mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REUNITE CHILDREN WITH FAMILIES: WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL EACH CHILD IS WITH THEIR PARENTS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-7-11

Congressman Correa is a valued member of this body and one of the outstanding members of the Homeland Security Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency. prgtoken We are here today to call upon the President, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Congress of the United States to act without delay to ensure separated immigrant children are reunited with their parents in an expeditious manner. prgtoken On June 26, 2018, a federal judge ruled that unless reunification is not in the best interest of the child, a child under 5 years old must be reunited within 14 days of its order. prgtoken Yesterday was the deadline that this administration failed to meet. prgtoken To President , I say ``Time's Up!'' prgtoken This act committed was not only mortifying, but an illegal act. prgtoken This individual has proven he lacks depth and experience, has violated the ethics that this country prides itself on, and he should be ashamed. prgtoken This is a senseless act that must not go unnoticed. prgtoken We must hold him accountable for these not clearly formulated decisions. prgtoken Yesterday, I met with faith and community leaders to bring attention to yesterdays' deadline, imposed by a federal judge, to reunite the youngest separated children with their parents due to the President's egregious ``zero-tolerance'' policy. prgtoken In our country, the rule of law and its implementation is an essential component of our democracy. prgtoken Twenty years ago, Flores v. Reno, also known as the Flores Agreement, established that migrants or immigrants could not be separated from their children for long periods of time. prgtoken Earlier this year, President and his administration implemented a ``zero-tolerance policy'' of separating immigrant children from their parents upon arrival into the United States. prgtoken To be certain, the administration's plan was half-baked. prgtoken As the Founder and Chair of the Children's Caucus and as a parent and grandparent, I am outraged that the administration represented what they did not know and could not do. prgtoken They did not know the true number of the children separated, they could not reunite these children, and there is no plan for their reunification. prgtoken When Americans and the international community from all walks of life began to challenge this cruel and inhumane policy, the courts got involved. prgtoken It appears as if a fortnight was more than enough time for this administration to make a complete mess of this process, and in the process damage families--perhaps irreparably. prgtoken According to the American Civil Liberties Union, fewer than half of the migrant children who are under five years-old will be reunited with their parents. prgtoken Studies have documented that when young children are forcibly removed from their parents, the traumatic experience engenders long-term negative effects on their physic
STRENGTHENING FISHING COMMUNITIES AND INCREASING FLEXIBILITY IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACT
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-11

in 1996, during floor debate passage of the bipartisan Sustainable Fisheries Act that amended and reauthorized Magnuson, the gentleman from Alaska said the following: It is crucial that the management agencies within the Federal Government be proactive in protecting fisheries rather than attempting to address overfished stocks after they are in a crisis situation. prgtoken I couldn't agree more, and it is true now, more than ever. Twenty-two years ago our fisheries were in shambles. Rampant overfishing had decimated stocks to the point of collapse and Congress needed to make some tough choices to ensure that there were fish left to catch in our oceans. prgtoken We made tough choices in 1996, and we made them in 2006, putting in place requirements to end overfishing, to rebuild overfished stocks, and setting science-based annual catch limits. And because we did that, because we made those tough choices, the number of overfished stocks is at an all-time low. The number of rebuilt stocks is at an all-time high, and most stocks are trending in a positive direction that is benefiting fishermen in coastal communities. prgtoken I cannot support legislation that would turn our backs on what has worked so well, but H.R. 200, unfortunately, would take us in the wrong direction, back to the bad old days of fisheries management and taxpayer bailouts because we loosen the rules that prevent overfishing. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for his many years of service in this Chamber, and I would note that those of us who were not here in 1996 are not so-called johnny-come-latelies, but we are simply younger than the gentleman. In fact, just about everyone in this House is younger than the gentleman, and I say that with great respect. prgtoken I have worked on fisheries issues throughout my time in this Chamber and, before that, for 6 years in the California Assembly. In my personal life, I have been fishing as long as I can remember. I have even pulled in set nets on a commercial boat in Cook Inlet in the gentleman's district. So my years of interest in these issues is largely why I am so disappointed to be standing here debating a fisheries bill that is, unfortunately, too partisan. prgtoken My staff and I worked hard and in good faith to find a bipartisan compromise, and while the manager's amendment does remove some of the most egregious language that would undermine environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the American Antiquities Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act, the fact is those provisions never should have been in a Magnuson reauthorization bill in the first place. They were always nonstarters, and removing them does not fix the serious threat to fisheries posed by H.R. 200's undermining of catch limits and rebuilding timeframes. prgtoken What is more, my staff and I did offer compromise language from Senator
Nominaion of Brett Kavanaugh (Executive Calendar)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-7-11

