mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONFIRMATION OF ANNIE CAPUTO AND DAVID WRIGHT
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-5-24

I rise today to congratulate Annie Caputo and David Wright on their confirmation as members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. prgtoken Regrettably, it has taken almost a year for the Senate to confirm these excellent nominees. This is yet another example of how broken the Senate's confirmation process is and why we need to change the rules so we can process nominees in a timely manner. prgtoken Annie and David will make outstanding commissioners. For over a decade, Annie has served as a top adviser on nuclear energy issues to members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. She has worked on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, advising the committees' chairmen, including former Chairman Jim Inhofe and, now, me. prgtoken Here on Capitol Hill, Annie is considered the dean of nuclear energy policy. More than any other staff member, she knows the nuclear power sector. As a nuclear engineer, Annie knows the physics behind nuclear power. She also knows the challenges it faces and the bright future it can have if we make the right decisions here in Washington. Likewise, Annie knows our Nation's nuclear regulatory agencies, especially the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She understands how the NRC can be improved, how it can be more responsive to the public and its licensers, and the best way to accomplish that goal. prgtoken Prior to becoming chairman, I found Annie to be instrumental in helping me conduct oversight of the nuclear industry and the NRC. She was particularly helpful following Fukushima. Since becoming chairman, I have seen how she is an invaluable part of the Environment and Public Works staff. For example, Annie was largely responsible for drafting S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act. This is a bill that will help facilitate the licensing of advanced reactors and reform how the NRC collects fees from its shrinking pool of licensees. It is a bill that we need if this country is going to allow nuclear power to succeed in the future. Last year, the committee passed this bill by a broad bipartisan vote of 18 to 3. It remains a top priority of mine and is legislation Congress should send to the president by the end of the year. prgtoken Beyond the area of policy, I want to thank Annie for the role she played at the committee office. I want to thank her for helping my other staff, especially the way in which she served as a mentor to them. They are better staffers for the time they spent learning from and alongside Annie. I know other Members of Congress in the House and Senate feel the same way and share my gratitude to her. prgtoken So congratulations, again, Annie. Congress will be a poorer place without you. But our loss will be the NRC's gain. prgtoken While I do not know David on a personal level, I also believe he will be an asset to the NRC. For about a decade, David served as a member and chai
ANNUAL ROLLING THUNDER MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-5-24

this weekend, the Nation sets aside time to remember those who gave all for our country. prgtoken Thousands will travel to Washington, D.C for the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride to remember and honor the fallen, and millions across the country will participate in parades or gather around monuments and parks to recall a loved one or a neighbor who never came home. There will be the playing of ``Taps'' and heartfelt and silent whispers of: I miss you; I wish I could see you; and thank you. prgtoken Memorial Day is truly a national holiday in that it is a day that politics are avoided, and given some of the debates we have been having and what you see on TV, that is not a bad thing. prgtoken When you visit Arlington Cemetery or any of the national cemeteries across the country, including the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, not far from my district, the gravestones don't mark one's party affiliation. Rather, the simplicity of the stones remind us that they were Americans, they served, and that they are remembered. prgtoken May God grant eternal rest to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country, and may He bless the families of the fallen with His tender mercies.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-5-24

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this legislation and especially this part of the bill, which includes a provision that declares Dr. Afridi an international hero. prgtoken For those who don't remember Dr. Afridi, who now languishes in a Pakistani prison, this was the brave soul who helped us identify Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the slaughter of 3,000 Americans on 9/11. prgtoken Pakistan arrested him on trumped up charges, and he now lingers in a dungeon, ignored by us, ignored by the world. prgtoken This is an international hero. This is a man with courage. prgtoken It is a disgrace that our country still has relations, when Pakistan rubs this in our face. I would hope that this Congress--and, Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for putting this in the bill that we are declaring to the world Dr. Afridi must be freed, and he is a hero, an international hero to all of humankind.
TAX REFORM
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-5-24

