mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FAA Reauthorization Act (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-10-2

I rise today to speak in support of the Federal Aviation Administration, or the FAA, Reauthorization Act of 2018. This bill provides needed certainty in aviation and gives the FAA authority to enhance consumer protections and passenger safety. It also maintains critical investments that will help to modernize and maintain our aviation infrastructure. prgtoken This agreement is the product of bipartisan negotiations over the last several months. I am proud to serve on the Commerce Committee, which played a major role here. I thank Senator Thune and Senator Nelson for their work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. prgtoken Minnesota has a long aviation tradition, from Charles Lindbergh to our Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Two years in a row, it was ranked as the best airport in America. We manufacture jets in Duluth at Cirrus. We manufacture parachutes that go with those jets in our State. We have first-rate military training bases for aviation in Bloomington and in Duluth. We have very strong regional airports, including Duluth and Rochester, which has recently expanded its airport. It matters in our State. prgtoken For too long, the aviation sector of our economy has had to rely on a series of short-term extensions. It is not good for workers, and it is not good for businesses. That is not good for travelers who use our services. For airports looking to expand or airlines looking to test new routes, these short-term bills created uncertainty that hampered growth and prevented new investments. prgtoken This 5-year reauthorization bill will provide the long-term stability needed to encourage investments and help maintain American leadership in the global aviation marketplace. We know a lot about that in our State, being a major Delta hub, as well as the home of Sun Country Airlines. We know the kind of global competition that we are up against all the time. That is a very important reason for America to be a leader in aviation and not a follower. prgtoken Changes in the airline industry in recent years have drastically altered the way consumers travel. New fees and complicated itineraries can make even routine travel confusing and expensive. Thankfully, this FAA bill builds on important work we have done in past reauthorizations to strengthen protections for consumers while shopping, booking, and traveling. prgtoken Most people know what it is like to show up to the airport and be shocked to find out that you have to pay extra for your seat or that checking a bag is going to cost you an arm and a leg. When consumers don't have this information up front, they can be left paying hundreds of dollars in fees they didn't budget for, which can mean the difference between a family trip being affordable or not. prgtoken It isn't just fees. In some instances, online travel websites have sold unnecessarily complicated passenger itineraries, provided outdated or incorrect trav
CELEBRATING THE 107TH NATIONAL DAY OF TAIWAN
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-10-2

I would like to take this opportunity to extend to the Government and the people of Taiwan congratulations on the 107th National Day of Taiwan. prgtoken As a vibrant democracy and strong contributor to the global economy, Taiwan plays an important role in the peace and security of the Asia- Pacific region. prgtoken Since its formation, Taiwan has rapidly industrialized and now has become a model economy for many countries. prgtoken Even more important than its economic achievements, Taiwan has developed into a strong and vibrant democracy. prgtoken Taiwan is a valued member of the community of civilized nations, even though it is burdened with particular and unique diplomatic challenges--challenges which the Taiwanese people and government have met with courage and grace. prgtoken Taiwan remains important to the United States in its advocacy of true democratic values across the world and its success in sustaining a dynamic multi-party system revealing its commitment to protecting political rights and freedoms. prgtoken In troubled times such as these, it is also gratifying to know that there are countries that continue to put forth efforts that provide constructive solutions for highly divisive issues. prgtoken The bond between the United States and Taiwan, cemented by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, remains strong. prgtoken I reaffirm those bonds today, and again congratulate the people of Taiwan on this important occasion.
TRIBUTE TO THE YWCA
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-10-2

I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the YWCA serving my district in New York City and similar branches throughout the country. For over 160 years, YWCA has played a key role in empowering women by helping millions of women, girls, families and their communities all across the country. prgtoken In Brooklyn, New York, YWCA has worked to help eliminate racism, violence and poverty. YWCA Brooklyn created 310 units of affordable permanent housing for low-income women and homeless survivors of domestic violence. Taking a holistic approach to eradicating systemic poverty, YWCA's services range from providing English language classes and legal assistance, college access and leadership development and employment readiness. It has also spearheaded a women's business entrepreneurship mentoring program to help women lead startups. YWCA also offers wellness programing to reduce stress and trauma by offering yoga classes, art and music therapy. prgtoken In addition, YWCA Brooklyn's Social Justice Community Center provides free event and meeting space, training facilities and offices to over 100 nonprofit and community organizations. In 2017 alone, YWCA Brooklyn partnered with over 100 community groups to offer 845 events drawing over 25,000 attendees. prgtoken , for decades, YWCA has provided a lifeline for countless women, children and families. It is with great respect and admiration that I salute the YWCA staff and community for their tireless commitment to empowerment and justice for all.
160TH ANNIVERSARY OF YWCA
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-10-2

