mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN REMEMBRANCE OF COLONEL DWIGHT LAWRENCE TAYLOR
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-3-13

I rise today in remembrance of Colonel Dwight Lawrence Taylor. Colonel Taylor served the nation as a bombardier in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, Colonel Taylor entered the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1984 as a Colonel. prgtoken Colonel Taylor took great pride in his involvement in the community. He was a member of Coan Baptist Church in Heathsville, VA where he was a past Deacon. Additionally, he served as a past Master Mason of Heathsville Masonic Lodge number 109 AF and AM and was a member of Westmoreland Royal Arch Chapter number 41. He belonged to many civic organizations including the Northumberland Lions Club and Historical Society. Colonel Taylor had a deep love of the Northern Neck and spent many years at his beloved home, ``Wheatland,'' where he loved to garden and work on preserving the historic antebellum home. Colonel Taylor typified a genuine Virginia Gentleman in his character and charity to others. Colonel Taylor continued to serve his community as Chairman of the Northumberland County Committee and as a member of the First Congressional District Committee. Colonel Taylor is a graduate of The College of William and Mary. prgtoken I had the pleasure of knowing Colonel Taylor for many years and witnessed his contributions to the community I ask you to join me in extending thoughts and prayers to his wife, Catherine; daughters Mary Catherine and Jennifer; five grandchildren; and their families during this difficult time.
USS ``COLORADO'' COMMISSIONING
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-3-13

on behalf of the people of Colorado's 4th Congressional District I am delighted to recognize the commissioning of the USS Colorado (SSN-788.) prgtoken Since the time of the Civil War, U.S. Navy vessels named after the magnificent state of Colorado have proudly served our great nation. The commissioning ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 17th, which will be a special day for Coloradans as the United States Navy officially welcomes the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the Colorado name. prgtoken We rest assured in the knowledge that the crew of the USS Colorado, part of the Virginia-class of attack submarines, is equipped with the most advanced capabilities and sophisticated technology needed to maintain the strength of the U.S. Navy and the security of America's shores. Coloradans are proud as USS Colorado and her crew joins forces in the endeavor to ensure security for all Americans. prgtoken A relationship will be established between the USS Colorado and her remarkable service men and women. May that bond reach far beyond Saturday's ceremony and remain throughout the span of the USS Colorado's lifetime of service.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT-- Continued
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-3-13

today I want to talk about the tragedy of human trafficking. I want to talk about it today because this is an issue that I hope the entire U.S. Senate will take up within the next week. prgtoken We have legislation on which we have worked on a bipartisan basis over the last couple of years, and we have an opportunity late this week or early next week to address this growing problem. I have spent a lot of time focused on this issue over the last couple of years because of the growth of trafficking and my sense that we can do something constructive about it. Others have been involved as well. prgtoken Today, I will be at the White House for a meeting that Ivanka is hosting with congressional colleagues, anti-trafficking advocates, and others who have demonstrated a commitment to addressing this issue. We will talk about the need to pass this legislation, get it to the President's desk for signature, and begin to help women and children across our country who are currently being exploited online. prgtoken We will probably talk about lots of different kinds of trafficking this afternoon, including work trafficking and other human trafficking, but the one I want to focus on this afternoon is sex trafficking, and the reason is that we think we have a legislative solution for addressing the biggest problem. prgtoken Unbelievably, right now in this country, sex trafficking is actually increasing. That is based on all the best data we are getting from all the experts around the country. They say that it is increasing primarily for one simple reason, and that is the internet. The great increase is happening online. prgtoken As some have said, this is because of the ruthless efficiency of selling people online. When I am back home in Ohio, victims tell me: Rob, this has moved from the street corner to the smartphone. There is a ruthless efficiency about it. prgtoken Anti-trafficking organizations, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Shared Hope International, and others, have told us that the majority of the online sex trafficking they encounter occurs through one single website, and that is backpage.com. prgtoken The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says that backpage is involved in about 75 percent of the online trafficking reports it receives from the public. Shared Hope International says it is more than that. prgtoken I chair the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Learning about what is going on online, we decided to do an in-depth investigation to find out what is really happening and how we could address it. We spent 18 months studying this, and studying online trafficking quickly led us to backpage.com because, again, that is where the majority of this commercial sex trafficking is occurring. prgtoken What we found was really shocking. Not only was backpage--as other websites have in the past--selling women and children online, but this organiz
STATE VETERANS HOME ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2017
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-3-13

