mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IDEA PARITY FOR OUTLYING AREAS ACT
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I introduce the IDEA Parity for Outlying Areas Act, which would amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to better support students with disabilities in our smaller U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States. prgtoken During my final congressional address to my constituents in Guam, I pledged to sponsor this important legislation for our youngsters and students with disabilities, as well as their families. prgtoken I want to give special recognition to Ms. Nadia Pablo, who interned in my office this past summer, for her work in developing this legislation with my staff. Ms. Pablo currently attends Virginia Commonwealth University, where she is studying to become an occupational therapist and pursue a rewarding career working with people with disabilities. prgtoken The IDEA Parity for Outlying Areas Act would ensure that American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, classified as outlying areas by the U.S. Department of Education, receive their fair share of Federal funding to serve students with disabilities and their families. prgtoken The intent of Congress, outlined in current Federal law, is that the U.S. Department of Education set aside a fixed percentage of available Federal funding each year for the four outlying U.S. territories and the three Freely Associated States in the Pacific. prgtoken However, the U.S. Department of Education frequently allocates far less than the 1 percent reserved for the outlying areas under current law. So, to fix this, my bill would require the U.S. Department of Education to reserve the full 1 percent of available IDEA funding each year for the outlying areas, as Congress always intended. prgtoken This will ensure that special education in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands gets full Federal funding. prgtoken It will also ensure that the U.S. Department of Education provides adequate support for special education in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau consistent with the Compacts of Free Association between the U.S. and those allied countries. prgtoken There are some 7,177 students with disabilities in the outlying U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States, all of whom would benefit under this bill. According to the most recent figures, Guam recorded more than 2,020 students with disabilities, including 171 preschoolers with disabilities. prgtoken Our territorial Departments of Education are chronically underfunded, and many developmental and learning disabilities simply go undiagnosed. So we desperately need Federal support under the IDEA. prgtoken Instantly, and importantly, my bill would also make Guam and the other outlying U.S. territories eligible to receive IDEA funding for preschoolers, children ages 3 to 5, with disabilities. Under current law, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Isla
Republican Agenda and Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-9-12

let me express my thanks in return to Chairman Daines for being such a fantastic guide and a fantastic partner on this subcommittee budget. I am excited to bring this to my colleagues this morning. I will note that he took over midstream from Senator Lankford, who began this process. I will also note that we didn't really get moving so quickly to a conference committee until Senator Daines took over. I give him great credit for adding so much and being such a great partner in all of this. prgtoken I really don't need to go through all of the important initiatives Senator Daines already did; maybe I will spend a minute doing so. I would note that we made progress on some issues that had been stalled in the Legislative Appropriations Subcommittee for a long time--such as intern pay or the requirement to file campaign finance reports online-- I think because we were able to do this budget on its own, with a real process, with a real committee debate, and with a real conference committee. When these budgets get tied up in giant omnibus negotiations, it tends to be that only the top four or five issues in the omnibus get the attention from the folks in the room. These budgets are very important, but maybe because they are a little bit smaller than the budget for HHS or the Department of Defense, they go untended to. prgtoken As we return to regular order, not only do I think that is a breath of fresh air for democracy, it is not good news for anybody when the decisions over a budget get decided behind closed doors amongst a very small set of people appointed by the ic leader and the leader. It is also good government because when we do these budgets one by one, we get to flesh out some very important and sometimes controversial issues that we might not get to address when they are all lumped together in a massive package. prgtoken I hope this is now the way we do things. I congratulate Senator McConnell and Senator Shelby for setting the tone. I know there are a couple of conference committees tomorrow on some other packages. I hope they go as well as ours did. prgtoken In this budget, we did some very good things. We have a long list of deferred maintenance here on this campus. We have 16.5 million square feet of buildings. We have millions of visitors who come to experience the U.S. Capitol. We provide $734 million for the Architect of the Capitol to make those targeted investments. prgtoken Accountability and transparency were things Senator Daines focused on as chairman. We will have 50 additional auditors and investigators at the Government Accountability Office. That is the office which makes sure that we are doing our job, that we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely. When they issue reports, the taxpayers save money, and now they have the ability to do more of that great work. prgtoken It also provides full funding for the Capitol Police. I want to specifically thank Senato
URGING ALL NATIONS TO OUTLAW THE DOG AND CAT MEAT TRADE
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-9-12

