mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECTING THE UNBORN
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-10-2

I thank my good friend for yielding, for his passion, for his courage, and for authoring the Pain- Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, and for doing so so informed. Trent Franks has been an incredible defender of life, and I want to thank him for his leadership on this extraordinarily important human rights piece of legislation. prgtoken , overwhelming majorities of Americans, some 60 to 64 percent, according to the pollsters, support legal protection for pain- capable unborn children. prgtoken Today, we know that unborn babies not only die but suffer excruciating pain during dismemberment abortions, a cruelty that rips arms and legs off of helpless children. prgtoken A former abortionist, Dr. Anthony Levatino, testified before Congress, before Trent Franks' committee. Here is a man who has performed 1,200 abortions, over 100 late-term abortions up to 24 weeks; and he said, and I quote in part: ``Imagine if you can that you are a pro-choice obstetrician/gynecologist like I was.'' Using a sopher 13 clamp with rows of ridges or teeth, ``grasp anything you can'' inside the womb. ``Once you've grasped something inside, squeeze on the clamp to set the jaws and pull hard, really hard. You feel something let go and out pops a fully formed leg about 6 inches long. Reach in again''-- he goes on--``and grasp anything you can and out pops an arm.'' prgtoken He noted that a ``second trimester D&E abortion is a blind procedure.'' So he says: ``Reach in again and again and again with that clamp and tear out the spine, intestines, heart, and lungs.'' prgtoken , even swing vote Justice Anthony Kennedy, in his dissent in the Stenberg v. Carhart decision, said about dismemberment abortions: ``The fetus, in many cases, dies just as a human adult or child would: It bleeds to death as it is torn limb from limb. The fetus can be alive at the beginning of the dismemberment process and can survive for a time while its limbs are being torn off.'' prgtoken , even if pain wasn't present, dismembering a child is violence against children, and it is inhumane. But these babies actually suffer in this process. prgtoken Dr. Robert White, professor of neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve, has said an unborn child at 20 weeks' gestation ``is fully capable of experiencing pain . . . without question, abortion is a dreadfully painful experience. . . .'' prgtoken Dr. Anand wrote, and he is an expert on pain: ``The human fetus possesses the ability to experience pain from 20 weeks' gestation. . . .'' He points out that it is even worse for an unborn child at that time period because ``the highest density of pain receptors per square inch of skin in human development occurs in utero from 20 to 30 weeks' gestation. Thus, a fetus at 20 to 32 weeks' gestation would experience a much more intense pain than older infants or children or adults.'' We have known this for some time, . prgtoken In 2006, I authored the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act that g
PROTECTING THE UNBORN
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-10-2

I would like to thank my friend and colleague prgtoken Trent Franks for his hard work on this important issue. I rise today in support of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. prgtoken Children are gifts from God--before and after they are born. They are tiny humans with endless potential and complete innocence. prgtoken This bill would stop the practice of ending these precious lives after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of rape or incest or necessity to save the mother's life. prgtoken Similar laws have been passed in about 16 states, and this Chamber passed similar legislation in 2015. The United States is 1 of only 7 countries that does not ban abortions of these 20-week-year-old unborn babies. prgtoken Science indicates that, at about this age, these children have the physical structures needed to feel pain. prgtoken We do not want anyone to have an unwanted pregnancy, but we want mothers to know that abortion is not their only option. And we want these children protected from pain and harm. prgtoken , it is time to protect our Nation's most innocent from inhumane suffering and premature death.
