mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF THE 2016 NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-3-30

I am honored to rise today in recognition of the 38th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Signed by President Carter on April 10, 1979, the TRA had strong support from Congress and that support remains strong to this day. One of the most important aspects of our friendship with Taiwan is trade. In 2016, trade between the United States and Taiwan accounted for an estimated $86.9 billion. In addition, Taiwan remains our 10th largest trading partner in the world. Because of this important relationship, an updated U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement would be an asset to our trade balance, our economic strength, and our strategic partnership with our ally Taiwan. We have had a great relationship with Taiwan over the years and it is my hope, and my expectation, that we will build on our partnership to create even more prosperity for America and Taiwan. I will work with both my colleagues in Congress and the President to move such an agreement to fruition. There has been--and remains--a unique balance for the United States in dealing with Taiwan, the Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China. We value our relationship with each as major trading partners and key allies in the war on terrorism and violent religious extremism. When Chinese President Xi visits the United States, our nation will welcome him and further our friendship, but we will not waiver in our friendship and strategic support of Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act is a cornerstone of our foreign relations in Asia and we will continue our long-term strategy of defending our allies, making new allies in the region, and promoting peace and prosperity through trade and defense policies it's an honor to recognize the anniversary of the TRA and the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Taiwan.
TOPICS OF THE DAY
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-30

I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his statement here and for bringing up the topic of American exceptionalism and bringing us back through some of this history that we need to revisit from time to time. That statement is very valuable to us. prgtoken , from Texas (Mr. Babin), an exceptional American in his own right. Terminate Grants to Sanctuary Cities
HONORING BARB LUTZ
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to honor Barb Lutz. Barb has spent her entire adult life faithfully serving our military as a Federal civil service employee, primarily at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, as well as in Europe. prgtoken Barb has held numerous positions at the base and is currently the executive assistant to the commander of the 20th Air Force and Task Force 214 at F.E. Warren. She is responsible for providing the commander and vice commander with executive support, as well as serving as protocol specialist for the headquarters staff. prgtoken After a distinguished 43-year career, Barb is retiring this week. When Barb's current and former coworkers at F.E. Warren reached out to me about recognizing her, General Cotton best summed up how her colleagues feel about her when he said: ``We all know Barb is a national treasure.'' prgtoken I want to thank Barb for all she has done for Wyoming and for the country over her 43-year career, and I wish Barb and her family the best in retirement.
OKAWVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2016-17 BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise to acknowledge the Okawville High School boys' basketball team upon finishing second in the 2016-2017 Illinois State Class 1A Basketball Tournament. This is a remarkable achievement for the Okawville coaches, teammates, and community as a whole. prgtoken The Okawville Rockets had an impressive year and an exciting tournament performance. The Rockets finished the regular season with a win-loss record of 32-4. By the end of the year, senior Noah Frederking led Okawville with the most rebounds in school history. Mr. Frederking also scored over 2800 points over the course of his high school career, making him the leading all-time scorer for Okawville and the entire Metro East area. The Rockets went on to win their regional games against Lebanon High School and Marissa High School. The Rockets followed that win by hosting two victories over New Berlin 'High School and Carrollton High School in their sectional games. prgtoken In their state super-sectional game, the Rockets faced off against Menden Unity High School. After falling behind by 8 points before halftime, the Rockets looked to their defense to carry their comeback. The Rockets did not allow Menden Unity to score a single basket from the floor throughout the entire second half of the game, and rallied for an incredible win to take them to the championship game. prgtoken Led by Head Coach Jon Kraus and Assistant Coaches Ryan Heck, Mike Frederking, and Jackie Smith, team members were Payten Harre, Josh Madrid, Caleb Frederking, Will Aubel, Logan Riechmann, Wyatt Krohne, Luke Hensler, Shane Ganz, Drew Frederking, Noah Frederking, Tyler Roesener, Payton Riechmann, Lane Schilling, and Kirklen Meier. Managers Max Aubel and Jarad Barnes also assisted the team throughout its season and playoff run. prgtoken I look forward to watching their future successes in both their academic and athletic pursuits and wish them all the best in these endeavors. prgtoken , I congratulate the Okawville Rockets on an impressive season, and I commend them for making the 15th district of Illinois proud.
EPA SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD REFORM ACT OF 2017
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-3-30

