mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-7-23

I am most pleased to be here today to manage consideration of this appropriations bill package. This includes the fiscal year 2019 bills for the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; as well as Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. prgtoken To distill it down, this evening we are taking up Interior, Financial Services, Ag, and THUD--or Transportation Housing Development. The opportunity to move forward with a package of appropriations bills, all of which have moved through our committee with strong support, is a good place to be. prgtoken I have long believed that a return to regular order, where we vote these appropriations bills out of committee with bipartisan support, and then bring them to the floor, as we are doing this evening, is important for our process. prgtoken I think all Members of the Senate should have an opportunity to debate appropriations bills and offer amendments. We haven't had this opportunity for some years prior to this. The occupant of the Chair, a member of the Appropriations Committee, knows we have been without process when it comes to our appropriations bills. It is now time for us not only to return to regular order but to allow other Members of this body who do not sit on the Appropriations Committee the opportunity to weigh in on these priorities. prgtoken I am particularly pleased, as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, to be on the floor today. This is actually the first time the Interior bill has been before the full Senate since fiscal year 2010. Fiscal year 2010 was the last time we saw an interior bill on the floor, so this is kind of a significant day for us. If this weren't such a dignified setting, I would say that deserves a round of applause. But we don't want to get ahead of ourselves. prgtoken It is an important example of the commitment both sides have made to create an environment where we can work through the tough issues on a bipartisan basis. That was exactly what we saw within the full committee--working through the subcommittee, working through the full committee, and now being able to bring these measures to the floor. prgtoken I will defer to the chairmen of the relevant subcommittees to discuss the specifics of each of their bills as we move through consideration of this appropriations package. But I wanted to take a little bit of time this evening to share some information about the Interior appropriations bill for my colleagues. prgtoken I also want to thank and acknowledge the good work of my ranking member on the committee, Senator Udall. He has been a good partner to work with. Both of us recognize this is not everything we would have wanted it to be, but it was a good, collaborative, well-worked process. prgtoken Within Interior, we have a ve
HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS CHRISTOPHER CELIZ
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-23

I rise today to remember the life of Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz, who passed away in the line of duty at the age of 32. prgtoken Sergeant Celiz was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield in the First Congressional District of Georgia. prgtoken On July 12, he was struck by enemy small arms fire during a combat operation in Afghanistan. Sergeant Celiz was immediately taken for medical treatment, but passed away from his injuries. prgtoken His regiment commander described him as always leading from the front and being a national treasure who led his Rangers with passion, confidence, and an infectiously positive attitude. prgtoken A husband and father, I will keep Sergeant Celiz's family in my thoughts and prayers. prgtoken Because of Sergeant Celiz's service and bravery, he has been awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-7-23

the balance of my time. prgtoken First of all, the protection of private ownership of property is vital to individual freedom and national prosperity. It is also one of the most fundamental constitutional principles, as the Founders enshrined property rights protections throughout the Constitution, including in the Fifth Amendment, which provides that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. prgtoken This clause created two conditions to the government taking private property: first, the subsequent use of the property must be for the use of the public and, second, that the government must pay the owner just compensation for the property. prgtoken However, more than a decade ago the Supreme Court, in the 5-4 Kelo v. City of New London decision, expanded the ability of State and local governments to exercise eminent domain powers beyond what is allowed by the text of the Constitution, by allowing government to seize property under the vague guise of economic development, even when the public use turns out to be nothing more than the generation of tax revenues by another private party after the government takes property from private individuals and gives it to another private entity. prgtoken As the dissenting Justices observed, by defining public use so expansively, the result of the Kelo decision is, effectively, to delete the words ``for public use'' from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. The specter of condemnation hangs over all property. The government now has license to transfer property from those with few resources to those with more. The Founders cannot have intended this perverse result. prgtoken In the wake of this decision, State and local governments can use eminent domain powers to take the property of any individual for nearly any reason. Cities may now bulldoze citizens' homes, farms, churches, and small businesses to make way for shopping malls or other developments. prgtoken To help prevent such abuse, using Congress' constitutional legislative powers, it is important Congress finally passes the Private Property Rights Protection Act. prgtoken I want to thank Mr. Sensenbrenner for reintroducing this legislation. He and I have worked together on this issue for many years, and I am pleased that this legislation incorporates many provisions from legislation I helped to introduce in the 109th Congress, the STOPP Act. prgtoken Specifically, the Private Property Rights Protection Act would prohibit State and local governments from receiving Federal economic development funds for 2 years when they use economic development as a justification for taking property from one person and giving it to another private entity. prgtoken In addition, this legislation grants adversely affected landowners the right to use appropriate legal remedies to enforce the provisions of the bill and allows State and local governments to cure violations by giving th
PERMANENTLY REPEAL MEDICAL DEVICE EXCISE TAX
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-7-23

