mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued (Executive Session)
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-5-17

I thank our friend, the chairman of the committee, the Senator from North Carolina. prgtoken We have gone through a lot over the last couple of years, and I appreciate the fact that in terms of timing, he is going to allow me to speak first on Gina Haspel. prgtoken Gina Haspel is among the most qualified people to be nominated for the position of the Director of the CIA. She has served with the Agency for 33 years, including tours as a Case Officer, four times as a Station Chief, the Deputy Chief of National Resources Division, the Deputy Director of the National Clandestine Service, and currently as the Deputy Director of the Agency. In many ways, her story is representative of the thousands of people at the Agency and throughout the intelligence community who serve quietly, without recognition, and often at great personal risk in order to keep our Nation safe from those who wish to do us harm. prgtoken In addition, while she has not emphasized this, we should not overlook the historic nature of Ms. Haspel's nomination as the first woman to be nominated as Director of the CIA. Seeing her portrait in the halls of the Agency next to the long line of former Directors will be a long overdue but important breakthrough for the intelligence community. prgtoken I would also note that as a Senator from Virginia, the home to thousands of CIA personnel and the vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I have heard from many Agency officers--and for that matter, members of the rank and file of other intelligence community agencies-- and almost to a person, the rank and file have supported her nomination. prgtoken Let me be clear. This has not been an easy decision for me. Over the past several weeks, I have held multiple meetings and calls with Ms. Haspel and many others about her record and her character. In our open hearing, I raised questions about her involvement with the rendition, detention, and interrogation program and, if she were to be confirmed, her willingness to push back if President asked her to undertake any immoral or legally questionable activity. I questioned her willingness to declassify, to the extent possible, more information about her background at the Agency. I still wish more could be done to discuss her background in an open setting. The Agency just recently has declassified more information about her service with the counterterrorism center. I thank them for that but still believe it would have been preferable if we could have found a way to be even more transparent. If she is confirmed as Director, I would encourage Ms. Haspel to keep this in mind. prgtoken To those here who have concluded that Ms. Haspel's background with the RDI program should preclude her from leading the CIA, well, I respect their arguments, and I know the passion with which they put forward their position. I myself struggled with this point. prgtoken Many people at the CIA participated in the pro
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-5-17

the Senate has often been called the world's greatest deliberative body, where we can thoroughly and respectfully debate weighty matters, regardless of pressures imposed by any given moment. While we do not always live up to this ideal, it is one for which we should always strive. The Constitution entrusts us with the task of serving as a check against the executive branch, providing our advice and--if appropriate--our consent to the Executive's nominees to lead our government's most critical agencies. During my time here, at its best, the Senate can be and actually should be the conscience of the Nation. prgtoken So as we move to vote on the nomination of Gina Haspel, with very little debate and gaping holes in her record, I fear the Senate is failing to fulfill its basic duty to provide advice and informed consent to her nomination. Remember, we are supposed to advise and consent, and worse yet, we are failing in our duty to serve as the Nation's conscience. prgtoken Now much of what is publicly known about Ms. Haspel's role in the CIA is disturbing. To begin with--and I have listened to Senators on both sides--I do not question Ms. Haspel's commitment to our country or to our national security that, I think, she has established. But what I question is her judgment and her fidelity to a core value of our Nation: that all people have certain inalienable rights. Underlying these inalienable rights is our belief in the basic dignity of human beings, a dignity that is incompatible with inhumane practices like torture. Torture should never be part of America's way of leading the world. prgtoken During the height of the CIA's torture program, Ms. Haspel ran one of the Agency's most notorious ``black sites'' in Thailand. There, under her leadership, brutal torture techniques were employed. From available accounts, according to that which has been made public, this included waterboarding detainees, slamming them against walls, and confining them in coffin-shaped boxes for extended periods of time. prgtoken At the time, there was a benign euphemism for this treatment. It was called ``enhanced interrogation techniques.'' But we know better. This wasn't ``enhanced interrogation techniques.'' This was government- sanctioned torture, pure and simple. Torture is immoral. Torture is inhumane. Frankly, torture is un-American. I agree with our colleague Senator John McCain--he is one who speaks with a distinct moral clarity on this issue--that Ms. Haspel's refusal to condemn torture as immoral is disqualifying. For that reason alone, I cannot, in good conscience, support her nomination. prgtoken But it is worse than that. Ms. Haspel also reportedly advocated for destroying the videotapes of these torture sessions--now, that was against the advice of the CIA's own lawyers. More than that, it was in contravention of a Federal judicial order requiring that they be preserved. The CIA's former general counsel sai
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2, AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-5-17

