mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COL STEVEN OWENS
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-5-17

I rise today to congratulate Colonel Steven Owens on his retirement from the United States Army, and to thank him for his dedicated service to the United States of America. prgtoken Colonel Owens' many years of service include a deployment as the ARNG Medical Advisor for the Multi-National Corps--Iraq Surgeon's Office, Baghdad, Iraq, where he was hand-selected to be 1st Corps Surgeon's Liaison with the Iraqi Ground Forces Command Surgeon and Medical Trainer for COIN. prgtoken I have had the pleasure of serving under Colonel Owens, in his assignment as Deputy Director for Reserve Affairs and Sr. ARNG Advisor at the Office of the Surgeon General at the Defense Health Headquarters, and have greatly appreciated his leadership and expertise. prgtoken Congratulations to Colonel Owens, to his wife Lonna, on a new chapter, and I thank him for his mentorship and friendship.
HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-5-17

I would first like to thank the gentleman from Washington for organizing this event for us to thank the brave men and women who keep our community safe day in and day out. Like him, I have the honor and privilege of serving with Sheriff Rutherford and Chief Demings. It is quite an honor to be with both of them in the 115th Congress. prgtoken The men and women of law enforcement are moms and dads, sons and daughters, siblings and friends to the very people who they serve. We ask these brave men and women to uphold the law, but so often this seemingly straightforward mandate sends them into the most difficult and tragic situations that our society faces: terrible accidents, domestic disputes, and the strife that threatens the hearts of our towns and communities. Their bravery and courage is unimaginable to someone like me. The complexity of their jobs and the tolls that it takes on their lives is often underestimated. prgtoken Having a safe community offers our citizens more than just peace of mind. It offers them a place to live, grow their businesses, provide a living for their family, and to be not only economically secure but socially secure. Law enforcement officers play a very critical role in community development. prgtoken Each generation of our law enforcement community evolves as society changes and their technology and training improve. This allows them to police our communities more responsibly, effectively, and sometimes even to right wrongs of the past generation. prgtoken I want to highlight one specific example in my district, Georgia's Third District. prgtoken Nearly eight decades ago, an African-American man named Austin Callaway was lynched in the town of LaGrange, Georgia. This terrible crime has been a dark part of the town's history for a long time. Recently, law enforcement officials have taken steps to begin the reconciliation process. prgtoken LaGrange Chief Louis Dekmar partnered with the president of the county NAACP chapter, Ernest Ward, to facilitate an official apology to the Callaway family from the police force for failing to investigate the lynching nearly 77 years prior. prgtoken I commend Chief Dekmar and Mr. Ward for their actions to begin to heal this old wound. I am proud to represent this community that has engaged in the hard work of reconciliation. prgtoken Police officers like Chief Dekmar do so much more than enforce the law. They work actively every single day to bring the communities they serve together. I am so proud that there are such great examples of law enforcement in the Third District of Georgia. prgtoken Law enforcement officers do more than just keep us safe. They help our communities, they show love and compassion, they bring us together. We owe them a debt of gratitude. I am proud that there are such brave men and women willing to serve in all of our communities and hometowns. I want to extend my deep gratitude for the hard work of these brave men and wome
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SHOULD APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT PROSECUTOR
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-5-17

last night we learned that President may have tried to interfere with an ongoing investigation, asking the FBI Director to end an investigation into his former National Security Adviser's ties to Russia. prgtoken The Justice Department today should appoint an independent prosecutor to aggressively pursue the truth. There are a lot of informational dots. They either connect or they don't. prgtoken There is no dispute that Russia interfered with the United States' Presidential election. The question is: Did Russia interfere with the Presidential election in coordination with the campaign? prgtoken It is deeply troubling that the Attorney General recused himself--a self-declared conflict--from the Russian investigation and then played a role in firing the man leading it. prgtoken The American people rightfully suspect the decision to fire the FBI Director is part of a coverup. Appoint a special prosecutor to pursue the truth. prgtoken Despots all over the world like Putin want to discredit American democracy to keep their own people from wanting it. We as Americans, s and all, cannot allow this to happen, ever.
THOMASINA E. JORDAN INDIAN TRIBES OF VIRGINIA FEDERAL RECOGNITION ACT OF 2017
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-5-17

