mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMENDING THE VETERANS ACCESS, CHOICE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014
Ryan A. Costello (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I thank the chairman for his leadership. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act. prgtoken This legislation protects access to health care for our Nation's veterans by maintaining the VA Choice Program and ensuring that funds already allocated for veterans health care remain dedicated to that purpose. prgtoken Veterans across my district have utilized the program to access treatment from community healthcare providers. And while they appreciate the flexibility this program provides, I often hear of a need to make improvements and remove hurdles that prevent this program from realizing its full potential. prgtoken I am pleased this legislation takes several steps to reduce red tape. Now, what do I mean by that? prgtoken First, we are going to speed up reimbursements to community providers. We are going to strengthen medical record sharing between the VA and community providers and reduce out-of-pocket costs for veterans--all very important steps to improving the VA Choice Program. These are commonsense, bipartisan improvements. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Roe for his leadership. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
SPECIAL ENVOY TO COMBAT AND MONITOR ANTI-SEMITISM ACT OF 2017
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to announce that I have introduced the bipartisan Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 (H.R. 1911), along with my colleagues and lead prgtoken original cosponsors, Brad Schneider, Peter Roskam, Eliot Engel, Randy Weber, Nita Lowey, Ted Deutch, Gus Bilirakis, and Marc Veasey are also original cosponsors. prgtoken I wrote the provisions of the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 to create in the State Department the Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and the Special Envoy to lead it. President signed the bill into law and since then the Special Envoy and Office have been crucial tools in our global fight against Anti-Semitism. prgtoken However, as witnesses testified at a recent hearing I chaired on ``Anti-Semitism across Borders,'' the ninth hearing I have chaired on Anti-Semitism, Anti-Semitic hatred has metastasized across the ideological spectrum. Secularists, Islamists, extremists on the right, and extremists on the left, propagate Anti-Semitism. Violent Anti- Semitic attacks have become more frequent and perpetrators are learning from and sometimes even cooperating with each other across national boundaries. prgtoken It's urgent that we enhance the position of Special Envoy to match the threats to Jewish communities and make sure our response is strong and focused. This legislation: prgtoken Elevates the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti- Semitism to the rank of Ambassador; prgtoken Directs the Special Envoy to report directly to the Secretary of State; prgtoken Prohibits the Special Envoy from being double-hatted with another portfolio of issues; prgtoken Emphasizes that the Special Envoy should be a person of recognized distinction in the field of combating Anti-Semitism or religious freedom; and prgtoken Clarifies that Special Envoy shall be the primary advisor and coordinator for U.S. government efforts to monitor and combat Anti- Semitism and Anti-Semitic incitement in foreign countries. prgtoken , many leading groups support this bill, including Agudath Israel of America, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, Orthodox Union, Secure Community Network, Simon Wiesenthal Center, and the World Jewish Congress of North America. prgtoken I call on my colleagues to cosponsor this bill so that it moves through the Congress and gets to the President as soon as possible. With these enhancements, and full staffing, the Special Envoy can help ensure that America continues to lead the world toward defeating the ancient, unique evil of Anti-Semitism and keeping Jewish communities throughout the world safe and secure.
JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS
Diane Black (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-4-5

. It is really just such a wonder when we look at this country and, having traveled, as I know that you have, throughout the world, see the struggles of women in many, many other countries. I know we are not quite where we want to be, and I know we have still a ways to go, but I am so proud of what we do here in the United States to lift up our women and to recognize that they have talents that we need in every sector of our society.
TRIBUTE TO MARILYN AND LARRY LARSEN
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Marilyn and Larry Larsen of Underwood, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on January 28, 2017. prgtoken Marilyn and Larry's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th Anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken , I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion and in wishing them both nothing but the best.
