mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO ROB OLIVER
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-5-1

today I wish to recognize the distinguished career, service, and leadership of Augustana University president Rob Oliver. prgtoken His 11 years of leadership as the 23rd president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, have highlighted his servant's heart, visionary attitude, and passion for higher education. As he prepares for this next chapter in life, I would like to honor Rob's dedication and efforts to not only continue the university's rich history of providing students with a quality, liberal arts education, but also for his commitment to ensuring future students are given the opportunity to advance their studies and given the foundation to live a life of purpose at Augustana University. prgtoken President Oliver joined the university after being incredibly involved in the Sioux Falls financial, business, and philanthropic community. For many years, Rob pursued efforts to improve the economic vitality of the region and was also active as a board member and devoted volunteer for many organizations, including the board of trustees of then-Augustana College. prgtoken Rob's presidential tenure occurred during a time of uncertainty for many colleges and universities across the country. With the rising costs of higher education, enrollment challenges, nationwide economic troubles, and a growing discourse regarding the value of a college degree, many traditional institutions were struggling to chart a sustainable path forward. prgtoken However, through President Oliver's ability to inspire others, offer a strategic vision, and execute a thorough plan of action, he has responded to those difficulties and strengthened Augustana's mission to deliver a quality, well-rounded experience for students, faculty, and staff. prgtoken Under Rob's direction, Augustana has attained a number of accomplishments. Many will point to the critical investments in the Froiland Science Complex and Mikkelsen Library and others will point to record-setting monetary support and vastly increased endowment and scholarship programs as remarkable accomplishments; yet it is also worthwhile to note the university's advancement of the Civitas honors program, new academic majors and curriculum, expanded undergraduate research, and an expansion of online offerings for undergraduate, graduate, and adult students. Additionally, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Student Success Center were created to provide important strategic partnerships and vocational engagement. prgtoken Knowing the university's ability to attract students also depends on factors and opportunities outside the scholastic realm. President Oliver's era of leadership also included growth in the performing and visual arts, study abroad programs, and the construction and renovation of first-class, athletic facilities such as Kirkeby-Over Stadium, Ronken Field, and other projects through unprecedented, charitable gifts. prgtoken The universit
JOB FLEXIBILITY FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-5-1

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , Congresswoman Martha Roby is an amazing woman. She is a Congresswoman, she is an attorney, she is a wife, but, most importantly, she is a mother to two beautiful children. She has the same concerns and the same challenges that everybody else across this country has: Does she have enough time? Does she have the flexibility? prgtoken Just going through her own life, listening to her constituents, she came forth with this bill. She has worked hard to bring the Working Families Flexibility Act to this floor. She has done it before, and it passed in this House. One of the things I admire most about her is she does not give up. Because it is not about her; it is about the rest of America, and it is also about fairness. prgtoken In 1978, Congress granted this choice to government employees. Twenty-nine years later, it is past time we end the double standard and offer the same deals to workers in the private sector. prgtoken You can work and work overtime, but then you have the choice if you want to take that in pay, or would you like to have comp time? prgtoken Maybe there is a child sick, or maybe you have a family member that comes down with a disease, or another choice. You can go and spend time. You get to direct it. I think that is great policy. That is why government workers have it. prgtoken But why can't they have the same standards in the private sector? prgtoken Do you know what would happen? prgtoken Higher productivity. It would actually move America's economy. prgtoken Why? prgtoken Because the individual has choice. prgtoken Instead of being concerned and worried about something that is happening away that you need to be at, you put that time in. And instead of taking the money, you put it into flexibility. prgtoken When we look at the future and think about the economy we want to have, yes, we want great employees; we want happy employees; we want employees with great productivity. But we don't want that just to happen in government. We want the private sector to have the same fairness that government has. prgtoken It is a great idea. But I will tell you, the work that Congresswoman Martha Roby has done has led this charge. It has passed this House before, and we are going to find time in a very busy week to have the flexibility to do this bill tomorrow because you know what? The rest of America is waiting for it. prgtoken I want to congratulate Congresswoman Roby for her work on it, for not giving up, for listening to constituents across this country, but also for every working family in the private sector to let them have a choice to have the flexibility to be where they need to be after they put the overtime in. It is only fair, and, to me, it is the American way to solve a problem.
SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL FORMATION ENHANCEMENT ACT
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-5-1