there was a time when Blacks and Whites couldn't get married or go to the same school. The Supreme Court changed that. There was a time when gay people could be arrested for loving one another and when it was illegal for them to get married. The Supreme Court changed that. There was a time when thousands of women died from having illegal, unsafe abortions. The Supreme Court changed that. prgtoken The Justices on the Supreme Court matter to each and every one of our lives. That is why there is so much concern over President 's nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court--Judge Brett Kavanaugh. prgtoken Rightwing groups, like the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society, have been working for decades to set the stage to pack our Federal courts with ideologically driven conservatives. They have invested millions of dollars and decades of time in this effort. These two organizations have played the primary role in vetting and selecting 's nominees to the Supreme Court. By including Judge Kavanaugh on their list of potential nominees, these two organizations certainly expect that he will reflect their own ideological perspectives, which include overturning Roe v. Wade and repealing the Affordable Care Act, the ACA. They certainly expected Neil Gorsuch-- another name on their list--to do the same when he got on the Supreme Court. In the short time he has been on the Court, Justice Gorsuch has not disappointed them. prgtoken Is it any wonder that millions of people across the country are raising concerns over the nomination of yet another nominee on the Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation's wish list? Isn't it reasonable to conclude that Judge Kavanaugh will also reflect the ideological agendas of these organizations? prgtoken This is why Judge Kavanaugh does not deserve the benefit of the doubt. He has the exceptionally high burden of proof to assure the American people he can be fair and objective. The Senate has a constitutional obligation that is equal to the President's to vet a President's nominee to the Supreme Court and fulfill its advice and consent obligation responsibilities. I take this responsibility seriously because a fight for the future of the Supreme Court will have ramifications for so many issues that we care about. prgtoken Our Federal courts have been at the center of the Party's strategy to dismantle, gut, and weaken the Affordable Care Act, the ACA, since it was passed over 8 years ago. The Supreme Court narrowly upheld the constitutionality of the ACA's core provisions in 2012. The ACA provides affordable, accessible health insurance to millions of people in our country who would otherwise not have such insurance. But the Party's effort to sabotage this critically important law through the courts continues unabated. prgtoken Right now, Texas and 19 other States have a lawsuit pending in Federal court that claims, among
Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh (Executive Calendar)
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-7-11

I rise to speak in opposition to President 's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. prgtoken In my home State of New York, more than 8 million people have health problems. That is almost half my State. They are living with diabetes. They have had treatment for cancer. They have a childhood disease. prgtoken Before the Affordable Care Act became law, if you had a health problem and you needed to see a doctor, health insurance companies were allowed to make you pay much more. The health insurance companies were allowed to turn you away. They were allowed to tell you ``Sorry, you are not profitable for us because you are sick,'' and they did it many times. Let's not forget that included women who were pregnant. prgtoken But they can't tell them that anymore because of the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act made that simple statement illegal. prgtoken Now insurance companies must cover you if you are sick. They must cover you if you have had a health problem in the past. And millions of Americans are better off now because of that fact. prgtoken So what does this have to do with the Supreme Court? President has made it clear that one of his biggest goals as President is to destroy the Affordable Care Act. He has already tried hard to get Congress to repeal the law, and luckily for us, he failed. He failed because people don't want their health insurance taken away from them. It is really that simple. prgtoken Millions of Americans raised their voices and told Congress that if the Affordable Care Act were repealed, they would lose their insurance, and that would be devastating for them and their families. And Congress listened to them. prgtoken But now there is a new challenge to the law in Federal court, and the administration is refusing to defend the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken When this case makes it to the Supreme Court in a few more years, then the next Supreme Court Justice could be the deciding vote on whether the Affordable Care Act is overturned. That means the next Supreme Court Justice could have the power to decide that insurance companies don't have to cover patients anymore if they have a health problem. He could have the power to decide that insurance companies don't have to cover you or your child anymore if your child is sick. prgtoken Healthcare costs in my State have already skyrocketed because of the fact that the administration has attacked this law over and over again. But repealing the law would be absolutely devastating to so many families. More than 8 million New Yorkers could lose their health insurance or pay more for their coverage. So would millions more all across the country. I am very concerned that is exactly what Judge Kavanaugh would do if he were given this opportunity. prgtoken Just look at his record. When Judge Kavanaugh had a case before him that was attacking another part of the Affordable Care Act, he dissented in
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 200, STRENGTHENING FISHING COMMUNITIES AND INCREASING FLEXIBILITY IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACT
Jared Polis (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-7-11

