mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GOVERNMENT INACTION IS FAILING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
John K. Delaney (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-9-7

this week we have seen firsthand another example of how government inaction is failing the American people. prgtoken With preexisting conditions at risk, hospitals are being forced to take on drug companies alone without any action from their Congress, and we continue to have a staggering mental health crisis in this country. prgtoken The Kaiser Family Foundation found that 75 percent of the American people want preexisting conditions to be protected, conditions like asthma, mental health, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's, MS, Crohn's, colitis, surgery, and pregnancy--yes, pregnancy. prgtoken Are we really going to allow women to be charged more for their healthcare because they want to be mothers? prgtoken With out-of-control drug prices, 90 percent of the American people agree that we should be allowing the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to lower those prices and stop the wealth transfer from the taxpayers of the U.S. to the shareholders of these companies. But that is not taking place. prgtoken I, for one, am tired of Congress' inaction. This week, I introduced a letter, a bipartisan letter, to ask for additional funding to expand programs for mental health education, treatment, and suicide prevention. prgtoken , 87 percent of the American people believe more mental health support should be provided to our youth, and the funding requested in this letter will do just that. prgtoken s on both sides of the aisle for joining me in their work and strongly encourage the rest of the Congress to start acting on these important issues.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SENATOR JOHN McCAIN
Kyrsten Sinema (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-9-7

thank you to Mr. Hill for organizing this tribute. prgtoken Last week, Arizonans said goodbye to our senator, our patriot, and our hero, John McCain. Thousands of us took. I time off work, school, and or daily lives to pay our respects. prgtoken We honored Senator McCain because he was first and foremost an American patriot. He represented the very best about our country. He was loyal above all else to our core values as Americans. Before he left us, he wrote us a parting letter. One part of that letter spoke to me, and should be a daily reminder for us all: ``[W]e have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country, we'll get through these challenging times . . . believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.'' prgtoken John lived those values in the halls of the U.S. Senate, at home in Arizona, and around the world as a beacon of light and hope. prgtoken The memory of John McCain will never fade, but it's up to us to carry on his legacy. We must strive to find common ground and stand taller than the divisive and toxic politics of the moment. Some days, some will fall short of the expectations we set for ourselves, but we must wake up each day determined to do better and do right by the American people. No matter our party, we should all aspire to live up to his measure and always try to do what's best for our country.
UPDATE THE EQIP PROGRAM
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-9-7

as the farm bill conference committee begins their negotiations, I rise today to urge conferees to include a provision important to Delaware farmers. prgtoken Many of our farmers utilize cost share programs under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, known as EQIP. The program provides growers with funds to make necessary farm improvements, while also mitigating environmental risks. prgtoken Farmers know what they need. They should be able to access these funds when they anticipate a problem, not after one has cropped up. That is why, this morning, I join my Delaware colleagues, Senators Carper and Coons, in urging the farm bill conference committee to include updates to the EQIP program so farmers can get access to the funds sooner, reducing their costs and environmental footprint, while promoting stewardship of our cherished farmland. prgtoken Tweaking the EQIP program may seem like a small change, but it produces big wins for Delaware's farmers and our environment. I urge my colleagues to include this language in the conference report.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-9-7

reserving the status quo is the very point we are making, that the status quo is the unclarity, if you will, and, therefore, it is important that we pursue this in a manner of constructively understanding what is the best approach to protect the American people. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano), the vice ranking member on the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-9-7

passing this bill today without a full understanding of these effects would be irresponsible. prgtoken We have been able to engage in really deliberative, thoughtful consideration of criminal justice reform. This May we passed the FIRST STEP Act. There was a lot of good bipartisan collaboration. There were hearings and discussions and listening to experts. That is how we should be doing business. This will affect people's lives. prgtoken We have a lot more work to do. I encourage my colleagues to reject this legislation so that we can get back to working in a bipartisan way to get rid of mandatory minimums, to making investments in reentry programs, to ending racial profiling, and so many of the other reforms that I know we can work on together. That is how we should be doing the business of the American people, not jamming things through in the dark of night with no hearings, no witnesses, no understanding of the bill that just passed.
HONORING WESTON CALL
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-7