again, I appreciate the gentlewoman from New York's views and her helpful work on this legislation. prgtoken We have lost over the last 20 years some 50 percent of our public companies. When I was getting out of college, one of the great dreams in business would be that you could have a company that was so successful that you could go public. Over the years, obviously that process has made it more and more difficult for our entrepreneurs to pursue their dream of a public company. prgtoken So what better way to make sure their voice about our rules, our laws, the process of being public, and the process of registering and disclosing is all made in a way that does not discourage our entrepreneurs and our small-business people from pursuing that dream of going public. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Poliquin), my distinguished friend who serves on the House Financial Services Committee and is a gentleman who is a voice for small business at every meeting of the House Financial Services Committee.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-5-1

in recent years the American people have lost trust in the Federal government to keep our personally identifiable information, or PII, secure. In June of 2015 the Office of Personnel Management was infiltrated with a major cyber breach, affecting more than 22 million current and former federal employees, prgtoken including myself. In January of 2016, another nearly half a million Americans had their social security numbers stolen when the Internal Revenue Service was hacked. prgtoken I spent 28 years in the private sector, 12 years with a global cloud computing company. We faced cyber threats daily, and our customers expected security of their data. We delivered and not once was our data compromised. And we certainly did not give it out voluntarily. When there is an opportunity to protect our PII, we need to act on it and begin to rebuild trust with the American people. prgtoken In 1984, the public disclosure of certain manifest information was required of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The original intent was to increase competition, to facilitate better public analysis of import trends, and to allow port authorities and transportation companies to more easily identify potential customers and changes in their industries. However, in recent years, PII of relocating individuals, bringing their home goods back to the United States, has been released, enabling identity theft, credit card fraud, and unwanted solicitations. prgtoken CBP does offer a process for consumers of shipping services to make their information confidential. However, these forms typical take two months to process and are often processed after the individual has moved. prgtoken That is why I am introducing the Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act. This legislation will simply require CBP to remove personally identifiable information from vessel manifest sheets before making them available for public disclosure. I believe the default should be to protect peoples' privacy and automatically remove this personal information, rather than requiring citizens to make a request and hope the paperwork is processed in time. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Peters for being an original cosponsor of this bill. I ask my Senate colleagues to join us in support of this important legislation. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
IN RECOGNITION OF SERGEANT DAVID WELSH
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-5-1

today I honor Sergeant David Welsh of the Springfield Township Police Department. Sergeant Welsh prgtoken has demonstrated a steadfast devotion to the community through his work, often putting his own safety at risk in order protect others. Sergeant Welsh also served his country and community as a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve for over 20 years. As a pillar of Springfield Township, Sergeant Welsh has rightly been nominated as Officer of the Year as part of the 25th Annual Springfield Loyalty Day. I thank Sergeant Welsh for his service.
NATIONAL SEERSUCKER DAY
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-5-1

today I wish to recognize the seersucker manufacturers and enthusiasts across the United States. The storied history of this uniquely American fashion dates back to 1909 when Joseph Haspel designed the first seersucker suit at his Broad Street facility in New Orleans. Louisiana is proud to have played an important part in introducing the country to seersucker apparel. prgtoken During the hot summer months, Americans across the country have worn and enjoyed this lightweight cotton fabric, known for its signature pucker. Mr. Haspel said it best, ``hot is hot, no matter what you do for a living.'' In the 1990s, Members of this Chamber established Seersucker Day to honor this unique American fashion. I proudly resumed this tradition in 2014 in the U.S. House of Representatives by designating Wednesday, June 11, as National Seersucker Day. I have continued this tradition in the U.S. Senate and wish to designate Thursday, June 8, as the fourth annual National Seersucker Day. I encourage everyone to wear seersucker on this day to commemorate this iconic American clothing.
HONORING FIRST STATE BANK IN ST. CHARLES FOR ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-5-1

