mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT--EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-18

I ask unanimous consent that following the cloture vote on the Branstad nomination, the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following nominations: Executive Calendar Nos. 56 and 57. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc with no intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table en bloc; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; that no further motions be in order; and that any statements relating to the nominations be printed in the Record.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1039, PROBATION OFFICER PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-5-18

I am pleased to bring this rule forward on behalf of the Committee on Rules today. The rule provides for the consideration of H.R. 1039, the Probation Officer Protection Act. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule also provides for a motion to recommit and makes in order an amendment by Congresswoman Jackson Lee of Texas. prgtoken On Tuesday, the Committee on Rules had the opportunity to hear from my fellow Committee on the Judiciary members: Mr. Ratcliffe, Mr. Cicilline, and Ms. Jackson Lee. prgtoken H.R. 1039 was marked up by the Committee on the Judiciary on May 3 and favorably reported by the committee without amendment. prgtoken , it is fitting that we debate this rule and the underlying bill this week during National Police Week. As the son of a Georgia State Trooper, it is an honor to come before this House to help advance legislation that protects the men and women of law enforcement. The dangers our law enforcement officers face are real, and I know too well the fear that a loved one might not come home after leaving for a routine shift. This week we had the opportunity to recognize those who make our communities safer, and we are humbled to advance the policies that support their efforts, and we honor their sacrifice. prgtoken , allow me to point out that the sponsor of the underlying bill we are discussing, the Probation Officer Protection Act, is a former law enforcement officer himself. My friend Dave Reichert from Washington State is Sheriff Reichert also, who led the task force responsible for solving the case of the infamous Green River serial killer. Along with him, I serve on the Policing Strategies Working Group, and I commend him for his work on the underlying legislation and his tireless advocacy on behalf of the heroes who wear the badge. prgtoken The Probation Officer Protection Act is a commonsense, yet modest, expansion of the Federal probation officers' existing arrest authority. Under current law, 18 U.S. Code section 111, it is a crime for a person to forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any Federal official in the performance of his or her official duties. While the Federal officials described by this statute include probation officers, probation officers are limited in their ability to take affirmative actions in order to protect themselves when they face these threats not from the offender but from third parties. prgtoken , while probation officers can make arrests of those under their supervision, the first party, such as a parolee or individual serving a term of probation or supervised release, the law does not allow probation officers to take action to protect themselves should a third party impede or assault them. prgtoken In fact, if a third party, such as a family member or friend of a parolee, threatens or attacks a probation officer, t
The Internet (Executive Session)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-5-18

I rise today to point out that the Federal Communications Commission is voting today, perhaps this morning, to begin the process to roll back a regulatory framework that should never have been imposed on broadband service providers in the first place. Like many of my colleagues, I am glad the FCC is working to restore the ``light touch'' regulatory framework that has allowed the internet to thrive since its creation. prgtoken This action sets the stage for Congress to then put a legislative solution in place that strikes the right balance between providing regulatory oversight on the one hand and giving the broadband industry the flexibility it needs to innovate and expand on the other hand. prgtoken We should not rely on a classification that was devised during the depression era. There should be 21st-century rules for 21st-century technology. As chairman of the Senate subcommittee that oversees internet issues, I look forward to the task ahead. Keeping the internet free and open is a goal shared by most of us and by many of my friends on the other side of the aisle. A bipartisan solution can help provide long-term certainty for both consumers and broadband providers. prgtoken This certainty will be essential to our efforts to close the digital divide and remove barriers to internet connectivity that exist in Mississippi and around the United States. The online experience we enjoy today and the revolutionary advances of the internet over the past quarter century did not happen because of the heavy hand of the Federal Government. prgtoken These advances happened because the Federal Government stayed out of the way, supporting a ``light touch'' regulatory framework where innovation, competition, and investment could truly survive and thrive. prgtoken This was the framework that existed under both and ic administrations until 2015, when politics got in the way. With a party-line vote, the FCC that year decided to adopt a utility- style framework, as I said, resulting from legislation devised during the depression. It classified broadband service as a common carrier under title II of the Communications Act of 1934. prgtoken A utility-style framework for telephones may have worked during the Bell telephone monopoly of the depression era, but that does not mean it is a right fit now. Nor does it mean we should adopt a completely hands off regulatory approach, which I would also oppose. The goal of net neutrality, which is designed to prevent internet providers from prioritizing some legal content over others has not gone away. But we know that handing over broad control of the internet to Washington is also not the answer. prgtoken FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has outlined some of the reasons for this, including the impact of title II regulations on big and small internet service providers. If we do not give providers the confidence to invest in better services and better infrastructure, it
Introductory Statement on S. 1185
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-5-18

