mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SIMPLE TRUTHS
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-3-21

yesterday at the White House, two terrible things happened, and it shouldn't be difficult to condemn both of these things at once. prgtoken First, at the podium in the White House press room, it was suggested that the U.S. Government is unsure if Putin's reelection was perhaps legitimate, free, and fair or that perhaps the United States is morally indifferent to the question of whether Putin's reelection was fair, free, and legitimate. prgtoken It was not fair or free or legitimate, and it matters. prgtoken The second horrible thing that happened yesterday is that the President's confidential briefing materials for his call with Vladimir Putin were anonymously leaked to the public. That should not happen. The President's congratulatory call was terribly ill-advised, but that doesn't change the fact that the leaking of the confidential briefing materials for his call was also wrong. prgtoken It shouldn't be difficult to say both of these things. They are both true. So we should be able to say both of them at once. prgtoken Our people are very divided right now. They are unclear about who we are and how we conceive of ourselves on the global stage. Our tribalism has run amok. If you listen to some of our cable news today--I haven't--I suspect that what you would find is that on certain networks there is only discussion of the leaking and no discussion of what a terrible abandonment of American foreign policy yesterday's failure to condemn Putin's phony sham reelection was. And on the other networks, I imagine you are going to get exactly the opposite story, where the only thing that matters is how stupid this call was to Vladimir Putin, and nothing about the leaks. That isn't helpful for building a nation of 320 million people who know what we stand for together. prgtoken Here is what is true. A President's staff shouldn't leak. In cases of principle, you may need to resign. So resign. Do the right and honorable thing if you believe your conscience is compelled to do so, and resign your position and go out and publicly make a case for why a certain policy is failing. But that is a different thing than anonymously leaking the information that a President has--not just this President, but that any President has--to make his or her decisions, to deliberate with their staff, to plot their actions. prgtoken Leaks like this weaken us both at home, in terms of public trust in our institutions and our public servants, and they weaken us abroad, in terms of whether or not we have any coherence to who we are as a people and how we make our decisions. prgtoken Now, as to this decision to fail to condemn Putin's sham reelection, it is very foolhardy. Vladimir Putin is not a friend. Vladimir Putin is a despot. The President of the United States was wrong to congratulate him, and the White House Press Secretary was wrong to duck a simple question about whether or not Putin's reelection was free and fair. prgtoken It
IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF OF POLICE WILLIAM ``TOM'' TACKETT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today to recognize the exemplary work of William ``Tom'' Tackett as he retires as Chief of Police for the Town of Argyle, TX on March 22, 2018. He has over 25 years of service at the Argyle Police Department and previously served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. prgtoken After his military service, Chief Tackett graduated from the Tarrant County College Police Academy and joined the Argyle Police Department in April 1992 as a part-time reserve police officer. He transitioned to a full-time police officer in March 1995 and rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in April 2000. Not only is Chief Tackett the most tenured Chief to lead the Argyle Police Department, he is the longest tenured employee to serve the Town in its 55 year history. He is a licensed Master Peace Officer and holds Texas Commission on Law enforcement certifications for Instructor, Forensic Hypnosis and Special Investigator. prgtoken Chief Tackett also serves as the Town's Emergency Management Coordinator and is an amateur radio operator and active in the Denton County Amateur Radio Club. In addition to his professional work, he is a Master Mason, serving as past Master of Roanoke prgtoken Lodge 668, and he is a life member of the Moslah Shrine Circus and Legion Corps. prgtoken For more than two and a half decades, Chief Tackett has faithfully served and protected the citizens and businesses of Argyle, while holding himself and his staff to high ethical and professional standards as he has capably led the Police Department. I am deeply grateful for his service to the City of Argyle and North Texas and extend best wishes to Chief Tackett and his family upon his retirement.
TRICKETT WENDLER, FRANK MONGIELLO, JORDAN McLINN, AND MATTHEW BELLINA RIGHT TO TRY ACT OF 2018
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today to encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5247, the Right to Try Act, and I thank Dr. Burgess and the Energy and Commerce Committee for bringing this important legislation to the floor of this House. prgtoken In certain States across our Nation, patients who are diagnosed as terminally ill are being told by doctors that all of the treatment options have been exhausted because they do not have access to experimental drugs. This type of overregulation by the Federal Government is creating hopeless situations for thousands of Americans whom we hold dearest to our hearts. prgtoken This right-to-try legislation allows terminal patients to have a choice on whether or not an experimental approach is the path for them, as sometimes, and many times, this is their only option. prgtoken Should this bill become Federal law, our terminally ill patients will have increased access, nationwide, to unapproved drugs, leading to more scientific breakthroughs that will benefit all Americans and, in lots of cases, will save a life. prgtoken Now is the time for Congress to take action and give terminally ill patients a fighting chance for their God-given right to life. How in God's name can this Congress deny an American the right to life? prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to join me today in supporting this bill on this floor.
