mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GUN VIOLENCE REFORM
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-14

I rise in support of the courageous students in Sacramento, California, and across America who are saying enough with this country's epidemic of gun violence. prgtoken Last week, I held a gun violence prevention student townhall in my district, and we were fortunate enough to be joined remotely by Skype by two students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida: Adam Alhanti and John Barnitt. They inspired us all with their dedication to a future without a fear of gun violence. prgtoken The students that filled the auditorium of Kennedy High School in Sacramento to listen to Adam and John were fully informed, passionate, and focused on the future. They wanted to know how we can enforce stronger background checks, ban assault weapons, change a culture of guns in this country, and how they can amplify their voices. prgtoken After hearing their thoughts and questions, I know one thing for sure: these amazing young people are not going to back down from achieving progress on this issue. I believe it would be incumbent upon all of us to listen to their voices. They are the voices of the future. prgtoken As Adam from Parkland said during our townhall, this issue of gun violence affects all of us. No one wants to live in fear about going to school, work, the movies, church, a concert, or just walking on the street; so no one can afford to sit on the sidelines and do nothing to reform gun laws in this country. We owe it to these students, to our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations to come together and take action on commonsense legislation. prgtoken Many of the things we want to see reformed are largely supported by the American people. In fact, one high school student in Sacramento pointed out to me that policies like universal background checks have widespread support from the public. It is true. Polls indicate that over 90 percent of the American people support stronger background checks. prgtoken Under current Federal law, people who purchase firearms at a gun show, through classified ads, or on the internet bypass a background check. There is no excuse not to act to close those dangerous loopholes. prgtoken It is our job to represent and act on the will of the citizens of this country. We can by voting on solutions like the bipartisan Thompson-King legislation that would expand and strengthen the current background check system. Yet another week in Congress and here we find ourselves without a vote on real gun violence reform legislation. prgtoken At one point during my townhall last Friday, Adam from Parkland said: ``We prgtoken are heard. There is no more, `Can we be heard?' It is now. People hear us. They ask, `What's next?''' prgtoken These young people are rightfully going to keep up their demands until we make significant reforms that make a lasting impact. I ask my colleagues to not only listen to these students, but to also take meaningful action to address
PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-3-14

I rise today to recognize Public Schools Week. prgtoken A quality public education is among the most important gifts we can provide to our children. prgtoken As a product of a terrific public school, where my son also attended and graduated from 30 years later, I understand the challenges our local schools, administrators, and teachers are facing in public schools. prgtoken Ninety percent of American children attend public school, making the local school district in most communities the largest and most significant employer. prgtoken I had and will continue to be a strong advocate for public schools throughout our communities and throughout our Nation. prgtoken Throughout my time in office, I have called for responsible increases in education and resources to our public schools, that are increasingly having to take on unfunded mandates and face many of the societal challenges that are now brought into the school districts. prgtoken As a former member of the New York State Assembly Education Committee, I fought against a very unfair school aid formula that indirectly and unfairly impacted our upstate public schools. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the public schools and thanking those teachers, administrators, and custodians who provide guidance and provide leadership and a lifetime of memories to our students. prgtoken Communities are stronger and schools are better when we work together to support public education.
SWIMMING PRO AND SPECIAL OLYMPIAN, MEG NORMAN
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-14

every individual finds their refuge and sanctuary in different places. Meg Norman finds hers in the swimming pool. Rightfully so, as Meg is a fierce swimming competitor and an even fiercer lover of life. prgtoken At the age of two, Meg appeared on the autism spectrum. Her mom, Joan, said being doted on by her older siblings helped boost her confidence. And boost her confidence it did. Meg has no hesitation jumping into a pool to compete in races. Her competitors don't even stand a chance when she pushes off that pool wall. Her recipe for success? Practicing hard, having a lot of fun and always smiling. Meg is determined to succeed every time she jumps into the pool and that's aided by focusing on winning and keeping a positive attitude. prgtoken Meg is a competitor in the Special Olympics and as you can imagine, has been very successful. The Special Olympics has given her an outlet to compete in a sport she loves and she has thrived during every moment. Meg's competitive spirit has driven her motivation to succeed and also helped her to win several titles and medals throughout her life. prgtoken When you can't find Meg at the pool swimming laps, you can find her working in the Special Olympics office. At the office, she devotes her time to helping staff with various projects, which comes as a huge help. prgtoken Meg's ``can-do'' attitude and joyful spirit is one to be admired. Her success in and out of the pool can be attributed to hard work and her own sense of determination. Nothing can get Meg down. That is why the pool is her sanctuary. prgtoken I am honored to say Meg is a Special Olympian from Houston, Texas. As Texans and Houstonians, we pride ourselves in our hard work and determination to do something great with our lives. Meg has certainly lived up to both of those qualities, and I'm proud to be able to spread her story today. Just keep swimming, Meg. prgtoken And that's just the way it is.
IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT MARK J. BASERMAN
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-3-14

