mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Joseph Crowley (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-3-15

under rule IX, clause 1, questions of the privileges of the House are ``those affecting the rights of the House collectively, its safety, dignity, and the integrity of its proceedings.'' prgtoken I would argue there is nothing more of a threat to the integrity of the House of Representatives than ignoring our duty to provide a check and balance, as our Founders expected of us, of the executive branch. prgtoken To restore the dignity of the House, we must use our authority to request President 's tax returns and give the American people the transparency that they deserve. prgtoken The American people know full well the scope of the President's financial background, as related by television and the media; but they don't know the details. prgtoken Article I, section 9 of the Constitution includes a clause prohibiting foreign emoluments to the President. The Office of Government Ethics has warned us about the President's decision not to divest or set up a blind trust, and there is a need to fully understand the President's ties to Russia. prgtoken , we are seeing the President saying one thing, such as mandating the use of American-made steel on American pipelines, then quietly reversing himself to allow the use of foreign-made steel on the Keystone Pipeline, which is being built by a Canadian company. prgtoken The resolution I am offering can provide the transparency to help ease the concerns of Americans in every corner of our country. The Internal Revenue Code includes language laying out a path for the Ways and Means Committee to obtain the tax returns and review them in a respectful way. There is the precedent that I have stated earlier that provides for this to be used. prgtoken A growing number of Members and Senators from both parties have been saying we should have the President's tax returns. One of those is Congressman Steve Knight of California who announced to his constituents that the President's tax returns should be made public, so I look forward to his support of this resolution. prgtoken The House must demonstrate that its Members are listening to our constituents' concerns. The House must demonstrate that it cares about protecting the integrity of the House, of our government, of our Constitution, of our system of checks and balances. Let's shine a bright light on the President's conflicts together. prgtoken We, as the elected Representatives of our constituents and the broader American public, can judge whether his decisions are being made for himself, prgtoken his business, or for the greater good of the American people. prgtoken At the end of the day, if President has nothing to hide, then he should be willing to do what every President since Richard Nixon has done, and that is, release his tax returns.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ACT OF 2017
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-3-15

I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding. prgtoken , today, I rise in proud support, and I join my colleague, Congressman Lewis, in supporting H.R. 267 and its efforts to redesignate the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. prgtoken For decades, large numbers of people have descended on this site to see the birthplace where the dreamer was moved by destiny into leadership of the modern civil rights movement. The site as it stands now, which also contains the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, has faced hardships over the years leading to budget cutbacks and a decrease in staff. prgtoken H.R. 267 would increase funding that would help preserve this American landmark and increase the size of the park so that future generations can continue to visit and enjoy. prgtoken Just like Dr. King never led a march without a plan, we shouldn't leave this critical piece of the civil rights movement without a plan for its future. We should continue to work to preserve the place where Dr. King was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and where he is buried. prgtoken , I stand in strong support of H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act of 2017. prgtoken The time has come to update the historic sites and monuments at the Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Site. This common sense legislation seeks to end the current restrictions that prevent the site from adopting the proposed ``Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Proposed Boundary Revision'' and reclassifying the landmark more appropriately as a ``National Park.'' prgtoken Originally, this site established in 1980, encompassed the portions of Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia, the house in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King's family prayed. Public Law 96-428 memorialized these buildings with the intent to ``protect and interpret for the benefit, inspiration and education of present and future generations the places where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, where he lived, worked, and worshipped, and where he is buried.'' prgtoken Unfortunately, the MLK National Historic Site remains classified as a ``National Site.'' The National Park Service defines areas with similar geography and size as national parks. The title ``National Site'' no longer fits with the current structure of this historic landmark. The current boundaries of site limit the National Park Service's ability to conserve important landmarks in Atlanta. The provisions outlined in this bill will allow the site to expand and in turn preserve the history of Dr. King's life for thousands of Americans to personally experience and ensure our nation never forgets his dream. An extension of the current boundaries of the site would help greater serve the mission of the site. prgtoken Dr. King altered the course of American history. Our nation's citizen
AUTHORIZING THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO AMEND THE DEFINITE PLAN REPORT FOR THE SEEDSKADEE PROJECT
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-3-15

