mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-9-7

. Mr.President, today I rise to speak about the introduction of the Confederate Monument Removal Act. This legislation would properly remove certain statues on display in the Capitol as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection so they can be exhibited elsewhere in the proper historical context. I am proud to introduce this legislation today and I want to thank Representative Barbara Lee for her leadership in the House on this bill. prgtoken On July 2, 1864, a law was enacted that created the National Statuary Hall Collection, which allows states to select two statues of deceased individuals to be displayed in the Capitol. States are supposed to choose people ``who have been citizens thereof, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civil or military services.'' Figures like George Washington, Samuel Adams, and Dwight D. Eisenhower grace the collection and are prominently on display in the Capitol. The collection is meant to honor patriots who served, sacrificed, or made tremendous contributions to our Nation. prgtoken People who served the Confederate States of America do not deserve that honor. These are individuals who took up arms against the Union and inflicted catastrophic death and suffering among United States citizens. Simply put, they fall well short of that high bar. prgtoken Moreover, the presence of these statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection ignores the context in which prgtoken these monuments were first erected. Statues of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis were erected across the United States in the post- Reconstruction era and during the civil rights movement as symbols of white suppression and defiance of Federal authority. They do not represent Southern heritage and those who advocate thus are engaging in revisionist history and are whitewashing our past. prgtoken That is why I am introducing the Confederate Monument Removal Act, a bill that would mandate the removal of all eleven statues of people who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from the National Statuary Hall Collection in the Capitol within 120 days. The list of statues that would be removed includes Joseph Wheeler of Alabama, Uriah Milton Rose of Arkansas, Edmund Kirby Smith of Florida, Zebulon Vance of North Carolina, Alexander Hamilton Stephens of Georgia, Edward Douglas White of Louisiana, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, James Zachariah George of Mississippi, Wade Hampton of South Carolina, Robert E. Lee of Virginia, and John Kenna of West Virginia. prgtoken The legislation would allow a State who selected the statue to be displayed in the collection to reclaim the statue if they pay for its transportation back to the State. If a State declines to reclaim it back, it would turn possession of the statue over to the Smithsonian, an institution that is more than capable of displaying the statues in the proper historical context and where a constructive dialogue can take place ab
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Stephen Knight (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-9-8

. Madam Chair, I appreciate the strong support from a number of my colleagues in regards to an issue that is vitally important to California's 25th Congressional District. prgtoken Citizens of Santa Clarita, California, have fought for over two decades against a sand and gravel mine in their city, which is known for its ideal filming and tourism location just outside the city. Santa Clarita is known as Hollywood North. It is the third most populous city in Los Angeles County and proudly preserves 9,000 acres of open space for its residents and filming. prgtoken A sand and gravel mine at this particular location would have extreme negative impacts on local community life and its economy. The already congested highways in the area would see additional transport trucks 24 hours a day, and local industries would see downturns from dust and air pollution. prgtoken I thank Chairman Calvert for his support and look forward to working toward a permanent solution to this long overdue local issue.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-9-8

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. prgtoken The administration has done a good deed for the economy and for the American workers in issuing an executive order declawing the administration's social cost of carbon guidance, but that is not enough. A future administration may not have as much sense to take on carbon tax policies. What is more, agencies continue to work on researching social cost on the taxpayer dime. prgtoken This is also a separation of powers issue. Congress is charged with setting tax policy, and by failing to put the nail in the coffin of this tax in disguise, we abdicate our duty. Congress and the American people have repeatedly rejected cap-and-trade proposals; now the administration has as well. Social cost, however, remains on the books; therefore, Congress must act.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-9-8

. Madam Chair, the sue-and-settle practice cuts stakeholders and the public out of the regulatory process. It undermines the Article I authority we hold here in Congress. prgtoken By restricting the payment of legal fees, we protect taxpayer dollars, reduce Federal spending, take away the incentive of these environmental advocacy groups to sue the Federal Government, and protect public input in the rulemaking process. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment, and .
SAFELY ENSURING LIVES FUTURE DEPLOYMENT AND RESEARCH IN VEHICLE EVOLUTION ACT
Randy Hultgren (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-9-8