today I rise in remembrance of a remarkable community servant, a faithful friend and husband, and a brave veteran: Sergeant Mark J. Baserman. prgtoken A corrections officer who devoted many years of service at the State Correctional Institute in Somerset, Pennsylvania, Mark tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 26, 2018. Known throughout Johnstown and by colleagues as a man of integrity, bravery, and strength, thousands attended his remembrance service to pay their respects to Mark and his family. prgtoken A 1975 graduate of Greater Johnstown Vo-Tech High School, as a young man, Mark volunteered many years with the Oakland Volunteer Fire Company and he served in the Army. Before becoming a corrections officer, Mark worked more than 20 years as a first responder with East Hills Ambulance Service. prgtoken Mark's life history of public service is evident. Putting others first, including his wife, Rebecca, and mother, Lucille--both who have physical disabilities--is a powerful testimony and a shining example. prgtoken , as we grieve the loss of this honorable man, I offer my deepest condolences to Mark's family, friends, and the Johnstown community.
NIFLA V. BECERRA
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-3-14

I, too, rise in support of pro-life pregnancy centers, not only in the Fourth District of Arkansas but all across our country. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman from Maryland, Dr and my colleague Mr. LaMalfa from California for hosting this important time so that we can come together and talk about the great work that these crisis pregnancy centers do. prgtoken In my hometown of Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1988, a crisis pregnancy center was formed to assist young parents and to protect innocent lives. In the last 30 years, Change Point Pregnancy Center has saved the lives of 2,821 babies by offering and advocating for alternatives to abortion. This center is comprised of compassionate volunteers and staff who invest significant time and energy in our posterity, making a positive difference for our future. prgtoken , I know firsthand the quality of these volunteers because my own mother was one of them in the early years of the crisis pregnancy center, when it was just getting off the ground. prgtoken In addition to free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, Change Point offers diapers, wipes, and formula through their Earn While You Learn program, which offers supplies to families who attend parenting classes at the center. Families and churches like mine have been vital in supporting Change Point Pregnancy Center, not only by volunteering but also by donating supplies and baby bottles full of change to help fund the center. prgtoken Change Point has taught more than 10,000 classes for both mothers and fathers. As Mr. mentioned, these centers are not only for mothers, but they also help fathers and they help parents and families. They give families the tools to succeed rather than the stigma that burdens them. prgtoken , I am proud to support Change Point in their continued mission to provide care and support to families in the Fourth District of Arkansas, and I applaud these centers not only from my home State but all across the country for the great work that they are doing.
HONORING ATHLETIC TRAINERS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-3-14

March is National Athletic Training Month, and I rise today to honor these healthcare professionals who provide care for athletes and patients, soldiers, workers, and performers. prgtoken Athletic trainers are committed to providing compassionate care for all in work, life, and sport. Anyone who has been sidelined with an injury can tell you how important their athletic trainer has been in helping them make a full recovery. prgtoken Athletic trainers provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. They are instrumental in relieving widespread and future workforce shortages in primary care support and outpatient rehab professions, and they provide an unparalleled range of care for the patients. They also improve functional outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury or reinjury. prgtoken As a former athlete, therapist, and rehabilitation services manager, I know just how valuable our athletic trainers are, and I thank them for the work they do to care for so many patients in various industries.
STUDENT, TEACHERS, AND OFFICERS PREVENTING SCHOOL VIOLENCE ACT OF 2018
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-3-14