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 648 would increase the amount of water that can be stored in the Fontenelle Reservoir in Lincoln County, Wyoming, by allowing the active storage capacity of the reservoir to be used. This bill has been written in a balanced manner that respects existing laws, compacts, and treaties, and does not attempt to expand Wyoming's entitlement to Colorado River supplies at the expense of other Colorado River Basin States. prgtoken H.R. 648 is a straightforward, noncontroversial piece of legislation that is identical to a bill that was unanimously passed by the Committee on Natural Resources last Congress. I support H.R. 648 and urge its adoption. prgtoken , .
SOUTH SUDAN
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-15

last month, the U.N. declared a famine in parts of South Sudan. As I rise today, more than 100,000 men, women, and children there are facing immediate starvation. Arguably, this was an avoidable crisis. prgtoken Internal conflicts have worsened the dire living conditions for the people of South Sudan, and the government of the Republic of South Sudan must live up to its promise and ensure access to the most vulnerable communities by humanitarian organizations. According to recent estimates, without immediate action, an additional 5.5 million people living in South Sudan will experience famine. prgtoken Although we haven't yet seen the President's budget, it is reported that there is a 37 percent decrease in foreign aid. This could include severe cuts to humanitarian funding. prgtoken In this regard, I introduced H. Res. 187 in support of the efforts by USAID and other providers of humanitarian assistance in the international community. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan resolution, and, by doing so, begin an end to this crisis.
MONTENEGRO'S ACCESSION INTO NATO
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-3-15

first let me thank Senator McCain for his strong leadership on this issue and so many issues that deal with U.S. national security. prgtoken Montenegro is a small country, but the principle that no non-NATO country can veto accession into NATO is very much a major national security issue for the United States. Make no mistake about it. Russia is trying to interfere with Montenegro's accession into NATO. prgtoken I am also pleased to hear from Senator Shaheen, who has been one of the great leaders in the Senate on our European transatlantic relations, and I know how strongly she feels. prgtoken I just want to underscore points that Senator McCain made. I am the ranking on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee did approve unanimously by voice vote the accession of Montenegro into NATO. The Presiding Officer was part of that discussion, and I thank him for his help in moving this issue forward. prgtoken This is not a controversial issue among the Members of the Senate or the Congress. This is something that should have been done by now. prgtoken As Senator McCain has pointed out, 25 of the 28 nations have already ratified Montenegro's accession into NATO. It requires all 28. Another two are working actively on confirmation, and the last is the United States. We should be first, not the last. We should get this done. It should have been done before now. prgtoken The point that Senator McCain made I have to underscore because we know about Russia's engagement here in the United States in our election. Well, let me tell you something. As to what Montenegro experienced during their parliamentary elections, where Russia put money into that country and tried to do violence in order to prevent their Parliament from ratifying the accession into NATO, we have to stand up against that type of bullying by Russia, that interference by Russia. prgtoken As we are here today debating, Montenegro has been subject to a wave of anti-NATO and anti-Western propaganda emanating from Russia. There are also allegations that a recent coup planned had Russian ties. prgtoken Blocking Montenegro's ability to join NATO will have real implications for how NATO is perceived. Once again, Russia does not have a veto on our enlargement of NATO. It is in the United States' national security interests that we ratify Montenegro's accession into NATO as soon as possible. I hope we can do it yet today. prgtoken .
WELCOMING REVEREND DR. ANDREW CHANEY
Billy Long (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-3-16

today I have the honor of introducing my friend Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney. prgtoken Reverend Chaney is a third-generation minister. He serves as the senior minister at the historic First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, a church that is a special place to my family. Reverend Chaney serves as an important spiritual voice for me and the Springfield community. prgtoken Congress has a longstanding tradition of beginning each session with a prayer. I am privileged and honored to have the opportunity today to welcome Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney to the people's House as he opened today's session with a prayer.
VA ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST ACT OF 2017
Scott Taylor (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-3-16

I rise to offer my amendment to the VA Accountability First Act. This amendment would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a semi-annual report to Congress on the reasons and costs of the transfer of any senior executive employees within the Department. prgtoken , in my district and the surrounding area, we have the fastest-growing veterans' population in the Nation, specifically, with women veterans, Operation Enduring Freedom veterans, and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. I am honored to serve in the district that has the largest population of Active Duty and veterans in the country. prgtoken Our own VA center, where I personally receive care, was previously rated as a one-star facility, the lowest rating available; this, by the VA's own rating system. Now, I am pleased to say the center has made strides and progress in many areas. However, the director in charge during the time of poor performance was simply moved to another facility to be a director there. We have to do better. We will do better. The VA Accountability First Act of 2017 is a wonderful and great start. prgtoken This amendment will contribute to more transparency, accountability, and oversight. We must continually and consistently hold the VA accountable for underperformance. Our veterans are sacred and deserve the same commitment to high standards they upheld as servicemembers. prgtoken We should never defend mediocrity at the VA; rather, strive for better service, care, and excellence. prgtoken , .
VETERANS 2ND AMENDMENT PROTECTION ACT
Blake Farenthold (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-16