I commend the sponsors of this legislation, Bob Latta and Jan Schakowsky, and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work on H.R. 3388, the SAFE DRIVE Act. The development of ``self-driving'' vehicles has the potential to make a quantum leap in road safety and access to transportation. The SAFE Drive Act begins the important process of developing the regulatory framework for this new technology. As Congress continues its work in this area, it is important that we make sure that the new regulatory landscape works well for all stakeholders. Accordingly, I would like to highlight some issues that we need to continue to be mindful of because of their impact on insurers. Clearly, for automated driving technology to fully develop, insurers are an important component for managing the associated risks. prgtoken Highly automated vehicles hold great promise for reducing the number of deaths and accidents on our nation's roads as well as providing increased mobility for those who are not able to drive due to age or disability. This transition to ``self-driving'' vehicles will take place over many years during which these vehicles will interact, and sometimes collide with, vehicles driven by humans. Our legal system has a vast amount of experience apportioning liability after auto accidents, but that task could be made more difficult if access to data (including photos or video) generated by automated vehicles involved in accidents is restricted. prgtoken As such, vehicle owners should have primary control over vehicle data from highly automated vehicles. Automated vehicle data must be made available to the parties involved, their insurers and authorized representatives on reasonable terms. State and federal governments should not set limits on access to vehicle data by law or regulation that could delay compensation to accident victims and increase automobile insurance costs, nor should vehicle manufacturers be permitted to limit access. to vehicle data. prgtoken For any vehicle, safety issues are paramount. While automated vehicle technology has the potential to greatly reduce crashes, it is unlikely to eliminate them entirely. Therefore, maintaining existing standards for vehicle crash protection for automated vehicles is essential. Granting of exceptions should only be considered through an evidence based approach and should not be rushed--automated driving capabilities do not necessarily guarantee improved safety. prgtoken Again, I commend my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work on this legislation. I look forward to supporting it and to continuing to work towards achieving the objectives I have outlined.
REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise in support of the supplemental bill for Hurricane Harvey relief. This bill will provide $15.3 billion in emergency funding, including $7.4 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, $7.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and $350 million to support the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Program to assist small business and homeowners. prgtoken This supplemental bill is not only a critical first step to provide basic needs of food, shelter, and water for those in immediate need, but it also provides initial funding to begin the process of rebuilding and recovery for those communities devastated by Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken Further resources and hard work will be required. I will continue to work closely alongside my colleagues and the Appropriations Committee to meet the present and emerging needs of our neighbors across the Southeast. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these devastating storms. prgtoken This bill addresses the urgent needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. It sends a powerful message to all that we are here for them and we will be working hard for them throughout the recovery. Mr I strongly encourage a vote on this bill. prgtoken As an aside, I grew up in Houston, Texas. I was born there, I grew up there. I remember floods, but I never remember floods that washed away people's homes and their livelihood. This is a once-in-a-lifetime situation down there, may we all pray, and it is time to get it done.
AMERICANS HELPING AMERICANS IN TIME OF DISASTER
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

I thank Judge Green, once again, as I like to refer to the gentleman for all his work here in Congress helping out folks in Texas, and I will continue to work with the gentleman. prgtoken , I have talked quite a bit about the floods. I want to mention a couple of other things about the flooding in the Houston area. We have two reservoirs--they call them dams in other places--but they are earthen reservoirs that collect water, and the water is stored in those reservoirs. Both the reservoirs flooded. Water then was let out of the reservoirs and went downstream, as we call it, and flooded houses, as well as the rain. prgtoken Here is a photograph of homes that were flooded by the storm but also flooded because Addicks Reservoir water was being released out of Addicks Reservoir and flooded these homes. But it is just a good example of the area that was flooded in Houston covered 70 percent of the County area at its highest peak. But after the floods, after the rain came and the floodwaters started going down, people started helping in the recovery business, the same folks. People were volunteering to help each other. After the waters started going down, they were in the recovery business. prgtoken Churches got involved, of course, government agencies got involved, and first responders got involved. I live up in the Kingwood area in a town called Humble, Texas, and that town got a lot of water and a lot of flooding in it. Near both of those areas, Kingwood and Humble, a lot of churches were working. The Second Baptist Church and St. Martha's Church turned their facilities into a makeshift shelter for those who had need. prgtoken I went to Second Baptist while they had a lot of folks there, now they have rescue crews--I say rescue crews--they have crews who are going out to different neighborhoods and helping with the removal of walls, sheetrock and anything else that was flooded. It is not just one or two crews. These are 10-person crews. They have about 70 of these crews--that is 700 people they have going out every day to help people recover some of their property but also get that drywall torn down and ripped off, because in the Houston area, in the summer heat and humidity, water can do a lot of damage if it is not dealt with immediately. prgtoken But to all those people, from Second Baptist and St. Martha's and many other faith-based groups, we appreciate the fact that they are out there doing what they can to help other individuals as well. prgtoken I mentioned the Cajun Navy. The Cajun Navy--there were other people in boats who helped as well--a lot of boats. You probably saw a lot of them on TV--rubber boats, bass boats, and some people had other kind of boats that they were driving up and down the streets that were flooded. The residents who weren't able to recover, rebuild, take down the sheetrock, for example, in these homes, they got lots of help from other volunteers. prgtoken I mentioned
CONGRATULATING LOWER BUCKS CAMPUS ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-8

