mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING THE UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-6-22

I rise today to recognize the dutiful service of the United States Secret Service. The Secret Service protects the President and Vice President, their families, and foreign dignitaries, while also investigating cybercrimes and preventing fraud. These men and women place their lives on the line daily to protect some of the most highly targeted individuals in the world. prgtoken Further, they continue to conduct counterfeit interdiction operations despite the increasing need for protective details and low retention numbers. prgtoken While the Secret Service is often in the news for personal shortcomings, the organization has had a storied history in protecting the United States. It is a remarkable fact that, within the last year, they have successfully conducted security operations for multiple Presidential candidates, the U.N. General Assembly, a visit to New York City by Pope Francis, and countless foreign dignitary visits to our soil. prgtoken So from all of us here in Congress, I would like to thank the Secret Service for their service to our Nation and for their sacrifices. In the coming months, I plan to routinely honor this great example of American exceptionalism.
North Korea (Executive Calendar)
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-6-22

as we begin the markup--that is what we are going to be starting on right away. We have already had an initial meeting with the Senate Armed Services Committee on the National Defense Authorization Act. I want to express my deep concern over the continued malign behavior by the overtly hostile nation of North Korea. prgtoken I often talk to people, and they shake their heads in disbelief about a country that is run by a mentally deranged individual who is rapidly developing the capability of hitting the mainland United States with a missile. I think it is important that we immediately get to our Defense authorization bill, so we can start addressing this and many other problems that we have. prgtoken It is important to us in the Senate to communicate to the American people the incredibly grave situation we are facing right now in North Korea. The Kim Jong Un regime has expressed a desire to destroy the United States of America. Normally that wouldn't be a concern because he wouldn't have the credibility, but right now we are seeing progress being made in their technology and their ability to actually hit major areas. prgtoken In April, North Korea's official newspaper relayed the threat of a preemptive strike to ``completely and immediately wipe out not only U.S. imperialists' invasion forces in South Korea and its surrounding areas but the U.S. mainland and reduce them to ashes.'' prgtoken That is a threat--a threat that has come directly from the leader of North Korea. This is the most recent in a long line of threats by that individual. prgtoken In addition, North Korean leaders constantly threaten our friends and allies in South Korea and Japan. These threats are not just hollow words any longer. North Korea's capabilities are rapidly improving to meet their long-stated intent. prgtoken We thought that Kim Jong Il was bad, but in 6 years, his son Kim Jong Un has conducted as many as 75 ballistic missile tests. In comparison, over a 17-year period, his father conducted about 30. In other words, he has done over twice as many in a fraction of the time. prgtoken Additionally, Kim Jong Un has sped up North Korea's nuclear program since taking power in 2011. North Korea's nuclear technology is advancing at an alarming rate. For example, the bomb North Korea tested in its most recent test last September was 10 times more powerful than what the regime could have produced in 2006--10 times more. prgtoken At the same time, North Korea has actively worked on miniaturizing nuclear weapons so that they can deliver by way of a ballistic missile. Earlier this year, analysts detected activity at a North Korean nuclear test site, indicating another nuclear test may be imminent. prgtoken Intelligence and military experts have repeatedly argued that it is prudent to assume that North Korea has successfully miniaturized their nuclear weapons. That means the only technology they need to conduct a nuclear strike on t
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-6-22

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 4 p.m Monday, June 26; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Svinicki nomination.
CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION OF ROSE HISTORICAL CEMETERY IN TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-6-22

last weekend, I had the honor of attending the centennial commemoration of Rose Historical Cemetery in Tarpon Springs, Florida. prgtoken Rose is the oldest African-American cemetery in Pinellas County and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was an especially meaningful ceremony because it was held on Juneteenth, the anniversary marking the end of slavery in the U.S. prgtoken Those who have been laid to rest at Rose represent a major part of Tarpon Springs history and culture. Civil rights pioneers, veterans, and many others, including friends I grew up with in Tarpon, are buried there. prgtoken I would like to especially thank Tarpon Springs Mayor Chris Alahouzos, Annie Dabbs, a member of the cemetery's board, and the dozens of volunteers who work tirelessly year-round to preserve the legacy of Rose Cemetery. Because of their dedication, Rose continues to be a beautiful, historical site for our community.
WATER SUPPLY PERMITTING COORDINATION ACT
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-6-22

