mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Opioid Crisis (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-5-25

I join my colleagues in speaking about the opioid crisis that has devastated families in States across the country. prgtoken , Senator Manchin, for organizing the speeches today. prgtoken In my State, deaths from prescription drug abuse have now claimed the lives of more Minnesotans than have homicides or car crashes. We lost our beloved Prince because of an opioid overdose, which is still being investigated. Just as importantly, we lost a student in Duluth and a mom in Rochester, MN--over 400 people in just the last year. We continue to see dangerous synthetic opioids shipped across our borders in increasing amounts--a trend that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection expects to continue, as we heard in a Judiciary Committee hearing last week. prgtoken Today, I joined Senator Portman in his subcommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and we talked about what is going on from that perspective as well. prgtoken While there is more work to do to combat this epidemic, first, I recognize that we have made some meaningful progress on a bipartisan basis. We passed the CARA Act, which is something that was led by Senators Portman, Whitehouse, Ayotte, and me. We set a framework up for the Nation, and I look at it in three ways. prgtoken The first way is that we have to do everything we can to prevent addiction. That means changing some of our prescription practices across the country. Do you really need 30 pills when you get your wisdom teeth out? It is about asking those questions and changing those practices. prgtoken The second thing would be to look at prescription drug monitoring. Senator Portman and I have a bill that would make it mandatory for States to share their data across State borders. I found a guy in Moorhead, MN, through his rehab counselor, who had 108 different prescriptions for opioids from something like 80 different doctors in 50 different cities. He went from North Dakota to South Dakota, to Minnesota, to Wisconsin. That is why sharing that data would greatly reduce that doctor shopping. prgtoken I see here the Senator from Texas, Mr. Cornyn. Senator Cornyn and I led a bill years ago to make it easier for people to throw away their leftover prescription drugs so they would not get in the hands of those who should not be taking them. Those are ideas for reducing that demand. prgtoken Then you go to the next area, which, of course, is that of trying to reduce the illegal drugs from coming in, like with the STOP Act, which Senator Portman and I introduced, making it harder to get these drugs in through the Postal Service, and doing more with law enforcement. By passing the SALTS Act, which is a bill that Senator Graham and I introduced, it will make it easier for prosecutors--the Presiding Officer is a former prosecutor--to prove up cases with analogue drugs, which is when perpetrators basically take a substance, change it a little, and then say: H
HONORING TROOPER THOMAS CLARDY
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-5-25

I would like to take the opportunity to honor the memory of Trooper Thomas Clardy, who was killed in the line of duty on March 16, 2016. prgtoken Last week, the country observed National Police Week, a week in honor of the brave law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and on Monday, we will observe Memorial Day, a day we honor the heroic men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Thomas Clardy, an officer and a veteran, is one of those brave people to whom our Nation owes a debt of gratitude. prgtoken Born and raised in Park City, UT, Trooper Clardy spent his adult life in service to his country, his community, and his family. After graduating from high school, Trooper Clardy spent 2 years in the U.S. Army before transferring to the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served 11 years. prgtoken Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Trooper Clardy began a long and esteemed career in service to his community. He graduated from the Massachusetts State Trooper Academy in 2005 and was a valued member of the Massachusetts State Police until his untimely death. prgtoken Trooper Clardy was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife, Reisa, and father to his seven children. Thanksgiving was a sacred holiday for Trooper Clardy. He spent it, without fail, surrounded by friends and loved ones, enjoying football with the kids and spending quality time with the family he loved so much. prgtoken Today we honor his service and sacrifice. May his memory continue to challenge and inspire us.
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-5-25

today I stand in recognition of international students and scholars, and the U.S. institutions of higher education they attend, all of which are bearing the brunt of this Administration's rhetoric and actions. To ensure our nation's security, economic well-being, and academic leadership, we must remain an open and welcoming nation. prgtoken According to the Association of International Educators, international students and their families contributed nearly $33 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2015-2016 academic year. International students who have spent time in the United States become informal ambassadors when they return home, carrying an appreciation for common values, counteracting stereotypes about the U.S and enhancing respect for cultural differences. They also act as cultural liaisons for U.S. students and help them succeed as global citizens. prgtoken Actions taken by this Administration have generated a great deal of uncertainty within U.S. academia. Many currently-enrolled international students and scholars will choose not to travel home at the end of the academic year, for fear they might not be allowed to return in the fall. Unsurprisingly, for prospective students, nearly 40 percent of higher education institutions reported application declines in international students for the first time in many years. prgtoken We must stop the anti-immigrant rhetoric and make the United States an open and welcoming country for the bright, ambitious international students who contribute greatly to our country. prgtoken I urge my colleagues and the Administration to recognize the vital contribution international students and their families make when we welcome them to this great country. prgtoken To the international students and scholars who may be unsure about coming, I say: Your contributions are valued and you are welcome here.
HONORING DR. VALERIE PITTS
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-25

