mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-26

at the outset, I, too, want to thank Chairwoman Granger, Mr. Frelinghuysen, and Mr. Visclosky for the coordinated, collegial approach in producing this very outstanding bill. Of course, the entire staff on both sides of the aisle, I thank them for their important work. We couldn't do it without them, for sure. prgtoken The bill does reflect the collegial and bipartisan tradition of the Defense Subcommittee, providing ample funding for the needs of our armed services and intelligence community. prgtoken There are a number of provisions I would like to highlight: prgtoken Servicemembers receive a 2.6 percent pay raise, although I am concerned their civilian counterparts who work side-by-side with uniformed personnel will not see any increase; $752 million is dedicated to congressionally directed medical research programs that are so critical and lead to breakthroughs on cancer, PTSD, Parkinson's, and more; $8.4 is directed to bolster cybersecurity initiatives, $100 million above the enacted level; and, $500 million, the full amount in the MOU, is invested in the Israeli Missile Defense Cooperative program. prgtoken The committee has taken its oversight responsibilities seriously to encourage greater efficiency, improve transparency, strengthen communication, and ensure the Department of Defense adheres to congressional direction. prgtoken Unlike other spending measures considered this year, this bill is the product of an inclusive process that invests in bipartisan priorities and is free of poison pill riders. It was written within the funding levels agreed upon in the most recent budget agreement, skipping OCO- to-base gimmicks previously employed to skirt the capped funding levels. prgtoken , I urge its support.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-26

. Mr. Chair, I want to commend the subcommittee and the full committee for including in the base text a provision that says that no funds shall be used in contravention of the War Powers Act. This is a provision I originally proposed in 2011 as a floor vote. We lost at first, but it was adopted in 2011 and has been part of the base text ever since. prgtoken The War Powers Act is the one restraint on a President who seeks to, on their own accord, send our troops into harm's way for permanent warfare. It says that troops cannot be deployed for more than 60 or 90 days without an Authorization for Use of Military Force, but every President since the Vietnam war has claimed that the War Powers Act was an unconstitutional, nonbinding provision on the President's power to send our troops. prgtoken That is why I am pleased to report to the House that, when he testified before our committee, former Attorney General Mukasey said, But with this provision, the President has to abide by the War Powers Act.
COMMENDATION OF COL. JAMES G. PANGELINAN
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2018-6-26

one of the reasons I have worked to increase the number of young people from the Mariana Islands who can attend the U.S. military academies is because I believe the Marianas offers a wealth of talent that can add to the strength of our military. prgtoken A case in point is West Point graduate James G. Pangelinan, who just hit 22 years of active duty service on June 1 and who graduated from the Army War College on June 8 with a master of arts in strategic studies and distinguished graduate honors. At the same time Pangelinan was promoted to the rank of colonel, the first person from the Marianas to achieve that rank in the U.S. Army. In fact, he is also the first person from the Marianas to graduate from West Point and, I understand, the first from our islands to graduate from the Army War College. prgtoken I would like to review COL Pangelinan's distinguished career to date. Upon graduation from West Point with a bachelor of science degree in English literature and philosophy, he received his commission and began service. According to information from the U.S. Army, Pangelinan first was assigned as a rifle platoon leader and company executive officer in the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington from 1997 to 99. He next served as an assistant operations officer with the Ranger Training Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia from 2000 to 02. While assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii from 2002 to 06, he served as a brigade and battalion assistant operations officer, commanded a rifle company in the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken From 2006 to 08, Pangelinan was an Opposition Forces commander with the Battle Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He deployed to Afghanistan, serving as a strategist in the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan in Kabul. From 2011 to 13, he served as the battalion executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. prgtoken From 2013 to 14, Pangelinan served as the Brigade Rear Detachment commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning from 2014 to 16. Following battalion command, COL Pangelinan served on the Army Staff in the G-3/5/7 where he was responsible for the publication and execution of the Army Campaign Plan 2017. prgtoken Throughout this tim Pangelinan continued his academic pursuits, earning a master of military art and science from the School of Advanced Military Studies and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Kansas State University both in 2010. prgtoken Pangelinan's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Ai
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-6-26