I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to one of the amendments made in order prgtoken by this rule. The Foxx-Davis amendment would dramatically alter American sugar policy by eliminating the economic safety net for sugar producers. prgtoken There is a Domino Sugar Refinery located in my district in Yonkers, New York, which has been a staple of the neighborhood for almost a century. According to their own figures, the refinery employs 280 people and sustains an additional 138 jobs through trucking, terminal operations, cargo handling, and ship piloting. That is more than 400 local jobs, most of them union jobs, supporting local families and pumping additional dollars into our communities. prgtoken These are the men and women I represent, and they are the ones for whom I cast my vote. I will cast my vote against the Foxx-Davis amendment and encourage my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken America's sugar policy is working. It has operated at zero cost to taxpayers in 14 of the past 15 years, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects that sugar will run at a zero cost to taxpayers over the next 10 years. prgtoken According to the International Sugar Organization, food manufacturers in the U.S. pay 10 percent less for sugar than other developed countries. Meanwhile, America's grocery shelf sugar prices are among the lowest in the world. prgtoken Again, most importantly, the reason I rise is that the U.S. sugar industry provides good union jobs. Without the current sugar policy, 142,000 American jobs are in jeopardy of being outsourced, and the U.S. stands to lose nearly $20 billion in annual economic activity.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-5-17

today, during National Police Week, I wish to recognize and honor the men and women who serve as New Jersey's police officers and law enforcement officials. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the professionals working in law enforcement who risk their lives each and every day for the safety of all New Jerseyans. These American heroes answer the call when we need them the most, and we stand together as a grateful nation in saying thank you. prgtoken Established by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week devotes special appreciation to those members of law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of the people they serve. In a proclamation issued 56 years ago, President John F. Kennedy recognized the national importance of honoring our law enforcement professionals by designating the 15th of May as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. prgtoken Today I want to pay special homage to New Jersey's fallen police officers. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our State. Though they are no longer with us, we stand proud and united knowing that they continue to be commemorated by their fellow New Jerseyans and by their fellow brothers and sisters in blue. Their courage, spirit of service, and commitment has allowed the people of New Jersey to be safe and secure. For their service and their sacrifice, we are eternally grateful.
REMEMBERING CHRISTOPHER P. STADELMAN
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2018-5-17