I rise today in recognition of Dr. Valerie Pitts on her retirement after a stellar 35-year career in public education, most recently as Superintendent of the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District for the past 12 years. Dr. Pitts dedicated her professional tenure to supporting and promoting quality public education. She is passionate about ensuring equity for students, a climate of inclusion, high academic standards, engaging curriculum, and an ethos of continuous improvement. Born, raised, and educated in Larkspur, California, Dr. Pitts went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music, a Master's Degree in Education, and a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership, all from Bay Area universities. She spent her educational career in Marin County, first as a teacher for eight years at San Rafael High School before moving into curriculum support and administration for the duration. In 2005, Dr. Pitts returned to her home district in Larkspur where she spent the next dozen years. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Pitts shared her considerable educational experience, skills, and knowledge to amass a list of accomplishments that numerous students, families, and staff will enjoy for years to come. Among her many achievements, Dr. Pitts led the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District during a time of exponential growth in student enrollment, wherein she managed major facilities improvements funded by taxpayer dollars and created state-of-the-art learning environments and curriculum for the district. This included the installation of a solar energy project that is projected to save the district $2 million over 20 years. While serving as Superintendent in the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, Dr. Pitts also acted as Superintendent for the Sausalito-- Marin City School District during transitions in leadership. This generosity of spirit was extended to her fellow superintendents around the County and in other school districts through her work on the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee and many other county leadership roles. Dr. Pitts' legacy of professional and civic contributions will leave indelible benefits to Marin County for years to come. She is a student focused leader, whose commitment to equity and excellence in public education is outstanding. It is appropriate that she has been selected for many honors, including the prestigious Marin County's 2017 Educator of the Year award as she retires from an exceptional career in public education, at the Golden Bell Award Ceremony on May 25, 2017, and hosted by the San Rafael Elks Lodge No. 1108, Marin County School Boards Association, Marin Association of Superintendents, and Marin County Office of Education please join me in expressing deep appreciation for Dr. Pitts' long and extraordinary professional service, congratulate her on being named the 2017 Educator of the Year, and extend to her best wishes on her retirem
PROTECTING AGAINST CHILD EXPLOITATION ACT OF 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-25

. Madam , I associate myself with the words of the ranking member, Mr. Conyers. prgtoken I look forward to strengthening these laws and, as well, working on legislation to continue to protect our children, our innocent children, from sexual abuse, sexual assault, and the devastation that it has on their lives. prgtoken So I rise to continue that theme and to indicate, as I said earlier, that some of the clarifications in the underlying bill are important, and important to clarify, and important to provide prohibitions that will be clear in possible further court interpretations. But I maintain that we cannot predict the court interpretations, and the better and clearer that we are to protect our children, I believe, is a route that we should take. prgtoken The bill would add new classes of offenses. But section 2251 does not provide for Romeo and Juliet exceptions; i.e the penalties apply even when conduct is consensual and when the victim and offender are close in age. For example, a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old who videotaped themselves engaged in a sexual act, then emailed the video to their own email accounts, the 19-year-old would be subject to mandatory minimums. That is the basis of the amendment, the Jackson Lee amendment. prgtoken The Jackson Lee amendment is a Romeo and Juliet exception. The amendment is a reasonable approach to treatment of adolescent behavior that should not be left to prosecutors. The pervasiveness of personal technology, such as cell phones and tablets, have given rise to teenage sexting. Research has shown that teenage sexting is widespread, even among middle school-age youth. prgtoken Under section 2251, teenagers prosecuted for talking and sending messages, and then taking and sending messages, would be subject to mandatory prison sentences of at least 15 years and sex offender registration. prgtoken In light of the recent troubling statements by Attorney General Sessions, Congress should provide an alternative to existing mandatory penalties in sexting cases, particularly with juveniles. We cannot say that a juvenile will not be prosecuted federally. They could be, under this particular statute. prgtoken So this is a carve-out, a Romeo and Juliet carve-out, to ensure that it does not happen, to protect against the possibility of it happening. prgtoken A study conducted by Drexel University found that more than half of the undergraduate students who took part in an online survey said they had sexted when they were teenagers, and 30 percent said that they included photos in that message, meaning that they had sent sexual texts. prgtoken Therefore, I ask that my colleagues come together and support the Jackson Lee amendment for a Romeo and Juliet carve-out. prgtoken Madam , .
SENIOR CORPS WEEK
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-5-25

