mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RESTORING THE RULE OF LAW IN AMERICA
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-9-14

the Federal Government's first duty is to protect its citizens. For too long, dangerous gangs like MS-13 have exploited our Nation's immigration laws and made our communities less safe. Hoosiers are tired of it, and it is well past time to crack down on this illegal activity and restore the rule of law in America. prgtoken Today, the House passed a commonsense reform that does just that, ensuring violent gangs are kept off our streets. The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act would allow law enforcement to detain and deport criminal alien gang members who pose a serious threat to our safety. prgtoken Instead of waiting on another tragedy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could remove these criminals before they have a chance to harm innocent Americans. prgtoken The bill would also prevent these criminals from ever entering the United States again. It is really just common sense. This bill will make America safer, and it is worthy of our support.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-14

it is always an honor to be here on the House floor. prgtoken We passed appropriations bills. It is a rare thing to hear it coming from me, but the Appropriations Committee for the majority here in the House of Representatives has actually done an extraordinary job this year. It hasn't been easy. They have spent a tremendous amount of hours taking votes, during which it was made particularly partisan. prgtoken It is just a shame when people will take votes just along party lines and not even reach out in the areas where there is mutual interest. But, as with any bill, there are things that could have been better. But our appropriators took some tough votes, and some of them tough politically, but, overall, they did a remarkable job and they are to be commended for the work they did. prgtoken We actually got our 12 appropriations bills passed in the House. I look forward to the day--it may be years away, months away, weeks away, days away--when the Senate is capable of passing 12 appropriations bills. prgtoken It is very important, too, that we note the agreement that President reached. Widely reported, the President made a deal with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. But whether it is one of the worst votes I have taken or not, I knew, number prgtoken one--Texas had been going through Hurricane Harvey, but Texas had planned for the future. And God bless the Texas Legislature. Governor Greg Abbott has been a dear friend since we started as district judges together back in January of 1993. And I think the world of Governor Greg Abbott. He is doing a superb job through the emergency situation that Hurricane Harvey has created in Texas. prgtoken Also, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is a very good friend. I think the world of him. He has done a remarkable job leading there in Texas from the standpoint of being the head of the Senate. He's a very conservative man of principle. It is just a pleasure to have such able, competent, not just conservatives, but very smart people who are people of principle. prgtoken They created a rainy day fund. It has billions of dollars in it. Obviously, Harvey was definitely a rainy day. prgtoken But when we took this vote on getting money into the emergency, the FEMA, our emergency system, we were assured by people that I believed to be very honest that they really were out of money for FEMA. That vote had to be taken to get money into our emergency system so they could help Florida prepare as Hurricane Irma approached. prgtoken Like I said, Texas had prepared for a rainy day as far beyond the extent of their preparation. But I knew we could haggle over emergency funding, we could haggle over the debt ceiling, we could haggle over a CR coming up, and Texas would be okay while we were debating for 2, 3, 4 weeks, whatever it took until we got agreement. But Florida did not have a rainy day fund. They needed help. Irma was approaching. prgtoken But the other thing that struc
PULMONARY FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to call attention to September being National Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month and the bipartisan resolution that I and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) have introduced. prgtoken Pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable lung disease that impacts 200,000 Americans, and for whose who aren't familiar with it, you may be surprised to learn that the mortality rate for those with pulmonary fibrosis is as high as those with breast cancer. It kills one American every 13 minutes--40,000 Americans die each and every year. There is no known cure, and there is no known reliable treatment to relieve its symptoms nor prolong the life of its victims. prgtoken Eighty percent of those who contract pulmonary fibrosis do not live more than 5 years after receiving that diagnosis, and the median survival rate is just half that time. prgtoken , I will continue my efforts in working with the National Institutes of Health as well as patient advocacy groups to find a cure for this deadly disease.
CRIMINAL ALIEN GANG MEMBER REMOVAL ACT
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-14

