mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING JOHN McCAIN
Claire McCaskill (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2018-8-28

today I wish to recognize the extraordinary life of my friend, colleague, and role model, Senator John McCain. prgtoken Senator McCain lived a life of superlatives. He was a war hero whose conduct in the face of unimaginable adversity spoke to the very essence of who he was as a man. He was a consummate statesman, who spent a career in public service working to foster consensus on the most intractable and important problems facing our Nation. He was a gentleman of the highest caliber, who understood that, although we may discuss, argue, and disagree, our common bond as Americans is stronger than the passing tempest of political debate. prgtoken The measure of a man like Senator McCain can be seen in the outpouring of sympathy from friends and colleagues across the political spectrum. He spoke his mind, and more importantly, he spoke his conscience. He was never afraid to tell those in power they were wrong and those suffering injustice that the United States of America would not abandon them. His commitment to doing what was right transcended political ideology, and I am confident that future generations will study his legacy as we have studied the great leaders of the past. prgtoken It is not difficult to find examples of Senator McCain's integrity in a career marked by such moments. I know that I particularly admired his steadfast courage in opposing and working to eliminate torture by the United States of America. He, more so than most, knew what that legacy would mean to our country. He knew that, if we were torturing, our servicemen and women would be tortured. He was willing to stand up for what was right and ensured that we would live up to our promise as a nation. His unwavering voice on the issue served, as it has so many times, as our national conscience, and we are all better for it. prgtoken We had our brawls every once in a while, but it usually ended with a joke and a laugh and a commitment to work together on the next problem that our country faced. I will cherish the memories I have of working with Senator McCain on issues related to eliminating earmarks, protecting children from human-trafficking, and providing the necessary resources to the men and women of the Armed Forces whom he loved and respected dearly. prgtoken His wit, intellect, and humor were the hallmark of a man who cannot be replaced; however, it is my hope that we might use this sad occasion to unite together around the principles that he stood for. I join my voice to the thousands that have spoken to his character as a colleague and as a friend and extend my most heartfelt sympathies to his family. I will miss him terribly, the Senate will miss him terribly, and our country will miss him terribly.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SIDNEY McCAIN III: AMERICAN HERO, LION OF THE SENATE, NAVAL AVIATOR, AND PATRIOT WHO ALWAYS PUT COUNTRY FIRST
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-8-28

I rise not to mourn the death but to celebrate the remarkable life of John Sidney McCain III, the lion of the Senate, a valiant naval aviator, and an `American Pericles' who always put country first. prgtoken In degree and kind, it will be a long time before our nation again sees the likes of John McCain, whom we lost at the age of 81. prgtoken The son and grandson of Navy admirals, Senator McCain chose to give back to this country through service, as has been the calling of his family since the early years of the last century. prgtoken Senator McCain's love of country was manifested not merely through words; he showed his fidelity to this nation through his deeds. prgtoken During his six years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, Senator McCain endured the torture and indignities of the infamous Hanoi Hilton. prgtoken When his imprisoners realized he was of official stock, they offered him early release. prgtoken Then-naval aviator McCain refused, and showed the valor and courage for which he would soon become known. prgtoken After his time as a POW, he was elected in 1982 to the U.S. House of Representatives and served for two terms prior to his election to the United States Senate in 1986, a position he held until his death. prgtoken Through his six terms in the U.S. Senate, Senator McCain developed a well-deserved reputation as a statesman--a legislator who did not conform to partisan entrenchment and worked to formulate innovative solutions with members across the aisle. prgtoken John McCain's first duty always was to country. prgtoken When President Bill Clinton called for the nation to bind the wounds of the Vietnam War, President Clinton sent Senator John McCain. prgtoken When the pervasive, and at times corrosive, effect of money in politics reached critical mass, Senator John McCain reached across the aisle and championed landmark legislation to curb the excesses of our system of campaign finance. prgtoken And, when the s' threat to the landmark Affordable Care Act came within striking distance of reality, Senator John McCain--by then diagnosed with terminal brain cancer--appeared on the floor of the institution he loved so much, and saved the law championed by his former political rival, President . prgtoken Through it all, Senator John McCain exhibited grace, class, and sacrifice; he was the very embodiment of the civic virtue this country needs and requires of its public servants. prgtoken Senator John McCain's record of service has both earned the respect of his colleagues throughout the years and has been a source of inspiration to millions of young people across the nation and around the world. prgtoken Senator John McCain's dedication to country over party, to his fellow countrymen over self, and to the greater good over personal gain, is a model of conduct for those who seek to lead this nation. prgtoken I send my sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family in this most
Remembering John McCain (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-8-28