I rise today, in honor of Senior Corps Week 2017, to recognize the extraordinary work being done by hundreds of thousands of seniors across this country through Senior Corps. Through its Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, and nationwide RSVP volunteer programs, seniors are making a huge difference in the lives of millions. In my home state of Pennsylvania alone, these programs and the over 11,000 seniors that support them have provided tutoring and mentoring services to almost 4,000 students; helped 1,500 homebound seniors live independently through the Companion program; and supported the work of an additional 1,300 local organizations with their efforts. The RSVP program in particular, with installations in my district in both Philadelphia and Montgomery County helps by counseling Medicare recipients, helping adults improve their literacy skills, mentoring at- risk youth, delivering Meals on Wheels, staffing domestic hotlines, and so much more. Despite all the amazing work these programs support, President 's budget calls for the complete elimination of its parent organization--the Corporation for National and Community Service. This makes no sense. Not only would doing so have almost no real impact on the federal budget--CNCS makes up less than three hundredths of 1 percent of total spending--it would be devastating blow to our seniors and communities. It is also completely inconsistent with the sense of service and civic duty on which our country is built. I call upon my colleagues to reject this harmful budget, and stand with me in support of the great work of Senior Corps.
INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSION ON AMERICANS LIVING ABROAD ACT OF 2017
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-5-25

there are an estimated 8 million constituents scattered across the world who promote our culture and values while strengthening our nation's global influence as they live and work abroad. For years, I have worked to ensure that overseas Americans can fully exercise their rights as U.S. citizens by having their voices heard loud and clear by Congress. Eight years ago, I formed the Congressional Americans Abroad Caucus because I wanted to bring awareness and focus to the concerns of those residing abroad. U.S. citizens remain just that, citizens, regardless of where they choose to live and should not be ignored by virtue of residence. prgtoken Our constituents living and working abroad have consistently voiced concerns about the impact federal policies have on them like voting, immigration, access to financial institutions, and taxation. The time has come to comprehensively study and address the effects of federal policies on Americans living overseas. prgtoken That is why today I am reintroducing the Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act, which creates an Executive Commission with the main purpose of examining those concerns. The Commission creates a 10 member panel to examine the impact of federal policymaking on U.S. citizens abroad. The resulting study would then be used by Congress and the Executive Branch when considering the best steps we can take to engage the abroad community and ensure their voices are heard. This process will bring clearer awareness of the federal issues impacting Americans abroad and will open a path for coordination with those communities towards more robust representation. prgtoken Each of our constituents has a right to have their interests represented and to have a role in the political process. The Commission on Americans Living Abroad would establish a foundation from which we can work to better serve the needs of our global constituents. I welcome and urge my colleagues to lend their support to this bill.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-5-25

today I wish to honor our brave men and women in law enforcement. During National Police Week, we commemorate the conviction and compassion they bring to their jobs every day, as well as the difficult choices and the sacrifices they make. From members of local police departments, to rapid transit officers, to court bailiffs, public safety officers risk their lives to keep our families and communities safe. That is a fact that we can never forget and a reality that confronts public safety officers and their families every day. This is a time to reflect on what law enforcement officers do for our communities, to thank those who serve us, and to pay special recognition to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. prgtoken It is in that spirit, and with a heavy heart, that I rise to honor seven Michigan law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2016. These men gave everything to their communities, their families, the State of Michigan, and their country. Across Michigan, our hearts have been shattered by their deaths, and our grief and gratitude go out to their families. Let us take one moment to honor their lifetimes of service: Myron Jarrett, Police Officer, Detroit Police Department; Ronald Kienzle, Court Officer, Berrien County Trial Court; Kevin Miller, Sergeant, Detroit Police Department; Collin Rose, Wayne State University Police Department; Kenneth Steil, Sergeant, Detroit Police Department; Michael Winter, Posse Deputy, Branch County Sheriff's Office; and Joseph Zangaro, Security Supervisor, Berrien County Trial Court. prgtoken The deaths of these officers were only some of the devastating tragedies that have shaken communities in Michigan and across this country. In these difficult times, we must always acknowledge each other's sacrifices, walk in one another's shoes, and feel the compassion in each other's hearts. This is what our law enforcement officers strive to do for us, and what we can do for them. During National Police Week and every day, we must continue to support our law enforcement officers, and we must work to ensure that they and their communities have the resources they need to live safely and serve the highest ideals of this Nation.
GLOBAL WEEK OF ACTION ON HUNGER AND FAMINE
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-25