. Madam , in 2014, four MS-13 gang members brutally murdered a 14-year-old boy from Texas with a machete. Just this year, two MS-13 gang members laughed and waved at the cameras as they faced trial in a Houston courtroom for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of young girls. These are just two examples that reflect the horrific and gruesome reality of what gangs across this country are capable of. prgtoken There are as many as 100,000 gang members in my home State of Texas, several of whom are linked to Mexican cartels, who help them distribute drugs and traffic people and weapons. Nearly 60 percent of identified prison gang members in Texas are serving sentences for violent crimes, including homicide, robbery, and assault. prgtoken MS-13 is one of the most dangerous gangs in our State, with almost 500 members throughout Texas. They have been described by the Houston police chief as a ``transnational terrorist organization,'' the ``worst of the worst,'' and a ``cancer.'' It is State and local law enforcement officers like him, as well gang task forces, who are on the front lines, putting their own lives in danger to deal with these heinous criminals. prgtoken Today, I rise in support of Mrs. Comstock's bill, which will do what we should have been doing a long time ago, and that is giving local entities the ability to expeditiously deport gang members who are here illegally and ensure they never are able to come back to the United States. prgtoken Our first job is to keep Americans safe. H.R. 3697 certainly improves the prospects of that.
TRIBUTE TO RICH WELLS, VICE PRESIDENT AND SITE DIRECTOR OF MICHIGAN OPERATIONS FOR THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
John R. Moolenaar (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to pay tribute to Rich Wells, Vice President and Site Director of Michigan Operations for The Dow Chemical Company, in recognition of his service and his many contributions to the Great Lakes Bay Region as he begins the next step of his journey as the Vice President of Texas Operations. prgtoken An influential member of the community, Rich originally moved to Midland to work for Dow after he graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. During his illustrious 34-year career, Rich has gone on to serve in several leadership roles within The Dow Chemical Company. Before his selection as the Vice President and Site Director of Michigan Operations, Rich served as the Vice President for Global Government Affairs and Public Policy. prgtoken During his tenure as Vice President and Site Director of Michigan Operations, Rich has benefitted the community in a variety of ways. He founded the Fast Start program, which has equipped in demand employees with the skills they need to be successful. He also has volunteered and advocated for local organizations serving those in need, chairing Midland County's United Way Campaign in 2016. prgtoken On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Rich Wells for his service to The Dow Chemical Company and his contributions to the Great Lakes Bay Region.
RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE OFFICERS AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITH 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HOUSE AND RECIPIENTS OF THE HOUSE EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARD AND...
Gregg Harper (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-9-14

today, Ranking Member Robert Brady and I wish to recognize the exceptional employees of the Officers (Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms, and Chief Administrative Officer) and the Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives, and congratulate those who have reached the milestone of 25 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the recipients of the House Employee Excellence Award and the Officers' and Inspector General's Team Player Award. prgtoken The House's most important asset is its remarkable and steadfast employees, whose work is essential to keeping the operations and services of the House running efficiently and effectively. The employees we acknowledge today are commended for their hard work, dedication, professionalism, and teamwork; support of House Members, their staffs, and their constituents, and for their contributions day- in and day-out to the overall operations of the House. These employees, whose work is often performed behind the scenes, possess a wide range of responsibilities and skills that support the legislative process, ensure the security of this great institution, maintain our technology and service infrastructure, and contribute to more efficient and productive House support operations. These dedicated employees have accomplished many great things in a diverse range of activities, and the House of Representatives, its Members, staff, and the American public are better served because of them. prgtoken We recognize and honor the individuals named below for 25 years of loyal service to the House. Collectively, the employees listed below have provided 350 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken Lisa Alvey, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Kevin Brennan, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; prgtoken William Crudup III, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Sharon Ellis-Gregg, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken John Hodges, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Derek Johann, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken William Michalek, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Louis Miller Jr Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Michael Modica, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Christopher Naughton, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Todd Redlin, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Ronald Simmons, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; prgtoken Tammy Taft, Office of the Clerk;
REMEMBERING PETE DOMENICI
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-9-14

I would like to take a few minutes amidst the Senate's business to memorialize my good friend, fellow colleague, and long-serving Senator of New Mexico, Pete Domenici. It is altogether fitting that we may offer tribute right in the middle of a busy day. Pete was a true legislator, the kind we just don't see all that often any longer. He was at his best when we were here getting things done-- and often we were getting things done because of his efforts. He will be sorely missed by those of us who had the distinct privilege of serving alongside him. prgtoken Pete's life was a testament to the American Dream; born to immigrant parents, Pete grew up working in his father's store before going on to earn his degree in education. Later, he would teach math at a local junior high school, before making his way into city politics and, from there, join the Senate in 1972. Some will no doubt recall that he was the first elected as Senator of New Mexico in nearly 40 years, but most will remember that he always put the people of his State and his Nation ahead of partisan interests. prgtoken While serving in the Senate, Pete fulfilled his charge with diligence, passion, and decorum. His time here still serves as an example to many of us. Pete was regularly willing to reach across the aisle, always willing to take the first step, and never one to shrink from an opportunity presented, whether difficult or not. Pete's efforts to bring the Federal budget under control were especially admirable, and his leadership was crucial in achieving the balanced budget of 1997. That has proven a rare accomplishment. His work as an advocate for the mentally ill showed prgtoken his deep levels of compassion, and his efforts helped create a more just and equitable society for all. prgtoken Even after he retired, Pete, as was his way, refused to rest. He continued to promote bipartisan solutions in Washington and continued to remind each of us of our duties to the American people. My prayers and condolences go out to his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. Amidst their grief, I take heart they may know that his legacy outlives his days and that this body will be forever better for his service.
RECOGNIZING PJM INTERCONNECTION
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-14