today I honor Weston Call. Weston was a beloved member of our close-knit Big Sur community in my district on the central coast of California who, unexpectedly and unfortunately, passed away in August at the young age of 32. prgtoken Weston was a fourth-generation Carmel native and a 2004 graduate of the same high school I went to, Carmel High. prgtoken Although he grew up in Carmel, Wes would give everything and do anything for the people of Big Sur. prgtoken During the 2016 Soberanes fire, he helped Big Sur neighbors fight the flames from their properties. prgtoken During the 2017 storms, when the Pfeiffer Bridge got knocked out, Wes took it upon himself to transport people from the makeshift trail around the bridge to their jobs. prgtoken And as tourist traffic has become a major problem in Big Sur, rather than complaining about it, Wes did something about it. He created a shuttle service to alleviate the congestion along Highway 1. During those rides, he would always provide a local point of view about where to go and what to do. He wouldn't share too much about our secrets, but he always stressed how sensitive we should be about the environment. prgtoken I hope that Wes' life serves as an example for all of us of how to be better neighbors, better citizens, and better stewards of our beloved home.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-7

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I must oppose the so-called Community Safety and Security Act. This highly flawed bill is an example of why regular order and a meaningful, deliberative process is essential to the proper crafting of legislation. prgtoken Last April, the Supreme Court, in Sessions v. Dimaya, ruled that a portion of the criminal code's definition of criminal violence is unconstitutionally vague. That was nearly 6 months ago. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee has had ample time to examine the decision, to hold hearings, to gather input from a range of stakeholders, and to carefully develop legislation through markup and regular order--but none of those things have happened. prgtoken Instead, a bill with significant ramifications for criminal law in immigration cases was introduced just last week while Members were out of town and is being rushed to the floor today without any hearings, without any markup, without any adequate opportunity for review by the public, by legal experts, or by stakeholders. So it is not a surprise that we are left with many unanswered questions and concerns about the impact of the bill. prgtoken The term ``crime of violence'' is referred to throughout the criminal code and is, for example, used to determine whether a juvenile may be prosecuted as an adult in Federal court. It also has serious implications in immigration law because a noncitizen convicted of an aggravated felony, described under the Immigration and Nationality Act to include a crime of violence under this section, is deportable and would be denied the opportunity for certain discretionary relief from removal. prgtoken If we do not define this term properly, it could have significant adverse consequences. H.R. 6691 specifies a long list of offenses that would be considered crimes of violence, some of which are not currently included in the Federal criminal code. The bill further defines some of the offenses that are in the code, adding layers of confusion to the bill. prgtoken We need proper definitions. For example, the crime of fleeing is identified as a crime of violence. Now, if by fleeing you mean that, when the cop pulls you over, you hit the gas and flee at 100 miles per hour, endangering anybody on the road, that is a crime of violence. But if by fleeing it is meant that you don't pull over immediately because you are looking for a safe place to stop, well, that probably shouldn't be a crime of violence, and yet, in this bill, it seems to be. prgtoken We should carefully examine all of these offenses to determine which are appropriate to be included in this definition, and we should consider what the consequences will be for each one. prgtoken In writing for the majority in Dimaya, Justice Kagan noted that: A host of issues respecting the definition of ``crime of violence'' application to specific crimes divide the Federal appellate courts. prgtoken Although Congres
HERB MEYER
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today in memory of an inspirational community leader, Herb Meyer, who recently passed away at the age of 87. Mr. Meyer was one of the sailing world's premier disabled racers, and he was dedicated to reducing barriers facing people with disabilities. prgtoken Born in 1931, Mr. Meyer began his sailing career at 12 years old in New Jersey. After serving in the Korean War as a jet fighter pilot, he moved to California in 1963. Once in the Bay Area, Mr. Meyer started racing out of Belvedere Cove and eventually moved to Marin county in 1980. prgtoken In July of 1993, while sailing on San Francisco Bay, Mr. Meyer broke his neck and became a paraplegic. After sailing for over 30 years, Herb thought his days on the water were over. Thanks to the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors, Mr. Meyer was re-trained on sailing with a disability, and back out on the bay just one year after his accident. He continued competitive sailing and participated in Paralympic and other international races including in Canada, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Australia. prgtoken Over the years, Mr. Meyer joined many community organizations serving the disabled. In addition to serving as Commodore for the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors in 2002, he was on the boards of the Marin Center for Independent Living and the Treasure Island Sailing Center, and he was a founding member of the county's In-Home Support Services chapter. These efforts also translated to national action, as Mr. Meyer chaired the Special Needs Committee for the United States Sailing Association. prgtoken Herb Meyer served his country during a time of war and his community thereafter. He faced his disability and worked tirelessly to not only continue his passion for sailing but to lower the barriers for other to do the same it is therefore fitting that we honor Herb today for his decades of commitment to helping people with disabilities overcome barriers and follow their passions. His presence will be sorely missed, and his leadership not be soon forgotten.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-9-7