this year, the Lower Bucks Campus of the Bucks County Community College celebrates their 10-year anniversary. prgtoken Located in Bristol, this vibrant educational hub provides many services to the lower Bucks County community. Offering day, evening, and Saturday classes, along with a host of cultural activities and civic-minded programs, the local campus provides an accessible, innovative, and engaging learning environment for students, faculty, and our entire community. prgtoken I am proud to recognize James Ewart, Rodney Miller, William Pezza, and Rose Marie Strippoli as the Lower Bucks Campus champions for their longstanding commitment to Bucks County Community College, the community, and the entire region. They know the value that higher education brings to our high school graduates and many others in the Lower Bucks community. prgtoken These leaders empower students with the skills and credentials they need in order to secure employment in their fields, arming them with the capability to adapt and respond to the changing needs of tomorrow's economy. prgtoken Congratulations to each one of them and to the Bucks County Community College on reaching this 10-year milestone.
NEIL NORMAN RECEIVES NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AWARD
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today to recognize a constituent, Neil Norman of Richland, Washington, for receiving the National Society of Professional Engineers Award in honor of his extraordinary contributions to the engineering profession. prgtoken Mr. Norman is one of only 65 engineers to receive this award since 1949, and his substantial career demonstrates that he has earned this achievement. He has worked on several state-of-the-art projects since he began his work in 1952, including the plant design and construction for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. In central Washington, he designed the Fast Flux Test Facility, which is the Hanford nuclear site's former research reactor. prgtoken Neil has received several local, State, and national awards over the years. In retirement, he continues to serve his community. He gives lectures to engineering students in colleges across the State of Washington to promote professionalism, ethics, public health, and safety. His outstanding career is one to be admired. prgtoken Please join me in congratulating Neil Norman for his contributions to the engineering profession and to our community.
RECOGNIZING THE SUCCESS OF THE FOOD INSECURITY NUTRITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today to recognize the success of the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program, otherwise known as FINI, in providing low-income Americans the opportunity to put healthier food on the table for their families. prgtoken As a joint program between the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, FINI provides funding to improve the nutrition in SNAP households. prgtoken Last month, Secretary Perdue announced nearly $17 million in grants to help SNAP participants purchase healthier food options for their families. This funding would not have been possible without FINI, which was authorized by the 2014 farm bill. prgtoken As chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, creating opportunity for low-income families to afford nutritious food options is incredibly important to me, and we want to ensure the program is viable for generations. Last year alone, SNAP helped at least 44 million families put nutritious food on their tables. That allowed 19 million children to lead healthier lifestyles. prgtoken The FINI program is successful, and we see the success through the good it does for the health of American families.
IMMIGRATION BILL ENDORSED
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