MOMENT OF SILENCE REMEMBERING VIRGINIA TECH VICTIMS
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I am joined today by Members of the Virginia delegation and Members who were affected by the horrific attack by a gunman at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. Today, we ask that all pause to remember the victims of this attack. prgtoken Although 10 years have passed, those whose lives were tragically cut short or altered forever will not be forgotten. As we approach April 16, I ask that we keep the families and loved ones of the victims in our thoughts and our prayers. prgtoken May God bless the Hokie community, their courage, their spirit, and their determination to honor the memory of those not here today. prgtoken Accordingly, I would ask that all Members join me at this time in a moment of silence.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BANKRUPTCY ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-4-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken In 2008, our economy suffered one of the most significant financial crises in history. In the midst of the crisis and in response to a fear that some financial firms' failures could cause severe harm to the overall economy, the Federal Government provided extraordinary taxpayer-funded assistance in order to prevent certain financial firms' failures. prgtoken In the ensuing years, experts from the financial, regulatory, legal, and academic communities have examined how best to prevent another similar crisis from occurring and to eliminate the possibility of using taxpayer moneys to bail out failing firms. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee has advanced the review of this issue with the aim of crafting a solution that will better equip our bankruptcy laws to resolve failing firms, while also encouraging greater private counterparty diligence in order to reduce the likelihood of another financial crisis. prgtoken Among others things, this effort responded to provisions of the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that called for an examination of how to improve the Bankruptcy Code in this area. prgtoken During the past two Congresses, the Judiciary Committee favorably reported the Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act, legislation that improved the Bankruptcy Code to better facilitate the resolution of financial firms. prgtoken That legislation was the culmination of a bipartisan process that solicited and incorporated the views of a wide range of leading experts and relevant regulators. In both instances, the bill passed the House by a voice vote under suspension of the rules. prgtoken This Congress, Chairman Marino of the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law introduced the Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act as H.R. 1667. Following its introduction, the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law conducted a hearing on the bill. H.R. 1667 is identical to previous legislation, with one minor change to refine the director liability protection provision. Last week, the Judiciary Committee approved the legislation by a unanimous voice vote. prgtoken The bill before us today is the product of a careful, deliberate, and thorough process, and reflects a diverse range of views from a variety of interested parties. prgtoken The Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act makes several improvements to the Bankruptcy Code in order to enhance the prospect of an efficient resolution of a financial firm through the bankruptcy process. prgtoken The bill allows for a speedy transfer of the operating assets of a financial firm over the course of a weekend. This quick transfer allows the financial firm to continue to operate in the normal course, which preserves the value of the enterprise for the creditors of the bankruptcy without a significant impact on the firm's employees, suppliers, and customers. prgtoken The bill al
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF AMBASSADOR CLAYTON YEUTTER
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-4-5

I thank my friend, Congressman Adrian Smith, for yielding, and I thank him, more importantly, for honoring the life and memory of our mutual good friend Clayton Yeutter. prgtoken In my desk in my office there is a letter, and it was written to me by Clayton Yeutter, former Secretary of Agriculture, a couple of years ago. Of course, we all receive a lot of letters, but sometimes you get one that you just want to keep close to you. prgtoken Clayton Yeutter was a gentleman, he was a farmer from Nebraska, and he was a true statesman. In that letter, he basically kindly and gently encouraged me in public service. He was the ideal public servant. He expressed his sentiments to me personally, but in his public life, with a great nobility, a great yearning and care for our country, he committed himself in multiple ways to serving our institutions of governance. But he never forgot his humble roots back in Nebraska. prgtoken So I simply want to say: Well done, good, faithful servant Clayton Yeutter, my friend. prgtoken I thank the gentleman for honoring Ambassador Yeutter's life.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL RETIREMENT PLANNING WEEK 2017
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize National Retirement Planning Week. This is the perfect opportunity to remember that planning for retirement is not just an issue for older Americans. prgtoken The National Retirement Planning Coalition has consistently provided support and resources to engage people of all ages to encourage them to ensure their financial future is planned and protected. Preserving Americans' access to income options and workplace savings plans will restore and improve our society's financial security. prgtoken I am truly grateful for the hard work of everyone who made the events and activities of this week a success in motivating individuals across the country to plan for retirement. In today's economy, it is more important than ever that Americans start saving for retirement early. Through National Retirement Planning Week, the National Retirement Planning Coalition has created an innovative approach designed to help us `Rethink Retirement.' prgtoken National Retirement Planning Week is an important initiative that is sure to have a positive impact on many lives. The educational opportunities throughout this week will provide a foundation for the invaluable asset of early, holistic financial planning. prgtoken , I applaud the National Retirement Planning Coalition for encouraging early and responsible planning, and for working with my colleagues and me to find bipartisan solutions to make it easier to plan for retirement.
