mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-6-15

Kristen Holman adored her little brother, Garrett. She cherished his warm heart and his bigger than life personality. She loved her brother unconditionally, as did her mother and father, Bobbie and Don. prgtoken Unfortunately, on February 9, 2017, at the age of 20, Garrett lost his life to a synthetic opioid that was mailed straight to him from China. My district lost a promising young man, Don and Bobby lost their son, and Kristen lost her little brother and only sibling. prgtoken Sadly, tens of thousands of families across the Nation have lost their loved ones to the opioid crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drug overdoses killed over 64,000 Americans in 2016, a staggering increase of over 21 percent from 2015. prgtoken Of those souls lost, over 20,000 deaths were caused by synthetic opioids, the same type of drug that took Garrett's life. prgtoken Regrettably, the suffering shows no signs of slowing, as deaths from synthetic opioids have more than doubled from last year. prgtoken Synthetic drugs can be more potent and deadly than the real thing. However, when law enforcement encounters a certain synthetic drug compound and takes steps under current Federal law to bring the drug under lawful control, the manufacturers of these synthetics slightly alter the chemical structure of the drug to once again evade law enforcement. As a result, law enforcement is constantly one step behind the manufacturers. prgtoken Left undeterred, manufacturers and distributors continue to flood the U.S. with deadly synthetic drugs. Seizures of illicit fentanyl by Customs and Border Protection increased 64,000 percent between 2013 and 2017. We must stop this flood of poison that is fueling an epidemic that has taken far too many lives. prgtoken The Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, or SITSA, ensures that manufacturers and distributors of deadly synthetic drugs cannot continue to evade law enforcement. SITSA modernizes the Controlled Substances Act by clarifying the regulation of synthetic analogues. prgtoken First, SITSA modernizes the Controlled Substances Act to establish schedule A, a new category for controlled substance analogues. prgtoken Second, the act establishes a streamlined mechanism by which synthetic analogues can be temporarily and/or permanently added to schedule A, but only after a thorough analysis by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. prgtoken Altogether, SITSA will combat the flow of synthetic drugs that have taken both Garrett's life and lives of 20,000 Americans over the last year. prgtoken This bill was carefully crafted over the past 2 years with extensive coordination between law enforcement agencies from the Department of Justice and scientists and researchers at the Department of Health and Human Services. prgtoken Together, this bill strikes a balance between giving law enforcement the ability to stop the flow of de
GO BENSALEM HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-15

last night, we had our annual Congressional Baseball Game and some healthy competition with our colleagues. But today is the big showdown, when the Bensalem High School baseball team will play for the State championship versus Canon- McMillan at Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. prgtoken Led by Coach Harry Daut, Bensalem beat La Salle in a come-from-behind victory in the semifinals, initially down three runs with only two at bats remaining. This come-from-behind victory was propelled by Nick Fossile's sacrifice fly to left field, sending home Dave Barnett from third base. That left it up to pitcher Nick Dean, who closed out the game and finished what starter Stephen Aldrich began. prgtoken I wish these players, the entire team, the entire coaching staff, and the entire Bensalem community the best of luck today, and I know they will make all of us proud. Go Bensalem.
RECOGNIZING RAYMOND ``CHIP'' LYNCH OF NASSAU, NEW YORK
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-6-15

it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the prestigious achievements of Mr. Raymond ``Chip'' Lynch for being named by the Chandler-Young Veterans Association as the recipient of the President's Award. This designation is reserved for those special individuals who have dedicated themselves to their community, country, and fellow veterans. prgtoken Chip is a man of great loyalty and selflessness who bravely served our country in the Dominican Republic and in Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. During his tour in Vietnam, he sustained a severe leg injury while engaged in combat, which led to many months of hospitalization and therapy. When he was offered medical discharge, he declined it because his calling to serve ``in country'' was stronger. Despite facing some adversity, his determination and patriotism prevailed, and he returned to Vietnam. prgtoken Chip has received numerous awards and decorations, including three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and two Army Commendations for Heroism. Although he finished his tour and received an honorable discharge in the early 1970's, Chip's service to our nation has never stopped. For decades, he has been a passionate advocate for veterans throughout Rensselaer County, even saving his local Veterans Post from closure. prgtoken The President's Award is a true testament to Chip's continued legacy of patriotism and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of veterans. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. Mr I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Chip on receiving this award. His lifetime of hard work and dedicated service to the United States is inspirational, and I am grateful for his contributions to New York State.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-6-15

