mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019--CONFERENCE REPORT
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to talk about the importance of a free press and its role since the founding of our Nation in protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans. prgtoken I was on the Senate floor on July 12 talking about a recent tragedy-- a mass shooting at the Annapolis-based Capital Gazette. A man who had a longstanding grudge against the newspaper for accurately reporting news about him shot his way into the newsroom and killed five good people. These five men and women died doing their jobs--reporting the news and supporting a publication that is an important part of their community. prgtoken One victim in particular, Wendi Winters, fought back and worked to distract the gunman in such a way that those who bore witness to her bravery described her actions in this way: Wendi died protecting her friends, but also in defense of her newsroom from a murderous assault. Wendi died protecting the freedom of the press. prgtoken Wendi died protecting the freedom of the press. prgtoken We think of violence against reporters as something that happens in other countries, in war zones and the like, but not here in the United States of America. All around the world, reporters work to gather facts, ask questions, and report the news in the spirit of the free, open, and transparent societies and governments that all people deserve. Too often, reporters are harassed, jailed, and even killed simply because of the nature of their work, which often exposes cronyism and corruption. prgtoken From this floor, I have stood in solidarity with the Reuter's reporters who were detained in Burma for shining a light on the horrific abuses that occurred in the Rakhine State. prgtoken I have stood in solidarity with the Ethiopian journalists and bloggers who are routinely arrested for criticizing the Ethiopian Government and exposing human rights abuses in that country. prgtoken I have talked frequently about China--a country that engages in routine censorship and online blocking, harassment, reprisals, detention of journalists, and visa delays or denials for journalists. prgtoken According to the Committee to Protect Journalists--an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide--more than 600 journalists and media workers have been killed in the last 10 years while doing their jobs. prgtoken Of the member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Russia remains the deadliest country for journalists. Investigative journalist Maksim Borodin, who died in April, was the latest Russian reporter to be silenced by death. prgtoken Turkey is the largest jailer of journalists in the world, and scores of media outlets have been closed since the attempted coup there. The heavyhanded measures used against media freedom in Turkey both before and during recent elections illustrate the lengths to which the government went to control the information available to vo
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF DR. BURTON RICHTER
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary American, a prgtoken true patriot, and one of the most highly respected scientists in the world, Dr. Burton Richter. Burt Richter was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 22, 1931, and died July 18, 2018, at the age of 87, in Palo Alto, California. He attended Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania and earned his Bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined the High Energy Physics Lab at Stanford in 1956, became a full professor there in 1967, and he retired as the Paul Piggott Professor in Physical Sciences in 2006. Burt Richter was an extraordinary scientist. For his discovery of the J/psi subatomic particle, called ``the greatest discovery ever in the field of elementary particles,'' he won and shared the Nobel Prize in 1976 with Samuel Ting of MIT. The discovery, called the 'charm quark', became part of the Standard Model of particle physics, describing how subatomic particles interact. Dr. Richter was the Director of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, now SLAC, from 1984 to 1999. During his tenure he oversaw the construction of the Linear Collider and designed the SPEAR, the Stanford Positron Accelerator Ring, which is still in use today. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He served as President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and the American Physical Society. Dr. Richter was honored with the National Medal of Science, the Enrico Fermi Award and the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award. In 2010, he published the book ``Beyond Smoke and Mirrors: Climate Change and Energy in the 21st Century,'' which explains the facts of climate change to non-scientists I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in extending our sincerest condolences to Dr. Richter's wife, Laurose, his daughter Elizabeth, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Cheryl, and his grandchildren Allison and Jennifer. In doing so we honor a great and good man who loved his country and served it with great distinction. Burt Richter advanced the betterment of our world and our country. How blessed I am to have known him, to have been the beneficiary of his wise counsel, and to have been inspired by his integrity and patriotism. Simply put, there was no one like him.
TERRITORY VOTING RIGHTS
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to introduce a constitutional amendment that will fix a gross injustice within our democracy and finally provide American citizens living in the territories the right to vote for President and Vice President of the United States. prgtoken Every American should be alarmed that over 4 million of their fellow citizens are denied the right to have a say in the selection of their President. The people of Guam and other U.S. territories are patriotic Americans who contribute to every aspect of American life. prgtoken We are Americans by birth, bear U.S. passports, and support and defend the Constitution of the United States--many with their lives. Yet, still Americans who reside in the territories are unable to vote for our President. prgtoken , I am proud to introduce this constitutional amendment so that every American is finally able to cast a vote for President and Vice President, just as the Founding Fathers intended. prgtoken Casting a ballot for President is a right for all Americans, and this amendment is a step toward our Constitution's solemn promise to form a more perfect union.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE ANNUAL DOWNRIVER SENIOR OLYMPIC
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to recognize the Downriver Senior Olympics for three decades of providing seniors the opportunity to compete in a variety of events. This event brings our community together for recreation and fun each summer. prgtoken During these decades, the Downriver Senior Olympics has hosted different athletic competitions where seniors can face off against their peers. More than 500 senior athletes will compete in the 2018 event and participate in the Unity Awards banquet at the end of the week. The Olympic athletes are divided into five divisions depending on their age. Sports include golf, horseshoes, bowling, bean bag toss, bocce ball, shuffleboard and many more. prgtoken The Downriver Senior Olympics is a testament to the toughness of Michigan's seniors. It is not a common sight to see hundreds of septuagenarians fiercely trying to win a game of frisbee or hockey. These activities help bring people from all walks of life together and foster friendships and community among seniors from our local community. We are grateful for the work that the volunteers do to make this event happen and look forward to its continuation in the years to come. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Downriver Senior Olympics for giving our seniors the chance to experience the thrill of competition while engaging with the community in a healthy and positive atmosphere. Our seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and one of the ways to do that should be to actively include them in our communities with events like the Down River Senior Olympics.
CAMBODIA DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2018
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-7-27

