mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-4-26

my thanks to Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio. prgtoken I rise today in support of this en bloc package that contains my bipartisan amendment requiring the FAA to study the economic impact of Temporary Flight Restrictions on local airports and to recommend ways to mitigate the negative effects, potentially including creating security procedures to allow limited use of certain airports during a TFR. prgtoken This is about fairness for New Jersey pilots and small businesses. The President and the First Family use National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey, in the district I serve, as a weekend residence during the late spring, the summer, and the early fall. During such visits to Bedminster, a TFR is imposed in the area, shuttering Solberg and Somerset airports, and grounding recreational and training flights. prgtoken The safety of the President and the First Family and the official visitors to Bedminster is, of course, paramount, but TFRs can be very challenging, and I want to find a compromise with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Secret Service so that pilots can be vetted, prescreened, and allowed to fly. prgtoken This is not a new idea. For some airports in Maryland, near Washington, D.C pilots are permitted limited operation after being properly vetted. I seek the same status for constituents I serve in New Jersey. prgtoken I thank the chairman for his interest and ask for further help in crafting this policy with the FAA. I further hope to work with him on establishing a temporary reimbursement program, as was done for the Maryland airports in the early 2000s. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Stephen Knight (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise in support of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. prgtoken Chairman Shuster and his staff should be recognized for their tireless work to bring all stakeholders together to modernize our aerospace system, streamline the process for bringing new aircraft technology to market, and lay the groundwork for safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the 21st century commerce. prgtoken This bill is important for the continued growth of the U.S. aircraft industry and for all passengers of today and the future, and for the continued legacy of aviation innovation in southern California. Their safety is underwritten in several portions of the bill, including several drawn from the FLIGHT R&D Act, a bill I introduced last year to prioritize research and development on several critical civil airspace challenges. prgtoken As reflected in this bill, the FAA must develop a streamlined, risk- based process for certifying the operation of new UASs. prgtoken The FAA has a key role in working with private sector partners to tackle sense-and-avoid technology challenge and enable safe testing of beyond-line-of-sight operations. Putting appropriate resources behind these technology priorities will ensure American innovations have the space to test, develop, and safely integrate UAS technology before foreign competitors capture these emerging industries.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRST LADY BARBARA PIERCE BUSH
John Abney Culberson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-26