I rise today with a call of action to make sure that the country recognizes that we have got to focus on and talk about the more than 20 million people at risk of famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and northeast Nigeria. prgtoken This is a humanitarian crisis. Starving children and families are crying out for our help. Right now, 1.4 million children are acutely malnourished and at risk of death. Worldwide, an additional 50 million people are severely hungry, surviving day to day on only what they can find. prgtoken The United Nations is calling this the largest humanitarian crisis that has faced the world since the organization was founded in 1945 we can end this crisis if we just find the political will. That is why I am joining my colleagues in Congress and humanitarian and faith leaders around the country to mark a Global Week of Action on Hunger and Famine. prgtoken Earlier this month, we were successful in securing an additional $990 million for famine relief in the fiscal year 2017 spending bill, thanks to a bipartisan coalition of Members and our passionate grassroots organizations. But this is not enough. The United Nations needs $4.4 billion by July to avert catastrophe. We need other countries to step up to the plate, and we must absolutely preserve our commitment to addressing famine. prgtoken We cannot allow the administration's proposed budget, which would decimate food aid, to be enacted.
PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE ACT OF 2017
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-5-25

. Mr. Chair, to continue this, we have to ask this question: Could these young girls have been spared this trauma had proper procedures been in place? And, of course, today our answer is, hopefully, yes. prgtoken This legislation is a step in a long journey to change the culture around prgtoken sexual abuse. Too often institutions, whether they are our colleges, our military, or, here, in this case, an athletic organization, prioritize preserving their reputations and their brands over the people they protect. prgtoken This legislation will require national sports bodies like USA Gymnastics to file reports of abuse as soon as possible. It will establish mandatory training and require the enforcement of policies preventing, reporting, and addressing these kinds of allegations because protecting our athletes must be a priority. Let their dreams come true.
HONORING DR. DONALD F. BOESCH
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-5-25

I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding environmental conservationist and researcher in my home state of Maryland. Dr. Donald F. Boesch has served as the President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) since 1990, and he will be retiring from that position later this year. Throughout his tenure, UMCES has led the charge to study and conserve our state's natural environments, particularly the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. prgtoken UMCES has its roots in a small research laboratory opened at the mouth of the Patuxent River in the Chesapeake Bay in 1925, and was relaunched under its current name and mission in 1997 to provide undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on learning and internships in marine biology, ecology, and environmental subjects. With five locations across the State of Maryland, from its original site in Solomons Island in Calvert County to laboratories in the Appalachians, Baltimore, College Park, and Cambridge on the Eastern Shore, UMCES forms a critical part of the University System of Maryland's commitment to research and to training the next generation of environmental scientists. Its hundred faculty members are conducting ground-breaking research and teaching UMCES's eighty-five graduate students. prgtoken Alongside UMCES's academic mission, it also fulfills a public policy role with its faculty advising policymakers in Maryland and in the federal government. UMCES scientists have been instrumental in calling attention to the challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed and in proposing ways to clean up this regional and national treasure. Under Dr. Boesch's leadership, UMCES has been especially active in raising awareness about the Chesapeake and its importance to regional ecosystems and supporting our regional economy. prgtoken Dr. Boesch began his career by earning his undergraduate degree in biology from Tulane University in his native New Orleans. Later, he received his doctorate in oceanography from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. He spent time in Australia on a Fulbright scholarship before conducting research at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. In 1980, Dr. Boesch returned to New Orleans to become the inaugural Executive Director of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and to teach marine science at Louisiana State University. He came to Maryland in 1990 to lead UMCES and now caps a very successful tenure of twenty-seven years at the helm. During that time, Dr. Boesch advised Maryland governors from both parties, has been as a member of the Governor's Chesapeake Bay Cabinet, and has served on the Maryland Commission on Climate Change. In 2010, President appointed him to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. He has served as Chair of the Ocean Studies Board for the National Academy of Sciences and is the author of two books and dozens of s