mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLOTURE MOTION
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-12-6

there is uncertainty reported in the news about the trade agreements and discussions that the President of the United States and the President of China had last weekend, but one thing is certain: The agreement that President and the President of China made last Saturday concerning fentanyl--a deadly synthetic opioid which is mostly produced in China and which is the largest growing contributor to opioid deaths in the United States--will save thousands of American lives. prgtoken Last Saturday evening, President and President Xi announced that China will designate all fentanyl-like substances as controlled substances, which will make the selling of fentanyl subject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. prgtoken Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It can be 100 times stronger than opioid prescription pills. It is the source of the greatest increase in opioid overdoses in our country. prgtoken According to our Drug Enforcement Administration, one way or another, almost all of the fentanyl that is used in the United States comes from China. Here is how: Traffickers in China modify the chemical makeup of fentanyl to bypass the authorities. Scheduling all fentanyl-like substances as a class, which is what President Xi agreed to do, is the single most important step that could be taken to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl from China into the United States. prgtoken Let me tell you a story about one action that helped us get to that point. About 4 weeks ago, I led a senior delegation of five Senators and two Members of the House of Representatives to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders. They, of course, expected us to talk about agriculture, energy, and trade issues, which are sources of major disagreement between China and the United States, and we did, but at the urging of the U.S. Ambassador to China, former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, we made fentanyl and the opioid crisis the primary point of our visit. prgtoken President had already mentioned fentanyl to President Xi a few months earlier, and China had already taken steps to help the United States by stemming the flow of fentanyl into our country. China announced that it was controlling 25 different substances of fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration told us while we were in China 4 weeks ago that after China took those steps, there was a dramatic decrease in the amount of fentanyl available in the United States. prgtoken In other words, while we were there, we asked China to do more of what it was already doing--instead of controlling just 25 types of fentanyl, to control it all, make it all illegal. Controlling all of it allows China's narcotics agents to go after anyone in China who prgtoken uses or produces fentanyl illegally or improperly. The Chinese officials listened closely to us. They committed to working with us. They made no promises at the time about what they would do, but with each meeting we had, we found
CLOTURE MOTION
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-12-6

it is Thursday afternoon, and it is the time of the week when I usually come down to talk about one of my constituents or some Alaskan who is doing a great thing for their community or the State or the country. I call that our Alaskan of the Week. I am going to suspend that this week because, to be perfectly honest, I think every one of my fellow Alaskans deserves a shout-out. Maybe they are all Alaskans of the Week this week for what happened and, then, their reaction to what happened in Alaska last Friday. The country read about it, but it is the earthquake--the very significant earthquake--that my State and my hometown of Anchorage just went through. prgtoken , as you know, last Friday morning, at 8:29 a.m the citizens of Southcentral Alaska, which includes Anchorage and the Mat- Su Valley, were doing what they always do on a Friday morning. People were in their offices, driving to work, drinking coffee at home, or maybe taking a run on many of the paved trails throughout our wonderful city. Students were either in school or almost getting to school, sitting at their desks with pencils and pens in hand, and then the shaking began. It felt like it went on forever. prgtoken I was here in DC. My wife was at our home in Anchorage. She sent me a text and said: We are having a big, massive earthquake. And we did. It was 7.0 on the Richter scale, which is a big earthquake--a big earthquake even for Alaska. Moments later, another earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale hit. The epicenter was very close to downtown Anchorage, about 7 miles north. prgtoken People all across the area ran out of their houses, their offices, and dove under their desks. Roads collapsed, pipes broke, and ceiling tiles came crashing down. Household goods cracked. Kitchens all across the State looked like they had been invaded by violent giants. Thousands of people lost power, including my home in Anchorage. prgtoken Senator Murkowski and I and Congressman Young were here in DC. I am going to talk about that a minute. We went home soon after to see what happened, to see the damage. prgtoken You saw the previous slide there. Senator Murkowski and I were out reviewing and assessing some of the damage. This is a photo of an on- ramp to Minnesota Avenue, actually leading to the airport. That collapsed completely. That is how people get to the airport. prgtoken Vine Road in the Mat-Su Valley, a major thoroughfare there, completely, essentially, imploded. Houses and businesses were shook dramatically. There is another picture of Vine Road there. That is the road that you just saw. It was rush hour in Alaska. prgtoken Unfortunately, we are having a lot of problems with homes and businesses. This is a photo of just one of the hundreds of businesses, ceilings collapsing, entire offices ruined, and schools. The schools throughout the State suffered a lot of damage. In libraries, there were not just shelves collapsing.
TRIBUTE TO BOB CORKER
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-12-6

