mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JACK SALZMAN
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-9-25

today I would like to honor a constituent of mine who was recently awarded one of the highest honors in his industry. prgtoken Jack Salzman, owner of Lake Norman Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM in Cornelius, NC, was named 2018 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year, a national award that recognizes new-car dealers who exhibit exceptional performance in their dealerships and perform distinguished community service. prgtoken The TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year award is held in partnership with Ally Financial and the National Automobile Dealers Association, NADA. Representatives from TIME and Ally Financial presented the award at the 2018 NADA Show in Las Vegas, NV. He dedicated his award to his wife, Robin Smith-Salzman. prgtoken Mr. Salzman was recognized for his exceptional commitment to giving back to his community focusing his philanthropic time and attention in three areas: animals in need, children in need, and women in need. prgtoken To this end, he is a contributor to the Humane Society of Charlotte, NC, as well as a founding board member of Lake Norman Humane Society. He also supports Lake Norman Lucky Cats, which provides trap-neuter- return services, as well as Holly'z Hope, an organization that helps unchain dogs by building fences for homeowners in need. prgtoken To assist women and children in need, Mr. Salzman is a longtime supporter of the Dove House Children's Advocacy Center in Statesville, NC, Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center in Charlotte, NC, Amy's House in Lincolnton, NC, and the Shelter of Gaston County in Gastonia, NC. Mr. Salzman has stated, ``We believe these organizations serve a critical need in our community.'' prgtoken Other national groups Mr. Salzman contributes to include Make-A-Wish, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen, and the American Cancer Society. prgtoken Mr. Salzman is also an accomplished swimmer in the 200-meter backstroke and competed in the U.S. Olympic trials for the summer games in Moscow. prgtoken He was nominated for the TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year award by Robert Glaser, president of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. prgtoken On behalf of all the constituents of North Carolina, please join me in congratulating Mr. Salzman on being named the 2018 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year. I wish him and his family continued success and a prosperous future.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2018
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-9-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 3479, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018. This legislation represents bipartisan, bicameral agreement that would extend a number of expiring authorities impacting the lives of our veterans and their caregivers, their dependents, and their survivors. Swift passage of this legislation today would ensure that many of the benefits, programs, and services that they rely on would continue. prgtoken The authorities that would be extended in this bill include authorities to provide nursing home care, counseling for women veterans, assistance for homeless veterans, transportation, childcare, adaptive sports programs, and housing and home loan services, just to name a few. prgtoken To be clear, these are not new authorities. The costs associated with them have been assumed in the House-passed appropriations bill for fiscal year 2019 and the 2020 advance appropriations. prgtoken In addition to the extension of current programs, the bill would also make permanent several provisions, including provisions related to VA's home loan program. It makes permanent the authority for disabled servicemembers to begin using VA vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits while on Active Duty. prgtoken It makes permanent eligibility for specially adaptive housing grants for certain post-9/11 veterans who have sustained severe disabilities while on Active Duty. It makes permanent VA's authority to recover the cost of care for nonservice-connected care. Finally, it makes permanent supportive services for caregivers, homeless veterans, and their families. prgtoken The permanent authorization of these programs gives certainty to VA when administering them and certainty, most importantly, to the beneficiaries who rely on them. prgtoken The bill would also require that a school offer instate tuition rates to veterans using vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits in order to be eligible for the GI Bill. This change would align instate tuition rules for veterans using the benefit with those already in law for students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. prgtoken The bill also includes bipartisan compromise language that clarifies conflict of interest rules for VA employees and for-profit schools. prgtoken Finally, the bill would also make a number of technical and clarifying changes to strengthen important legislation that Congress has previously passed, including the VA MISSION Act, the West Los Angeles Leasing Act, and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support S. 3479, and .
RECIPROCAL ACCESS TO TIBET ACT OF 2018
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-9-25

