mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose the Perry amendment, that would strike section 336 of the National Defense Authorization Act bill under consideration by the House. prgtoken Section 336 is a commonsense and essential provision that simply acknowledges the fact that climate change is an urgent and direct threat not only to our national security, but also to our armed forces and our military installations around the world. This amendment would weaken our national security by preventing our military from planning and preparing to best meet these threats. prgtoken Despite the consensus view of the world's climate scientists that human actions are accelerating climate changes through our excessive carbon emissions, there continue to be some Members of this body that hope if we don't assess the threat too closely, it will go away. prgtoken As Members of this body, we have sworn to protect the public welfare from all threats, foreign and domestic. And make no mistake, our changing climate--fueled by humanity's enormous carbon emissions--is exactly such a threat. prgtoken But don't take my word for it. The words of Defense Secretary James Mattis that are included in the text of this bill are instructive, and deleting them through this amendment will make them no less true. He said, ``I agree that the effects of a changing climate--such as increased maritime access to the Arctic, rising sea levels, desertification, among others--impact our security situation . . . [and] it is appropriate . . . to incorporate drivers of instability that impact the security environment . . . into [our] planning.'' prgtoken And as former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gordon Sullivan has stated: ``Climate change is a national security issue. We found that climate instability will lead to instability in geopolitics and impact American military operations around the world.'' prgtoken The bipartisan language of section 336 goes on to state that, ``a three-foot rise in sea levels will threaten the operations of more than 128 United States military sites, and it is possible that many of these at-risk bases could be submerged in the coming years.'' prgtoken For my district in South Florida, we don't have to look to the future to see the threat posed by rising temperatures. Climate change is a threat today. Sea levels have already risen nine inches in the last several decades and, according to FIU's Sea Level Solutions Center, we could see up to another six inches of sea level rise in just over a dozen years. prgtoken Today ``king tides'' cause flooding in low-lying communities several times a year. We cannot afford another six inches, let alone another three feet of ocean water. And our marine ecosystems and corals are also under attack from increased acidification caused by carbon dioxide absorption in ocean waters. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we have a duty to the taxpayers of this country not only to protect our communities from the worst effec
HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ROSEANN BURKART SERRANO
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Mrs. RoseAnn Burkart Serrano. Mrs. Serrano dedicated her life to serving her family and her community. She was a volunteer, member, manager, board member, and president of many organizations, both in Le Grand and in the surrounding areas of Chowchilla, Merced, Fresno, Mariposa, and Planada. Mrs. Serrano is a shining example of what it means to make a difference in the world, and she serves as a model of determination and selflessness for all who knew her. prgtoken Born in Fresno, Mrs. Serrano graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1962 before earning a degree in Liberal Studies from Fresno City College. Mrs. Serrano continued her education at California State University, Fresno, where she was a music and history major. At Fresno State, Mrs. Serrano served as the district secretary for the college Catholic organization and met her future husband, David Serrano, through her membership in the Newman Club at the St. Paul Newman Center. After their marriage, Mrs. Serrano began working with her husband at his agricultural business, and she soon became an integral part of Serrano Farms. Besides being a full-time homemaker and mother, Mrs. Serrano irrigated, ran machinery in their almond orchards and cotton fields, and managed the farm's business records and payroll. prgtoken In addition to her role at Serrano Farms, Mrs. Serrano was active in numerous organizations, such as California Women for Agriculture, USDA Farm Services Agency Committee, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Plainsburg Elementary prgtoken School Board. Mrs. Serrano also volunteered in more local settings, from planning the Le Grand Community Day and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Dinner, to serving on the Plainsburg Election Board and helping the Plainsburg Library. Additionally, Mrs. Serrano was a regular accompanist and choir singer at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she became the local go-to pianist and organist for weddings and funerals. prgtoken Mrs. Serrano was recognized for her accomplishments and service on numerous occasions. In 1994, she and her husband were awarded the State of California Governor's Small Business Award for Small Business Person of the Year. In 2008, they were also recognized as Le Grand Community Day Citizens of the Year. In 2014, the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation at California State University, Fresno selected Mrs. Serrano as a ``Common Threads Honoree,'' honoring her for community service and philanthropic endeavors. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Mrs. RoseAnn Burkart Serrano. The Merced community mourns Mrs. Serrano's passing, but rejoices in her lasting impact and legacy. She could always tell when someone needed her help or a smile, and she was always willing to extend her hand in friendship and open her heart with compassion. Her wisdom, mentor
IN TRIBUTE TO KAYE FISSINGER
Jared Polis (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today in tribute to Kaye Fissinger, a late resident of Colorado, who passed away at the age of 73. prgtoken I only got to know Kaye during her time in Colorado the last 11 years of her life. I got to meet her through her work in founding Our Health, Our Future, Our Longmont that initiated a successful fracking ban for the city of Longmont and dealt with the disposal of fracking waste products in the city of Longmont. prgtoken While, unfortunately, that fracking ban was later overturned by the Supreme Court, the legacy of her citizen activism should be inspiring for all of us. Her friend, Marisa Dirks, said: ``She was a fierce warrior for democracy and for our environment. . . . `' prgtoken Our mutual friend, Bob Norris, said: ``Kaye was dedicated to many aspects of having a better and safer environment for all.'' prgtoken Kaye is somebody who, as a citizen, was able to pull people together and had more effect on keeping people safe than the politicians. Kaye truly helped give voice to the power of the people, and her legacy will live on with all those who were touched and protected by her actions.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-7-14

I would like to thank Armed Services Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for their support of my amendment to direct the Secretary of Defense to report on military cooperation between Serbia and Russia. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Alabama, Mr. Aderholt, for cosponsoring the amendment. prgtoken Countries of the Balkans are a part of Europe. Period. From the former Yugoslavia, three have already entered NATO and two are now part of the European Union. In the wider Balkans, even more countries have joined NATO and the EU and others want to be part of both . . . . all, except for Serbia, that is, which is unwilling to put itself on a path to future NATO membership. prgtoken Frankly, Serbia is not only keeping NATO at arms' length. As we speak, it is continuing to rearm with Russian weapons. In a deal reached on December 21 of last year, Russia agreed to give Serbia six surplus MiG-29 `Fulcrum' fighter aircraft, 30 T-72 tanks, and 30 BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicles. Rather than forcing Belgrade to pay for these items worth more than $600 million on the open market, the Kremlin just gave them to Belgrade. And, now Serbia is seeking Russian- made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles. If I were sitting in one of Serbia's neighbors, most of which are NATO members, I don't think I would be comfortable with Belgrade's tilt toward Moscow. prgtoken Even more, only last month, Serbia joined Russia and Belarus in what the countries' called `Slavic Brotherhood' drills very close to NATO- member Poland. This is only the latest in a series of military exercises where Serbian forces are training with Russian troops. According to RFE/RL, ``The first were held in 2015 in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, which is close to Western-leaning Georgia and Ukraine's Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula. The second were held in November 2016 in Serbia, while NATO was staging a civil emergency drill in neighboring Montenegro.'' prgtoken If Serbia wants to become part of the West, this isn't the way to get there. Frankly, I'm growing increasingly concerned with the choices Belgrade is making on military and security matters. This is why I wrote today's amendment. We need to take a closer look at Russian- Serbian military ties and judge their implications for US national security policy, Serbia's membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace, and the impact on Serbia's neighbors. prgtoken I know that Vice President is meeting with Serbian President Vucic on Monday. This occasion represents a good opportunity to present our U.S. concerns about Belgrade's direction on security policy and a variety of other matters. prgtoken Mr. Chair, again, man and Ranking member for their support, and I look forward to seeing the report required by the amendment.