I thank the gentleman for those remarks. prgtoken Barbara and George H.W. do exemplify all of the greatest character traits that made the Greatest Generation what it is and made this country what it is. It has been a privilege to represent the family and to succeed George H.W. in Congress, who was followed by Bill Archer. prgtoken I succeeded Bill Archer. He was chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He succeeded George H.W. . The family is revered nationwide and admired and revered by all of us in Texas. prgtoken , I am pleased to be joined tonight by my colleague from Dallas. prgtoken from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) to honor the life of Barbara .
HONORING THE WORK OF GEORGE M. SMART
James B. Renacci (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise today to pay tribute to the dedicated service of George M. Smart, Director of FirstEnergy Corp. Under Mr. Smart's leadership, Summit County, Ohio has directly benefited from FirstEnergy's growth and success. prgtoken Mr. Smart is currently a trustee at his alma mater, Defiance College, where he was an undefeated quarterback for the Defiance College Yellow Jackets. Now, Mr. Smart devotes his time and resources to the success of athletic programs at Defiance, through the George M. Smart Athletic Center, which opened in 2012. Mr. Smart's lifelong loyalty to the Cleveland Browns, from the victorious ``Kardiac Kids'' in the 1980s, to the challenges of rebuilding the franchise today, serves as an inspiration to NFL fans everywhere. In 2006, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) inducted Mr. Smart into its Hall of Excellence, thereby honoring George for his service to Defiance College, as well as his impact on society through professional achievement, leadership and scholarship. prgtoken I am especially proud of the George and Sandy Smart Family Foundation, whose mission it is to help the needy and spread the word of the gospel in the Medina and Canton, Ohio area. Additionally, the Foundation sponsors children at churches in Ecuador, which the Foundation established. prgtoken FirstEnergy experienced significant growth during the period Mr. Smart served as Director, growing from Ohio Edison with 1 million customers, to having 6 million customers in six states. Mr. Smart is concluding his service to shareholders as Director of FirstEnergy Corp. on May 15, 2018. Throughout his life, Mr. Smart has been a respected business leader, while maintaining multiple leadership positions with civic and charitable organizations in the region. prgtoken , it is my honor to extend my congratulations and well wishes to George for his many years of dedicated service as a Director of FirstEnergy Corp his support of Defiance College and the OFIC, and the George and Sandy Smart Family Foundation's ongoing philanthropic efforts. While Mr. Smart served as chairman of its Board, FirstEnergy remained committed to the long-term prosperity and vitality of Summit County. His work has been critical in supporting economic development efforts that created jobs, sustained local suppliers and attracted new businesses to the 16th District of Ohio.
HONORING TAMMIE JO SHULTS
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise today to honor Tammie Jo Shults, the Southwest Airlines captain who heroically and expertly landed the damaged Boeing 737 last week. She saved 148 lives through her courage, skill, professionalism, and nerves of steel. prgtoken We also mourn the death of Jennifer Riordan, who was killed by the immediate effects of this mishap. prgtoken Tammie Jo Shults was a hero long before this successful emergency landing. Captain Shults was one of the first female fighter pilots for the U.S. Navy and one of the first to fly the F/A-18. Although she was never allowed to fly in combat, she became an aggressive pilot and an instructor. Tammie Jo reminds us that the airplane doesn't care whether you have ovaries or not, as long as you have the qualifications and training to complete the mission. prgtoken That is why, , I introduced a resolution on Monday to commend Captain Tammie Jo Shults for her unflappable courage that saved so many lives and for paving the way for women in the military and commercial aviation to finally fly in combat and lead as equals. Generations of women can fight for freedom and save lives, like she did, because of her. prgtoken Thanks for leading the way, Tammie Jo, for all of us.
HONORING POLICE CHIEF RONDA WALLACE
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the career and achievements of Chief Ronda Wallace of Kodiak, Alaska, who has served her community and the Kodiak Police Department with distinction for the past 20 years. Chief Wallace first joined the Department in 1997 as a Public Safety Dispatcher, and the next year was commissioned as a patrol officer. She steadily rose through the Department's ranks and held numerous positions including Narcotics and Investigative Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and Lieutenant, until becoming Kodiak's first female Police Chief in 2013. Chief Wallace's leadership by example, care for the community of Kodiak, and compassion for its citizens have come to define the Kodiak Police Department. During her career she has gotten countless drugs off our streets, solved homicides, worked tirelessly to help women and children who are victims of abuse and assaults, and consistently raised the bar for professional police work. And, like all true leaders, her shining example will continue through the legacy she has created in Kodiak and the many people she has mentored, both within her police department and the community at large. prgtoken Throughout her 20-year career she has displayed the highest possible standards of police work, and is an inspiration to future generations of law enforcement professionals and public servants. I greatly appreciate and admire her selfless dedication to Kodiak, to her fellow citizens, to our great State of Alaska, and to our Nation as a whole through her cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. prgtoken Therefore, it gives me distinct pleasure to honor Chief Wallace today, and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ronda and wishing her continued success.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-26

I appreciate the gentleman from Pennsylvania, the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mr. Shuster, for yielding me time. prgtoken , I support the FAA Leadership in Groundbreaking High- Tech Research and Development Act, or FLIGHT R&D Act, incorporated in H.R. 4 as Title VII of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. prgtoken Title VII's FLIGHT R&D Act will ensure America remains a world leader in aviation innovation. By making prioritized and strategic investments today, our Nation will continue to push the boundaries of aerospace technology, maintain a safe and secure aviation transportation system, and foster a healthy and growing aviation economy. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank Science Committee member Steve Knight for introducing this important legislation and Chairman Shuster for including it in his bill. prgtoken The safety of the flying public is of paramount importance. That is why Title VII's FLIGHT R&D Act prioritizes research and development to improve aviation safety. prgtoken Title VII authorizes increased funding for aviation safety research and development. Improving aviation safety is the fundamental mission of the FAA's research and development agenda. prgtoken Title VII establishes an FAA associate administrator for research and development to manage and oversee all FAA research and development programs and activities. These will include the R&D provisions in this bill regarding unmanned aircraft systems, cybersecurity, the national aerospace system, aviation fuel, air traffic surveillance, remote and computer piloting, and spectrum use. prgtoken In closing, , I strongly support Title VII, the FLIGHT R&D Act, and urge my colleagues to support this fiscally responsible, commonsense initiative to ensure that America remains at the forefront of civil aviation, innovation, and safety.
The Appropriations Process (Executive Session)
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-4-26

