mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WE MUST CONTINUE TO ROOT OUT RACISM
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-9-25

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and I thank him for leading this important hour tonight. prgtoken Madam , I rise today with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and with Americans from our great country because it is time to root out racism. prgtoken While racism has, tragically, been a part of the American story--from Jamestown to Jim Crow; to the Little Rock Nine, whose 60th anniversary is today--in 2017, we are seeing it rise in new and disturbing ways. prgtoken Right now, there is a sham, ``Presidential voting commission,'' plotting to turn back the clock on our voting rights. prgtoken Right now, African Americans live in fear that they will be stricken down, unjustly, because of the color of their skin. prgtoken Right now there is an un-American and unconstitutional Muslim ban preventing families from reuniting. prgtoken Right now the Attorney General is undoing consent decrees and pouring billions of tax dollars into the for-profit prison industry. prgtoken Right now there are rabid racists, White nationalists, and White supremacists that this administration won't denounce. prgtoken And right now our President refuses to blame White supremacists for racially motivated killings in Charlottesville. The individuals, who inspired this bigoted violence, he called ``some very fine people.'' prgtoken Just this weekend, we saw President attack athletes for exercising their First Amendment rights; using terms like ``you people'' and ``those people'' in an effort to further divide us. prgtoken Our Commander in Chief is uniting those who hate, while ignoring millions of Americans facing a humanitarian disaster in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Florida, and Houston. prgtoken Madam , if we want to root out racism, we need to start at the top. Let's start with this White House. prgtoken Racism is a cancer. You don't ignore a cancer. You don't let it fester and grow. You cut it out. You purge it. You remove it. That is what we must do with racism: remove it, stop it before it grows further and consumes us. prgtoken America's greatest strength has always been our diversity. It is the source of our economic innovation that made us the world's largest economy. It is our ability to stand shoulder to shoulder and face down any threats that have been made to America, from the Contrabands and the Red Tails to Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez. It is our ability to see ourselves and our families in one another that makes America great. It is our compassion and belief that we all share a higher purpose, as Americans, that propels us to higher heights. prgtoken It is our capacity to come together and break bread, help someone with a flat tire, even give our own lives for those of others. These are the things that make America great, not some idealized, grayscale image of a misremembered past. prgtoken It is all Americans who make America great, and that greatness comes in all colors, all genders, all faiths, all o
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-9-25