I thank the minority leader for her comments on this issue and strong bipartisan support for human rights, not only in Tibet but all over the globe. Really, this is a great moment, I think, for this body. prgtoken I will repeat again that it is time that Congress takes a stand with regard to access by foreign nationals to the Tibetan regions. Again, I want to thank Congressman McGovern for his work on this issue. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1872, and .
INNOVATIONS IN MENTORING, TRAINING, AND APPRENTICESHIPS ACT
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-9-25

I thank Chairman Smith for yielding me the time. prgtoken I rise in support of H.R. 5509, the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act. This bill takes important steps in addressing the growing need for a diverse and technically trained STEM workforce. prgtoken Technological advances have transformed the workplace with almost 20 percent of all jobs in the U.S. economy requiring some level of STEM training. These jobs are expected to grow nearly 9 percent over the next decade, faster than any other employment category; and, of course, we know these are also higher paying jobs, and we want more women and a more diverse workforce here, also. prgtoken Unfortunately, we also know that we have been failing to keep students in the STEM pipeline. Almost half of all students who start in a STEM major do not graduate with one. Of those who do graduate with a STE degree, only half go on to a career in a STEM field. It is essential we address these challenges in order to ensure U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. prgtoken In February, I chaired a Research and Technology Subcommittee hearing, which looked at innovative STEM education and workforce training models from across the country. These models demonstrated how apprenticeships, mentoring, and on-the-job training are used to successfully bridge STEM skills gaps. prgtoken I am happy to say that many of the lessons learned from that hearing are reflected in this bill, including the point that most successful programs are an integration of academia, technical training, and hands- on work experience. prgtoken H.R. 5509 directs the National Science Foundation to competitively award grants to community colleges and 4-year institutions to develop and improve STEM courses and degrees. These programs will combine formal education with applied learning experiences, such as apprenticeships and internships, by partnering with regional employers needing to fill skilled and technical STEM jobs. prgtoken This bill also calls for NSF to competitively award grants to determine best practices and measure student outcomes of distance learning and simulated work environment courses for STEM education and technical skills training. prgtoken Lastly, it directs the National Science Foundation to examine the development and sustainability of skilled technical workforces from across the U.S. and around the world, explore the feasibility of surveying the U.S. skilled technical workforce, and research and develop potential labor market analysis innovations. prgtoken These programs and important research will help support and build the prgtoken STEM pipeline and the STEM workforce that will drive American innovation in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century economy. prgtoken I want to thank Leader McCarthy for introducing this legislation and for the opportunity to cosponsor this. I also thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson for their great work in ushe
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-25

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m Wednesday, September 26; 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 and resume consideration of the Feldman nomination under the previous order.
PANDEMIC AND ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS AND ADVANCING INNOVATION ACT OF 2018
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-9-25

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I would like to particularly thank Dr. Burgess and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Health, Gene Green, for their leadership in working with so many of us who have brought this legislation to the floor at this time. prgtoken It is really so very critical that all relevant Federal agencies, particularly the leadership of CDC and the ASPR, work together with our local and State partners that are truly on the ground; and I certainly urge my colleagues to prgtoken pass this important piece of legislation not only to ensure that public health is of paramount importance in this country, but, also, because this is an incredibly important piece of national security legislation. prgtoken , .
SECURE BORDER COMMUNICATIONS ACT
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-9-25

I rise today in support of H.R. 6742, the Secure Border Communications Act. Every single day the brave law enforcement officers of the United States Customs and Border Protection put themselves in harm's way in order to secure our borders and ports of entry. This bill will strengthen interagency border security communication and communication within U.S. Customs and Border Protection by improving communication technologies for all CBP officers and agents. prgtoken When agents or officers are in the field, secure communications with other CBP personnel and law enforcement agencies is imperative to mission success and officer safety. Currently, communication devices and radios used by officers and agents are outdated and hinder interagency communication. I never want there to be a circumstance where a CBP officer or agent is operating in a remote area along our border and is not able to call for backup or whose location is intercepted by the cartels due to defective devices. We must not accept that as a possibility; we must ensure that our agents and officers are fully equipped with the proper technology. prgtoken H.R. 6742 will require the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that CBP personnel are equipped with secure radios or other two-way communication devices. These devices will allow officers and agents to communicate between ports of entry and inspection stations, and with other law enforcement entities operating in the same area of responsibility. prgtoken I want to thank my friend and colleague, Chairman McCaul, for his cosponsorship and leadership on this important bill we are in the midst of a war on terror and continue to be the target of radicals who want to do our country harm. Ensuring our law enforcement officers operating along the borders and at our ports of entry are fully equipped is essential to national security. Beyond the threat of terrorism, securing our border is vitally important to preventing drug and human trafficking. Improving communication is a critical component of this mission let's take some decisive action to secure our border. Let's pass this bill.
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE REFORM ACT
Joe Barton (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-9-25