I appreciate what my colleague from Ohio said. I appreciate his comments about Senator McCain and Cindy McCain. I made remarks on the floor earlier about Senator McCain in my tribute to him, as my colleagues are all doing, as we should, and as people have done so well. prgtoken I appreciate particularly Senator Portman's comments about the sex trafficking issue that Senator McCain was so interested in, and Cindy really led the way. I saw Cindy at a conference in Cincinnati, Senator Portman's hometown. I live at the other end of the State. Her passion about that issue clearly infected John and his passion about that issue especially. North of Cincinnati, along the 75 corridor and especially in Toledo, we see how troubling that is. He took on so many issues that matter. I thank Rob for mentioning that.
HONORING MICHAEL GUERRA-YORK
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-8-31

I proudly pause to recognize Michael Guerra-York. Michael is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. prgtoken Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Michael has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Michael has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. prgtoken , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Guerra-York for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
RECOGNIZING DAN OVERBEY'S RETIREMENT FROM SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REGIONAL PORT AUTHORITY
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-8-31

I rise today to honor Dan Overbey for 25 years of dedicated service to his community serving as Executive Director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority. His positive attitude and problem solving mindset has been a great asset to the Port and the Eighth District of Missouri. He has achieved many accomplishments during his tenure, such as obtaining 12 miles of railroad track for port use, Port expansions, securing businesses and infrastructure. prgtoken Dan pursued a business degree and graduated with honors from Southeast Missouri State University and received his MBA from University of Texas. Mr. Overbey worked at Missouri Pacific Railroad, Frisco Railway and BN Transport. For a short time, he was a marketing professor at Southeast Missouri State University. All of these experiences led Mr. Dan Overbey to his role, as Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority. The Port's standing has improved significantly since he took over 25 years ago; there are now over $60 million in assets from companies operating at SEMO Port that employ 155 people. The Port itself now has land, harbor, railroad tracks, and utilities that total to $29 million in assets. prgtoken Mr. Overbey is a dedicated husband to his wife Gail and father of their two sons--Jeffrey and Douglas. He looks forward to traveling during his retirement visiting with family and two grandsons, Mattox and Jaxson. prgtoken For his many years of dedication and service to the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority and his community, it is my great pleasure to honor Dan Overbey of Cape Girardeau, Missouri today before the United States House of Representatives.
IN MEMORIAM TOBY ROBERTA STAHL
Kyrsten Sinema (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-8-31

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Toby Roberta Stahl who passed away on August 19, 2018 at the age of 80. Mrs. Stahl was an activist who fought for human rights and worked toward equality and justice for all in Arizona. Our state will miss her dearly. prgtoken When Mrs. Stahl retired from her career as a computer programmer in 2000, she dedicated her time and efforts to fighting for education, healthcare, protecting families and human rights. She worked tirelessly for the ic party as a volunteer, serving as Precinct Committeeman and member of the Arizona State ic Committee. Mrs. Stahl also served as the president of Democracy for America-Maricopa County for many years. prgtoken Outside of politics, Mrs. Stahl worked to preserve Arizona's natural history, was a devout Diamondbacks fan, and spent time with her four grandsons. She also served as the auxiliary president of Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix for three years. prgtoken Mrs. Stahl is survived by her three children, Barry, Fran, and Carrie, her son-in-law, Lewis Dickson, daughter-in-law, Patricia Angelucci, and her four grandsons, Jonas, Kai, Rei and Ari. Please join me in honoring her memory.
CONGRATULATING MR. CLEMENTE OTERO
Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-8-31

I rise today to congratulate Mr. Clemente Otero of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, on his graduation from Santa Fe Indian School. Mr. Otero is 92 years old and was originally unable to receive his high school diploma because he was bravely serving our country in World War II. prgtoken Mr. Otero was one of over 100 students at Santa Fe Indian School drafted into the United States Army during World War II. Beginning in 1944, he served as a Private in a field artillery battalion in both the European and Pacific theaters. He initially served in Central Europe ahead of the liberation of Germany, and was then stationed in the Philippines until the surrender of the Japanese. prgtoken After returning home from the war, Mr. Otero worked in a variety of fields including masonry, automotive repair, and house painting. He also worked for the University of New Mexico's facilities department until his retirement in 1998. prgtoken Mr. Otero has five children, seven grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. It was one of Mr. Otero's children, Grace Baca, who initially applied for her father's high school diploma through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Operation Recognition. This wonderful program recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and were therefore unable to receive their high school diplomas when they were younger. prgtoken , I want to congratulate Mr. Clemente Otero on receiving his high school diploma. Mr. Clemente represents what makes our state and our nation so exceptional, and his brave service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
SECURING THE HOMELAND SECURITY SUPPLY CHAIN ACT OF 2018
Peter T. King (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-9-4