I would like to thank my colleague, Representative McClintock, for putting forward a very sensible piece of legislation. prgtoken The Colorado Water Congress, who supports this bill, stated in their letter: The economic viability of the State of Colorado is dependent on safe and reliable water supply. In recent years, the ability of water managers to meet growth demand and to create water storage has become more challenging. prgtoken In Colorado, the Windy Gap Project, whose formal environmental permitting process began in 2003, won't see construction start until at least 2019, with water storage ready by 2022--16 years to permit, 3 years to build. prgtoken For too long, Federal agencies have failed to properly coordinate and time their reviews of water supply project applications, resulting in missed opportunities for increased water storage during our wetter seasons. prgtoken Water is the lifeblood of Western communities. Without it, most communities in the Western United States could not survive, so it only makes sense to store as much of it as we reasonably can during those wetter years. Yet the Federal Government presents roadblock after roadblock that prevents a timely and cost-effective completion to many of these projects. prgtoken This legislation will streamline the permitting process and increase agency accountability by placing the Bureau of Reclamation at the center of the process and ensuring all other agencies are required to report to it in a timely fashion. prgtoken It is an effective piece of legislation, an effective approach to a problem that should not exist. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
WATER SUPPLY PERMITTING COORDINATION ACT
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-6-22

. Mr. Chair, from California for supporting this very important legislation. prgtoken We all, all of us in California, have experienced what happens when you have radical environmentalist nonsense determining policy. We have just gone through one of the worst droughts in our history, yet during that drought, those wonderful California environmental planners saw to it that billions of gallons of freshwater were dumped into the ocean instead of being redirected towards producing food crops in our Central Valley area or providing water to drink or providing water so that people could afford to have water throughout our State. Instead, it was dumped into the ocean. prgtoken Now, what we needed and what we need now that the drought is over is more water storage because we are in favor of people, not some grandiose concepts of what a better view counts--now, without people in it, that is, of course. prgtoken Now we need to think about what our policies will impact on average people. And what we have in this radical environmental approach is opposition to storing water, now that we have some extra water, right after a drought. prgtoken Now, whose side are you on? prgtoken You can't tell me you are on the side of ordinary people, because when water prices go up and there is not enough water for the crops, the price of food goes up and the price of water goes up. prgtoken Who is the worst hurt? prgtoken America's lowest income people are the ones who are hurt the most, the ones who can't afford to pay the little extra for food that it costs when it costs more money to grow crops in the middle of a drought. prgtoken So with that said, I dramatically support doing something for the people, not some environmental theory--nonsensical theories in most cases--that we are facing doom if we store water.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-6-22

my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in recognizing the Idaho National Laboratory's achievements in 50 years of operation of the advanced test reactor. The success of the scientific mission of the advanced test reactor is a pride of Idaho and of the entire American nuclear science community. prgtoken The advanced test reactor is a unique system designed to support multiple different experiments simultaneously. It can serve as a nuclear ``time machine'' by testing the stresses of nuclear power 20 times faster than conventional systems. It is currently involved in research to convert weapons-grade nuclear material to reactor fuel. This will strengthen American energy independence. prgtoken The U.S. Navy's nuclear propulsion program is a key customer of advanced test reactor research. It is one of many ways in which Idahoans contribute to our national security. The advanced test reactor is also the only American source for a particular isotope known as Cobalt-60. Cobalt-60 is vital for its use in modern brain cancer treatments and is saving the lives of Americans every day. prgtoken Beyond these good works, the advanced test reactor is available to our universities. Our next generation of scientists has access to this unique system on the condition that their research be published for the benefit of the American public. Through this and other efforts, the Idaho National Laboratory works to support current and future generations. prgtoken Congratulations to the dedicated men and women of the Idaho National Laboratory. They are the embodiment of American scientific achievement and leadership in nuclear research.
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Dave Brat (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-6-22