as you know, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act late last year. While much media attention has been focused on certain aspects of tax reform, one topic that has not received due attention is the positive effect that tax reform is already having on small businesses. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I strongly supported this legislation because I saw the potential it had to spur investment, create economic growth, and provide tax relief to the millions of small business owners whose resilience and work ethic provide ample evidence that the American Dream is alive and well. This piece of legislation has had a positive impact, not just for small business owners and their employees in my home State of Idaho, but also for small business owners and employees all across our country. I plan to introduce and highlight these small businesses on a weekly basis for the near future. prgtoken While there are more and more uplifting stories of small businesses that are benefiting from tax reform each day, today I wish to share the story of Renaissance Property Management, LLC located in Dearborn, MI. Renaissance Property Management's owner, Rudaina Hamade, and her son Michael operate this successful small business, which specializes in acquiring rental properties, asset management, and 24 hour property maintenance. Through their business, the Hamades and their 5 to 10 employees, some of whom are seasonal, strive to offer tenants affordable and distinguished homes. During the last recession, when so many small businesses were suffering, her determination was on full display. Though the Detroit housing market experienced a steep decline, the Hamades persevered, and after finding financial backing, they continued to invest in the Detroit market even while many others were reducing their footprint in the city. prgtoken Ms. Hamade, a Lebanese immigrant, is a prime example of the American Dream, having exhibited an amazing drive and work ethic throughout her life. She received her finance degree from Davenport University while raising her children and running a small business. In addition to running her company and raising a family, Ms. Hamade is also an active member of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Council at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Changes in the tax law have offered welcome relief to the Hamades' employees and their families. This new law has enabled the Hamades to provide their employees with bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. They have also been able to make capital investments in their company. These investments include upgrades to their computer system and the purchasing of new software, machinery, and tools. Stories like these show that tax reform was a more than worthwhile goal that has improved small businesses's outlook, provided employee bonuses, lowered taxes, and increased inv
HONORING VETERANS AND SERVICEMEMBERS
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-5-24

I rise today to honor and recognize the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties, our freedoms, and our precious way of life. prgtoken Montanans are a proud and patriotic people who always answer the call to serve their Nation. They are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons prgtoken and daughters. Some did not return from the theater of conflict, giving their lives for our country and our liberty. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them and to their families. We owe them a debt we can never fully repay, as much as we try. prgtoken As we mark Memorial Day, we pray for the families of the veterans whose sacrifices have secured our freedoms, and we give thanks for the blessings of life and liberty, peace and prosperity that their service has secured for all of us.
TRIBUTE TO VAUGHN GRAHAM
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-5-24

today I wish to recognize my good friend Mr. Vaughn Graham as he nears the end of his term as the 113th chairman of the Nation's largest insurance association, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, also known as the Big ``I.'' He was installed as chairman of the Big ``I'' in September 2017 in Chicago, IL, and over the past year, he has done an amazing job of piloting the association as a strong and thoughtful leader for independent insurance agents across the country. prgtoken Vaughn graduated from the University of Oklahoma and is currently the president of Rich & Cartmill, Inc headquartered in Tulsa, OK, and with offices in Oklahoma City; Ozark, MO; Olathe, KS; and Greeley, CO. He is a past chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma, IIAO, and has served as the Oklahoma director to the Big ``I'' national board of directors. He was recognized in 2012 with IIAO's highest honor, the Eagle of Excellence Award. prgtoken On the national association level, Graham has chaired the Membership Services, Inc board and has served on several Big ``I'' committees and boards including the Big ``I'' advantage board, InsurPac board of trustees, and the Large Agents and Brokers Council. In addition, he has been engaged as a member of several insurance companies' agent advisory councils. prgtoken I would also like to recognize Candace Graham, Vaughn's esteemed prgtoken wife. Vaughn has been married to his wife, Candace, for more than 40 years. Together, they reside in Tulsa, OK, and they have two adult children, Hayden and Vaughn, Jr and five grandchildren. Graham is also active in his community with charitable and civic organizations. He is a member of Leadership Tulsa, the Rotary Club of Tulsa, and is a volunteer mentor to students of Celia Clinton Elementary School. prgtoken The State of Oklahoma is proud of Vaughn Graham and wishes him and Candace well following his successful year as chairman of the Big ``I.''
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-24