I wish to congratulate the YWCA for its dedication to supporting women, girls, and their families in honor of the organization's 160th anniversary. prgtoken YWCA is one of the oldest, largest, and most inclusive organizations in our Nation, and it has maintained a long history of distinguished service. The organization has been the forefront at some of the most important social movements of our time, from civil rights and women's equality, to healthcare reform and gender-based violence prevention. prgtoken Nationwide, YWCA has 210 local associations across 47 States and the District of Columbia that help to empower 2 million women, girls, and their families each year. In my home State of Washington, there are 11 YWCA local associations, all of which have been proudly serving women and girls for over 60 years. These YWCAs protect and empower hundreds of thousands of Washingtonian women and children each year, and I am grateful for their work. prgtoken YWCA is the largest network of domestic violence service providers in our Nation and provides critical services to more than half a million women and girls each year, including support programs for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Now, more than ever, this is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors across the country. Additionally, YWCA associations offer economic empowerment programs that engage over 260,000 women and racial justice education and training programs that engage over 160,000 people. prgtoken I stand today in strong support of YWCA's mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, promote peace, help families, and strengthen local communities. prgtoken I offer congratulations to YWCA on your 160 years of improving the lives of women and girls across the United States. prgtoken Thank you.
REAUTHORIZING THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES ACT
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-10-2

I rise in strong support of the House's action last Friday to pass legislation (H.R. 6014) to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, FVPSA, a bill that was introduced with bipartisan support by Rep. Glenn Thompson, myself, and Reps. Elise Stefanik and Lisa Blunt Rochester. I am pleased that the House, on a bipartisan basis, was able to reach agreement and expedite passage of this key law. I again want to thank Rep. Thompson, Rep. Stefanik, and Rep. Blunt Rochester for joining with me and their hard work in getting us to this moment. prgtoken FVPSA, originally enacted in 1984, is at the heart of our nation's response to domestic violence, ensuring that local domestic violence shelters and programs are able to keep their lights on and doors open to serve more than 1.3 million victims and their children every year. prgtoken FVPSA funds nearly hundreds of community-based programs. These programs provide emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, crisis intervention, and domestic and dating violence prevention education. FVPSA also provides funding for tribal governments to deliver essential services to survivors and supports the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is often the first call made by survivors. H.R. 6014 would simply extend the current programs at current funding levels through FY 2023. prgtoken It's critical to remember that the most dangerous moment for women experiencing intimate partner violence is that point in time when they decide to do something about their situation, and that is the point in which there has just got to be a resource there. That is what the programs and funding through FVPSA helps to provide. prgtoken , recent high-profile cases have brought a national focus on domestic violence, but such violence isn't limited to Hollywood. The #MeToo movement has given all survivors a renewed courage to come forward for help. I cannot underscore enough that it is critical that Congress act to ensure that the resources and supports are in place to help them when they do. Passing FVPSA is a good step forward. prgtoken In that vein, I hope my colleagues will take the next step and bring VAWA reauthorization legislation (H.R. 6545), introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and myself and over 170 of our colleagues, that would strengthen and improve those critical programs, to the floor as quickly as possible. No more needless delay. prgtoken I applaud colleagues on both sides for their work to help move this commonsense and noncontroversial bill out of the House last Friday. While we can't end every single act of violence, we must help create the space and the opportunity for these victims to be able to come forward and to leave these situations. prgtoken I hope that the Senate will act expeditiously to send this bill to the President's desk for signature into law.
CHICAGO HEAL INITIATIVE
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-10-2

