mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROUD OF VIRGINIA'S ASSISTANCE TO DISASTERS
Scott Taylor (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-10-12

. Madam , today, Congress approved the second tranche of emergency funding for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and the wildfires in the Western United States. prgtoken I would like to take a second and shine a light on Virginians who have stepped forward to help our fellow Americans impacted by these natural disasters. prgtoken Just the other day, I pulled up to a restaurant in Virginia Beach, where there was a steady line of vehicles coming in the parking lot to drop off goods and essential items. Hundreds came together to give money and items for the people of Puerto Rico. prgtoken From Hampton Roads to Richmond, to Roanoke, Virginia rose to the occasion. We had soldiers and sailors and coastguardsmen and civilians deploy forward to help in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. We had National Guardsmen, Spanish speakers, FEMA workers, EMS units, helicopters, drones, boats, and medical supplies, and much more. prgtoken We should all be very proud of Virginia's vast efforts, their leadership, and their compassion. Virginia has never been afraid to lead.
RECOGNIZING MATT BELLINA
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today to share the story of my constituent, Matt Bellina, of Holland, Pennsylvania. prgtoken On April 9, 2014, at the age of 30, Matt was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, causing those with ALS to lose control of their muscles. prgtoken Matt graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2005 and received his commission into the U.S. Navy as a naval aviator. Following the onset of his symptoms, which include cramping hands, twitching arms, stiffness in his legs, Matt was grounded from flying. He continued to serve in the Navy in an administrative capacity until he medically retired in 2014, with the rank of lieutenant commander. prgtoken He eventually moved back home to Bucks County with his wife, Caitlin, and his young children to be surrounded by family and friends. prgtoken Although this disease stopped Matt's career in its tracks, he persisted and actively involved himself in the ALS community and became a strong advocate for right-to-try legislation. prgtoken , each year Americans like Matt Bellina receive the devastating news of a terminal diagnosis. Even with the amazing work done in American medical research, for too many families, access to these potentially lifesaving treatments will come too late or not at all. prgtoken Thousands of terminally ill patients suffer needlessly while awaiting final approval for drugs, therapies, and other medical technologies. While the Food and Drug Administration carries out its three-phase approval process, which can take years and cost billions of dollars, many patients simply want the chance to try treatments that are already demonstrated to be safe. A bill that was unanimously passed by the Senate will offer them a chance to extend their lives. prgtoken The Right to Try Act would ensure that terminally ill patients, together with their physicians and pharmaceutical manufacturers, can administer investigational treatments where no alternative exists. In fact, this bipartisan idea is already the law in 37 States. prgtoken A Federal right-to-try law would prevent the government from blocking access to potentially lifesaving medications. It would require patients to first try all other available treatments and be unable to participate in clinical trials. prgtoken For those patients caught between the traditional drug approval delays, the clinical trial process for which they do not qualify, and limited time, the right to try simply establishes the freedom for patients and their doctors to try therapies where the benefits far outweigh the risks. It gives them an option of trying to save their life. prgtoken , whether it is a father courageously battling ALS or a brave child living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, they deserve the right to try.
HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MARKUP
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-10-12