the debate over healthcare can be very confusing. Last night, a tweaked third version of this year's third bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act was released. This is after several dozens of votes taken in Congress on this very same issue since 2010. prgtoken There is no question--the debate over healthcare has been exhausting. Our Nation's disability advocates, patients, doctors, and anyone with a preexisting condition have spent this past year on high alert, waiting on a razor's edge for the next time they would need to plead with s in Congress not to take away their healthcare. prgtoken Healthcare is a very complex subject, but rather than engaging in thoughtful, bipartisan debate, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are rushing to pass something--anything--even if they don't know the details. prgtoken What we do know about this bill is that millions of people will lose their healthcare. Why? Because s in Congress are facing a deadline of September 30 to use an arcane, expedited procedure that will let them repeal the Affordable Care Act with a simple majority of the Senate. My colleagues are in such a rush that they don't even want to wait until we get a nonpartisan analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. I believe they don't want to wait because they know the budget analysis will make it very clear that this is a very bad bill. prgtoken Although the healthcare debate is often confusing, exhausting, and complex, I think we should focus on just one very simple concept: No one in this great country of ours should ever go bankrupt because they get sick. prgtoken Let me repeat that. No one should ever go bankrupt because they get sick. prgtoken Every American, no matter what ZIP Code they live in, should be able to have affordable, quality healthcare. prgtoken As I stand here today, we don't know what version of the Affordable Care Act repeal we will be voting on later this week, but some things are virtually certain: Michiganders will be forced to pay more for less healthcare; costs for older Americans will increase dramatically; insurance companies will once again be free to discriminate against individuals with preexisting conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease; and even if policies are available, Michiganders will never be able to afford them. prgtoken This last-ditch effort to meet an artificial deadline is not thoughtful, measured or kind; it is messy, rushed, and cruel. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act is not perfect, and nobody here is saying that it is, but while we are spending this week debating yet another repeal bill, we are wasting time that should be spent on improving our healthcare system for all Americans. We need to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program, which expires at the end of this week. If it is not reauthorized, it could jeopardize care for over 100,000 children in my State alone. We need to als
NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-9-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. prgtoken First, , I would like to read into the Record a letter written by president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva, in support of what we are doing here today. He says: To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, the House of Representatives has introduced a bill to mint an exclusive commemorative coin. The bill is sponsored by Congressman Richard E. Neal and Thomas Rooney. Senators Elizabeth Warren and John McCain support the venture by sponsoring the same legislation in the Senate, S. 2598. I am respectfully requesting your support and cosponsorship of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. This endeavor and legislation is of deep interest to me because of my professional career--primarily the last 16 years--has been fully embedded in promoting basketball through my passion for the game as president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It has been an honor to help the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame provide a home for the greatness of the game's past, its exciting present day and brilliant future that continues to touch all parts of the globe. The game's immortals, through their stories and achievements, are contained here through their legacy as players, coaches, teams, officials, and legendary contributors to the game. More than 6 million visitors have educated themselves through the enjoyment of exploring the rich history. My passion for this sport is not solely rooted in the game itself or its traditions, but, rather, my love for basketball centers on its ability to develop character. One example is the outreach of the Hall of Fame's MVP's of Character program, an initiative that has involved thousands of youth in the cities across the country, like New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Lawrence, Kansas. The program centers on the belief that ``teaching youth about good character-- both on and off the court--helps them understand the impact of it and their lives . . . character traits like honesty, respect, responsibility, integrity and cooperation create a foundation for success.'' Support of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin bill has no taxpayer cost, is your opportunity to help grow the game of basketball and the educational and outreach programs provided by the Basketball Hall of Fame. prgtoken , today I rise in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, a bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-9-25

today I wish to recognize the Connecticut State Medical Society, as they celebrate 225 years of dedicated service to the medical profession and to the improvement of health services for Connecticut residents. prgtoken Founded in 1792, the Connecticut State Medical Society consists of more than 7,000 physicians who provide healthcare across the State. The society enhances the profession of medicine by providing educational courses and innovative learning experiences to physicians, which helps improve the overall quality of healthcare services and safeguards patient health. prgtoken For two and a quarter centuries, the society has set an impressive example for all physicians and served as a leader on countless issues that impact the health of our citizens. Early member physicians founded the Yale School of Medicine, the State's first general hospital--now known as Yale-New Haven Hospital--the world's first tumor registry, and many other medical milestones that have shaped the health of Connecticut and the Nation. prgtoken Most recently, the society has been at the forefront of efforts to combat the current addiction crisis and opioid abuse by working with policymakers to enact State laws tightening opioid prescribing, expanding knowledge and understanding of opioid addiction, and providing greater access to treatment. The society has also worked for many years to educate physicians, patients, and the general public on opioid abuse, as well as mental and behavioral health issues. prgtoken To its credit, the society goes beyond improving the quality of health services for the people of Connecticut. It has strongly advocated for affordable and accessible health insurance coverage while fighting against harmful consolidations of healthcare facilities that would result in less health service availability at a higher cost. The society is helping to address inequities in health services and disparities in health outcomes. Further, the society is a strong advocate for transparency throughout the entire healthcare insurance delivery system, ensuring its health services are easy to understand. prgtoken Steeped in rich history but always forward thinking, the Connecticut State Medical Society is a catalyst for positive change. I applaud the society's accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Connecticut State Medical Society for its 225 years of service.
Antitrust (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-9-25

