mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF SENSIBLE ENFORCEMENT OF CANNABIS ACT
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-2-15

in January, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rescinded the Cole Memorandum, a directive which has provided a framework for states to pursue reasonable regulation of cannabis. DOJ's ill-conceived decision adversely affects states, including the State of California, that have in ``good faith'' implemented regulatory frameworks, relying on the memo. prgtoken In November 2016, the people of California spoke up and voted in favor of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis, joining seven states in our nation in making recreational cannabis legal. Currently, those laws are being implemented. The recent action by the Attorney General puts the industry in jeopardy. prgtoken The State of California has the sixth largest economy in the world and accounts for almost 15 percent of our nation's Gross Domestic Product. Given the implementation of tax reform and elimination of State and Local Tax deductions in the coming year, coupled with our limited federal budget due to sequestration, California and other states will experience funding shortfalls that need to be addressed. The economic constraints being placed on California will slow down our economy, but marijuana sales taxes will help provide stability and be a mechanism used to fill the funding gaps. By 2020, marijuana sales taxes are estimated to potentially reach $1 billion annually in revenue for California. prgtoken To date, eight states have legalized recreational cannabis and twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia--which represent more than half of the American population--have enacted legislation to permit the use of medical marijuana. The repeal of the Cole Memo contravenes the will of the American public. Furthermore, this decision will negatively affect numerous Americans who utilize marijuana for medical purposes. prgtoken Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Sensible Enforcement of Cannabis Act with Representative Gaetz. This legislation will prohibit the Attorney General from prosecuting individuals for any conduct that concerns medicinal cannabis or recreational use of cannabis in states that have authorized cannabis laws. The bill would also include exceptions in which the Attorney General would be able to prosecute such cases involving the distribution of cannabis to minors, among others.
ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2017
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-2-15

again, I urge support of my amendment. The whole point of this amendment is to remove the notice and cure provision. prgtoken Again, the ADA law has been around for nearly three decades now. People should be proactive about understanding what their responsibilities are prgtoken to operate businesses or issues of public accommodation, to understand what their responsibilities are. Not, basically, taking that responsibility incentivizes people to say: Well, just wait and see if there is an issue, and only if we get notified will we then fix the problem. prgtoken People need to be proactive and comply with the law, and I believe, there, everybody wins. prgtoken , .
COMMONSENSE GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Madam , a person sends their child to school and expects that they are going to come home safely. prgtoken I am so sad for the grieving families of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Innocent children--gone in a blink. I am thankful for the first responders, but foremost, my thoughts are with the grieving families, the students, and the teachers affected by this horrific shooting. prgtoken We see this carnage over and over again. We know there is no magic solution, but that doesn't mean that there are no solutions. We need more resources for mental health, not tax cuts for billionaires. And, yes, , are you listening? We need commonsense gun safety legislation, not these idiotic bills that expand gun usage.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JIM DeGOOD
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-2-15

today I rise to remember the life of Jim DeGood who passed away peacefully on January 22, 2018 in Niles, Ohio. I can't really speak of Jim without speaking of Nancy in the same breath. They were partners in every sense of the word. And they were a force for me when I first started running for political office. I am forever indebted to them for helping launch my career. prgtoken Jim was born on May 7, 1935 in Marysville, Ohio to Max and Marjory Schoenleb DeGood. He was the oldest of four children. Jim was a 1953 graduate of Marysville High School where he was an honors student, president of student council, and recipient of nine varsity letters in three different sports. He continued his education at The Ohio State University earning a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1953. prgtoken He began his career with the underwriting division of the Glens Falls Insurance Company at their Columbus office later becoming the manager of that department. In 1967, he moved to Warren, Ohio and joined the Gamble Insurance Agency. Some years later, Jim and his partners purchased The Gamble Agency. It continued to operate in Howland as the Gibson-DeGood Insurance Agency until Jim retired. Jim was also a member of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Trumbull County being the treasurer of that organization for over 25 years. prgtoken Outside of work, Jim was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, Ohio. Additionally, he was an active participant in various business and social organization in the community, including The Chamber, Kiwanis, YMCA, TAG, Butler Art, The Buckeye Club, Trumbull County Club, Ohio State Faculty Club, and the Ohio State Alumni Association. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, and taking care of his home. Above all, he was an avid sports fan of the Indians, the Browns, and the Cavs. One of the highlights of his life was a visit to Augusta National Golf Course to witness the play of the Masters Golf Tournament. He especially enjoyed watching Ohio State Football games. He was a season ticket holder for 48 years, following the Buckeyes to several bowl games across the country. prgtoken He will be truly missed by his wife Nancy Vennitti DeGood, the love of his life; his son, Douglas DeGood of Charleston, South Carolina; his daughter Terri Pytlik of Warren; his brother Jerry DeGood and his wife Mary of Brookville, Florida; and by so many others who had the pleasure of knowing Jim. I extend my deepest and sincerest condolences
ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2017
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-2-15