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a member of the Senate who will be retiring at this end of this Congress, my colleague and friend, Senator Bob Corker. I have had the pleasure of serving in the Senate alongside Bob for close to 11 years, and it has been a privilege to work and join with him on a number of legislative efforts. Particularly, I am grateful for his diligent fiscal conservatism on the Budget Committee. I will miss working with him to address our Nation's fiscal issues. prgtoken Bob's path to the U.S. Senate began at the young age of 25, when he founded his own construction company, which would eventually expand operations in over 18 States. He continued to polish his business acumen thereafter, acquiring two of the largest real estate companies in Chattanooga in 1999. As a testament to his success in business, he would later be inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Bob carried his business-oriented results-driven attitude with him when he ran for mayor in the scenic city of Chattanooga, TN, at the turn of the millennium. As mayor, Bob excelled, delivering to Chattanooga denizens a lean and balanced city budget while also lowering the tax rate, among other noteworthy accomplishments. Bob's path to Washington is one that we shared. I, too, was a businessowner and a mayor before serving in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Bob's commitment to public service didn't end in Chattanooga--far from it. His career was just beginning to take off. In 2006, he won one of the most competitive U.S. Senate races of the year. Incidentally, that was the year I met Bob. My initial impressions of him still hold true today: industrious and principled. Later, I would realize our shared experiences as businessowners and as mayors uniquely shaped our understanding of the proper role and scope of the Federal Government. Bob quickly ascended in Washington, becoming chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and making a name for himself on the Banking Committee. His reputation soon preceded him on a host of issue areas, including housing finance reform and strategic diplomacy abroad. He made his disagreements respectfully clear and stood up for what he believed was right. Evidently, the people of Tennessee liked what they saw and handily elected him to a second term. prgtoken Bob should be incredibly proud of his work and tenure as chairman of Foreign Relations Committee. His breadth of experience on the committee and visits to over 70 countries have provided his colleagues with invaluable institutional insight on the impact American leadership and diplomacy abroad continues to have on our economy and national security. The Electrify Africa Act is a significant achievement of the committee I would like to pay special homage to. The bill states it is the policy of the United States to promote first-time power services for at least 50 million
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF VIRGINIA COMBS
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-12-6

I rise today to pay tribute to Virginia Combs, who is retiring as Deputy Director of the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) in Williamsburg, Kentucky after 16 years of service. prgtoken Virginia has been a vital asset to the Department of State and the Kentucky Consular Center since taking on the role as Deputy Director in 2002, just two years after the center opened. When Virginia arrived, the facility had roughly 40 employees. Under her leadership and direction, more than 300 people now work at KCC, providing critical services for the State Department to process immigrant visa applications. The State Department's decision to locate in Williamsburg inspired leaders across Southern and Eastern Kentucky to dream bigger for high tech jobs and ramp up new industry recruitment. Year after year, Virginia has helped prove that we have the best workforce in the country and we can successfully meet federal government contract needs in our region. prgtoken Prior to KCC, Virginia played a monumental role in economic development projects in the prgtoken Cumberland Valley and Lake Cumberland areas. She served as Program Coordinator for the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation in its early years of business recruitment and strategic planning. Virginia was also an International Trade Development Specialist, promoting international commerce and job creation in four of our Area Development Districts. As Executive Director of Corbin Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce, she paved the way for development of the 600 acre industrial site now known as the Southeast Kentucky Business Park, which boasts a regional partnership including Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, McCreary and Whitley counties. She sparked the vision for a broader industrial portfolio in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. prgtoken The magnitude of success throughout Virginia's career is matched only by her heart of service and compassion for our region. She is a past President of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club and served as Lieutenant Governor for the Kentucky-Tennessee Kiwanis Division 6 from 2014 to 2016, playing an instrumental role in the growth of the civic organization and advocating for progressive community projects. prgtoken I deeply appreciate Virginia's service and leadership in Southern Kentucky, as well as her sincere friendship and loyalty to the region. As she enters retirement, my wife, Cynthia, and I wish Virginia and her family tremendous joy and blessings in the years to come.
2007 DEPLOYMENT OF MARINE SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-12-6

