mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WITHIN SEVEN YEARS OF RELIEF FROM ACTIVE DUTY
Duncan Hunter (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-1-13

I rise in strong support of S. 84. prgtoken Here is what I think this is about. We feel slighted. We in Congress feel slighted that the administration did not deign to have General Mattis come and speak to us, the House, which is not required by any law, not required by any statute. We feel slighted. prgtoken I do feel the same way that the ranking member feels, in terms of how the administration is treating the House of Representatives and this body. prgtoken But it is times like this where we need to rise above the slights from the future administration. I think there are going to be a few more. I think this future administration does not hold this body in the highest regard. That is going to become evident over the next 4 years. prgtoken I think we are going to have to take things like that as a body and do what is best for this Nation. That is why they argue with the process and that the House was slighted by the future President. I understand it. I feel that as well. But it is time for us to say: hey, we need to be above that. This is about the future of our Nation, it is about our men and women who are serving in conflict right now, under fire, and they need General Mattis as their Secretary of Defense. prgtoken For those who assert that the Marshall prohibition, which bars, in the absence of a waiver, a general from becoming Secretary of Defense, a glance at the operational chain of command is in order. prgtoken Under the U.S. Constitution and statute, the command of the Armed Forces flows from the President to the Secretary of Defense to the combatant commanders around the world. The idea that a link in the chain of commanding operations--namely, the Secretary of Defense-- cannot be a military leader is nonsensical. General Mattis will bring insight to a job that no background in academia or business could ever provide. prgtoken Lastly, when I met General Mattis for the very first time, I was going to Iraq from Kuwait. We got ambushed by machine gun. I got shot in the arm. He drops into my Humvee. We pull out of the ambush area. prgtoken My convoy gets up to Dewaniya where Jim Mattis is. I had never met him. I had heard of him a little bit. I was a lieutenant in the Marine Corps. I didn't know much about much at that point. There is General Mattis in the operation center.
TRIBUTE TO PENNSYLVANIA STATE TROOPER LANDON E. WEAVER
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-1-13

we started this week with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I appreciate every colleague of mine who came to praise our men and women who keep us safe in the most perilous of times. The greatest souls of this nation run towards the danger, never thinking of themselves, but always ensuring those around them are safe. These men and women are our protectors, our guards, our stalwarts. And I rise today to pay tribute to one of the greatest in our nation, who was senselessly and tragically taken from us too soon. Landon Eugene Weaver was a proud son of Pennsylvania. He was born in Altoona, and graduated from Central High School in Martinsburg. He attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania until he was accepted into the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, achieving his life-long dream to become a State Trooper. On June 4th last year, he married his high school sweetheart Macy at Zion Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. Thirteen days later, Trooper Weaver graduated from the State Police Academy and was assigned to Troop G of the Pennsylvania State Police, Huntingdon Barracks where he proudly swore his life to protecting and defending our commonwealth. Like most of us, Landon and his wife had big plans for the New Year and their life ahead. They were going to buy a house and start a family together. Landon was going to continue doing the only job he has ever wanted to do--protect his community as a Pennsylvania State Trooper Trooper Weaver's short watch came to an end on December 30, 2016, just 49 days after his 23rd birthday. Trooper Weaver was responding to a domestic incident in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, when he was shot and killed. He died doing what he did every day, trying to make life for others a little bit better and a little bit safer than the day before. Last Thursday, January 5th, was Landon's funeral. It was here, Mr where the true magnitude of our community's loss could be felt the most. His wife Macy, now a young widow, was forced to say farewell to her best friend and husband. Landon's parents had to do the hardest thing a parent ever has to do: put their son to rest. More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from around the nation, representing virtually every state, attended Trooper Weaver's funeral to say goodbye to their brother. Police uniforms of every color and squad cars of every design followed Trooper Weaver, lights flashing, to escort him to his final resting place in Martinsburg. Trooper Weaver lived up to the call of honor of the Pennsylvania State Police, which states: I am a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a soldier of the law. To me is entrusted the honor of the force. I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty. It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color,
PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WITHIN SEVEN YEARS OF RELIEF FROM ACTIVE DUTY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-1-13