Las Vegas Mass Shooting (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise to voice my strong support for the nomination of Ajit Pai to a second 5-year term as a Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Pai has served as a Commissioner at the FCC since 2012, when he was first confirmed by a voice vote in the Senate. He was designated as Chairman earlier this year. prgtoken A native of Kansas, Chairman Pai has focused on the expansion of rural broadband and the acceleration of next-generation infrastructure deployment. In recent weeks, he has worked tirelessly to help ensure that communications services are restored to the communities that have been affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. In just his 9 months since becoming Chairman, Mr. Pai has also made much needed reforms to improve transparency at the FCC and to improve the agency's processes. prgtoken I am particularly heartened by Chairman Pai's efforts to treat his fellow Commissioners fairly by instituting the process of sharing documents with other Commissioners before discussing them publicly. Additionally, under Chairman Pai's leadership, the public is now able to view the text of all agenda items in advance of Commission hearings. prgtoken With respect to the thorny issue of internet regulations, I am pleased Chairman Pai has sought to hit the reset button on the 2015 title II order because, as I had previously said, the FCC should do what is necessary to rebalance its regulatory posture under current law. At the same time, I continue to believe the best way to provide long-term protections for the internet is for Congress to pass bipartisan legislation. prgtoken Rather than prolonging the back-and-forth debate on this issue, I, once again, invite my colleagues to work with me to find a lasting legislative solution that will resolve the dispute over net neutrality once and for all. prgtoken As for the nomination before us, I can think of no better pick to lead the FCC as it works to address a host of issues at the heart of our interconnected economy. As I noted at the outset, Chairman Pai has already made much needed reforms to improve the processes at the FCC that empower fellow Commissioners. He has already shown a commitment to ensuring transparency and openness at the Commission. That gives me great confidence in the direction he will lead the agency. prgtoken Chairman Pai's approach, I believe, will lead to more long-lasting and positive results at the FCC. That is why I believe the elevation of Ajit Pai to be the Chairman of the Commission is a much needed breath of fresh air and why I believe he should be confirmed promptly and without further delay. I urge my colleagues to support his nomination. prgtoken , .
Tribute to Lyle E. Strom and William J. Riley (Executive Session)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to recognize two Nebraskans who are retiring after long careers of service to the American people: the Honorable Lyle E. Strom and the Honorable William J. Riley. Both of these judges have spent years upholding the rule of law, and their professionalism has established a strong reputation for their respective courts. They are true role models for current and aspiring lawyers and judges, and their exceptional work should be acknowledged. prgtoken Lyle Elmer Strom was born on January 6, 1925, in Omaha, NE. His mother was a schoolteacher. His father worked as an oil trader. Judge Strom has said that he didn't much care for school while he was growing up. Instead, he found himself causing more trouble than good, especially when he played football on top of the nearby grain silo with some friends. prgtoken In 1943, after being rejected by the Navy because of weak eyesight, Strom enlisted in the Merchant Marines as a radio signal operator. During his time in the Naval Reserve, he was inspired to become a lawyer after being impressed by his fellow Merchant Marines who had obtained college and professional degrees. prgtoken After serving his country in the military, Strom graduated from Creighton University with a B.A. in 1950. That same year, he married the love of his life, his wife Regina. Together, they had seven children. In 1953, Strom graduated from Creighton University's School of Law, finishing at the top of his class. He soon joined the prestigious firm of Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler, & Brennan. prgtoken Strom started his career believing he would be a business type of lawyer. Shortly after joining the firm, however, Bob Hamer brought Strom into his litigation group because he was smart and a hard-working professional. By 1958, Strom led the litigation practice for the firm. prgtoken Over his years of private practice, Lyle Strom became a well-known, well-liked litigator in Nebraska, especially in Omaha. In 1985, after 32 years of law practice and with encouragement from Congressman Hal Daub, President Ronald Reagan appointed Strom to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. He served as chief judge of the court from 1987 until 1994 and in 1995 took senior status, allowing him the ability to continue sitting as a judge on cases over the past 22 years. prgtoken Judge Strom has always been dedicated to the craft of practicing law. He served as the president of the Omaha Bar Association from 1980 to 1981 and as president of the Nebraska State Bar Association from 1989 to 1990. prgtoken One of his biggest joys has come in the form of mentoring aspiring lawyers and young people--something he has done throughout his career. In his first decade as a lawyer, he worked as a professor at Creighton University. In his fifth, after becoming a Federal judge with a full caseload, Judge Strom served as the Creighton Law School internship program director and clinical professor o
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-10-2

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, October 3; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Cissna nomination; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