I rise today in support of H.R. 5754, the Cambodia Democracy Act of 2018. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Cambodia and an original cosponsor of this legislation and I believe it is critical that Congress support the people of Cambodia in their march toward democracy. I want to thank Congressman Lowenthal, the ic Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Cambodia, Chairman Royce, and Chairman Yoho for their work on this important legislation. prgtoken Throughout his 30-year rule, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has routinely stifled Cambodia's progress toward democracy. Last year, he began his latest crackdown because he knew that given the chance, the Cambodian people would elect someone else. He began by uprooting civil society organizations. This included cracking down on newspapers such as the Cambodia Daily and outlets like Radio Free Asia and Voice of America as well as forcing the National ic Institute to leave the country. Then he started peddling the ridiculous story that the United States was trying to orchestrate a coup. Then he threw Kem Sokah--leader of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) and his principal opponent--in prison. Hun Sen proceeded to disband the CNRP, bar its MPs from serving in public office, and cause many of them to flee into exile. Due to these crimes, there can be no doubt Cambodia's so-called elections this Sunday will not be free or fair. At present Cambodia can no longer be called a democracy, whatever its dictator wants to claim. prgtoken H.R. 5754 is simple. It would sanction those individuals who are responsible for crushing democracy in Cambodia to encourage them to reverse their actions, to show our support for the Cambodian people, and to demonstrate that we will not stand idly by when democracy is squashed around the world. I would urge my colleges to support this measure.
TRIBUTE TO WYONA WILLIAMS
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-27

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Wyona Williams on the occasion of her 100th birthday. prgtoken Our world has changed a great deal during Wyona's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Wyona has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. prgtoken , it is an honor to represent Ms. Williams in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Wyona Williams on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.
RECOGNIZING DR. GEORGE INGLETT ON HIS RESEARCH
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-7-27

I rise today to recognize Dr. George Inglett who is turning 90 years old. Dr. Inglett is a pillar in the Peoria community, and has advocated for a safer and healthier food supply at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. prgtoken Dr. George Inglett is best known for the development of a family of food ingredients based on cereal glucans, known collectively as the Trim Technologies. His research on these ingredients has led to them being used as fat substitutes, fiber additives, texturizers, and emulsion stabilizers in many foods. In 2005, Dr. Inglett was chosen as one of the Laureates of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the highest honor the State of Illinois can bestow on a person who was born or has resided in Illinois for outstanding achievement. Over the course of his career Dr. Inglett has been presented numerous awards for his years of work in agricultural research. prgtoken It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Dr. George Inglett that I am especially proud to serve Illinois 17th Congressional District I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. George Inglett on his 90th birthday and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.
CONGRATULATING THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-7-27