RECOGNIZING SOUTHERN ARIZONA EFFORTS TO ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2017-7-14

one cannot overstate the immediate and extraordinary threat posed by antimicrobial resistance throughout this nation and around the globe. With that in mind, I wish to recognize the exceptional work being done in Southern Arizona to combat this scourge. prgtoken We know from the Centers for Disease Control that each year in the United States, at least two million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and some 23,000 die as a direct result. Experts suggest that based on current trends, antimicrobial resistance could become the world's single greatest killer, surpassing heart disease and cancer, and posing a serious economic threat as well. In light of this, there is an urgent demand for the development of new antimicrobial compounds and faster diagnostic techniques to address this critical issue. prgtoken Residents and visitors in Arizona's Third Congressional District and surrounding areas are fortunate to have access to exceptional medical services, including those provided by Tucson Medical Center, Southern Arizona's locally governed nonprofit regional hospital and leading provider for emergency and pediatric care. prgtoken TMC is among the first facilities in the nation to adopt the newest superbug-fighting technology. Using the Accelerate Pheno system, developed by Tucson's Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc TMC health professionals can rapidly detect and identify bacteria as well as determine which antibiotic is most appropriate, and they can do this up to 40 hours faster than was possible using conventional techniques. prgtoken I urge all the nation's health facilities to prioritize efforts to combat antibiotic resistance using the best available technology, and recognize TMC and Accelerate Diagnostics for being leaders on this critical issue.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to cut waste and strengthen our military installations. prgtoken This amendment would require the Department of Defense to ensure that there is not usable space available on a military installation before entering into expensive leases or purchasing additional property. prgtoken To put this into context, you wouldn't lease space in a parking lot if you already had room in your own garage to park your car. prgtoken This amendment is needed because, while asking for another round of base realignments and closures, the Department of Defense leased more than 6,000 buildings in fiscal year 2015 instead of using available space that it already owns. prgtoken That sounds like a waste to me. prgtoken My Congressional district is home to the Rock Island Arsenal, and we're proud to have it as part of our community. prgtoken It houses the Army's only remaining foundry and employs more than 6,000 hardworking people. prgtoken But like many of our military installations, it has room for more. prgtoken We should be using facilities like the Arsenal to their full potential, especially when it means we can reduce overall costs. prgtoken That's why I'm offering this amendment today. prgtoken I want to thank my bipartisan cosponsors Congressmen Paul Gosar, Dave Loebsack and Walter Jones for their support of this amendment.
SENATE REPUBLICAN HEALTHCARE BILL SHOULD BE TOSSED IN THE TRASH
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-14

the new version of the Senate healthcare bill should be tossed in the trash. No amendment will fix the massive damage it will cause to California and the entire country. prgtoken Women, seniors, and low-income families across the country are being threatened. Care threatens to shut down hospitals in my district, which would leave many of my constituents without access to critical healthcare services. prgtoken People like Doreen from Los Angeles County, will be forced to fight for their lives. Doreen was in remission from ovarian cancer in 2010, when she successfully signed up to receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act, even though she had a preexisting condition. Now she is scared for her life as Care threatens to take away the healthcare she needs to stay cancer free. prgtoken I stand up for ``fighters,'' ``luchadoras'' like Doreen--a woman, senior, and cancer survivor--who will be left helpless by Care. prgtoken Again, the Senate healthcare bill should be tossed in the trash.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member for agreeing to include my amendment en bloc in the NDAA. prgtoken The amendment that we have is a transitioning of the Virgin Islands Active Guard and Reserve from overseas housing allowance to basic allowance for housing. prgtoken We know that, in 2013, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness reported that a change would be feasible and would not be difficult to allow Virgin Islands Active Guard and Reserve members to be part of the basic housing allowance. prgtoken Congress didn't intend inequitable and unfair treatment to the Virgin Islands Active Guard and Reserve members, and this amendment provides an equitable solution to the disparate treatment of the housing allowance for Virgin Islands Active Guard and Reserve members. prgtoken We are grateful for the support and are thankful that our servicemembers will now, in their housing, be treated the same as those in the 50 States and the District of Columbia.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, as we prepare to vote on the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act I am extremely concerned about the lack of discussion and debate on the issue of Russia. prgtoken As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have heard from the leaders of our military and there is no question about the threat Russia poses to our national security. prgtoken It is alarming to me that a number of amendments, which purpose was to gain better situational awareness on various Russian activities, were not debated on the floor this week. prgtoken Despite the fact that Russia has continuously attacked and interfered with our country's democratic process, while continuing to threaten the democracy and sovereignty of other states, this body has decided to avoid a robust discussion on the concerning actions of Russia. prgtoken Mr. Chair, it is obvious that we have not adequately addressed the threat Russia poses to our nation. prgtoken Reasonable amendments like mine that would have assessed Russia's disinformation and propaganda activities along with its support for separatist activities were not made in order. Mr. Chair, why would we not want more information on these concerning activities? prgtoken My amendment would have also assessed the suppressive democratic conditions in Russia. Is this body no longer concerned about human rights? prgtoken I believe it is the responsibility of Congress to fully understand and assess the threats other countries pose on our national security. prgtoken I have no doubt that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will agree with me that Russia has demonstrated to be a threat to the security of our nation. As such why aren't we doing more to address this threat? prgtoken Mr. Chair, this Congress needs to have a discussion on how we can most effectively combat the aggressive actions of Russia, and it is disappointing that we were unable to do this during the consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act.
