mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THANKING VICKIE PLUNKETT FOR TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2017-7-13

I rise today to thank Vickie Plunkett for her over twenty years of service in the United States House of Representatives. As we consider the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization bill in the House Armed Services Committee, for the tenth and final time with Vickie as a Professional Staff Member on the Committee, I would like to take a moment to reflect on her decades of service to this body, and our nation. prgtoken Vickie has served as the lead staffer for the Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees the largest account in the Department of Defense, Operations and Maintenance, to include military operations, readiness, and training issues, funding, and programs. In this capacity, she has fought to ensure that our men and women in uniform are trained, ready, and equipped to carry out missions we ask of them, while ensuring that we are acting as responsible stewards of the taxpayer dollar. As the Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, I have deeply valued Vickie's counsel and advice, as well as her candid perspectives. prgtoken Vickie joined the House Armed Services Committee in 2007 after more than a decade of working on defense issues in Congress. From 1989 to 2002, she served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Military Legislative Assistant to my friend and the former Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, Solomon Ortiz, as well as former Congressman Glen Browder, another member of the Subcommittee. Prior to relocating to Washington D.C Vickie honed her critical thinking and journalistic skills as a publisher, editor, reporter, and photographer for daily and weekly newspapers in Alabama and Georgia. Her editorial expertise and deliberative approach served her and the Committee well not only as we crafted the annual defense authorization bill, but also through countless hearings, markups, and meetings. Her efforts have been instrumental to enacting good public policies for our military and our servicemembers and their families are better equipped, trained, and resourced because of them. prgtoken , Vickie's departure from the House Armed Services Committee will leave us without the decades of experience and wisdom that she brought to each and every challenge we encountered. I am proud of the work she did, as well as the intelligent, thoughtful manner in which she approached it. On a personal level, Vickie has been a tremendous friend of Guam and the men and women who serve on our island. So on behalf of my constituents and the people of Guam, I extend her my sincere un dangkulo na si Yu'os ma'ase (deepest gratitude). I wish her, her husband David, and their families well as they enter the next chapter in their lives.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Denny Heck (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-7-13

I rise to make a correction in the Congressional Record. Earlier today, this body took a vote series with twelve votes in a row, ten of which were amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 2810. prgtoken During that vote series, we considered Amendment Number Six, offered by my friend and colleague, Mr. Nadler of New York. That amendment would have struck Section 1022 of the bill, which prohibits the use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay. prgtoken For too many of our friends and allies around the world, the Guantanamo Bay facility has become a symbol of human rights abuses, and our enemies use it to rally opposition to the United States. I have consistently voted to close Guantanamo Bay. prgtoken Unfortunately, my recorded vote was opposed to this Amendment. I would like to correct the record of my vote in favor of Amendment Six and opposed to detaining individuals at Guantanamo Bay.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Robert Pittenger (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-7-14

I would like to also thank Chairman Thornberry and Chairman Sessions for making my amendment in order and allowing floor consideration. prgtoken , my amendment is simple. It prohibits telecommunications companies that provide material support for North Korea cyber attacks from contracting with our Defense Department. prgtoken While my amendment is simple in nature, it strikes at the heart of what I believe to be the cornerstone of North Korea policy. prgtoken For far too long, China has enabled the North Korean Government to pursue nuclear development, global provocation, and egregious human rights violations. The Chinese Government is simply not a good faith partner on the issue of North Korea. prgtoken For example, there have been multiple public reports indicating that China's largest government-affiliated telecommunications firm, Huawei, has been subpoenaed by the Commerce Department as part of an ongoing investigation into whether it broke our export control laws by conducting business with North Korea. prgtoken Additionally, earlier this year, a similar Chinese Government- affiliated firm, ZTE, was hit with a record-breaking billion-dollar fine in connection with comparable North Korea-related export violations. prgtoken , my amendment is one of many steps that our Congress needs to take to demonstrate to China we will no longer tolerate its alliance and partnership with North Korea. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.
HONORING THE 185TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAXONBURG
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to recognize the Borough of Saxonburg in honor of their 185th Anniversary. Located in Butler County Pennsylvania and home to approximately 1,500 residents, Saxonburg is a quaint town with a significant history. Named for the German state of Saxony, Saxonburg was founded in 1832 by immigrant John Roebling, an admirable architect and engineer. Roebling, whose presence can still be seen and felt today, is responsible for designing the town of Saxonburg and creating an agricultural community that offered immigrants a new life in America. Roebling revolutionized the art of bridge building when he invented the wire rope from his workshop in Saxonburg, which now serves as a museum and historical landmark for tourists. On July 16, 1842, Roebling was granted a patent for his wire rope invention, marking this year as the 175th Anniversary of Roebling's impact on bridge construction and worldwide transportation in general. Although Saxonburg has seen many improvements and updates, there has also been a collective effort to maintain its original and unique character. There are countless historic landmarks and structures that have been preserved and maintained, telling the story of days gone by. Saxonburg captured the designation of a historic district on the national level in 2004 and on the state level in 2008, which is a testament to the overall importance of this specific area. If you have the privilege to visit Saxonburg, you will gain a solid understanding of its iconic legacy and unique roots. Present day citizens of Saxonburg are justifiably proud of their past, especially as they reach these type of momentous milestones. Therefore, as the people of Saxonburg celebrate the anniversary of their founding, I congratulate them on the past 185 years of experiences and accomplishments and wish them continued happiness and success moving forward.
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN ED GREEN
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-14