I rise today to return to the topic of antitrust. When I last spoke on this matter, the debate was already simmering, albeit mostly on the left. In the time since, controversy in both our markets and our politics has kept it at the fore. prgtoken Handled prudently, that can be a good thing. I say we have this discussion. I think it is important. Heavens, I will even try to do my part to make it a little more fun. But I do have my concerns that the topic of antitrust policy is still more enthusiastically invoked than deliberately considered. prgtoken I am concerned that it is still undermined by the same old easy retreats to the right and to the left. That may be typical of issues here in Washington, but on no issue can we afford it less. You see, especially in antitrust policy, it is critical that the center hold. It is critical that we secure that delicate middle ground--hard won over the years and easily lost in a moment of fervor--whereon economic liberty thrives. prgtoken I have come to the floor, once again, to speak and, to the growing discussion, to contribute. prgtoken Permit me to say a few words about holding the center. When I took to this floor last month, I argued that on the fundamental question of economic management, America has courageously defied the historical norm. Rather than acquiescing to the central planning, we fully embraced free enterprise. Thus, ours is a market economy and the most prosperous one of our times. prgtoken Markets are messy. They are chaotic and, from the individual perspective, impossibly complex. Perhaps, most counterintuitively, they are, in a sense, disorganized. prgtoken For all their productivity, for all the wonders they work, there is no single actor or entity in control. The miracle arises all on its own, through an order prgtoken spontaneously coordinated by price and balanced by the efforts of millions. Little surprise then that in America's free enterprise tradition, no less than in its larger political tradition, we deeply distrust concentrated power. We distrust the intervention of the State, to be sure. prgtoken Our system is largely defined by limited government but so, too, do we cast a wary eye upon powerful private entities. We have little tolerance for the monopolist which secures its market position anticompetitively, and we offer no quarter to the naked cartel. In other words, we no sooner trust concentrated private power than concentrated public power to dictate the direction of our economy. prgtoken That, right there, is why we turn to antitrust. That is the middle ground--between intrusive public management and corrosive private conduct, which antitrust is charged with seizing and protecting, for we know our markets will never fulfill their promise unless they remain free and competitive, and we know they will not long remain free or competitive without a sound competition policy holding that center ground. prgtoken Now, as I mentio
PAYING TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL DANIEL FRANCIS KELLY
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-25

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Corporal Daniel Francis Kelly, who, after being listed as missing in action in Korea for 67 years, is finally home. prgtoken Danny was the youngest of nine boys of Irene and John Kelly from Pittsburgh's north side. Seven of his eight brothers served in World War II, one of whom was Medal of Honor recipient Chuck ``Commando'' Kelly. Danny idolized Chuck and wanted to be a war hero just like him. prgtoken With Chuck's help, Danny enlisted in the Army in 1950, at the age of 17. By November of that year, as part of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, he found himself at the Battle of Ch'ongch'on River, where he was captured on November 26. It is believed he died at the POW camp known as ``Death Valley'' in March 1951. prgtoken Corporal Kelly, this week, your country gives you the funeral with military honors you have long deserved. Like your brother Chuck, you are a hero. A grateful nation says ``thank you.'' prgtoken Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-9-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , today I rise in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. prgtoken Basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. prgtoken I have the privilege of representing the Sixth Congressional District of Kentucky, home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. We affectionately know the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team as the greatest tradition in the history of college basketball; the winningest program in college basketball; eight national championships; and, of course, the greatest fans in the history of college basketball. We call them the Big Blue Nation. prgtoken While it may be to the surprise of many that a Kansas Jayhawk and not a Kentucky Wildcat invented the game, there is no doubt that this sport has helped many Americans learn the value of teamwork, sacrifice, and hard work. prgtoken Today, by some estimates, basketball is considered the fastest- growing sport in the world. With current megastars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Candace Parker, and Brittney Griner, we don't have to wonder why we are in the Golden Age of basketball again. prgtoken And while the sport is wildly successful today with rising stars like former Kentucky players John Wall, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Towns, the future is in good hands. prgtoken I could talk all day about the upcoming NCAA basketball season, but instead I want to turn my attention to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. prgtoken Established in 1959, the Basketball Hall of Fame has honored players, coaches, referees, and other basketball icons for their contributions to this great American sport. From Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Charles Barkley, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Patrick Ewing, Oscar Robertson, Pete Maravich, Bill Walton, Yao Ming, Shaq, TMac, A.I the Millers, Swoopes, Coach Summitt, Coach Calipari, Magic Johnson, Dr. J Wilt Chamberlain, Coach Adolph Rupp, Coach John Wooden, to Coach Dean Smith, the Basketball Hall of Fame allows fans, young and old, to reminisce or even discover the rich history of the game they love. prgtoken To the basketball lore of Chamberlain scoring 100 points in a single game, to the athletic heroics of Michael Jordan, to Lisa Leslie's dunk, to the UConn Ladies' streak of 111 wins, to Curry and company revolutionizing the game with a constant barrage of 3-pointers, the Basketball Hall of Fame is helping fans relive the greatest moments in basketball history while teaching important life lessons to youngsters through educational programs. prgtoken To honor 60 years of excellence in 2020 by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, it is with great pleasure that I am on the House floor today encouraging my colleagues to support the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation requires the U.S. Mint to produce commem
REMEMBERING PETE DOMENICI
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-9-25