I would like to make a very short comment with regard to the distinguished minority leader's remarks this morning. prgtoken In the midst of his remarks, Mr. Schumer mentioned something that I think is terribly important. Yesterday, the Rules Committee--and the distinguished Senator used to be the chairman of the Rules Committee. I think I was ranking member at that particular time. He spoke of an agreement to move appropriations bills. I want to thank him for that, and also Senator Durbin, who indicated that as of yesterday. prgtoken We did reach an agreement in a bipartisan way to do something about filing cloture 86 times and other things going on and reducing that time period. We will get to that. prgtoken The breakthrough could be an agreement that Mr. Schumer has agreed to with regard to appropriations bills. If we can do that, we might be able to get back to the regular order that both of us experienced when we first came to the Senate. Many Members here have not experienced that.
RECOGNIZING HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise today to recognize outstanding students in my district from Highlands High School in Fort Thomas. These exceptional students competed in the ``We the People'' State- level competition, and they will represent our State at the national competition here in D.C. this weekend. This is their 15th State championship win. prgtoken The ``We the People'' program is directed by the Center for Civic Education, and its goal is to increase students' knowledge of constitutional history and government--I think some of my colleagues could stand to participate in this program--and to provide a foundation in civics education that will prepare them for future leadership roles. prgtoken The program sponsors student debates and hearings. This year, some of the national hearing questions for discussion include: What are classical republicanism and natural rights philosophy, and how did they influence the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights? How has the relationship among the three branches of government changed in the course of the history of our country? It has changed quite a bit. prgtoken I am proud of my constituent students' hard work and dedication. I wish them the very best of luck in this competition this weekend and congratulate them for their outstanding work representing the State of Kentucky. President Macron's Brand of Socialism
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-4-26

this is an amendment that this House has seen before in different configurations, but it is known as the Davis-Bacon amendment. prgtoken What it does, it provides that none of the funds made available by this act may be used to implement, to administer, or enforce the prevailing rate of wage requirements, commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act. prgtoken , I think that we know what this bill does. It was in 1931, it was established for, I will say, trade protectionism, labor protectionism, to lock the African-American labor from Alabama out of the construction trades in New York City that were unionized at that time and strongly protected, and still are, actually, but the substance of it is this. prgtoken I have a letter here that was written by Grover Norquist, the president of Americans For Tax Reform, and in summary, it says this: Because the Davis-Bacon Act reduces the number of jobs, increases costs, and has a racist history, funds from the FAA Reauthorization Act should not be used to fulfill Davis-Bacon Act requirements. Americans For Tax Reform, therefore, strongly supports Congressman King's amendment. prgtoken That is one version of description of this bill. prgtoken Here is another one I thought was a little bit more descriptive. This is an article written by George Will, and it is dated June 19, 2017. He references back to River City, and he says a quote from that, ``The Music Man'': You really ought to give Iowa a try, provided you are contrary. prgtoken He starts out this article this way, and the quote is from ``Iowa Stubborn'', a song in ``The Music Man'', . It says: Contrary does not quite capture Steve King's astringency. The Iowa native and conservative Congressman was born, appropriately, in Storm Lake, Iowa, and carries turbulence with him. He also carries experience of actual life before politics, when he founded a construction company, which is one reason he has long advocated an excellent idea: repeal of the Davis-Bacon law. King came to Congress in 2003, and has been stubbornly submitting repeal legislation since 2005. He would not have succeeded even if he were less of a prickly cactus and more of a shrinking violet. Davis-Bacon is just another piece of government that is as indefensible as it is indestructible. And so today, when social hygienists are cleansing the public square of names and statues tainted by historical connections with racism, Davis-Bacon's durability is proof that a measure's racist pedigree will be forgiven if the measure serves a progressive agenda. prgtoken It is time to put an end to Davis-Bacon. We can do that here today, . prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
Opioid Epidemic (Executive Calendar)
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-4-26