as I rise for my 209th ``Time to Wake Up'' climate change speech, I return to a familiar subject: disgraced Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt. prgtoken Not that long ago, I was here discussing the baker's dozen of ethical scandals swirling around Pruitt. From his $43,000 ``cone of silence'' phone booth to the millions he spent on a 20- prgtoken person security detail, to his lights-and-sirens escapades, to fancy DC restaurant Le Diplomate, Pruitt has come to personify the swamp President promised to drain. And he just keeps on getting swampier. prgtoken In just the few weeks since my last speech on Pruitt, we have learned that he used one of his closest aides to plan his vacations, hunt for a Washington apartment, and, most bizarrely, solicit a used hotel mattress from the Hotel. The aide did many of these tasks on government time when she was supposed to be working for taxpayers. That is a clear violation of Federal employment rules. Federal rules also bar officials such as Pruitt from accepting gifts from their subordinates, including these kinds of personal services even on personal time. So one way or the other, this was pretty swampy. We also learned, in a scene worthy of the finest banana republic, that Pruitt had his staffer approach the founder of the fast food chain Chick-fil-A about securing a franchise for Pruitt's wife. prgtoken As the New York Times recently wrote, ``Grifters Gonna Grift.'' But with all deference to the editorial writers at the Times, I would add that Pruitt's actions aren't just matters of grift; they also reveal his servility to the interests of his fossil fuel backers over the interests of the American public. My colleague, Senator Ernst of Iowa, recently said that Pruitt's efforts to undermine the renewable fuel standard, including the abundance of waivers for refiners, amount to broken promises to American farmers. ``He is about as swampy as you get here in Washington, DC,'' she said. Amen. prgtoken You would think that someone so corrupt would not be long for a President's Cabinet. You would be wrong. Just last week, in the face of all of Pruitt's latest scandals, President reaffirmed his support for his EPA Administrator, saying that the Agency is doing really, really well under Pruitt. The President doesn't see anything wrong with having someone as scandal-plagued as Pruitt in his Cabinet. What he can see is that the fossil fuel industry is solidly lined up behind its servant, Pruitt. He has oil company interests and the front groups they fund telling him to keep Pruitt on the job because Pruitt is rolling back regulations polluters don't like. prgtoken Let's look at how well Pruitt is really doing for the polluters. Let's start with Pruitt's record in the courts. prgtoken A number of EPA's regulatory actions or its failures to regulate have been challenged in court. prgtoken s continue to rubbers
TRIBUTE TO ANTHONY ``TONY'' PAESANO
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2018-6-26

I rise today to honor Anthony ``Tony'' Paesano, an accomplished educator, Korean war veteran, a beloved public servant, and my dear friend, who left a significant imprint on my home State of West Virginia. prgtoken Born in Follansbee, in the scenic northern panhandle, Tony has always had a passion for the noble profession of education. He was a walk-on for the Duquesne University football team in 1948 where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in education. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Tony began his nearly 40-year career as an educator, serving as principal of Brooke High School for 16 years. prgtoken There is much to be said about someone who gives so much to our Nation, then comes home to give even more to their home State and community. Prior to the start of his teaching career, Tony put his Duquesne ROTC training to use in the Army serving as a second lieutenant in Korea from 1952 to 1954. In fact, in 2017, I was honored to recognize Tony when he was selected as Veteran of the Year by the Brooke County Veteran Memorial Park Foundation. He is well known for his work honoring his fellow veterans. He has also served as master of ceremonies at Memorial Day and Veterans Day services in Follansbee and led the efforts to prgtoken establish the Veterans Memorial Fountain at Follansbee Park and to bring the Moving Wall to the city for the annual Community Days festival. prgtoken Following his retirement from education, Tony served on the Brooke County School Board for 10 years, then stepped down to serve as mayor of Follansbee for another 10 years. He is the founder and former president of the Brooke County Schools Education Foundation, which has provided countless scholarships for Brooke County High School Seniors. prgtoken It would be difficult to find anyone as knowledgeable or dedicated to our home State as Tony. He has always given each project or challenge his all because it is for the good of his community: his hometown. He is an active member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Follansbee Knights of Columbus and served 25 years as president of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the years, we bonded over our passion for public service, for inspiring the next generation of leaders, and we share the common goal of helping the rest of the country discover all that West Virginia has to offer. prgtoken Tony has worn many hats, and I know he will carry the same passion for Brooke County and for West Virginia that he always has and will continue to make a difference in his community. It is my greatest honor to extend him, his lovely wife, Lorraine, their children, Toni, Frank, and John, and their families my very best wishes in the days and years ahead.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK REVIEW MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2018
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-26