I rise today in strong support of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. prgtoken The economy is not growing as it should be--about 0.7 percent last quarter--and according to many of the employers in my district, our workforce is not prepared to meet the needs of today, let alone the future. prgtoken This legislation is important because it recognizes that we need an education system that best prepares our kids for the future--a future in business--as soon as they hit K-12, and they should be ready to enter the job market or move on to additional training. Traditional 4- year colleges and universities cannot be the only pathway for the next generation of students. prgtoken In Virginia, there were nearly 110,000 postsecondary students enrolled in CTE courses in the 2014 year. Programs I am privileged to represent in Virginia's Seventh Congressional District include Amelia Nottoway Technical Center, the Chesterfield Governor's Career and Technical Academy, and Chesterfield County Public Schools Governor's Health Sciences Academy. prgtoken While these innovative programs in my district have excelled, technical skills and on-the-job training must be ingrained in the thinking of our entire K-12 educational system, across the curriculum, in every class. I believe this bill is a positive step in that direction.
COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BABCOCK & WILCOX
James B. Renacci (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-6-22

I rise today to pay tribute to Babcock & Wilcox, a power generation company which employs hundreds of Ohioans in Ohio's 16th District. B&W celebrates its 150th Anniversary on June 22, 2017, and since its founding, it has become a global leader in energy and environmental technologies, as well as services for power and industrial markets. In its 150 years, B&W produced a number of historic firsts. It supplied energy for the first electric street lights. It powered New York's first subway. It built components for the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered sub. It also pioneered emissions control technologies that allowed utilities to comply with the Clean Air Act. As B&W celebrates 150 years in business, I would like to congratulate them on their storied achievements and wish them success in their next 150.
REMEMBERING FLOOD OF JUNE 23, 2016
Evan H. Jenkins (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-6-22

1 year ago, on June 23, 2016, we experienced one of the darkest days in West Virginia's history. prgtoken Floodwaters raced through small towns without warning, washing away homes, washing away businesses, and, yes, washing away lives. Twenty- three souls were lost, while thousands were left without shelter and food. prgtoken Now as we approach the 1-year anniversary of this tragic event, we pause to remember those we lost and honor their lives. We reflect on how our communities changed over this past year. We pledge to continue rebuilding until our towns and our cities are better than they were before the rivers rose. prgtoken We have seen so many examples of strength, faith, and hope in this past year, examples that carry us forward and inspire us all. More work remains to be done. We still have churches, schools, libraries, and other community centers that need to be rebuilt, replaced, and restocked. Many are still in temporary and rental housing. The scars still remain. prgtoken But the message that we should carry forward is the one that carried us through this terrible event: the knowledge that West Virginians will always have each other's backs. We are stronger when we stand united than when we stand alone. prgtoken Through everything that lies ahead, we will stay strong. We will thank those who put their lives on the line to help rescue others. We will remember and honor those whom we lost, and we will continue to offer our support to those who are rebuilding their lives. That is what we do as neighbors. That is what we do as friends. That is what we do as West Virginians.
RECOGNIZING TONGUE RIVER WINERY
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-6-22

this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing the team at the Tongue River Winery, in Custer County, for having the skill, patience, and dedication required to produce quality wines on the high plains of eastern Montana. Despite a difficult growing climate, this humble, family-run operation has successfully combined vineyard and winery functions and has received numerous awards and recognition for their efforts. prgtoken The married couple of Bob and Marilyn Thaden, along with their son Josh, are the team that makes the Tongue River Winery successful; 2017 marks the fifth consecutive year that the Tongue River Winery has won the Granite Peak Award. This award is presented to the top Montana winery at the Northwest Wine Summit. prgtoken For Bob, this year marks his 50th anniversary making wine. It has also been about 50 years since he met his wife, Marilyn, so it comes as no surprise that, when asked about winemaking, he compares the process of selecting good grapes to courtship. Bob reflected, ``it's like courtship, plant the wrong one and you will regret it for a long time; take your time, choose carefully, so not to be disappointed later on.'' Bob has selected wisely in both endeavors. His advice on being thoughtful and patient can be applied to many other areas of life. prgtoken In the years ahead, I wish Bob, Marilyn, and Josh all the best as they continue to cultivate and create uniquely Montana wines. For their efforts, I raise my glass to the team at the Tongue River Winery.
HONORING MS. LYNN BUSH
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-22