I rise in support of S. 84, a bill that would allow for General James Mattis to be considered for an appointment as the 26th Secretary of Defense of the United States. prgtoken Leading up to this vote, I have heard time and time again from my colleagues that they respect General Mattis' service to our country. I have also heard that they understand him to be an intelligent, capable leader. Some have even gone so far as to say he is a military hero. I don't doubt the sincerity of my colleagues' words. In fact, I echo them. prgtoken But for some of my colleagues, this praise for General Mattis is followed by what I believe is a flawed line of thinking. I have heard the argument that this vote we have before us today is not about General Mattis. prgtoken My friends, today's vote is clearly about General Mattis. Make no mistake, a ``yes'' vote today will not permanently change the requirements prohibiting the appointment of anyone inside of 7 years of Active Duty service. prgtoken This vote will provide a one-time-only exception for General Mattis, a man of the utmost character. prgtoken The original intent of this law was to prevent an Active-Duty servicemember from retiring and then becoming Secretary of Defense within the same Presidential administration. With President-elect raising his right hand in 7 days, it is clear that General Mattis does not violate the law's original intent. The fact that we are here to deliberate this issue only proves that the nomination and appointment process works. prgtoken I am encouraged that we are having this debate today. But at the end of the day, we should not deny the best candidate to become the Secretary of Defense. prgtoken A vote of ``no'' is a vote against General James Mattis. I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in voting in favor of an exception for an exceptional American, General James Mattis.
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I was not in Congress at the time the Affordable Care Act passed, but I remember it, watching from home. We talk about this as if it was some sort of thoughtfully crafted piece of legislation that folks are so tremendously proud of. I happen to have the numbers here, . prgtoken It was H.R. 4872 that moved through the House, that was the authorizing part. We had three votes in the U.S. House of Representatives on that bill. We had a motion to recommit, as it was not actually a healthcare bill to begin with, and a vote on final passage. prgtoken Then it went over to the U.S. Senate where they worked their will on it. They had 43 votes on it, amendments offered, ideas, and changes. prgtoken Then it came back to the House where we changed it not at all. There was one straight partisan vote on the Affordable Care Act. Not one idea from the U.S. House of Representatives added, not one change from the U.S. House of Representatives, not one alteration of any kind. prgtoken As you recall, , they had a filibuster-proof majority in the United States Senate, so could work their will any way they wanted. When they lost that filibuster-proof majority--they only had 59 votes out of 100 instead of 60--they ended debate, they ended discussion, they ended collaboration and jammed what they had passed at midnight on Christmas Eve right on through the U.S. House of Representatives. I can't imagine who defends that as the proper outcome of the legislative process. We have a chance to change that, Mr. . prgtoken I am glad that my friend from Connecticut has some constituents that have benefited. I have some constituents that have benefited. But I have constituents who are being failed, and I know my friend from Connecticut does, too. prgtoken I am glad that my friends on the other side of the aisle are talking about all of their success stories, but I want my friends to join me and grapple with all of the failures. prgtoken I will not deny the way the conversation about health care has changed since the passage of the Affordable Care Act--folks talking about preexisting conditions, folks talking about lifetime caps, folks talking about keeping young kids on their policies until they are 26. prgtoken I just don't understand why my colleagues would deny that folks who used to have care, now don't. Folks who used to have affordable plans, now don't. Folks who used to be able to take care of their employees through their small business plans, now can't. This is undisputed, and we have an opportunity to do better. I hope my colleagues will join me in doing that. prgtoken .
PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WITHIN SEVEN YEARS OF RELIEF FROM ACTIVE DUTY
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-1-13

I rise in support of S. 84 today to do this one-time exception so that we can have General Mattis as our next Secretary of Defense. prgtoken Today our Nation is confronted with a complex array of transregional threats. We exist in one of the most dynamic and dangerous periods in our history, and this list of threats grow more vast and more dangerous. In the meantime, our military readiness is at dangerous lows and our modernization falls behind. Amidst these dangers, we are fortunate to be presented with a historic opportunity to select and elevate one of the most distinguished military leaders in our Nation's history to the position of Secretary of Defense. prgtoken General Mattis is many things. He is an infantry marine, a decorated warrior, an experienced combat leader, and a respected commander who has fought our Nation's wars and knows firsthand the human costs of war and the consequences of operating unguided by strategy. prgtoken James Mattis is also a strategic thinker who understands that true strength and security results from coordinated application of all elements of national power: our diplomatic influence, our economic wealth, our values, and, only when absolutely necessary, our military force. prgtoken , not since George Marshall have we had a nominee whose distinguished military service record and mastery of operational art is matched by his intellectual prowess and grasp of strategy. One thing else is clear: not since General George Marshall have we needed this type of leader as our Secretary of Defense. prgtoken We need a Secretary of Defense Mattis on day one of the administration. A vote ``no'' means we won't have him on day one. It could be day 3 or day 30. prgtoken Our men and women in uniform deserve General Mattis as their Secretary of Defense on day one. These are extraordinary times, and General Mattis is an extraordinary leader. We need him on day one. I urge support for the one-time exception.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-1-13