IN RECOGNITION OF BEN ROSE AND HIS SERVICE TO CABARRUS COUNTY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to recognize Ben Rose on nearly a decade of service to North Carolina's 8th District as Cabarrus County Department of Social Services Director. prgtoken Originally from Raleigh, Ben received his undergraduate degree in biology at Campbell University and went on to finish his Master's in social work at Tulane University. Since finishing school, he has applied his education to community service and helping those who need it most. Ben has been an integral part of helping me assist our shared constituents and provide them with the best services possible. prgtoken Over the years, Ben has dedicated his life to furthering the state of North Carolina. He has served on the boards of the North Carolina Association of County Social Services Directors, Cabarrus County Mental Health Advisory, Cabarrus County Transportation Advisory, Cabarrus County Conflict Resolution and Teen Court, Cabarrus Literacy Council, and on the Advisory Board of the State Employees Credit Union. As you can see, Ben's servant heart never stops, no matter the day or time. prgtoken Residing in North Carolina, he and his wife, Brenda, have one daughter. Ben has shown immense dedication to his career and his family over the years. I am extremely grateful for Ben's service to our community and I wish him continued success. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring Ben Rose for his service to our community.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 106TH NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to acknowledge the 106th National Day of the Republic of Taiwan (China), or the ``Double- Ten'' celebration. Since the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the United States and Taiwan have forged a strong partnership based on our shared values of democracy, freedom, and rule of law. prgtoken Over the years, Taiwan's economy has developed into one of the most innovative and advanced in the world. Taiwan has also proved itself to be a model of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. The relationship between Taiwan and the United States is particularly strong when it comes to trade between the two countries, having created roughly half- a-million jobs in the United States. Taiwan's role and importance as a trading partner with the United States continues to grow every day. prgtoken , I look forward to further strengthening our relationship to create even more prosperity for our two countries. I stand ready to work with this administration in order to do so.
GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 289, the Guides and Outfitters--or GO--Act, offered by my Natural Resources Committee colleague and my California neighbor, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. prgtoken For many years, we have seen increasingly severe restrictions on the public's use of the public's land. One of the most galling aspects of this exclusionary policy is the use of exorbitant fees to prevent many group events and small business services that have often been the economic mainstay of small mountain communities like those in my district in the Sierra Nevada. prgtoken This abusive practice was made possible by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement--or FLREA--Act in 2004. It unleashed a flood of complex rules, regulations, and court decisions that have gradually increased the cost of permit administration for the Forest Service and for the Bureau of Land Management, which these agencies, in turn, have used as an excuse to raise fees on the public to cost-prohibitive levels. prgtoken For example, the California Endurance Riders Association have been using the El Dorado National Forest for many years. In 2009, when they sought a simple 5-year, 10-event permit to continue doing exactly what they had been doing without incident for decades, the Forest Service demanded $11,000 in fees. prgtoken Well, they paid those fees. But the El Dorado National Forest management, nonetheless, pulled the approved permit and halted the process on utterly specious grounds. It then demanded an additional $17,000 fee, causing the Endurance Riders Association to cancel what had been a long-term civic tradition that had been a boon to the local economy. prgtoken In 2010, this outrage was repeated after the group spent $5,800 for the Fool's Gold endurance run that had been an ongoing event for more than 40 years. prgtoken Hardest hit are guides and outfitters, the folks who make it possible for visitors to fully enjoy our national lands. They are the small businesses that provide specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment that new visitors just don't possess. Both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have used FLREA to require these small businesses to pay for permit processing and environmental analyses that require more than 50 hours. prgtoken These fees, along with complex planning requirements, have virtually shut down so many legitimate and traditional public events and uses. Efforts to encourage the agencies to modify and streamline the process have failed, even when those efforts were supported by agency policy. prgtoken The GO Act is a long-overdue relief of these practices. It amends FLREA to streamline the recreation permitting process and allow for increased public access to recreational opportunities on the Federal lands. The GO Act was crafted in consultation with a wide variety of recreation groups throughout the country, and it aims to reduce the cost and complexity of these permits. prgtoken ,
RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNALAM
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-2

my colleagues, today I rise to recognize Unalam, a family-run lumber manufacturing business in Otsego County, New York, which will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year on October 4. prgtoken Unalam is owned by the Van Cott family, which has established a multigenerational reputation of supporting our upstate farmers and small businesses with quality lumber products and innovations. prgtoken Unalam's journey began in 1892, when J.W. Van Cott began selling lumber in Unadilla, New York. Since then, each generation has left its mark on the family's business. Unalam has become a renowned firm for its expert production of glulam, or laminated timber barn rafters. prgtoken Today, Unalam is headed by J.W. Van Cott's great-great-grandson, Craig Van Cott, and his children, Zoe Vandermeulen and Leif Van Cott. prgtoken I thank and congratulate the Van Cott family as well as the past and present employees of Unalam as they celebrate this incredible milestone.