I rise today in support of S. 324, the State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017. prgtoken This is very personal to me. My cousin, a fellow Vietnam vet who served on the DMZ with the Army, is currently in need of and receiving some of that care for some serious health issues he has right now as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. prgtoken The bill we are talking about here strikes a responsible balance by promoting access to necessary medical services for veterans, while also improving quality of life by allowing them to return home to their families each night. Adult day healthcare does more than just provide veterans with the medical care that they need; it also offers much- needed relief to their caregivers. Oftentimes, friends and family come together to help with the daily care that these veterans and their families require. prgtoken By giving veterans the opportunity to access medical care for up to 8 hours a day through a State veterans home, caregivers will have the opportunity to fulfill their personal responsibilities for themselves and their families. They can get on and get their life in order while still serving their veteran family member. prgtoken These folks work day in and day out to provide unparalleled care, loving care to our most vulnerable veterans. S. 324 recognizes their selfless commitment and works to enhance their work-life balance so they can continue to serve veterans. prgtoken In my district, folks deal with the circumstances of rural living every day. This often means limited access to resources and fewer options for receiving the services they need. prgtoken The D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette is a perfect example of what can be achieved when Federal resources are narrowly focused and responsibly applied. Jacobetti Home's ability to create a family environment where veterans can receive the care they need while maintaining quality in their daily lives is a testament to what is possible when the Federal Government helps local institutions provide services for the people they know best. prgtoken , I urge support of S. 324.
CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF CARBON COUNTY
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-3-13

it is a great honor for me to join the residents of Carbon County, Pennsylvania in celebrating the county's 175th anniversary of its incorporation. prgtoken The last 175 years have proven transformative for the county, demonstrating its vitality and strong sense of community. Located in the northeastern comer of the state, approximately 90 miles west of New York City and 90 miles northeast of Philadelphia, Carbon County covers over 500 square miles and is known for its scenic mountains and rivers. It truly carved out its place in the Commonwealth's history when it became the home of the first railroad in America built on a large scale, called the Switchback. Construction of the Switchback railroad helped bring a thriving coal industry to Pennsylvania, which in turn brought businesses, schools, and a growing population to the region. prgtoken While the Switchback railroad was retired in the 1920s, Carbon County still attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its attractive rural landscape that is rich in heritage and history. With the northern and eastern portions of the county being part of the Pocono Mountain region, and over two thirds of the county being State Game Land and State Park Land, there is no shortage of families and businesses attracted to Carbon County's quality of life. I am truly honored to represent this county in Pennsylvania and take great pride in its history, success, and sense of community. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the 175th anniversary of the incorporation of Carbon County.
NATIONAL K-9 VETERANS DAY
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-13

