mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Syria (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-7

we are about to vote on the nomination of Judge Gorsuch, so I would like to say to my colleagues why I am so pleased that we will soon be referring to him as ``Justice Gorsuch.'' prgtoken I opened our Judiciary Committee hearing with this: One of Justice Scalia's best opinions begins with this declaration: it is the ``proud boast of our democracy that we have a government of laws and not of men. . . . Without a secure structure of separated powers, our Bill of Rights would be worthless.'' prgtoken The separation of powers in our Constitution is a guardian of our liberty. Judge Gorsuch understands that. His deep understanding of the separation of powers enlivens his opinions. prgtoken By faithfully enforcing the boundaries among the branches of government and the power of the Federal Government in our lives, this Justice will ensure that the law protects our liberties. prgtoken Here is the other thing that is important about a judge who respects the separation of powers: We know he will be independent. He told us that he is his own man, that no person speaks for him. He is not beholden to the President who appointed him. His testimony shows that he is not beholden to us in the Congress either. He wouldn't compromise his independence to win confirmation votes. He passed the test. prgtoken This is a man of integrity, and his qualifications for the bench are exceptional. You know the story: bachelor's from Columbia University, Harvard Law School, doctorate from Oxford University, partnership at a prestigious law firm, and high-level Justice Department service for the people of our country, but most importantly, a decade-long record of faithfully applying the law on the Federal bench in 2,700 cases as a member of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Let me sum up this way: This brilliant, honest, humble man is a judge's judge, and he will make a superb Justice. prgtoken . prgtoken , .
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT HOO
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-4-7

today I wish to recognize Robert Hoo, the founder of Nevadans for the Common Good, an organization dedicated to community and making the great State of Nevada a better place through public service. Robert was born and raised in China and moved to New York with his family after the Communist revolution. For the last 5 years, Robert has lived in Las Vegas and committed himself to the goals of his impressive organization. prgtoken Nevadans for the Common Good trains everyday citizens for public service, such as running for political office or becoming active on an issue. The organization is run by 40 generous institutions and is a collection of religious congregations, civic associations, professional organizations, schools, fraternities, sororities, and other community- based groups. prgtoken Robert understands the importance of a good and honest government that truly works for the people. Having experienced the impact of communism on his family in China, he only further appreciated American ideals, and these values fuel the work he does to this day. prgtoken Robert Hoo has taken public and community service very seriously. Before he moved to Nevada, Robert worked for a nonprofit organization in Connecticut and also for an organization that targeted neighborhood blight in East Brooklyn. The people of Nevada are very fortunate that Robert's journey took him to our State. prgtoken Lastly, Robert's dedication to finding common ground is truly admirable. In today's political environment, too often we focus on what divides us. Robert, on the other hand, chooses to focus on what unites us at the grassroots level and is committed to helping people solve real problems for others and themselves. The world needs more public servants that have Robert's dedication to helping others and making a difference. prgtoken I am both humbled and honored to acknowledge Robert Hoo for his outstanding work. His organization is making a difference for so many people who want to better our great State through public service. As the senior Senator from the great State of Nevada, I am proud to call Robert a Nevadan and applaud the work he has done and will continue to do for years to come.
Recognition of the Minority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-4-7

first, let me address the nomination of Judge Gorsuch, which will soon proceed to a final vote over the objection of we . Even though had principled reasons to oppose this judge, even though we offered many times to meet with the majority to discuss a new nominee and a way forward, the s chose to break the rules and erase the 60-vote threshold for all judicial nominees. They had many options, and they chose, unfortunately, the nuclear option. prgtoken I believe it will make this body a more partisan place, it will make the cooling saucer of the Senate considerably hotter, and I believe it will make the Supreme Court a more partisan place. As a result, America's faith in the integrity of the Court and their trust in the basic impartiality of the law will suffer. Those are serious things for this Republic. Prior to yesterday's cloture vote, I shared my views on this moment at length, and I will let those comments stand in the Record. prgtoken As I have said repeatedly over the last week, week and a half, let us go no further down this road. I hope the leader and I can, in the coming months, find a way to build a firewall around the legislative filibuster, which is the most important distinction between the Senate and the House. Without the 60-vote threshold for legislation, the Senate becomes a majoritarian institution like the House, much more subject to the winds of short-term electoral change. No Senator would like to see that happen so let's find a way to further protect the 60-vote rule for legislation. prgtoken Since he will soon become the ninth Justice on the Court, I hope Judge Gorsuch has listened to our debate in the Senate, particularly our concerns about the Supreme Court increasingly drifting toward becoming a more pro-corporate Court that favors employers, corporations, and special interests over working America. prgtoken We all know there is an anger and sourness in the land because average people aren't getting a fair shake compared to the powerful. In many cases, the Supreme Court is the last resort for everyday Americans who are seeking fairness and justice against forces much larger than themselves. At a time when folks are struggling to stay in the middle class and are struggling as hard as ever to get into the middle class, we need a Justice on the Court who will help swing it back in the direction of the people. prgtoken So we are charging Judge Gorsuch to be the independent and fairminded Justice America badly needs. If he is, instead, a Justice for the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation, that will spell trouble for America.
SENATE RESOLUTION 128--DESIGNATING APRIL 2017 AS ``NATIONAL CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA AWARENESS MONTH''
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-4-7