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF AMBASSADOR CLAYTON YEUTTER
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise in memory of Ambassador Clayton Yeutter, a native of Eustis, Nebraska, who recently passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. prgtoken Mr. Yeutter was a true statesman, who generously shared his time and expertise throughout his very remarkable career. On top of his numerous professional accomplishments, Mr. Yeutter was known as a humble, kind, and respected leader who never lost sight of his commitment to rural America. prgtoken No one understood the importance of trade to American agriculture better than he did, and his work has benefited generations of, incidentally, Nebraska agriculture producers as well as others across the country. prgtoken Mr. Yeutter grew up on a cattle and corn operation in central Nebraska during the Great Depression. He attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry and, later, a juris doctorate and a Ph.D. in agricultural economics. prgtoken After serving in the Air Force in the 1950s and returning home to work on his farm, he got his start in politics as chief of staff for Nebraska Governor Norbert Tiemann in the mid-1960s. Soon he was named director of the Nebraska Mission to Colombia, which led him to the USDA and decades of distinguished public service. prgtoken His extensive resume included serving as U.S. Trade Representative under President Ronald Reagan and Agriculture Secretary under President George H.W. . He also ran the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for 8 years and served as chairman of the National Committee. prgtoken As we mourn the loss of this influential Nebraskan, I extend my condolences to Mr. Yeutter's wife, Cristena, and his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter as well. prgtoken I yield to my colleague from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry).
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF DEPUTY CLINT GREENWOOD
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-5

it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of County Precinct 3 Assistant Chief Deputy Constable Clint Greenwood. prgtoken On Monday morning, Chief Deputy Greenwood was tragically murdered as he arrived to work at the Baytown, Texas, courthouse. Chief Deputy Greenwood was a respected and committed 30-year law enforcement veteran of the Houston area. prgtoken My heartfelt prayers go out to Chief Deputy Greenwood, his family, and the entire law enforcement community. prgtoken After yet another intentional killing of a Texas law enforcement officer, we must do more to end the continued violence and hate-filled rhetoric directed at our brave law enforcement officers. We hope for a quick apprehension of the evil perpetrators and an answer to why. prgtoken I stand in strong solidarity with the law enforcement community and offer my deepest condolences to all those impacted by the senseless murder of Chief Deputy Greenwood. prgtoken Rest in peace, Brother Clint Greenwood, and may God bless your family and all those who wear the uniform.
CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to commemorate the 38th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, key legislation that was signed into law on April 10, 1979. prgtoken The Taiwan Relations Act has served as the foundation of U.S.-Taiwan relations for 38 years as Taiwan's democracy has flourished in peace and social harmony. This extraordinary and historic relationship between countries has been possible, to a large extent, because of the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act. prgtoken Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States this week. I see the summit between President and President Jinping as a constructive opportunity to continue to build diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China. However, I believe it is imperative that the vital interests of our security partner Taiwan not be marginalized through these meetings. prgtoken Taiwan is a great friend of the United States. It is appropriate and just that we continue to value our relationship and honor our commitments made in the Taiwan Relations Act and President Ronald Reagan's ``Six Assurances''.