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , in 1995, President Ford signed a bill to ban the sale of crude oil overseas. Two years ago, we repealed that ban, and, last month, we were exporting some days 3 million barrels of oil per day. prgtoken We have gone from a nation that was importing up to 80 percent of our oil to a nation that, today, if we absolutely had to, could be totally energy independent. prgtoken Because of the Arab oil embargo in the early 1970s, a little before President Ford signed the bill that said you couldn't export crude oil, we established a Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The idea was that we wanted to store oil in underground caverns--crude oil--so that, if there were another supply disruption, we would have the crude oil even if the OPEC cartel cut off oil shipments to the United States. prgtoken We have authorized up to a billion barrels of crude oil in this reserve, and there is currently a little under 700 million barrels. But, Madam , we don't need 700 million barrels of crude oil today because, as I have just pointed out, when we allowed crude oil to be exported, we unleashed a drilling boom in the United States that has driven our oil production on a daily basis from around 6 million barrels of oil per day to, this past month, 11 million barrels of oil per day. prgtoken So, hence, the idea embodied in H.R. 6511, cosponsored by my good friend from Chicago, Bobby Rush. It is pretty straightforward. prgtoken We have quite a bit of excess capacity right now in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. We have authorized the sale of about 300 million barrels between now and 2028. If that oil is actually sold, we will have almost half of the SPR without any crude oil in it. So why not set up a program and authorize the Department of Energy to put that vacant space up for bid? prgtoken Oil producers all over the United States are scrambling for ways to store all the oil that we are producing while it is waiting to be refined or shipped overseas. prgtoken This is not a mandatory program. We are not mandating that the private sector has to lease the space. What we are saying is, if the private sector wants to negotiate with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve managers, and it is a good deal for both sides, they can. prgtoken We currently--now, this number may not be exactly right, Madam , but we spend about $200 million a year, I believe, to store the oil that we are storing in the reserve, that is owned by the taxpayers. prgtoken If you have vacant space and you allow the private sector to use that vacant space and you charge whatever the market rate is for the private sector to put oil in the reserve for a short term, those funds will offset the cost of storing the government-owned oil. They will also offset the cost of maintaining the reserve, and they will offset the cost of improving the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. prgtoken Again, this is not a mandatory program,
TRIBUTE TO LAURA WATTS
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-9-25