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , on July 24, the Committee on Homeland Security voted to favorably report H.R. 6430. I want to thank the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee chairman, Mr. Perry; the full committee chairman, Mr. McCaul; Ranking Member Thompson; the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee ranking member, Miss Rice; the Oversight and Management Efficiency ranking member, Mr. Correa; Congressman Donovan; and Congressman Payne for working with me and cosponsoring this legislation. prgtoken The legislation under consideration is a result of several years of oversight into supply chain and counterintelligence risks in the procurement process. prgtoken There is no question that nation-states and criminal actors are constantly trying to exploit U.S. Government and private-sector systems to steal information or insert potentially harmful hardware or software. The recent cases involving Kaspersky, ZTE, and Huawei underscore the threats posed to the Federal supply chain and the urgency in developing stronger mechanisms to secure it. prgtoken On July 12, I held a hearing to review DHS' current supply chain risk management programs as well as assess the need for additional authority. At the hearing, the Department's chief information officer noted: ``Gaps exist in the Department's authority to use intelligence to support its procurement decisions. . . . In those exceptional cases where mitigation is not possible, the Department needs the capability to react swiftly while appropriately restricting the disclosure of other national security sensitive information.'' prgtoken Clearly, Madam , this is a problem. The bill under consideration today provides the DHS Secretary with authority to restrict information technology procurements if the vendor poses a threat to the DHS supply chain. prgtoken This bill establishes true coordination between the acquisition process and intelligence. This authority is modeled after existing authority granted to the Department of Defense in 2011. The legislation also includes important enhancements recommended by the Office of Management and Budget based on a governmentwide supply chain risk management proposal released at the end of July. prgtoken I am hopeful that, as this bill moves through the process, we will also have an opportunity to consider the legislation that provides similar authority to ensure national security vetting is incorporated into the wider government procurement process. prgtoken As a national security agency, it is vital that DHS also have robust supply chain risk management practices and tools to identify, mitigate, and remove potential threats to its systems and contracts. With this legislation, Congress is ensuring that DHS will have the authority necessary to fully vet and restrict, if necessary, vendors who pose a threat. prgtoken Madam , I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 6430, an
HONORING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LINNIE LEONA GATEWOOD GALLUPS
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-9-4

I rise to recognize the 100th birthday of Linnie Leona Gatewood Gallups. prgtoken Leona was born on October 2, 1918. On August 8, 1937, she married Samuel Matthew Gallups. prgtoken Leona was a homemaker and cared for children, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, during the work day. She served as a foster parent and kept the nursery at Ladonia Baptist Church where she has been a member since 1961. prgtoken After her husband had a massive stroke, she took care of him for 15 years. prgtoken Leona loves gardening, flowers and arts and crafts. She also loves to bake cakes for others. Leona is known around town for her crafts. She spends a lot of time watching Fox News and is very fond of President . prgtoken Her friends and family are surprising her with a birthday party on Sunday, September 30th at her home in Phenix City, Alabama. prgtoken , please join me in wishing Leona a very happy 100th birthday.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-9-4