CONGRATULATING THE VICTORY CENTER
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise tonight to congratulate The Victory Center for Autism and Related Disabilities on the upcoming completion of its state-of-the-art education facility in south Florida. prgtoken Since its founding in 2000, The Victory Center has excelled at providing children with autism and related disabilities comprehensive individualized treatment and education. For 18 years, the teachers at The Victory Center have achieved amazing success working out of only a handful of rooms on the campus of the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach. prgtoken This outstanding institution is proud to offer five programs covering a range of services, and it is recognized as one of the top schools for children with autism in the Nation. prgtoken , by opening this brand-new facility, The Victory Center will continue to grow and offer a positive and nurturing educational environment. prgtoken Once again, I would like to congratulate everyone at The Victory Center for all that they have accomplished. I thank their staff for helping so many children in our south Florida community achieve their full potential and leave their own beautiful mark on our world.
RECOGNIZING WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today, on World Down Syndrome Day, to celebrate the many individuals living with Down syndrome who are changing the world. prgtoken People with Down syndrome can and do make meaningful contributions throughout their lives, in schools, in workplaces, their communities, public and political life, culture, media, and more. prgtoken Take Gerber's adorable spokesbaby, Lucas Warren, a 1-year-old from Dalton, Georgia, whose infectious smile set him apart from the 140,000 entries that Gerber received for the competition. After Lucas made his big debut in February on the TODAY show, the world fell in love with him, too. prgtoken Lucas is the first child with Down syndrome to win the title since Gerber began the competition. His parents, Cortney and Jason Warren, said they hope that Lucas' story will shed light on the special needs community and help more individuals with special needs be accepted, and I certainly agree. prgtoken Another incredible person living and thriving with Down syndrome is Kayla McKeon. Kayla is the manager of grassroots advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society. She is the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. prgtoken I met Kayla not too long ago when she interviewed me for her podcast, Kayla's Corner. She is upbeat and outgoing, and that is just part of what makes Kayla so special. prgtoken A native of Syracuse, New York, Kayla is also a motivational speaker who draws on her experiences as an individual with a disability whose positive attitude inspires others to reach their highest potential. prgtoken Kayla is also a Special Olympian who competes in floor hockey and bowling tournaments. But in many ways, Kayla is living a life like any other young person. She lives in Washington, D.C and rides the Metro. She has a busy social life. She likes sporting events and motorcycle rides, but she is extraordinary and she is a role model for others. prgtoken Kayla told the Auburn Citizen newspaper that she is committed to showing how much people with Down syndrome can achieve. She said: ``We are most definitely ready, willing, and able to do anything we set our minds to, getting a job, driving a car, going to college. We want to showcase our abilities, not our disabilities.'' prgtoken Well, I couldn't agree more with Kayla. After meeting this enthusiastic young woman, I am certain that she is able to do anything that she puts her mind to, and she is an outstanding ambassador for the Down syndrome community. prgtoken , all people with Down syndrome must have opportunities to contribute to the community and live valued lives on a full and equal basis with others in all aspects of society. prgtoken People with Down syndrome can and do bring so much to the community wherever they live, around the world, when given the opportunity. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, where we not only celebrate all the achievements of those living with Down sy
HONORING LIEUTENANT CALEB KING
Ron DeSantis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant Caleb King, a naval aviator and Port Orange, Florida, native who died when his F/A-18 Super Hornet crashed while training onboard Naval Air Station Boca Chica in Key West, Florida. prgtoken Caleb King was a standout football player at Warner Christian Academy in South Daytona. He was recruited to play football at a number of colleges but chose to combine college football with service to our country by attending the U.S. Naval Academy, and as a linebacker, he was a key component of successful Navy teams that played in two bowl games and, most importantly, went 4-0 against Army. prgtoken After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Caleb completed extensive training to become a naval aviator and was eventually assigned to Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 213 based in Virginia Beach. Our fighter jets represent the tip of the sphere of America's offensive air capabilities, and the aviators assigned to these units are some of the best sailors in the fleet, so it is not surprising that someone like Caleb would find himself at VFA-213. prgtoken While we don't know yet the reason for the crash, suffice it to say that officers like Caleb put their lives on the line every day. The training they do is inherently dangerous, and it is not for the faint of heart. prgtoken Caleb King was a big, strong, American patriot. He was an inspiration to those who knew him. He served our country with distinction and lived up to the Navy's ethos of honor, courage, and commitment. prgtoken Our thoughts and prayers go out to the King family, particularly his wife, Victoria, and daughter, Rain. prgtoken America lost a promising naval flight officer last week in Key West. Lieutenant King dedicated his life to something bigger than himself: serving our Nation in uniform and risking his own life to do so. That is what we call a hero.
