mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Matthew Pollard (Executive Session)
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-4-26

it is with great sadness that I rise to note the passing of, and acknowledgement of, the service of a valued member of the Intelligence Committee staff. On the evening of April 23, while attending a conference on behalf of the committee, Matthew Pollard lost his life to a heart attack. He was 52 years old. Matt is survived by his mother, three older sisters, and a young son Bradley, who was the cherished one. prgtoken Matt served honorably in the Army as an intelligence officer and twice deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from 2003 to 2004, and Operation Enduring Freedom, from 2009 to 2010. prgtoken Matt was smart. He was really smart. He held a master's degree in strategic intelligence and mechanical engineering and was close to completing his third master's degree. prgtoken Matt had one of those jobs, like many who serve on my committee, that you can't talk about very much. That silence did not accurately reflect the value he brought to the Intelligence Committee. He filled a critical role. He was the majority staff member responsible for conducting oversight over the Nation's overhead architecture. In layman's terms, he knew satellites. Matt knew a lot about satellites. He knew about what they were capable of and what they weren't capable of. He knew what they cost and, perhaps more importantly, what they should not have cost. prgtoken Matt also had the unique ability to explain the unexplainable, which, as many here know, is a rare skill. Matt had a mind and an eye for detail, both technical and budgetary. He prided himself in finding ways to cut the costs of those fantastically expensive programs. prgtoken On our committee, he had a discerning eye for calling out contractors when he saw deficiencies. Matt was good-natured with his colleagues in industry. He was tough, but those same colleagues loved him. Matt would half smile, half frown at a presentation, and you could see contractors lower their heads and shuffle their feet a little bit because they knew Matt was right. He was universally respected and liked by all who encountered him, whether they sat on the same side of the table or whether they were on the other side. When Matt passed away on Monday, word literally spread around the country in a matter of hours. His loss is devastating to many, including the committee, the members, and the staff. prgtoken Matt actually served twice on the staff of the Intelligence Committee. He began his first tour with us in March of 2002. That first tour lasted 11 years. Matt couldn't stay away from the Senate for long, though, and he gave in to tremendous pressure from the Appropriations Committee to join them, which he did in April of 2014. prgtoken Matt's drive to serve was strong. When I became chairman in January of 2015, I had one objective: persuading him to rejoin the Intelligence Committee, and it was one of my top priorities. I am eternally grateful that I was able to lure him a
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-4-26

as a fellow Commodore, I would like to congratulate the Vanderbilt University women's bowling team on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, championship, the second national championship for the women's bowling program and the fourth national championship in Commodore athletic history. prgtoken John Williamson, the head coach of this program for 14 years, has done an excellent job of training and guiding these exceptional student-athletes. He has worked hard to build this program from its inception in 2004 into one that annually contends for championships. prgtoken Vanderbilt is a very special university, one that produces student- athletes of exceptional character and integrity. These are student- athletes that have pride in themselves and their school, in both academics and athletics. In fact, Kristin Quah of the bowling team earned the NCAA's Elite 90 Award for having the highest grade point average at the championships, a 3.953, while double majoring in biomedical and electrical engineering. Seven members of the team were recently named to the spring sports All SEC Academic Honor Roll. prgtoken I am filled with pride for my alma mater, and I wish the bowling team and all of Vanderbilt University the best. prgtoken This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, talent, and teamwork of the following outstanding student-athletes: Kelsey Abrahamsen, Maria Bulanova, Samantha Gainor, Bryanna Leyen, Jordan Newham, Ariana Perez, Lauren Potechin, Kristin Quah, Emily Rigney, Katie Stark, and Adel Wahner. prgtoken These student-athletes were coached and mentored by a dedicated team of coaches and athletic department staff, including: head coach John Williamson; assistant coach and former All-American Josie Earnest Barnes; associate athletic director and sport administrator Kevin Colon; strength and conditioning coach Darren Edgington; facility manager Kenny Moore; academic counselor Candice Johnson; athletic trainer Alda Burston; and volunteer sports information director Rod Williamson. prgtoken I would also like to acknowledge chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos; vice chancellor and athletics director David Williams II; deputy athletics director Candice Storey Lee; and senior associate athletics directors Lori Alexander; and Martin Salamone for their vision and leadership. prgtoken Anchor Down, Commodores. We are proud of you.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Jason Lewis (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-4-26