I thank the chairman, and also to my friend from Florida who sponsored this legislation. prgtoken I too rise in support of H. Res. 401. It is a resolution urging countries around the world to outlaw the dog and cat meat trade, and to recommit to enforcing existing laws against this horrible practice. prgtoken As you have heard, approximately 30 million dogs and tens of millions of cats are killed annually for human consumption; and many suffer from abuse and cruelty during their lifetime, facing painful deaths at the hands of these horrible meat dealers. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the extreme torment that they have to endure. prgtoken In the United States, we cherish dogs and cats, recognizing their many contributions as service and therapy animals, search and rescue assistants, and police dogs that aid with drug and bomb searches. prgtoken They provide airport security, are companions to our veterans, and are cherished family pets. prgtoken As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation, which enjoyed the support of 150 bipartisan cosponsors and passed the committee by a voice vote. I have worked hard in Congress to end the dog and cat meat trade, eliminate the use of dog leather, and protect our furry and feathered friends from undue harm and abuse. prgtoken Hundreds of constituents have written us about this issue, and they want the United States to speak up and set an example I believe this resolution does just that. I thank those who are responsible for bringing it, those who have lent their voice in support of it, and I look forward to seeing it pass today.
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-9-12

I rise today with my colleagues Senators Collins, King, Brown, Markey, Murphy, Menendez, Warren, Klobuchar, Blumenthal, Hassan, Jones, Van Hollen, Casey, Baldwin, and Donnelly to recognize the week beginning September 9th, 2018 as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Direct Support Professionals are an invaluable part of our Nation's health care system, caring for the most vulnerable Americans, including the chronically ill, seniors, and those living with a disability. With the help of Direct Support Professionals, these individuals can perform daily activities that many people take for granted, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and leaving the house. The work of Direct Support Professionals ensures that these individuals can be active participants in their communities. prgtoken Let me share with you the experience of Euricka Stevens, a direct support professional who was recognized this year for her incredible work and dedication when she was given Maryland's Direct Support Professional, DSP, of the Year Award by the American Network of Community Options and Resources, ANCOR. It was said of Euricka that she, ``doesn't see limitations or disabilities. She sees a person for their distinctive collection of traits and strengths and frailties and meets them there. She listens to the person and has an uncanny knack for unearthing what makes them remarkable.'' prgtoken For example, there was an instance where a non-verbal individual was experiencing distress. Euricka was able to patiently determine that he was bothered by noise and calmed by sitting in a recliner. Because of her efforts, this individual is now able to participate in the life of the center, and have his needs taken care of if he is showing signs of discomfort. prgtoken As Euricka's story demonstrates, the job of a direct support professional is not easy. The hours are often long, and the wages are low. The job can be physically laborious, as well as emotionally draining. The reward for direct support professionals, however, is that they are able to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and help fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act by making it possible for these Americans to participate in their communities to the fullest extent possible. prgtoken In our Nation, we are incredibly fortunate to have millions of service-oriented individuals who are willing to rise to the task of becoming a Direct Support Professional. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of DSPs is projected to grow by an average of 26 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to a 7 percent average growth rate for all occupations during that period. Unfortunately, direct support professionals are often forced to leave the jobs they love due to low wages and excessive, difficult, work hours. Many Direct Support Professionals rely on public benefits, and some must work multiple jobs in order to pro
DIANA E. MURPHY UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-9-13

