mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING A PILLAR OF ST. CLOUD, DICK BERNICK
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , this past week our community lost a dedicated leader and a friend. Dick Bernick, the patriarch of the third generation to run family-owned Bernick's Companies, passed away after an incredible life. prgtoken Bernick's Companies is a Minnesota success story. This past year, Bernick's and the Bernick family reached an amazing milestone with the 100th anniversary celebration of the business. Dick played a huge role in that success by guiding and growing the family business through good and financially difficult times. prgtoken Dick Bernick's life was an American success not just because of his business, but because his life was filled with family, friends, and service to the community he so loved. Dick gave so much to the St. Cloud community. In fact, his company continues to donate a percentage of its profits back to different charities and organizations in the communities that Bernick serves. prgtoken We send our sincere condolences to Dick's wife, Lila; his children; and the rest of his family. We hope that you will find comfort in the fact that Dick's life and his legacy of generosity have left an indelible mark on the community that he loved, and that he will always be remembered.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-1-24

small businesses are the backbone of America. They generate more than half of the country's private GDP and support millions of families. In Montana, small businesses are innovating, offering new products and services, and creating jobs. prgtoken The business community relies on the Internet to access the global marketplace. In rural states like Montana where it is costly to provide internet access, consumers and businesses depend on small businesses to provide connectivity. Without small broadband providers, many Montanans would not have the internet access that most of us take for granted. prgtoken Burdensome regulations like the FCC's net neutrality rules are strangling our small businesses and preventing growth and investment. The enhanced transparency requirements in particular require small businesses to disclose an excess amount of information including network packet loss, network performance by geographic area, network performance during peak usage, network practices concerning a particular group of users, triggers that activate network practices, and the list goes on. Small companies operate with a small team of employees and do not have a team of attorneys dedicated to regulatory compliance. Small businesses simply do not have the bandwidth to take on additional regulatory burdens. prgtoken That is why I am proud to introduce the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2017 with my colleague Senator Manchin. The bill provides a temporary small business exception to the net neutrality enhanced transparency requirements. There is broad support in the record for this exception, including support from the American Cable Association, Rural Wireless Association, Competitive Carriers Association, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, CTIA--The Wireless Association, Rural Broadband Provider Coalition, WTA-- Advocates for Rural Broadband. prgtoken Providing relief from burdensome disclosure rules will allow small businesses to focus on deploying infrastructure and serving their customers rather than spending time on regulatory compliance. I ask my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this much needed legislation. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
44TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today to give voice to the millions of lives that have been lost in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade. prgtoken In the 44 years since that disgraceful decision, an unconscionable 58 million abortions have been performed. That represents 58 million children who will never grow up, never make their own decisions, and never influence the world around them, but whose lives are cut short. prgtoken The House took a vital step today with the passage of H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill that permanently prohibits taxpayers from funding abortion through the Hyde amendment. prgtoken Since its original passage, this amendment has saved over 2 million babies. Congress must make permanent these protections to honor the conscience rights of a strong majority of Americans who do not want their taxpayer dollars paying for abortions. prgtoken This week, we gather to mourn the tragic loss of life and to seek God's forgiveness for the stain of abortion on our Nation's conscience. prgtoken May God have mercy on our country.
SITES RESERVOIR IS OVERDUE
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , while it might be raining lately in California, we still need additional water supply infrastructure to meet the needs of agriculture and a growing population. The Sites Reservoir is the only project in California that will improve the water supply for cities, farms, as well as for the environment. prgtoken If the Sites Reservoir were in place today, California would have an estimated additional 600,000 acre-feet of water stored so far this winter in addition to similar amounts from last year and even water that could have been impounded during the high flows during the drought years. Had we had this infrastructure in place, we would have had enough water to supply 4.8 million Californians for an entire year just on this winter's flows, and the winter is not even over yet. The Sites Reservoir will not only capture enough high winter flow, but it will also allow for the reuse of water released from Lake Shasta so that human and environmental water use are no longer mutually exclusive. prgtoken Madam , let's not lose this opportunity to conserve water and to not be delayed again and again.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-1-24