each May we recognize National Police Week to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. One meaningful way for us to honor our police officers and other law enforcement officials this week is to give them the tools they need to stop the illegal firearms traffickers who threaten their lives and the lives of those they protect. prgtoken Today, I rise to join Senator Leahy in introducing the Stop Illegal Trafficking and Firearms Act. Our bill would strengthen Federal law by making it easier for prosecutors to go after gun traffickers, while fully protecting the rights of the vast majority of gun owners who are law-abiding citizens. prgtoken Straw purchasing is intended to achieve only one result, and that is to put a gun in the hands of a criminal who cannot legally obtain one. Today, traffickers exploit weaknesses in our laws by targeting individuals who can lawfully purchase guns, which are then used to commit crimes once they are transferred to the criminal, who would be unable to pass the background check. Right now, a straw purchaser can only be prosecuted for lying on a Federal form, and that is treated as a paperwork violation. Our bill would create new criminal offenses for straw purchasing, which would help our law enforcement officials take down these criminal enterprises. prgtoken The illegal guns that we are targeting in our bill are frequently sold, resold, and trafficked across State lines, resulting in the proliferation of the illegal firearms in our communities. This practice has fueled the violence across our southern border associated with the Mexican drug cartels, as well as gang violence in our cities and, tragically, the heroin crisis that is ravaging so many families and communities and undermining public health and safety in States like Maine. prgtoken Police officers tell me they have seen a major influx of drug dealers coming from out of State, straight up I-95's iron pipeline and other interstate highways, with direct ties to gangs in major cities. They are ready to sell or trade prescription opioids and heroin for illegal guns. prgtoken Heroin flooding into our communities is reaching crisis levels. In 2016, there were 376 drug-induced overdose deaths in my State, the State of Maine. That is more than car crashes and suicides put together. It is 104 more deaths than the year before. So this crisis with opioids and heroin is getting worse, not better. The vast majority of these overdoses were caused by at least one opioid, whether pharmaceutical or illicit. prgtoken Often, drug dealers and gang members follow a similar pattern: They target addicts who have no criminal records, and then they trade or sell them drugs in exchange for guns. These gang members with criminal records cross into Maine and link up with drug addicts to be their straw buyers. These addicts are people
THANK YOU, LAW ENFORCEMENT
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-5-18

I would like to take this opportunity to praise law enforcement across the Nation and the State of Missouri for their dedication, courage, and sacrifice in serving our communities. prgtoken This week is National Police Week. We should thank police every week, but this time of year provides a special opportunity to give honor where honor is due. Law enforcement officers deserve our deep appreciation and respect. prgtoken Police officers do an excellent job protecting the residents of my district, from Columbia to Waynesville, to Warrensburg and throughout Missouri. They stand ready to help wherever needed. That is why, today, I am introducing the Police Officers Protecting Children Act. This bill would allow schools that want to allow retired or off-duty law enforcement officers to be armed as a security measure to protect children in our schools. If a school wants to allow off-duty or retired police to protect their students, the Federal Government shouldn't stop them. prgtoken The Police Officers Protecting Children Act is even more important for schools in our rural communities where law enforcement may take a significant amount of time to respond to an emergency. A well-placed retired or off-duty officer could save lives. prgtoken Law enforcement in my district have shown their support for this bill because they know firsthand that police officers have the training and experience to protect our children when it counts. They have the trust of our communities and have years of experience carrying a weapon. I thank them for their service and their willingness to protect our children while they are at school. prgtoken Law enforcement officers live out the honorable duo of bravery and service. They put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, often without the thanks they deserve. They work day in and day out patrolling our neighborhoods, getting drugs off the streets, and protecting us from criminals who seek to do us harm. prgtoken In Missouri, we honor the brave men and women who carry the badge as police officers. This National Police Week, I am glad to recognize those officers and their bravery and service protecting the people of Missouri. prgtoken So to the police around the Nation and in my home State of Missouri, I say to you: Thank you for your service. You make a difference every day, and we are so grateful for you.
FLEXIBLE FLOW MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-18

I would like to draw the House's attention today to the ongoing negotiations between New York City and the States of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, regarding the Flexible Flow Management Program. prgtoken The current Flexible Flow Management Program, which governs New York City reservoir releases into the Delaware River Basin, expires at the end of this month on May 31. This interstate agreement is a critically important water management tool that helps mitigate downstream impacts of New York City's reservoirs. prgtoken In addition to supporting the water allocation goals, the Flexible Flow Management Plan helps control the flow of water downstream, decreasing the likelihood of catastrophic flooding events. The FFMP also provides critical support to the Delaware River freshwater trout fishery, which is an important part of the Catskill's regional economy. prgtoken Unfortunately, if the Flexible Flow Management Plan is allowed to expire, we jeopardize the safety and well-being of constituents along the entire length of the Delaware River. The progress that has been made towards finalizing the FFMP agreement cannot be lost due to a breakdown in communications among decree party members. prgtoken I encourage all parties to return to the table from their respective States and agree to at least a 1-year extension to allow the negotiation process to continue. prgtoken , I call attention to this important issue because it greatly affects the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands, indeed millions, of people in the entire Delaware River Valley and the Delaware River estuary, which covers New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the State of Delaware. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter I sent to the four States on May 11, 2017, on this important matter. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 11, 2017. Secretary Shawn Garvin, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Dover, DE. Commissioner Bob Martin, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton,
NATIONAL DIPG AWARENESS DAY
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-5-18