I wish today to honor the life of a West Virginia son and selfless public servant, Christopher P. Stadelman. prgtoken After the news that Chris lost his hard-fought, 4-year battle with colon cancer on Friday, May 11, 2018, loved ones and friends from across West Virginia joined in a chorus of sadness for the loss of such a remarkable person, but also thankfulness for the inspiring life he lived. prgtoken Chris dedicated his life to serving the people of West Virginia as a journalist and editor at the Charleston Daily Mail, as the co-owner and operator of the Parsons Advocate with his incredible wife, Kelly, and as communications director and chief of staff for Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Chris said these were his ``dream jobs'', and he certainly made an enduring impact through each one of them. prgtoken Chris and Kelly called two places home: Charleston and Thomas, WV. He is a member of the Marshall University Journalism Hall of Fame and was named a Distinguished West Virginian by Governor Tomblin and an Honorary Mountaineer Brigadier by MG James Hoyer of the West Virginia National Guard. prgtoken He loved the news and seemed to always know the latest news well before it broke. He loved debating politics and policy. He loved baseball, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates. He loved his dogs. Above all, he loved Kelly. prgtoken When they ran the Parsons Advocate together, Chris would often go to the scene of news and report back to Kelly in the newsroom. For 18 years, they were partners in every sense, and she was his rock as he fought colon cancer with fearless resolve. prgtoken During his 4-year battle, on most days, you wouldn't have known Chris was sick. In the Governor's office, he was often the first to arrive in the mornings and the last to leave. After the tragic flooding that took 23 lives in West Virginia in 2016, Chris was tireless in finding ways to help West Virginians recover, even leading the charge to establish a program that has helped people rebuild their homes. prgtoken It is because of all of this and so much more that Chris has been surrounded with a family of friends and supporters who proudly proclaim the name Team Stadelman. prgtoken I have always been moved by Chris's inspiring life, and my abiding thoughts and prayers are with Kelly; his mom, Nancy; his stepmom, Helen; his siblings, Matt, Jonathan, Philip, and Rachel; and all of Team Stadelman. prgtoken Last year, Chris's father, Paul, lost his own battle with cancer. When reflecting on his son's illness, Paul wrote, ``So much has been shared. So much has been given. So much has been accomplished.'' prgtoken And for that, West Virginia is so much better.
COMMUNITY SALUTES
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-5-17

I rise today to honor forty-six high school seniors in Camden County for their commendable decision to enlist in the United Sates Armed Forces. Of these forty-six, eight have joined the Navy: Joshua Fitzgerald, Samuel Keppel, Niemai Smith, Ryan Hutchinson, Preston Solla, Nicholas Yourkonis, Noah Berrios, and Nasir Crews. Nineteen have joined the Marine Corps: Giovanni Pasquarelli, Jesse Harryman, William Jamieson, Ethan Moncrief, William Sayers, Jack Percak, Brian Romerogranadeno, Anthony Vitkunas, Trshaun Kelly, Delious Bullock, Luke Hurey, Jeserica Santos, Marvin Sewell, Remy Martinez, Andre Castro, Adrian Vargas, Cristian Reyes-Nunez, Kenneth Cortez, and Jeffery Nolasco. Two have joined the Air Force: Alexis Tapia, and Dominique Perez. Eight have joined the New Jersey Army National Guard: Kianna Smith, Savannah Janiszewski, Christopher Berrios, Chanese Gibson, Kiaziah Walker, Alesi Villeda-Gomes, Breinna Edwards, and Aleksey Kilvington. And nine have joined the New Jersey Air National Guard: Jose Sanchez, Jamilette Cotts-Martinez, Nyree Scott, Paul Brown, Alex Frazier, Angel Burgos, Emma Super, Mason Nicini, Michael Rinehart. All forty-six were recognized on May 15th at ``Our Community Salutes of South Jersey.'' prgtoken Later this month, these young men and women will join their classmates in celebration of graduation. At a time when many of their peers are looking forward to pursuing vocational training or college degrees, they instead have chosen to dedicate themselves to military service in defense of our country. They should rest assured that the full support and resources of this chamber, and of the American people, are with them in whatever challenges may lie ahead. prgtoken It is thanks to the dedication of untold numbers of patriots like these forty-six that we are able to meet here today, in the House of Representatives, and openly debate the best solutions to the many and diverse problems that confront our country. It is thanks to their sacrifices that the United States of America remains a beacon of hope and freedom in a fractious world. prgtoken , their decision to serve our country will not go unrecognized. I want to personally thank these forty-six graduating seniors for the selflessness and courage that they have shown by volunteering to risk their lives in defense of others. We owe them, along with all those who serve our country, a deep debt of gratitude.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2, AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-5-17

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken , I am here to speak against an amendment included in this rule, the Foxx-Davis amendment, in defense of the 2,300 factory workers and 900 family farmers who grow sugar beets in my community. prgtoken The sugar program in this country supports family farmers. The company that is formed is a co-op formed by local family-owned growers who come together, and all they ask for is a fair chance to compete, to grow their high quality product, and to not have to compete with state- subsidized foreign sugar that is dumped if we don't have a program that protects our local growers. prgtoken The question is really simple. It comes down to marginally increasing the profits of large corporations or supporting family farmers who support their families by growing high quality sugar beets and sugarcane in this country. prgtoken This is a program that does not cost the taxpayers a dime according to CBO. prgtoken It comes down to a simple question: Are we going to support our own growers, or are we going to support foreign-produced sugar and moderately, if at all, increase the profits of large companies?
HONORING JOEY DANIEL
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-17

