mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise today to offer an amendment that will direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the diversity of the cybersecurity workforce of the FAA in order to develop recommendations to increase the size, quality, and diversity of such workforce. prgtoken Every day, Federal departments and agencies across our Nation face a barrage of cybersecurity attacks that threaten our national and economic security. An attack in 2006 forced the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to shut down one of its air traffic control systems in Alaska. Another attack that possibly involved malicious hacking and phishing targeted 75 airports in the United States in 2013. prgtoken Now, in recent years, the FAA has taken concrete steps to improve cybersecurity protection mechanisms; however, Congress needs to ensure that the FAA has the ability and resources to implement cybersecurity protocols across all segments of the National Airspace System. prgtoken The mission of the FAA is ``to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world,'' and one of the five values of the agency to execute on that mission includes, in their vision statement: ``People are our strength. Our success depends on the respect, diversity, collaboration, and commitment of our workforce.'' prgtoken According to CyberSeek, a national program of National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Department of Commerce, in 2017, the U.S. employed nearly 800,000 people in cybersecurity positions. However, that same report goes on to add that approximately 350,000 jobs remain open in the cybersecurity space. prgtoken To ensure that FAA continues to safeguard the world's safest and most productive aviation sector, Congress needs to ensure that the FAA has all of the tools necessary to ready its workforce. prgtoken According to the FAA 2015 Performance and Accountability Report, the agency has over 45,000 employees who have diverse educational and career backgrounds. So when we look at our air traffic controllers, researchers, maintenance specialists, safety inspectors, and mechanical and electrical software engineers, innovative solutions to national cybersecurity challenges will come from a diversity of perspectives. prgtoken That is why my amendment will study the needs of the existing cybersecurity workforce of the FAA, and help identify and address any gaps that exist, and ensure that the size, quality, and diversity of such workforce at the FAA keep pace with the rapid technological advancements in the aviation sector. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio for their strength and their leadership. And I want to thank Chairman Shuster for his leadership and emphasis on skills development and training. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the ba
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-4-26

. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio, as well as Chairman LoBiondo, for their work on this bill. prgtoken I know Mr. LoBiondo is leaving Congress this year, and we may get a better or a better in that seat, but we will not get a better Representative for this Congress in that seat than Frank LoBiondo. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).
HONORING THE LIFE OF RACHAEL PARKER
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-4-27

today I rise to remember the life of Rachael Parker. Rachael attended the Route 51 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. prgtoken Rachael worked as a record technician at the Manhattan Beach Police Department for 10 years. She was known as the ``matron'' of the police department's front desk. prgtoken Rachael always treated people the same, no matter their circumstances. She loved her family, and had a passion for animals. She rescued two dogs, that she loved more than anything else. prgtoken Rachael always went out of her way to help those in need. Everyone knew her and remembers her as being a gifted, kindhearted, and caring woman. prgtoken I would like to extend my condolences to Rachael Parker's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.
HONORING THE LIFE OF VEL PHILLIPS
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to commemorate the life of a phenomenal woman, Vel Phillips, who hails from my hometown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. prgtoken Vel Phillips passed away this month at the age of 95, but not before she led a phenomenal life. She was the first of so many things: the first African American and the first woman to become an alderman in the city of Milwaukee; the first African American to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; the first African-American judge in Milwaukee County; the first and only African American to win election statewide. prgtoken Members may have heard of Father James Groppi, who led 200 days of marches for open housing. That was in support of Vel Phillips' open housing ordinance in the city of Milwaukee on the Common Council, where it was defeated, repeatedly, 18-1. That led to the signature of open housing legislation nationwide. prgtoken She was the first Black person to serve on either the DNC or RNC. prgtoken I hope the House will join me in honoring the great life of Vel Phillips
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-4-27