today I recognize the 90th anniversary of PJM Interconnection, which is the Nation's largest competitive wholesale electricity market. prgtoken Headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, PJM performs the critical function of supplying electricity to more than 65 million customers in 13 Midwestern, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern States and the District of Columbia. prgtoken PJM began in 1927 when three electric utilities joined together to connect their systems and form Pennsylvania-New Jersey Interconnection, the world's first continuing power pool. Additional utilities joined the coalition over the following decades, and in 1956, it became known as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland--PJM--Interconnection, the name used today. Around the same time, PJM expanded its use of new technology by installing its first online computer to control electric generation and later to monitor grid operations in real time, which led to improved reliability and better customer service. prgtoken PJM is also celebrating its 20th anniversary as an independent system operator, ISO. In 1997, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, approved PJM as the Nation's first fully functioning ISO, which operates but does not own electric transmission systems. Five years later, PJM became the first regional transmission organization in the country when FERC encouraged the formation of these entities to increase access to competitive wholesale energy markets. Over the past two decades, PJM has continued its focus on innovation and customer service by expanding utility membership, developing generating capacity, and diversifying its energy portfolio to include coal, natural gas, and nuclear. prgtoken In addition, PJM is recognized by its peers as a leader in the competitive wholesale electricity sector. The firm continues to focus on improving energy storage, grid technology, and demand response. PJM first provided wholesale electricity in 1927, and I am confident that PJM will continue its commitment to affordability, reliability, and customer service for the foreseeable future.
CONGRATULATING MISS NORTH DAKOTA CARA MUND
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise to recognize Miss North Dakota Cara Mund, who was crowned Miss America last Sunday. prgtoken A native of Bismarck, Cara made history in our State when she became the first North Dakotan to be crowned Miss America. Throughout the competition, Cara shared her desire to make her home State proud, and boy did she do that, encouraging others to follow their dreams, saying: `` . . . it doesn't matter where you come from geographically.'' prgtoken When asked what she hoped to gain from her year as Miss America, Cara said she is focused on what she can do for others. Cara has been giving back for years, having raised more than $78,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through her Passion for Fashion Show that she founded when she was just 14 years old. prgtoken As she travels the United States, I know she will inspire and impress everyone she comes in contact with. This former Capitol Hill intern plans to attend law school, become the first woman Governor of North Dakota, and perhaps even represent her State in Congress one day. I hope she waits a while. But anyway, Kris and I join all North Dakotans in congratulating our new Miss America. prgtoken We are proud of you, Cara, and we look forward to hearing the positive message you are going to be sharing throughout this Nation throughout the next year.
Nuclear Weapons (Executive Session)
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-9-14