one of the clearest indicators of the success or failure of any public health system is average life expectancy. Between the United States and other countries around the world, there are dramatic differences in life expectancy compared to the United States. prgtoken But you don't have to fly thousands of miles to see a place where people live sicker and die younger than their neighbors. In Chicago, hop on the Blue Line and go from the Loop to the ``L'' stop in West Garfield Park. Between those two neighborhoods--just 5 miles apart-- life expectancy plummets 16 years. How can that possibly be? prgtoken Chicago is home to some of the greatest hospitals in the world. The best doctors, the best nurses, the best technology--it is all there, but not for them. As it turns out, how healthy we are and how long we live depends more on our ZIP Code than our genetic code. prgtoken While countries overseas face challenges with infectious disease or high child mortality rates, children in Chicago are dying preventable deaths of another form: an epidemic of gun violence. Yes, we need better gun laws, but the reality is that this Congress and this President do not want to take commonsense action. prgtoken So what else can be done to address the root causes of violence? prgtoken Last year I introduced a bill that would increase funding to train more teachers, doctors, and social service providers to identify and provide care to children with emotional scars left from witnessing violence and exposure to other adverse childhood experiences. Major parts of this bill were included in the opioid package that already passed the House and I hope will pass the Senate soon. prgtoken But I asked myself: What else can we do? Then it hit me: hospitals. prgtoken The hospitals in Chicago are on the frontlines of the city's gun violence epidemic, providing high-quality care to heal bodies ripped apart by bullets, but the ability of hospitals to reduce violence in Chicago goes far beyond the extraordinary, lifesaving care they provide in the ER. prgtoken Hospitals in Cook County, IL, pump $49 billion a year into the local economy, and they employ 232,000 people. Hospitals are often the largest employers in their communities. prgtoken For several months, I brought together the CEOs of the 10 largest hospitals serving the city of Chicago. I asked them three questions: What is your hospital is doing to make your neighborhoods safer and better? What more can you do? And how can I help? prgtoken We identified a number of Chicago neighborhoods that they serve--or are prgtoken too often underserved--to focus our efforts. prgtoken Remember, these institutions compete with each other every day, but together, we came up with unified roadmap--a set of common goals and commitments that are endorsed by all 10 hospitals. prgtoken Over the next 3 years, these 10 hospitals will expand economic opportunities for local residents by: increasing local hiring b
FAA Reauthorization Act (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-10-2

I rise today in support of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. prgtoken After six short-term extensions ranging from 1 week to just over a year, the Senate will finally pass comprehensive legislation that will set FAA policy until 2023. These short-term extensions keep the lights on, but they deny us the opportunity to make meaningful changes and better serve the American people. prgtoken I am a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and I am proud of our committee's work that made this long-term reauthorization possible, but I am especially thankful to our committee chairman, John Thune, and ranking member, Bill Nelson, for their leadership throughout this process. prgtoken This bill makes critical investments in airport infrastructure. It promotes prgtoken competition and leadership in aviation, increases safety in the National Airspace System, and strengthens customer service practices across the commercial aviation sector. prgtoken The legislation delivers very strong support to our rural communities in Michigan and across the Nation by continuing the Essential Air Service, or EAS, Program. This program drives economic development and tourism while also connecting local residents to world-class healthcare. I will never stop fighting to ensure that Michigan's EAS airports--from Muskegon, to Houghton/Hancock, to Alpena--get the funding they need to continue to serve their communities. prgtoken In addition to driving sustained investment in rural communities, I support this long-term reauthorization because it gave me an opportunity to address a number of critical challenges that are facing our country. This bill includes provisions I authored that will help prepare our students for the high-tech jobs of today and tomorrow, secure public spaces in our airports, and remove the outdated Federal requirement that airports use firefighting foams containing fluorinated chemicals that contaminate groundwater and are causing disastrous human health effects across the country. prgtoken The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 will improve the competitiveness of our Nation's workforce by clearing the way for our students and educators to use unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, for research, education, and job training. Whether this technology is used for critical infrastructure or boosting crop yields at our farms, UAS technology will create tens of thousands of new jobs in the coming years, and we need American students and workers ready to take advantage of that. That is why I worked across the aisle with Senator Moran to introduce the Higher Education Unmanned Air Systems Modernization Act and include it in this long-term FAA bill. prgtoken This provision has the support of the Association of Public and Land- grant Universities, the Association of American Universities, and dozens of other colleges and universities all across our Nation.
SPORTS MEDICINE LICENSURE CLARITY ACT OF 2017
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-10-2