earlier today, I spoke during debate on H.R. 984, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017. prgtoken I rise, 410 years after the first English settlers landed in what became Jamestown, Virginia, to finally grant federal recognition to some of the Native American tribes who met those early settlers. prgtoken Today, with passage of H.R. 984, we are recognizing the rightful status of Virginia's tribes in our national history. prgtoken These six tribes have treaties that predate the United States but because of the systemic destruction of their records, they have been denied federal recognition and the services that come along with it. prgtoken We are fixing this injustice by passing H.R. 984. prgtoken Federal recognition will provide what the government has long denied--legal protections and financial obligations. prgtoken Federal recognition will provide financial assistance for the tribes' social services, health care and housing needs, educational opportunities, and repatriation of the remains of their ancestors in a respectful manner. These opportunities will allow Virginia's tribes to flourish culturally and economically. These opportunities will lead to a better, brighter future for the next generation. prgtoken Federal recognition is an issue I have cared about deeply since my time in the Virginia General Assembly and I am a proud cosponsor this legislation. prgtoken We have waited too long to recognize Virginia's tribes. I urge my colleagues to support passage.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 115, THIN BLUE LINE ACT
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-5-17

such time as I may consume, and then I will yield to a speaker to speak for the previous question. prgtoken , it may sound like we are getting ready to change the subject; and, to a relative degree, we are. prgtoken We are in very interesting and troubling times in this Nation, and we have some concerns that need to be addressed. One of the things that is allowed to the minority is an opportunity to present a previous question. prgtoken In this particular instance, we are deeply concerned by last night's revelations that, earlier this year, President may have attempted to obstruct justice when he asked then-FBI Director James Comey to end the Bureau's investigation of former National Security Advisor Flynn's ties to Russia. This news came only days after the President acknowledged that he later fired Director Comey over the Bureau's investigation into the links between the campaign and Russia, and only a day after we learned the President shared highly classified intelligence with Russian officials last week. prgtoken I served for 8 years on the Intelligence Committee in this Congress, and the kind of information that the President shared with the Russians--even as an Intelligence member, I saw secret, I saw top secret, I saw high secret, but I did not see code word information, the highest that is only shared with a few people in the congressional body--that is what was allowed to be transmitted. prgtoken It is time that the -controlled Congress does its job and acts to defend our democracy. prgtoken , if we defeat the previous question, I am going to offer an amendment to the rule to bring up a bipartisan bill, H.R. 356, which would create a nonpartisan commission to investigate Russian interference in our 2016 election. This marks the seventh time we tried to bring this bill to the House floor. On the previous six occasions, the majority regrettably refused the House to even debate this important legislation. prgtoken As more and more facts have come to light, I hope my colleagues will finally put country ahead of party and get serious about this investigation. My goodness, the allegation here is that people impacted our fundamental premise of our existence: our elections. We need to create this commission with legislation rather than just tweeting about the need for facts. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
WE CANNOT ``LET THIS GO''
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-17

this is a very troubling time in American history. Our national security is endangered, the very future of our democracy is at stake, and without the continued engagement of millions of people across this country, this troubling time could become much worse. prgtoken There is an old adage: ``Loose lips sink ships.'' But it is also true that when it comes to the abuse of Presidential power, sealed lips can sink a democracy. prgtoken We have gone through a period where it would appear that some of our colleagues are in a witness protection program because they have been unable to come forward with any words to comment on the continued abuse of power that we see played out each day, with one being more incredible than the one before. prgtoken All United States intelligence services agree that the Russians interfered in our last election. Russia deserves sanctions, not secrets, not rewards. A President of the United States invited Putin's gang right into the Oval Office. We don't know what they left behind to listen to the rest of the conversations, although they may not need to learn them surreptitiously since President , in such a cavalier way, proceeded to share secrets with them. prgtoken At long last we wonder, what will awaken these s from their partisan stupor? We need them to speak out as well. prgtoken Last night we learned that asked FBI Director James Comey, before firing him, to drop the investigation into National Security Advisor prgtoken Michael Flynn, whom had been advised before he fired him that he was subject to being compromised by the Russians in his operations. prgtoken Our colleagues need to decide whether they want to be accessories to 's obstruction of justice as he continues to endanger our national security. prgtoken 's firing of Director Comey is a shocking example of incredible duplicity that threatens the very fabric of the future of American democracy. It is a Nixonian dismissal that is designed to obstruct further inquiry into collusion between the campaign and Russia. prgtoken even said himself during his NBC interview with Lester Holt that, ``regardless of the recommendation from the Department of Justice,'' he was prepared and planning to fire the FBI Director because of what he was doing with the Russian investigation. prgtoken And that is part of a pattern: he fired the U.S. Attorney in New York City, he fired Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, and he then fired Mr. Comey. If you are perceived as crossing the line with President , it is like an episode out of that old TV series ``The Apprentice:'' You are fired. prgtoken But this is not make-believe. This is the future of American democracy. prgtoken Every day we hear new coverup evidence. What could possibly explain the continued silence, the callous indifference? prgtoken Well, is the 's golden ticket to denying healthcare covera
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-5-17