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Laura Watts of Winterset, Iowa for being honored as the Rotarian of the Year by the Winterset Rotary Club. prgtoken Ms. Watts has been a member of this club for 35 years and has earned her Paul Award and Paul Plus pin. She has also been incredibly active, volunteering with events such as Husky Help Day, Birthday in a Bag project and assisted with the rotary Youth Exchange program. prgtoken , the example set by Laura demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with her community. Her efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent her and Iowans like her, in the United States Congress. I know that all my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Laura Watts for her achievements and wish her nothing but continued success.
MODIFYING APPLICATION OF TEMPORARY LIMITED APPOINTMENT REGULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-9-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , recently, the Office of Personnel Management questioned how the National Park Service rehired temporary seasonal employees. The NPS did not agree with OPM's interpretation of the relevant regulation but, nonetheless, complied. prgtoken OPM's directive caused confusion for Park Service hiring managers and threatened the ability of parks to open and operate as normal this past summer. Additionally, many temporary seasonal employees were unexpectedly left without a job. prgtoken H.R. 6599 addresses this issue and allows the Park Service to continue its longstanding practices in hiring its essential seasonal employees for 1 year while Congress acts to address the issue systemically. prgtoken Congressman Steve Knight of California has brought us this measure, and I would like to commend him for his leadership on the issue. Americans across the country are going to benefit from this work. I would like to thank him for his cooperation, allowing this to go forward. prgtoken , I urge adoption of the measure, and . House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, September 24, 2018. Hon. Trey Gowdy, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC. Dear : On September 5, 2018, the Committee on Natural Resources ordered favorably reported H.R. 6599, to modify the application of temporary limited appointment regulations to the National Park Service, and for other purposes. While this bill was not originally referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I believe your Committee has a valid jurisdictional interest in the measure. I ask that you not seek a sequential referral of the bill so that it may be considered by the House of Representatives this week. This action in no way affects your jurisdiction over the subject matter of the bill, and it will not serve as precedent for future referrals. In addition, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I would support your request to have the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform represented on the conference committee. Finally, I would be pleased to include this letter and your response in the bill report and in the Congressional Record. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to further opportunities to work with you this Congress. Sincerely, Rob Bishop, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.
Introductory Statement on S. 3497
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-9-25

the Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act will protect and enhance Medicare benefits by reversing a damaging policy created by the Affordable Care Act, or care. prgtoken care attempted to provide better benefits for seniors and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the highest rated Medicare Advantage plans. But care also inadvertently limited these bonus payments from ever reaching beneficiaries by putting a cap on the payments, or benchmarks, that these Medicare plans receive. Now, 17,000 Montanans, and millions of Americans across the country--are being denied the full scope of the Medicare benefits that they should be receiving. prgtoken I'm glad to join with Senator Angus King of Maine to introduce legislation that reverses this ill-advised policy. Our bill protects Medicare benefits by removing the damaging limitation on payments to Medicare Advantage plans with a 4-star rating or higher. This legislation is crucial to ensuring that these top-rated Medicare Advantage plans are offered throughout Montana and our country. Nearly 20% of Medicare beneficiaries in Montana, and one-third of Medicare enrollees nationwide, receive their Medicare coverage through Medicare Advantage plans. prgtoken I'm pleased that our legislation enjoys strong support from diverse stakeholders, and I will continue to champion this issue on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities in Montana who rely on Medicare Advantage for their Medicare coverage.
CLARITY ON SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN CATEGORY MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-9-25

I rise in support of H.R. 6382, the ``Clarity on Small Business Participation in Category Management Act of 2018''. prgtoken H.R. 6382 amends the Small Business Act to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report certain information to the Congress and to the President. prgtoken This bill directs the administrator of the Small Business Administration to report to congress on: the total amount of spending government wide in such designation; the number of small business concerns awarded contracts and the dollar amount of contracts within such category awarded to each of the following-- prgtoken 1. HUBZone small business concerns; prgtoken 2. Small business concerns owned and controlled by women; prgtoken 3. Small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans; and prgtoken 4. Socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns. prgtoken More than 99 percent of Houston's businesses are considered small. prgtoken In 2016, roughly seven businesses in the Houston District received a loan averaging $500,000 each weekday. prgtoken Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy in Houston and across America. prgtoken Small business was key for the nation's recovery from the recession. prgtoken Between the middle of 2009 and the middle of 2013, 60 percent of the jobs created were from small businesses. prgtoken I am committed to producing tangible results in suffering communities through legislation that creates jobs, fosters minority business opportunities, and builds a foundation for the future. prgtoken Studies have shown that supporting small businesses is good for the American economy. For every $1 invested, small businesses will contribute $7 to the economy. prgtoken Every American deserves the right to be gainfully employed or own a successful business and I know we are all committed to that right and will not rest until all Americans have access to economic opportunity.