mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HEADLAND'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Martha Roby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-4-3

I rise today to honor First Baptist Church (FBC) of Headland in Headland, Alabama upon its 150th Anniversary. In 1867, eight people in a small village formerly known as ``Heads Land'' gathered to establish what was then known as The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethlehem, led by Reverend Thomas Scott. The church officially took the name of ``The First Baptist Church, Headland, Alabama'' in December of 1969. It has been housed at three separate locations, with its current home residing on East Church Street. The church campus has expanded with the additions of a Sunday School Annex, a Children's Building, a pastorium which now serves as church offices, and a Ministry Center. From its humble beginnings, the church has now grown to a current membership of 1,068, making it the largest church in Henry County. Over the years, FBC Headland has expanded its reach with its TV Ministry, Food Pantry, Child Development Center, Church Counseling Ministry, and multiple Worship Services and Sunday School Classes. FBC Headland's mission statement is ``Glorifying God by Knowing Christ and Making Him Known,'' and I commend them for their dedication to ministries that do just that. The City of Headland is fortunate to have had the touch of FBC Headland upon its community for 150 years. FBC Headland has been an example of the faithfulness and providence of the Lord and I am excited to see what He will do through their ministry in the years to come it is my privilege to recognize First Baptist Church of Headland's 150 years of fellowship, worship, and service.
MITCHELL MONTALVO INVITED TO JOIN NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-3

I rise today to congratulate Mitchell Montalvo of Katy, TX, for being invited to join the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). prgtoken Mitchell is studying computer engineering at the University of Houston, where he accepted a full scholarship from the U.S. Air Force. Membership to NSCS is by invitation only and based on a student's class standing and grade-point average. NSCS is part of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the only interdisciplinary honors organization for first and second year college students in the country. After graduating, Mitchell plans to enter the Air Force as a second lieutenant, specializing in cyber warfare. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Mitchell Montalvo for his invitation to join NSCS. We are very proud of him and look forward to his future service to our country.
NOMINATION OF ELAINE DUKE
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-3

I want to talk briefly about a nomination that is coming before us this week. This is for Elaine Duke to be the Deputy Homeland Security Secretary. prgtoken This is an incredibly important job. Some of you remember the Homeland Security Department was made up of about 23 different departments and agencies coming together. It is a huge management challenge. The key job of the Deputy Secretary is to try to manage all of that. prgtoken We are very fortunate that Elaine Duke is willing to step forward and take on this responsibility. My hope is that we will have a bipartisan vote here on the floor of the Senate for her confirmation and that we do it quickly this week because they need her there. prgtoken She came before our Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs last month. We had a very productive hearing. I had the honor of introducing her to the committee because she has Ohio roots. We are very proud of those Ohio roots. prgtoken She has had a long, distinguished career all across the country in the Federal Government, but she still calls Ohio home, and much of her family continues to reside in Ohio. Her dad, Frank Costanzo, is a first-generation American who still lives in Cleveland, OH. I have also known her uncle, Dominick Costanzo, for over 25 years. He is a friend and a neighbor. Boy, he is very proud of his niece, as is her whole family. prgtoken This family has instilled in her a midwestern work ethic that you see in the great work she has done for the Federal Government over the past 28 years. She has worked as a senior member of various administrations. We are really fortunate that she is willing to now continue to serve. prgtoken She started her career as a GS-7 contract specialist for the U.S. Air Force. Over the next 28 years, she assumed bigger and bigger responsibilities in the Air Force, the Navy, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Smithsonian, and finally, the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken In 2008, she was confirmed unanimously by this Senate to serve as the Under Secretary for Management at DHS. In this latest role, she, of course, was a key member of the DHS leadership team for both Secretary Chertoff and Secretary Napolitano, and they strongly support her. prgtoken She has earned a reputation for being an expert on issues of contracting, on acquisitions, on procurement, on property management, on organizational change, and on human resources. All of these, as I said earlier, are key issues right now at the Department of Homeland Security, so she will help it to be managed better, which will protect all of us. prgtoken Serving in these administrations--both and --she did earn the respect of folks from both sides of the aisle. I find it interesting that all five previously confirmed DHS Deputy Secretaries have unanimously and strongly recommended her confirmation--all five of the previously confirmed ones. They said in their lette
OLD VESSELS EXEMPTION ACT
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-4-3