since 1991, Federal law has stated that metropolitan planning organizations around the country should have local elected officials on their boards. prgtoken In 2012, Congress passed MAP-21 and included a clause stating that these MPOs that were not in compliance had 2 years to conform. prgtoken Now, in the previous administration, there was a Federal clause that was used to grandfather the Twin Cities--Minneapolis-St. Paul-- Metropolitan Council into compliance without having elected officials. So we now have, in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, the only board in the country that is entirely nonelected, the only MPO that has the authority to independently raise taxes and is not elected. prgtoken Indeed, in Minneapolis-St. Paul, our metropolitan planning organization has a budget that dwarfs all the others in the country. In fact, it is larger than Houston; Dallas; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Phoenix; Seattle; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Boston; Philadelphia; Denver; Miami; Tampa; and Chicago combined. prgtoken Now, why does an entity of this magnitude not require local elected officials? prgtoken Now, I know some defending the status quo are now making misleading claims about this amendment, about our efforts here in Congress. prgtoken First, the Met Council does perform transportation work, and their transportation advisory board does include elected officials. But the Federal Highway Administration and FTA ruled in 2015 that the TAB is an advisory body to the council; it is not the MPO. Even the previous administration, the administration, disagreed with the Met Council's assertion that the TAB would be equivalent to a local elected official. prgtoken Second, the defenders of the status quo are asserting that total chaos will ensue if this amendment passes. It will be a complete mess. Every other MPO was either formed in compliance with elected officials, or local elected officials on its board, or it came into compliance with this Federal law, and none gained widespread attention for chaos. prgtoken The defenders of the status quo, including the current council and even the Governor of the State, now assert that, well, this is too uncertain, that chaos would ensue. I would argue that having a 17- member board entirely appointed by the Governor is uncertainty. Uncertainty is a board that changes course every time there is a new election in the Governor's mansion. prgtoken Finally, the critics of my amendment have begun stirring up the masses by saying this singlehandedly stops Federal funding for any transportation project in the area, even up to $2 billion by 2021. But in the past, when other MPOs have come into compliance, it hasn't had this effect. It simply hasn't happened. Besides, the congressional intent is that any MPO whose structure changes in order to adhere to Federal law will be given a transition period, a very generous one. prgtoken The point is this amendment does not put in jeopa
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-4-26

I have 4 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. to conduct a hearing. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on S. 2644 and S. 2559 and following nominations: Mark Jeremy Bennett, of Hawaii, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, Nancy E. Brasel, and Eric C. Tostrud, both to be a United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, Robert R. Summerhays, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, and Gregory Allyn Forest, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of North Carolina, and Bradley A. Maxwell, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, both of the Department of Justice. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 2 p.m. to conduct a closed hearing. Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations prgtoken The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of HHS and DHS Effort to Protect Unaccompanied Alien Children from Human Trafficking and Abuse.''
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Diane Black (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-4-26

I am not recorded for roll call votes on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye on final passage for H.R. 5447, the Music Modernization Act. The music industry is extremely valuable to Tennessee both economically and culturally. This bill recognizes the valuable work of songwriters and will help the music industry better serve its fans.
TUESDAY'S CHILDREN
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise to recognize three amazing kids: Arianna, Julius, and Kaydin, who join me today on the floor. All three are taking part in Take Our Children to Work Today hosted by Tuesday's Children. This is my second year participating in this wonderful event, and both times it has brightened my day. prgtoken Tuesday's Children provides support to children whose parents passed away in the military or due to terrorism. More than 15,000 individuals directly impacted by the events of September 11 have been supported by Tuesday's Children, and more than 6,000 individuals are currently served by Tuesday's Children's First Responder Alliance program today. prgtoken In my 30 years in the Air Force, I was able to meet with the families of loved ones who passed. I know how important organizations like Tuesday's Children are for our Nation's youth. prgtoken Today, it is about kids like Arianna, Julius, and Kaydin. They are shadowing me this morning and seeing what life is like in Congress. Julius is 9 years old. He is from Maryland and enjoys robotics and LEGOs. Kaydin, from Pennsylvania, is 10 years old, and is a big New York Giants fan. I tried to make him a Chicago Bears fan, but I couldn't do it. Finally, Arianna is from Maryland. She is 7 years old, and loves to play tennis. prgtoken I hope they enjoy their time in Washington and remember this day as a very special one, because they are special. I look forward to spending more time with them this afternoon.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-26