as we heard yesterday in testimony from General Wald, the Iran deal ``places Iran on a trajectory to become as intractable a challenge as North Korea is today--and very possibly worse.'' The general noted that ``while Pyongyang's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons has only deepened its isolation and driven it toward bankruptcy, the JCPOA is doing the opposite for Iran.'' prgtoken It was clear from the beginning that this deal was deeply flawed. It was clear that it was based on a fundamentally misguided premise: that Iran's manifest desire for a nuclear weapon could be considered separate from its development of a delivery capacity for that weapon or from the rest of Iran's violent campaign for regional hegemony. It should be self-evident that a nuclear warhead without a delivery vehicle is not going very far very fast. Iran's ballistic missile program is inseparable from its desire to impose nuclear blackmail on the U.S Israel, and other regional allies. prgtoken Iran also exports its extremist revolution through proliferation of conventional weapons to terrorist proxies. The deal gave Iran an infusion of an estimated $115 billion dollars in unfrozen assets--and as John Kerry said in an interview that was carried by CNN, we don't know where that money is going and it will probably wind up in the terrorists' hands--not to mention other financial sweeteners like the $1.7 billion in small bills. As we heard yesterday, this money has helped Iran extend its malign influence to an unprecedented extent across the region--in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. prgtoken I'd like to thank Chairman Royce for his leadership on Iran these past several years, of which yesterday's hearing was but one example. Today we are considering one key measure, the Chairman's H.R. 1698, the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act, which enjoys broad support in the House with 320 co-sponsors. This bill expands sanctions against organizations and individuals that facilitate Iran's ballistic missile program as well as its trade in conventional weapons. This bill is critical to our national security and that of our allies in the region, especially our good friend and ally Israel. It's time we start turning the tide back against Iran to guarantee that it never realizes its genocidal designs on the Jewish State or the other freedom-loving peoples of the region. prgtoken We help do that by passing H.R. 1698 out of committee. It is a bill I have cosponsored and I strongly support. prgtoken I also strongly support the Taiwan Travel Act (H.R. 535) and commend Chairman Chabot for introducing this legislation, of which I am a cosponsor. prgtoken The Communist Party leadership in China has tried to isolate democratic Taiwan, pressuring countries to break diplomatic relations and bullying the UN and multi-lateral agencies, such as the World Health Organization and INTERPOL, to exclude Taiwan from membership. These
RECOGNITION OF BIOENERGY DAY
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today in recognition of Bioenergy Day, a day we celebrate natural renewable energy in America. On October 18, organizations across America will mark this special day by opening their doors to the public and highlighting how bioenergy is fueling America. prgtoken Forest by-products are a primary source of bioenergy, making my home State of Arkansas a leading producer in this field. prgtoken Across the country, bioenergy keeps the lights on and so much more. Bioenergy produces just under 6 percent of the Nation's total energy supply and provides full-time jobs for tens of thousands of Americans, with more plants coming online in the near future. prgtoken We need to do more research to find economical ways to harness renewable energy in our abundant biomass that we all too often continue to see going up in flames and wildfires. As we approach October 18, I encourage all Americans to learn more about bioenergy, forest by- products, and the environmental benefits derived from our natural resources.
CONGRATULATING MAJOR GENERAL MIYAKO SCHANELY ON HER PROMOTION TO COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE 416TH THEATER ENGINEER COMMAND
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today to congratulate Major General Miyako Schanely on her assignment as the Commanding General of the 416th Theater Engineer Command. prgtoken MG Schanely will lead the 416th Theater Engineer Command in conducting theater-level engineer operations supporting a joint force, and execute unified land operations while providing a training and ready combat-capable force to support mission requirements. prgtoken MG Schanely has had a long history of serving her country. Since she received her commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1986, she has served in both active and reserve units of the U.S. Army for over 31 years. MG Schanely is a graduate of the Army War College and holds several civilian master degrees. Previously assigned as the Commander of the 102nd Training Division, MG Schanely has become the first female Japanese American to become commander of the Theater Engineer Command as a two-star and is ready to take on the challenges associated with this rapidly evolving role. prgtoken On behalf of the 21st District of New York, I would like to congratulate MG Schanely on her well-deserved promotion, and wish her luck in her new role. I want to thank MG Schanely for her service to our country and for the sacrifices she will make in the years to come.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Trent Franks (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-12