I am going to speak only for a few minutes so that we can have the vote occur at 5:30, on time. I wanted to say that I am pleased to be here to support Governor Nikki Haley as our Ambassador to the United Nations. prgtoken The United Nations is at a crossroads and really needs someone who is very reform-minded for the United States to lead our efforts in that regard. That not only would benefit U.S. interests, but candidly it would benefit the world. She is someone who has shown that ability as Governor of South Carolina. prgtoken She also has a clarity about her as it relates to representing U.S. interests. People on both sides of the aisle in our committee were able to recognize that her instincts relative to where the United States needs to be on certain issues--I think most of us understand that the United States leading on issues of human rights, leading on issues of conscience, that the American values we all hold dear and want to promote around the world are things that she has the ability to communicate and cares deeply about, and I think people were very impressed. prgtoken The United Nations has multiple issues relative to peacekeeping that have not been addressed. Sexual exportation and abuse by peacekeepers have been rampant, and things have not been done in that regard to curtail that activity or at least not in the ways that they should, and I know she is very passionate about that issue. prgtoken There is no question that she is not the most adept person at foreign policy. She would be the first person to say that. She has spent most of her time out of the country solely on economic development trips. I think where the United Nations is today is at a place where we need a really driven person who cares about our own U.S. national interests but also has the ability to break through the clutter and reform. prgtoken She has worked with legislators to bring people together, to make that happen in her own State. She has had an exemplary record in that regard. My guess is that is really the first effort that needs to take place. Over time, through the relationships she develops there, the travel that will take place, I am absolutely certain--especially with the drive that she has--she will develop some of the other capacity that I know she will want to utilize there at the United Nations. prgtoken I am here to recommend her. I look forward to supporting her. Our committee did so in a voice vote with only two dissents. prgtoken In spite of the fact that I am disappointed that we are handling our Secretary of State in a manner that is not in keeping with bipartisan precedent, and in spite of the fact that we prgtoken are not going to handle that in a way that we should and could today, through a vote on that, I am appreciative of the minority leader allowing this vote to take place today, and I am glad she is going to be confirmed overwhelmingly as our United Nations Ambassador. prgtoken With
COMMERCE COMMITTEE AGENDA AND NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-1-24

it is hard to believe, but the Internet as we know it is already in its third decade. While it is no longer novel, this essential technology continues to transform the world around us in often very unexpected ways. Just a few short years ago, the idea of the Internet being built into farm equipment would have been unthinkable. Yet, today, wireless Internet in tractors and combines is making agriculture more and more efficient. This is just one small example of how new information technologies have become a fundamental part of our economy. There isn't a job creator in America who doesn't have a story to tell about how or when he or she realized the Internet had become a critical part of his or her business. prgtoken But while the digital economy is creating massive opportunities, our Nation's laws are not keeping pace. Over the past several years, Netflix and Amazon have completely disrupted the video world. The iPhone, which redefined personal computing and connectivity, just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Yet most of the government policies dealing with video, wireless, and Internet platforms were written for a world where none of these things existed. It is a testament to the ingenuity of American businesses and entrepreneurs that they have been able to adapt and succeed with laws that are increasingly out of date. While I don't doubt that they will continue to work around these challenges, American companies and consumers deserve better. prgtoken It is past time to modernize our communication laws to facilitate the growth of the Internet, and it is high time to update government policies to better reflect the innovations made possible by digital technologies. As the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I have committed to modernizing government policies for the digital age, and that will be one of our top priorities in the Commerce Committee this year. prgtoken One way the government can boost investment in our digital infrastructure is by finding ways to make it cheaper and easier to build broadband networks. At the Commerce Committee, I introduced legislation called the MOBILE NOW Act to ensure that huge swaths of wireless spectrum are made available for use by the year 2020. By then, we hope to see the next generation of ultra-high speed services known as 5G, which will need more spectrum than is available today. The MOBILE NOW Act will also cut through much of the bureaucratic redtape that makes it difficult to build wireless infrastructure on Federal property. prgtoken I am happy to report that the Commerce Committee passed the MOBILE NOW Act earlier today, but this legislation is just the start. The Commerce Committee will continue to develop legislative proposals to spur broadband deployment, make more spectrum available for the public, and improve connectivity throughout rural America. prgtoken Good Internet infrastructure policies and investments matter very little, howeve
APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-1-24