. I thank the gentlewoman. prgtoken , it is not a surprise, when you try to take over such a sizable chunk of America's economy, that you have all sorts of unintended bad consequences. I am going to focus on two consequences that are true of so many programs that the government puts out there. prgtoken First of all, Care is one more program that discourages work. If you talk to your accountants again and again, they will tell you stories of people who are very conscious of the fact that, as they get a raise, as they work more overtime, they lose big subsidies. If I were to lose my next election, Care would continue. As my income would go up from $49,000 to $50,000, I would get hammered with a $4,500 loss. So it wouldn't be surprising that people in my position would be very careful not to get a raise or not to work overtime. prgtoken Even worse, this is one more government program that discourages marriage. If you have a single parent who is making $20,000 and if he decided to marry somebody making $30,000 or $40,000, he would be hammered with a $3,500 loss. Combined with the FoodShare program, the low-income housing subsidies, Pell grants, and various TANF programs, this is just one more step that the American Government has taken to discourage work and to discourage marriage.
HART COUNTY LIBRARY
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-13

I rise today to recognize the dedication and enthusiasm of the team at the Hart County Library, located in Hartwell, Georgia. prgtoken The library, which had its humble beginnings in 1938 as a small lending library, has continuously sought to educate and inspire prgtoken residents in the community it serves. In 2015, the Georgia Public Library Service established a Library Awards program to recognize individuals and libraries that provide outstanding service and achievements within Georgia's public library system. prgtoken Hart County Library has been recognized as Georgia's Public Library of the Year for 2016, which is a testament to the professionals who positively impact the lives of residents through their expertise and service. prgtoken Georgia currently has 400 public library facilities, and Georgia's Library Awards program has created a tremendous amount of awareness and support for public libraries, reading, and imagination across Georgia. prgtoken , I am honored to recognize the staff of the Hart County Library for their work to make these achievements possible. These individuals have truly invested in the community by promoting a more educated and enlightened Georgia.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Todd Rokita (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-1-13

. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairwoman for yielding the time. It is a pleasure to continue our work together on this very important issue. prgtoken It has taken us 6 years to get to today, the first real step in repealing what is one of the most insidious laws that ever came out of these Chambers--insidious because it was built on lies. Remember ``You can keep your doctor if you want to,'' ``You can keep your plan if you want to''? Lies. Remember when premiums were to go down because this, of course, , was the Affordable Care Act? Lies. prgtoken The gentleman from Kentucky made some assertions just a while ago. I want to take a look at the State of Kentucky itself. Four plans left the Care exchange at the end of 2016 in the State of Kentucky. Of the remaining plans, each increased their premiums by double digits: 22.9 percent, 29.3 percent, and 33.7 percent, respectively, for 2017. And Kentucky's exchange enrollment decreased by 12 percent. prgtoken How, , is this helping people? prgtoken Look, if we didn't care about people, we could stand by and watch this failed plan, this insidious law continue to implode, continue to hurt people. Instead, we stand here ready to erase the foundation that this law was based on and put forth a better one, one that doesn't leave anyone behind, one that is based on market-driven, consumer- driven, patient-driven needs and expectations and allows them to, for example, keep their job. prgtoken What do I mean by that, ? Consider this. Not only do we have bad healthcare outcomes as a result of this insidious law, people are losing work. They are being robbed of their dignity to work. Since Care, 21 percent of businesses are reducing the number of employees, their wages and salaries and their benefits, including their retirement benefits. prgtoken So this insidious law is not only having detrimental implications on our health care and people's health, but it is taking away the very dignity that they have to work. prgtoken It is also spelling the death of health savings accounts, proven over the last several years to be part of the solution to consumer-driven health care. The idea that you can save for your healthcare expenses, with or without the government's help, so that you can make value decisions as to your health care without government interference. It leads to better patient outcomes. It leads to freedom to make healthcare decisions absent the oversight of the government. Care all but outlawed health savings accounts. I think prgtoken health savings accounts are probably in every one of those different plans the chairwoman pointed out. prgtoken So we are offering a replacement. We are offering solutions. We are offering a better way.
SAVE CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-1-13

today, I will reintroduce legislation entitled, Save the Christians From Genocide Act. The bill declares Christians and Yazidis in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, and Libya as targets of genocide, and thus gives them a priority for immigrant and refugee visas. prgtoken Importantly, this bill does not circumvent or change current vetting processes, but rather simply ensures that these targets of genocide are placed at the front of the line for immigration and refugee visa processing. prgtoken The Save the Christians From Genocide Act was submitted but not brought to the floor for a vote in the last Congress. During that time, thousands of Christians have been killed and often turned into helpless and hopeless refugees on the run from radical Islamic terrorism. The Save the Christians From Genocide Act will give Middle East Christians a safe haven. prgtoken Christians are being slaughtered. As we speak today, Christians are being slaughtered in the Middle East. We must save them if we can.
RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-13