on June 26, 2018, I was unavoidably detained and missed recorded votes 291 through 295. Had I been present, on rollcall No. 291, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 6157, making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes; and the bill H.R. 2083, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken On rollcall No. 292, On Agreeing to the Resolution, Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 6157, making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes; and the bill H.R. 2083, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken On rollcall No. 293, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4294--Prevention of Private Information Dissemination Act of 2017, I would have voted ``yes.'' prgtoken On rollcall No. 294, On Passage, Final Passage of H.R. 2083-- Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken On rollcall No. 295, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 5841--Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018, I would have voted ``yes.''
REMEMBERING JONATHON DRAKE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-6-26

today, I would like to honor the life of Jonathon Drake of New Durham, NH, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in May. A social worker at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability, Jonathon worked to help at-risk youth succeed and was beloved by his family, his colleagues, and his community. A childhood cancer survivor, he dedicated his life to helping young people and was recognized for his exceptional work with the first annual Rockstar Award from YOUTH M.O.V.E. New Hampshire. Jonathon dreamt of being a school principal one day, and was working toward completing his certification at the time of his death. prgtoken In addition to his work, Jonathon was dedicated to his wife, their two young sons, and to the many people he embraced as family. At a celebration of Jonathon's life, hundreds of community members gathered to share memories of their friend who had been taken from them far too soon. prgtoken One of my favorite things about New Hampshire is our all-hands-on- deck spirit, where people roll up their sleeves and work together to strengthen our communities. Both in his work to improve the lives of at-risk youth and his love for those around him, Jonathon Drake perfectly exemplified this New Hampshire spirit, and we can honor his memory by carrying on his work and rededicating ourselves to the work of improving our communities and being a friend. May he rest in peace.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-6-26

I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the city of Sterling Heights, MI. Sterling Heights is a community built on industry and entrepreneurship, and this celebration is a historic benchmark for the community. prgtoken While it was the Clinton River that initially brought settlers to the area, it was a boom in manufacturing during the 1950s that brought a large amount of growth to what is now the city of Sterling Heights. Manufacturers like Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation, along with their plant workers, began moving north and settled in what was then known as Sterling Township and their new state-of-the-art subdivisions. prgtoken This sudden surge of new residents did not come without problems though. There was flooding due to lack of sufficient drainage systems and residents threatening to declare their neighborhoods their own separate community. In 1960, a portion of Sterling Township, Clinton Township, and on Township all came together with a proposal to incorporate the three communities into the city of Moravian Hills. The proposal would be soundly defeated. prgtoken In 1966, a charter commission was formed to draft a city charter to present to voters in 2 years. The commission faced many issues and tasks early on, one of which was what to name their newly proposed city. Due to the already existing village of Sterling in northern Michigan, the commission would eventually settle on Sterling Heights. In December of 1967, the proposed charter of a strong mayor government was voted down. The people of Sterling Township made their voices heard and installed a new commission chair, one who shared their vision of a city management form of government. prgtoken On May 25, 1968, voters overwhelmingly passed a new city management charter and simultaneously elected seven new councilmennbers, defeating all previous township officials. The city's first council consisted of an elementary school teacher, four employed in the automotive industry, an education representative for school supplies, and an attorney. They faced incredibly challenging tasks and high expectations in their first days. Whether it was zoning restrictions, infrastructure, new projects, or public safety, the council came together and worked toward a common goal: a stronger future for their new city and her citizens. The council would hire Leonard Hendricks as city manager and Paul O'Reilly as city attorney, and together, they would help the council create a city that has continued to grow and prosper to this day. prgtoken Upon that vote of approval in 1968, Sterling Heights became the second largest city in size in Michigan. Since then, it has only continued to grow and develop. Today, it is a prospering community covering over 36 square miles and has a population of over 130,000 residents. The automotive and manufacturing industries have been and continue to be the cornerstone of Sterling Heights' local eco
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-6-26

