mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today in honor of the 60th anniversary of Florida Institute of Technology (``Florida Tech''). Dr. Jerome P. Keuper founded this private, non-profit university as a ``night school for missilemen,'' allowing workers at Cape Canaveral to pursue graduate education. Initially named ``Brevard Engineering College,'' Florida Tech held its first classes on September 22, 1958. prgtoken Since its humble beginnings, Florida Tech has soared to great heights. The university now serves nearly 10,000 students through its Melbourne campus, its extended study sites across the nation, and its online facilities. prgtoken Boasting more than 60,000 alumni around the world, Florida Tech has earned a spot in U.S. News & World Report as the number one national university in attractiveness to international students. This is the fourth year in a row that Florida Tech has been recognized for its diverse student body. prgtoken Florida Tech has also been recognized for the remarkable leadership of President T. Dwayne McCay and First Lady Mary Helen McCay. This past November, the couple was inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame in honor of the 15 joint patents they hold in the field of metallurgical engineering. prgtoken Mayors Kathleen Meehan of Melbourne and Hal Rose of West Melbourne have testified to the significant educational and cultural contributions that Florida Tech has made to the region, the state, the nation, as well as the globe. Through ``the university's core values of research to benefit all humankind; student success for a lifetime; and good global citizenship,'' Florida Tech has raised the bar for every institution of higher education. prgtoken Last month marked 60 years since the founding of the university that began its life as ``countdown college.'' Mayor William Capote of Palm Bay delivered remarks at the anniversary celebration, and, in a fitting touch, Florida Tech commemorated its achievement by launching fireworks into the sky, reminding many graduates of the rockets and satellites they have helped launch beyond Earth's atmosphere. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Florida Tech, as well as its faculty, staff, students, and graduates. Please rise in honor of the university's 60 years of educating excellence.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-10-5

. I thank the Acting President pro tempore. prgtoken , 100 days ago, Justice Kennedy announced his retirement from the Supreme Court. Shortly thereafter, on July 9, the President announced the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as the newest Justice. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh has spent 25 years of his career in public service. He spent the last 12 years on the DC Circuit--considered the second most important Federal court in the country. His record there has been extremely impressive because the Supreme Court adopted a position advanced in Judge Kavanaugh's opinions no fewer than a dozen times. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh is also a pillar of his community and in the legal profession. He serves underprivileged communities, coaches girls' basketball, and is a lector at his church. He has shown a deep commitment to preparing young lawyers for their careers. He has been a law professor at three prestigious law schools and a mentor to dozens of judicial law clerks. prgtoken This should have been a respectable and dignified confirmation process. In a previous era, this highly qualified nominee would have received unanimous support in the Senate. Before leftwing, outside groups and ic leaders had him in their sights, Judge Kavanaugh possessed an impeccable reputation and was held in high esteem by the bench and the bar alike. Even the American Bar Association, which the say is their gold standard for judges, gave him its unanimous ``well-qualified'' rating. prgtoken What leftwing groups and their ic allies have done to Judge Kavanaugh is nothing short of monstrous. I saw what they did to Robert Bork. I saw what they did to Clarence Thomas. That was nothing compared to what we have witnessed in the last 3 months. The conduct of leftwing, dark money groups and their allies in this body has shamed us all. prgtoken The fix was in from the very beginning. Before the ink was even dry on the nomination, the minority leader announced he would oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination with everything he had. Even before he knew the President's nominee, the minority leader said he was opposed to all 25 prgtoken well-qualified potential nominees listed by this President. One member of my committee said those who would vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh would be ``complicit in evil.'' Another member of the committee revealed the endgame when she suggested that Senate could hold the vacancy open for 2 years if they defeated Judge Kavanaugh and took control of the Senate in these midterm elections. prgtoken I oversaw the most transparent confirmation process in Senate history based on the fact of the more than 500,000 pages of judicial writings, publications, and documents from Judge Kavanaugh's executive branch service. This is on top of the 307 judicial opinions he authored. Despite the ' efforts to bury the committee in even more paperwork, the Senate Judiciary Committee held
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-10-5