this is a thoroughly thought-out bill. I encourage my colleagues to support it to help stop the spread of deadly synthetic opioid analogues. prgtoken Let us remember why we are here. It is children like Amanda and the parents who survive them, the parents who got the worst call any parent could ever get, and that is notifying them of the death of their child. We are going to stop this from happening in America with the package of bills we have going through the House and the Senate. Mr. Katko's work on this is extraordinary as is the other members of the committee. prgtoken , I call for Members to support this legislation.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Tom Marino (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-15

this amendment requires the Drug Enforcement Administration to compile a report on both the lawful and illicit sale of synthetic drug analogues over the internet. Unfortunately, the internet and the dark web have become sizable marketplaces for many illegal drugs, especially synthetic analogues. prgtoken As Chairman Goodlatte stated earlier, Garrett Holman lost his life from synthetic drugs he ordered over the internet and received in the mail from China. The report requested by this amendment will help Congress and law enforcement have a better picture of the magnitude of the synthetic drug problem. prgtoken , I support the Maloney amendment, I urge my colleagues to do the same, and .
RECOGNIZING JERRY ANDERSON FOR A STORIED CAREER SERVING NORTHWEST OHIO
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-6-15

I want to recognize WTOL's Jerry Anderson for his years of service to Northwest Ohio as today will be his last day before retiring. Jerry has served Northwest Ohio as a valued and trustworthy face on the local news for more than 40 years. prgtoken Jerry Anderson started his career in Bowling Green on the radio airwaves for WFOB in 1974 before beginning his TV news career in 1980. Jerry covered four national political conventions, the inaugurations of three presidents, and Pope John Paul II's visit to Detroit into the living room of families in Northwest Ohio, and he was someone that Ohioans knew they could count on. prgtoken Jerry is beloved and respected because he truly cares about Northwest Ohio and the people that live there. He's been active in local charitable efforts, including earning his certification as an auctioneer so he could volunteer for more than 20 charity auctions annually. He also can often be seen as an emcee at community events to help raise funding for local schools, disadvantaged families, and individuals with disabilities. prgtoken I know his dedication to our region, as I've spent many years next to him at the Applebutter Fest in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Jerry always made time to talk. prgtoken , Jerry Anderson is an institution in Toledo and Northwest Ohio, and while he'll be sorely missed, I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.
WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to recognize the unyielding dedication that my constituents have for our military. In particular, I would like to highlight the efforts of several folks back home who are responsible for a number of billboards dotting the highways of Beaver County that encourage people to wear red on Fridays to support our troops who are deployed overseas. prgtoken For more than a decade, Americans across the Nation have worn red on Fridays to show support for troops fighting in foreign lands. In this effort, red is not just a color, but a message. RED is an acronym for Remember Everyone Deployed. It is a message to remember our servicemembers who are away from their families, risking their lives on the front lines to defend our freedoms and values. Remembering them is especially important since we often do not see news of those deployed. prgtoken Wearing red on Fridays is another way to show our troops that we are thinking of them, that we support them, and that we appreciate their sacrifices. I thank the volunteers of Beaver County for promoting and reminding us of this wear red effort.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-15