I rise today to recognize the Centennial Year of the Lions Club International. Founded by Melvin Jones in June, 1917, the Lions Club was established as a place where men of, ``drive, intelligence and ambition,'' could come together and, ``put their talents to work improving their communities.'' It was Jones' vision that the Lions Club become the global leader in community and humanitarian service. Indeed, 100 years later the Lions Club has become an international movement with 1.4 million men and women across nearly 200 countries-- including my hometown of Woodville, Texas. Across the globe, the Lions Club is empowering volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. As a Lions Club member myself, I share this commitment to serving others. prgtoken My own club, in Woodville Texas is part of Lions Club District 2-S1, and the 36th Congressional District that I represent is encompassed by both Lions Club Districts 2-S1 and 2-S2. Members within these districts are paragons of servant leadership, and have mobilized to support countless worthy causes across Texas--including natural disaster recovery, vision screenings and diabetes awareness. I want to take the time to personally thank each Lions Club within these two districts, and commend the dedication and servant leadership that each Lion gives to their community. District 2-S1: Alto Lions Club, Angelina County Ladies Lions Club, Beaumont Breakfast Lions Club, Beaumont Founders, Beaumont South/Forest Park Lions Club, Beckville Lions Club, Bridge City Lions Club, Buna Lions Club, Burkeville--Toledo Bend Lions Club, Carthage Noon Lions Club, Center Noon Lions Club, Chester Lions Club, Corrigan Lions Club, Cushing Lions Club, Diboll Lions Club, Dick Dowling Lions Club, Garrison Lions Club, Groveton Lions Club, Hamshire Fannett Lions Club, Hemphill Lions Club, Jacksonville Lions Club, Jasper Evening Lions Club, Jasper Lions Club, Kirbyville Lions Club, Lamar University, Little Cypress Lions Club, Livingston Lions Club, Lufkin Evening Lions Club, Lufkin Host Lions Club, Lumberton Lions Club, Metro Lions Club, Nacogdoches Breakfast Lions Club, Nacogdoches Ladies Lions Club, Nederland Professional Lions Club, New Summerfield Lions Club, Newton Lions Club, Onalaska Greater Lions Club, Orange Lions Club, Orange Noon Lions Club, Panola County Lions Club, Port Arthur Founders, Port Neches Lions Club, Rusk Lions Club, San Augustine Lions Club, Shelbyville Lions Club, prgtoken Silsbee Lions Club, Sour Lake Lions Club, South County Breakfast Lions Club, Spurger Lions Club, Trinity Lions Club, Vidor Lions Club, Winnie Stowell Lions Club, Woodville Lions Club. prgtoken District 2-S2: Alief Lions Clubs, Anahuac Lions Clubs, Barbers Hill Lions Clubs, Baytown Lions Clubs, Brookshire/Pattison Lions Clubs, Cleveland Lions Clubs, Conroe Noon Lions Clubs, Crosby Lions Clubs, Cut and Shoot Family Li
PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WITHIN SEVEN YEARS OF RELIEF FROM ACTIVE DUTY
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-1-13

I rise today in strong support of the rule and passage of H.R. 393, to allow retired General James Mattis to become our Nation's 26th Secretary of Defense. prgtoken First of all, I would like to say that I believe civilian control over our military is one of the pivotal principles of our Republic. This body must ensure that our military leaders remain accountable to civilian authorities lest we put our hard-won liberties at risk. prgtoken That is why, before I decided to vote for this waiver, I had to answer two very important questions. First, does the appointment of James Mattis present any threat at all to the concept of civilian control of our military? prgtoken The answer is clearly no. James Mattis has demonstrated his openness as a straight shooter throughout his long career. I am confident he will continue to candidly face the problems in the Department of Defense and be a positive force for change. prgtoken It is James Mattis' record of reform-minded openness, his scholarly understanding of history and military matters, and his almost 4-year separation from defense interests, that assures me that this waiver, as a unique measure, poses no risk to civilian control of the military. prgtoken The second question, then: Is the appointment of James Mattis worth waiving the 7-year requirement? prgtoken The answer is clearly yes. The United States Armed Forces are at a pivotal moment in their history. After 8 years of neglect under this administration, our military has been brought to its lowest point in the past 4 decades. prgtoken James Mattis has the experience, knowledge, and leadership skills to rally the services while they rebuild for the next 4 decades. He will start on day one with a strong grasp of the challenges facing our military and with the ideas to meet those challenges. That is why I support this one-time waiver, which will allow James Mattis to serve as our Nation's 26th Secretary of Defense.