. Thank you, . prgtoken , the five previous times that I have come to the floor to explain my vote on the nomination of a Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court, I have begun my floor remarks explaining my decision with a recognition of the solemn nature and the importance of the occasion. But today we have come to the conclusion of a confirmation process that has become so dysfunctional, it looks more like a caricature of a gutter-level political campaign than a solemn occasion. prgtoken The President nominated Brett Kavanaugh on July 9. Within moments of that announcement, special interest groups raced to be the first to oppose him, including one organization that didn't even bother to fill in the judge's name on its prewritten press release--they simply wrote that they opposed ``'s nomination of XX to the Supreme Court of the United States.'' A number of Senators joined the race to announce their opposition, but they were beaten to the punch by one of our colleagues who actually announced opposition before the nominee's identity was even known. prgtoken Since that time, we have seen special interest groups whip their followers into a frenzy by spreading misrepresentations and outright falsehoods about Judge Kavanaugh's judicial record. Over-the-top rhetoric and distortions of his record and testimony at his first hearing produced short-lived headlines which, although debunked hours later, continued to live on and be spread through social media. Interest groups have also spent an unprecedented amount of dark money opposing this nomination. prgtoken Our Supreme Court confirmation process has been in steady decline for more than 30 years. One can only hope that the Kavanaugh nomination is where the process has finally hit rock bottom. prgtoken Against this backdrop, it is up to each individual Senator to decide what the Constitution's advice-and-consent duty means. Informed by Alexander Hamilton's Federalist 76, I have interpreted this to mean that the President has broad discretion to consider a nominee's philosophy, whereas my duty as a Senator is to focus on the nominee's qualifications as long as that nominee's philosophy is within the mainstream of judicial thought. prgtoken I have always opposed litmus tests for judicial nominees with respect to prgtoken their personal views or politics, but I fully expect them to be able to put aside any and all personal preferences in deciding the cases that come before them. I have never considered the President's identity or party when evaluating Supreme Court nominations. As a result, I voted in favor of Justices Roberts and Alito, who were nominated by President ; Justices Sotomayor and Kagan, who were nominated by President ; and Justice Gorsuch, who was nominated by President . prgtoken I began my evaluation of Judge Kavanaugh's nomination by reviewing his 12-year record on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, including his
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-10-5

. This is as close to McCarthyism as I hope we get in my lifetime. You are guilty until you are proven innocent. Whatever it takes to take you down, we will do. If one allegation is not enough, how about five? To the people who have come forward, we will do whatever we have to do to you to get the outcome we want. prgtoken There are two ways of doing this: Senator Collins's way or what we have seen in the committee. If you want to go down the road of the committee, God help those who will follow. prgtoken The biggest winners today are those who still want to be judges. You may have saved those who want to come after Judge Kavanaugh from humiliation to the nth degree because you rejected it today. prgtoken For every woman who comes forward about a sexual assault, only God knows how many never say a word. But to right one wrong, seldom does it help to create another. prgtoken Senator Collins explained the dilemma we face as a society and rejected the idea that sacrificing Judge Kavanaugh's good name would make anything better. prgtoken To the extent that individuals matter in America, you rose to the occasion. To the extent that you rejected the mob rule and accepted the rule of law, we will all be better. prgtoken You have to have some way of judging. Yes, we want people to come forward. They deserve to be heard. But there needs to be a process, for the good of us all, to make sure it is disposed of right. If this is enough, to be accused of something that happened 36 years ago and nobody can corroborate it, God help us all in any line of public service. prgtoken All I can say is that it is not about you. I have never admired you more, and we often agree, and sometimes we don't. It is about the system that you stood by today that has stood the test of time. I don't know what kind of pressure there has been for you. I can only imagine because you are in a purple State. prgtoken I remember what Sotomayor and Kagan were for me--not very comfortable, but I tried to embrace a system that has stood the test of time. But whatever happened to me, it has been 100 times worse for you. prgtoken Senator Flake, thank you. Without Susan Collins and Jeff Flake, we would not have heard from Dr. Ford, maybe, but you stood up and said that she needs to be heard. Without their insistence that the FBI check the committee's homework, we wouldn't be where we are today. So you did a good thing. prgtoken The one thing you wouldn't do is be intimidated. The one thing you wouldn't do is destroy Judge Kavanaugh's life for no good reason. The one thing you wouldn't do is play politics with the law. God bless you. I doubt if I will ever hear anybody more courageous in my political life. prgtoken So when they write the history of our times, you will be in it. If John McCain were here, he would be your greatest cheerleader.