under current practice, if a veteran or beneficiary is appointed a fiduciary by the VA, they are automatically labeled as mentally defective and added to the FBI's background check system which prohibits them from purchasing a firearm. This rule fails to identify which beneficiaries have a mental illness that make them a danger, instead instituting a blanket ban on anyone who needs help managing their benefits, and it discourages veterans who need help from seeking help. prgtoken The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act will prohibit the VA from considering a beneficiary just because they are assisted by a fiduciary as mentally defective without due process. Just because you have trouble managing your finances doesn't mean you are dangerously mentally ill. This discourages veterans who may need help from seeking help. prgtoken We owe it to our veterans and to all Americans to protect the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and ensure that they are not taken away without due process. That is why I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
VA ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST ACT OF 2017
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-3-16

. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken Today, as a veteran of both the Army and the United States Marine Corps, I rise on behalf of all those who have called, written, and stopped by my office seeking reform and accountability of the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken I, along with the chairman and my colleagues on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act of 2017. Today the House will vote to ensure the VA can hold its employees accountable for their actions and make sure that this agency remains committed and connected to its sole mission of serving our Nation's veterans. prgtoken Additionally, this bill would provide improved protections for whistleblowers to ensure those brave enough to tell Congress and the American people what is really happening at the VA are protected. prgtoken After the wait-time scandal in Phoenix and the over $1 billion cost overrun at the Aurora VA hospital, it is time that we reform the VA's culture of corruption and bureaucratic incompetence. This legislation will help the VA meet our Nation's obligations to the men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our freedom.
IN HONOR OF GARY SCHNIEDERS
Rod Blum (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-16

I rise today to honor a remarkable teacher and citizen from Waterloo, Iowa. Mr. Gary Schnieders has taught History, Social Studies, and Economics at Waterloo Columbus Catholic High School for 39 years. Over those 39 years, Mr. Schnieders has made an enormous impact on the lives of his students and members of the community. prgtoken Mr. Schnieders's devotion goes beyond the classroom with his annual trip to the hallowed ground of Europe's battlefields. This trip is no European vacation. Students walk the trenches of the Western Front and explore battlefields with a twelve-mile hike one day and twenty-mile bike ride another day. Prior to their departure, students are given reading assignments and must complete a 20-page essay. While in Europe, the students have nightly homework assignments. This annual trip is highly anticipated and one that many Waterloo Columbus students work toward their entire high school career. prgtoken The itinerary also includes visits to several American cemeteries and memorials honoring our fallen heroes, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. On the final day, the students visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial where they clean the grave markers, plant an American flag, and lay a rose on the grave of every Iowan. At the end of the day, students lay their final wreath of the trip at Normandy as Taps sounds in the background. prgtoken Upon their return to Iowa, the students give presentations to their families, fellow students, and residents of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, with a special invitation extended to the local Veteran community. prgtoken Over the past 39 years, Mr. Schnieders has shown his students what cannot be taught in a classroom--the meaning of sacrifice and love of country. Today, we honor his devotion that extends far beyond the classroom and helps to ensure the preservation of American values for generations to come.
HONORING ROTARY DISTRICT 7150 OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-3-16

I rise today in honor of Rotary District 7150 of Central New York as it hosts Rotary International President-Elect Ian Riseley of Australia. This weekend, Rotary International President-Elect Riseley will address incoming club presidents at the Multi-District President-Elect Training Seminar and People of Action Dinner in my district in Syracuse, New York. I am proud to see local members of Rotary District 7150 of Central New York honored during this, the centennial of the Rotary International Foundation. Rotary International is home to more than 35,000 clubs worldwide, including 43 clubs in District 7150 of Central New York. The Rotary's mission of ``service above self'' is exemplified in our local Rotary Clubs' work assisting veterans in need, recognizing the hard work and success of high school students, restoring our prized parks and waterways, and partnering with local food pantries to reduce hunger throughout the 24th District. With over 1,200 Rotary members locally, Central New York is a better place because of the work these individuals do for our community. I applaud the members of Rotary District 7150 of Central New York for their service, fellowship, and passion.
IT IS CRUCIAL TO REPEAL AND REPLACE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-16