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I strongly support the Langevin-Harper amendment. This bipartisan amendment removes from the bill its onerous and unjustified notice and cure provisions while leaving in place its potentially helpful educational and mediation-related provisions. prgtoken As I discussed extensively during general debate, the notice and cure provisions would have the effect of drastically weakening the ability of discrimination victims enforcing their rights in court. prgtoken Any law, including the ADA, is only effective to the extent that it is enforceable, and civil rights statutes, particularly, depend primarily on private rights of action for their enforcement. By weakening enforcement, H.R. 620's notice and cure provisions ultimately undermine the ADA's goal of integrating people with disabilities into the mainstream of American life. prgtoken For these reasons, I urge the House to adopt the Langevin-Harper amendment which cures most of the problems with this bill.
ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2017
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend, the ranking member, Mr. Nadler, for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. prgtoken Many of my colleagues may not remember when the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, but I remember. I was there. As a matter of fact, I gave a little blood during the sit-ins, during the Freedom Rides. prgtoken I remember the struggle, the fight, and the sacrifice of so many to protect the dignity and the worth of every human being. I was here serving in this very Chamber when the Americans with Disabilities Act became the law of the land 26 years later. Yet today, it is unbelievable; it is unreal; we are considering a bill that turns the clock backwards and strikes a devastating blow in the fight for civil rights. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I want to make it crystal clear for the record: there is no place in our country for the burden to be placed on those whose rights have and will be violated time and time again. prgtoken Mr. Chair, this bill is wrong, it is mean-spirited, and it is a shame and a disgrace that we would bring it to the floor. I urge each and every one of my colleagues to oppose this bill.
HONORING PAUL CLARK AS THE WEST SENECA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-2-15

today I rise to honor Mr. Paul Clark of West Seneca as he is presented with the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award by the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce at Kloc's Grove. Paul has proven a recognized leader in his community through his extensive public service. prgtoken Paul has worked as a certified public accountant for over four decades. He belongs to the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a partner at the firm Clark & Nihill. As a member of the Construction Exchange of the New York Board of Governors, he has trained local contractors in accounting and finance. prgtoken As a leader, mentor, and engaged neighbor, Paul has been a Cub Scout Den Leader, coach of St. John Vianney's Boys Basketball, and sponsor of West Seneca Girls Softball. He has belonged to the local Rotary Chapter for over thirty years, serving in every position. prgtoken Initiatives Paul has been involved with have improved quality of life in Western New York, and include bringing the Koessler Center to Canisius College, and assisting in the chartering and organization of the board of the Burchfield Nature and Art Center. As a member of the YMCA Capital Board he advised members to create Ismailia Shrine Temple and to bring the Y to the Southtowns. prgtoken Paul's volunteer efforts reflect his commitment to history, economic development, education, healthcare and an appreciation for an iconic American automobile. The Pan-Am Exposition Society, West Seneca Development Corp Bennett High School, Mercy Flight, and the Western New York Mustang Car Club have benefitted from his good and generous works. prgtoken , I want to honor Mr. Paul Clark as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Citizen of the Year. His dedication to our community is commendable, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL RUBIN
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-2-15