I thank the ranking member for his help on this legislation. I, too, agree in terms of the harbor maintenance trust fund. prgtoken I rise in support of America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. This legislation includes really important language to assist irrigators in the Klamath Basin who are enduring another challenging drought year, and it helps ensure we are prepared if our farmers are hit again with severe drought conditions in the years ahead. prgtoken This bill provides the Bureau of Reclamation with the authority to use the funds we secured earlier this year, about $10 million, to implement measures such as groundwater pumping and other priorities for our irrigators, and ensures that they have the authority to survive difficult water years we may face over the next 4 years. prgtoken I also want to express, as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, our support for a couple other titles in this bill. prgtoken Title II of the legislation modernizes the Safe Drinking Water Act to address regulatory compliance and infrastructure challenges facing communities across our country. It brings greater investment to improve our aging drinking water systems and supports State-led efforts in large cities and rural communities alike. prgtoken For the first time in 22 years, , it authorizes capitalization grants for State drinking water revolving loan funds-- $4.4 billion over 3 years, to be exact. prgtoken This is a big infrastructure bill. These loans are a crucial tool to help communities address compliance issues and address drinking water threats. I urge EPA to help each State realize the promise of this new authorization. prgtoken As we brace for the horrible impacts of Hurricane Florence, I want to point out that title II also authorizes $100 million for areas affected by natural disasters that need help repairing their drinking water systems to deliver clean, safe drinking water. prgtoken Our prayers are with those in the storm's path, . While this legislation won't make them whole, it will help them recover. prgtoken Title III of the legislation will make substantial regulatory improvements to the hydropower licensing process, with the goal to deliver more clean, renewable, carbon-free, and affordable energy to consumers. This title incorporates several important bills that passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I am proud to support their inclusion in this legislation before us today. prgtoken With that, I urge strong bipartisan support of the America's Water Infrastructure Act. I thank the gentlemen on both sides of the aisle and everyone involved for their work in getting this to the House floor, and I urge its passage.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5895, ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-9-13

the balance of my time. prgtoken I would like to thank Mrs. Lowey for our close working relationship of well over 24 years. prgtoken I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the ranking members who put this package together here, the remarkable men and women who make up our professional staff on the Appropriations Committee, and our personal staff who dedicated most of their August, part of July, and certainly this part of September to doing the work of prgtoken the people. I am enormously grateful to all of them for their hard work and their dedication. prgtoken , I salute my colleague, Mrs. Lowey, and all members and staff for their work. prgtoken Particularly, I'd like to thank: prgtoken Nancy Fox, Maureen Holohan, Shannon O'Keefe, Jason Gray, Marta Hernandez, Tammy Hughes, Rachel Kahler, Parker Van de Water, and Tom Doelp in the Front Office; Angie Giancarlo, Loraine Heckenberg, Perry Yates, and Amy Murphy on the Energy and Water Subcommittee; Sue Quantius; Sarah Young; and Kiya Batmanglidj from the MilCon/VA Subcommittee; Jenny Panone and Tim Monahan from the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. prgtoken , .
THANKING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FOR EXPRESSING THEIR CONCERN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-9-13

the public often has the impression that we in Congress are not caring people who work together on issues. I want to say to the American people that in the last few days, you could not find a group of people more concerned about their fellow Members than we have here. prgtoken We know this hurricane is hitting North Carolina, it is likely to hit South Carolina and possibly Georgia, and I want people to know how much I appreciate Members on both sides of the aisle who have come up to me to ask what impact this is going to have on me, on my district, on the people of my district, and on North Carolina in general. prgtoken It is very heartwarming to have those concerns expressed. People have said, ``We are praying for you.'' prgtoken I know that is the case throughout the country, but I want to particularly say to all of my colleagues--I thanked them all personally--but to all of my colleagues, those who haven't spoken to me but have spoken to other Members, thank you very much for your concerns and prayers. I certainly will pass those along to my constituents, but I think it is important that people know we care a great deal about each other and we express that to each other.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5895, ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-9-13