I come to the floor today to express my strong support for the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to be the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Few individuals over the last century have impacted the American legal discourse as profoundly as the late Justice Antonin Scalia. prgtoken In the wake of his untimely passing last February, Justice Scalia left behind a legacy of faithfully applying the law and upholding the principles of our Constitution. Judge Neil Gorsuch is a worthy successor to Judge Antonin Scalia. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch understands the protections granted in the Constitution, including the separation of powers, federalism, and the Bill of Rights. He knows that the Constitution provides Americans with an indispensable safeguard against government overreach. prgtoken His past opinions demonstrate that he will honor constitutional protections afforded through due process, the right to bear arms, equal protection under the law, and religious freedom. prgtoken Legal experts from across the political spectrum are very much in agreement with the Gorsuch nomination. The American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary unanimously gave Judge Gorsuch the highest possible rating of ``well qualified'' for the Supreme Court. I couldn't agree more. prgtoken One of Judge Gorsuch's associates, the chief judge of the Tenth Circuit who served with Judge Gorsuch, has said about him: Judge Gorsuch brings to the bench a powerful intellect combined with a probing and analytical approach to every issue. He brings to each case a strong commitment to limit his analysis to that case--its facts, the record, and the law cited and applicable. He does not use his judicial role as a vehicle for anything other than deciding the case before him. prgtoken President 's former Solicitor General Neal Katyal penned an op- ed in the New York Times supporting Judge Gorsuch and wrote: I have no doubt that if confirmed, Judge Gorsuch would help restore confidence in the rule of law. His years on the bench reveal a commitment to judicial independence--a record that should give the American people confidence that he will not compromise principle to favor the president who appointed him. prgtoken Those are the words of the Solicitor General who argued on behalf of President 's administration in front of the Supreme Court. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch has been through the confirmation process before--as we have heard many times on this floor--when Senators, some of them in this body today, approved his nomination to the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit without opposition. prgtoken I was privileged to meet with Judge Gorsuch several weeks ago, and it was clear to me through our conversation, a thorough examination of his record, and watching last week's hearing in the Judiciary Committee that Judge Gorsuch will de
THE SMITH FAMILY ACHIEVED THE AMERICAN DREAM THROUGH HARD WORK
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-4-3

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken I rise to speak on an issue important to so many Floridians, and that is the Florida Everglades. The Everglades are Florida. They are as iconic as the Blue Angels, the space shuttle, and even the orange. No one in Florida is unaffected by the fate of the Everglades. This is why I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in encouraging President to remain focused on Everglades restoration. prgtoken Congress has invested in these projects before, and the Everglades ecosystem is improving as a result. But there is debate about how to proceed. In short, the question is: Should the government buy more Everglades land? prgtoken I say no. Forty-two percent of the land in south Florida is already owned by the government. We should get the government out of the real estate business, not deeper into it. prgtoken Instead of a land buy, we must finish the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Since 2000, this plan has enjoyed bipartisan support. Taxpayer dollars go toward important environmental work. The plan respects private property rights, doesn't harm agricultural communities who play a critical role in Florida's economies, and advances the cause of restoration. prgtoken Florida's Everglades are a national treasure. We can't afford to lose them. Finishing the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will ensure that our river of grass will be around for generations to come. prgtoken , I take particular pride in thanking both Congressmen Rooneys from my State for their outstanding leadership.
MAIN STREET FAIRNESS ACT
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-4-3

