mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-5-22

I thank Chairman Goodlatte for his great work in bringing this matter forward. prgtoken , protection of children is not a partisan matter, and I am grateful to the committee, committee staff, and Chairman Goodlatte for his leadership in this matter and bringing this forward. prgtoken With school ending and summer camp starting, this is the time to bring awareness to and pass the Child Protection Improvements Act. prgtoken Every year, millions of people work with or volunteer to help our children wherever they are as camp counselors, local youth sports coaches, mentors. You name it. All across America, there are organizations where people can make a difference in the lives of our Nation's youth, and our children can absolutely benefit from these programs. Take the Boys and Girls Clubs, MENTOR, or the YMCA, just to name a few. These groups and dozens of others, which exist virtually in all of our districts, have come to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) and to me asking for help. prgtoken Just like any parent, they too want to ensure that people working with our kids are decent, with clean backgrounds and good intentions that is where Congress comes in. We have a duty to ensure every youth-serving organization in America can afford and access the best background checks on staff and volunteers so they can properly vet people who might have traveled across State lines. This means utilizing the FBI's gold-standard database. prgtoken Shockingly enough, not every organization has the option today, but we have the ability to change that. The Child Protection Improvements Act would allow all youth-serving organizations to utilize the FBI fingerprint-based background checks. We are simply eliminating the red tape that prevents the access in some of these States so every organization can adequately look out for our children, no matter where they live. prgtoken For those who are justifiably concerned about the cost, it should also be noted that the CPIA is fiscally responsible, as it does not authorize any new spending. The program will be supported by fees assessed for background checks by the requesting nonprofit organizations. prgtoken , every kid deserves a childhood where they can explore, grow, and do fun things beyond the prgtoken walls of their home and school. As a father of three myself, I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense measure to catch potential threats and keep our kids safe.
Haiti (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-22

I am pleased that the Senate is finally considering the nomination of Governor Branstad of Iowa to be Ambassador to China. Before I speak about this very well-qualified nominee, I would like to express my great disappointment and great frustration with the seemingly endless obstruction on the part of the minority. prgtoken This nominee received unanimous support in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee more than a week ago. Yet the majority leader was required to file cloture on the nominee because there could not be consent given to move forward with it. We could have approved this nomination with just a few minutes of debate time. Yet the minority required that we have the cloture vote and the 30 hours afterwards, not because they wanted to debate the merits of the nominee but simply to delay the business of the Senate. It is unfortunate that their delay has kept an eminently qualified individual from getting into the job to promote America's interest in China sooner than it now will be. prgtoken I am honored to have the opportunity today to speak to my colleagues about my good friend, Governor Terry Branstad. prgtoken Governor Branstad is the longest-serving Governor in U.S. history. Let me make that clear. Out of 50 States for 230 years, no person in the United States has served their State as Governor of that State longer than Terry Branstad has now. He is a lifelong Iowan who has devoted his life to public service. prgtoken After more than 22 years as my home State's chief executive, I am proud to support Governor Branstad's nomination to serve our country as the next U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. prgtoken The fact is, Governor Branstad has been an ambassador for Iowa to the Nation and even to the world for his entire career. He has been a champion for Iowa and on behalf of Iowans around the globe. As Governor, he has been vigorous in promoting our State's economy and opening markets for our farm commodities, financial services, and manufacturing to the world marketplace. prgtoken His nomination should come as no surprise to the people of Iowa. We have long known and benefited from the relationship Governor Branstad has had with the people of China. A sister state relationship in 1983 has grown into a successful trade partnership that has benefited Iowa farmers and businesses. prgtoken Perhaps most notably, Governor Branstad enjoys a 30-year friendship with President Xi. Their first meeting took place in 1985 in Iowa when, then a Provincial official, Xi led an agricultural delegation to Iowa. President Xi visited Iowa again in 2012, when Governor Branstad was back at the helm in his fifth term after a 12-year respite from being Governor. Their relationship reflects genuine goodwill and, more importantly, mutual respect. prgtoken Governor Branstad has never stopped working to expand Iowa's trade, investment, and economic partnerships on the world stage, including many tr
The President's Budget (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-22

