mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING BEAR KNUCKLES
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-9-26

Idaho's entrepreneurs are passionate individuals who consistently innovate and create high-quality products. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my distinct privilege to recognize Bear Knuckles as the Small Business of the Month for September 2018. Located in Blackfoot, ID, Bear Knuckles manufactures gloves with a unique design that allow for a stronger grip while still protecting the wearer's hands. prgtoken Bear Knuckles' founder, Shawn Schild, is one of three brothers who own B Bar B in Blackfoot. B Bar B is a family-owned leather shop founded by Shawn's parents, Bob and Gay Schild. Bob Schild began his career as a professional rodeo rider in 1954. Throughout his rodeo career, Bob carried a sewing machine and other tailoring supplies in his camper to craft his own equipment. He often sold rodeo chaps and other items that he crafted to make extra income while on the road. Bob continued his rodeo career until he settled down in Blackfoot with his wife Gay and founded B Bar B Leather in 1961. He continued to compete in the rodeo part time to help support the business until 1969. Bob and Gay passed along this entrepreneurial spirit and the values of hard work and integrity to their three sons: Jeff, Shawn, and Kelly. After taking the reins of the business from their parents in 1994, the three brothers founded B Bar B Wholesale in 1996. prgtoken Shawn began designing his own line of gloves over 20 years ago, while competing in the rodeo like his father had done before him. He wanted to make a glove that could protect his hands, while providing a better grip on bucking bulls. After a great deal of experimentation, Shawn created gloves with curved fingers to better conform to the natural shape of the hand. This resulted in a glove that allows for a strong grip, while also reducing grip fatigue. Shawn's patented double wedge ergonomic design worked so well that it was adopted by several professional bullriders who still use it to this day. prgtoken Shawn saw the potential for this new glove to benefit working men and women. He began making different types of gloves and approached local stores and industrial businesses asking them to test his new products. Several employees at a local natural gas distributor, who tested the welding gloves, praised Shawn's design and claimed that they no longer wanted to use any other type of glove. After further tinkering and experimentation, he received a patent for the design in 2015. Following the patent, Shawn took the next step and decided to pursue a manufacturing and distribution agreement with a large glove manufacturing company. Shawn overcame multiple challenges in the manufacturing of his glove, which ultimately led him to start his own small business, Bear Knuckles. Today Shawn's gloves are sold in stores throughout the area. prgtoken The State of Idaho is proud to be home to innovative, hard-working entrep
EMPOWERING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2018
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-9-26

the balance of my time. prgtoken In closing, I would like to reiterate, despite what some have said about this piece of legislation, that this legislation requires NGOs to register with Treasury in order to create a process that protects only rigorous, credible organizations that can offer verifiable information to financial institutions. This process will safeguard innocent people and entities that may currently be targeted by the broad, general patterns that are reported to financial institutions. prgtoken At present, there is no way for financial institutions to wade through all the tips and information they receive and use it to prevent traffickers from using our financial systems. We need a meaningful system that can actually identify traffickers and allow banks to verify those IDs. That is what this bill does. prgtoken I would also like to make clear that this piece of legislation does not amend or touch the PATRIOT Act and does not create any new structures for banks to share information with each other. prgtoken This legislation is supported by organizations, including, Mr Western Union, MoneyGram, and Liberty Asia. It also happens to be one of the key recommendations from Polaris' groundbreaking new report: ``A Road Map for Systems and Industries to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking.'' prgtoken , I include the report in the Record. 2. Pass legislation to provide safe harbor to facilitate information sharing between civil society and financial institutions NGOs that work with survivors and vulnerable populations often have access to critical information about bad actors. Regulations focused on the sharing of information between financial institutions or between financial institutions and government agencies, such as Section 314(a) and (b) of the USA Patriot Act or the regulations for filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), provide appropriate protections for such sharing. No such protections are currently available to NGOs for sharing critical information that may assist in the detection, deterrence or prevention of trafficking. While NGO's are currently able to report tips directly to law enforcement, the information may be too limited to realistically spur law enforcement action--often because the information is obtained from confidential sources who cannot be contacted by law enforcement. However, if these leads were provided to financial institutions, the financial institutions may be able to assist in providing additional, relevant, and actionable information to law enforcement. Addressing the liability concerns of NGO's which wish to participate in information exchanges is an important first step in actualizing this process. Legislation is required to provide these protections to NGOs. Once this barrier is removed, law enforcemen
CORRECTING MISCALCULATIONS IN VETERANS' PENSIONS ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-9-26