I rise today to honor a business in my district, First State Bank in St. Charles on its 150th Anniversary. This celebration will be held on May 10, 2017. In 1867, First State Bank planted its roots on Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri. First State Bank has been successful for one and a half centuries, because, among other things, customer satisfaction is a top priority and ownership of the bank is shared only between local shareholders and bank employees. Since its humble beginning, First State Bank has been an independent and locally-owned community bank serving St. Charles and St. Louis residents and businesses. First State Bank's fundamental approach to customer service is simple; treat every customer like a person, not just a number. This personalized service shows the dedication this bank has to its customers and the community. First State Bank prides itself as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) business, which allows for the employees to own part of the bank. As a bank that is privately-held, the institution answers only to its employees and local, private stockholders. This means that decisions can be made that are in the best interest of the customers and the local community. The growth of First State Bank has been steady and with that growth it now has 224 employees. In 2016 alone, it hired 48 new employees. First State Bank strives to maintain a philosophy to ignite energy and improve customer service and increase employee retention. This philosophy encourages the employees in four areas when it comes to serving the customers: play, make their day, be there, and to choose their attitudes. The commitment that First State Bank has to the community is commendable. Over 66 local and national non-profit organizations benefit from charitable donations by First State Bank. Employees are encouraged to volunteer and have committed their time and talents to 32 local non-profit boards. Other organizations that appreciate First State Bank's generous employees are Oasis Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, ``Team FSB'' willingly coordinates school supplies, winter coats, food drives, and collects monetary donations for various non-profits throughout the year. I ask you to join me in recognizing First State Bank on their 150th Anniversary. First State Bank is truly a community bank.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-1

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of Calendar Nos. 39 through 51 and all nominations placed on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy; that the nominations be confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.
FOLLOW THE RULES ACT
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-1

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 657, the Follow the Rules Act, introduced by Congressman Sean Duffy of Wisconsin. prgtoken Less than 1 month ago marked the 28th anniversary of the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989. That bill was a landmark accomplishment establishing enforcement mechanisms to protect those who help identify waste, fraud, and abuse in the Federal Government. It also protects those who, in good conscience, refuse orders that could violate the law. prgtoken Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit considered the case of Dr. Timothy Rainey. Dr. Rainey, an employee of the State Department, refused an order to violate the Federal Acquisition Regulation. prgtoken Dr. Rainey's supervisors subsequently took away his responsibilities as a contracting officer representative. He argued it was because of his refusal to obey the order. Thus, the Federal Circuit considered whether Federal managers can retaliate against employees who refuse to obey an order that would violate a government rule or regulation rather than a statute. prgtoken Unfortunately, the Federal Circuit has a record of misinterpreting the law on whistleblowers. That is precisely what happened here. The court held such employees were not protected. Ironically, the court relied on a significant 2015 Supreme Court decision, DHS v. MacLean, which reaffirmed the protections of the Whistleblower Protection Act. prgtoken The Federal Circuit's decision puts Federal employees in an impossible situation. It forces them to choose between following their superior's orders or following the agency's rules or regulations. In many ways, an agency's rules and regulations are the standing orders of the head of the agency. prgtoken My colleague, Representative Duffy, introduced the Follow the Rules Act to fix this problem. H.R. 657 makes clear that employees are protected from retaliation for disobeying orders that would violate an agency rule or regulation. Refusing to obey such orders is exactly the type of action for which Federal employees should be protected from retaliation. prgtoken This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support. It passed the House by voice vote near the end of the last Congress. prgtoken I hope that this legislation will be signed into law this Congress and Federal employees will be protected in trying to do the right thing. I thank Representative Duffy for his leadership on this issue. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-1

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, May 2; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Clayton nomination, with the time until 12:30 p.m. equally divided in the usual form; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during recess, adjournment, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the Clayton nomination.
DISABILITY DISCHARGE OF PARENT PLUS LOANS
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-5-1

today I introduced the PLUS Loan Disability Forgiveness Act, a bill to relieve the burden of student loan debt on parents whose children become permanently disabled. While most student loans are forgiven if a student becomes totally and permanently disabled, parent PLUS loans are not. prgtoken It is simply wrong that a parent struggling with a child's disability is not afforded the same loan forgiveness as other borrowers. My bill would extend disability discharge to parent PLUS loans. It would allow families to focus on healing, not servicing debt. It would help lighten the $1.4 trillion owed by student borrowers and their families. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these parents, who are just trying to help their children succeed.
McGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION PROGRAM
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-5-1