it is an honor to recognize my good friend Ed Green for his many years of service to this country, beginning with his time in the U.S. military and continuing thereafter with his many philanthropic endeavors. prgtoken During World War II, Ed proudly served as a member of the Navy, operating in a largely clandestine capacity. He lived and worked aboard armed Merchant Marine vessels, consistently risking his life to ensure the safety of those at home. prgtoken Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ed continued his selfless dedication to helping others. He became an active member of the Freeland American Legion Post 473, a group committed to mentoring youth and promoting patriotism, honor, and devotion to service members and veterans within its community. Ed was also involved with the longstanding Veterans of Foreign Wars 5010. He served as Commander of the Military Order of the Cooties Pup Tent 38 in order to help bring smiles to the faces of fellow veterans and residents of the VFW National Home for Children. prgtoken Ed's service to his community extended to various local philanthropic projects. For 60 years, he placed flags on the headstones of veterans at Vine Street Cemetery, and when the Standard newspaper ceased printing flags next to the obituaries of veterans, Ed was responsible for having the newspaper reinstate the practice. Additionally, he spent more than 50 years fighting for disability ratings from the Veterans Administration for hearing loss. He took the lead in organizing countless events during the past many decades, including Flag Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day celebrations that took place at locations such as the Laurel Mall and Calvary Cemetery. There is no doubt as to the profound impact Ed has had on the lives of those around him. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing Ed for all he has sacrificed to serve our country and for all he has contributed to the Hazelton community.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-7-14

I thank Chairman Thornberry for his leadership on this matter. prgtoken The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed in the ashes of World War II, bringing decades of considerable peace and prosperity. Still, there are powers today that wish to challenge the order from which millions throughout the world have benefited. prgtoken My amendment to the NDAA, amendment No. 98, is a straightforward and simple amendment. It would call on all NATO allies to fulfill their mutual defense commitments, secure national and regional security interests, and recognize our NATO allies who are achieving those objectives. prgtoken The underlying bill takes steps to strengthen our national defense on many fronts. It improves our overseas contingency operations, provides significant resources to rebuild our military, and increases funding for initiatives to deter Russian aggression. prgtoken My amendment builds upon those principles. As we begin to rebuild our military capability, it is time for our allies to do the same, especially when it pertains to our NATO alliance. prgtoken For far too long, the United States has shared an unequal financial burden in contributing to the global and regional security that NATO provides. With new challenges from an increasing belligerent Russian state, instability across the Middle East and North Africa, and emerging cybersecurity threats, it is time for all allies to honor their commitment and invest in defense spending. prgtoken In order for NATO to be completely effective, all NATO members must meet their GDP commitment for defense spending and investment. This is out of fairness--for our effort to evenly share this responsibility and fairness to American taxpayers. prgtoken My amendment calls on the President to demand that our NATO allies honor their mutual defense commitment they agreed to by committing 2 percent of their gross domestic product to defense spending and research and to secure their national and regional security interests. Only 5 of 29 member nations currently honor these commitments. While 24 NATO members fail to meet their NATO commitment, my amendment also recognizes the few NATO allies who actually achieve those objectives. prgtoken Full commitment from our NATO allies will make a notable difference in our effort to achieve peace around the globe. We must share equally the necessary burden of peace through strength.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-7-14

I thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for his extraordinary leadership and for the opportunity to speak on amendment No. 76. prgtoken In the past few years, we have seen a clear rise in how terrorist and extremist groups use propaganda and sophisticated messaging operations to increase their reach to recruit new members, execute attacks, and raise funds. prgtoken These violent extremist organizations represent a new type of threat to the United States and our families, and we must identify how existing agencies should work together to address the threat. prgtoken This amendment requires the President to submit a comprehensive interagency strategy for countering violent extremist groups that pose a threat to American families or their interests. Any plan would identify how to counter the violent messaging, combat terrorist financing, support existing law enforcement activities, support counterradicalization organizations, and offer military support. prgtoken Additionally, the amendment provides for accountability by requiring an annual assessment of the progress made implementing and achieving the strategy. The time is now to bring a whole-government approach to combat violent extremism. This strategy will serve a vital role in this effort. prgtoken , I urge the passage of this amendment and the en bloc package.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman from Maine for working with the committee to improve the provision, while maintaining progress towards strengthening our fleet in the critical ballistic missile defense mission and capability. Your amendment helps us do just that, while ensuring that we maintain the health and critical skill workforces at our two proven vital destroyer shipbuilders, including Bath Iron Works in Maine.
BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, WELCOMES THE VIETNAM TRAVELING MEMORIAL WALL
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-14

this weekend, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, welcomes the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Penndel Memorial Field. prgtoken Fifty years ago, many brave women and men from Bucks and Montgomery Counties were among the tens of thousands who would give their lives in the Vietnam war. The traveling wall is a large-scale replica of the memorial here in Washington, D.C. It moves around the Nation, providing remembrance and healing to local communities like Bucks County, where 136 soldiers were killed or MIA during the Vietnam war. prgtoken I am proud of the Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade Committee, Ed Preston; Mike Fitzpatrick; Rich Rush; Vince and Lori Muscato; Mike Sodano; Tom Preston; Ray Mongillo; Walt Davidson; Vicki McLaughlin; Paul Shanahan; Paul and Alexandria Schnider; Dale Walton, Jr.; Carol Beauchamp; Greg Woodrow; and all the volunteers and veterans for their relentless effort to bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Bucks County. prgtoken As we honor those who died in service of our Nation, we, too, thank all of those who have served, and we pause to thank and think of those who are defending our country today.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise in support of the amendments offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. DeSantis) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger). prgtoken As we all know, North Korea has targeted the United States with cyber attacks, and they are well on their way to being able to strike the United States with conventional and nuclear weapons. These two amendments would prohibit the Department of Defense from contracting with telecom companies found to be complicit with North Korean cyber attacks or Chinese companies found to be providing support for the North Korean regime. There is no reason that we should be contracting with countries that are enemies of the United States. prgtoken I also support the amendment offered by my friend from Michigan (Mr. Bishop). Without a doubt, NATO is the greatest military alliance in the world, but that alliance works most effectively when the members of those various countries are pulling their weight and fulfilling their commitments in regard to their own defense budgets. This amendment calls on the President to encourage NATO allies to fulfill their commitments and to recognize those who are currently doing so. prgtoken I wholeheartedly agree with these amendments, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR LUKE KENLEY
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most influential legislators in the history of the Indiana General Assembly, Luke Kenley, who has recently announced his decision to retire after 25 years of service representing District 20 in the Indiana State Senate. prgtoken Senator Kenley was an invaluable resource and mentor during my 6 years of service in the State Senate, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from him. prgtoken Senator Kenley has established himself as a champion of physical responsibility and limited government. His accomplishments are too numerous to fully list here, but since 2009, he has led prgtoken the Senate Appropriations Committee, during which time Indiana passed five balanced budgets, cut taxes, invested in priorities, and built a substantial rainy day fund. And Senator Kenley has been the architect of our State's remarkable fiscal turnaround, and his impact on Hoosiers will be felt for generations to come. prgtoken With a national debt approaching $20 trillion, I think it is fair to say we could use a lot more of Luke Kenley's style of leadership here in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken I wish him well as he prepares to step down on September 30, and I thank him for his remarkable service.
DOUBLE STANDARDS
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-14