today, with great humility during National Police Week, I wish to recognize the brave men and women of law enforcement across the country. These individuals have answered the call to serve and every day they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. I especially want to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and observe the sacrifices of their families. prgtoken First, I especially want to recognize three law enforcement officers who lost their lives in New Jersey last year. These three men made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities, and we owe them and their families our sincerest respect. On July 1, 2016, the New Jersey Department of Corrections lost Nikeelan ``Nick'' Semmon. On March 7, 2016, the New Jersey State Police lost Sean Cullen. On December 5, 2016, the New Jersey State Police also lost Frankie Williams. prgtoken These officers dedicated their lives to protecting our communities, and they served our State with valor and integrity. I feel privileged to call them fellow New Jerseyans, and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family and friends of these brave public servants. As we continue to mourn and remember Officer Semmon, Trooper Cullen, and Trooper Williams, let us pledge to honor their sacrifice by working every day to emulate their devotion to public service through acts of service and love. prgtoken It is in that spirit that I want to talk about the important work that still needs to be done to support law enforcement. Congress plays a critical role in supporting law enforcement, both at the Federal level and at the State and local level. There are few bills I want to mention that I believe we must pass to uphold our commitment to brave men and women in law enforcement. prgtoken First, on February 16, 2017, I introduced the bipartisan Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act. Unfortunately, due to a technical error, nearly 30,000 Federal law enforcement officers classified as GS- 0083 police officers did not receive enhanced benefits under the U.S. Code. For example, certain officers who work for Federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Mint, National Institute of Health and many more, receive lower pensions as compared to other law enforcement officers with similar responsibilities. prgtoken The Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act would expand the definition of ``law enforcement officer'' for retirement purposes to include all Federal law enforcement officers. The change would grant law enforcement officer status to the follow individuals: employees who are authorized to carry a firearm and whose duties include the investigation and/or apprehension of suspected criminals; employees of the Internal Revenue Service whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and securing delinquent returns; employees of the
Introductory Statement on S. 1156
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-5-17

today I want to discuss legislation I am introducing, the School Infrastructure Modernization Act. prgtoken To claim the federal tax credit for historic preservation, a building renovation must be for a different purpose than that for which the building was previously used, a requirement known as the ``prior use'' rule. This bill waives that requirement for renovations of K-12 public school buildings. This will make it easier to restore historic-but- dilapidated school buildings across the country so our children have safe, modern spaces in which to learn. prgtoken As a Richmond City Council member and later Mayor, I faced challenges familiar to many municipalities--overcrowded schools, aging buildings, and limited dollars in the budget. But in one particular case, I and a group of local stakeholders identified a creative solution. On one hand we had an overcrowded Thomas Jefferson High School with in-zone and magnet students. On the other hand, we had a closed Maggie Walker High School that needed renovations. We put together a financing package that made use of federal and state historic tax credits to renovate Maggie Walker High School and satisfied the prior use rule by consolidating the magnet program from Thomas Jefferson into a new Maggie Walker Governor's School for Government and prgtoken International Studies. Today, some 20 years later, this is one of America's highest performing public high schools. Without the federal historic tax credit, this would have been too expensive to make happen. prgtoken This bill will make it easier to do similar projects around the country. More modern school buildings will bolster the quality of public education, and carrying out these projects will generate private sector infrastructure investment and jobs. In Virginia alone, according to a 2013 study, more than 800 K-12 schools are at least 50 years old, representing some 40% of all the K-12 schools in the Commonwealth. prgtoken As the Senate considers tax reform and a comprehensive infrastructure package, I encourage my colleagues to support this common-sense incentive that is good for education, good for infrastructure, and good for jobs.
OUR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-17