I rise today to recognize the retirement of a tireless public servant in Bucks County. Ms. Lynn , the Executive Director of the Bucks County Planning Commission and Chief Clerk of the County, retired last week after more than eighteen years serving her friends and neighbors. The work Ms. has done throughout her career has helped the businesses of Bucks County to flourish, and oversaw the preservation of Bucks County's 200th farm, as part of her passionate work protecting open space in the county. Her service stands as a reminder that we make a life by what we give others.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA REGION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-6-22

I rise today to recognize the Eastern North Carolina Region of the American Red Cross and their commitment to aiding our communities for 100 years. The Eastern North Carolina Region is comprised of the Cape Fear, Central North Carolina, Northeastern North Carolina, Sandhills, and Triangle Area Chapters of the American Red Cross. prgtoken This particular region of the American Red Cross was founded in Raleigh, North Carolina back during World War I, when 28 women convened with the goal of determining how they could best assist the war effort. Following this historic meeting, this resourceful group formally established the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Red Cross. On March 12, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson officially granted the Charter to the Wake County Chapter of the American Red Cross. These volunteers assisted wounded soldiers at nearby Camp Polk throughout World War I, in addition to running feeding stations and the soldiers' Bath House near the railroad station in Raleigh. From these small beginnings a century ago, the Eastern North Carolina Region now serves 53 counties and more than 4.6 million North Carolinians. prgtoken Established in our darkest hour, the Eastern North Carolina Region of the American Red Cross has stood the test of time--through two World Wars, the Great Depression and many other trials in our state's history. This incredible nonprofit organization has been a continued success story because of the strong men and women who have volunteered their time, energy, and efforts over the past century. I hope this organization thrives for yet another century of helping those in their greatest hour of need. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring the Eastern North Carolina Region of the American Red Cross on their monumental 100th Anniversary accomplishment.
IN HONOR OF LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' 1600 METER RELAY TEAM
Patrick J. Tiberi (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-6-22

I rise today to recognize the Lexington High School boys track team for winning the 1600 meter event at the Ohio High School Division II State Track and Field Tournament. prgtoken An achievement such as this certainly deserves recognition. The Ohio High School Athletic Association has enabled talented teams and individuals to earn state titles since its founding in 1907. Throughout this time, the champions of OHSAA state level competitions have represented the highest achieving and most talented athletes in Ohio. Each year these elite competitors join the long ranks of those who embody Ohio's proud history of athletic success. prgtoken The Lexington High School boys 1600 meter relay team's victory caps a tremendous season. This sort of achievement is earned only through many hours of practice, perspiration and hard work. They have set a new standard for future athletes to reach. Everyone at Lexington High School can be extremely proud of their performance. prgtoken On behalf of the citizens of Ohio's 12th Congressional District, I congratulate Hunter Biddle, Tony Gerrell, Forest Volz and Mason Kearns on their state championship. I wish them continued success in both their athletic and academic endeavors.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2842, ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-6-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Decades of experience tell us that the most effective antipoverty program is a job, and this bill helps low-income Americans earn success through the dignity of work. prgtoken States actually, as my good friends on the other side know, spend very little of their TANF funding on moving people into jobs. Today, half of all TANF recipients are neither working nor preparing for work. This bill ensures that money only goes to those who are working, providing individuals with paychecks in lieu of benefit checks, a key tenet in welfare reform. prgtoken This pilot only provides funding for one fiscal year, repurposing money that has already been appropriated and, frankly, using it in a better way than it was originally appropriated to achieve. prgtoken The bill requires that States report on outcome measures and provide high-quality evaluations so that Congress can make appropriate decisions after we have actually seen the results yielded by the program. prgtoken And finally, as we have been pointing out, but I think around here it is always worth pointing out multiple times, where actually CBO estimates the bill has no cost. So we are actually doing something good without increasing expenditures for the taxpayers, and, indeed, we are probably in the process of creating new taxpayers, people who can contribute to the wealth and the activity and the prosperity of the country; and people, honestly, who want to contribute to the wealth and the activity; and employers who want to provide people with an opportunity to improve themselves and become more productive. prgtoken So it is a good bill all the way around, and, again, I will be urging the passage of the rule and the underlying legislation. prgtoken , .