during the week of Monday, April 23, 2018, I missed rollcall votes 148-166. Had I been present for these recorded votes, I would have voted as listed below: Rollcall Vote 148: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 149: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 150: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 151: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 152: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 153: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 154: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 155: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 156: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 157: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 158: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 159: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 160: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 161: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 162: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 163: ``nay,'' rollcall Vote 164: ``aye,'' rollcall Vote 165: ``aye,'' and rollcall Vote 166: ``nay.''
CHRIS JORDAN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to recognize and applaud Chris Jordan for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Chris Jordan is a student at Arvada West High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Chris Jordan is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Chris Jordan for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-4-27

on Friday, April 27, 2018, I missed rollcall vote 166, a Motion to Table H. Res. 856, a Privileged Resolution offered by Mr. Crowley of New York to create Select Committee to investigate the motivations and reasoning behind the forced resignation of the House Chaplain. I stand in full support of the Crowley resolution regarding the 's decision to prgtoken forcibly push the House Chaplain Father Conroy to resign. prgtoken If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted: ``nay'' on rollcall vote 166.
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Joseph Crowley (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-4-27

pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I rise to give notice of my intent to raise a question of the privileges of the House. prgtoken The form of the resolution is as follows: prgtoken Whereas, Father Patrick Conroy has served honorably as House Chaplain since May 25 of 2011 when he was then appointed by John Boehner in consultation with ic Leader Nancy Pelosi; prgtoken Whereas, Father Conroy had been re-appointed and approved by the House of Representatives on three separate occasions, most recently January 3 of 2017; prgtoken Whereas, on April 16, 2018, the Nation's first Jesuit, and only the second Catholic, Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives submitted his resignation before the full House; prgtoken Whereas, this resignation was forced by Paul D. Ryan, of the House of Representatives and Members of the House Conference; prgtoken Whereas, the 's team said ``. . . the decision to remove the Chaplain was his, Ryan's;'' prgtoken Whereas, the lack of notification of his forced resignation or adequate explanation provided by Paul D. Ryan is not reflective of the integrity of the House of Representatives; prgtoken Whereas, on November 6, 2017, during debate on the GOP tax scam, the Chaplain led an opening prayer asking God to bless Congress and for Congress to guarantee that there are not winners and losers under the new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans; prgtoken Whereas, this prayer reflects the core values of many Americans, in particular people of the Catholic faith, including care and concern for the poor and the marginalized; prgtoken Whereas, on April 9, 2018, Pope Francis published his third apostolic exhortation entitled ``Gaudete et Exsultate'' or rejoice and be heard which states that Christians must care for the poor, the sick, and the immigrant; prgtoken Whereas, under the GOP tax bill, more than 80 percent of its benefits flow to the richest 1 percent and the corporate special interests, ignoring the needs for struggling men and women and children; prgtoken Whereas, this prayer has been reported to be the chief reason for Father Conroy's forced resignation by the Congress; prgtoken Whereas, the dismissal of Father Conroy following this prayer shows s' true refusal to embody the values of faith and charity in their legislative work; prgtoken Whereas, Father Conroy's forced resignation is concerning to a number of Members of both sides of the aisle; prgtoken Whereas, the House of Representatives would benefit from being guided by a Chaplain with a commitment to caring about those most in need; prgtoken Whereas, the rights of Members of the House of Representatives were undermined when the leader of one party made a unilateral decision to dismiss the Chaplain; prgtoken Whereas, this forced resignation has compromised the dignity of the House of Representatives by politicizing the Office of the House Chaplain; prgtoken Where
IN SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, SCHOLARS AND THEIR FAMILIES
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise to recognize the contribution that international students, scholars and their families make when we welcome them to this great country. Attracting international students makes our country better and is simply smart policy. To remain a global leader in STEM and in business, we need international students. They help America lead in technological innovation and scientific discoveries. Not only that, nearly one- quarter of the founders of the ``billion dollar startups'' first came to America as international students. Our economy is stronger because of international students and their families that supported 450,000 jobs and contributed nearly $37 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2016-2017 academic year. In my home state of Rhode Island, international students supported almost 2,500 jobs and contributed over $235 million to the state economy in the same period. Cross-cultural exchange between international students and U.S. students creates mutual respect for cultural differences. In some cases, future U.S. and foreign leaders will have studied or conducted research together, creating even more direct diplomatic ties beneficial to national security. Unfortunately, fewer international students are applying to study in the U.S. The number of newly arriving international students declined in fall 2017--with 45 percent of campuses reporting drops in new international enrollment according to the Institute of International Education. In February, for the first time in over a decade, the Council on Graduate Schools reported that international graduate student enrollment went down last fall. The current administration continues to spread anti-immigrant rhetoric and propose extremist limits on travel and immigration to our country. Many international students now see the U.S. as less welcoming to foreigners than other countries. There is also uncertainty about whether they will be granted visas to go to school and to work here. This is truly a loss for our country because we are in a global competition to attract international talent. Our country's loss will be another's gain, as these students will go to school in Canada, Australia, China or another country that has more welcoming policies. The month of May is a critical time when international students must commit to their college or university of choice. Therefore, I would like to recognize the vital economic, academic and cultural contributions that international students make and to say you are welcome here.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-4-27