today, I pay tribute to Rhode Island's assistant attorney general Michael Rubin, who will retire this year after serving our State for more than three decades. I had the pleasure of working alongside Mike during my time as attorney general and during my time on the attorney general office staff. I am proud to call him my friend. He is a skilled leader in the Rhode Island legal community. He will be missed. prgtoken Mike piled up a strong record of accomplishments during his time as the assistant attorney general of Rhode Island and chief of the Rhode Island Attorney General's environmental unit. He was an advocate for every community in the State and worked every day to promote a safe, clean environment for our kids and preserve public access to our beautiful shores. Just this past year, Save the Bay Rhode Island awarded Mike with its Environmental Achievement Award for his important work as the head of the environmental unit. ``Without the efforts of advocates such as Mike, who tirelessly work not only for the good of the environment, but for our ability as a citizenry to access and enjoy our coastline, the quality, and in some cases, quantity, of publicly accessible coastal lands and waters would be significantly depreciated,'' the organization announced. prgtoken I got to see his determination firsthand when I was attorney general. In 2001, Mike had been trial counsel in the State proceedings when I argued a case to defend our State's environmental preservation regulations before the Supreme Court. More recently, Mike helped file lawsuits in 2016 against dozens of big oil companies over the hazardous messes they were making in Rhode Island wells and reservoirs and pursued $65 million for the cleanup. prgtoken In addition to his good work in the attorney general's office, Mike has contributed a great deal to our community. I know he will remain a committed leader in our State. I wish him health and much happiness in his days to come. Here is to less time writing briefs and more time enjoying Rhode Island's natural beauty, whether that be on your bike, in your kayak, or on your ice-skates. prgtoken On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, thank you for your work, Mike. You have made our State proud. Godspeed.
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-2-15

we have so many issues in front of us that are critically important to families. I want to speak about an issue today that is extremely important to so many Michigan families and to families across the Nation. prgtoken It is estimated that 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, including 1 out of 10 people over the age of 65. That number is growing. To put that in perspective, that is about the same number of people who live in Wisconsin or Minnesota or Colorado. prgtoken By 2050, it is estimated that as many as 16 million Americans may be living with Alzheimer's. That is more people than live in Pennsylvania or Illinois. From Alaska to Alabama, to New Mexico, to Maine, no State is immune, as we know. In my own State of Michigan, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to rise from about 180,000 today to 220,000 in the year 2025, which is not very far away. That is an increase of about 22 percent in less than 7 years. prgtoken The cost of providing healthcare and long-term care for people affected by Alzheimer's is astronomical and growing. In fact, one out of every five Medicare dollars goes to Alzheimer's disease. It is estimated that last year, for the first time, the United States spent more than a quarter of a trillion dollars on Alzheimer's-related care. Without better treatments or a cure, those costs could surpass $1.1 trillion by 2050. prgtoken Of course, much higher than the dollar cost is the human cost. As anyone who has lived with the disease or anyone who has had a family member live with the disease can tell you--and this really is the ultimate family disease--Alzheimer's and related dementias are thieves. They steal everything--memories, personalities, even lives. No price tag could ever be put on the suffering they cause patients and their families and the strain they place on caregivers. prgtoken There are 15 million people in the United States caring for a family member with Alzheimer's. While many of them consider caring for a loved one a sacred duty, this duty still exacts a physical and mental toll on them. Caregivers suffer higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and depression than those in the broader population, and many are forced to quit their jobs or reduce the hours they work, creating additional personal and financial stresses. prgtoken Lauren Kovach of Brighton, MI, learned what that is like when her grandma--she calls her Chupe--was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Lauren's mom was a caregiver. She and Lauren made a pact that they would never put Chupe in a nursing home because she, in Lauren's words, ``lived her life for her family and to take care of us--of course we were going to do the same for her.'' prgtoken That required a lot of sacrifices. Lauren's mom retired early. Lauren withdrew from college and moved in with her mom to provide a ``loving home full of laughter,'' as she said. They received no help with caregiving
THE CFPB--HOW TO KILL A GOOD THING
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Madam , a leader must believe in the mission of the organization he or she heads. prgtoken But turned this principle on its head by appointing Mick Mulvaney to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. prgtoken Mr. Mulvaney doesn't believe in the agency's mission to protect consumers. In fact, he once said that he doesn't ``like the fact that the CFPB even exists.'' prgtoken When he was a Member of Congress, he cosponsored legislation to eliminate it. Now, as Director of the CFPB, he wants to zero out its budget for this year. prgtoken He eviscerated the CFBP's rules against predatory payday lending, and then dropped all the lawsuits against them. He halted its investigation into Equifax. prgtoken As Senator Elizabeth Warren pointed out, you should not put someone in charge of an agency when they want to destroy it. He is running it into the ground, and we must stop it. Consumers will pay dearly.
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT--Continued
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-2-15

