ryan was a stern fighter and devoted family man. ``Billy,'' as he was known to his friends, attended St. Francis College, where he met Judy, who would become his wife. Upon graduation, Billy answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps. His outstanding character, determination, and willingness to serve his country, made him a natural fit for flight school where he trained to become a Marine Aviator. While deployed in Vietnam, Lieutenant Ryan took on enemy fire and was once rescued in the South China Sea. On May 11, 1969, Lieutenant Ryan faced heavy enemy fire and was shot down again. He was pronounced dead on May 13, 1969. On the same day that her husband was downed by heavy fire, Judy packed her bags eagerly awaiting a planned vacation with her husband. Their son Michael was just a few hours shy of his first birthday. For forty-seven years, Lieutenant Ryan, who is a hero, never received the proper burial he deserved. In 1990, investigators recovered Lieutenant Ryan's aircraft seat from the crash landing, and decades later, investigators recovered his remains in January 2016, bringing much- needed peace to his family. With the hero's welcoming that the Ryan family deserved, Billy was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, on May 10, 2017. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the heroism of First Lieutenant William C. Ryan, Jr. and the Ryan family. His sacrifice, patriotism, and valor represent the best of New Jersey and our country.