first of all, let me thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for all of his dedicated, hard work on this bill and his leadership through many years of service. We are really grateful for the gentleman's mentorship and all of his exhaustive efforts to make America truly a much better place. prgtoken In that regard, , while I was on my way over here, I was reflecting on something. The dome of the Capitol that connects our two bodies here continued to be constructed during the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was encouraged to stop it, given all the other demands of the crises all around him. He refused. He said that, one day, that dome will unify our Nation once again. prgtoken Here we are with the legislative branch bill. Even though it is the smallest of the appropriations bills, I believe it does capture the richness of the American experience and captures the heart of the narrative of our Nation. prgtoken In that regard, we have worked very closely, of course, with the former chairman, Kevin Yoder, as well Ranking Member Tim Ryan, as well as the United States Senate to develop a very good bill here. The final product, I believe, is solid and reasonable. prgtoken The legislative branch division provides about $4.8 billion in funding, and that is a 2.8 percent increase over last year. But the priorities, , were placed on security, transparency, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. prgtoken The bill provides about $1.2 billion for the House of Representatives, which is a 2.7 percent increase. However, it needs to be noted that this is still below funding levels from the year 2010. As the chairman mentioned, this includes $8.8 million for a new account for the compensation of interns, which is a widely agreed upon new initiative, allowing each Member to spend up to $20,000 a year. prgtoken In the areas of security, about $30 million is going to our Capitol Police to enhance the safety and security of this campus, as well as to protect Members when they are offsite. prgtoken About $733 million is going to the Architect of the Capitol to ensure safety and security improvements to our historic buildings and to address a growing deferred maintenance list that we have. A particularly new initiative is that we are directing the Architect to design plans for a more welcoming arrival area around the Capitol South Metro Station. prgtoken Regarding the issue of transparency, there is about $589 million for the Government Accountability Office, which prgtoken will enable them to hire 130 new persons to assist with GAO's critical oversight work that provides us in Congress accurate, nonpartisan reporting of how taxpayer dollars are being appropriately used. The Congressional Budget Office will also receive a slight increase to be better responsive to Members of Congress. prgtoken Regarding fiscal responsibility and new initiatives, we have included language supporting the Library of Congress' visitor experience project, which has the pot
HURRICANE FLORENCE PREPAREDNESS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-9-13

as Hurricane Florence threatens to strike South Carolina, I am grateful to Governor Henry McMaster, Adjutant General Bob Livingston, Attorney General Alan Wilson, as well as Kim Stenson, Director of the Emergency Management Division, who have all done a fantastic job of preparing for the high winds and extraordinary flooding, while keeping the people of the State up to date with the encouragement of President . prgtoken I appreciate that the Governor has been in close coordination with President and together they are working to ensure South Carolinians have all the resources for the courageous first responders to respond to Hurricane Florence, which endangers families. prgtoken The projected phenomenal rainfall will cause unexpected flooding, so we prgtoken should be ready for higher elevation with only emergency travel through next week, as roads will be deadly, as citizens should stay in place. prgtoken FOX News is providing accurate coverage. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-9-13

our thoughts and prayers will continue for the folks who are in harm's way with the hurricane coming ashore. I am grateful for all of those who are serving, State, Federal, and local officials, trying to keep people safe. They will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. prgtoken I am very grateful that President hasn't waited. They mobilized. They have got Federal folks on the ground ready to go. prgtoken I am also glad it got downgraded to some extent, but it is still going to be a rough go for folks, their homes, and their goods. So we will continue to remember them. I am grateful for those first responders out there ready to serve. prgtoken We just remembered 9/11 this week. Those of us who were old enough to know what happened that day will never forget what happened. We will never forget where we were. prgtoken I will never forget the next day, September 12. In my hometown of Tyler, just like in hundreds of thousands of towns and cities around the country, people came together and we prayed together. We sang hymns together. We held hands and sang together. It was a powerful day. prgtoken And I will always remember there were people from all different races, ages, both genders, people of all walks of life, but we gathered there in solidarity. What I noticed that day was that there were no hyphenated Americans. We were just Americans. That is what everybody said, and that is what everybody was. prgtoken It was an incredible day that an act of sheer hatred, evil, wanting to destroy freedom and the freest country with the best founding document that would allow freedom, they wanted it all destroyed. But there was a lot of love that next day. It is unfortunate that, 17 years later, we don't see that kind of harmony. prgtoken It used to be that, in this body, we would disagree, but, as the House rules require, we wouldn't call into question any other elected official's motivation, intentions. We would say we all want is what is best for the country. We all want to keep our oath to the Constitution. prgtoken But it appears that some don't want to follow those rules anymore. In fact, some of the very people who have been in this room, in the Senate, here in Washington, in front of the press around the country, people who have demanded that the Federal Government get involved and stop bullying at all levels, including threatening, harassing little children in elementary school because the Federal Government felt like it had to intervene and prevent bullies even at such an early age, yet some of those same people who have been calling for Federal intervention to stop bullying have become the biggest bullies in the United States of America. prgtoken It is unbelievable how people would be encouraged by elected officials to bully, harass people with whom they disagree. If you can find them in public anywhere, intimidate, scream at them, run them out. Don't let them eat. Don't let them do anything. Don't let