I rise today to honor Joey Daniel for his spectacular performance in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State wrestling championship this year where he earned a CIF state title at 220 pounds. prgtoken Currently a senior at Santa Ana High School, Mr. Daniel has already proven his excellence in wrestling by winning the Golden West League championship four times, the CIF championship three times, the Masters Meet championship once, and the Orange Country championship five times during his wrestling career between 2014 to 2018. This year in March, he reached new heights and became the first winner of the CIF state wrestling championship in the history of Santa Ana High School, took second place nationally, and was promptly named Orange County's boys wrestler of the year. prgtoken After graduation from high school, Mr. Daniel plans to enlist in the Marine Corps immediately. Through wrestling, he has learned diligence, perseverance and confidence, which will undoubtedly serve him well as he strives to become a member of the Marines. prgtoken , Joey Daniel has more than proven that he is an extraordinary student athlete with no limits to his potential. I am beyond proud to honor Joey Daniel.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-5-17

I would like to take the opportunity to honor the life and memory of Sergeant Sean Gannon of the Yarmouth Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on April 12, 2018. prgtoken This week is National Police Week, a time to honor the brave law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Last month, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts suffered a terrible loss when Sergeant Sean Gannon was killed while serving an arrest warrant in Barnstable. He was only 32 years old. prgtoken A native of New Bedford, MA, Sergeant Gannon graduated from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth and then earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University and a master's in emergency management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. prgtoken After college, Sergeant Gannon jumped head first into public service, first serving as a public safety officer and later becoming a police officer with the Yarmouth Police Department, where he served for 8 years. Sergeant Gannon loved working with police dogs and was the first full-time K-9 narcotics officer at Yarmouth PD. His loyal patrol dog, Nero, was seriously injured in the incident that claimed Sergeant Gannon's life, but is expected to recover and return to the Gannon family. prgtoken Sergeant Gannon had a huge heart and spent his free time volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and working with his hands. prgtoken Thousands of mourners, including law enforcement officers from across the country, gathered to pay their respects at Sergeant Gannon's wake, a testament to the high esteem with which his community held him and to the power of his sacrifice. Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson called Sergeant Gannon the ``Tom Brady of our department'' and posthumously promoted him to the rank of sergeant. prgtoken Our hearts are broken by the loss of Sergeant Gannon. prgtoken Today, we honor Sergeant Gannon's service, we honor his sacrifice, and most importantly, we honor the life he led and the legacy he leaves behind.
S. CON. RES. 36
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-5-17

as a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I am disappointed that leaders have not even begun the process of debating a budget for the upcoming year in our committee. The United States needs a budget that addresses our national debt, which is increasing significantly faster due to a tax plan that delivers huge windfalls to millionaires, billionaires, and multinational corporations. prgtoken Unfortunately, the budget proposal we considered today would take health coverage from tens of millions of Americans because its massive spending cuts would almost certainly mean huge reductions in Medicare and Medicaid. This budget would also make it harder for struggling families to afford food, housing, and childcare, and it would slash vital economic investments in infrastructure, education, and scientific research. prgtoken At the same time, this budget does not achieve even one penny of deficit reduction from reducing the tax cuts that s just provided to those at the top. I will not support a budget that is balanced on the backs of working families and the middle class. prgtoken We need a budget that invests in our future, supports a basic standard of living for all Americans, and safeguards our health and safety. This budget proposal fails to do so, which is why I voted against the motion to proceed to its consideration.
KULANI MARTIN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-5-17

I rise today to recognize and applaud Kulani Martin for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Kulani Martin received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Kulani Martin is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Kulani Martin for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.