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President pro tempore, and the majority and minority leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate, and that they be printed in the Record.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE 75TH BIRTHDAY OF CHARLES A. WEISS
Peter T. King (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-1-24

I am proud to rise today to acknowledge the 75th birthday of Charles A. Weiss, my friend and roommate from the University of Notre Dame Law School. Charlie Weiss is a true legal giant who continues to be an extremely active litigator with the renowned Brian Cave law firm. A proud lifelong resident of Missouri, Charlie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Missouri before attending Notre Dame Law School where he was an editor of the Law Review and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1968. prgtoken During his distinguished legal career, Charlie has practiced in state and federal courts throughout the country, including 39 different federal district courts, 8 federal courts of appeals and the United States Supreme Court dealing with significant cases which include class actions, intellectual property, securities, antitrust and constitutional law. Charlie has also been active in local, state and federal bar associations serving in such key positions as President of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, President of the Missouri Bar Association and a member of the House of Delegates and the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, plus being on numerous ABA standing committees. Charlie has done much for the Notre Dame Law School, serving as President of the Notre Dame Club of St. Louis and President of the Notre Dame Law Association. In 2013, Charlie was the recipient of the Law School's Rev. Michael D. McCafferty C.S.C. Award. prgtoken Charlie's commitment to justice is demonstrated by his extensive pro bono work on behalf of indigent clients, most notably leading a team of lawyers to win the release in 2009 of an innocent man who had spent 17 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. prgtoken Charlie and his wife Susan are outstanding people who are proud parents and grandparents. As a friend and fellow Notre Dame graduate, I know that I speak for the countless people whose lives have been enriched by our association with Charlie Weiss in wishing him a very Healthy and Happy 75th Birthday and many more after that. Go Irish.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2017
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , I have got a prediction to make, and here is my prediction: In the course of this debate, the opponents of H.R. 7 will not acknowledge nor give voice to Congressman Smith's claim of saving 2 million lives. Why? Because to acknowledge 2 million lives that are saved is to acknowledge the weakness of an argument; that is, those people are to be dismissed. prgtoken Madam , how do you dismiss 2 million people? How do you dismiss 2 million people, over 60,000 people every year? prgtoken If you can imagine what it would be like if someone came in here and with certainty, absolute confidence, said unambiguously, if you pass this law you are going to save 2 million lives, we would line up. We would be voting on that over and over and over again. prgtoken And yet, my prediction is, during the remainder of this debate-- because we have not heard about it so far--the opponents will be silent about those 2 million lives. prgtoken We need to vote for this and save lives in the future.
GEORGIA SEVERE STORMS AND DEADLY TORNADOES
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-24

I want to thank my partner, Senator Perdue, for arranging this colloquy today. I want to join him in expressing sympathy to the families of those who were lost in Georgia and to the thousands and thousands of Georgians who have been injured or hurt and who lost valuable property. prgtoken My wife Dianne sends her wishes as well. This part of Georgia is very close to me. I grew up as a young boy working on a farm in Fitzgerald, GA, not far from Albany. I know what these people are like, and they are salt-of-the-earth folks. They don't deserve something like this happening, but they do deserve and they do merit everything we can do to get them aid. prgtoken I am so happy Secretary Kelly called yesterday to offer the services of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Governor Deal has done a great job of arranging the disaster area, and the Georgia emergency management people are already in place. prgtoken So my heart goes out to the injured. My heart goes out to my State. My prayers go out to the families of those who were injured and are in the hospital and those who have passed away and perished from the terrible tornadoes.
ROE V. WADE ANNIVERSARY
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-24