I rise to speak about Judge Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court. prgtoken Let me begin by saying the Senate has been hard at work vetting and confirming good judges to the bench. So far, the Senate has confirmed 60 of President 's judicial nominees--a historic pace that includes 26 circuit judges, 33 district court judges, and Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. This week, we will confirm even more, as the confirmation process continues for President 's second Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. prgtoken I would also like to point out, the last week or two, the ic minority has been very cooperative with this, appointing good, conservative s to the district and circuit courts, but let me continue about Judge Kavanaugh. prgtoken First, let's just say he is well regarded by his peers. He is a mainstream, independent jurist who is extremely well regarded across the political spectrum. All you have to do is look at Judge Kavanaugh's professional career to see why. His record at the Supreme Court as a clerk is stellar. The Supreme Court has adopted positions advanced by his opinions at least 13 times and overruled him only once. prgtoken On the DC Circuit Court, ic-appointed judges were just as likely to join Judge Kavanaugh's published majority opinions in full as his -appointed colleagues, about 88 percent of the time. prgtoken Two of President 's Solicitors General praised Judge Kavanaugh, saying he is an ``incredibly brilliant, careful person'' who is ``very gracious . . . on the bench and off.'' One said: ``He carries out all phases of his responsibilities as a judge in the way you'd want, in an exemplary way.'' prgtoken That said, Judge Kavanaugh is acknowledged as being highly qualified, and even though they are on opposite sides of the aisle, these legal figures respect Judge Kavanaugh's qualifications and depth of experience. prgtoken Lisa Blatt, who worked in the Solicitor General's Office for 13 years during the Clinton, , and administrations, said: Sometimes a superstar is just a superstar. This is the case with Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who had long been considered the most qualified nominee for the Supreme Court if s secured the White House. The Senate should confirm him. prgtoken She also said: I expect my friends on the left will criticize me for speaking up for Kavanaugh. But we all benefit from having smart, qualified and engaged judges on our highest court, regardless of the administration that nominates them. prgtoken I have to say, on a personal level, when I met Judge Kavanaugh in my office, I was incredibly impressed. We talked about his views on the role of the judiciary, original intent, and the importance of interpreting the Constitution as written. It was clear he had a deep and thorough grasp of the law, but you don't have to take my word for it, a
NOMINATION OF BRETT KAVANAUGH
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-4

the Judiciary Committee has begun the hearing to consider Judge Brett Kavanaugh for confirmation as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. One of the distinguished professionals asked to introduce Judge Kavanaugh is Lisa Blatt, a prominent and accomplished Supreme Court litigator. She also happens to be a self- described ``liberal and feminist.'' prgtoken Nevertheless, in a recent op-ed, Ms. Blatt laid out the case for why should support Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. Just last week, she spearheaded a letter that 41 veteran appellate advocates wrote to the committee. They said: ``Based on our experience with Judge Kavanaugh and his work over 12 years of distinguished judicial service, we are confident that he possesses the character, temperament and intellect that will make him an asset for our Nation's highest Court.'' prgtoken Our colleagues on the committee also received a letter from Bob Bennett. Like Ms. Blatt, he is also a and, in fact, he served as a personal lawyer to one of America's most prominent , President Bill Clinton, during a particularly acrimonious time in recent history. Yet Mr. Bennett concluded, in a letter to our colleagues, that Judge Kavanaugh is ``the most qualified person any President could possibly have nominated.'' prgtoken He went on to say: ``Were the Senate to fail to confirm Brett, it would not only mean passing up the opportunity to confirm a great jurist, but it would also undermine civility in politics.'' prgtoken Those familiar with Judge Kavanaugh's judicial record and temperament come away impressed. So has the American Bar Association, an organization our ic friends have called ``the gold standard'' in evaluating judicial nominees. They deemed Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be unanimously ``well qualified.'' That is the highest possible rating they can give, unanimously ``well qualified.'' prgtoken Many of our ic colleagues have been determined to oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, no matter what, since the day he was nominated. Some of our ic colleagues opposed him and anyone else before he was nominated, but they are running out of options. They can't find any substantive reasons why he doesn't deserve confirmation. prgtoken That explains the hyperventilation and orchestrated antics at this morning's hearing, where they talked about almost anything besides his distinguished record. Our colleagues keep falling back on the same process complaints that have failed to persuade anyone for weeks and weeks. prgtoken So let's review the facts. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee has received half a million pages of materials with respect to this nomination. This is by far--by far--the most materials provided in support of a Supreme Court nomination in our Nation's entire history. In fact, it is more material than was produced for the last five Supreme Court nominations combined. prgtoken Of course, this
MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 6157, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-9-4

this is a necessary step to continue to move the fiscal year 2019 appropriations process forward under regular order. prgtoken On June 28, the House passed H.R. 6157, the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill by a vote of 359-49. The Senate took up that bill and added the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill and has now sent H.R. 6157 back to the House. prgtoken With the appointment of these conferees, the House and the Senate may begin to resolve the differences with the goal of passing H.R. 6157 before the end of the fiscal year. As such, I strongly support this motion. prgtoken , , and I move the previous question on the motion. prgtoken The previous question was ordered.