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4909, the STOP School Violence Act, which includes my bipartisan legislation to increase access to emergency panic buttons in the classroom. prgtoken I want to thank Mr. Rutherford for his bill before us today, and my friend from Illinois (Mr. Schneider) for partnering with me on the school safety language we had included in this bill. prgtoken As a father and a grandfather, I know firsthand how important it is that our Nation's children have a safe environment to grow and learn. As a former first responder, I know that response time is vitally important during any emergency situation. This bill makes it much easier for schools to increase their security and provide lifesaving technology to contact first responders immediately when violence or any other emergency occurs. prgtoken We already have panic buttons to protect our investments at our banks. Well, there is no greater investment in the country than our children. We should be doing the best to protect them, too, and this legislation is a step in the right direction. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-3-14

today I want to make a few remarks on S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. prgtoken Section 213 of S. 2155, making online banking initiation legal and easy--the intent of this provision, which I introduced as an amendment during Committee consideration of S. 2155, is to facilitate the ability of financial institutions to reach new and potentially underserved consumers by making it possible to offer products and services to consumers through online and mobile applications. I would like to clarify that, with respect to references in this provision to ``copies,'' ``scans,'' or other reproductions of a consumer's government-issued identification, this is, intended to apply to all methods of obtaining information from an identification card, including color and black-and-white copies. prgtoken Section 215 of S. 2155, reducing identity fraud--with respect to section 215 of the bill, ``reducing identity fraud,'' the intent is to provide options for permitted entities to crosscheck consumer information with the Social Security Administration, SSA, in such a way that is efficient for those entities, as well as the SSA. In particular, the intent of this provision is to allow a service provider or other permitted entity to contact the SSA's Consent Based Social Security Number Verification database pursuant to appropriate consent provided to a permitted entity--such as a creditor--and to then provide the ``yes/no'' response from SSA to permitted entities who request such information in the future. In this way, creditors can receive the important validation of a name, date of birth, and Social Security number as part of the consumer report they receive when underwriting a credit application. This would result in fewer inquiries made to and received by the SSA. Furthermore, as mentioned, this provision would require consumer consent as part of the normal credit application process, similar to how creditors request consumer consent to obtain consumer credit reports in connection with an application. Under section 215, consumer consent can now be given via electronic signature obtained by the creditor or other permitted entities. Nothing in this provision would require consumers to fill out extra forms, provide extra signatures, or do anything that would significantly alter their expectations for a seamless application experience. The goal is to inform consumers of the possible inquiry to the SSA and allow them to provide consent via the chosen method by the creditor, which now includes electronic signature. prgtoken The second point I would like to clarify regarding section 215 is the importance of ensuring the SSA will implement this section with all deliberate speed, with no unreasonable delay to the process. As the author of this provision, it is my expectation that the SSA will have the database described in this section operational within 1 year of the bill
TAKING ACCOUNT OF INSTITUTIONS WITH LOW OPERATION RISK ACT OF 2017
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-14

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I want to thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton) for his leadership. Again, whether it be through failure, whether it be through merger or acquisition, we still, on average, are losing a community bank or credit union a day in America. And when we listen to them, , what we know is it is the regulatory burden. prgtoken I know that the ranking member speaks frequently of the Wall Street megabanks. They have done quite fine under Dodd-Frank. The ranking member likes to allude to their profitability. Listen, I hope every business in America can find some way to be profitable, but that is not the question. prgtoken The real question is the profitability of our constituents, half of whom are living paycheck to paycheck. And it is those constituents who we care about when we lose an opportunity for them to capitalize their American Dream. prgtoken When I hear from Colton in Terrell, Texas, in the Fifth District that I proudly represent, who says: You know what? Me and my wife have been unable to get a mortgage due to credit. We are 25 to 30 years old. We have good credit, but we are getting denied. prgtoken That is everything to do with the regulatory burden, . prgtoken I heard from Sara in Eustace in my district. She writes: I would like to refinance with a cashout option to fix some storm damage to my property and home, but I found out that it is not an option for me because the government doesn't believe I should be able to do this. prgtoken I heard from Alan, in Kaufman, Texas, who said: However, as a small-business owner, I offer owner financing for real estate to people with little or no credit, but the overregulation of Dodd-Frank has caused my cost of business to rise. I am forced to pass that cost on to the consumer. Regulations cost the consumer, not the business. prgtoken So the ranking member wants to know who is for this bill. Well, I can prgtoken tell you what, Colton is for this bill, Sara is for this bill, Al is for this bill, and, oh, by the way, so is the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Heck), ic member of our committee; so is the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), ic member of our committee; so is the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez), member of our committee; so is the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott), ic member of our committee. prgtoken Again, there is lots of great bipartisan work that goes on at the House Financial Services Committee. Regrettably, very little of it takes place with the participation of the ranking member. prgtoken Again, this is a very simple bill. It just says tailor the regulation. Tailor the regulation to the size and complexity. prgtoken , I don't believe in too-big-to-fail banks. I don't believe any financial institution is too big to fail in America. I am not going to vote to bail them out with taxpay
HONORING CONGRESSWOMAN MARCY KAPTUR, THE LONGEST SERVING WOMAN IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-3-14