I thank the good gentleman from Virginia. The gentleman brought up some great things there, the dedication of the handlers. Here we have got the Clay County Sheriff's Department with Diesel, a bloodhound that these guys are so dedicated with the dogs that they work with. It is unbelievable, the good they do, the search and the rescue that they do. And you brought up on Maggie how she had-- the 350th working call that Maggie had performed for the people of our country. prgtoken And this is something people don't realize, the amount of calls these dogs go on and the amount of work that they do. The average lifespan or service of these dogs is anywhere from 7 to 9 years, and people wonder about the cost of the dog, the cost of a program. Yeah, it is expensive to keep these dogs, but what we have found is so many people out there who are goodhearted who realize the benefit of the working K-9 that they donate the cost of the dog. Many times the cost of the dog can run from $5,000 to $9,000 by the time you get it trained, and $4,000 to $5,000 a year to maintain these. And there is a lot of community help to make sure this gets done. prgtoken , I will now talk about another dog at the Gainesville Police Department: Justice is a German Shepherd that worked for the Gainesville Police Department starting in September 2006. During his career, Justice was responsible for locating hundreds of--hundreds of offenders. He assisted several other agencies throughout his career to include the Florida Highway Patrol, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the University of Florida Police Department, the City of Alachua Police Department, and the City of High Springs Police Department. prgtoken Justice was credited with saving a life. The incident involved a suicidal person who had taken a deadly amount of prescription pills, left a suicide note, and walked off into the woods. After 2 hours of officers trying to locate the person, Officer Owens and Justice were called to the scene while off duty. Justice was able to track and locate the person who was passed out by the effects of the pill and clinging to life. EMS was called, and the person was taken to the hospital. Doctors stated that if the person was not located when they were, the medications taken would have, no doubt, ended in their death and another suicide. prgtoken Justice received a lifesaving award through the department. On the last night of his career, Justice was called to locate a suspect that fled from an officer who recognized him as a felony habitual traffic offender and a drug dealer. The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle being driven by the suspect. When the officer activated his overhead lights, the suspect turned off his headlights, accelerated to a high speed, fleeing through a neighborhood. The officer did not pursue the vehicle. Another officer located the abandoned vehicle minutes later. A p
STATE VETERANS HOME ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2017
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , before I begin today, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest sympathies to those affected by last week's tragedy in Yountville, California. I closely followed the situation. I am truly saddened by what has occurred. prgtoken All three employees who lost their lives--Christine Loeber and Jennifer Golick from the Pathway Home and Jennifer Gonzales from the Department of Veterans Affairs--were committed to helping veterans struggling with difficulties like post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental problems. prgtoken As Secretary Shulkin said: ``Caring for veterans and our employees serving them is always important. It is even more critical that we reach out to one another and provide support during painful times like these.'' prgtoken I think I can speak for myself and the rest of the members on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs when I offer prayers and support during this incredibly difficult and challenging time for these families. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 324, the State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Improvement Act of 2017. It is imperative that we ensure that VA is equipped with a variety of geriatric and long-term care programs to best meet the individual needs and goals of the increasing number of veterans who are reaching retirement age. prgtoken Current law requires VA to cover the cost of nursing home care in a State Veterans Home for any veteran in need of such care due to a service-connected disability or with a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more. However, veterans are increasingly seeking opportunities to get additional care they need as they age while remaining at home rather than in a nursing care facility or other institutional setting. S. 324 would help those veterans by requiring VA to enter into an agreement or a contract with the State Veterans Home to pay for adult day healthcare for veterans who are eligible but not receiving nursing home care. prgtoken Adult day healthcare programs provide companionship, peer support, recreation, certain healthcare services, case management assistance with activities of daily living, and more to veterans, and needed respite and relief to caregivers. What is more, adult day healthcare programs are a much less costly alternative to nursing home care, meaning that, with the enactment of this bill, we could grant veterans who desire to age at home the opportunity to do so without sacrificing the care and support services they may need and save taxpayer dollars. prgtoken S. 324, which is sponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, is companion legislation to H.R. 1005, which is sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) and passed the House with unanimous support earlier this year. I am grateful to both of them for their leadership on this issue, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 324. prgtoken , I rese
LEGAL IMMIGRATION
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-3-13

I rise tonight to commend and welcome President to California, where, amongst other things, he is looking at the technology with which to control our borders, an obligation we have as a State, but more so as a country whose jurisdiction it is. prgtoken We welcome legal immigration to our State and to our country, not illegal immigration or the other euphemisms that are used, undocumented immigrants, what have you. prgtoken Indeed, if we don't have borders, we don't really have a nation. So let's get cracking on controlling our borders and having a legal immigration process. It is better for the immigrants, it is better for the security of our Nation, and it is better for its people. That is all it is about. It is really that simple.
TAX REFORM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-3-13