I thank the gentleman, my good friend, Chris Smith, for his leadership for so many years on this issue of life. He is deeply loved and appreciated, and I am grateful to be able to share this time with him as well. prgtoken , I am sure it has been said this evening already many times over that since the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973, we have lost over 50 million lives. That is such a staggering number, but within that number, of course, are mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, all of them lost to abortion. prgtoken This decision of Roe v. Wade, at the crux of the matter, is one that has the question: When does life begin? prgtoken And with that question, I was reminded of the opinion of the Supreme Court Justice Blackmun. During that period of time when Roe v. Wade came into law, Blackmun made the decision and wrote in his opinion. He said: ``We, the Court, need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary,'' he said, ``at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer.'' prgtoken What a startling statement that was made. But here we are at this time, this body, at this point of our Nation's history, we have no need as to speculate on this question any longer. There is clear science that, without question, tells us when life begins. And life begins at conception. There is no question about this. prgtoken We know inside the womb is a human life. And we know with that life, based on what we know of God and what we in our own country know from our own Declaration of Independence, the very first inalienable right protected is that of life. prgtoken So I just believe it is time that we correct this wrongheaded decision that was made by the Court some 44 years ago. Even just recently, a couple of days ago, I introduced H.R. 586, the Sanctity of Human Life Act, which makes clear that life begins at conception. I certainly would ask my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this bill. prgtoken I just dream of the time, 44 years from now, that we could be celebrating the right to life rather than 44 years from now looking back and mourning over yet another 50 million American babies who have been lost to the horrible stain of abortion. So, again, I thank you for your leadership, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to join you in this Special Order.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-1-24

I know we are going to vote here fairly soon, but I just want to address the body before the vote. prgtoken Nikki Haley is soon to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, I believe with a very strong vote in the committee, 19 to 2. Senators Corker and Cardin did an excellent job of running the hearing. Governor Haley conducted herself very well. I know that, as Governor of South Carolina, she has brought us together at home. prgtoken She has dealt with some things that are incredibly difficult for any State. We had a thousand-year flood, and we had the tragedy in Charleston, with Dylann Roof shooting nine parishioners praying at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston. She handled these historic crises with dignity and grace. She was able to rally the State and remove the Confederate battle flag from the capitol grounds. prgtoken All I can say is that the skill set she has of bringing people together I have seen. As she goes into this new job, she can learn the nuances of foreign policy, but diplomacy is something you either have or you don't. She is tough and determined, and I think she is very capable of being the United States' voice in the United Nations. As a matter of fact, I think she will represent us extremely well. prgtoken The bottom line is that her story is a uniquely American story-- immigrant parents coming to a small town in South Carolina. She said very pointedly: I was too light to be African American or Black, and I was too dark to be White. She is Indian American. She and her family have contributed greatly to our State. prgtoken I think all of us can be proud that Nikki Haley will soon be our voice and America's face in the United Nations. I think President chose wisely. I look forward to helping her in her new job. I urge this body to support her nomination because I have seen her in action. I think she will represent us all very well. prgtoken .
IN HONOR OF THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF JACK McCONNELL
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-1-24

I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the birthday of Jack McConnell. He will turn 80 on February 7th. prgtoken Jack was born on February 7, 1937, to John Richard and Mary Heath McConnell in Lee County, Alabama. prgtoken Jack graduated from Beauregard High School in 1956. He later attended Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken He used his technical skills as a mechanic and machinist at Perfect Plastics, Ampex Corporation and Uniroyal-Goodrich. He retired from Uniroyal-Goodrich in 1992 after twenty one years of service. After retirement he pursued his life-long dream of becoming a cattle farmer. prgtoken He is a lifelong member of Hopewell United Methodist Church and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held for many years. prgtoken He was elected and served on the Lee County School Board for 6 years. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Lee County Cattlemen's Association and the ALFA Farmer's Federation Board of Directors. prgtoken Jack and his wife Carolyn reside in the Beauregard Community. They have six children, Jason McConnell, Judi McConnell, Jennifer Sanavitis, Norman Rudd, Rob Rudd and Angie Rudd and they have eleven grandchildren. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Jack McConnell and wishing him a happy 80th birthday.