RECOGNITION OF DEPUTY LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, ROBERT NEWLEN
Gregg Harper (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-10-2

I am so honored to rise today to recognize and commend the Deputy Librarian of Congress, Robert Newlen, who is leaving the Library of Congress after more than 43 years of distinguished service to accept a position with a private foundation. Before being named Deputy Librarian last year, Mr. Newlen served as chief of staff, assistant law librarian in the Law Library, and held several leadership positions within the Congressional Research Service. Mr. Newlen is literally an institution within an institution. He has provided exceptional leadership and counsel across the Library of Congress since the mid-1970's and is admired and respected widely by his many colleagues and friends there. His knowledge, energy, and wisdom have enabled him to be an enthusiastic champion for the Library, both across the nation and the world. It has been my honor to serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress in the current Congress and in previous terms, and in those capacities I have always been impressed with Mr. Newlen's dedication to the world's premier library and his personal warmth and self-effacing manner. Robert Newlen is a classic example of what a public servant should be. I thank him for his service to the Library of Congress, to the United States Congress, and to the American people. He will be missed on Capitol Hill. I wish him well.
Las Vegas Mass Shooting (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-10-2

I come here today to talk about the nomination of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, but before I begin, I think all of us have incredibly heavy hearts in our homes, in our States, in the country, and in the world, as the horrifying events of Las Vegas really begin to sink in. prgtoken I just saw an article come across the news line in my home State of West Virginia with one of the first identifications of the victims. Her name was Denise Burditus. She is from Martinsburg, WV. She and her husband Tony were at the concert together. They have been married 32 years. They were high school sweethearts and were there vacationing and at the concert. Tony wrote on his Facebook page that his wife died in his arms. So we have lost a mother of two, and soon to be a grandmother of five, to this horrible tragedy. My heart sinks for them and for everyone. I really don't have the words to say to comfort or explain or understand, except that I feel deeply sad and sorry, and I pray for them and their families. prgtoken Today, , I want to talk about the nomination and reappointment of Ajit Pai as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Chairman Pai has been an important partner in my quest to bring rural America and much of my State online. I was very lucky to meet Chairman Pai several years ago. Without question, he has been a champion. prgtoken Without question, high-speed internet access has allowed us to connect with one another on a scale we never could have imagined a decade ago. No other technology has become so critical to our daily lives. It is the backbone for our innovation, competition, and economic growth. From starting a business to digital learning and telemedicine, broadband access is critical to the strength of our economy and our communities. Unfortunately, for all the potential opportunities that broadband can offer, not having access to this important service can create insurmountable barriers. prgtoken Better connecting States like mine--West Virginia--through improved broadband has become one of my top priorities. Without this, our rural areas risk being left behind. The digital divide exists in this country, and rural Americans are the ones who are on the wrong side of the divide. Small communities and businesses across West Virginia and elsewhere in rural America lack this fundamental infrastructure. prgtoken No one understands these issues more than Ajit Pai. Chairman Pai grew up in rural Kansas. He told me that sometimes when he goes home to visit his parents, he cannot get connected in his own hometown. He knows the challenges facing rural communities. prgtoken I have had the pleasure of hosting Chairman Pai and his staff multiple times in West Virginia. Most recently, Chairman Pai came to Wardensville in Hardy County, WV, where we have good connectivity and where we have actually been able to create new businesses and opportunities for a small town such as Warden