my colleagues may be aware of a legal immigration reform bill that increases skilled workers needed in America, reduces the chain migration of non-immediate relatives, and saves jobs for American workers. prgtoken This is to alert Members to the welcome endorsement by many in the national media. Even President Clinton liked the idea. prgtoken That was when similar legislation was recommended by the Jordan Commission, chaired by the Texas , former Member Barbara Jordan. Today, similar legislation is opposed by these same newspapers. How time, or at least the political party of the authors, changes. prgtoken Most of the national media supports more open borders and increased levels of immigration, contrary to a majority of the American people. prgtoken But Congress needs to approve an immigration bill that puts the interests of Americans first.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 601, REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I would like to publicly thank the ic members of the Rules Committee. The gentlewoman, Mrs. Slaughter, has recognized from the first moment when we came back the genuine desire and need for us to work together. Her entire team, including the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis) and their staff, has worked diligently to ensure that this piece of legislation would become ready for Members of Congress to vote on it. prgtoken I would like to thank my staff and also our members, our members of the Rules Committee who spent a great deal of time this week. prgtoken , we are public servants and we are expected to do what we are doing. But it should also be noted that my colleague went out of her way to ensure that the discussion, the debate, and the delivery of this package is done. prgtoken , last night I received information from Dr. Shelley Hall and Dr. Rick Snyder from Dallas, Texas, speaking most directly about the people who they have come in contact with as volunteers from the Dallas County Medical Society at the convention center in Dallas, Texas. prgtoken As people have filled our city from outside these storm areas, I hope that they have met also Texans who cared about them. We have a history of this because we had to do this 12 or 13 years ago with Katrina, as we took people, young babies, little babies, who were flown in to Dallas and other areas in Texas; Fort Worth, Texas, opening up its doors; Austin, Texas; San Antonio, Texas. This is an effort that is more than just a State's effort, however, today. This is the Nation. prgtoken , on behalf of the Texas delegation, I want to thank Members of Congress, and, in particular, Ms. Slaughter and her team, for expeditiously providing this information of us working together. prgtoken Lastly, we will hand this to Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, from the Appropriations Committee, and Nita Lowey, who is that ranking member. I have seen all four of us work together on an important effort. prgtoken , for that reason, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying measure to provide FEMA with this emergency downpayment, as the agency is running out of funds and bracing for Irma's impact, and perhaps two other storms that may be headed to the United States of America or our territories. prgtoken We are one Nation under God. I give thanks for that, .
HONORING JUDGE GREGORY G. MALLON
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-8

today I recognize Judge Gregory G. Mallon of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Judge Mallon has honorably served Delaware County since 1982 as both a Magisterial District Judge and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. prgtoken After completing law school, Judge Mallon began his distinguished career in public service as a district judge for Rutledge and Eddystone in Delaware County. In 2008, he was appointed to Judgeship in the Court of Common Pleas Criminal Division. Many of his most notable cases came during his time on this bench. His decisions show a clear respect for due process and an unbiased judiciary. prgtoken I commend Judge Gregory G. Mallon for honorably serving our community with his passion for justice. He has earned the respect of both his colleagues and the public he served. I wish him well in retirement.
REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

I support providing immediate emergency assistance for those affected by recent natural disasters and was glad to vote for such a bill earlier this week. I believe that raising the debt limit for only three months is a mistake because it does not provide the certainty that financial markets and our economy need. prgtoken But most concerning to me, and the reason I am voting against this bill, is that it forces our military to operate under a stopgap continuing resolution--once again. prgtoken Continuing resolutions do enormous, lasting damage to the American military. We are witnessing an alarming increase in accidents, growing evidence of a force under stress, and an eroding technological position when compared with our adversaries. Not only does this bill fail to remedy those problems, it makes them worse. prgtoken This bill, like other CRs, allows no new starts--the Pentagon must spend the same money on the same things as last year. But the world is not standing still. In fact, the threats from North Korea and others grow every day. Yet, this CR prevents us from responding. prgtoken The Constitution places on Congress the responsibility to ``raise and support'', ``provide and maintain'' the military forces of the United States. It is morally wrong for our nation to send brave men and women out on mission--even routine training or operations--without the very best equipment, the very best training, the very best support our country can provide. The dysfunction in the budget process has meant that we have not provided them with the best and that we have not been meeting our responsibilities. This bill is more of the same. prgtoken There is plenty of blame to go around between both parties and both the Executive and Legislative branches of government. But this negligence must stop. We must fulfill our duty. We must do better.