on rollcall votes 207 and 208 I was unable to vote due to obligations in my congressional district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 207, the Motion to Recommit, and ``yes'' on rollca11 208, related to H.R. 1431, the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2017, which would ensure EPA administrator and the Science Advisory Board make public all reports and relevant scientific information at the same time they are received by members of the Science Advisory Board. personal explanation
CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT RESOLUTION
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-3-30

on January 18, 2017, two days before President left office, he finalized a rule and put it in place to require States--regardless of their decisions in their State--to have to use Planned Parenthood, removing the decision making from each State. prgtoken In the past, it had been very straightforward. States were allowed the opportunity to be able to examine who was the best decision maker to be able to help and the best provider of care in their community for title X funding. For that family planning funding, when it occurs and when it goes through the process, the States made the decision, looked at the providers, found out who the most comprehensive provider was, who could provide the best healthcare, and they made that final decision. prgtoken President , two days before he left office, finalized a rule to remove that right from States and to compel each State to be able to use Planned Parenthood. prgtoken States like mine and many other States said: We want to do family planning in our State. We want to have comprehensive healthcare in our State, but we do not want to provide Federal funds to the single largest provider of abortion in the country. That was a reasonable decision that our State lawmakers could make to be able to protect the lives of women in our State and to protect the lives of children for the future. That reasonable, commonsense method was removed two days before President left office. prgtoken I am proud to say that the House of Representatives and the Senate today voted to strike that rule from the last two days of President 's term to compel States to be able to use Planned Parenthood in their States, to be able to give the option back to the States again. prgtoken I look forward to President signing it. I would remind the President of this one simple thing, though. This does not strike funding away from women's care. This doesn't take funding away from any of the family planning. This doesn't even force States to not use Planned Parenthood. It is a simple statement of where we used to be: States could choose to have Planned Parenthood as a part of their title X funding, or not. It is their choice. If some States want to do that, they may continue to do that. Other States should not be compelled to do that with taxpayer funds, though. prgtoken That is the new status quo as soon as President signs it--to be able to return to a basic doctrine: States should not be compelled to have taxpayer funds used toward Planned Parenthood title X funding. prgtoken I am proud that this Senate just passed this resolution. It is a reasonable act for us to be able to do, and I look forward to the President's signature. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO PAT HENSLEY
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pat Hensley of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on his retirement from Hy-Vee food store after 38 dedicated years of service. prgtoken Pat has worked for Hy-Vee since 1979, when he began a part-time job at a local store. Early on, Hy-Vee recognized his leadership skills, and over the years trusted him in a number of positions, from managing stores, overseeing the company's western district, helping to lead the government relations department, and finishing his career serving as senior vice president, non-foods. Over his 38-year career Pat's goal was to ensure, as the commercials said, that there was a helpful smile in every aisle, and that Hy-Vee was an enjoyable environment for customers and employees alike. Pat is leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work after decades of service to one of Iowa's premier companies. prgtoken , I am proud to recognize Pat today for his outstanding career at Hy-Vee. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Pat on this momentous occasion and in wishing him and his family nothing but the best in his retirement.
EPA SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD REFORM ACT OF 2017
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-3-30

I look at this language--and I am a farmer by trade; I am not an attorney; I will confess that--but the phrase ``or other entity'' seems to be a very broad concept. How will that affect people who work for research foundations at institutions of higher education? How will that affect entities, people who are part of so- called think tanks in places like Washington, D.C.? I personally believe the language is intended more to simply turn the bill inside out. prgtoken On that basis, I would ask my colleagues to reject the motion to recommit with instructions and to pass the underlying bill. prgtoken But I go one step further, and I offer this in the most sincerest of ways: if you look at the discussion today and if you look at the discussion that has gone on for some time on these issues, it is almost as though there are those with certain perspectives who are trying to force their will--their perspective of what is right and wrong scientifically or economically or socially--on the rest of the country, on the rest of us, and, for that matter, on the rest of the world. prgtoken That is why I am the author of this bill. No one entity should have the power by manipulating the bureaucratic process or the rulemaking process to enforce their definitions of everything on the rest of us. We have both the right and the responsibility to judge this information and to make decisions about what is in our enlightened self-interest, as the old economist would say, or in the best interest of the country or of society as a whole. prgtoken That is why I want all of us--the great American people--to have access and some certainty about the people and the process that are driving everything in our world. prgtoken Reject the motion, pass the bill, create greater transparency, incorporate more input, and when it is necessary to have rules and regulations, generate good rules and regulations so that we all have a chance to prosper and to live up to our potential in this country. Don't let the tyranny of the idealistic--whatever perspective they may have--drive us all into despair and destruction. prgtoken With that, I respectfully ask my colleagues to reject this motion and pass the underlying bill. prgtoken , .
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-3-30