such time as I may consume. prgtoken As we approach another election cycle, it is very important for this institution to do everything we can to ensure transparency and safety in our elections and the integrity of the election system itself. prgtoken Our democracy is being threatened by corporations, by special interests, and by foreign powers who are stripping away power from our people and our voters with dark money spending. prgtoken Secret spending in our elections has exploded since the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision permitting super-PACs and certain tax-exempt groups to spend unlimited sums, including, in many cases, undisclosed funds. The result is unprecedented levels of spending and a midterm election expected to be the most expensive ever. prgtoken Many of these groups don't even have to disclose their donors, allowing wealthy corporations and individuals and illicit foreign influencers to secretly spend unlimited dark money. prgtoken , if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up Representative Cicilline's legislation, H.R. 6239, the DISCLOSE Act, which I am proud to be a cosponsor of. This bicameral bill would require organizations spending money in Federal elections to disclose their donors and guard against hidden foreign interference in our democracy. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
REUNITE CHILDREN WITH FAMILIES: WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL EACH CHILD IS WITH THEIR PARENTS
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-11

I want to thank my colleague from California, Congressman Correa, for leading this important discussion. prgtoken , I rise to reiterate my alarm about the child abuse at the border. prgtoken Due either to complete incompetence, deliberate indifference, or both, this administration failed to fully comply with one of the first court-ordered deadlines to reunite innocent children with their parents from whom they were separated. prgtoken The administration failed to implement an effective system for identifying and reconnecting children with their parents before executing its family separation policy. As a result, they have been unable to accurately report the number of children in their custody, the location of each child, and the immigration status of the parents, many of whom who have already been deported. prgtoken Adding insult to injury, it was recently revealed that one of the detained children under the age of 5 may actually be an American citizen. Such a mistake should never happen and should shock every American to their core. prgtoken This is a despicable humanitarian crisis created by , and one which the administration has shown no ability to solve. prgtoken Despite the President's attempt to divert attention from the crisis, thousands of children remain separated from their families. This is a national disgrace. Every parent, every grandparent, and every patriotic American should be appalled by the harm that this President has inflicted on children. prgtoken We must all exercise our First Amendment right to speak out against this unconscionable family separation crisis. I urge my colleagues in Congress to make every effort to ensure that these children are reconnected with their parents. If the crisis proves impossible for the administration to fully solve, Congress must hold accountable those who are responsible.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR CAPITAL GAZETTE SHOOTING VICTIMS
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-7-11

on Thursday, June 28, a gunman targeted a cherished community newspaper and our Nation's free press, killing five people. prgtoken The Capital Gazette is one of our Nation's oldest newspapers, having served Maryland's capital city of Annapolis for 291 years. In fact, it was one of the first newspapers to publish the Declaration of Independence, although it appeared on page 2 because local news always took precedence. prgtoken The Annapolis community, which Congressman Sarbanes and I have the privilege of representing, is a tight-knit community. The men and women lost in this horrific attack were friends, neighbors, and extended family members. prgtoken We rise to honor the lives of: prgtoken Rebecca Smith, who was quiet but had a ``big heart'' and described herself as a ``bonus mom to the best kid ever''; prgtoken John McNamara, who went by Mac, who loved covering sports as much as playing them; prgtoken Gerald Fischman, the consummate newspaperman working 12 hours a day or more, who editorialized about gun violence and became a victim of it; prgtoken Rob Hiaasen, a giant in stature and in character, who generously mentored young journalists; and prgtoken Wendi Winters, a prolific writer, mother of three Navy officers, and an American hero who charged at the gunman and saved lives. prgtoken Those who were senselessly gunned down were members of our valued local press cops. In America, we cherish and value our free and independent press. It is a crucial pillar of our democracy. We should not tolerate threats and hatred directed at the media and should support those who bring us the news every day. prgtoken Today, we also honor the brave and swift action by first responders who were on the scene within 1 minute of 911 calls. prgtoken Today, we honor the enduring courage of the Capital Gazette staff. Their dedication and service to their readers and their commitment to a vibrant, free press are a tribute to their profession and professionalism and to the resilience of the Annapolis community. prgtoken , I would ask the House to pause for a moment of silence to honor Rebecca, John, Gerald, Rob, Wendi, and all those impacted by the shooting at the Capital Gazette.
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE COUNTRIES OF EASTERN EUROPE AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-7-11