I rise in support of my amendment 96 that is included in the en bloc amendment. prgtoken My amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to study how the Department of Defense can attract and recruit students from higher education institutions with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. prgtoken To make sure we draw from the best and brightest of our country, this study would consist of students from all higher education institutions, including but not limited to Hispanic serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander serving institutions. prgtoken World war III is currently taking place in cyberspace, and that is why it is important that we find our young men and women, the best and brightest we have, to fight this battle. prgtoken Additionally, with China racing to dominate the artificial intelligence space, we must find suitable individuals to keep up with China's artificial intelligence advancements and massive investments in this area. prgtoken My amendment would ensure that our Nation has the information it needs to recruit our brightest and best.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-5-24

I thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Mr. Smith, and I rise in support of this legislation, and in particular, in support of amendment No. 202 offered by myself and Mr. Castro and Mr. Doggett. prgtoken This amendment requires the Air Force to conduct a core sampling study at Lackland Air Force Base to determine potential hazardous substances along the route of a wastewater pipeline replacement project. prgtoken Project negotiations are being held up because the proposed route transects two very old landfills whose contents are unknown. Soil sampling to identify potential contaminants along the construction site will allow this project to move forward. prgtoken Replacing this crumbling pipeline is critical to avoid continual wastewater spills, which impact the environmental health and well-being of both the military base and the residents of San Antonio. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, the legislation, this en bloc amendment to bring wastewater services to over 500,000 residents in San Antonio, a rapidly growing southwest community.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Kyrsten Sinema (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-5-24

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This bipartisan bill gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise and makes important investments in our national defense that will keep our country safe and strong. prgtoken I thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership on this important legislation, and for their support in including all four of my amendments, as part of the en bloc amendments, in this bipartisan bill. prgtoken Terrorists like Islamic State present a clear threat to our country and to our allies. As ISIS loses territory in Iraq and Syria, its strategies to obtain funding and spread violence evolve. My first amendment ensures we develop strategies to counter ISIS financing as the terrorist group, its affiliates, and their sources of revenue change. It requires the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Treasury to provide a joint report to Congress on the current and future funding mechanisms of the Islamic State and its affiliates, and what the U.S. is doing to stop them. I thank Congressman Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Congressman Budd of North Carolina for working across the aisle with me on this commonsense solution. The safety and security of Arizona families continues to be my top priority. prgtoken My second amendment is the latest in a series of actions I've taken to ensure Arizona has the resources it needs for wildfire season. My amendment formally acknowledges the dangers that wildfires pose to our security and requires the Department of Defense to consider how their assets--including air support--could complement the efforts of federal firefighting agencies in tackling the toughest, most dangerous fires. Arizonans know that when a wildfire is out of control, it's all hands on deck. My amendment directs government to do the same. prgtoken We owe a great debt to the men and woman who serve in our military, and it is critical that we support their transitions from military to civilian life. My third amendment helps servicemembers transition successfully to civilian life by ensuring they receive quality financial literacy training prior to separation. When servicemembers go through the Transition Assistance Program, they learn about their earned benefits and ways to obtain jobs, healthcare, education, and housing. Financial literacy training will enable servicemembers to better utilize these benefits and the educational and career training available to them now and into the future. I thank Congressman Hollingsworth of Indiana for working with me to ensure our troops are prepared to succeed in civilian life and achieve the American Dream. prgtoken My fourth amendment helps address a technological vulnerability for both the public and private sectors. Government-owned mobile devices, including those owned by the Department of Defense, are targets for data breaches and hacking. It is important that we develop
CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995 REFORM ACT
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-5-24

. Thank you very much. prgtoken , I would like to thank Senator Blunt for his work on this. This is an incredibly important moment. We are completely overhauling the sexual harassment policies of the Congress. This was an antiquated policy that literally required 30 days of forced counseling, 30 days of forced mediation, and 30 days of a cooling-off period. It was time for a change, and that is what we came together to do. prgtoken I wish thank our colleagues who have worked on this with us: Senators Gillibrand, Murray, McCaskill, ; our working group on Rules, including Senators Blunt, Feinstein, Cortez Masto, Capito, and Fischer; and of course the two leaders, Senator McConnell and Senator Schumer, who worked on this. prgtoken Senators Enzi and Kennedy would always say: If you can agree on things 80 percent of the time, that is a good day. This is a good day for changing the rules so that the deck is not stacked against victims, who should be in a safe workplace. prgtoken Thank you, Senator Blunt.
RECOGNIZING THE OPENING OF THE GREAT RIVER ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER AT THE GENOA NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-5-24