I just want to take a moment before the senior Senator from South Dakota leaves the floor to thank him for his leadership on so many provisions of this bill. I think the soil health provisions are really important, the changes in ARC, and I am really glad we were able to work together to address many of the issues the Senator from South Dakota raised on the Conservation Reserve Program. I very much appreciate all of his hard work in getting us to a place where we have a good bill. prgtoken I know the Senator from South Dakota has other thoughts as well. We will continue to work together to continue to improve it, but I very much appreciate all of the Senator's hard work.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-6-26

we know Americans work harder and longer than ever before and have less and less to show for it. Hard work doesn't pay off the way it used to. Workers in Ohio have known that for a long time--that their paychecks don't stretch far enough. This month, the State's second largest newspaper, the Columbus Dispatch, reported on just how bad things are for far too many Ohioans. prgtoken The Dispatch reported on a new study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio that found--get this--that only 2 out of the 10 most common jobs in Ohio pay enough for one to be able to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. prgtoken Think about the number of people who work in fast-food restaurants. Think of the number of people who clean hotel rooms. Think of the number of people who are orderlies in big hospitals. Think of the number of people who do clerical work or who are bank tellers who simply don't make enough to live any kind of a lifestyle which, when they were kids, they expected to live. prgtoken Look at it this way. Average renters in Ohio earn just over $13 an hour--$2 less than the $15.25 an hour they need to rent a basic two- bedroom. Now, that is statewide, but in Columbus, which is the State's largest city, it is worse. You need to earn $17.50 per hour to rent a basic two-bedroom apartment. prgtoken Policy Matters Ohio has also done great work in shining a light on working Ohioans. Its report this spring found that last year, 6 of the 10 most common jobs in our State paid so little that workers would need food stamps to feed a family of 3. Six of the ten most common jobs in Ohio paid so little that workers would need food stamps if there were three in the household. prgtoken Think of what this means. These are Ohioans who are doing everything we have asked. They hold down jobs. They get up every day. They go to work. They serve their communities. They are holding up their end of the bargain--the bargain we are supposed to have in this country. Yet the corporations they work for don't pay them what they are worth. It is not just the workers in these jobs who get hurt by this, it is obviously their families, and, interestingly, it is the taxpayers. prgtoken Here is why: When corporations refuse to pay workers living wages, when they refuse them opportunities to save for retirement, when they refuse to provide decent healthcare, they create a drag on the economy. Do you know why? It is because taxpayers pick it up. Someone has to pick up the tab when corporations pay $9 and $10 and $11. prgtoken I was at my high school reunion a couple of years ago. At dinner, I sat across the table--my wife and I did--from a woman who has worked for a bank, for a very well-known, huge national bank. She had worked there for 30 years as a teller, and she made $30,000 a year, after 30 years, working as a teller. prgtoken So what happens to people like her? The taxpayers