. Madam , I rise today in support of the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, one of America's signature child nutrition and food security programs. prgtoken Established by Congress in the 2002 farm bill, over the past 15 years, it has provided life-saving meals in school settings to over 14 million of the world's most vulnerable children. prgtoken Administered by the Department of Agriculture, this bipartisan- supported program provides U.S. and international organizations with U.S. commodities, grants, and technical assistance to strengthen child nutrition and education. prgtoken It receives a modest $201 million each year. Regrettably, the President's FY 2018 budget would cruelly eliminate the entire program. prgtoken McGovern-Dole is named after two Senators who worked in a bipartisan way during their long tenures in the Senate to end hunger, especially among children in the United States and around the world. They continued their work together after leaving the Senate. They are models for what can be accomplished when Members of Congress actually put petty partisanship aside and make the welfare of children and families become your number one priority. And even though George McGovern is no longer with us, Bob Dole continues to champion this cause. prgtoken On March 20, in a statement to The Washington Post, he said: ``Eliminating the McGovern-Dole program would have a disastrous effect on the planet's most vulnerable children. Without a reliable source of nutrition, these children face a lifetime of stunted physical and mental development and unrealized opportunity. This global school meals program remains one of the proudest achievements of my lifetime. It embodies the very best of America's values. Saving this program means saving lives. It's as simple as that.'' prgtoken Madam , working through partners like the U.N. World Food Programme, Catholic Relief Services, World Vision, Save the Children, Counterpart International, and many more, McGovern-Dole has reduced the incidence of hunger among school-aged children. It has increased school enrollments and attendance. It has increased the support of families and communities for education, especially for girls. It is a proven success. prgtoken Instead of eliminating it, we should be strengthening and expanding it. Now, I have had the privilege of visiting some of these programs around the world. In Colombia, I visited a program in Soacha, on the outskirts of Bogota. On barren hillsides, surrounded by shanties housing thousands of internally displaced families, children were receiving a school breakfast and lunch. Mothers and grandmothers were training as cooks preparing the meals. Clearly visible in the cafeteria were USAID bags of grains, beans, and lentils. prgtoken One mother came up to me and said: ``Please thank the American people when you go back home. I couldn't feed my children. I couldn't send the
HONORING GARY THOMAS
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-1

we rise today in memory of Judge Gary Thomas, who passed away on April 3, 2017, after a lifetime of service to his community. A graduate of the University of San Francisco and the University of San Francisco School of Law, Judge Thomas joined the California Bar in 1962. From 1962 to 1968, Judge Thomas was also a member of the United States Air Force Reserve. A San Rafael resident, Judge Thomas spent his professional life serving Marin County, first as a county prosecutor, then as an assistant district attorney, then as a Judge appointed in 1972 by Governor Ronald Reagan, where he was reelected by the public several times. Mr. Thomas was paralyzed during the 1970 shootout at the Marin County Civic Center when he was prosecuting a case of a San Quentin inmate who was charged with assaulting a prison guard. During the trial, the defendant's brother, along with others, took Judge Thomas, Judge Harold Haley, and prgtoken three female jurors, hostage. During the escape, a gunfight began. With bravery and courage, Judge Thomas was able to grab one of the assailant's guns to protect himself and the other hostages. Judge Thomas was shot near his spine which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Judge Thomas returned to work five weeks later. Related to the injury, he would suffer from kidney problems, pneumonia, and other complications throughout his life; but he continued to serve on the bench until 1999, showing strength and resilience few will ever know the depth of Judge Thomas's service to his local community as well as his commitment to his family and the judiciary has left a positive legacy to many, and he will be dearly missed. It is therefore appropriate that we pay tribute to him today and honor his memory.