the balance of my time. prgtoken , there is nothing in the amendment that affects sentencing in any way. The amendment simply seeks to remove a get-out- of-jail-free card that these purveyors of poison have been using to try to evade responsibility. prgtoken There is nothing that says, if you meet any one of these factors, you are automatically going to jail. prgtoken What it says is you have to look deeper into these six factors to determine whether or not it really was intended for human consumption, that just putting a label that says ``I didn't intend anybody to smoke this stuff'' is not enough to evade liability. prgtoken And I would note, , that the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Fraternal Order of Police have all supported this provision. And as the gentleman from Pennsylvania noted, a similar provision sponsored by Senator Klobuchar was passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee recently. prgtoken , this arises because a few years ago, a constituent of mine named Jesse in Amarillo, Texas, told his mother that it was no big deal; he was smoking synthetic marijuana. prgtoken Well, it turns out it was this potpourri stuff that had been sprayed with toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, Jesse died. And as the police went to the place where he would buy this stuff, it had prominently on the label, ``Not intended for human consumption.'' It greatly hindered their ability to get that stuff off the street. prgtoken Mr. Chair, this amendment fixes that. I urge Members to support it. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
BILL MITSCH
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to congratulate Bill Mitsch for having received the first Odum Award for Ecological Engineering Excellence from the American Ecological Engineering Society in Houston, Texas. prgtoken As Director of the Everglades Wetland Research Park at Florida Gulf Coast University, he has become a highly respected scientist in the fields of wetland ecology, biogeochemistry, ecological engineering, and ecosystem restoration and modelling. prgtoken He has taught and inspired generations of scientists to pursue wetlands research through his extensive research on the subject, including writing five editions of a preeminent standard textbook about wetland ecology. Further, he founded the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, a major research wetlands laboratory at Ohio State University, and has served on the Science Advisory Board of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide his valuable input on wetland restoration. prgtoken I personally would like to thank Bill for his dedicated efforts and research on the Everglades.
ROSES TO THE LIVING AWARD
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to recognize Hank Leo and Amanda Larson, members of the Oneida Rotary Club. Hank and Amanda both recently received the Roses to the Living Award at the Kallet Civic Center. This award is given to Rotarians who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the community through good works and involvement in needy and worthy causes. This dedication and devotion to community embodies the spirit of the Rotary motto: Service Above Self. prgtoken In 2002, Ms. Larson was nominated as president and chief executive officer of what is now The Gorman Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for present and future generations in central New York and around the world. Amanda has worked diligently to ensure that access to healthcare for uninsured and underserved citizens is obtained. Many of these people had not had the opportunity to even meet with a doctor or medical professional for many years. prgtoken In addition to his tireless work at the YMCA, Hank Leo has lent his helping hand to all of the Oneida community and throughout the region for many years. He has served as a member of the Oneida City School District Board of Education for 5 years and as a member of the Oneida Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors for several years. prgtoken In June of 2013, when many Oneida residences suffered devastating losses due to flooding, it was Hank who immediately offered the YMCA's Oneida facility as a place to stay for those who needed shelter. prgtoken , please join me in extending sincere thanks and gratitude to Amanda Larson and Hank Leo for their unparalleled contributions to our community. They truly embody the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-6-15

. Mr. Chair, just so I am clear about the gentlewoman's position, the gentlewoman is concerned that a drug trafficker may face a penalty of a harsh sentence when they have caused someone's death, as an example. prgtoken Let me give you an example. Deanna Axe was 5 months pregnant. She had been off heroin for 8 months. A drug trafficker pushed her and cajoled her over the course of about 12 hours through texts that we saw trying to get her to try this specific type of heroin. She took one dose. Her mother found her. The heroin that he gave her killed her and her 5- month-old baby in her womb. prgtoken That is the reality of what we are facing. He is facing 15 years in prison. He pled guilty to that. She is gone. Her baby is gone. That is the reality. prgtoken So we are trying to find a positive balance here. No one is suggesting that mandatory minimums under 841(b)(1)(A) or 841(b)(1)(B) can be applicable. They are not. It is the (b)(1)(C) category for this, except when a death is caused. So please let us try and find a proper balance here.
WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today in honor of World Blood Donor Day and to celebrate and thank the 7 million Americans who choose to donate blood each year. prgtoken Generosity saved the life of my dear friend and roommate, Congressman Steve Scalise, after a shooter attacked our fellow colleagues and teammates on the ball field during an early morning baseball practice a year ago. prgtoken Blood can't be manufactured, so our entire national supply depends on the selfless generosity of our blood donors. Because donated blood is perishable, it has a limited shelf life and has to be continually replenished. prgtoken Volunteer blood donations ensure that patients in need always have access to the lifesaving gift of blood. In the summer, we see a big drop in donations exactly at the time when people are out and about and need it the most. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to visit their local blood center and help promote awareness. Be there for someone else. Give blood and share life.
IN RECOGNITION OF SHERIFF JACK VAN DUNCAN
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to recognize Sheriff Jack Van Duncan of Buncombe County, North Carolina. I would like to express my gratitude to Sheriff Duncan for his 32 years of serving and protecting the citizens of Western North Carolina. prgtoken Sheriff Van Duncan was born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina and graduated from Mitchell County High School. Sheriff Van Duncan began his career in Law Enforcement in 1986, after graduating from Western Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Sheriff Van Duncan went on to graduate from the Administrative Officer's Management Program at North Carolina State University in 1993. prgtoken Over the course of his career, Sheriff Van Duncan has worked at the Weaverville and Asheville police departments, as well as the Biltmore Estate, where he served as chief of company police for six years. While with the Buncombe County Sheriff's office, he proudly served as a Patrolman, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Detective during his years as a Deputy. He worked as an Instructor in the Management and Supervision Section for the North Carolina Justice Academy for two and a half years before being elected Sheriff in 2006. Sheriff Van Duncan has served as Sheriff for Buncombe County for 12 years. prgtoken Sheriff Van Duncan has had many accomplishments as Sheriff over the last 12 years. He earned the respect of his colleagues by leading with integrity and restoring good order within the Sheriff's Department. Not only that, he has been an innovator for helping the children in Buncombe County by starting the On Track Leadership Program to help rising eighth and ninth graders with good decision-making skills. He has also been instrumental in starting a juvenile diversion program that will help young people avoid obtaining a criminal record. prgtoken Sheriff Van Duncan has consistently displayed professionalism and candor during his time in office and focused on meeting the needs of the people in Buncombe County. He has deeply impacted the lives of the people he proudly served for 12 years, and it is my distinct honor to recognize his outstanding work and express the best wishes of the people of Western North Carolina to Sheriff Van Duncan on the occasion of his retirement.
CELEBRATING ROGER HOLMES ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise to honor Roger Holmes, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today. This remarkable milestone gives us the opportunity to recognize Mr. Holmes' contributions to his community and his country. Mr. Holmes a veteran of World War Two, served as a Tech Sergeant and Section Chief of Ordinance Cadre in the 9th Airforce Division in Holland, France, and England between 1942 and 1944. His service in World War II helped preserve the great freedoms that we enjoy today. I want to express my gratitude for Mr. Holmes' dedication to the community of Whitehall. He retired as the U.S. Postmaster after working for the local post office for almost thirty years. Mr. Holmes and his wife Edna will celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary in July. It is leaders like him who sustain the character and integrity of our communities. Mr. Holmes' contributions to his country leave us in his debt.
IN MEMORY OF COL. PETE SERCER
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-6-15