I come to floor, once again, to raise concerns about the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. I think these concerns permeate every aspect of the nomination process and the nominee himself. prgtoken When Judge Kavanaugh's name came forward because of the nomination by President , he came from a list of 25 names. These names were assembled by the White House in consultation with--the record indicates--just two groups: the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. Both are far-right organizations that have a view of public policy that on most issues I don't agree with, but I think that is true of most Pennsylvanians. I can't speak for the whole country, but I would be willing to guess many people around the country are not in agreement. prgtoken The Heritage Foundation, for example, has called labor unions cartels. That is one view they seem to have about labor unions. prgtoken I come from a State where we have a proud labor history, where people literally bled and died for the right to organize, whether it was the Homestead strike in Southwestern Pennsylvania back at the turn of the previous century or whether it was the Lattimer massacre in Northeastern Pennsylvania or whether it was the strike by anthracite miners in the early 1900s in my home area, the region where I live in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These fights for the right to organize, the right to bargain collectively for wages and benefits were not just hard-won, but they represented the values of the people of Pennsylvania. prgtoken When I consider that history and consider the attacks that organized labor is currently undergoing--the Janus case by this Supreme Court is one example and I am afraid will be one in a series of cases that will be decided against the interests of working men and women--I am especially concerned about any nomination to the Supreme Court on those and other issues but, maybe, especially the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh. prgtoken I think even someone who would disagree with me on my views of organized labor or my views on his record would agree that it is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that we would have an American middle class without organized labor, without all of that work, all of the sacrifice that was undertaken to achieve the right to organize. That right is threatened now, and I think this nomination is one of the threats to that basic right. prgtoken It should come as no surprise that this nominee has sprung from that same process that I mentioned earlier. I believe this list that has now been put on the table--in other words, no one could be nominated to the Supreme Court by this administration unless you are on that list of 25 that was chosen by those two groups, the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. If you are a conservative, if you are seen as a conservative judge, a Federal court judge either in the district court or appellate court or maybe a
THE RETIREMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL DAVID JOHNSON, USN
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-10-2

I would like to recognize and congratulate an outstanding Naval Officer, Vice Admiral David C. Johnson, for the successful completion of 36 years of distinguished Naval service, culminating with his position as the Principal Military Deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development and Acquisition. I commend Vice Admiral Johnson on his achievements and recognize his devotion to our great nation. prgtoken A 1982 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Admiral Johnson earned his Engineering Duty Officer Dolphins in 1986 and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1989 with a Naval Engineer degree and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He has devoted most of his career to the design, construction, repair, maintenance, modernization and sustainment of the nation's submarine force. During his career, he served as the Program Executive Officer for Submarines, the Commander for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, the Deputy Commander for Undersea Technology, the Major Program Manager for Virginia Class Submarines, an Assistant Program Manager for Seawolf Class Submarines, the Program Manager's Representative at the new construction shipyard, a Project Officer, a Ship Superintendent and as Planning and Docking Officer. prgtoken During Admiral Johnson's tour as Program Executive Officer for Submarines, he managed over $50 billion in funding across the Future Years Defense Plan for the research, design, acquisition and in-service support of the Navy's undersea force. In addition to accepting delivery of five Virginia Class submarines ahead of schedule and under cost, he led the Defense Department's highest priority acquisition program, the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine, through critical development prgtoken milestones. He grew the U.S. Navy's stature and involvement in assisting key foreign partners in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Spain. A significant highlight of this tour was the award of the largest shipbuilding contract in our nation's history--the $17.6 billion Virginia Class Submarine Block Four contract. This multi-year contract reflected cost savings and risk reduction initiatives that set the basis for long-term industrial base stability while affordably providing the submarine force with critical assets around the world. prgtoken In his final assignment, Admiral Johnson led an acquisition workforce of 60,000 military and civilian personnel in maintaining the Navy's future technological edge through daily oversight of critical investments. He executed three progressively intensive budget cycles ensuring the execution of 202 acquisition programs with applied resources in excess of $60 billion per year. His innovative approach led to an established framework for multiple accelerated acquisition programs ensuring that our sailors and marines were equipped with the most state-of-the-art technology. A tremendous steward of the