I would like to take this time today to honor the life of one of our former colleagues and my friend, Pete Domenici of New Mexico. Pete had a long and memorable career and left an important legacy on this institution, of which his family can be proud. prgtoken Pete dedicated the majority of his life to advocating for the betterment of his home State and this Nation he loved so much. He started his career in public service after his election to the Albuquerque City Commission in 1968. He then took up the challenge to serve the people of his home State in Congress and was elected to the Senate in 1972. Pete served the people of New Mexico for 36 years, becoming the longest serving Senator in New Mexico history in the process. prgtoken During his career, Pete was chairman of the Senate Energy Committee and twice the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. His adherence to fiscal responsibility eventually led to the passing of a balanced budget during his chairmanship. prgtoken He accomplished a great deal over the years in the Senate. His heartfelt concern and his dedication to his principles guided his work on every issue that came before him. Through it all, his core values served as his inner compass and kept him in tune with the thinking of the people of New Mexico, who elected him to the Senate six separate times. I was fortunate enough to serve with Pete and, through our 12 shared years in the Senate together, came to admire his commitment to serving our great Nation. prgtoken During my time as ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions--HELP--Committee, I was able to see up close Pete and his wife Nancy's lifelong commitment to mental health. Through his hard work and determination, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 was enacted into law. prgtoken His pragmatism was one of the many qualities Pete displayed everyday while working to improve the lives of all Americans. Pete's ability to form meaningful relationships with every person he met was why he was so trusted by Members on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Among Pete's reasons to not seek a seventh term was his diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Through his fight against his debilitating disease, he was an inspiration to many. He did not let this slow him down. After his retirement from the Senate, Pete continued to work tirelessly for the advancement of the causes he cared so dearly about. prgtoken We now celebrate the life of Pete Domenici. Pete was many things in his life: a college baseball player, a Senator, an author, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and even a great-grandfather. prgtoken Diana joins in sending our heartfelt sympathy to the Domenici family. Pete has been a role model to so many for so many years, including me. He loved life, and he loved sharing it with his family and friends. Those who knew him will always remember his dedica
EXTRAORDINARY MILITARY LEADERSHIP
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-9-25

last week I was grateful to participate in a Congressional Delegation to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Guam, and Hawaii. We visited troops on the front line who are defending American families and promoting peace through strength. In the shadow of North Korea's latest missile launch over Japan, it was re-assuring to meet with leadership of the highest competence and integrity. prgtoken We were inspired by leadership from: prgtoken Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan prgtoken General Vincent Brooks, Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, Seoul, Korea prgtoken Lieutenant General Tom Bergeson, Commander, 7th Air Force, Osan, Korea prgtoken Lieutenant General Tom Vandal, Commanding General, 8th Army, Camp Humphries, Korea prgtoken Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, Guam prgtoken Lieutenant General Bryan Fenton, Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii prgtoken Admiral Scott Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii prgtoken General Terrance O'Shaughnessy, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii prgtoken General Robert Brown, Commander, U.S. Army Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii prgtoken The delegation was professionally coordinated by Captain Scott Farr and Lieutenant Commander Victoria Marum. Many thanks to staff Craig Collier and Brian Garett for accompanying the delegation. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Our prayers with those in Mexico City, Puerto Rico, and all in the path of Hurricane Maria.