I rise today to ask my Senate colleagues to join me in designating April 2017 as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, also known as CDH, is a birth defect that occurs when the fetal diaphragm fails to fully develop, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. When the lungs do not develop properly during pregnancy, it can be difficult for the baby to breathe after birth or the baby is unable to take in enough oxygen to stay healthy. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect that occurs in 1 out of every 2,500 live births worldwide. Only about 50 percent of CDH cases are diagnosed in utero. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention, CDC, estimates that CDH affects 1,600 babies in the United States each year. Every 10 minutes, a baby is born with CDH, adding up to more than 700,000 babies with CDH since 2000. According to the CDC, babies born with CDH experience a high mortality rate ranging from 20 to 60 percent depending on the severity of the defect and the treatments available at delivery, yet most people have never heard of CDH. prgtoken Researchers are making great progress to determine the cause of this birth defect and to identify optimal treatment methods. In fiscal year 2017, the National Institutes of Health funded approximately $4 million in CDH research, an increase of $700,000 from fiscal year 2015. There is still much progress to be made, however. The cause of CDH remains unknown, and there currently is no cure. CDH survivors often endure long-term complications such as congenital heart defects and developmental delays and the average CDH survivor will face postnatal care of more than $100,000. prgtoken Last month, members from the Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support, also known as CHERUBS, visited my office. Among them were David and Allison Finger and their daughter Vivienne from Hyattsville, MD. Vivienne was born with CDH and had to spend 60 days in the newborn intensive care unit after birth and had to have surgery to repair the hernia when she was only 3 weeks old. On March 18, 2017, Vivienne celebrated her second birthday and is doing very well. Babies like Vivienne, born with CDH, today have a better chance of survival due to early detection and research on treatment options. prgtoken For these reasons, I am proud my colleague the junior Senator from Alabama, Senator Strange, has joined me in introducing a bill designating April 2017 as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month. In previous years, I was pleased to work with his predecessor; Senator Sessions, on this legislation. Designating this month in this fashion provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about CDH; promote quality prenatal care and ultrasounds to detect CDH in utero; and support funding for the research necessary to improve screeni
Syria (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-4-7

I hadn't planned to speak this morning, but when my friend from Texas decided to give his version of history, I thought: Well, I ought to give my version. It is slightly different. prgtoken Justice Antonin Scalia passed away in February of last year. President , the President of the United States of America, had a constitutional responsibility under article II, section 2 to nominate a person to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, as every other President had. And he did. prgtoken He came up with the name Merrick Garland, the Chief Judge on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, a man who is widely respected, judged unanimously ``well qualified'' by the American Bar Association. President submitted his name to this Congress, to the Senate, a Senate that has a majority, led by Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. prgtoken Senator McConnell and the Senators did something that had never happened in the history of this Chamber--not once. They denied President 's nominee the opportunity for a hearing and a vote. In fact, Senator McConnell went further and said: I won't even meet with the man. prgtoken It had never happened before. prgtoken You say to yourself: Well, come on. This isn't beanbag. You are in Washington. This is major league politics. This sort of thing must happen all the time. Never. prgtoken In fact, if you go back not that far in history, to 1988, in the last year of President Ronald Reagan's Presidency--his fourth year of his second term, some call it the lameduck year--there was a vacancy on the Supreme Court. prgtoken President Ronald Reagan sent the name Anthony Kennedy to a ically controlled Senate, which had the power to do the same thing Senator McConnell did: Deny a hearing, deny a vote. prgtoken Well, what did the do? We gave Justice Kennedy a hearing, a vote, and sent him to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. prgtoken Under Senator McConnell, the s refused Merrick Garland the same opportunity, and they said to President : You are in your fourth year. You are a lameduck. Your choice for the Supreme Court really doesn't count. prgtoken But there was more to it. Really, the strategy was based on the premise and possibility that a would be elected in this last November election, and if so, that President could fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. prgtoken Well, that is exactly what happened. The election of gave him the opportunity to fill the vacancy of Antonin Scalia, a vacancy that should have been filled, I believe, by Merrick Garland, President 's nominee. prgtoken That is what led up to the vote yesterday, but there was more. prgtoken Where did the name Neil Gorsuch come from? It is true that he served on the Tenth Circuit for 10 years. He had been approved by the Senate. He certainly had a strong resume. But how did he get on the finalist list? prgtoken
Introductory Statement on S. 897
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-7