it has been less than 3 months since historic tax reform became law. It has been less than 3 months since we have cut taxes significantly for middle-class families by lowering rates and increasing the standard deduction, since we created new deductions to help small businesses keep more of what they earn and purchase new equipment more easily, and since we leveled the playing field for American producers by making our corporate tax rates more competitive--a measure that mainstream economists agree will boost future wages for workers. prgtoken There is a common theme here. Each part of this bill was built on the simple idea that American workers, job creators, and middle-class families know best what to do with their own hard-earned money, and they ought to be able to keep more of it. It is a defining philosophy on our side of the aisle. prgtoken Our ic friends don't seem to share that notion. The ic leader in the House called these historic tax cuts ``probably one of the worst bills in the history of the United States of America.'' prgtoken In the Senate, my ic colleagues' predictions were equally dire. My friend the ic leader offered this assessment: ``There is nothing about this bill that suits the needs of the American worker.'' prgtoken Tax reform used to be a shared, bipartisan priority--apparently, not anymore. Now our ic friends seem fully committed to the notion that there is no problem Washington, DC, can't solve by raising taxes and imposing more regulations. prgtoken Just last week, my friend the ic leader made this clear. He announced that he wants to claw back tax reform and have Americans send more money to the IRS. prgtoken Here is his rationale: There are much better ways to use this money-- much better ways to use this money than for people to keep more of their own money, apparently. The unspoken assumption is unmistakable: ic leaders know how to spend that money better than the citizens and employers. The government knows best. prgtoken Of course, just a few months in, we are getting a clear picture of which philosophy really works. The good news about tax reform keeps pouring in, and with every favorable story, my ic friends tie themselves in knots trying to convince everyone that new investments, new jobs, new raises and bonuses, and companies repatriating money back home are somehow not good news after all. prgtoken Even as billions of dollars are put toward raises, bonuses, and new worker benefits, it is nothing more than ``crumbs.'' Even as billions more are invested in U.S. manufacturing and new jobs, they stick by their predictions of ``Armageddon''--all of this, even as tax reform is achieving specific goals they spent years claiming to support. prgtoken Consider the issue of the minimum wage. Because of tax reform, Hormel Foods has raised starting pay to $13, Wells Fargo has established a $15 minimum wage, an
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT-- Continued
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-3-13

today, I rise once again to urge this body to address the critical issue of securing the border and protecting those young immigrants impacted by the uncertain future of the DACA Program. Last week, I offered legislation to extend DACA protection for 3 years and provide 3 years of increased funding for border security. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues chose to block that measure. prgtoken Let me first say, I understand and sympathize with my colleagues' concerns. I, too, believe that DACA recipients deserve a permanent solution, and I have repeatedly stated my strong preference for such a measure. We have tried to find this permanent solution through -led bills, ic-led bills, and bipartisan bills. Yet somehow, each time, we are incapable of finding a compromise that can garner 60 votes. It is clear that we cannot achieve this goal right now, and no one is more disappointed about that fact than I am. prgtoken I am the first to admit that this solution I propose is far from perfect, but it provides a temporary fix to those crucial and critical problems. It begins the process of improving border security, and it ensures that DACA recipients will not lose protections or be left to face potential deportation. These young immigrants, brought here through no fault of their own, cannot wait for these protections. Likewise, border communities, like those in my home State of Arizona, cannot wait for increased security along the southern border. prgtoken As I have said before, we in Congress have too regularly confused action with results and have become entirely too comfortable ignoring problems when they seem too difficult to solve. That is why, if this measure is blocked again today, I will be returning to the Senate floor repeatedly until we can pass some sort of solution. To put it as bluntly as possible, it is simply not something we can ignore any longer. prgtoken I would like to again thank Senator Heitkamp for joining me as a cosponsor of this bill. She has always been a valuable ally in bipartisan efforts to secure the border and to pass other immigration reform measures. We may not be able to deliver a permanent solution for these problems at this time, but we can't abdicate the responsibility of Congress to, at one point, solve them. There are many people whose lives and well-being depend on our ability to deliver meaningful results. prgtoken Therefore, , I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 300, H.R. 1551. I further ask that the Flake substitute amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.