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which includes provisions of my bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act. prgtoken Unfortunately, this is the second time my bill has been considered on the House floor, because our colleagues on the other side of the Capitol refuse to take up these critical reforms. prgtoken I find the failure to move in the Senate puzzling, especially given that many of those individuals represent States struggling to recover from recent disasters. In fact, in 2017, 8 percent of the United States population was affected by at least one disaster. This statistic highlights the importance of investing in mitigation infrastructure before tragedy strikes, which is exactly what my bill would do. prgtoken Studies have repeatedly shown that for every $1 invested upfront, we can save $4 to $8 in avoidant recovery costs. prgtoken My bill would allow us to realize those savings by transforming how we approach disaster spending. It would provide FEMA with the tools to help our communities plan for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from disasters. Both s and in this Chamber already recognize the critical need for these reforms. prgtoken The Disaster Recovery Reform Act passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by voice vote, and in December passed on the House floor. prgtoken It is my hope that, this time, our colleagues in the Senate would stop playing politics with peoples' lives and will act quickly to send this bill to the President's desk. prgtoken I know just how important disaster assistance is, because in 2011, my own district was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. I visited with families and employers affected by this tragedy, and it made be realize we need to do something to help communities build better and smarter before disaster strikes. My bill will do just that. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Shuster and my House colleagues for their continued commitment to making resiliency a priority. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I also thank the chairman for including language I offered with my friend from Missouri (Mr. Graves) in a manager's amendment. Our amendment would create a new grant program for airport infrastructure investment. I believe it is critical we invest in our airports, which are some of the largest economic drivers in the country. prgtoken We have an obligation to ensure that this entire system, including everything from large hubs to regional airports, is maintained and improved to better serve the American people. prgtoken While I was disappointed that our original committee-adopted amendment to increase funding levels for the prgtoken Airport Improvement Program was not included in the final bill, I am hopeful that this grant will give airports a new infrastructure tool in their toolbox. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge passage of H.R. 4.
RECOGNIZING ANDYMARK
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-4-26

as a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am proud to recognize our hard- working Hoosiers and their vital contributions to our economy during National Small Business Week. prgtoken This week, I would like to recognize AndyMark, a successful Indiana small business that provides Hoosiers with innovative and competitive robotics products. AndyMark is located in Kokomo, IN, where their staff, who have over 200 years of combined experience, support the Hoosier robotics industry. AndyMark recently announced it is hiring more employees as a result of tax reform. It is important that we continue to support and protect Hoosier small businesses like AndyMark by advancing policies that will help our small and medium-sized businesses grow.
HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM ALLEN ``AL'' NEWMAN
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-4-26

William Allen Newman, 64, received his reward in Heaven on February 15, 2018, after a brief illness. prgtoken He was the loving husband for 43 years of Lucia Woodward Newman. He was born on February 24, 1953, in Sumter and was a son of the late Lonnie prgtoken Cullen Newman, Sr and Frances Pollard Newman. prgtoken Al attended Bethesda Church of God where he was the bass player for the praise team. He also played in the band known as ``Chief Complaint.'' prgtoken Al was the administrator of Northwoods Senior Living, which was a ministry for people with chronic or similar illnesses. He spent his life in ministry serving others. prgtoken He graduated from Southern Methodist College with a degree in Christian ministries. He graduated from Wilson Hall in 1971. He spent his life working with the visually handicapped, mentally challenged, and the underprivileged, trying to make a difference in their lives. prgtoken Join me in welcoming William Allen Newman into Heaven.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-26

let me just say, Mr. DeFazio has said this is very broad. It is very, very succinct. Title 49, section 31502 is the law. The regulation is 40 CFR 395. prgtoken This is very, very tight compared to 1994, when the had control of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. Mr. DeFazio, thankfully, supported it back then as a very broad measure dealing with all of these different issues. Now we are just dealing with meal and rest breaks only. prgtoken , I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar) on this very bipartisan measure.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-4-26