I wish to speak in support of the Main Street Fairness Act, which will help to create tax parity for passthrough companies, the significant majority of which are small businesses. I was very pleased to be joined by my friend and colleague from Florida, Senator Nelson, in introducing this bipartisan bill. prgtoken Small businesses are our Nation's job creators. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ more than half of all workers and have generated two-out-of-three net new jobs since the 1970s. prgtoken Small businesses also make an outsized contribution to our Nation's economy, generating half of our Nation's GDP, 54 percent of all U.S. sales, 41 percent of private sector payroll, and one-third of our Nation's export value. Their success is critical to the health of our economy. prgtoken Unfortunately, our Nation's small businesses face a higher tax burden that affects their ability to compete with large firms in the marketplace. In fact, a recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, found that concerns about Federal taxes on business income ranked third on the list of the top 10 problems facing small businesses. prgtoken Nearly all of our Nation's small businesses are organized as passthroughs, meaning that their profits are passed on to their owners and reported on individual income tax returns. This means that small business income is subject to taxation at individual rates, which can be as high as 39.6 percent at the Federal level and can exceed 50 percent in some States. If we want our small businesses to grow and create jobs, we must reduce these high marginal rates. prgtoken I believe Congress should undertake comprehensive tax reform to make our Tax Code simpler, fairer, and more progrowth. As we do so, we must make sure American businesses of every size are given the opportunity to compete. Aligning the tax rate for passthroughs with our corporate tax rate will ensure small businesses are not left behind. That is why Senator Nelson and I introduced the Main Street Fairness Act, which will link the tax rates of passthrough entities and large corporations, to ensure that small businesses never pay a higher tax rate than large companies. prgtoken This simple change will help make sure that small businesses remain healthy and strong, so they can continue to serve as our Nation's job creators, as they have for so many years. I would note that the Main Street Fairness Act has been endorsed by the NFIB, the leading voice for America's small businesses, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting it. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent to have a letter of endorsement from the NFIB printed in the Record.
HONORING CHIEF CLINT GREENWOOD
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-3

early this morning, Precinct 3 Assistant Chief Clint Greenwood put on his uniform, secured his badge over his heart, and he headed off to work. prgtoken As he arrived at the courthouse at 7 a.m shots suddenly rang out. After the smoke cleared, Chief Greenwood was shot in the neck. His fellow officers rushed to his aid, and he was airlifted to a nearby Houston hospital, but it was too late. Texas lost another one of its finest men in blue. prgtoken The suspect is still at large, but not for long. As the investigation develops, it is still unclear if Deputy Chief Greenwood was specifically targeted or if he was ambushed because he wore the uniform. Law enforcement will do everything in their power to find and apprehend the murderous outlaw. prgtoken Chief Greenwood dedicated 30 years of his life to the law. I knew Clint when I worked as a judge in Houston, Texas. He was a prosecutor. He was a defense lawyer. He worked for the sheriff's department, and now more recently as a member of the constable's office. He was of strong character and a proud Texas lawman. prgtoken Texas prays for Chief Greenwood's family and the County, Texas, constable's office. Our men and women who wear the badge are the best we have. They protect and serve our communities. Chief Greenwood's life may be gone, but his memory serves as a reminder of all those who give their lives for the thin blue line. Back the blue, . Back the blue. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
CONDEMNING NORTH KOREA'S DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , North Korea, as we all know, poses an urgent threat to the United States and to our allies. Experts say that, in less than 4 years, Kim Jung-un will likely have the ability to make a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile topped by a nuclear warhead capable of targeting the continental United States. They also expect that, by then, North Korea may have accumulated enough nuclear material to build up to 100 warheads for those ICBMs they have been making. prgtoken In an interview, the President says he is going to discuss this growing threat and Kim Jung-un's behavior with Chinese President Xi this week. As he says, China has great influence over North Korea, and China will either decide to help us with North Korea or they won't, but, if they do, that will be very good for China. prgtoken It will be good for China because we have made it very clear that this is a key interest of the United States. We do not want to see North Korea able to proliferate this kind of weaponry. They have already tested this off of a submarine. It would be irresponsible for us, China, and every member of the international community not to take steps now to cut off all hard currency into North Korea that allows that regime to continue down this path. prgtoken This threat is real, and that demands real response. I appreciate Joe Wilson bringing this resolution because, as he notes, one other point that I think we have to make, the deployment of THAAD needs to be completed as quickly as possible. prgtoken The President must also utilize the economic tools that Congress has given him with the act authored by myself and Mr. Engel to cut off funding for the regime of Kim Jong-un. I would also encourage the administration to pursue all opportunities to strengthen our economic and security relationships with our partners throughout the Asia Pacific right now because, as we know, our allies there are equally concerned about this development. prgtoken I thank the author of this resolution, Mr. Joe Wilson, and, of course, my committee's ranking member, Mr. Engel. I want to thank Mr. Sherman as well for working on this resolution. prgtoken , .
OLD VESSELS EXEMPTION ACT--Continued
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-4-3