Mr. Grenell has a deep background in diplomacy and strategic communications. He received his master's degree in public administration from Harvard University at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He spent 8 years as spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York and worked for every U.N. Ambassador appointed by . prgtoken German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to arrive in DC tomorrow for a 1-day working trip to meet with President . Her visit comes at a time of heightened importance, with a number of critical items on the agenda, including transatlantic trade, the Iran nuclear deal, as well as Russia and Syria. prgtoken I think it is very fitting that we are voting on this Ambassadorship today. I hope he will be quickly confirmed and sworn in. prgtoken .
WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-4-26

today, April 26, 2018, we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day and recognize the important role intellectual property plays in the fabric of society. We take time to recognize the innovators and creators who are making our lives healthier, safer, and more productive through their ingenuity and the robust system of intellectual property protections enshrined in our laws. prgtoken This year's World Intellectual Property Day campaign in particular celebrates the women who are driving change and making our common future better though innovation in so many fields including science, healthcare, art, engineering, and design, just to name a few. prgtoken Inspiring contributions from countless women are powering innovation in our world. For example, Helen Murray Free was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2000 and awarded the national medal of technology and innovation in 2010 for her pioneering work in self- testing systems for diabetes. She received seven patents for her work. Iowa's own Mary Florence Potts also used the American patent system to protect three of her inventions. Her work improved the safety of common household appliances, and her novel iron design was even displayed at the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia. Elise Harmon holds numerous patents for technology, ranging from microprocessor production to high- altitude carbon brush performance. Our intellectual property system must continue to protect and reward the work of women like Helen Murray Free, Mary Florence Potts, and Elise Harmon. prgtoken We need to continue creating an environment where innovative, creative women are empowered, connected, and celebrated. This involves ensuring a robust, inclusive intellectual property system that fosters and rewards innovation and the widespread ingenuity that has made America a leading force in the global economy. prgtoken The Founding Fathers recognized that robust intellectual property infrastructure fosters creative talent and enhances innovative spark. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution says ``Congress shall have power . . . to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.'' Placing this authority within Congress's enumerated powers underscores the weight that our Founding Fathers placed on intellectual property's value to the budding Nation. Although the American system of intellectual property rights has evolved since the ratification of the Constitution, its core mission of promoting innovation has remained constant. As a result, America has long been on the forefront of intellectual property and a leader in so many IP-intensive fields. Our IP system is one that rightly rewards creativity and passion, characteristics common to so many Americans. prgtoken Intellectual property is also critical to our national economy because it fuels
HONORING DR. RANDY STITH
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-4-26

it is my honor today to recognize a truly great citizen of Aurora, Colorado, Dr. Randy Stith. prgtoken As the executive director and CEO of Aurora Mental Health Center for over 40 years, Randy has exemplified the qualities of a great Colorado leader throughout his entire career. He has spent the last four decades providing access to mental healthcare to those in the greater Aurora area, often committing to 60-hour work weeks, while keeping up-to-date in the behavioral healthcare field, which is constantly evolving. prgtoken Randy has been a true trailblazer in championing the expansion of mental healthcare, as it has rapidly progressed as part of the healthcare industry, especially over the past 50 years. He has served his community valiantly through triumph and tragedy, most notably, offering free counseling through the Aurora Mental Health Center to anyone in the Aurora area who had been impacted by the 2012 theater mass shooting. prgtoken Randy's commitment to serving his patients, as well as his community, will be difficult to replace. However, I know that the entire Aurora community takes great pride in knowing that we have civic leaders such as Randy who are locally active. prgtoken , I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Randy Stith, and to the entire staff of the Aurora Mental Health Center, for their tireless and unwavering commitment to offering excellent mental healthcare services to the people of Aurora, Colorado, over the last 40 years.