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 4431, the Correcting Miscalculations in Veterans' Pensions Act and urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation. prgtoken I introduced this legislation after one of our veteran constituents in the First Congressional District of Georgia brought his own story to my office. In this case, he was a veteran who, after his service in the military, continued to serve our country by working in the Federal Government. Veterans who work for the Federal Government can have their Active Duty time in the military count toward their civil servant retirement pension if they pay a military service deposit. prgtoken In the case of our constituent, the employing agency made a mistake in calculating his military service deposit, but the Federal Government did not notice the mistake for more than 10 years. Years later, the Office of Personnel Management, OPM, told the constituent that he must pay the miscalculated amount plus the mistakenly accrued interest on the military service deposit that the employing government agency had miscalculated. prgtoken When he tried to fight the situation, the employing agency said that they had no ability to either waive the payment or pay it on behalf of the veteran employee. prgtoken We have found multiple occurrences just like this one for veterans working in our Federal Government. More often than not when these situations happen, the costs balloon to tens of thousands of dollars, leaving our veterans on the hook to pay. This legislation seeks to improve this situation by clarifying that the Federal agencies, in the case prgtoken of a miscalculation, are able to pay the interest that accrues on the military service deposit on behalf of the veteran, which, over time, ends up being the bulk of cost. prgtoken Our veterans risked their lives to protect our country, and they deserve the best when they return home. prgtoken It is unfortunate to me that our Federal Government cannot follow through with this commitment for even its own veteran employees. It is even more worrisome that these Federal agencies are putting off their responsibility, instead making their own employees--veteran employees-- take the huge financial hit. prgtoken With this legislation, we can support our veterans working in the Federal Government.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--MOTION TO PROCEED
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-9-26

thank you for the opportunity to be here to talk with my colleagues about the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I am pleased to be here. prgtoken Over the past several months, the press conference Senator Burr referred to marking 100 days until the expiration of Land and Water Conservation Fund--we have since come to the floor offering unanimous consent agreements. We have introduced legislation. We fought for amendments to make sure we extend not just temporarily, not just for a year or two but to make sure we fight for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. prgtoken I was struck by the words Senator Burr said, in particular, about the suffering in his home State of North Carolina and the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. I was reminded of a quote that Enos Mills, one of the Founding Fathers of Rocky Mountain National Park, said about our national places and spaces. I think you can apply this to public lands everywhere, the public parks, national parks, forests, you name it. He said: ``Within national parks is room--glorious room--room in which to find ourselves, in which to think and hope, to dream and plan, to rest and resolve.'' prgtoken That is the importance of our public lands across the West, across the East, and everywhere in this country--from corner to corner--as we fight to preserve our most sacred places. prgtoken Senator Daines, there have been valiant efforts in Montana to preserve our public lands in both of our States--public land States. In Colorado, if you add in the State and Federal public lands, you are looking at nearly half the State of Colorado and of course the numbers you laid out earlier. These are important management issues, important issues to resolve. Then, once in a while, there is an opportunity ahead of us to preserve a parcel of land, a portion of forests for a recreational opportunity for future generations. We use the Land and Water Conservation Fund to do just that. prgtoken Teddy Roosevelt said: ``There is a delight in the hardy life of the open.'' He went on to say: ``The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired in value.'' prgtoken That is what the Land and Water Conservation Fund allowed us to do. I want to show you a picture of an incredible, glorious space in Colorado I visited a few weeks back. This is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It is pretty impressive. I can tell you, if you are able to go down next to the Gunnison River and enjoy that opportunity to be alone, to be in that space, you indeed will live up to Enos Mills' quote, where you will be able to find that time to think and hope, to dream and plan, to rest, and to resolve. prgtoken If you look at this canyon, you will notice some of the uplands, the flats, the rim of the canyon. You would assume that would have been a part of the
RECOGNIZING R.J. LEONARD FOUNDATION
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-9-26