I thank the gentlewoman from California for yielding. prgtoken First of all, I am glad that the gentlewoman isn't talking about Wall Street this evening. The gentlewoman always wants to talk about Wall Street, and I am glad we are talking about Marcy Kaptur this evening because she is really special. prgtoken This, of course, is in recognition of a fellow Ohioan, Marcy Kaptur, who will become the longest serving woman in the history of the United States House of Representatives. That is quite an accomplishment. She will be breaking the record currently held by Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, a from Massachusetts, who served from 1925 to 1960. prgtoken I think I speak for most Ohioans, regardless of party, when I say we are proud that Marcy has brought this prestigious milestone back home to Ohio. prgtoken Marcy has been a stalwart supporter of her constituents, fighting for jobs and fair trade agreements. That is why her constituents continue to elect her to represent them in this body every 2 years, even though we have been trying every 2 years to knock her off. We just haven't been able to do it, she is that good. prgtoken Like me, Marcy grew up in a working class family. She was the first member of her family to attend college, earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Michigan. Graduating from these two universities, one of which is not even recognized in some parts of Ohio, had to be a tremendous hurdle to overcome when first running to represent Ohioans. Yet Marcy continues to earn the trust of her constituents, and that says a lot about who Marcy Kaptur is as a person. prgtoken As the son of a World War II veteran myself, I would submit that perhaps Marcy's most enduring accomplishment was her 17-year battle to get a World War II Memorial built on The National Mall. prgtoken I just wish that it had been completed in time for my father to have seen that. I know he would have been really excited about it. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1998, before that wonderful memorial was completed, but I know he is looking down and sees it. I really appreciate all the other World War II veterans that do get to see it. prgtoken Through a number of setbacks, Marcy Kaptur never wavered in her support for that memorial. Every time I meet with a group of World War II veterans who have flown in on an honor flight--which was another Ohio creation, I might add--to visit the memorial, I am reminded of Marcy's dedication and determination to make that happen. We truly owe her a great deal of credit for the beautiful tribute to the Greatest Generation that the World War II Memorial has become. As dean of the Ohio delegation, I would like to express how proud the Members in this Chamber are for this historic accomplishment. prgtoken Even though we do not agree on everything--or, I guess, even very much sometimes--and have been known to have a few disagreements here and
TAKING ACCOUNT OF INSTITUTIONS WITH LOW OPERATION RISK ACT OF 2017
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-3-14

I thank the chairman for his hard work and leadership on our committee. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Tipton, for being such a champion for this initiative and others to bring about a more responsible, effective regulatory regime. For years, Members on both sides of the aisle have advocated for a more tailored, commonsense approach to Federal banking regulation. We have all said, time and time again, that rules designed for large institutions shouldn't apply to community banks and smaller credit unions. prgtoken We pressed the Federal financial regulators to take into consideration the risk profile and business models of institutions. In their appearances before the Financial Services Committee and in response to congressional letters and calls, the regulators tell us they are tailoring regulations and supervisory requirements based on individual institutions. They tell us what we want to hear, that one size fits all; but, , these institutions have yet to see this relief that they really need. prgtoken We lose a community bank or a credit union every day in this country. Today we have an opportunity to work together in an effort to change that, to make sure that our constituents continue to have access to the services they need and to achieve financial independence. We are doing a disservice to our communities and the people we represent if we continue to allow rules intended for the largest firms to be forced upon our small financial institutions. prgtoken , I have got a couple of 6-year-old grandsons. When they come over to the house and they want to play basketball, they can't hit a 10-foot goal, so we need to lower the goal in order for them to be able to play. Otherwise, they are going to quit; they get tired, frustrated; and they go away. prgtoken This is what is happening with our smaller institutions. They are saddled with rules and regulations that are for the larger institutions, yet they have to play that same game and experience the same costs. As a result, they are going out of business at the rate of one a day. prgtoken This bipartisan bill is straightforward and one that every Member of this body should be able to support. Mr. Tipton's legislation simply requires the Federal financial regulators to actually consider the risk profile and business model of a financial institution and to tailor regulatory actions accordingly. prgtoken , I again want to thank the gentleman from Colorado for his outstanding work on this legislation and ask my colleagues for the support of the TAILOR Act.