reserving my right to object, although I don't intend to object, I want to, first of all, thank the chairman for bringing this resolution to the floor. prgtoken The Foreign Affairs Committee marked up this resolution awhile back. It passed unanimously, and we were under the impression that it might come up for debate on Tuesday under suspension. That is what should have happened. prgtoken Members should have had the opportunity to debate this in the House before the NATO summit meeting began this morning, and sent a clear message that this body stands with NATO, that we support this alliance, the most successful in history, that our allies can count on American leadership and American resolve. prgtoken Instead, we are rushing it through today, after the summit is halfway over and after President has again insulted our closest friends on the global stage. prgtoken This is an important resolution. It should not be swept under the rug because it is important that this body stand up for NATO, even if we are late to the game. prgtoken , .
Thai Rescue Mission (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-7-11

the world breathed a sigh of relief. For almost 2 weeks now, we have had our attention focused on 12 children, Thai soccer team players who were lured into a cave with their coach and were thought to be lost for days. They couldn't be found in that flooded cave. prgtoken Then came the good news that they were discovered. They were still alive. It was a miracle. prgtoken Then came an extraordinary challenge: how to safely bring these 12 children out of this trap they were in and bring them to safety. I cannot imagine the effort that was undertaken. It included countries from around the world and the United States coming together to provide extraordinary levels of assistance at great cost to save the lives of these 12 children, to bring them out of this trap they were in and reunite them with their families. prgtoken All the prayers and all the hard work, all the bravery and all the investment paid off. These children are safe, as is their coach. They are currently being tended to for medical care, but the day will soon come when they will be back in the warm embrace of their families. prgtoken It was a great illustration of the caring heart of people around the world for children they had never seen; children who, through no fault of their own, found themselves in a deadly circumstance; children separated from their families with no hope when it came to their future. People responded. It was a great moment for the world to reflect on those children.
UPHOLD THE STIMSON DOCTRINE
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-7-11

I am concerned that the President of the United States is engaged in a massive campaign of deception that threatens to upend U.S. policy towards Crimea, shake confidence in U.S. global leadership, and override the stated will of the United States Congress. prgtoken This dangerous precedent set in Crimea cannot be overstated. Putin's forcible and illegal annexation of Crimea, the first forcible seizure of territory in Europe since World War II, undermines Ukrainian sovereignty and threatens the stability of European borders. prgtoken Acquiescence on the part of the United States threatens the security of sovereign nations. Who is next? Moldova? Georgia? The Baltic States? prgtoken It is the longstanding policy of the United States not to recognize territorial changes effected by force, as dictated by the Stimson Doctrine established in 1932 by then Secretary of State Henry Stimson. prgtoken We upheld that doctrine with the issuance of the Welles Declaration in 1940, which stated emphatically that the United States would not recognize the illegal annexation of the Baltic States by then the Soviet Union. That policy remained in effect for 50 long years. prgtoken For more than 50 years, we stood by the Baltic Republics of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, sometimes in the face of ridicule. Today, they are independent sovereign states and good members of NATO. The collective wisdom of the previous and current administrations, Congress, our European allies, and the American public is that similar principles must be adopted with respect to Crimea. prgtoken Crimea was Putin's original violation in the Ukraine, and we have limited credibility objecting to Russia's subsequent invasion of the Luhansk and Donetsk if we do not stand firm with respect to Crimea. prgtoken The administration established a nonrecognition policy toward Russian sovereignty over Crimea and levied sanctions against individuals and entities enabling Russia's occupation. Our allies in Europe stood with us shoulder to shoulder in emphasizing and enforcing those sanctions. prgtoken Congress codified President 's Crimea sanctions and has repeatedly used the power of the purse to prohibit the use of government funds for any action that would recognize the de jure or de facto illegal annexation of Crimea. prgtoken And in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, Congress reiterated its support for the Stimson Doctrine and its application to the illegal invasions by Russia and occupations of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, Crimea, and eastern Ukraine, and the Transnistria region of Moldova. Even the State Department for the current administration has reiterated our nonrecognition policy and enforced Crimea sanctions. prgtoken But through all of this, one man stands alone atop his bully pulpit with opaque intentions and armed with an arsenal of half-truths and downright lies. That person is the President of the Un