mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT--Continued
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-2-15

I want to take a moment to emphasize why the Secure and Succeed Act is the right bill for the Senate to pass this week. I chose to join my colleagues, who have worked hard on this bill for months, for a few important reasons. prgtoken First, this bill provides a way forward for our DACA recipients. I have said time and again that I appreciate the contributions our DACA recipients are making in our communities. They are our friends, our neighbors, and our churchgoers. I support finding them a way forward. Our bill does this. It does it in a fair and humane way. But importantly, it also adds strong eligibility requirements to ensure the safety and security of the program and stops future illegal immigration. For instance, it does not reward the parents who came here illegally by giving them any type of lawful status and sets reasonable time limits and restrictions on who can apply. prgtoken Second, it provides immediate and significant investments in our border. We cannot allow this problem to happen again. We have a duty and an obligation to keep our borders secure and our citizens safe. Our bill recognizes that spending money on the border without giving law enforcement strong authorities is like buying a boat without an engine. We need both to keep our borders and our communities secure. prgtoken Third, our bill recognizes that you cannot view immigration in a silo--it is a bulky issue that represents many legal, economic, and security concerns. Many of these issues are deeply interconnected. Addressing DACA and addressing the border without addressing some of the other issues plaguing our system is a half solution. We must have the President's four principles to make this work. prgtoken Finally, this is the President's plan. The White House has endorsed this proposal. The President's pen is ready to sign it. prgtoken I urge my colleagues, let's pass the bill that addresses the right issues in this debate and can actually become law. Let's pass the Secure and Succeed Act. prgtoken , .
INTRODUCTION OF THE STATE INSURANCE REGULATION PRESERVATION ACT
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-2-15

together with my colleague Representative Beatty, I am pleased to introduce today the State Insurance Regulation Preservation Act. This legislation will ensure that the regulation of insurance savings and loan holding companies reflects our state system of insurance regulation while protecting policyholders and depositors. prgtoken The Dodd-Frank Act brought insurance savings and loan holding companies under Federal Reserve Supervision for the first time. As such, these insurance companies are currently regulated by both the states, and the Federal Reserve. Consistent with the Dodd-Frank Act's reaffirmation that insurance should be regulated by the states, our legislation remedies the current structural inefficiency by allowing the Federal Reserve to ensure that the holding company is well capitalized, while leaving the day-to-day regulation to the states. prgtoken The bill accomplishes this providing that insurance savings and loan holding companies that meet state and federal capital standards are regulated day-to-day by the states. The Federal Reserve would remain the backstop regulator for these companies and would retain the ability to step in if capital levels were insufficient, and also would retain general emergency authority to step as the day-to-day regulator. The thrifts in these companies would continue to be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Reserve would retain the ability to examine material subsidiaries. prgtoken This legislation is important and helpful because Dodd-Frank did not provide specific instructions on how the Federal Reserve supervision should complement state insurance supervision for companies that are subject to both. We believe this legislation would create greater regulatory efficiency, without constraining the Federal Reserve's ability to fulfill its statutory mandate to protect the safety and soundness of these institutions. prgtoken As we developed this bill, both members of Congress and regulators identified potential improvements to ensure that the objectives of this bill are met. In particular, we are committed to preventing gaps in regulation, and ensuring that the Federal Reserve has adequate information and authority to step in when needed. Our objective is to pass a bill that embodies sound public policy and enjoys broad bipartisan support. We look forward to continued dialogue and hope our colleagues can support this needed legislation.
HONORING SHELAGH SWEENEY
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Madam , it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize Hurley Fire Department member Shelagh Sweeney. prgtoken Shelagh was named Hurley Fire Department's first female Firefighter of the Year. Her service and dedication to her community as a firefighter, EMT, and field training officer for mobile life support services is most admirable. prgtoken Her inspiration to join the fire department came from her attendance of a first-aid class during her time at SUNY Ulster. Continuing her education by taking classes at Marist College is a testament to the dedication she reflects with her service to her community. prgtoken Shelagh's selfless service to the community, while striving for further personal growth, is greatly appreciated, and I wish her the best in continuing on her journey.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEMPHIS SANITATION WORKERS STRIKE
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-2-15

1968 was a tumultuous year. Violent protests erupted in cities across the country. Both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and then-Senator and Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated, and American soldiers were fighting in the Vietnam war. prgtoken In Memphis, TN, African-American sanitation workers had faced years of hazardous working conditions and discrimination in pay and benefits. Their strike would become a historic event in the civil rights movement. prgtoken In January 1968, the workers began negotiating with Memphis Mayor Henry Loeb and the Memphis City Council to improve pay and working conditions. prgtoken On February 1, 1968, two sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, sought shelter from the pouring rain and were crushed to death in their garbage truck when the compactor on the truck malfunctioned. Their deaths galvanized the 1,300 African-American sanitation workers who decided to begin their strike to protest working conditions on February 12, 1968. prgtoken The workers demanded recognition of their union, increased pay, and safer working conditions. Mayor Loeb and the city council responded by threatening to replace the striking workers unless they returned to work. prgtoken Throughout February and early March, negotiations continued, and on March 28, 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Rev. James Lawson led a march from the Clayborn Temple that ended with rioting, arrests, and the death of 16-year-old Larry Payne. Civil rights leaders vowed to march again, focusing on the principles of nonviolence. prgtoken On April 3, 1968, Dr. King addressed a rally of 10,000 African- American workers and residents, members of the clergy, and union members at the Mason Temple--the Memphis headquarters of the Church of God in Christ. His speech included these lines: I have been to the mountain top. . . . I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. prgtoken That was Dr. Martin Luther King. prgtoken The next day, April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated as he stood on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel. prgtoken On April 8, 1968, 4 days later, 42,000 people marched in Memphis. The strike was resolved on April 16. The 1,300 sanitation workers in Memphis took a stand for freedom, and they displayed courage in their pursuit of equality. prgtoken In his speech on April 3, Dr. King said: Now we're going to march again, and we've got to march again, in order to put the issue where it is supposed to be-- and force everybody to see that there are 1,300 of God's children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out. That's the issue. And we've got to say to the nation: We know how it's coming out. For when people get caught up with that which
RECOGNIZING BLACKFEET COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-2-15

this week I have the honor of recognizing Blackfeet Community College, BCC. By 2020, BCC hopes to produce 40 certified teachers for Montana, and these teachers will be able to integrate Blackfeet culture into their classrooms. prgtoken BCC is operated exclusively for nonprofit purposes, ensuring that postsecondary and higher educational services are provided to the community. BCC students, staff and board of trustees have adopted core values that recognize the way our interactions with others effect our value and thought systems. The first core value is the Blackfeet Way of Knowing, which means Blackfeet culture/spirituality in philosophy, thought, and action. prgtoken BCC is raising up leaders of tomorrow who are rooted in the Blackfeet culture and heritage, a heritage that is known for traditional singing, drumming, and dancing, as well as stick games and rodeos. prgtoken Thank you, BCC, for your continued dedication to creating the thoughtful and values-driven Montana teachers and leaders of tomorrow.
ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2017
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-2-15

I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding. prgtoken , the gentleman from Maryland just said that, after decades, the ADA was well understood and the law was easy to comply with. In many cases, that may be true, but technology has been advancing so quickly that there are areas where the ADA is not clear today, and we are in need of guidance. prgtoken , in the great State of Georgia, scores of businesses have received demand letters for their websites, that their websites should be considered public accommodations; and demand letters to say those websites do not comply with the ADA, when these businesses do not know how to make their websites comply with the ADA. prgtoken Fifty credit unions alone, --folks who are in the business of serving our communities--have received these demand letters, unable to respond. prgtoken , I would like to enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), if he would be willing, and ask if he is aware of the issues created by this emergence of technology and the predatory litigation that credit unions, community banks, and other small mom-and-pop businesses are facing.
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT--Continued
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-2-15

in the late 1980s, Congress debated and adopted amnesty legislation for 3 million people who were here illegally. It did so promising the American people that in exchange for amnesty, the Federal Government would finally, finally, finally secure the border. We all know what happened. That amnesty occurred, and the border never got secured. At the time, there were 3 million people living here illegally. Today, estimates are that there are in excess of 12 million people living here illegally. prgtoken Five years ago, in 2013, this body again debated amnesty. The so- called Gang of 8 again failed to secure the border but once again made the same promise of amnesty for millions here illegally in exchange for an ephemeral, never-to-come promise to secure the border. The Senate ultimately passed the Gang of 8 bill. As it was being voted on, Senate bragged on television that they believed they had north of 70 votes--that now was the time, again, to pass amnesty. prgtoken Yet the American people rose up and said: Amnesty is not what we want. It is inconsistent with the rule of law. We saw Senators at the last minute jumping ship. At the end of the day, it passed this body by 68 votes and then went nowhere in the House of Representatives. prgtoken So again, today, we are here having the same debate. I feel like Bill Murray prgtoken in ``Groundhog Day,'' waking up and reliving the same day over and over and over, and the result is the same. prgtoken Listen, I don't know how these votes will occur this afternoon. It may be that nothing gets 60 votes. That is possible. But it may also be that the Senate embraces one of the various amnesty plans that is put on the table. If that is the case, it will be every bit as big a mistake as the Gang of 8 was a mistake and as the amnesty in the 1980s was a mistake. I must say that I find myself flabbergasted at where my own party is in this debate, because every proposal that has support that has been submitted begins from a place markedly to the left of that of President . prgtoken President , as we all know, issued DACA, which was otherwise known as Executive amnesty. Executive amnesty was illegal and unconstitutional. The President has no authority to refuse to enforce the law. Yet President decreed that he would not enforce Federal immigration laws, and that is exactly what he did. prgtoken At the time, virtually every denounced Executive amnesty as unconstitutional, as lawless, as wrong. Yet today, far too many Senate s are staking out a place well to the left of President on DACA on numerous axes. No. 1, DACA itself covered 690,000 people. Yet what is the proposal being considered by this body? Under the mildest of the proposals, we are considering a path to citizenship for 1.8 million people. Why on Earth would we more than double--nearly triple--the DACA population? If there are 690,000 people who r
REMEMBERING SHEILA ANN OLSEN
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-2-15

my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring the extraordinary life of Sheila Ann Olsen, of Idaho Falls, ID, a dear friend and leader. prgtoken Sheila cared deeply for others as was clear from her community involvement. She devoted countless hours to assisting fellow Idahoans and bettering our communities. Some of the organizations and efforts she led and served in include the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, the Development Workshop Foundation, the Mayor's Committee on Race Relations, the Mayor's Cultural Awareness and Human Relations Committee, the Idaho Falls ADA Accessibility Commission, the ``Unity in the Community'' Prayer-a-Thon, the Governor's Workforce Development Council, Brigham Young University Alumni Board member, Idaho Department of Labor Employment Security Advisory Council, and the Electoral College. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a leader in the local and State Party. Sheila is broadly admired for her giving spirit, and many credit Sheila with her help in advancing them on their career paths. prgtoken While she was deeply principled and committed to her religious faith, she worked extensively with and greatly valued working with others of differing faiths and backgrounds. She sought common ground and held high regard for bridging faiths, races, and backgrounds. We echo the descriptions of Sheila esteemed by her family and many friends: joyful, positive, engaged, compassionate, kind, fair, good, patriotic, and well-respected. Her attributes and hard work have received many recognitions including ``National MS Mother of the Year'' by President George H.W Brigham Young University's ``Service to Family Award,'' ``Exemplary Citizen'' by the Rotary Club, and many more. prgtoken Sheila Olsen will be remembered as someone who set an enduring example of service to others. She was a mother of 10 children and a wife to the late Dennis Olsen. She was a grandmother to 39 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 23 great-grandchildren. She overcame the complications of multiple sclerosis to give extensively. Her legacy of devotion to her family, her religion, and serving will carry on in the many lives positively influenced by this great leader. We express our deep condolences to her family and friends and thank Sheila for her friendship and lasting service.
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF THE ELKS
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-2-15

February 16, 2018, marks the 150th anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. The Elks is an American fraternal society dedicated to serving and caring for our citizens, communities, and country. The order continues to grow and thrive with a membership of nearly 1 million members and 2,000 lodges nationwide. prgtoken The Elks is dedicated to the ideals of charity, justice, and patriotism and has invested millions of hours annually in building stronger communities, assisting homeless veterans, and supporting youth substance abuse prevention initiatives. prgtoken Patriotism is central to the order's principles and is demonstrated in some of the organization's charitable endeavors. In 1907, the Elks first adopted June 14 as Flag Day out of reverence for the American flag and the sacrifices made in honor of it. Almost 40 years later, Congress officially recognized June 14 as the national holiday honoring the American flag. Elks members donated over 1 million for the renovation of the Statue of Liberty, which helped to restore this important symbol of freedom. Elks members also contributed nearly 2 million for the building of the National World War II Memorial in honor of the more than 16,000,000 people who served in the Second World War. prgtoken The Order of the Elks has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving our county's veterans. The Elks are deeply engaged in the Veterans Affairs medical facilities by providing support and friendship to veterans at VA facilities. Furthermore, the Elks answered the call of the Department of Veterans Affairs to better address veteran homelessness by founding the Welcome Home Program. prgtoken Providing mentorship and instilling good character and moral values in our country's youth is another important facet of the Elk's mission. Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and the Elks are committed to helping them succeed by supporting scholarships that allow more children to pursue their dreams. Further, the order educates parents and their children about the dangers of using illegal substances, tobacco products, alcohol, and abusing prescription drugs. These prevention and awareness programs help give young people the tools and information they need to make good decisions when faced with negative social pressures. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to join me in recognizing and congratulating the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks on its 150th anniversary. The Order of the Elks has been and will continue to be a shining example of honor and service to neighbor, community, and nation.
AMERICANS ARE THRIVING BECAUSE OF TAX REFORM
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Madam , I rise today to share just a few examples of how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is already helping businesses in Georgia's Third District. It is helping them to grow, and it is helping them to reinvest in their workers. prgtoken Last month, I had the opportunity to visit such a business, Custom Truck and Body Works, in Woodbury, Georgia. This is a unique company that builds specialty vehicles for first responders. Because of the changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this small business has been able to hire new workers, is beginning a facility expansion, and, in fact, told me they are still looking for folks to fill positions today. prgtoken This isn't the only business in the Third District that is thriving because of tax reform. Another small business, Shred-X, which is a small business that has 10 employees and provides recycling and shredding services to 3,000 clients throughout Atlanta and west central Georgia, plans to use the additional savings to buy a new truck and potentially hire a new employee. For a company of 10 people, this is a huge difference. prgtoken Madam , I am thrilled to see our Main Street job creators thriving because of tax reform, and I look forward to seeing our economy continue to thrive as Americans reap the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-2-15

I wish to commend Dr. Reed L. Mosher for over 38 years of service to the Nation. prgtoken Dr. Mosher will soon retire as the director of the Information Technology Laboratory, ITL, of the Corps Engineer Research and Development Center, ERDC, headquartered in Vicksburg, MS. His astonishing list of accomplishments range from leading research and development for the Corps, the Army, the Department of Defense, and multiple Federal agencies, to leading the transformation of DOD's research and acquisition communities through the strategic application of high-performance computing, high-speed networks, computational expertise, system engineering, large-scale data analytics, and technology transfer. He instilled a culture of innovation, adaptability, and shared knowledge. Dr. Mosher created a visionary atmosphere where team members are empowered to expand the breadth and depth of data analytics capabilities and explore the future of information management and information technology. prgtoken During his more than 38-year service to the Nation, Dr. Reed L. Mosher exuded extraordinary leadership with unparalleled vision, compassion, competence, and determination, culminating with his tenure as the director of the ITL, the premier defense laboratory for information technology. His initiative and selfless service in the successful execution of a broad range of decisive research, development, studies, and operational programs in support of military engineering and Army civil works have resulted in lasting contributions to the Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, and the Nation. prgtoken I am pleased to commend Dr. Mosher for his many years of service and to wish him well in the years ahead.