I rise today to recognize an individual in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who has dedicated her career to the safety and well-being of our community's children. prgtoken Pennsbury School District Transportation Director Charlie Williams recently named Jeanne Lakawitz as the Pennsbury 2018 School Bus Driver of the Year. For the past 14 years, Jeanne has transported students to area schools, including Pennsbury High School, Penn Wood Middle School, William Penn Middle School, and Quarry Hill Elementary School. During this time, she cultivated strong and inspirational relationships with her students and their families. Jeanne says she treats all children on her bus as if they are her own, a statement that I think puts into context her dedication to the job. prgtoken Her job driving does not stop with Pennsbury. In the summer, she also transports summer campers who participate in programs at the Lower Bucks Family YMCA, assisting our community's families. prgtoken , I congratulate Jeanne on this much deserved recognition. I also thank Charlie Williams for his dedication to transportation safety in our community in Bucks County
MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-9-26

I wish to enter a few remarks into the Record prgtoken regarding section 103(a) of the Music Modernization Act, which the Senate recently passed. prgtoken By striking current sections 114(f)(1) and (2) of title 17 and substituting a new section 114(f)(1) based on current section 114(f)(2), section 103(a) of the bill creates a uniform ``willing buyer/willing seller'' rate standard in section 114. This fair standard requires that performing artists and copyright owners be appropriately compensated for the use of their works under the statutory license because rates under this standard are to be set at a level that best approximates the rates that artists and copyright owners would have been able to negotiate in a free market. It has long been a goal of Congress to move toward a free market standard for the statutory license and to move away from the 801(b) standard that permits the copyright royalty judges to set a nonmarket rate for satellite digital audio radio services, (SDARS), and preexisting subscription services, (PSS). Discounted nonmarket rates harm artists and copyright owners, as well as the competitors of SDARS and PSS. As a transitional matter, however, the bill amends section 804(b)(3)(B) of the Copyright Act to continue, through 2027, 2018-2022 statutory royalty rates for PSS that are finally determined in the rate proceeding currently pending before the copyright royalty judges. prgtoken The bill also continues through 2027 the statutory royalty rates for SDARS set forth by the copyright royalty judges on December 14, 2017, in their initial determination for the rate period ending on December 31, 2022. The remainder of my statement today will address the PSS category. prgtoken After 2027, the PSS will remain a distinct category of service under section 114. We have chosen to retain the PSS category as a distinct category because, over the last 20 years, the PSS have been treated distinctly from other types of services for purposes other than the rate standard, such as in the statutory license reporting regulations in 37 C.F.R. 370.3. We express no view as to the merits of those particular provisions or as to whether it makes sense to continue to treat the PSS differently from other types of services as to reporting requirements or any other matter besides the rate standard. prgtoken One consequence of retaining the PSS category after 2027 is that, so long as there continue to be PSS in operation, statutory royalty rates for PSS will continue to be set in proceedings separate from those in which rates are set for similar ``new subscription services'' that also provide music channels delivered over cable and satellite networks as part of cable and satellite subscription packages. Statutory royalty rates for such new subscription services have always been subject to the willing buyer/willing seller rate standard and are currently found at 37 C.F.R. part 383. The difference in the t
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-9-26

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 12 noon, Thursday, September 27; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session under the previous order.
TRUMP TAX CUTS CREATE JOBS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-9-26

due to the tax cuts of President and the Congress, there is unprecedented growth for American families. prgtoken The Hill today reported great things for the American people. CNBC reported that consumer confidence rose to its highest level in 18 years. The African American unemployment rate of 5.9 percent is the lowest on record--CNN. Median household income at historic highs-- Investor's Business Daily. Middle class income hit an all-time high last year--The Washington Post. The majority of U.S. workers are satisfied with their job, highest job level satisfaction since 2005-- USA Today. Youth unemployment at a 52-year low--Wall Street Journal. Small-business optimism, and plans to raise wages are at record highs-- Bloomberg. GDP was 4.2 percent, the best performance in 4 years-- Reuters. And unemployment is at a several-decade low--New York Times. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. prgtoken Our prayers for Brett Kavanaugh and his family, a judge of integrity.
Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-26