I came to the floor during the last part of the remarks of the distinguished ic leader, and it just reminded me of a headline I saw in this morning's newspaper that just, to me, exemplifies how dishonest, sometimes, the way questions are framed here when it comes to dealing with our financial responsibilities. The headline in the Washington Post talked about President 's proposal slashing Medicaid, like the have criticized the House healthcare replacement bill slashing Medicaid even though, as a factual matter, Medicaid would continue to grow year after year after year. prgtoken As the distinguished Presiding Officer and I have previously discussed, one question is, What is a responsible rate of Consumer Price Index or inflation to deal with medical inflation so that when we return Medicaid to the States, spending at let's say 2016 levels, what is a responsible rate of continued growth to deal with medical inflation so that the States are not left with an unsustainable burden? prgtoken But the idea that spending at current levels, plus an additional cost-of-living index year after year after year, means that Medicaid spending won't go up every year--next year it will be more than this year. The following year it will be more than next year. So only in the fevered imagination of, apparently, the headline writers at the Washington Post and in some of our ic friends could that be considered a cut. In the rest of the country, they would consider that as Medicaid growing, not being cut. prgtoken It is true that one of the things the House did that I think is an important reform of one of our principle entitlement provisions was to put some sort of sustainable cap on the growth of spending on entitlements, which perviously had been uncapped. prgtoken Some day there is going to be a day of reckoning in this country when it comes to spending. We have $20 trillion in debt. We know now that the Federal Reserve is loosening its hold on interest rates, that those are creeping up, and one of the estimates is that if interest rates due to improved economic performance were to reach historic norms, we would soon be paying more for interest on the national debt than we would be paying for defense spending. That is simply unsustainable, not to mention the fact that we would then be essentially appropriating 30 percent of what the Federal Government spends and leaving 70 percent untouched. prgtoken We can't get the country on a sustainable financial path just dealing with 30 percent of what the Federal Government spends, and we need to have a serious conversation, not a misleading characterization of the problem. We need a serious conversation about the reality facing our country and future generations because right now we are spending their inheritance, so to speak. In other words, I consider it an act of immorality for me to be spending money and forcing my children and future
TARGETED REWARDS FOR THE GLOBAL ERADICATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-5-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 1625 is the human trafficking TARGET Act. It authorizes the State Department and Federal law enforcement to target international human traffickers, and they can do that by offering rewards for their arrest or conviction anywhere around the globe. prgtoken , I think for all of us, with some of the cases we have had in our districts, some of our constituents, some of the victims, this is pretty close to all of us. It has touched many of our communities, because trafficking in persons here in the U.S. and worldwide is a major global crime that destroys countless lives at home and abroad, and the most vulnerable are destroyed by this. prgtoken Many of these persons--and they are primarily women and children--are trafficked into international sex trade by force or by fraud or by coercion. And I will remind everyone, out in southern California, in L.A the average age of a girl being trafficked is 14. In Orange County, the average age is 14. prgtoken So when I say ``by force,'' we are talking about abduction. When I say ``by fraud,'' that is a situation where they get one of these gigolos, one of those Romeos--they call them--to go out, convince some girl to run off with him, get her out of State, and then he sells her to a criminal gang. The gang sells her to the crime syndicate. Now her fate is sealed. Or through coercion, and we have heard these cases. At 14, young people are pretty gullible, what this criminal organization is going to do to her sister or to her parents if she does not go along. prgtoken So this transnational crime also includes forced labor. It involves significant violations of public health, human rights standards worldwide, and every other kind of moral standard you could think of. And that is why, as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as Representative for the 39th District in California, I have, over the last few years, made working on this issue and moving legislation on this horrific crime a top priority for the committee, and we have had bipartisan support throughout for this legislation. We have enacted many bills in recent years, including the International Megan's Law last February. We have held committee hearings in Washington, in L.A and in Orange County to hear firsthand from victims. prgtoken For example, at a field hearing in Fullerton, we heard from Angela Guanzon, who was trafficked from the Philippines into coerced servitude in Los Angeles where she worked for 18 hours a day every day without a weekend off, without a holiday off, was forced to sleep on the hallway floor until a sharp-eyed neighbor finally alerted law enforcement. prgtoken I helped establish a Human Trafficking Congressional Advisory Committee. I established that in the 39th District for L.A Orange County, and San Bernardino. We have local law enforcement involved in that as well as the Federal authorities, victims rights group
RECOGNIZING 77TH ANNUAL PIKES PEAK OR BUST RODEO
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-5-22