I rise before you today to commemorate the opening of the Great River Road Interpretive Center at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery. This Interpretive Center is along the Great River Road in Wisconsin and is one of our nation's most historic and extensive scenic byways. It is also part of the National Scenic Byways Program. prgtoken Today the Great River Road offers travelers not just a leisurely scenic drive but a unique and lasting journey through diverse communities and landscapes. At the Great River Road Interpretative Center in Genoa, visitors will have a chance to see Mississippi River fish species, birds native to the region and a history of the area's pearl button industry. prgtoken From its shores in Genoa, the new Interpretive Center provides a panoramic view of the majesty and magnitude of the Mississippi River. Standing outside its entrance doors, one recognizes the River's size, scale, and multiple uses. From outdoor recreation to commercial navigation, to serving as a primary corridor for North American waterfowl, the Mississippi River plays an essential role in the lives of the people of this region and nation. However, in addition to its recreational, navigation and wildlife use, the area and its landscape also tell an important part of our nation's history. It was here, near the new Interpretive Center that a significant battle ofthe Black Hawk War was fought. The new center features a description of this event with an exhibit dedicated to the Battle at Bad Axe. As a result, residents and tourist alike will better understand the story and history of the area and the role that the Mississippi River played in the region's development. prgtoken The Great River Road Interpretive Center is dedicated to protecting and honoring the Mississippi River as both a precious natural resource and an economic engine. Residents and visitors alike will benefit from the wealth of historical, cultural and ecological information that will be featured in this new facility here in Genoa. prgtoken The Great River Road Interpretive Center will serve as a gateway to the rich heritage of the Mississippi River for future generations.
HUNGARY
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-5-24

this week, the Senate is poised to confirm the nomination of David Cornstein to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Hungary. Against that backdrop, as well as reports that Secretary of State Pompeo will meet with the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Washington at the end of this month, it is timely to consider the troubling situation in Hungary. prgtoken Budapest is a fabulous city. The Parliament is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful legislative houses in the world. Hungarians are a warm and generous people, and the United States and Hungary have a shared history dating to the times of Lajos Kossuth, whose bust graces the halls of the U.S. Congress. Hungarians have come to this country as both immigrants and refugees, enriching our national fabric. prgtoken The beauty of Budapest masks a growing climate of fear, however. For the past 8 years, Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has tried to pass majoritarianism off as democracy. Media pluralism has disappeared. The government plays favorites with religions, preferring some while discriminating against others, like the Hungarian Evangelical Fellowship. Moreover, the checks and balances that are essential for democracy are missing in action. To say that the ruling party now exercises unchecked legal power is not an exercise in hyperbole, but merely a concise analysis of the facts. prgtoken Prime Minister Viktor Orban has allowed corruption to flourish, enriching his own friends and family. The government has recentralized, and more of the economy is either under state control or in the hands of Orban's cronies. Once Fidesz won two-thirds of the seats in Parliament in 2010, the party changed the election system to perpetuate that outcome. As Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, elections observers concluded, separation of state and party is no longer respected. For a country that suffered under a one-party regime, that is a deeply disturbing conclusion. prgtoken In 2013, I chaired a Helsinki Commission hearing on the trajectory of democracy in Hungary. Frankly, I did not think things would get this bad, in part because I did not think the ruling Fidesz party would become more extremist than Hungary's strongest opposition party, Jobbik, but after 2010, with Jobbik's anti-Semitic and anti-Roma rhetoric serving as a Greek chorus, Fidesz leaders carved out their own revisionist bona fides, worked to rehabilitate fascist-era figures, and repeatedly awarded, elevated, and amplified one of the country's most extremist polemicists. They determined that they could get away with further escalating hate-mongering against racial and religious minorities with one tweak: call them Muslims and migrants. Hatred, it seems, is fungible. prgtoken Not surprisingly, the politics of fear, historical revisionism, and national grievances have found expression in the ruling party's foreign policy too. The most alarming example has been Hungary'