as I have done from the time he was nominated and as I will continue to do until he is confirmed, I rise to support the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch is an accomplished, mainstream jurist. I look forward to helping make sure he can receive a vote here on the Senate floor. prgtoken In the weeks since his nomination, I have spoken at length about his qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court. I have recognized him as a conservative champion of religious liberty, a defender of the separation of powers, and a westerner who will bring some much needed geographic diversity and a regional perspective to the Court. prgtoken During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Judge Gorsuch showed the country what it means to be a judge. prgtoken Big or small, popular or unpopular, powerful or powerless, Judge Gorsuch promised to render judgments based on the facts of the case, nothing else. He also has a remarkable record of respectful cooperation with judges appointed by Presidents of both parties. prgtoken During his decade-long tenure on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Gorsuch participated in more than 2,700 appeals. These comprised some of the most difficult cases across six States. Of those cases, 97 percent of them were decided unanimously--97 percent. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch was in the majority 99 percent of the time. He was in the majority on those cases 99 percent of the time. This is a testament to Judge Gorsuch's ability to consider other points of view and to seek out consensus, where possible. To try to paint Judge Gorsuch as an ideologue simply doesn't work. Those are essential qualities for any prospective Supreme Court Justice. prgtoken Now that we have reported Judge Gorsuch out of committee as of today, I would like to say a few words on the obstacles that stand in the way of his being considered here on the Senate floor. prgtoken As we proceed with Judge Gorsuch's confirmation, I would like to explain my support for confirming him in light of what transpired in the waning months of the previous administration. prgtoken For nearly 230 years, Presidents have been making nominations to the Supreme Court. According to the Congressional Research Service: ``From the appointment of the first Justices in 1789 through its consideration of Nominee Elena Kagan in 2010, the Senate has confirmed 124 Supreme Court nominations out of 160 received.'' prgtoken I would like to reiterate that number. Out of 160 Supreme Court nominations in our Nation's history, 124 were confirmed. prgtoken The Congressional Research Service goes on to state: ``Of the 36 nominations which were not confirmed, 11 were rejected outright in roll-call votes by the Senate, while nearly all of the rest, in the face of substantial committee or Senate opposition to the nominee or the President, were withdrawn by the President, or were postponed, tabled, or never v
RECOGNIZING ARNOLD SMEENK
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-4-3

I rise today to congratulate Arnold Smeenk on his retirement and recognize his distinguished career in the field of mortgage banking. prgtoken Mr. Smeenk joined First Maryland Mortgage Corp. in December 1993. He built an impressive portfolio of clients and projects, which directly contributed to the company's successful merger with M&T Realty Capital Corp. In recognition of his excellent work, Mr. Smeenk earned the prestigious President's Council Award in three consecutive years. In 2007, he was promoted to National Production Manager and Group Vice President. In these positions, Mr. Smeenk was responsible for managing the company's origination platform and supervising employees in nine states. Under his leadership, the sales team originated almost $16 billion in deals. Mr. Smeenk will retire on April 3, after more than 23 years of service to M&T Realty Capital Corp. prgtoken Even more impressive than Mr. Smeenk's professional resume is his commitment to serving his community. Arnold and his wife, Anne, have opened their home and their hearts to those in need. From taking in foster children and providing assistance to troubled youths, to repairing inner-city homes and building a school for deaf children in Mexico, Arnold and Anne have worked tirelessly to help people overcome difficult circumstances. Through the Smeenk Family Foundation, they have financially supported countless Christian ministries and charitable organizations, including the Charles Finney School and the new Pregnancy Resource Center in Corning, New York. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Arnold Smeenk on an impressive career and wishing him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
JOBS SHOULD BE JOB ONE
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-4-3

the consensus for this Friday's Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report is that it will show the economy added about 178,000 new private sector jobs in March. That is a good number, though not as good as the March numbers in recent years. prgtoken As The New York Times put it: ``Growth in the first 3 months of the administration is looking much the way it did'' in the growth under President . prgtoken But because of the current administration's inaction on vital economic issues, like infrastructure spending, right now about one in three market experts now think that a near-term stock market correction may be in the cards. prgtoken Instead of doing the things we need to do to rev up the economy, this body has been spending time trying to make it harder for women to access contraceptives, gutting our right to privacy on the internet, and trying to take health care away from millions of Americans. That is no way, , to create jobs. prgtoken How about we do what the President said he wanted to do? Let's make the investments that we need now that will stimulate the creation of good jobs--good-paying jobs for Americans. That should be job number one for this Congress.