I rise to inform my colleagues that on March 4, 2007 the first deployment of a Marine Special Operations Task Force to combat in Afghanistan was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in the village of Bati Kot, Afghanistan near the Afghan-Pakistan border when they were attacked by enemy forces who used a car bomb and a complex ambush consisting of groups of fighters on both sides of the road and a sniper element. The Marines courageously counter-attacked the enemy with accurate firepower and immediately reported the situation from the ambush site using satellite radio and data transmissions to their special operations command center as was factually proven through eye-witness testimony during legal proceedings. prgtoken The most significant element of this engagement was the fact that the Marine unit did not choose the battlefield. As so often has happened, the terrorist element who attacked the Marines intentionally chose to launch their ambush while in an area where many noncombatants would be put in grave danger. The terrorists where hiding behind innocent residents knowing many would be caught in the crossfire. prgtoken The Marines smartly departed the ambush site after five minutes and continued to receive enemy gunfire and sniper fire from multiple enemy positions. Twenty minutes following the attack the Marines returned to their patrol base and were informed that reports of Marines murdering Afghan civilians including women and children had already been announced in the international media. These reports of Marines committing civilian atrocities swiftly grew in the international media and a command investigation was ordered by the Commanding General of the Special Operations Command Central in Tampa, Florida. Only one day following the arrival of the command investigator who had heard testimony from only ten Marines who were on the patrol the entire Marine Special Operations Task Force consisting of 120 personnel were ordered out of Afghanistan and faced a criminal investigation led by Naval Criminal Investigation Services into accusations of negligent homicide. prgtoken The Marines returned home in disgrace, several were relieved of their duties prior to the investigation being completed and were subject to greater slander by the international media of a war crime that alleged killing 19 Afghan civilians and wounding 50 Afghan civilians without ever having any prima facie evidence of a bullet, a body or even a photograph of a murdered Afghan. prgtoken NCIS' investigation lasted over one year and utilized techniques that centered on strong arm tactics against two Marine witnesses of Latino ethnicity to include repeated coercion and false threats made against their families and careers if they did not comply with their unlawful requests for taking an ``ordered'' polygraphs and signing NCIS' prepared witness statements. prgtoken Seven of these Marines who were falsely accused of war crimes were
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-12-6

on Friday, George Herbert Walker , the 41st President of the United States, went to his eternal reward. prgtoken His death marks the passing of an era. George H.W. was the last President to have served in World War II. He enlisted on his 18th birthday, postponing college to serve his country, and went on to become the youngest pilot in the Navy. During his 3 years of service, he flew 58 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. prgtoken Throughout his life, he exemplified the characteristics of the ``greatest generation''--service, love of country, humility, and honor. prgtoken His achievements in public office were significant. As Vice President, he helped Ronald Reagan turn the economy around and combat the ``evil empire.'' As President, he presided over the dissolution of the Soviet Union and helped bring order and stability to the world stage in its aftermath. Through it all, he stayed humble and down-to- earth. prgtoken This week, I saw an article with anecdotes from Secret Service agents who had protected President . What stood out to me the most was the fact that he used to stay in Washington over Christmas so his Secret Service agents could spend the day with their families. That was the kind of man he was. prgtoken We throw around the words ``public service'' in government, but for , that term meant something. Public service was a real thing to him. prgtoken Being a Congressman, being CIA Director, being an ambassador, being President--these weren't chances to aggrandize himself or to burnish his resume. These were chances to serve, to give something back to the country he loved and had fought to protect. prgtoken President was a statesman, a man of principle who understood that you could speak the truth without demonizing your opponents. He and President Clinton may have been political adversaries, but that didn't stop him from teaming up with President Clinton to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina in the 2004 tsunami. prgtoken He was also, as every American knows, a devoted family man, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and his wife Barbara, who died earlier this year, were married for 73 years--the longest marriage of any Presidential couple in our Nation's history. The love and affection and friendship between them were palpable. prgtoken By now, I think most Americans have seen the moving image from cartoonist Marshall Ramsey paying tribute to President . In a cartoon, President is depicted as having flown his World War II plane, a TBM Avenger, to Heaven. There, he joins hands with his beloved daughter Robin and his beloved wife, who says: ``We waited for you.'' I am sure their reunion was a joyful one. prgtoken .
WELCOMING DR. TOMMY MIDDLETON
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-12-6