I rise today to voice my concern about how crucial it is that we repeal and replace the poorly named Affordable Care Act. prgtoken We are working towards a better healthcare plan and doing it in a better fashion than the other side did 8 years ago. We are actually going through regular order, allowing the committees of jurisdiction to do their work in public, and have the text for all to see and debate. prgtoken , Care is failing and will collapse on its own. Many more will lose their insurance, and the healthcare system will get drastically worse if we simply leave it in place. The worst thing we can do is nothing. prgtoken 4.7 million Americans were kicked off their healthcare plans by the ACA. I was one of them. Under the ACA, there has been a 25 percent average increase in premiums for the midlevel plans in 2017 for millions of Americans trapped in the healthcare.gov exchanges. Nearly one-third of U.S. counties have only one insurer offering an exchange plan. prgtoken Care is unsustainable it is time for Congress to do its job and replace the failed Care. We guarantee we will read this bill before we pass it.
TRIBUTE TO CHRIS COFFELT
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-16

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chris Coffelt, Superintendent of Central Decatur Community School District, for being named one of Education Week's 2017 ``Leaders to Learn from.'' prgtoken Each year, Education Week searches across the country for some of the most innovative and forward thinking educators our schools have to offer. Chris certainly fits that mold. His tireless dedication to educational excellence has given rise to a new culture of student growth and success in the Central Decatur Community School District. prgtoken Prior to Chris's arrival, the school district had a difficult time retaining high-quality teachers for extended periods of time, which contributed to lower student achievement. Since taking over, Chris has made Central Decatur a destination for some of Iowa's best teachers. His innovative programs have helped turn the school district around and for the first time in years they are seeing student tests scores grow in a number of key areas. Chris' ability to empower teachers in his district has brought about a new level of success for not only his teachers, but the students as well. prgtoken , it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Chris in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud him for utilizing his talents to better his students, teachers, community and the great state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Chris on receiving this outstanding recognition and wishing him nothing but continued success.
VA ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST ACT OF 2017
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-16

I have enjoyed working with my chairman, and, of course, our ranking member, on behalf of our true American heroes over the years, and we have got much more good work to do for our heroes. prgtoken , too often, the VA has failed to hold employees accountable when they do not uphold their duty to care for those who served. prgtoken The vast majority, as has been said by our chairman, are hardworking and dedicated to our Nation's heroes. But those bad actors are harmful to veterans and the VA's reputation as a whole. They must be fired. If a VA employee fails in their duty to care for veterans, they should be removed, as I said, from their post swiftly, no matter how senior their position. prgtoken It is unacceptable that it can take a year, or even longer, to remove, demote, or suspend a VA employee. The VA Accountability First Act would remove those bureaucratic roadblocks and rid the agency of its toxic culture of mediocrity. prgtoken The bill would also safeguard whistleblowers--that is necessary--from retaliation and protect employees' due process rights. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor the VA Accountability First Act, and I strongly urge passage.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-16

on March 15, 2017, I missed the voting session. If present, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken YES--H.R. 132--Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex and District Office Conveyance Act of 2017 prgtoken YES--H.R. 648--To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to amend the Definite Plan Report for the Seedskadee Project to enable the use of the active capacity of the Fontenelle Reservoir prgtoken YES--Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair
THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF CRIMEA
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-16

this week marks 3 years since Russia violated Ukraine's territorial integrity and illegally stole Crimea. prgtoken In 2014, the people of Ukraine peacefully decided to move closer to the European Union and away from the Russian sphere of influence. However, the Napoleon of Siberia would have none of it. Russian troops invaded the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine. Little green men then invaded two more regions in eastern Ukraine. prgtoken The Russian invasions have cost 10,000 Ukrainian lives, but Russia has not stopped. Troops are pursuing a slow strategy to take more and more territory in eastern Ukraine. prgtoken Russia has invaded a sovereign country and taken over its lands. Mr what country is next? prgtoken The American people must stand with Ukraine and against the tyranny of the Russian bear. It is time to stand up to Putin. He must pay a price for his aggression. Sanctions against and isolation of the bear are good places to start. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.