I rise in support of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act. prgtoken Many medical device manufacturers in North Carolina's Fifth District have reported how the medical device excise tax hinders medical innovation, costs jobs, decreases research and development, and slows capital expansion. prgtoken A fundamentally flawed policy enacted under Care, the medical prgtoken device excise tax was intended to spare taxpayers healthcare costs. Instead, it burdens those taxpayers, and innovators are the backbone of our economy. prgtoken According to the Tax Foundation, the medical device tax cost approximately 21,800 jobs from 2013 to 2015. Furthermore, the tax is hidden from consumers at purchase and passed off to them in higher prices. prgtoken Congress has suspended this tax twice before, and as an original cosponsor of this legislation, I urge my colleagues to vote for its permanent repeal with the Protect Medical Innovation Act this week.
NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-7-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 2345, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018. This critical legislation seeks to designate a new, easy-to-remember, three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention hotline. prgtoken We all know by heart to dial 911 during an emergency, and we have faith and confidence that somebody who can help will be on the line. It shouldn't be any different for someone in a mental health crisis. prgtoken According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is on the rise across the country. Sadly, more than half of those who die by suicide do not have a known mental health condition. prgtoken We also want to make note of the number of servicemembers and veterans in need of prevention services. We will work with our minority on this study to review how these patriots can seek help, whether stateside or overseas. prgtoken You never truly know what battles an individual is fighting, and that is why a national three-digit suicide hotline could help make the difference between life and death. prgtoken , I look forward to advancing this potentially lifesaving legislation, and .
APPRECIATION OF MR. ANDREW HAHN FOR HIS SERVICE AND INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Gregg Harper (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-7-23

I rise today to extend appreciation to Mr. Andrew Hahn for his service and involvement with the Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (CIPIID). I want to recognize Mr. Hahn who has been with George Mason University's Mason--Life Program, a postsecondary educational program for adults with intellectual disabilities, since 2009. Within this role, Mr. Hahn has also served as a liaison between the Mason Life Program and the U.S. Congress in order to coordinate matching CIPIID interns with congressional offices to serve in throughout the year. prgtoken Mr. Hahn began his employment with George Mason University and the Mason Life Program as support staff in 2009, in which he assisted and encouraged students within the program. In 2012, Mr. Hahn moved to his current role as Employment Coordinator for the Mason Life Program, where his main responsibility was to assist the students in developing necessary skills and relationships in order to be successful members in the workforce through the CIPIID program, as well as other work experiences. prgtoken Throughout his time of service, Mr. Hahn has proven to be crucial in assuring that all involved with the CIPIID program have both a positive and enlightening experience. Without his efforts, the internship program would not be what it is today. His dedication and passion for those with disabilities, paired with his appreciation of the value of meaningful employment for all, have helped skyrocket this program into what it is today. prgtoken In addition to serving as the liaison to CIPIID, Mr. Hahn has experienced success in many other areas of his life. He is an Eagle Scout Award Recipient, a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, and he has presented at various conferences on the topic of transitional services for adults with intellectual disabilities. prgtoken Mr. Hahn is a kind, hard-working, and dedicated individual. He has given much of his time to help adults with intellectual disabilities become involved and contributing members of society. The students of the Mason Life Program look up to Mr. Hahn as a mentor and friend, and those who have had the pleasure of working with him hold him in the highest regard. As Mr. Hahn closes out his time with the Mason Life Program, as well as our CIPIID, I want to express how much he will be missed. We are forever grateful for all of his contributions and extend our warmest wishes to him in his future endeavors.
PREVENTING ILLEGAL RADIO ABUSE THROUGH ENFORCEMENT ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-7-23