I appreciate the fact that the gentleman from California and I have met with the then-leader of Iraq. Neither the gentleman from California nor I cared for the man. He was the Prime Minister of Iraq. He did a great deal of damage to Iraq. He, along with President , dramatically weakened Iraq. prgtoken I know my friend recalls our conversation with Prime Minister Maliki. We were asking for answers to questions that we considered very serious. prgtoken For example, I was asking about his commitment to protect the refugees from Iran that he had pledged to protect. My friend from California was asking about the Iraqi pledge to help pay us back for some of our costs in making Iraq free. prgtoken Those two issues so infuriated Prime Minister Maliki that we got word later when we were on the C-130 that we were being banned from Iraq by the Prime Minister. prgtoken But to hear our friends across the aisle talk, every time one of them and every time one of us on this side of the aisle have asked even people we consider to be despicable and have done terrible things and we wanted answers, we were committing a crime in demanding those answers. prgtoken I also know my friend from California got similar treatment from a man we believed was corrupt as the leader of Afghanistan at the time. prgtoken I don't find any crime or any harm in asking questions and getting answers, even from people for whom we have no respect. So I think it is a good thing. If anybody has got information, even if you don't care for them, try to get the answers to those questions.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-7-14

from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) for yielding. I appreciate the opportunity to work with him on this issue. prgtoken During my time in Congress, I have been privileged to meet with many of our Nation's veterans. The men and women in our Armed Forces are true heroes and truly the best our Nation has to offer. Yet far too often, they do not get the recognition and credit they deserve. This is especially true when it comes to our Nation's atomic veterans. prgtoken From 1945 to 1962, nearly a quarter of a million of our servicemembers played a role in the testing of nuclear weapons, earning them the title, ``atomic veterans.'' prgtoken Since 1990, our Federal Government has taken different approaches to try and recognize and thank our atomic veterans, but we have never given official recognition through an award or medal. Today, that will change with the support of the men and women in this Chamber. prgtoken With the McGovern-Emmer amendment, we have an opportunity to finally acknowledge the incredible sacrifice these courageous individuals made more than half a century ago. Our amendment will require the Department of Defense to issue a service medal to the veterans or surviving families of those members of our Armed Forces who participated in aboveground nuclear weapons testing, were part of the U.S. military occupation forces in or around Hiroshima and Nagasaki before 1946, or were held as POWs in or near Hiroshima or Nagasaki. prgtoken This amendment has been included in the House NDAA bill for the past 2 years and is supported by the National Association of Atomic Veterans. These veterans left their homes, left their families, and put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms and liberties we enjoy each and every day. prgtoken I am honored to work with Mr. McGovern and our colleagues here in the House to ensure these brave soldiers get the recognition they deserve. prgtoken Again, I want to thank Congressman McGovern for his efforts on this issue as well as to thank Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, and the entire staff of the House Armed Services Committee for their work on the underlying bill, and I urge adoption of this amendment.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-14

because of a funeral of a family member, I was not present on Friday, July 14, for votes during National Defense Authorization Act of 2017. Had I been here I would have voted in the following manner. prgtoken Rollcall Vote 372--``Yea'' prgtoken Rollcall Vote 373--``Yea'' prgtoken Rollcall Vote 374--``Yea'' prgtoken Rollcall Vote 375--``Yea'' prgtoken Rollcall Vote 376--``Yea'' prgtoken Rollcall Vote 377--MTR--``Nay'' prgtoken Rollcall Vote 378--Final Passage--``Yea'' prgtoken Announcement by Committee on Rules Regarding Amendment Process on H.R. 218, H.R. 2910, and H.R. 2883
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Duncan Hunter (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, the balance of my time. prgtoken This amendment limits the ability of foreign crewmembers working on foreign ships in foreign waters to sue in U.S. courts when a remedy is available in their home country or the country of the ship on which they serve. That is it. prgtoken They can still sue. Trial lawyers around the world can rejoice because these crewmembers can come back to their home countries and they can sue and sue and sue. They just can't do it in the U.S. if it didn't happen in U.S. waters. It is that simple. prgtoken Again, a foreign mariner operating on a foreign ship in foreign or international waters should avail themselves of the courts in their home country or the vessel's home country before using U.S. courts. That is it. prgtoken , .