. The FAA SoCal Metroplex project has dramatically changed flight paths into Los Angeles International Airport, effectively cramming traffic from a six-lane highway in the sky into a single lane. prgtoken Constituents in my district now have low-altitude flights over their heads, sometimes every 3 minutes. Parents have reported that aircraft noise wakes up their children, movie studios in my district report that the noise has made it very difficult to film outdoors on their lots, which poses a major economic threat. prgtoken Guided by my constituents, I proposed and supported over 30 amendments to the FAA reauthorization. I am glad to report that a terminal sequencing spacing amendment that was crafted specifically by constituents in my district passed yesterday. However, more needs to be done, and I will continue to urge this body to do more to fix this problem. prgtoken The constant barrage of noise has real measurable costs in disrupted sleep, lost property values, and business disruption for thousands of people in my district. We cannot allow airline efficiency to come at the sacrifice of the health and well-being of those on the ground.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-4-27

this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. prgtoken , 2017 was a year of historic disasters. We saw category 5 hurricanes, devastating floods, and wildfires that covered hundreds of miles. For the towns and communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, California, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, they continue to struggle with what once would have been considered a once-in-a-lifetime disaster. prgtoken My motion will help these communities right now. It will do so by waiving the local matching requirements for FEMA assistance for those affected by Irma, Harvey, Maria, and the wildfires out west. This is critical because many States like Florida and Georgia did not have dedicated disaster funds set aside to pay for such requirements. The result is that these disasters will require States to dip into their operating budgets, meaning less money for roads, business investment, healthcare, and schools. prgtoken In addition, many communities hit by these disasters are struggling financially as businesses close, homes are rebuilt, and many individuals leave for good. This reshuffling of economic fortunes creates massive financial stress. It is in our power to help these towns and cities, whether they are in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico. prgtoken Take Port Aransas, just outside Corpus Christi. It used to have 4,000 residents but now only has 3,000, a decline of 25 percent. Its hotels should be packed with college students on spring break, but 33 percent are vacant. Why? Because they are still rebuilding, struggling to be ready for what should be the most financially important part of this season. prgtoken These areas and places like Galveston, Texas; Lake Charles, Louisiana; or Isle of Palms in South Carolina must come up with millions of dollars if they want to access FEMA assistance. And out west, entire communities are still reeling from wildfires: towns like Lake Perris, Kettleman City, Orosi, and Corona. prgtoken People's lives, , have been turned upside down, and communities, cities, and States are under massive budget pressure to rebuild. The least we can do is provide relief from these massive, unforeseen costs. prgtoken This motion to recommit will boost assistance for areas still struggling to rebuild. It will take stress off municipal and State budgets, recognizing that massive disasters like these cannot simply be absorbed by small fishing towns and rural areas. prgtoken If you vote ``no,'' you are voting against these small communities; you are voting against the people who live in Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I urge you to stand with them and vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit. prgtoken , I yield the balance of my time to the
CONGRATULATING SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SEMCOG)
Sander M. Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to congratulate Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) as it celebrates its 50th year of serving Southeast Michigan. prgtoken SEMCOG was formed 50 years ago to fill a vital need--to bring together distinct communities in Southeast Michigan, and provide a forum to help them plan and work together for the common good. The philosophy at the heart of SEMCOG is that the whole is sometimes greater than the sum of its parts, and that our region faces challenges we can only meet by working together. prgtoken In the continuing pursuit of regional coordination, business, community, and government leaders came together in the mid-1960s to form the Committee of 100. The Committee of 100 reviewed the functions of both the Regional Planning Commission and the Supervisors Inter- County Commission. In January 1968, on recommendation of the Committee of 100, the Regional Planning Commission and the Supervisors Inter- County Committee disbanded, and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments was formed and began to respond to the need for both planning and other types of intergovernmental and regional programs. prgtoken SEMCOG's earliest years set the tone for much of the work they do today and will continue to do in the future. I've had the pleasuring of seeing firsthand the growth of SEMCOG, from the days of the Committee of 100 to today. prgtoken Today SEMCOG serves 4.7 million people in the seven-county area surrounding Metropolitan Detroit. SEMCOG supports coordinated local planning with technical, data, and intergovernmental resources. The principal purpose of SEMCOG is to help local governments improve and maintain Southeast Michigan's transportation systems, environmental quality, economic interests, and infrastructure. prgtoken SEMCOG has been instrumental to our work in Congress, serving as a valuable resource to not only me and my office, but the entire Michigan delegation. A strong, collegial working relationship has been mutually beneficial to developing policy and addressing the needs of Southeast Michigan. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing SEMCOG for their steadfast commitment to their mission of addressing regional challenges and strengthening the abilities of local governments to work together.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-4-27