as members of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, we have heard of the impact pirate radio operators have had on the authorized radio community. prgtoken There have also been instances in which emergency service communications have been hindered because of their illegal operators, including off the Gulf Coast of Florida. In Florida, we have worked closely with local law enforcement to identify and shut down pirate radio operators, as well as confiscate their equipment. prgtoken However, I have heard from the Federal Communications Commission countless times that, on a Federal level, there is limited authority to crack down on these operators and prevent their reestablishment. The PIRATE Act will help give teeth to FCC enforcement of illegal radio operators. prgtoken By hitting them in their pocketbook, the FCC can better stop these illegal actors for good. The recent success we have had in Florida proves the need for stronger penalties on these bad actors. prgtoken The PIRATE Act will help give teeth to the FCC enforcement of illegal radio operators. For this reason, I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 5709, and I support its passage.
COMMEMORATING BRANDT ON THEIR 65TH ANNIVERSARY
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-7-23

today, I would like to recognize the Brandt Consolidated Inc. on celebrating 65 years of excellence serving global agriculture and other related industries. From their humble beginnings in Pleasant Plains, Brandt has grown to serve agriculture in all 50 states and in 45 countries with facilities located across the United States, Brazil and Spain. prgtoken While expanding globally, Brandt has remained deeply rooted in the rich soil of central Illinois. By helping farmers increase their production and profits season after season, they have become a major economic driver in West Central Illinois and across the globe. Their vast and diverse portfolio of agronomic goods, turf and ornamental brands and home gardening products has helped revolutionize the world's ability to supply food, fuel and fiber. I am proud to say that Brandt continues to call the 18th Congressional District home. prgtoken Once again I would like to congratulate them on serving global agriculture for 65 years. We look forward to your next 65 years and more of continued success.
TRIBUTE TO IDA AND IRWIN HABER
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-7-23

I want to recognize my dear friends Ida and Irwin Haber for receiving the Jewish National Fund's Northern Ohio Tree of Life Award. This award is given in recognition of outstanding community involvement, professional leadership, and dedication to the cause of American-Israeli friendship with the devotion to peace and the security of human life. Ida and Irwin Haber are of the utmost quality and character for this honor. It is fitting that they receive this award jointly, as their personal and professional lives have been a team effort for the past 44 years and have been guided by their strong Jewish identity and heritage from the start. prgtoken Ida and Irwin met at a United Synagogue Youth event in high school and have been together ever since. It is their faith and commitment to the Jewish people that helped bring them together, and they remain active members of the Jewish community. Irwin serves as the Ohio chapter Chairman and National Board member of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, on the National Council of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and is a member of the Endowment Fund Committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Additionally, he and Ida serve in leadership roles for the University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center. prgtoken Business has been a family venture for the Habers as well. In 1993, Irwin became the chairman and owner and Ida became vice president of the PDI Group. Their leadership and vision for this manufacturer of weapons platform support systems has built an internationally reputable business that provides equipment to U.S. Air Force and Navy and 45 air forces across the world. The PDI Group has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Association and the Department of Commerce for its accomplishments and excellence. prgtoken Ida and Irwin Haber have led lives of faith and have served their customers and their community admirably. Perhaps their greatest achievement is their beautiful family. They have three adult children, Nathan, Ryan, and Rena, who work for the family business; two daughters-in-law, Yana and Shlomit; and three granddaughters, Arianna, Ava, and Noa. prgtoken On a personal level, Jane and I are grateful for Ida and Irwin's advice and friendship, for having us to their home for Shabbat dinner, and for numerous other good memories. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. Senate, I congratulate Ida and Irwin Haber for being honored with the Jewish National Fund's Northern Ohio Tree of Life Award.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING BUSINESS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-7-23