today I wish to recognize the annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, an important part of the Western culture and history of the Pikes Peak Region. This year marks the 77th rodeo, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious in the county. prgtoken The Pikes Peak Region plays a significant role in our American history. For centuries, this area was home to Native Americans, pioneers, miners, farmers and ranchers, and other explorers. The Pikes Peak region became a prime location for trade and, eventually, the home of the ``Pikes Peak or Bust'' gold rush in 1857. Thousands of prospectors scrambled to the area for their piece of the gold fortune. This area became the pinnacle of the American frontier, which spurred development and innovation. prgtoken Today community-wide events, including the Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo, celebrate the adventurous spirit of the Pikes Peak region and its Western heritage. In addition, the rodeo donates all proceeds to charities that support military members and their families, such as the Fort Carson Outreach Program and the U.S. Air Force Academy's Operation Warm Heart. Thank you to the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo leadership and entire El Paso County community for keeping these longstanding traditions alive.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-22

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, May 23; 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 to resume consideration of the Sullivan nomination, with the time until the cloture vote equally divided in the usual form; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that if cloture is invoked, all time during morning business, leader remarks, recess, and adjournment count postcloture on the Sullivan nomination.
ARMED FORCES DAY AND MEMORIAL DAY
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-5-22

. The topic of today's Special Order is to recognize the importance of Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. prgtoken I am not going to give a history lesson here tonight, but, rather, a series of personal remembrances that started when I was about 5 or 6 years old in the early 1950s. prgtoken My father, a World War II veteran, and some of his fellow veterans organized the local VFW in Minnesota where I was born. We would spend Memorial Day in the morning visiting three cemeteries in our local town. prgtoken At each cemetery, the color guard would post the colors, the rifles would give their report, and taps would play. Everyone who attended-- and when I say everyone who attended, that was really the whole town-- came out in a long train of automobiles to go to these three cemeteries to honor the veterans who were no longer of this Earth. prgtoken I remember the solemnness of that day. I remember the tears for family members and friends who had passed on, those who had worn the cloth of our Nation both in peace and in war. Those kinds of memories, as I stand here and talk tonight, are very vivid in my mind. prgtoken Some years later, in the mid-1960s, we were involved in Vietnam, and I was a sophomore in college. Because of the fact that my parents had both stepped up during World War II, I felt--and with their support--it was the right thing to stand up and take the oath that sent me into the Marine Corps to serve our country. prgtoken When you go into harm's way, you don't know what the outcome is going to be, but you do know that those you serve with are going to give it their all and you are going to remember them and honor them for as long as we walk this Earth. prgtoken I was very fortunate to have absolutely spectacular commanding officers along the way that taught me what it was like to be a young leader and what it meant to take care of your marines--most notably my commanding officer in Vietnam, who, thankfully, is still with us. He was the kind of individual that made the tough calls because he understood the sacrifices needed and the outcomes that were required. prgtoken One by one, we all pass. Memorial Day is our opportunity to remember, share stories, share tears, share laughter for those who have now gone on into God's hands. The past and the present set the tone for the future. prgtoken As David French said: Sacrifice sustains our Nation far beyond the battlefield. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another in times of stress. In times when we are under great duress, that ability to sharpen not each other's bodies but each other's souls carries us on. prgtoken We remember on Memorial Day those who have made that effort. prgtoken In the Marine Corps, we believe a lot of things, but three words encompass them all: honor, courage, and commitment. prgtoken Tonight we honor those who fought for our country, who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the service of o
Haiti (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-22