. Mr President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to confirm Pamela Patenaude as Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. prgtoken Ms. Patenaude was advanced by voice vote out of the Senate Banking Committee on June 14, and continues to receive nearly unanimous bipartisan support from affordable housing advocates, public housing agencies, and industry leaders. prgtoken This month, Senate leadership received a joint letter signed by over 60 independent housing trade groups, urging that this nomination finally be brought to the floor for a vote. prgtoken Over her distinguished career, Ms. Patenaude has touched nearly every corner of housing policy and has held leadership roles at both the local and Federal level. prgtoken This is not the first time Ms. Patenaude has been considered for confirmation by this body. Twelve years ago, the Senate confirmed her by voice vote to become Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development at HUD. prgtoken The Senate recognized her back then for what she remains today: an experienced industry veteran who will provide steadfast leadership to HUD. prgtoken This vote is particularly important given the recent hurricanes in Texas and in Florida. HUD's Deputy Secretary chairs the Department's Disaster Management Group and coordinates the long-term recovery efforts of various program offices within HUD. prgtoken Ms. Patenaude would make an immediate contribution in this critical leadership role, drawing from her experience responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita during her time as Assistant Secretary in the administration. prgtoken I am eager to work with Ms. Patenaude on that response, as well as other key issues within HUD's jurisdiction. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote to confirm Ms. Patenaude today, and I also urge the Senate to take up votes on other HUD nominees, so that HUD can have the key leadership in place that it needs to best serve its important mission. prgtoken Thank you.
CONGRATULATING THE ALLIANCE TO SAVE ENERGY ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Alliance to Save Energy on its 40th Anniversary. Founded in 1977 following the oil embargo, the Alliance has been dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of the United States. It was established by Senators Charles Percy, a from Illinois, and Hubert Humphrey, a from Minnesota, reflecting the organization's deep bipartisan roots and commitment to practical approaches to policy; a philosophy that guides the Alliance's work today. The benefits of energy efficiency are broad. Not only does using less energy save money for American families and businesses on their utility bills, it allows our nation's valuable resources to last longer and produce more for our economy. When we can power our nation with domestic resources, we don't have to rely on foreign sources and the risks that accompany them. For this reason, energy efficiency and energy security are just as intricately linked as they were in 1977. Improving energy efficiency in federal buildings remains one of my top priorities, particularly when it can be done through common- prgtoken sense, public-private partnerships and performance contracts that save taxpayer funds. Each and every time the energy efficiency of a federal building is improved, the taxpayer wins. When the private sector is engaged and deploys its resources to make those improvements, the taxpayer wins many times over. For this reason, I am proud of my work to support Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs), including legislation I introduced along with my friend Peter Welch of Vermont that would lead to more investments, better leverage of public funds, and greater savings. The Alliance endorses my bipartisan legislation and I am thankful for their support. Again, congratulations to the Alliance on reaching its 40th Anniversary. It is truly an honor to serve on this organization's Honorary Board, along with my colleagues Peter Welch of Vermont, Michael Burgess of Texas, David McKinley of West Virginia, Dave Reichert of Washington, and Paul Tonko of New York, as well as several Senate colleagues. As a group, I believe we truly represent the diversity of opinions on energy issues in Congress, but we also represent the Alliance's strong commitment to bipartisanship. We've come a long way on federal energy efficiency policy, and I look forward to what can be accomplished over the next 40 years.
RECOGNIZING KINGWOOD, NEW JERSEY, RESCUE SQUAD
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to recognize and thank the members of the Kingwood, New Jersey, Rescue Squad for helping a community in need recover from Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken After Harvey, many in the Houston area were without cell phone service, stranded by the rising waters, and lacking necessary means of communications to call authorities for help. One family in Kingwood, Texas, without cell reception but with a wireless internet connection made the savvy decision to see if they could contact rescue services by email. They used an internet search to locate the necessary authorities to coordinate their rescue. prgtoken Their internet search yielded the name Kingwood Rescue Squad--not their Kingwood, but Kingwood in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Fortunately, the members of the New Jersey Kingwood Rescue Squad acted quickly to contact their partners in Texas to ensure that rescue services would be able to find and rescue the Texas family. They are now safe due to the coordinated efforts between the Kingwood, New Jersey, Rescue Squad and their respective partners in Texas. prgtoken I wish to thank the members of the squad for their service and express my gratitude that there are such fine and capable first responders located in the district I serve.
SANCTIONS AGAINST NORTH KOREA
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-9-14

I rise today to recognize the life of a man who had an indelible impact on Arkansas and our Nation, Mr. Adam McClung, who passed away last month at 37 years young. prgtoken Adam was a husband, a father, and a champion of the cattle industry in Arkansas while he served as the executive vice president of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. prgtoken A graduate of Greenbrier High School in the beautiful Second Congressional District, Adam attended Oklahoma State University, where he studied agriculture, business economics, and animal science. prgtoken In 2014, Adam was recognized by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a ``Champion of Change.'' He was one of only 15 individuals from around our country to be recognized as a leader in his industry that year. prgtoken Adam's passion and drive will be missed throughout Arkansas and the cattle industry. prgtoken He is survived by his wife, Chantel, and a daughter, Maggie Blair. prgtoken I extend my respect, affection, and prayers for the family and his loved ones. Remembering Melvin Pickens, the ``Broom Man'' of Little Rock