today we are talking about infrastructure. I want to focus on one aspect of infrastructure that touches the lives of all Americans, especially in my home State of California, and that is water. prgtoken I know firsthand the urgent challenges facing our water infrastructure. The crippling recent drought and subsequent record rainfall has prompted more discussion on a need for a smart water management strategy to improve drinking water, water reuse, and recycled water systems for communities across the United States. prgtoken We must take meaningful steps to increase our water conservation, reduce unnecessary energy use, and cut costs for Americans. Let's commit to investing in technology and science-based solutions that will address the weaknesses in our water drinking systems from threats like climate change, crumbling pipes, and water source contamination. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to focus on legislation that will put Americans back to work building the systems we need to support the future of this great country.
Net Neutrality (Executive Session)
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-5-17

I thank Mr. Franken for his leadership on this issue. He is a person who understands the content industry and has been a fierce defender of people's ability to view content online, people's ability to express themselves online, and understands that a fair and open media marketplace is central to our democracy. prgtoken I want to address one assertion that was made by the proponents of repealing net neutrality; that is, that somehow the investment climate under net neutrality was harmed. They say there is some reason to believe that under net neutrality, the investment climate was diminished, but the Internet Association published research today that addressed this very issue, and their findings show that since 2015, when the rules went into place, telecommunications investment has actually increased. ISPs and their consumers are enjoying historically low production costs and innovation has increased. Free Press also published a report on this question earlier this week, and they found that investment in broadband by publicly traded companies actually went up after net neutrality went into place. Here is what the research director at the Free Press had to say: ``If investment is the FCC's preferred metric, then there is only one possible conclusion--net neutrality and Title II are a smashing success.'' prgtoken Here is the point. The internet is not broken. There are parts of the economy that are not working well. We struggle with manufacturing. We need to invest in infrastructure. We have a trade imbalance. We have a higher education system that is not working for everybody. We need to do more work in these areas, but the part of our economy that is working great for consumers, for entrepreneurs, for the private sector, for engaged citizens is the internet itself. Tomorrow, the FCC is going to endeavor to break it. prgtoken Before I hand it over to someone who has been working on these issues for many years, I want to point out that nobody would have anticipated that the Affordable Care Act would still be on the books because of unprecedented online and inperson organizing. prgtoken The FCC has a very unique process where there is going to be a 3- month public comment period. The statute actually allows the public to go and weigh in on what they think. The last time this happened when net neutrality principles were being established, 3.8 million people commented. So far, before they even take their first formal action, there are 1.6 million people who have already commented. My guess is, by the time tomorrow is prgtoken done--maybe the next day--we will be well into the 2 to 3 million comment range, and they still have 3 months to go. Understand the power in our democracy still resides with the people. Somebody who has been working in the trenches on this issue and many consumer issues for a very long time is my great colleague, the senior Senator from Connecticut, and I will yield to him as I
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-5-17

I am saying here and very specifically, we have no way of knowing whether Mr. or his firms have received Russian income. It is an insult to the integrity of this House-- s and alike. We need to know this. We need to know that the President of the United States is beyond question in his objectivity with any nation, and particularly those who are pretty shaky in relationship with, like Russia. prgtoken A certified letter from paid attorneys that actually confirms the President, in fact, does have financial ties to Russia does nothing to assuage these concerns. prgtoken The legislative branch has the responsibility--it has the authority-- to check the executive branch, and section 6103(f)(1) is very clear, very distinct, the privilege of the House--the privilege of the Tax Code--which allows for an examination of the tax returns, the authority put in place specifically so Congress could examine conflicts of interest in the executive following the Teapot Dome scandal. As I mentioned before, the possible sale of public lands under this administration is not very different than the biggest scandal of the 20th century at Teapot Rock, Wyoming. prgtoken , nothing could be more of a threat to the integrity of this distinguished----