RECOGNIZING THE CENTRALITY OF THE U.S.-SAUDI RELATIONSHIP TO THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-5

as Major General Ahmed Hassan Mohammed Asseri made clear in a recent op-ed, the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is central to the fight against terror. Together our two countries are responding to the serious threat from ``Da'esh'' (ISIS) and other terrorist groups, Iran's continued support of terrorism, and the violent messages of religious extremism emanating from some quarters of the Middle East. Gen. Asseri's support for intelligence-sharing is a clear recognition that countering these threats goes beyond the battlefield. We are appreciative of Saudi efforts to block the flow of funding to terrorists, weakening their capacity to perpetrate atrocities against innocents around the world. We note with enthusiasm efforts by Saudi Arabia to counter the messages of violent extremism that draw vulnerable young people into the grasp of these terrible groups and applaud efforts to address the challenge of rehabilitating convicted terrorists. We are hopeful that the Saudi-led Islamic Coalition Against Terrorism will play an increasingly important role in both the fight against ISIS and efforts to push back against Iran's destabilizing activities in the region. Nowhere is this more relevant than in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has suffered both military and civilian casualties. It is imperative to push Iranian influence out of Yemen, expedite humanitarian assistance to Yemenis suffering through this conflict, and develop a coherent, long-term political framework through which the country can move forward. The United States values Saudi Arabia as a partner, and we are committed to working together in the fight against terror. I include in the Record the recent editorial by General Asseri. [From FoxNews.com, March 26, 2017] prgtoken My Country Supports America's Tough Stance Against ISIS, Terror, and Iran (By Ahmed Hassan Mohammed Asseri) Published March 26, 2017 (FoxNews.com) Leaders from 68 countries gathered in Washington for a meeting of the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh (ISIL) hosted by President 's administration this past week. Saudi Arabia welcomes the new administration's attention to the Middle East and its support for America's friends who are fighting back against transnational terrorists such as Daesh and pushing back against Iranian interference in countries such as Yemen. As Americans would say, ``You've got our back.'' And America's support is indispensable as we stand together against a host of threats to regional stability. While meeting with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman--an architect of our country's economic, social, and governmental reforms--at the White House recently, President enthusiastically endorsed the modernization drive that will make our country an
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BANKRUPTCY ACT OF 2017
Tom Marino (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I thank Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Conyers, and my current new ranking member, Mr. Cicilline, for their work on this important legislation. I further thank my colleague across the aisle, Congressman Schneider from Illinois, for helping us manage this. prgtoken This is a bipartisan bill that is better for having gone through the regular legislative order. It was a pleasure to work with such knowledgeable and professional colleagues. prgtoken In the wake of the financial crisis of 2008, Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. That legislation was intended to address, among other things, the potential failure of large financial institutions. prgtoken While the Dodd-Frank Act created a regulatory process for such an event, the act states that the preferred method of resolution for a financial institution is through the bankruptcy process. prgtoken However, the Dodd-Frank Act did not make any amendments to the Bankruptcy Code to account for the unique characteristics of a financial institution. The legislation before us today fills that void. prgtoken The Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act is the product of years of study by industry, legal, and financial regulatory experts. It is also the result of bipartisan review over the course of four separate hearings before the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken The legislation includes several provisions that improve the ability of a financial institution to be resolved through the bankruptcy process. It allows for a speedy transfer of a financial firm's assets to a newly formed company. That company would continue the firm's operations for the benefit of its customers, employees, and creditors, and ensure the financial stability of the marketplace. prgtoken This quick transfer is overseen by and subject to the approval of an experienced bankruptcy judge, and includes due process protections for parties in interest. prgtoken The bill also creates an explicit role in the bankruptcy process for the key financial regulators. In addition, there are provisions that facilitate the transfer of derivative and similarly structured contracts to the newly formed company. This will improve the ability of the company to continue the financial institution's operations. prgtoken Finally, the legislation recognizes the factually and legally complicated questions presented by the resolution of a financial institution. To that end, the bill provides that specialized bankruptcy and appellate judges will be designated in advance to preside over these cases. prgtoken The bankruptcy process has long been favored as the primary mechanism for dealing with distressed and failing companies. This is due to its impartial nature, adherence to established precedent, judicial oversight, and grounding in the principles of due process and the rule of law. We are here today as part of an effort to structure a bankruptcy process that is better equipped to deal wit