tomorrow morning, the Senate and the American people will hear from Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford under oath. We will hear sworn testimony from both of them regarding the allegation of 30-plus-year-old misconduct that Dr. Ford has raised. prgtoken It goes without saying, but it bears repeating: Sexual assault is completely abhorrent. Everyone deserves to be safe. So I am glad Dr. Ford will be heard. prgtoken I would like to particularly thank Chairman Grassley, who worked tirelessly to establish a fair process and a secure, comfortable setting for this to take place. He gave Dr. Ford the opportunity to testify in public or in private or to speak with investigators who would meet her anywhere she wished or to conduct the entire interview by phone. He has brought a patient professionalism to this process--one that stands in stark contrast to those on the other side of the aisle who self-describe as ``Spartacus'' and play to the television cameras. Dr. Ford will be heard, thanks to Chairman Grassley and despite the irresponsibility of Senate , who ignored her allegation for weeks and then discarded her request for confidentiality and leaked it to the press. prgtoken Let me walk you through this again. The ranking on the Judiciary Committee received a letter from Dr. Ford all the way back in July in which she stated her allegation and asked for confidentiality. That was in July. The committee's thorough review of Judge Kavanaugh was just getting started. There was ample time to vet this allegation in a serious and bipartisan manner that would have maintained confidentiality and honored Dr. Ford's request for privacy. prgtoken All the needed to do was go through proper channels and share the information with their colleagues so the committee could tackle it together, but that is not what Senate did. This is the ic caucus whose leader, my friend the senior Senator from New York, said just hours after Judge Kavanaugh was nominated that he would ``oppose him with everything I've got.'' This was just hours after the nomination. This is the ic caucus of which several Members preemptively announced fill-in-the-blank opposition to any nominee before prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh had even been named. This is the ic caucus that spent all summer searching for reasons to delay, delay, delay this nomination. This was because there were not enough documents, because there were too many documents, because of unrelated headlines--you name it. prgtoken No, these ic colleagues did not treat Dr. Ford or her allegation with the seriousness and discretion she deserved. Apparently, they took no meaningful action for weeks with respect to her claim. Then, finally, at the eleventh hour, when its introduction was virtually certain to introduce further delay, they got it to the press. So much for Dr. Ford's request for confid
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--MOTION TO PROCEED
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-9-26

. Thank you, Senator Burr. prgtoken I will tell you why that permanent reauthorization is important in places like Montana, Colorado, and North Carolina. It is because it takes time to put together some of these consolidations of checkerboard lands to make this all work. prgtoken Here is an example of that right here. This is a project that was executed. And you see we are not playing checkers here; this is the way the land management works oftentimes out West. So to make all that happen, to get the parties--the State, the Federal Government, and a private landowner--together here, sometimes takes years. prgtoken What we don't need to have is the Federal Government back here-- Congress--providing uncertainty about whether we are going to fund a process that oftentimes takes years, getting the landowners, the State, and the Feds together to execute a consolidation that gives the public access to those public lands. That is why permanent reauthorization is so important, to take that off the table. There are enough challenges already with the LWCF and with trying to make these transactions work without having Congress get in the way. prgtoken I thank you, Senator Burr, for your passion, for your steadfast commitment to the permanent reauthorization. And keep reminding us that it costs the taxpayers nothing. I think it is a pretty good value. prgtoken So, again, I want to thank both my colleagues here. They have been strong leaders on this issue. We are going to keep fighting. As Senator Burr just ticked down from 100 days, now we are down to 4 days. We are going to fight for this every opportunity we have. We all urge our colleagues to listen to the stories you heard today, listen to your constituents, and join us and finally reauthorize to save LWCF. prgtoken Thank you.
HONORING A KOREAN AND AMERICAN HERO
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-9-26

today I would like to honor the passing of Major General Sun-Ha Lim, who passed away on July 22. prgtoken Throughout his life, he defended the Republic of Korea and the free world from communism. As a second lieutenant, he helped form the U.S. Korean Constabulary, a Korean government loyal to the United States. prgtoken He then continued his service in the Republic of Korea's Army. His exceptional battlefield leadership led him to be promoted to the rank of major general during the Korean conflict. He commanded the Republic of Korea's 3rd Infantry Division, playing an instrumental role in pushing the North Korean forces back and restoring the 38th parallel. prgtoken After coming to the U.S. with his family later in life, General Lim advocated for the recognition of the U.S. Korean Constabulary. prgtoken General Lim was recognized on numerous occasions for his inspiring leadership. President Eisenhower honored him with the Legion of Merit in the Commander degree, the highest U.S. military honor given to foreign combatants. He was awarded with the Republic of Korea's Order of Military Merit in the 1st Grade, which is their highest decoration for military valor. prgtoken General Lim was a beloved member of the South Korean community here in Omaha, renowned by U.S. Korean war veterans in the metro area, and he was my friend.