I rise today to speak to my friend, Dr. Tommy Middleton, the executive director of the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, who just opened us in prayer. prgtoken Dr. Middleton oversees 100 churches and missions, which include services in 6 languages--Chinese, Burmese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, and Spanish. I should say seven--also English. The ministries include the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Extension in Baton Rouge; student work at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries of Louisiana State University and Southern University; camp ministries at the Judson Baptist Retreat Center; prison ministries in four State prisons and six local parish jails; governmental interface on the local, State, and Federal levels; ministry to the seamen through the Seafarers Ministries; church planting regionally; and international missions in 16 different countries in which he has been personally involved. I will add one more: bringing relief to victims of natural disasters across our country. prgtoken Overall, Dr. Middleton has spread the good news of the Gospel for nearly 50 years. It was my honor to invite Dr. Middleton to open the U.S. Senate in prayer this morning. We have all been blessed. prgtoken .
Tribute to Hannah Nieskens (Executive Calendar)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-12-6

this week, I have the honor of recognizing Hannah Nieskens of Jefferson County for her tremendous service to Montana veterans and her great impact on Montana's educational system. prgtoken Hannah grew up spending time in Montana with her family and then was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to attend Montana State University in Bozeman. After graduating with honors from MSU, Hannah began her career of education in the Billings School District. prgtoken During her 4 years in Billings, she met her now-husband Kelly, who served in the Army, and they fell in love. Hannah and Kelly now have three children--two daughters, Charity and Hope, and their adopted son Joshua. Joshua is currently serving overseas in the Air Force. prgtoken Hannah has a distinguished career in education. She has served her community as a teacher in Billings, the dean prgtoken of Wolf Point High School, and the principal at Northside Elementary School. Now she is the 6-12 principal in Whitehall. prgtoken Last year, Hannah was named Montana Principal of the Year, and now Hannah is one of three finalists for the 2019 National Principal of the Year. prgtoken In addition to Hannah's career devoted to education, Hannah has a passion for serving Montana veterans. After Kelly was severely wounded while serving in Iraq, Hannah began volunteering to help other veterans in the community navigate the VA. Hannah even earned a law degree to be better prepared to assist Kelly and other veterans struggling with the VA. prgtoken Hannah currently serves as the Montana Dole Fellow, where she advocates on behalf of Montana's military families. She has great pride in calling Montana home, and we are lucky to have her. prgtoken She has made a lasting impact on her community and the entire State, both through her service to our veterans and by shaping our future generations in the school system. prgtoken I congratulate Hannah on all of her success and look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish for Montana in the future.
NOMINATIONS OF BERNARD L. McNAMEE AND KATHLEEN LAURA KRANINGER
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-12-6

on an entirely different matter, the Senate voted yesterday to advance the nomination of Bernard McNamee to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Today, we will vote on his confirmation. I encourage every one of my colleagues to join me in supporting this abundantly well-qualified nominee. prgtoken After Mr. McNamee, we will continue moving ahead with the personnel business. We will vote on the confirmation of Kathleen Kraninger to lead the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Ms. Kraninger brings a wealth of experience to an Agency in need of a renewed, consumer- focused mission. I urge each of my colleagues to join me in voting to get her started in this important work.
MICHEL DOHERTY
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-12-6

I rise today to wish Michel Doherty a Happy 94th Birthday and to honor her for a lifetime of community service. prgtoken Mrs. Doherty is well-known in our community for her extensive service through the countless organizations she participates in. The two projects that bring her the most pride have been the development of Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve and the opening of the Veterans Administration Clinic in Cape Coral, but these are only a few examples of all the contributions she has made to the Cape Coral community. prgtoken Mrs. Doherty also participates as a member of the Cape Coral Civic Association, Fort Myers Women's Community Club, Tiger Bay Club of SWFL, chair of the American Red Cross ``Simply Red Gala,'' Voices for Kids, Lee County Homeless Coalition, Giving Heart for Cancer, Abuse Center for Women, Downtown River District Art Walks, Boys and Girls Club of SWFL, Hope Hospice Planning Committee and Pace Center for Girls. There is no doubt that her work will positively impact our community for generations to come. prgtoken I thank Michel for her service to the Cape Coral community and wish her a Happy Birthday.