. I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , on Monday the House will meet at noon for morning-hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30. prgtoken On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning- hour and noon for legislative business. prgtoken On Thursday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes of the week are expected no later than 3 p.m. prgtoken On Friday, no votes are expected in the House. prgtoken , the House will consider a number of suspensions next week, a complete list of which will be announced by close of business tomorrow. prgtoken In addition, the House will consider several bipartisan measures from the Committee on Financial Services that will create jobs and support American entrepreneurship. First, H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act, sponsored by Representative Randy Hultgren, which will open up more opportunities for employees to share a stake in the companies they work for every day. prgtoken Next, H.R. 1219, the Supporting America's Innovators Act, sponsored by Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry. This bill will increase access to capital for America's small businesses and startups and ensure our entrepreneurs have the best chance to succeed. Mr. McHenry's bill is also a key component of our Innovation Initiative in the House, which aims to accelerate private sector innovation and leverage more innovation in government. prgtoken Finally, , additional legislative items are possible, and I will relay scheduling information to Members if any items are added.
EPA SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD REFORM ACT OF 2017
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-30

. Madam , I would like to thank the gentleman prgtoken from Oklahoma, Mr. Lucas, the vice chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for yielding to me, and I would also like to thank him for his leadership on H.R. 1431, the Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2017. prgtoken This bill gives much needed transparency, fairness, and balance to the EPA's Science Advisory Board. These reforms will strengthen the public's trust of the science the EPA uses to support its regulations. prgtoken It also allows more public participation in the EPA science review process, and it requires the SAB to be more responsive to the public and to congressional questions, inquiries, and oversight. prgtoken Last Congress, similar legislation passed the House with bipartisan support. I appreciate Mr. Lucas and the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, Representative Peterson, for introducing this legislation. prgtoken Madam , I support this bill, and recommend it to my colleagues.
ISSUES BEFORE THE SENATE
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-3-30

as we approach the end of another week in the Senate with a 2-week recess on the horizon, I think it is a good time to reflect on where we are on various high-profile efforts and to talk about the pathways forward. prgtoken As is generally the case when any new administration comes into office, the majorities in both the House and Senate began 2017 with an ambitious agenda in order to make good on the promises we have made to the American people over the last several years. Many of the key items on the agenda fall squarely in the jurisdiction of the Senate Finance Committee, which I chair. That being the case, my colleagues on the committee and I have been hard at work, trying to find the right solutions on things like healthcare, tax reform, and trade policy. prgtoken I don't think I am going to surprise anyone when I say it hasn't been easy. Honestly, I think that might be the biggest understatement of the year. prgtoken Things have been difficult for a number of reasons. One reason is that we are coming off of a bitter election year, one that shocked a number of our colleagues. After a hotly contested campaign, it can sometimes take a while for things to return to normal. However, I don't think that excuses the tactics and rhetoric we have seen from our friends on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken In any of these big-ticket policy efforts, whether we are talking about repealing and replacing Care, fixing the Tax Code, or updating America's trade policy, cooperation between the legislative and the executive branches is key. My ic colleagues know this, which, I suppose, is probably the reason they appeared to be bound and determined to prevent any meaningful cooperation from happening. prgtoken Now don't get me wrong; I don't expect my friends to change their views and back policies that they find disagreeable. However, you would think, at the very least, that they would allow the new President to get his team in place, a courtesy that has typically been extended to past Presidents, regardless of party. Yet over the last few months, we have seen a systematic effort from our ic colleagues to smear, attack, and undermine the vast majority of executive branch nominees. In many cases, after the baseless attacks have failed to gain traction, they have used every procedural tool at their disposal, including surprise boycotts of committee markups, in order to slow down the confirmation process. prgtoken This level of obstruction with regard to nominees is unprecedented. And I think it is safe to say that it has slowed our efforts down somewhat, which, I suppose, is the exact reason our colleagues have taken this path. Still, despite these childish tactics, the teams are coming together, and we are moving forward in a number of key areas. As I said, it still hasn't been easy, but to paraphrase a number of important figures, nothing worth doing is ever easy. prgtoken
RECOGNITION OF GOLDEN APPLE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to thank our outstanding teachers of Collier County, Florida, and to recognize their hard work and dedication to our community. prgtoken Teaching may be the most challenging, yet most important, profession in our country. Teachers inspire, mentor, and motivate our children to succeed. Every one of us undoubtedly has had a teacher in our life that shaped us into who we are today. We are deeply thankful for our dedicated teachers who so greatly impact our young people and the future of our communities. prgtoken I want to congratulate the following teachers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and who will be recognized at the annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner tomorrow night. Myra Janco Daniels will be awarded the Heart of the Apple for her devotion to education. Joanna Campanile, Anne Fredette, Ashley Lynn Heirls, Maria LaRocco, Janell Matos, Amanda McCoy and Stacy Smith are recipients of the Golden Apple. Tara Barr, Staci Haralson Barretta, Steven Becker, Brandon Carter, Kristin Downs, Susan Ellard, Staci Fisher, Sabrina Kovacs, John Krupp, Veronica Mamone, Kyle Manders, Kristin Merrill, Joseph Merrill, Dawn Peck, Lindsey Sebela, Christina Svec, Aaron Thayer, Marisa Vessella and Amity Wyss were named Teachers of Distinction. prgtoken These teachers truly make a difference in their students' lives and I am thankful for the positive impact they have on our community
HONORING OFFICER NICK RODMAN
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-3-30