I am proud to support H. Res. 69, the National DIPG Awareness Resolution, in honor of Julia Barbara Psar--one of my constituents who passed away from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on May 17, 2016. prgtoken DIPG is the deadliest type of pediatric brain tumors. According to the CDC, brain tumors are the leading cause of childhood cancer death, and DIPG is the second most common malignant brain tumor found in children. DIPG has a less than 1 percent survival rate, and most children die within nine months after being diagnosed. prgtoken This little girl--Julia Barbara Psar--died just before her third birthday. I have always read and heard that the worst thing in the world is to outlive one of your own children, and I have no doubt this is true. I have met with my constituents Mr. and Mrs. Psar, and I do not believe someone can ever have closure after a loss like theirs. Words cannot express how heartbreaking this tragedy is. prgtoken Our children urgently need us to find a cure for DIPG. Today, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 69, establishing May 17th as National DIPG Awareness Day in hopes of curing the deadliest type of pediatric brain tumors.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-5-18

today I wish to commend Idahoans and specifically the Boise community for coming together so quickly to fight hate speech and related vandalism. prgtoken Kindness, support, and respect run deep in Idaho. The response to the recent vandalism of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in Boise, ID, is the most recent example of the depth of compassion in Idahoans. Since the recent vandalism, considerable resources have poured in to repair and enhance the memorial. Rather than responding with anger and hate, Idaho is moving forward with a positive spirit of renewal and inclusiveness. Dan Prinzing, executive director of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights that built the memorial with support from the Carr Foundation and others and now partners with Boise Parks and Recreation to maintain the memorial, said, ``An act of hate by an individual is not us, the community's response to the act is what defines who we are and the values we share. Now what does that do for us? It emboldens the message of the Memorial and reinforces that our work is not done.'' prgtoken The Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial was dedicated to the public 15 years ago to offer a place for visitors to consider and reflect on human rights and inspire engagement with others about the issue. The memorial is a beautiful and thought-provoking resource, which includes a statue of Anne Frank, quotes and excerpts of her writings, as well as a wall of inspiring quotes. The love and care, including the support of Idaho students and their families, that went into this memorial's creation is prevailing upon its restoration and contributing to ongoing human rights discussions. Among the many quotes highlighted at the memorial is the following from Mother Teresa, ``Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.'' prgtoken I commend all those who are coming together to counter the acts of hateful vandalism with kindness that will continue to echo through our communities and Nation.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-18

I have 7 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the majority and minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. in open session to consider nominations. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Domestic and International Policy Update.'' Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to hold an Executive Session during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 10 a.m. in Room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate in order to hold a hearing on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 10:15 a.m. in Room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the nomination of Mr. David Bernhardt, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 10:30 a.m in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building, to consider favorably reporting the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 9:30 a.m to hold a hearing entitled ``Nominations.'' Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate, on May 18, 2017, at 10 a.m in SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate prgtoken Office Building, to conduct an executive business meeting.
TRIBUTE TO DR. ALAN ROBINSON
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-18

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Alan Robinson of Atlantic, Iowa, for receiving the Hall of Fame Award sponsored by the Cass County Cattleman's Association. prgtoken Dr. Robinson graduated from Iowa State University in 1977 with a degree in veterinarian medicine. His career began with a successful veterinarian practice, but then an opportunity arose to start raising cattle. He continued to assist local veterinarians, even as his cattle operation continued to grow, to keep his hands in animal medicine. prgtoken His farm operation focuses on raising corn, soybeans, and feeder cattle. He said it is important to be progressive in your thinking with all the changes in farming over the past twenty years. After receiving this award, Dr. Robinson said he was ``humbled'' to receive it and that he is honored to know people in the business respect his contributions to the industry. prgtoken , I applaud and congratulate Dr. Robinson for earning this outstanding award. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for his many accomplishments in the agriculture industry and in wishing him nothing but continued success in all his endeavors.
THIN BLUE LINE ACT
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-5-18

today I rise in support of the men and women of law enforcement whose selfless service to a noble cause fills me with humble gratitude. prgtoken Being a law enforcement officer requires more than training. It requires sacrifice, devotion, integrity, and honor. Most importantly, it requires an unshakeable faith in the value and importance in the rule of law. prgtoken What keeps our civil society from a descent into lawlessness and chaos? What separates civilization from savagery? prgtoken It is a thin blue line--these men and women of law enforcement, who give their blood, sweat, tears, and sometimes their lives in order to protect and serve communities; who make the country a safer place, one street, one neighborhood, and one community at a time. prgtoken As a society, our laws enshrine freedom, our security, and our liberty. They uphold America's promise of innate fairness. But for their service and devotion to our great Nation, our law enforcement officers are often criticized and scorned by some they serve. Yet, through it all, they continue to serve and protect. prgtoken Too often these brave men and women are targets of violence, which is why I support the Thin Blue Line Act. An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the freedom of the United States of America, and it cannot be tolerated. prgtoken , some have spoken out in opposition to the death penalty in this discussion, and they would say only God can judge. And while that is true, certainly the United States Government can do a better job setting up the meeting. prgtoken So today I rise in support of heroes, and I hope my colleagues will do the same.