I rise today to offer an amendment to the House FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. prgtoken I wish to thank the distinguished chairman of the committee, Mr. Shuster, and the ranking member, Mr. DeFazio, for the opportunity to offer this amendment. prgtoken My amendment supports our Nation's more than 5,000 general aviation airports by providing a commonsense solution to reduce the cost and construction time for critical pavement projects, while maintaining the highest level of safety and quality. prgtoken Our general aviation airports provide critical access, vital emergency and medical services, economic activity, and many other important services, as vital lifelines, especially in rural areas. prgtoken However, the cost of building and maintaining runways at general aviation airports has become unnecessarily burdensome and costly, due to outdated pavement specification requirements that the FAA recognizes can and should be updated. As such, in consultation with key industry groups and agencies, I have introduced this amendment to address this issue. prgtoken Among many other things, this reform will better equip our dedicated network of State aviation officials, airports, and other good personnel, working on the front lines in maintaining and improving our Nation's airports. This amendment will allow them to undertake more projects efficiently and safely, with commonsense savings that frees up additional funding for other critical projects. prgtoken More specifically, after extensive field testing that has provided concrete evidence that States can and have utilized alternative pavement mixes, procured more conveniently and cost-effectively from local businesses on critical runway projects to safely maintain our Nation's runway systems of general aviation airports. prgtoken , I respectfully urge adoption of this amendment.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRST LADY BARBARA PIERCE BUSH
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-26

I thank my dear friend from Texas Seventh, John Culberson, for hosting this Special Order. And that is a special word, ``Special Order,'' because this is a very special lady, Barbara . prgtoken Her husband, George H.W and Barbara were not native Texans, but they got there as fast as they could. The President embraced Texas right off the bat. He became involved in the oil and gas industry, black gold, Texas tea in those days. His wife, Barbara, became the epitome of a Texas woman, a straight shooter, what you see is what you get; black, white, no gray; family, family, family; love, love, love. prgtoken I will share two stories about her and her husband that show how much they loved life and what a great sense of humor they both had. prgtoken First of all, in 2000, their oldest son, , was elected to become our 43rd President. Only two families in our country's history had a woman who had a husband and a son elected to the White House: the Adams family and the family. prgtoken Remember all this controversy, hanging chads, Florida, Florida, Florida. They persevered, and was elected our President. Naturally, the reporters were excited. They approached our First Lady and said: ``Mrs in your heart of hearts, your wildest dreams, did you think one of your sons could become our President, hold the same office that your husband had for 4 years?'' prgtoken Barbara, being straight-talking Barbara, said, and I am paraphrasing: Yes, sir. My boys watched their dad achieve the highest office in the world. They knew what it took. It took determination, focus, friends, faith. My sons saw that in their father. They knew what it would take, and so, yes, I thought one of my sons could become our President.'' prgtoken Of course, then she gave the coup de grace, the classic Barbara . She said: ``I have to be honest with you, though. I thought it would be my smart son,'' meaning Jeb , not George W. prgtoken That comment was done out of true love, and that is what Barbara was all about. prgtoken One other story about the President and their family. President , as he got older, loved to skydive, 41. When he turned 90, he skydived in Kennebunkport. He had pretty bad Parkinson's. He couldn't walk. When he landed, he kind of fell over and did what is called a face-plant. prgtoken Friends up there told me that Barbara was on our President for days before the jump saying: ``Do not do this. You are 90 years old. Don't jump out of a plane.'' prgtoken But President had said, when he turned 85, he would do it when he was 90. He kept his word. prgtoken You see the video. Barbara came down there, hugged him, kissed him, picked him up, loved him. prgtoken Back at the house, it wasn't quite the same. Apparently, she said over and over: ``You old man. I told you not to jump out of a plane. Look at your face. Your face is all cut up. Never ever do this again. It won't happ