today the Senate will vote to confirm Robert Wilkie, President 's outstanding choice to serve as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken The job is an incredibly important one. As Secretary, Mr. Wilkie will be tasked with fulfilling our Nation's commitments to veterans and their families, expanding their access to care, and improving accountability at the VA. prgtoken Millions of American veterans rely on the VA--day in and day out--for healthcare, employment resources, counseling, and a host of other services they need and have certainly earned. prgtoken It is fortunate, then, that Mr. Wilkie's impressive career of public service demonstrates he is well prepared to advance the agency's vital missions. prgtoken Robert Wilkie grew up the son of an Army artillery officer. He carried on the tradition of service as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In addition to uniformed service, Mr. Wilkie has amassed more- than two decades of experience as a civil servant. He has served at the Department of Defense, at the National Security Council, and here on Capitol Hill. prgtoken Throughout the years, he has built a reputation as a thoughtful analyst and a skilled manager. Both these skills will serve him well at the helm of an an agency that employs nearly 400,000 people to meet the needs of millions more. prgtoken I know I speak for so many of my colleagues when I say that the Senate looks forward to working closely with the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken Already in 2018, guided by the leadership of Chairman Isakson, this body has taken decisive action to better fulfill our Nation's promises to veterans and their families. prgtoken In May, the Senate voted, by a wide bipartisan margin, to pass the VA MISSION Act, which was designed to ensure that the services on which our Nation's heroes rely are flexible and accessible enough to meet their needs. prgtoken The omnibus spending measure passed earlier this year included a record level of support for VA programs. prgtoken In Robert Wilkie, the President has chosen a partner with whom this body can work side by side to continue advancing the interests of our Nation's veterans, including more than 300,000 in my home State of Kentucky. prgtoken I look forward to doing just that. I urge each of my colleagues to join me in voting today to confirm this qualified nominee.
MARIJUANA DATA COLLECTION
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-7-23

for decades, bad data and misinformation have fueled the failed war on drugs that has wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, incarcerating Americans for nonviolent marijuana charges. prgtoken Our outdated marijuana policies have turned everyday Americans into criminals, strained our criminal justice system, cost taxpayers tremendously, and torn families apart, all for a substance that is proven to be far less harmful and dangerous than alcohol. prgtoken Our Federal policy should be based on actual science and fact, not misplaced stigma and outdated myths. However, the fact that marijuana is currently classified as a schedule I drug, the same category as heroin and cocaine, restricts and even discourages scientific research on marijuana, limiting our ability to create science-based policies. prgtoken I will be introducing the bipartisan Marijuana Data Collection Act with my colleague Congressman Carlos Curbelo so that we can get studies to set the record straight. Our bill would authorize a nonpartisan evidence-based report that analyzes current marijuana policies across the country and their effects on our communities. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING BUSINESS
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-7-23

I rise today to announce that I think Robert Wilkie is the right man for the job to be VA Secretary. Today, we are going to fulfill our constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent on the President's nominee. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously, especially in my role as ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. prgtoken In our committee, Chairman Isakson and I have overseen the screening of the confirmation of 12 nominees to serve veterans. I am proud to say that we confirmed them without dragging our feet. prgtoken Recently, we had Mr. Robert Wilkie before the committee for his confirmation hearing. Members of our committee asked him tough questions about his vision for the VA. We asked him about his plan to bring much needed stability to the Nation's largest healthcare system. Following the important exchanges during that hearing, Members sent more tough questions to the nominee for his response. In the days since his nomination, Mr. Wilkie has sat down with Members to respond to their questions and concerns one-on-one. prgtoken By voting to confirm Mr. Wilkie today, I believe we are providing stronger leadership for America's veterans. With this vote, we are fulfilling our obligation to them. prgtoken We are doing our job, but our job just doesn't stop today. As Members of this body, we must hold Mr. Wilkie accountable to the commitments he has made through his confirmation process. prgtoken There are some critically important issues to be addressed within the VA. There are workforce shortages, whether in rural America or urban America. We need more doctors and nurses and more psychiatrics and psychologists within the VA. This is critically important if he is going to oversee a successful VA. We need to have the VA personnel. We need to have it manned appropriately to meet the challenges that are out there after being at war for 17 years and veterans from previous eras getting older. prgtoken Today, unlike ever before, we have political forces at play inside the VA. This is very unfortunate because, quite frankly, I believe that good employees are being forced out, not because of the job they are doing but because of their views. When Mr. Wilkie becomes Secretary, he is going to have to make sure that stops. It is critically important that we keep the employees that we have who are good employees and move the VA forward so it can do the job that it is meant to do. prgtoken He also has some challenges to address in rural America. The community-based outpatient clinics we have there need to be staffed up. We need to make sure that the VA has what it needs to meet the needs of the veterans in rural America, and, by the way, with the passage of the MISSION Act, we need to make sure that veterans aren't run around once that act gets fully implemented and they need community care and the VA can't provide that care. prgtoken He needs to make sure the disab