PRAYER
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today in support of the nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh to be our next Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. prgtoken Confirming Supreme Court Justices is one of the most important and sacred roles of the Senate. Supreme Court candidates represent individuals who have reached the highest level of their profession and are often the brightest legal minds of their generation. Beyond their stellar resumes, they must have a proven track record of approaching each case with care and a commitment to upholding our rule of law and the Constitution. Judge Kavanaugh easily exceeds these standards and is highly qualified for confirmation to our nation's highest court. prgtoken I met with Judge Kavanaugh in July and got the chance to talk with him about his judicial philosophy and record. During our conversation, I was struck by his professionalism, commitment to the Constitution, and vast knowledge of our legal system. We discussed the important issues facing Wyoming, and I believe he understands my State's unique challenges. As a rural, western State, we are constantly battling Federal Government overreach from Washington, DC. Judge Kavanaugh has a long history of reining in executive agencies that stretch beyond their statutory authorities, which is a welcome relief for my State. Wyoming is a State full of citizens who expect our courts to uphold the Constitution as the framers originally intended it. prgtoken I voted to confirm Judge Kavanaugh as a judge to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals over a decade ago. Since that time, Judge Kavanaugh has become widely regarded by his peers as one of the most respected circuit judges in the Nation. He is a prolific writer and has authored more than 300 opinions, demonstrating his firm commitment to the rule of law. Having reviewed his record, and based on his experience and writings, I believe Judge Kavanaugh will fairly and impartially interpret the law. prgtoken Over a decade ago, when the Senate was considering the nominations of Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts, I gave a floor speech where I stated that ``[W]e have shifted into an era of judges who legislate. We must return to the elementary doctrines that [recognize] the important and distinct roles of each branch.'' That sentiment is more true now than ever. Elected representatives in Congress are held accountable to the people and must demonstrate their fidelity to their constituents' concerns to remain in office. There is no such check on our judiciary. Congress's job is to write the law, and the courts are tasked with interpreting the law and determining its adherence to the Constitution, not writing it themselves. I believe Judge Kavanaugh understands this distinction thoroughly and has a proven track record of refraining from rewriting laws from the bench. His confirmation to the Supreme Court will set a new standard for our judicial system that encourages this ty
MR. RAY FITZGERALD'S REMARKABLE SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today in order to recognize the remarkable career of a great American, Mr. Ray Fitzgerald, a distinguished member of the Senior Executive Service, upon the occasion of his retirement after 46 years of selfless service to our nation. A highly respected leader, Ray Fitzgerald has made immeasurable contributions to the warfighter and the military community as a whole. prgtoken Mr. Fitzgerald had an exemplary military career. Upon graduating from the University of Alabama in 1972, he entered the U.S. Army. Rising to the rank of Colonel, his assignments included; Chief of Staff of the deployed 101st Airborne Division Task Force in Kosovo; Commander of the 101st Airborne Division Garrison at Fort Campbell, Ky.; Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.; senior brigade observer/controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC); and Commander of U.S. Forces in the Balkans (Bosnia). Mr. Fitzgerald also commanded the 1st Battalion, 50 8th Infantry (Airborne) during Operation Just Cause. prgtoken Mr. Fitzgerald was appointed to the Senior Executive Service after 30 years of Active Duty service as an Army Infantry Officer. He has led organizations at every level, culminating in his assignment as the Vice Director of the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO). prgtoken Mr. Fitzgerald served with distinction as the Deputy Director for Interagency and Interdepartmental Cooperation at the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) and was the Department of Defense Executive Manager detailed to the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC), Quantico, VA. There he supported TEDAC's mission to eradicate the lED threat by providing scientific and technical exploitation, actionable intelligence, timely responses to requests and forecasting worldwide threats. While assigned to JIEDDO and JIDO, Mr. Fitzgerald has deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His most recent deployment to Iraq in 2016 was as the Senior Coalition Advisor for the security of Baghdad. His 2014 deployment to Afghanistan was as the Senior Coalition Advisor/Mentor to the Afghanistan National Security Advisor. prgtoken Prior to JIDO, Mr. Fitzgerald served at the Department of State, where he was the Chief of Staff for the Bureau of Resource Management. His State Department duties also included two 18 month tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he served as the senior State Department representative responsible for Afghanistan Police Reform and as the political advisor (POLAD) to Task Force 714. prgtoken Ray Fitzgerald is the best friend a Warfighter ever had. He is a passionate, selfless leader who has devoted his life and energies to ensuring Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines receive the best possible training, equipment, intelligence, and tactical support. While serving with JIDO, he has applied his extensive military backgroun
RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF OSWEGO ELKS LODGE NO. 271