I rise to honor the Housing Development Consortium (HDC), a nonprofit housing alliance that has celebrated its 30th anniversary. prgtoken The HDC was founded in 1988 as an alliance of local housing authorities and advocacy groups with a simple mission: to make King County a better place to live for everyone, regardless of their income or race. What began as a small collection of local groups has expanded over the past three decades to encompass over one hundred and sixty organizations across the county. prgtoken Though united in vision, the member organizations of the HDC span a variety of industries impacted by housing challenges including financial institutions, building contractors, law firms, and government agencies. All member organizations under the HDC's umbrella strive to reduce homelessness and provide affordable housing for low-income families. As living costs in King County continue to increase, the HDC has secured funding to keep housing affordable for 116,000 tenants and people who are at risk for homelessness. The HDC has lived up to its mission of working to ensure that all people live with dignity in safe, healthy, and affordable homes surrounded by communities of opportunity. prgtoken The consortium operates on the local, state, and federal levels, funding and supporting a wide range of programs. They have created a program that provides King County residents with protection from income discrimination. They have established funding for housing trust funds in Washington State that have contributed to the construction of thousands of low to moderate income homes. They have campaigned for changes to the federal tax code and other measures that seek to minimize roadblocks to home ownership nationwide. For the HDC, no challenge is too great or too small. prgtoken , it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Housing Development Consortium on 30 years of exemplary service to their community. I look forward to the next three decades of service and progress.
Introductory Statement on S. 3298
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-7-30

the Vietnam War spanned twenty years with nearly 60,000 American soldiers' lives lost. Many others served in this war and either came back wounded or were changed forever. Simply put, this war shaped an entire generation. It is imperative that we honor and commemorate this generation of American service members who sacrificed their livelihood, and in some cases their lives, for the sake of their Nation. prgtoken I firmly believe that history is our greatest teacher. In an attempt to venerate and educate the American public of the sacrifices American soldiers made in Vietnam, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund was founded. Dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial spans over 493 feet with the names of fallen servicemen and women inscribed into the black granite. Each year millions come to pay their respects at The Wall. prgtoken To further commemorate the sacrifices made by American soldiers, the Education Center at The Wall will be added as an addition to the Memorial. It will aid in the continual education of the sacrifices made in the Vietnam War, so that all who visit may learn from this period of history and pass it on to the generations to come. prgtoken The Education Center at The Wall will be an underground center, located near The Wall. The proposed center will show the faces of each soldier whose name is on the wall, showcase some of the artifacts left behind at The Wall, and highlight the inspiration of the monument designer Maya Lin. prgtoken In 2003, Congress authorized the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to raise funds to construct a visitor and education center. The funds needed to complete this project must be completely raised by private donations. The project is estimated to cost approximately $130 million and after fifteen years of fundraising, the VVMF still needs a few extra years to raise the needed capital. prgtoken I am proud to introduce the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Extension Act along with my colleague, Senator Duckworth. This bill will extend the authorization for an additional four years until 2022, to allow VVMF the time they need to complete this important project to honor those who served and died in Vietnam. prgtoken It is imperative that we continually educate the American public and all who visit about those who served and sacrificed for their country during the Vietnam War. The Education Center at The Wall will allow for this unique educational opportunity. I ask my colleagues to join Senator Duckworth and me in supporting this bipartisan effort.
NOMINATION OF BRITT GRANT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-7-30