HONORING JOSIE FERNANDEZ
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today to congratulate Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Josie Fernandez on a well-earned retirement. prgtoken A fixture in the Hot Springs community for more than a decade, Josie poured her heart and soul into her work as superintendent of one of America's oldest national parks. She led efforts to restore historic bathhouses along Central Avenue, bringing life to the core of Hot Springs National Park while raising needed revenue. Her work was both innovative and welcome by the community. prgtoken In addition to restoration efforts, Josie has joined with community leaders and groups to make Hot Springs National Park a true partner in the greater Hot Springs community. prgtoken When she retires, Josie will end more than a decade of service to the Hot Springs community and a quarter century of service to the Parks Service. Her service to our country extends beyond the Parks Service, having retired as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. prgtoken I thank Josie for her dedication and wish her well as she begins her next journey.
TRICKETT WENDLER, FRANK MONGIELLO, JORDAN McLINN, AND MATTHEW BELLINA RIGHT TO TRY ACT OF 2018
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5247, the Right to Try Act. prgtoken I am a physician and scientist with over 40 years experience treating patients, some of whom had the dreaded diagnosis of cancer. prgtoken Six months ago, I was operated on for cancer, and I, to this day, am a cancer survivor. If needed, I would like to have the right to try. prgtoken A little over 3 years ago, my beloved wife, Pam Roe, a nurse and friend, died of stage IV colon cancer. She would have liked to have had the right to try. prgtoken Less than 2 months after that, one of the best friends I will ever have in my life, Phil Street, a Vietnam veteran, Air Force veteran, died of a cancer related to Agent Orange. Phil would have liked to have had the right to try. prgtoken My senior partner in medical practice, a year later, good friend, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Dr. Cone would have liked the right to try. prgtoken Shortly after that, Linda Baines, a scrub nurse that I have operated with hundreds of times in my medical practice, was diagnosed with cancer. Linda would have liked the right to try. prgtoken I have two dear friends at this moment who are both being treated for stage IV cancer. If those treatments don't work--and I have had to look patients in the eye and say, : ``Your life is not in my hands anymore. It is in God's hands''--they would like to have the right to try. prgtoken I tell you this: all these patients want and deserve is a right to try. Please, I am asking you to support this legislation.
RECOGNIZING SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-3-21

today I would like to honor the exceptional impact made by America's small business development centers on the small business community. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I recognize the importance of the work done by the nearly 1,000 small business development centers across America. This SBA resource partner works tirelessly to support the backbone of our economy, and we thank them for their significant contributions to our small business community. prgtoken America's small business development centers, or SBDCs, provide our country's small businesses with high-quality consulting and educational programs, at low or no-cost to the entrepreneur. With centers in all 50 States, this network supports both established small businesses and developing entrepreneurs alike. SBDCs help America's entrepreneurs develop and execute individual business plans tailored to fit their needs, experience, and level of business acumen. prgtoken SBDC staff understand the unique local challenges of entrepreneurship specific to their area which is one of the many things that sets their services apart. This tailored approach benefits nearly 500,000 entrepreneurs a year and creates over 95,000 jobs annually. Additionally, sales growth in SBDC clients averages 13.6 percent, a rate four times greater than the national average. These statistics demonstrate America's small business development centers' dedication to excellence, and I congratulate them on their hard work. prgtoken In my home State of Idaho, the Idaho small business development center is determined to help businesses grow with consulting and training. Last year, the Idaho SBDC achieved a return on investment of five to one, and created over 1,300 jobs. Their network served over 1,600 clients and helped start more than 100 businesses. One of these clients is House of Design, a robotics and systems firm located in Nampa. House of Design offers engineering consulting, robotic system, and machine vision integration services across a variety of industries. Shane Dittrich, the owner of House of Design, believes that his company would not be where it is today without SBDC assistance. Since its inception in 2008, House of Design has grown into one of the top engineering firms in the region and now partners with multiple firms across Idaho to produce high-quality engineering and robotics products. House of Design is an example of both the unique entrepreneurial spirit of Idaho as well as the impact SBDCs have on small businesses across America. prgtoken I would like to thank and congratulate America's small business development centers for their efforts this past year. The support they provide to small businesses across our country is considerable, and it is my pleasure to recognize today, the March 21, 2018, as SBDC Day. I wish them the best of luck and continued success as they move forward in their work to enhance Americ