today I will vote present on H.R. 6691. I support the premise of this legislation and agree that action needs to be taken after the Supreme Court's ruling earlier this year. However, in their finding the Court cautioned that careful consideration should be exercised before any new or expanded criminal definitions are finalized. This bill does not meet that test. prgtoken In April, the Supreme Court ruled that the current definition of ``crimes of violence'' was unconstitutionally vague and needed to be clarified. I support efforts to rectify this issue and make certain we are prosecuting criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Yet since the Court's ruling, s have taken no steps to meaningfully consider what this new definition should be. Instead, they rushed the bill to the floor without a hearing, markup or time for proper review. prgtoken I agree clarification is needed to ensure we are able to prosecute those who are guilty and uphold our laws as they are intended. However, rushing through a hasty definition of crimes of violence is dangerous and irresponsible. The definition is used in a number of federal criminal offenses beyond just the Immigration and Nationality Act. For instance, it also applies when determining whether a juvenile may be prosecuted as an adult in federal court. prgtoken There is simply too much potential for unintended consequences to rush through a definition written impulsively and without proper review. I would rather the House carefully consider what an appropriate definition should include, in order to properly balance the rights of Americans with the need to fully enforce our laws and protect our fellow citizens.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-7

I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 6691, the Community Safety and Security Act of 2018. prgtoken , I want to bring to my colleague's attention an issue I don't think the majority considered when rushing this bill to the floor without any hearings or markup. They departed from regular order, and doing so always has some, I think, unintended consequences. prgtoken H.R. 6691 will help deport veterans, people who have served in our military and often who have served in combat. Current law makes certain crimes a deportable offense for legal permanent residents. For the thousands of servicemembers and veterans who are legal permanent residents, this bill will make it easier to deport them. prgtoken If a soldier comes home with PTSD or if a veteran is struggling with substance abuse or gets in trouble with the law, this bill makes it harder to grant them any kind of discretion. prgtoken I have met with dozens of deported veterans who have served their country honorably, even been to war, but were deported when they came home. They made mistakes. They paid their debt to society, and their service meant nothing when it came time to permanently banish them from our country. prgtoken Now, that is unfair. It is cruel and unusual punishment. I believe that if anyone deserves a second chance in our country, it is our veterans. prgtoken Now, I agree with many of my colleagues that the Supreme Court is right and that we need to change the vagueness in the current law; however, we need to do that through regular order. This bill would classify certain crimes as violent, even if no one was harmed in the act. These are serious issues and they deserve a serious process. prgtoken , this bill will have many unintended consequences if made into law. I implore my colleagues to vote against it and have it go through regular order and get the hearings that it merits.
HONORING FEDERAL WORKERS
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today on behalf of the shipyard workers and park rangers and VA nurses, Forest Service land managers, and all of our Federal workers. These are men and women who work every day to protect our Nation's security and offer vital services and grow our economy. prgtoken These men and women dedicate their working lives to the betterment of our Nation, and, sadly, just a few days ago, the President froze the pay and locality adjustments for these Federal workers. prgtoken The President has boasted that the economy is great. These workers have certainly seen their costs rise. Their housing costs are rising, and other expenses are rising. prgtoken But do you know what won't rise? Their pay. And now the President is threatening a shutdown of the government again, raising the specter of furloughing these workers again. prgtoken , I urge this body to reject the notion that the problem with government is the people who work in government, and I urge my colleagues to work together to fund the government, including the pay for these hardworking men and women who are our neighbors.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-7

I was unable to be present during roll call vote numbers 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, and 392 on September 6, 2018, due to recent surgery. I would like to reflect how I would have voted: prgtoken On roll call vote no. 386 I would have voted NO. prgtoken On roll call vote no. 387 I would have voted NO. prgtoken On roll call vote no. 388 I would have voted YES. prgtoken On roll call vote no. 389 I would have voted YES. prgtoken On roll call vote no. 390 I would have voted YES. prgtoken On roll call vote no. 391 I would have voted YES. prgtoken On roll call vote no. 392 I would have voted NO.
HONORING JAMES NORLYN HOFF
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-10