first, later today, the Senate will vote to advance the nomination of Britt Cagle Grant, the President's selection to serve on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken This Stanford Law graduate has served the people of Georgia for 6 years, most recently as a justice on the State's supreme court. All eight of her fellow justices had this to say about Justice Grant in a letter to Chairman Grassley and Senator Feinstein: She is highly intelligent, [with] a breadth and depth of legal experience. . . . Her first focus is always to get the law right. prgtoken They go on to write: Justice Grant's character and integrity is unquestioned. She has an excellent reputation in the legal community [and] a well-balanced judicial temperament. prgtoken In sum, they write: Justice Grant displays all the qualities of an excellent judge. . . . Our loss would be the Eleventh Circuit's gain. prgtoken Justice Grant's colleagues on the Georgia Supreme Court include appointees of Governors and ic Governors. They have seen her work up close. They have seen her legal expertise and her commitment to the rule of law. They have seen her conviction that--in her own words--``the role of judges is to interpret the law rather than make it.'' prgtoken Her reputation reaches beyond State lines. In another letter to our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, current and former State solicitors general from across the country testify to her ``congeniality,'' ``integrity and work ethic,'' and say that Justice Grant ``has treated colleagues, opposing counsel, and the litigants appearing before her with respect.'' prgtoken The understanding of a judge's role and the temperament to execute it is precisely the approach our constitutional order requires of our judges. I look forward to voting to advance Justice Grant's nomination later today, and I urge each of my colleagues to join me.
National Flood Insurance Program (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-7-30

last week, the House voted overwhelmingly, by a vote of 366 to 52, to extend the National Flood Insurance Program for 4 months, until November 30, 2018. The purpose is to allow for the continued reform efforts of this program so as to make it more accountable, more affordable, and more sustainable. Two weeks ago, the Senate demonstrated almost unanimous support for a 6-month extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, by a vote of 94 to 5. prgtoken The NFIP, as the Flood Insurance Program is called, insures properties in every State--approximately 6 million homes and businesses and over $1.2 trillion in assets. The current law has it set to expire at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, on July 31. If the NFIP is not extended, people will not be able to renew their flood insurance policies or purchase new ones. That means more will be uninsured during the peak of hurricane season. That is not acceptable. According to the National Association of Realtors, letting the NFIP expire would cost up to 40,000 property sales per month, or about 1,330 home sales per day. prgtoken Last week, the Senate tried to pass the short-term extension that the House had passed by unanimous consent, but we were unable to. So, on Friday, cloture was filed in the Senate on the 4-month extension that the House passed. The problem is that the cloture vote will not occur until Wednesday, setting up the final passage of the extension on Thursday. That means that the NFIP would lapse for 2 days. prgtoken This is totally avoidable. Its delay does nothing to advance reforms within the NFIP, many of which I proposed a year ago in a long-term reauthorization bill that I had introduced with colleagues from New York and West Virginia. A lapse does disrupt real estate transactions for the 2,600 Americans who are trying to close on their homes--perhaps on their first homes--over the next couple of days. By the way, these are not million-dollar properties, for 98.5 percent of NFIP properties are in parishes or counties with median household incomes of below $100,000, and 62 percent are in parishes or counties with median household incomes below the national average of $54,000. prgtoken Congress has always honored the flood insurance policies that NFIP policyholders have had. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to expedite the consideration of the National Flood Insurance Program's 4-month extension and pass it by unanimous consent. prgtoken .
Medicaid (Executive Session)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-30

I come briefly but quickly and proudly to recommend Britt Grant to this body and to the United States of America to be the next judge from the State of Georgia to be on the circuit court of appeals. prgtoken Britt Grant is an outstanding jurist. She became a judge on the Georgia Supreme Court at the age of 40. She went to Stanford University Law School, and she went to Wake Forest University as an undergraduate. After she left Stanford University, she came to clerk for Brett Kavanaugh, who is now nominated for the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken Throughout her legal career, whether it was practicing as an attorney, whether it was serving as a judge, or whatever she did, she was always at the top of her class, at the top of her case, or at the top of her ability. I don't remember ever having a judge come before this body, since I have been in Congress, from my home State of Georgia who had more people pulling for her, more people wanting her to win, more people who think she is the right person at the right time for the United States of America. prgtoken So I come to the floor as the senior Senator from Georgia to tell my colleagues this: You have the chance to invoke cloture tonight with your vote and to vote tomorrow for the confirmation of the Honorable Britt Grant of the Georgia Supreme Court to be on the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eleventh Circuit of the United States of America. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote yes for cloture and yes for Judge Grant tomorrow. prgtoken .