RECOGNIZING THE VITAL IMPACT OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
Dennis A. Ross (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today to recognize the vital impact of outdoor recreation on our economy and livelihood. Outdoor recreation and camping in the United States contribute significantly to our gross domestic product and Americans' physical and mental health. The great outdoors connect Americans to their natural heritage and bring families closer together. Significantly, outdoor recreation is the number one driver of economic activity on federal lands and contributes $673,000,000,000 to the U.S. economy, and supports 4,300,000 American jobs. Every dollar Congress invests in the National Park Service effectively returns $10 to the United States economy. prgtoken Our national parks, national forests, and public lands and waters conserve natural resources, inspire young people, offer unique moments for all to enjoy, and encourage conservation of our shared environment. Unfortunately, many public campgrounds on our public lands and waters today face backlogged maintenance, deteriorating infrastructure, and struggle to meet the needs of modern day visitors. The American-made recreation vehicle (RV) industry is a domestic job-creating and thriving industry that contributes over $50,000,000,000 to the United States economy and supports over 300,000 American jobs. We must improve and modernize our national parks, national forests, and public lands and waters to adequately facilitate outdoor enthusiast and RV visitors. prgtoken As a Co-Chair of the RV Caucus and an outdoor enthusiast, today I proudly introduced a House Resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the national parks, national forests, and public lands and waters of the United States contribute greatly to the economic and physical well-being of Americans and can be further improved by public-private partnerships. I am committed to working on innovative solutions and partnerships to modernize and expand campgrounds, address infrastructure needs, eliminate backlogged maintenance, and provide safe camping opportunities and enjoyable recreational experiences for all visitors on federal lands for generations to come. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
ALLOW STATES AND VICTIMS TO FIGHT ONLINE SEX TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2017
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-3-21

I rise today to express my strong support for prgtoken the online sex trafficking legislation that is before us today. Immediately passing and sending this measure to the President's desk will help ensure that children and youth are less vulnerable to human traffickers and others who would profit from this terrible crime. prgtoken This bill originally was introduced in this Chamber by Senator Portman, and I salute him for his leadership on the issue of online sex trafficking. prgtoken Last year, I joined dozens of my Senate colleagues as a cosponsor of this measure after working with the Commerce Committee on the title 18 language in this legislation. prgtoken Senator Portman, who chairs the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, introduced the earliest version of this legislation after his subcommittee produced a bipartisan report exploring the link between Backpage and online sex trafficking. Entitled ``Backpage.com's Knowing Facilitation of Online Sex Trafficking,'' that report was the result of nearly 2 years of investigation by the subcommittee's investigative staff. I encourage my colleagues to review the Senate report, which is posted on the subcommittee's website. prgtoken It makes a very strong case for updating the Communications Decency Act and title 18 of the U.S. Code to protect children as the bill before us proposes. prgtoken I, too, have made ending human trafficking a top priority as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. One of the first major bills our committee produced in the 114th Congress, under my leadership, was the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. It established a new fund, comprised of assessments imposed on convicted offenders, to provide resources to serve victims of human trafficking. It also equipped prosecutors with new tools to fight the heinous crime of human trafficking. Senator Cornyn introduced that bill, and I was a cosponsor. prgtoken Last year, I sponsored legislation to extend the key programs authorized under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Our committee cleared this bill and a related measure that Senator Cornyn introduced known as ``Abolish Human Trafficking Act'' in 2017. The Senate passed both bills without a single dissenting vote last September. prgtoken These two bills would extend the authorization for a number of the victim-centered programs that Congress established years ago as part of the original Trafficking Victims Protection Act. They also include provisions to promote greater education and awareness of human trafficking in the United States. prgtoken For example, the Senate-passed Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017, which I introduced, calls for training of judges, school personnel, and Federal investigators so that they can better identify and respond to human trafficking victims. It would authorize the U.S. Secret Service to offer investigative and forensic assistance to other law enforcement agencies.