the First Amendment of our Constitution gives us this precious freedom of speech that we so cherish in America. Contrary to heated debate and public opinion, we, in the United States, rarely face the kind of persecution that necessitated this great protection. So I rise today to shed light on the abridgement of freedom of speech that is often widely discussed, but that few Americans ever have to endure. prgtoken Across the world, , individual freedom of speech is frequently infringed. A posted critique or just sharing one's views freely on the internet can be punishable, even by death. prgtoken Late one evening in September, a well-known Indian journalist, Gauri Lankesh, was murdered outside her prgtoken home. She was ``an anti-establishment figure with a reputation for her fearless criticism of undemocratic elements within the parties in power.'' The circumstances of her death were ``strikingly similar'' to the murders of three additional Indian activists. prgtoken Just weeks ago, another of India's most prominent political journalists, Professor Kancha Ilaiah, known for critiquing India's caste social order, was threatened by a Hindu member of India's parliament. This member of parliament, who is an ally of the current BJP government, issued a statement that Kancha should be ``publicly hanged.'' Kancha subsequently received numerous death threats. prgtoken These threats had a significant effect. A mob tried to attack Professor Ilaiah with stones as he and a coworker were driving to a meeting. Kancha is now under self-imposed house arrest because he is simply not safe otherwise. prgtoken Was Professor Ilaiah's crime significant? prgtoken Kancha was called a modern-day Dr. Ambedkar, who is known as the ``Father of the Indian Constitution,'' and Professor Ilaiah's crime was he was the author of ``Why I am Not a Hindu.'' prgtoken A recent translation of his 2009 book ``Post-Hindu India'' is what seems to have sparked the threats against him. This book described the polarized context of modern-day India specifically dealing with the productivity of the Dalits and the ``low'' castes and the seeming spiritual and monetary monopoly of the ``higher'' castes. These critiques became even more relevant in India's growing agrarian crisis, the resulting farmer suicides due to hopelessness, and the massive joblessness due to demonetization and economic slowdown. prgtoken , I stand on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to state unequivocally that the United States and the entire global community is, and should be, deeply concerned about this threat to the life of Professor Kancha Ilaiah, one of the world's well- known intellectuals. prgtoken Our trusted ally and friend, India, is better than this, . Professor Kancha Ilaiah's right and freedom to speak should not be infringed; and his protection, and that of those like him, should be of the utmost priority to the Indian Government. I am able to express f
HONORING THE HALL COUNTY REACT PROGRAM AND THE NEW WELDING SHOP
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today to honor the grand opening of the Hall County Correction Institute's welding shop--a new addition to Hall County's Re-entry Accountability Court Transition program--which will equip inmates with skills that they can take with them as they re-enter society. prgtoken Since 2014, the local accountability court program has assisted offenders by providing vocational resources that can help deter recidivism and restore these individuals as productive members of the community. By allowing program participants to obtain state certifications in welding, the program will help people who will soon be released to find job security upon their departure. prgtoken Criminal justice reform is a priority for northeast Georgia as it is for me in Washington, which is why I introduced the Prison Reform and Redemption Act to help lower recidivism rates among federal prisoners through vocational training and other evidence-based programs. prgtoken , every person has value, and efforts like the Hall County Correction Institute's welding shop recognize and seek to magnify that value and potential. Investing in all of our neighbors--even those who have broken the law--can pave the way for stronger, safer communities for every man, woman, and child. prgtoken I thank Sheriff Couch and the Hall County Sheriff's Department for their commitment to improving the lives of inmates, and look forward to seeing the impact that the welding initiative will make on northeast Georgia.
WELCOMING REVEREND JOSHUA LEU
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today to salute and say thanks during Pastor Appreciation Month. This one is particularly special, as one of my own church's pastors gave the opening prayer to this body just moments ago. prgtoken From baptisms to weddings to funerals, pastors give us encouragement to meet the demands of life. They give spiritual balance to a material world and are spiritual leaders for a nation deemed ``one Nation under God.'' prgtoken I thank my current pastor, Pastor Josh Leu; his wife, Ashley; his lovely daughters, Karys and Khora. I also want to thank my pastor of 20 years, Pastor Bill Johnson, and his wife, Lois. prgtoken Thanks for all you have done for us, for my family, for my community, and for my church. prgtoken Like Pastor Bill always used to say: Have a good day, if you want to. prgtoken , let's all reach out to pastors and their families to tell them thanks for all they do for us.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-10-12

I was grateful to join Secretary Rick Perry and my colleagues, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Congressman Joe Barton, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, yesterday to celebrate the Department of Energy's 40th birthday. prgtoken The goals presented of progressing our science, protecting our Nation, and promoting our energy were meaningful to me, having served as Deputy General Counsel under Secretary Jim Edwards of the Reagan administration. I was also grateful to have worked at the Savannah River Site, where I saw firsthand so many dedicated personnel. prgtoken In Washington, I served with General Counsel R. Tenney Johnson; was welcomed by Administrative Assistant Marsha McQueen; and was trained by Deputy General Counsel Eric Fygi, who was recognized as an original DOE staff member. prgtoken I look forward to working with Secretary Perry to ensure continued progress on our nuclear cleanup missions, effective stewardship of the nuclear weapons stockpile, and continued research and development at our Nation's national labs. DOE now clearly promotes energy development to create jobs. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL WAS A GIANT MISTAKE
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today to urge President to decertify the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. There are reports that decertification may come as early as tomorrow, and I certainly hope so. prgtoken The Iran nuclear deal was a giant mistake. It has been bad for America's national security, bad for our ally Israel's national security, and bad for the world. prgtoken By decertifying the flawed Iran nuclear deal before October 15, the administration has a chance to send a strong message that the United States will not sit idly by while the Iranian threat continues to grow. prgtoken The deal was premised on a naive notion that Iran would somehow evolve into a peaceful global partner, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. Make no mistake about it: Iran is not our friend, does not share our values, and should not have been trusted. prgtoken For decades, Iran has called the United States the Great Satan, and their leadership continues to call for the total annihilation of our ally Israel. Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world and is actively working towards obtaining a nuclear bomb. prgtoken This much is clear: Iran has not upheld the spirit of this deal. Now is the time to reassert our authority on the world stage and hold Iran accountable. prgtoken I look forward to working with President to keep America, our allies, and the rest of the world safe from Iranian aggression.
CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH DENT
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-10-12