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today in recognition of the Oswego Elks Lodge No. 271, an American fraternity that is commemorating its 125th anniversary in Central New York. prgtoken The Oswego Elks Lodge No. 271 was founded in 1893 with an inaugural initiation class of 30 members. The following year, the lodge received its official charter at the annual Grand Lodge Convention. When the lodge opened its new home in 1900, the group was the only civic or fraternal organization in Oswego that owned its meeting place. The Oswego Elks Lodge No. 271 would continue to convene at this building until the group purchased its current home in 1922, where they have held their meetings and events ever since. prgtoken Since its inception, the Oswego Elks Lodge has found itself at the center of the Elks organization in New York State. In 1932, member James H. Macklin was installed as State President at that year's state convention in Rochester. Member Daniel J. Capella would later be installed as State President in 1987. Still an active member in the Elk community today, Capella was named a member of the Government Relations Committee at the national convention in San Antonio, Texas earlier this year. prgtoken Throughout its 125 year history, the Lodge has provided a number of valuable services to the Oswego community. Each year, the fraternity hosts annual Soccer and Hoop Shoot contests for youth as well as a number of different dinners and dances. A participant in the Elks National Foundation Scholarships program, the Lodge has worked to give generous amounts of funding to deserving recipients each year. In addition, the group delivers supplies to the Syracuse VA Hospital, as well as the Oswego VA Clinic, and uses its Disabled American Veterans van to help transport veterans to and from appointments. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating the Oswego Elks Lodge's 125 years of service to Oswego and the greater community of Central New York. As one of the region's leading civic and social fraternities, the Lodge deserves acknowledgement and praise for its countless years of charitable service.
Recognition of the Majority Leader (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-10-5

it was 88 days ago that President announced his nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the current vacancy on the Supreme Court. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh is a nominee of the very highest caliber, a brilliant legal mind and an accomplished jurist with a proven devotion to the rule of law. Today, the Senate has the opportunity to advance his nomination. Every one of us will go on record with one of the most consequential votes you ever cast in the Senate. prgtoken The stakes are always high for a Supreme Court nomination, but, colleagues, the extraordinary events of recent weeks have raised them even higher this time. When we vote later this morning, we will not only be deciding whether to elevate a stunningly well-qualified judge to our highest Court. Not anymore. Not after all this. The Senate will also be making a statement. prgtoken We will either state that partisan politics can override the presumption of innocence, or we will reaffirm that in the United States of America, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. prgtoken We will either state that facts and evidence can simply be brushed aside when politically inconvenient and signal that media bullying and mob intimidation are valid tactics for shaping the Senate and that the mob can attack and the Senate will cave, or we will stand up and say that serious, thoughtful, fact-based deliberation will still define this body. prgtoken We will either give notice that totally uncorroborated allegations are now officially enough to destroy an American's life, or we will declare that our society cannot, must not, will not set the bar so low. prgtoken Today is a pivotal day in the nomination process of this excellent judge, but it is a pivotal day for us here in the Senate as well. The ideals of justice that have served our Nation so well for so long are on full display. prgtoken So let's step back and sample a few of the choice moments that the Senate and the American people have been treated to during the disgraceful--absolutely disgraceful--spectacle of the last 2 weeks. prgtoken The very night Judge Kavanaugh was announced as the President's choice, we heard the junior Senator from Oregon declare that this nominee would ``pave the path to tyranny.'' His audience? Crowds of far-left protesters, still filling in the blanks on their picket signs. They weren't quite sure who the nominee was going to be yet. prgtoken We heard the junior Senator from New Jersey describe Judge Kavanaugh's nomination as a great moral struggle in which there are just two camps: ``You're either complicit in the evil . . . or you are fighting against it.'' prgtoken More recently, we heard the junior Senator from Hawaii argue that her personal disagreement with Judge Kavanaugh's judicial philosophy meant--now, listen to this--he deserved less of a presumption of innocence when it came to allegations of misconduct. If you agree with her, you are not entitled to the p
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF EDWARD G. BUNTING, SR.
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-10-5

I include in the Record the following Proclamation in recognition of the one hundredth birthday of Mr. Edward G. Bunting, Sr. prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Edward G. Bunting, Sr. celebrated his one hundredth birthday on July 2, 2018; prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Bunting valiantly served our country in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1946 to 1950, and embarked on a successful business career at Germantown Savings Bank for thirty-six years; prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Bunting, his late wife Elizabeth, and children Daniel, David, and Edward, Jr have contributed substantially to our community; now, therefore, do I, Congressman Brian K. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, proudly recognize Mr. Edward G. Bunting, Jr on the year of his one hundredth birthday celebration, and honor his remarkable accomplishments.