I rise today to honor Mr. James Norlyn Hoff and remember his rich and full life. prgtoken Mr. Hoff was born in Portland, Oregon and spent his early years in Tillamook and Grand Pass, Oregon. His family moved to Eureka, California when he was twelve years old. Mr. Hoff graduated from Eureka High School and then interned for California Assemblyman Frank Belloti in Sacramento, California. He followed this experience with a second political internship in Washington, D.C where he worked for Congressman Don Clausen. prgtoken Mr. Hoff graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He was the first Northern Californian to receive the Graduate Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for the 1972-73 academic year. He was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eureka and spent the year studying political science at the University of Grenoble in France. prgtoken When he returned to Eureka, Mr. Hoff worked for Simpson Timber Company, where he ran their plywood plant. He eventually moved to Seattle, Washington to work in the company's corporate office. After he spent several years working at the company's corporate office in Seattle, Mr. Hoff left to work at his father's radio station, KRED-AM, in Eureka. He also built and ran a radio station, KPDJ-FM, and became known as the local media giant. In 1989, Mr. Hoff started Hoff Outdoor Advertising, which he eventually sold to his mentee. prgtoken Mr. Hoff met his wife Claire in Megeve, France when he went back to visit her parents. Two years later they met again when she was visiting the United States. They were married in Eureka in 1979 and had two beautiful children, Alexia and Henry. His son Henry currently serves in the active duty Army assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division as a Staff Sergeant. Mr. Hoff enjoyed skeet shooting in his free time and won many father and son competitions. prgtoken , James Norlyn Hoff is the husband, father, businessman and community member we should all strive to be. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
MISSED VOTES EXPLANATION
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-9-10

I was absent September 4, 2018 through September 7, 2018. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: Tuesday, September 4, 2018 prgtoken Roll no. 380--H.R. 6157--On Motion to Instruct Conferees: Yea prgtoken Roll no. 381--H.R. 6439--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Nay Wednesday, September 5, 2018 prgtoken Roll no. 382--H. Res. 1049--On Ordering the Previous Question: Nay prgtoken Roll no. 383--H. Res. 1049--On Agreeing to the Resolution: Nay prgtoken Roll no. 384--H.R. 1635--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: Yea prgtoken Roll no. 385--H.R. 1635--On Passage: Yea Thursday, September 6, 2018 prgtoken Roll no. 386--H. Res. 1051--On Ordering the Previous Question: Nay prgtoken Roll no. 387--H. Res. 1051--On Agreeing to the Resolution: Nay prgtoken Roll no. 388--H.R. 6147--On Motion to Instruct Conferees: Yea prgtoken Roll no. 389--H.R. 4606--On Agreeing to the Amendment: Yea prgtoken Roll no. 390--H.R. 4606--On Agreeing to the Amendment: Yea prgtoken Roll no. 391--H.R. 4606--On motion to Recommit with Instructions: Yea prgtoken Roll no. 392--H.R. 4606--On passage: Nay Friday, September 7, 2018 prgtoken Roll no. 393--H.R. 6691--On passage: Nay
INTRODUCTION OF THE COMBATING IMPLICIT BIAS IN EDUCATION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-9-10

today, I introduce the Combating Implicit Bias in Education Act. My bill would create a $25 million grant program for schools to train teachers, principals and other personnel on implicit bias, including with respect to actual or perceived race, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. prgtoken The Department of Education's Civil Rights Data Collection for the 2015-2016 school year found that students of color, males and those with disabilities received far more severe and frequent punishment than white, female and non-disabled students. Despite the findings of this report, the Administration and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos are considering eliminating the Administration's guidance seeking to curb exclusionary discipline. Students experiencing implicit bias and even outright discrimination face far greater expulsion and suspension rates, fueling the school-to-prison pipeline and widening the student achievement gap. prgtoken The bill aims to reduce the effect of implicit bias on school discipline, academic achievement and academic attainment through research-based training for education personnel. Providing teachers and school officials with training could help close the achievement gap and reduce suspensions and expulsions. prgtoken Under my bill, the Institute of Education Sciences under the Department of Education is tasked with evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of the training. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.