I would like to begin this morning by paying tribute to a fallen hero. Yesterday, Officer Nick Rodman of the Louisville Metro Police Department passed away after a crash in west Louisville on Tuesday night. prgtoken Officer Rodman had served in the department for 3 years, where he followed in a strong family tradition of law enforcement. In his life, he showed compassion and dedication, which are among the best virtues of public service. prgtoken According to LMPD Chief Steve Conrad, Officer Rodman is the second officer in the department's history to be killed in the line of duty. prgtoken Officer Rodman's tragic death reminds us of the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe to all of the courageous men and women like him who daily put themselves into harm's way to defend our communities. They deserve our utmost respect. prgtoken This morning, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to Officer Rodman's family, friends, and fellow officers. They will all be in our prayers.
TOPICS OF THE DAY
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-3-30

every time I have the privilege of addressing this body, I am reminded of prgtoken how lucky we all are to live in a country where I am free to speak my mind without fear of retribution or retaliation. It is one of the great privileges of being an American. Yet for far too many around the world, freedom of conscience is still a distant dream. prgtoken Nowhere is this more apparent than in Russia, where Vladimir Putin's thuggish regime has poisoned the promise of the post-Soviet era and day by day has slid Russia back into the dark shadows of autocracy. Just last Sunday, thousands of Russians took to the streets and squares in protest of the Kremlin's corruption. And in return, Russian police arrested hundreds of protesters, including Vladimir Putin's political challenger, Alexei Navalny. prgtoken But the Putin regime's barbarity isn't just a polite policy difference. Russians of exceptional courage are dying, including as recently as last week, as the regime cultivates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. prgtoken Vladimir Putin's campaign of murder is not limited to domestic political opponents. Like all dictators, Putin seeks to rally his nation's support by channeling public fear and anger against external enemies. Time and again, first in Georgia, then in Ukraine, and now in Syria, Vladimir Putin has warned us exactly who he is. As recent as last night, the commander of CENTCOM announced that Russia is likely providing support to the Taliban in Afghanistan. prgtoken , I am afraid we have exhausted our warnings. Russian aggression, if left unchecked, may soon cross a line past which there is no return. prgtoken You see, what Vladimir Putin wants is fundamentally at odds with American interests. After the Second World War, America laid the foundation for a new and better world, drawn together by common values and forged from the fires of war. We did this not just because we are a generous people but because we are a wise people. prgtoken Farsighted American statesmen realized that creating the architecture for peace in Europe was a far better investment than returning to isolationism and then one day having to pay the butcher's bill, as we did twice during the first half of the 20th century. prgtoken As Europe is changing, Vladimir Putin dreams of restoring the Soviet Union's prestige and power, and his ultimate goal is clear: the end of the postwar-American project in Europe and the return of power politics unencumbered by the rules of the road that we established to our benefit in concert with our allies. prgtoken And so the stakes, in my mind, could not be any higher. If we do not stand up to Putin now, his aggression will continue until one day he goes too far. On that day, we may face an unimaginable choice between war or the destruction of the NATO alliance. And whichever we choose, we will have lost. prgtoken Despite Putin telling us exactly who he is, I have heard some say we should try to work wit