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the tremendous work of Elizabeth Dent, who has been an invaluable part of the staff of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture for the past 3 years. Elizabeth came to work with the subcommittee I chair after working several years with a former appropriator, Congressman Jack Kingston. prgtoken Elizabeth has been a valuable member of the subcommittee team. She is diligent, dedicated, and keen to details, something that is very important to the appropriations work. prgtoken She is always eager to volunteer and lend a hand to accomplish whatever tasks may be needed in assisting in the agricultural community. She has become an integral part of the team, and she will be greatly missed on our subcommittee. prgtoken Elizabeth will be leaving the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to work for the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. I thank her for her outstanding work. The Senate Appropriations Committee is very fortunate to have her work on the staff. We wish her all the very best, and we look forward to working with her in her new capacity.
HAPPY 100TH ANNIVERSARY FORT STOCKTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-12

I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Fort Stockton Independent School District, a premiere public school district dedicated to the education of students in West Texas. prgtoken Fort Stockton Independent School District was approved in the 35th state legislature on May 17, 1917. It is now home to five public schools and over 2,500 students, teachers, and staff. Over the past two-and-a-half years, I have visited Fort Stockton Independent School District on numerous occasions. In fact, I was able to participate in the Coin Toss at a Panther football game this month. prgtoken Today I applaud the graduates and countless faculty and staff members who have helped spread the knowledge, skills, and values they learned at Fort Stockton Independent School District with Texas, the United States, and the entire world. The positive impact of this public school system resonates across Texas' 23rd Congressional District.
DR. CHRIS KIRKPATRICK WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
Sean P. Duffy (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-10-12

today, Congress will have an opportunity to vote on legislation that will bolster protections for whistleblowing patriots, while vastly improving care for veterans at the VA. prgtoken The Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act is the product of hundreds of hours of Congressional hearings, meetings with stakeholders, and hard work by dozens of lawmakers here in Washington, to make sure that the tragic abuse that Dr. Kirkpatrick faced will never happen again. prgtoken As some of you may know, Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick was a clinical psychologist at the VA in Tomah, WI. He was a veteran, a graduate of Northwestern University, and a caring individual who dedicated his career to providing innovative treatments for veterans suffering from PTSD. Most notably, he created a yoga program to help vets at the VA in Chicago. He was known to be very well-liked by the patients he served. prgtoken In 2009, Dr. Kirkpatrick expressed concerns that his patients were being heavily overmedicated. It became so bad, he said, that he was unable to properly do his job. He wanted to do what was right for veterans, and as a veteran himself, he couldn't stand to see how careless some of the VA staff were being with high levels of dangerous medications. prgtoken Unfortunately, instead of looking into Dr. Kirkpatrick's claims, the facility's chief of staff told him to mind his own business, and to instead focus on his own work. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Kirkpatrick was called to a disciplinary meeting and given a written reprimand. prgtoken This type of retaliation went on for months. prgtoken Then, in July, Dr. Kirkpatrick complained again that a dangerous veteran had not been properly discharged, despite recommendations from a treatment team. A week after making the complaint, Dr. Kirkpatrick was fired from the VA. prgtoken He was devastated. He begged for an opportunity to stay, and expressed concerns that he had been given too many complex cases, and that the emotional toll was too high. Again, his concerns were ignored. prgtoken That night, Dr. Kirkpatrick wrote a note to his girlfriend in Chicago, another to the kennel he wanted to take care of his dog, and one final note for the mailman. It read: ``Please call 911--tell them to go to red barn building.'' prgtoken He had taken his own life. He was 38 years old. prgtoken Dr. Kirkpatrick's death was the product of a broken system--a system that encourages retaliation against whistleblowers, while ignoring the underlying causes of their concerns. prgtoken If Dr. Kirkpatrick's death wasn't tragic enough, a subsequent investigation at the VA found that a patient had died from ``mixed drug toxicity'', and that Dr. Kirkpatrick's concerns were completely warranted. prgtoken Not only did whistleblower retaliation cost Dr. Kirkpatrick his life, it cost the life of a patient as well. prgtoken That's why I urge you all to vote yes on the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act. prgtoken