HONORING THE VILLAGE OF LA GRANGE PARK
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to honor the Village of La Grange Park as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary. prgtoken The Village was founded July 14, 1892, when 300 residents living in the southwest comer of Proviso Township came together to form what was then a unique suburb--a bedroom community with no business district or rail transportation. prgtoken La Grange Park prides itself in being one of Illinois' most lively and inclusive villages, in addition to being one of the most economically successful. Originally settled in the 1840s by Chicago residents who fled the rapid population growth of the city, La Grange Park quickly became a prominent lllinois farming town. From its quiet beginnings, La Grange Park has grown into one of the Chicago area's most livable communities for its 13,579 residents. prgtoken In recent years, the Village has seen an influx of new residents, as young families have been drawn to the award winning private and public schools that serve the community, including Nazareth Academy, Lyons Township High School and Riverside-Brookfield High School. LaGrange Park also cherishes its senior citizens, providing three first-class senior living facilities. prgtoken Today, La Grange Park is still home to many residents of Irish, Italian, and German heritage, but the village has come a long way prgtoken from its humble beginnings as a farm town. With its gorgeous homes, safe communities, good schools, and over 13,000 residents, it's no wonder that La Grange Park was named one of ``The Best Places to Live'' by CHICAGO Magazine. The village is also home to many prosperous businesses and attractions that draw visitors from other various parts of the Midwest. prgtoken La Grange Park's contributions to the 5th District of Illinois and the state in general, cannot be understated, and I am truly honored to be a part of this historic recognition I ask you all to join me in celebrating the Village of La Grange Park during this momentous occasion, and may they enjoy many more years of continued success.
WE CANNOT LET POLITICS GET IN THE WAY OF PATRIOTISM
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-7-14

we cannot allow politics to get in the way of patriotism in this House. prgtoken We might disagree about healthcare, or we might disagree about tax reform, but I know that there are patriots in this House who want to stand together against Russian interference in our elections, patriots who will record their votes for country above party. prgtoken The Senate passed Russia sanctions 98-2. This is not controversial policy. The controversy, , is the refusal to let us vote on it. If you call the vote, Russian sanctions would pass; they would pass with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of patriots, those of us who refuse to let anyone stand in the way of defending our Nation. prgtoken When this Nation is under attack, we must come together, . Let us vote to condemn Russian cyber attacks, let us vote to insulate sanctions from political interference, and let us stand together as patriots to defend the United States. prgtoken , bring the Russia sanctions bill, the one that passed the Senate last week, the one that passed 98-2, bring it to a vote here, let us pass it, send it to the President's desk, and see whether he will sign it.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise in support of the McGovern- prgtoken Emmer amendment, which would simply create a service medal to be awarded to atomic veterans or their surviving family members in honor of their service and sacrifice to our Nation. prgtoken Between 1945 and 1962, about 225,000 members of our Armed Forces participated in hundreds of nuclear weapons tests. Now known as atomic veterans, these GIs were placed in extremely dangerous areas and were constantly exposed to potentially dangerous levels of radiation in the performance of their duties. They were sworn to secrecy, unable to even talk to their doctors about their past exposure to radiation. prgtoken Thankfully, Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. recognized the atomic veterans' value and service and acted to provide specialized care and compensation for their harrowing duty. prgtoken In 2007, our allies, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Australia, enacted their versions of this amendment by authorizing a medal to honor their atomic veterans who served with the United States. prgtoken Regrettably, the Pentagon remains silent on honoring the service of our atomic veterans, arguing that to do so would diminish the service of other military personnel who are tasked with dangerous missions this is a pitiful excuse. prgtoken Tragically, more than 75 percent of atomic veterans have already passed away, never having received this recognition. They served honorably and kept a code of silence. Because of that, it most certainly led to many of these veterans passing away prematurely. prgtoken Past administrations and Congresses have dealt with the thornier issues of legality in compensation. What remains is recognizing these veterans' duty, honor, and faithful service to our Nation. Time is running out. That is what this amendment seeks to do. prgtoken I call upon my House colleagues to support this amendment that I, along with my colleague from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer), have introduced. We owe it to our veterans to recognize their selfless service to our Nation. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer).