mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ETHIOPIA
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-4-18

I know there is a lot of competition for the time right now, and I feel badly that I finally got to the point where, in order to get the message out--it is a message many people think is not significant, but I assure you that this is of grave importance not just to a country but to the entire continent of Africa. prgtoken The House of Representatives, just last week, passed H. Res. 128 to chastise one of our closest allies on the African continent, Ethiopia. Although the legislation claims to support Ethiopia, the reality is that the resolution is outdated. It was written years ago and was blindly passed without consideration for the current situation in Ethiopia. It was also passed under a voice vote so that no one member of Congress would have to carry the stigma of being on the record voting for it. prgtoken I know the House passed it because most of them have never been to Ethiopia and don't really know the miracle we have seen in that country. I know the transformation Ethiopia has made in economic and social development alongside their ongoing commitment to establishing security in the Horn of Africa. prgtoken Since 2005, I have visited Ethiopia 18 different times, engaging and developing relationships with Prime Ministers, with Cabinet Ministers, legislators, businessmen, aid workers, and everyone else in between. There isn't another Member of Congress who has traveled in Ethiopia, engaged with the Ethiopian Government and the Ethiopian people more than I have. prgtoken I say this for a reason. It is to show that I know something about Ethiopia. I know we have been here before. What happened last week has happened before. People don't even know it. So they passed a negative resolution on Ethiopia by voice vote. The resolution fails to understand the history of Ethiopia. I want to talk about that. prgtoken Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in all of Africa, but one that is newly democratic. It is all new to them. prgtoken There is also a Christian history to the nation, which nobody else has on the continent of Africa. Ethiopia is featured in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. prgtoken In the New Testament, we hear about Philip. This is in Acts 8. Philip meets the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Damascus. We find out later that the eunuch was actually the treasurer of the country of Ethiopia at that time. Philip told the eunuch about Jesus. He talked about the Old Testament and the Queen of Sheba and Solomon. There are over 50 of these mentions in the Bible. They had long conversations about Jesus. prgtoken Philip was making these comments. Before the conversation was over, he baptized the eunuch. The eunuch went off to Ethiopia and took the first word of Jesus to Ethiopia. That is very significant. prgtoken Coincidentally, while Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia, there was a time when Aksum was the capital. That was many years ago. During the time of the Queen of Sheba
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-4-18

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
HONORING WAYS AND MEANS STAFF DIRECTOR DAVID STEWART
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-18

I would like to recognize a good friend, a trusted policy adviser and by every measure, one of the very best to ever serve the Ways and Means Committee and the House, Mr. David Stewart. prgtoken David began his Congressional journey in 2000 when he came to intern for Ways and Means Committee Member Congressman Phil English. Over his career as a staffer, David became a trusted voice on policy for John Boehner, Paul Ryan, and two and a half years ago to me when he joined the Ways and Means Committee as staff director. prgtoken This past year, with David's steady leadership, and immutable resolve we were able to pass the first tax reform in a generation that's boosted our economy and helped so many families. prgtoken David's focus has always been on making lives better for all Americans, and I stand here today to tell him job well done. David is a selfless public servant, who has sacrificed time away from his family-- his wife Betsy and his daughters Grace and Poppy and has served his nation well. prgtoken To say David works hard is an understatement. Once when he was asked how many hours he works per week, David replied simply with ``a lot.'' This also shows David's witty and wry sense of humor that has always made busy days brighter. prgtoken His dedication to mastering intricate policy is unmatched. I know I speak for all Members and staff when I say: Thank you, David for your service to the House and to the Committee on Ways and Means. He is going to be greatly missed around here.
ATLANTA STUDENTS WINNING PRIZE IN C-SPAN VIDEO DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION)
Jason Lewis (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-4-18

I am proud to rise today and congratulate Jessie Schulhof and Ava Stark, students from The Alfred and Adele Davis Academy Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia. prgtoken Every year, C-SPAN holds a documentary contest for middle and high school students called StudentCam. This year, students were asked to choose a provision of the U.S. Constitution and create a video illustrating why it's important to them. The documentary the students submitted was ``Speaking Up to The Limits,'' about the First Amendment. prgtoken Young people have the power to influence change in the world we live in today. We cannot let age, race, or gender keep people silent. I gave my first sermon at age 16. I became friends with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at age 18. The words and actions of Dr. King inspired me to become involved in the Civil Rights Movement. prgtoken Today, I am proud that these young constituents from The Alfred and Adele Davis Academy Middle School were honored for their great and good work in this competition, which saw more than 3,000 entries. I am pleased to congratulate them on this impressive recognition. prgtoken Every generation can leave behind a powerful legacy. You cannot be afraid to speak up. You cannot be afraid to speak out, especially for what you believe, even at a young age. Therefore, I stand with you and provide strength for you, as you are the future of this beloved country.
CUBA'S SCAM TRANSITION
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-4-18

today, many around the world might herald what they call a transition of power in my native homeland of Cuba, but that couldn't be further from the truth. prgtoken This sham transition is more smoke and mirrors--another ploy out of the Castro playbook. The reality is that Raul Castro will continue to maintain his grip on power. The reality is that the Cuban people will be no closer to freedom today than they were yesterday--no closer to democracy today than they were yesterday. prgtoken The reality is that the murderous regime in Cuba will continue to oppress and will continue to abuse the people of Cuba. prgtoken We are not fooled, , and U.S. law dictates that we do not recognize this so-called transition government or any successor government until certain conditions are met, conditions such as: all political prisoners be released; until free, fair, and transparent elections monitored by international observers are held; and until the Cuban people's human rights are respected. prgtoken Until then, and only then, , we must continue to oppose this farce orchestrated by Castro and, instead, we must stand with the people of Cuba in their fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Coast Guard Authorization Bill (Executive Calendar)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-18

today Senate have filibustered legislation to reauthorize funding for our Coast Guard. prgtoken In a dangerous world, the brave men and women of the Coast Guard are always ready for the call, whether it be to interdict drugs, to secure our ports, or to conduct daring maritime rescues. They deserve our support. They don't deserve a filibuster for the sake of political posturing. So let's have a little plain talk about why the bill failed. prgtoken filibustered this legislation because it contains an eminently sensible, bipartisan provision to streamline regulations for the mariners and vessel operators who drive America's maritime economy. It would cut back on duplicative rules and overlapping enforcement and provide a uniform standard that protects the environment and commerce alike. prgtoken If this sounds like a commonsense, bipartisan measure, that is because that is exactly what it is. This legislation has been favorably reported by the Commerce Committee six times--six prgtoken times--during the last three Congresses, including when our ic friends controlled the committee. prgtoken You might think that would be enough around here to get a bill passed. But earlier today, a number of the very same who cosponsored this very legislation, in this very Congress, flip-flopped under partisan pressure and voted against it. In fact, if all of the Senate who are currently cosponsors of this provision had voted for the bill, the cloture motion would have passed. Let me say that again. If the cosponsors of this measure in this Congress had voted for the bill, the cloture motion would have passed. If only those who had put their name on this provision would have actually followed through and voted for it, the filibuster would be over. prgtoken Look, our constituents sent us here to stand for their interests. In landlocked States like Kentucky and Missouri, thousands and thousands of jobs depend on our inland waterways. In coastal States like Delaware, Washington, and Florida, major ports enable hundreds of billions of dollars of U.S. commerce. Of course, the people of Hawaii rely on shipping for everything from groceries to gasoline. prgtoken In all of these States, and elsewhere, I know workers and job creators were excited about the prospect of reform in this area. How do I know that? Because, in several cases, they successfully persuaded their own ic Senators to support it--or so it had seemed, until today. prgtoken You know, Americans might be forgiven for thinking that persuading their Senator to go out of their way and cosponsor a bill would be the same thing as persuading them to actually vote for it. Apparently, where several of my ic colleagues are concerned, that is simply not the case because when party leaders came calling and asked my colleagues to put party-line obstruction politics ahead of their constituents' best int
CONGRESS OF FUTURE MEDICAL LEADERS
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-4-18

I rise today to recognize 2 high school students who were chosen by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to represent the State of Colorado as Delegates at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. These students are Jana Sherif and Meghan Wampler. prgtoken The Congress is an honors-only program for top students in our country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists. These students are nominated by their teachers or the prgtoken Academy based on their leadership ability, academic achievement, and dedication. This program is designed to inspire young people to go into medical research fields or be physicians, and provides a path, plan, and mentoring resources to help them reach their goal. During the Congress, the students will have the chance to learn from leaders in the medical field as well as government officials, top medical school deans, leaders from the private sector, and even Nobel laureates. prgtoken These students' acceptance to this prestigious program is an incredible feat, and it is my honor to rise today and recognize the outstanding accomplishment of this future leader. Our nation greatly benefits from the achievements of physicians and medical scientists, and it is important that we continue to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in the medical field. prgtoken , on behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my congratulations to these students and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RONALD A. SARASIN
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-4-18

I rise to congratulate the Honorable Ronald A Sarasin on the occasion of his retirement as President and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Since January 3, 2000, Ron has directed the Society as it has communicated the rich heritage of Congress and the U.S. Capitol to a wide, diverse audience. School children, scholars, historians, artists, people from all walks of life, and even Members of Congress have learned more about this great institution because of programs offered by the Society. prgtoken Under Ron's leadership, classroom programs, symposia and lectures, awards and outreach, and recognition of the history of Congressional committees has flourished. The Society has brought elementary and secondary students to the Capitol for tours and visits to our offices. It has sponsored symposia where scholars have shared their research and insights. It has taught about Constantino Brumidi and his beautiful artwork. At a recent Society event, guests were invited to climb the temporary stairs and walk on the scaffolding to view the restoration of the ceiling of the Brumidi Corridors at eye level. prgtoken During Ron's tenure, the Society has dedicated over $100,000 to fund fellowships for historians, political scientists, artists, and scholars of other disciplines. The Society even became a publisher, producing 12 books on Congress. prgtoken Ron has been a great ambassador for Congress. He has led countless numbers of students, visiting dignitaries, business executives, international guests, and Society members on tours of this great building. As a former Representative from Connecticut, Ron knows our institution well and has been generous in sharing his insights. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we too have been enriched by the Society. As guests to the annual presentation of the Freedom Award over the years we have met American icons such as filmmaker Ken Burns, historian David McCullough and writer, director and star of ``Hamilton,'' Lin-Manuel Miranda. We have been honored by Society dinners celebrating the history of the Congressional committees on which we serve. We have been feted at welcoming receptions for new Members of Congress and at thank you receptions for Members who retire. prgtoken Ron's outstanding leadership was recognized when the National Endowment for the prgtoken Humanities honored the U.S. Capitol Historical Society with its National Humanities Medal in 2004. Upon receiving the award from President and First Lady Laura , Ron noted, ``There is so much more to be told about our nation's history from inside this building (the Capitol) than simply the making of laws.'' Indeed there is, and Ron Sarasin has excelled in telling the story of the Capitol and Congress for the past 18 years. prgtoken I thank Ron, for his persistent advocacy of Congress and the Capitol. Congratulations on a job well done and best wishes as he turns his attention to other endeavors.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-18

I thank the chairman of the subcommittee for organizing this event. prgtoken On behalf of the 1,419 Kentuckians who died of an opioid overdose in 2016, and the countless more who are currently suffering from opioid addiction, I rise today in support of legislation to combat our Nation's opioid epidemic. prgtoken Everywhere I go in Kentucky's Second District, I hear from people who have felt the impact of the opioid crisis. The range of people falling victim to opioid use disorder is vast--from babies born with opioid withdrawal, to adults of all ages and backgrounds, even students, brothers and sisters, moms and dads. It doesn't matter if someone becomes addicted to opioids after they have sprained an ankle or following major surgery--anyone who has been prescribed opioid painkillers could be at risk, and we need to find a way to help the thousands of people who have, in fact, become addicted. prgtoken I recently introduced two pieces of legislation to combat our widespread opioid crisis. The first is the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act of 2018. I was proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with the Health Subcommittee ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green), the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Ben Ray Lujan). prgtoken This bill addresses the current lack of comprehensive treatment options available to opioid use disorder patients. Currently, there is a wide range of treatment options from faith-based abstinence programs to FDA-approved medications, but not everyone has access to the specific treatments they need. prgtoken Patients usually seek treatment from a facility convenient to them in their own community or from a facility that is covered by their insurance. However, most facilities only offer a single type of treatment, which may or may not work for each individual patient. The Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act would provide grant money to help create treatment centers where every FDA-approved option is available to each patient. prgtoken These centers would also include intake services and help with reentering the community and provide data to the Department of Health and Human Services so that other treatment centers can learn and apply best practices to provide more patients with comprehensive care. prgtoken I also introduced the bipartisan Maternal Opioid Treatment, Health, Education, and Recovery Act, known as the MOTHER Act, with Congressman Ben Ray Lujan. Opioid addiction is a serious risk to anyone's health, but it can even be more harmful and life-threatening for a pregnant woman and her child. This bill would help healthcare providers better treat pregnant women with opioid use disorder as well as babies who are born experiencing opioid withdrawal. prgtoken The MOTHER Act increases education about neonatal abstinence syndrome, which sadly affects babies whose mothers suffer from opioid use disorder, and the bill
CAPITOL HILL COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-4-18

next week, on April 24, we will mark the 103rd anniversary of the infamous Armenian genocide. The date of the commemoration marks the anniversary of Red Sunday, the night when the Ottoman Empire Government gave the order to arrest and intern approximately 250 Armenian intellectuals in Istanbul. prgtoken Less than 2 months after Red Sunday, the end of May 1915, the government enacted legislation that unleashed unspeakable widespread government-organized evictions, massacres, and deportations. As many as 1.5 million people perished. It was about the annihilation of the Armenian people. prgtoken In September of 2000, I held the first-ever hearing on the Armenian genocide here in Congress. Three years ago this month, I chaired another hearing on the 100th anniversary. prgtoken At the time, I noted that the Armenian genocide is the only one of the genocides of the 20th century in which the nation that was decimated by genocide has been subjected to ongoing outrage of a massive campaign of genocidal denial, openly sustained by state authority--that would be the Turkish Government. That has to change, and this horrible, horrible genocide needs to be recognized by our government for what it was.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-4-18

I once again rise to express my strong support for the Coast Guard reauthorization bill and the Vessel Incident Discharge Act, which is contained within it. I also wish to thank the, literally, dozens and dozens and pages and pages of organizations that have come forward and said that this is an important piece of legislation for job creation and for those people who want to make a living on our waterways in this vital, vital aspect of our economy. prgtoken To pick up on something we were mentioning a few moments ago, not only does this legislation have the support of the chamber of commerce, business associations around the country, and job creation associations around the country, it has the support of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, the International Longshoremen's Association, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and Metal Trades AFL-CIO and Maritime Trades AFL-CIO. I could go on and on, pointing out that this legislation has the support of both labor and management. prgtoken I appreciate people of diverse political ideologies coming together on something that is going to make it easier to do commerce in the United States. I just hope we can get the 60 votes we require for consensus here in this body. I know we are close. We have 60 people who have, at one time or another, expressed support for this legislation, and I hope we can come together in a convergence in a few moments when we vote for this. prgtoken I want to discuss a couple of misconceptions that keep floating around about the ballast water, incidental water issue. prgtoken First, some people are saying that the bill lowers the environmental standards for ballast water. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Why would these organizations come forward with this if we are going to lower the standards? The very language of the bill preserves current Federal standards. Also, the bill includes what is already in the law; that is, the Environmental Protection Agency will have a principal role in setting the national standard for ballast water discharge. prgtoken The new standards and requirements would be based upon a term of art, and the term of art in the language is ``best available technology economically achievable,'' BATEA. This term comes straight out of our current Clean Water Act. It is already there. But in the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act--which we hope we can bring to the floor in a few moments--the best available technology would be mandated for this new, nationwide standard. This standard would, of course, be enforced by the Coast Guard, but it would be developed by the EPA according to the most stringent, scientifically available standards we could possibly have. prgtoken What we are trying to do in this regard is free up commerce--free up working men and women, free up people trying to create more jobs in the ma