I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. The position of U.S. Ambassador to China is one of the most important ambassadorial positions in the world. I am confident that my friend and Governor, Terry Branstad, is the right person for the job. prgtoken Having worked alongside the Governor for many years, I know he will exemplify the same leadership, thoughtfulness, and dedication in his role as Ambassador to China on behalf of the United States as he did for the people of Iowa. Importantly, Governor Branstad also knows China and its leaders well. He first met President Xi Jinping while he was visiting Iowa on an agricultural research trip in 1985. prgtoken They have kept in touch over the years, and Governor Branstad has visited China a number of times on behalf of the State of Iowa. Iowa's extensive trade relationship with China has given Governor Branstad a front-seat view of the complexities of our country's broader trade and economic relationship with China and will provide him with the foundation to effectively advocate for U.S. interests, as evidenced by his successful confirmation before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which approved his nomination by voice vote. prgtoken Governor Branstad will not only work tirelessly to foster our trade and economic interests with China, but he is also prepared to tackle the many other complex, bilateral issues we have with China, from North Korea to the South China Sea to human rights. It has been an honor to serve the people of Iowa alongside Governor Branstad, the longest serving Governor in U.S. history, and I am thrilled to continue to work with him in his new role serving the American people. prgtoken I thank Governor Branstad for his service to Iowa, and I wish him and his family the best as they prepare to depart for Beijing. prgtoken .
HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS J. KINSMAN
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-5-22

I rise today to honor Thomas Kinsman , a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient. prgtoken Kinsman was born in Gainesville, Georgia and enlisted as a private first class in 1967. In February of 1968, his company came under attack during a reconnaissance in-force mission, and it was there that Kinsman performed the ultimate act of selflessness: He spared the lives of his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade. prgtoken President Nixon described Kinsman's selflessness best when he awarded him the Medal of Honor for ``his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his personal safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers.'' prgtoken , I believe selflessness and service are connected. We cannot fully serve our neighbors if we are not willing to sacrifice our own comfort, resources, and even well-being. Thomas Kinsman humbled himself in order to protect his fellow servicemen. prgtoken As Americans, we are indebted to servant heroes like Kinsman, for it is men and women like him that instruct us in what it means to defend the life and liberty of our fellow citizens. It is my hope that his legacy will live on as an example of what it truly means to serve others and our country. prgtoken I thank Mr. Kinsman.
Stop Act (Executive Session)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-5-22

I came to the floor last week to talk about our police officers. It was during Police Week. We talked about the bravery and heroism of our officers back home. I talked about tragic stories of police officers who were gunned down in the line of duty and talked about what they do for us every day. prgtoken Today I want to talk about an issue that is endangering their lives and the lives of so many in our communities but specifically law enforcement. This happens in every single State represented in this Chamber. This danger is this new epidemic of synthetic heroin, of opioids. prgtoken We know more about heroin and prescription drugs. Now we have these synthetic heroins coming in that are even more powerful. Being a police officer has always been a tough job, but it is becoming riskier today because of this. Some people have heard it as carfentanil or fentanyl or U4. Most of this synthetic poison coming into our communities is coming through the mail system. It is coming from overseas, primarily from China, where they have laboratories, where some evil scientist is mixing up this chemical mix and sending it over here into our communities. prgtoken Let me tell you about something that happened last Friday in East Liverpool, OH. Some of you may know the name ``East Liverpool'' because it is the same city where there was a photograph that went viral on the Internet of a couple who had overdosed in the front of a car, with their 3-year-old grandson in a car seat behind them. It showed the grandson, and it showed the two who had overdosed passed out in the front of the car. prgtoken In this same town of East Liverpool, OH, an officer by the name of Chris Green pulled over a car in a routine traffic stop. As he came up to the car, he noticed there was white powder sprinkled around the car. He took the appropriate precautions. He put on his gloves, he put on a mask, and he began to deal with the situation at hand. The people in the car apparently had spread the powder to try to avoid it being detected, but it was easily detectible. prgtoken At the end of his arrest process, there was a small amount of powder that was left on his jacket, which he did not notice. He went back to the police station. When he got there, he noticed the powder on his shirt and instinctively he went like this to get the powder off of his shirt. This small amount of powder touching his hand caused him to overdose. Officer Green is not a small guy; he is about 6 feet 3 inches, 225 pounds. He is a big, strong police officer who overdosed just by trying to get a few flakes of powder off of his jacket. Why? Because this fentanyl is so powerful. It is so deadly. prgtoken Fortunately, his fellow police officers were able to save his life with naloxone. This is a miracle drug which reverses the effects of an overdose and which is being used on our streets every single day to save people from dying from overdoses. In this case, it was