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment which helps to ensure that communities ravaged by wildfires, including the recent October fires, get the help they need to recover. prgtoken Last year, we saw the worst fire season in California history. The October fires alone included 21 major fires that were fought by 11,000 firefighters burning nearly 245,000 acres. Those fires forced 100,000 people to evacuate and destroyed 8,900 homes and structures. Tragically, 44 people lost their lives. prgtoken The City of Santa Rosa is located in my district and was hit especially hard by the October fires with over 3,000 homes and businesses destroyed. In the Fountaingrove neighborhood, north of downtown, the contamination in the water system that resulted directly from the fire melting the plastic water lines and appurtenances servicing 350 homes, must be replaced due to ongoing contamination of benzene, a toxic organic chemical. prgtoken As our communities move forward on the long road to recovery, we are finding that the needs of suburban and urban communities impacted by devastating wildfires don't always fit neatly into some of FEMA's current rules and regulations, which seem geared towards hurricane and flooding response and mitigation. prgtoken Issues as simple as whether or not FEMA should cover the costs of removing standing burned trees or replacing water systems, like the one in Fountaingrove that was contaminated as a result of the October fires, are not so simple. prgtoken My amendment provides FEMA with the capability and authority to mitigate these issues by explicitly stating that FEMA hazard mitigation funding can be used to remove standing, burned trees and replacing water systems damaged and/or contaminated by wildfires. prgtoken I appreciate House leadership working with my office to include this amendment in the en bloc so that we advance this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that my district's fire recovery needs are being met.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2018-4-27

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This bill would shore up long-term funding for critical FAA programs and authorize additional disaster program funding for areas like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which are still struggling to bounce back after the 2017 hurricane season. prgtoken I am proud to be a cosponsor of a recently adopted amendment, which will help ensure the safety of the national airspace by prohibiting individuals from operating unmanned aircraft systems that are equipped or armed with a dangerous weapon. prgtoken In July of 2015, lawmakers and the public began to express concerns over the weaponization of drone technology after a college student built a drone capable of firing live armnunition from a mounted .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. More recently, at least one state legislature has proposed legislation to allow the use of weaponized drones by local and national law enforcement, which is something that concerns me greatly. prgtoken This amendment addresses these concerns by explicitly prohibiting the operation of a weaponized drone in the national airspace and by imposing a penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation. prgtoken I am pleased to have worked with Rep. Burgess on this common-sense, bi-partisan amendment and applaud my colleagues for adopting. I urge all Members to support the underlying bill.