last week South Carolinians were grateful to provide tribute to Col. Pete Sercer who was properly recognized as an American Patriot devoted to inspiring young people for military service at Irmo High School. The following thoughtful obituary is provided by Dunbar Funeral Home: Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr Columbia.--Memorial Service for Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr (USAF, Retired), will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with burial in the church's adjoining Memorial Garden. The Rev. Jill Biemdiek will officiate. A reception will follow in the church's Parish Hall. Peter Edward ``Eddie'' Sercer, Sr 81, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2018, surrounded by love. He is survived by his loving wife, Lesley W. Sercer; sons, Peter E. Sercer, Jr. and Paul L. Sercer. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Smoak, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pete was predeceased by his parents, Peter E. Sercer and Marie Blaze Sercer, as well as his siblings, Helen Ross, John Sercer, Richard Sercer, Teresa Sercer, Jesse Shirah, and Caroline Croft. Born on October 19, 1936, in Columbia, South Carolina, Pete graduated from Columbia High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of South Carolina, immediately joining the United States Air Force. After serving over 26 years in the Air Force, Pete became the Director of the Irmo High School Air Force JROTC program for 22 years. In addition to his education at the University of South Carolina, Pete earned a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education. Community service was an integral part of Pete's life. He served as a Commissioner of Midlands Technical College for over 26 years and was named Commissioner emeritus. He was active in the Association of Community College Trustees in many capacities, culminating in his serving as National Chairman of the organization in 2010- 2011. Pete was a founding member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and served on the vestry, building committee, and rector search committee many times. Active in the St. Andrews Rotary Club, Pete served as Club President and Assistant District Governor and was a Rotary Benefactor, 10-Star Rotarian, and multiple Paul Fellow. He was a strong supporter of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, volunteering as a Gamecock Ambassador and Press Box Assistant during football games for many years. During his military career, Pete was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and other decorations. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in recognition of extraordinary achievements and service to the State and Nation. He was instrumental in the creation of the Irmo High Sch
COMBATING THE OPIOID CRISIS IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-6-15

in America, 91 people die every day from an opioid overdose. According to the prgtoken Washington State Department of Health, from 2012 to 2016, almost 300 people in my Fourth Congressional District died from an opioid-related death. These alarming statistics demonstrate the desperate need for the 35 bills we passed this week in regard to this crisis. prgtoken I recently hosted an opioid summit in my district where I heard from constituents, Federal officials, law enforcement, and health professionals about the impacts this epidemic has in central Washington. One constituent bravely shared the story of her son, Eli. prgtoken Eli was exposed to opioids in high school. He struggled with recovery, and despite support from his family, it was difficult to find help. His addiction did not let him live out his full potential, and he ultimately passed away in 2014 at the age of 22 years old. prgtoken Unfortunately, there are many more stories like Eli's. We must put an end to this epidemic which is why I am proud to support the important legislation Congress is working on. By improving access to treatment, prevention practices, and law enforcement, we are saving lives.