the Toomey amendment will withhold critical funding from cities, counties, and States whose police departments refuse to deploy their police officers as immigration agents for the Federal Government. prgtoken Listen to what the two chiefs of police in Storm Lake and Marshalltown, IA, wrote last week to the Des Moines Register: Most significant, the proposed bill would diminish the trust that keeps our cities safe in the first place. We depend on residents, including immigrants, to come to us when they see something suspicious or potentially criminal. If they hear of a looming ``crackdown'' that could affect their families and friends, they are less likely to come [forward] to report and prevent actual crimes. prgtoken This is from Iowa chiefs of police in the Midwest. It is common sense. prgtoken My superintendent in Chicago, Eddie Johnson, said: I've said it before and I'll say it again. Undocumented immigrants are not driving violence in Chicago. That's why I want our officers focused on community policing and not trying to be immigration police. prgtoken Vote for our men and women in uniform. Vote against the Toomey amendment.
CONGRESS SHOULD REJECT THE DIRTY BUDGET AND INFRASTRUCTURE SCAM
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-2-15

as Americans, we have a responsibility to protect our environment and our public lands for today and for tomorrow, and that is why we, Congress, passed clean air and clean water laws. That is why we protected our public lands and treasured spaces. prgtoken President has a different set of priorities. With his dirty budget and his infrastructure scam, President is attacking basic environmental safeguards. The budget cuts environmental protections and makes it impossible for the EPA to keep American families safe and healthy. prgtoken The budget stops essential research on climate change, slashes clean energy development, and threatens endangered species. The infrastructure scam repeals basic environmental safeguards and sells off our public lands to Big Oil. Once again, President is putting polluters and their profits first at the expense of America's families being healthy. prgtoken Our air, water, and our land should never be partisan issues. Congress must reject this dirty budget and infrastructure scam and work to protect our environment and not destroy it.
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-2-15

I rise with a heavy heart for the people of Parkland, FL, and Stoneman Douglas High School, where yesterday 17 Americans were killed in the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook. It was the 18th school shooting this year, and we are only halfway through February. prgtoken Again, yesterday the scourge of gun violence visited an American school, a place where our kids should be able to learn free from the shadow of violence and mayhem. Again, we all watched the scenes with children running for their lives. Again, a twisted soul got ahold of an assault rifle and unleashed carnage on the innocent. prgtoken Even though we didn't see it, in millions of bedrooms and living rooms in Americans' homes last night, 10-year-old, 8-year-old, 12-year- old children were saying: Mom, Dad, what happened? What do I do if this happens in my school? prgtoken I address this Chamber knowing there are no words that could ease the anguish and the sorrow felt by the parents of those 17 Americans, by their friends and siblings, their neighbors and teachers. prgtoken As we remember the words of Scripture that tell us ``Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,'' let us resolve to do something--something--about the epidemic of gun violence in this country. prgtoken , on an entirely different matter, Senators from both parties engaged in negotiations for months to find a solution that would allow the Dreamers to stay in the United States as well as provide border security. On several occasions, those discussions have yielded results, including last night, when a bipartisan group of moderate Senators reached a breakthrough agreement. prgtoken The spotlight now turns to the rest of the Senate and especially to President , who throughout these negotiations has not been constructive. President has shown a remarkable ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. President , since he created the problem by terminating DACA last August, has stood in the way of every single proposal that has had a chance of becoming law. He turned his back on not one but two bipartisan immigration proposals earlier this year. I went so far as to put the President's wall on the table, and still the President would not take yes for an answer. prgtoken Now President seems eager to spike the latest bipartisan compromise, potentially with a veto. Why? prgtoken Because it isn't 100 percent of what the President wants on immigration? That is not how democracy works. You don't get 100 percent of what you want in a democracy--maybe in a dictatorship. You have to give and take. You have to compromise in order to make progress. We have tried to do that in Congress, to solve a problem the President has created. Yet, time and again, he has frustrated our efforts. prgtoken If the American people want to know why Congress can look so dysfunctional, they ought to look to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. If