I rise today with my colleagues Senators Leahy, Brown, Cardin, Durbin, Franken, Klobuchar, Murphy, Murray, Markey, Merkley, Sanders, Udall, and Whitehouse to introduce the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2017. prgtoken First and foremost, the legislation would limit the use of cluster munitions by the U.S. Armed Forces. In June 2008, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates signed a memo stating that after 2018 the United States will not use cluster munitions with a greater than 1 percent unexploded ordnance rate. The Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act would codify the Gates policy by immediately prohibiting the use of cluster munitions with a greater than 1 percent failure rate. prgtoken Second, this bill would make it clear that the export of U.S.-made cluster munitions must be contingent upon the receiving country not using these weapons inappropriately. Since 2008, the Congress has required that U.S.-made cluster munitions can only be used by the recipient country against clearly defined military targets and will not be used where civilians are known to be present or in areas normally inhabited by civilians. prgtoken During the 114th Congress, the Defense Department discovered that several export agreements for U.S. cluster munitions--known as letters of offer and acceptance--failed to mirror congressional restrictions on their use. Specifically, the Pentagon found that letters of offer and acceptance with South Korea and Saudi Arabia were either incomplete or missing. While the Pentagon is attempting to amend the mistake, it is imperative that the Congress make clear that U.S.-made cluster munitions must not be used where civilians are known to be present or in areas normally inhabited by civilians. As a result, the legislation requires export policies and licenses to restrict cluster munition use against clearly defined military targets and not in civilian areas. prgtoken Today 119 countries have signed or acceded to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. In fact, four of our closest allies--Canada, Great Britain, Germany, and France--are states parties, legally bound by all of the convention's provisions. prgtoken The convention prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions. The convention also requires the destruction of stockpiled cluster munitions within eight years, clearance of cluster munition remnants within 10 years, and assistance to victims, including those injured by submunitions. prgtoken I am disappointed that the United States has not signed the convention but believe we can move toward doing so. This legislation states that it is the sense of Congress that No. 1, the U.S. Government should phase out the use of all cluster munitions as soon as possible; No. 2, any alternatives that the United States develops to replace cluster munitions should be compliant with the Convention on Cluster Munitions; and No. 3, the United States s
RECOGNIZING DR. JAMES NEWTON AS HE IS HONORED BY THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE NORTHTOWNS
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-4-8

today I rise to honor the career of a dedicated public servant, Superintendent Dr. James Newton, who is being honored by the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, also known as the Newman Club, with an award. Dr. Newton spent 31 years working in public education; 19 of those were in the City of Tonawanda. He began his career as junior high principal in 1998. He was an integral part in passing the largest capital project in the history of the district. The project was over 25 million dollars in improvements to fund a new library media center and gymnasium, among other upgrades. In 2009, he was appointed to middle/high school principal and in 2013 became the superintendent. Dr. Newton has dedicated his career in public education to creating a positive school environment, increasing the graduation rate, and allowing students to excel. Dr. Newton serves his community outside of his job with a membership in the Exchange Club, Kiwanis Club, and as a Board member for the Northtowns Boys and Girls Club. He is also a dedicated husband to his wife Lisa, with whom he has a beloved daughter I honor the distinguished career of Dr. Newton as he retires from his position as superintendent. It is with great pride that I stand to recognize the leadership and accomplishments of Dr. James Newton and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
HONORING NEW TOWN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2017-4-8

I rise today to recognize New Town Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, MS inside of Tallahatchie County. prgtoken New Town Missionary Baptist Church was built in 1805. Like so many Black rural churches the history of New Town Missionary Baptist Church was passed down by word of mouth from members who were slaves. The church was built under the guidance of Spring Hill Baptist Church which was an all-white congregation. However, New Town Missionary Baptist Church, an all-black congregation, was pastored by a white minister, Rev. Porter, until the church was successful in finding a Black minister who could lead. The Rev. Hampton Clemmons was the first Black pastor of the church. prgtoken The first building was a one room structure located where the Old New Town Cemetery is now. The following ministers have served as pastor of the church: Rev. Matthew Black, Rev. Neison , Rev. William West, Rev. Willie Penn, Rev. Charlie Johnson, Rev. William Booker, Rev. P.R. Gipson, Rev. J.T. Brown, Rev. H.C. Jones, Rev L.J. Jordan, Rev. R.S. Phamphlet, Rev. David B. Curry, and Rev. Derrick Williams, Sr. Some of the deacon members of the church were: Bro. James H. Reed, Bro. Burel Reed, Bro. James H. Bellamy, Bro. Robert E. Pollard, Bro. Nathan Metcalf, Bro. Richard Gray, Bro. Ben Thompson, Bro. Green Hudson, Bro. James Bellamy, Jr Bro. Charlie Simmons, Bro. B.L. Reed, Bro. John H. Gray, Bro. Barney Willis, Bro. N.A. Boclair, Bro. Charlie Anderson, Bro. Jessie Terry, Bro. Minon Reed, Bro. S.N. Drake, Bro. Grafton Gray, Bro. John Winford, Bro. George Fair, Bro. James Frost, Bro. Roberson Jennings, Bro. Eckles Simmons, Bro. Frank Diltz, and Bro. Erwin Maynew. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the New Town Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, MS in Tallahatchie County inside of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.
RECOGNIZING RENARD GROUP ADVERTISING FOR 40 YEARS SERVING THE TYLER COMMUNITY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-12

today, I rise in recognition of Renard Group Advertising, the oldest advertising agency dedicated to supporting and assisting the businesses, organizations and charities of Tyler, Texas. This agency recently celebrated 40 years of dedicated service to its community. prgtoken As the representative and servant of the 1st District of Texas, I have had the privilege of knowing the city of Tyler, its blessed and beneficent inhabitants along with its very rich history. Renard Group truly and accurately promotes the pride, passion and personality of the people and businesses who make Tyler the remarkable and close-knit Rose Capital that it is and proudly will be for the future. prgtoken Accordingly, congratulations is due to and extended in honor of all those who have contributed to Renard Group Advertising's success, especially its founder, Michael P. Smith.
H.R. 1353, THE TRANSPARENCY IN TECHNOLOGICAL ACQUISITION ACT OF 2017
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-12

I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1353. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report or consideration by the Full House. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, April 12, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1353, the Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall. Enclosure. H.R. 1353--Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017 H.R. 1353 would expand requirements for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to report to the Congress on the status of the agency's planned investments in technologies related to transportation security. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1353 would have no significant effect on the federal budget. According to TSA, the agency already collects data necessary to meet the legislation's requirements to provide additional information about acquisition programs on a more frequent basis. As a result, CBO estimates that any change in the agency's costs, which would be subject to appropriation, would not exceed $500,000 in any year. Enacting H.R. 1353 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1353 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 1353 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CAMP HOPE/CHRIS NEAL FARM
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-4-12

I rise today to honor Camp Hope/ Chris Neal Farm on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary. Created by Gold Star parents, William, ``Mike'' and Galia White, the camp located on the farm in St. Francois County, Missouri, honors their 23-year-old son, Marine Private First Class Christopher Neal White. Chris was killed in action in Al Anbar, Iraq on June 20, 2006. Not long after, the Whites began to develop their vision for helping wounded soldiers enjoy the great outdoors as their son had done. prgtoken Camp Hope provides outdoor adventures for combat wounded veterans of the War on Terror and active-duty combat-wounded soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors. Their Camp Hope experience is entirely free of charge. prgtoken Camp Hope's mission is to offer these combat veterans the chance to shoot skeet, hunt turkey and deer, fish, hike, explore the country, or relax around the ever-burning fire pit. The goal is to help them experience healing through nature. prgtoken Since 2007, dozens of wounded soldiers from across the nation and all branches of service have laughed and cried together and found their own sense of peace at this 170-acre farm near Farmington. Volunteers--many of them veterans themselves--have helped to make the dream come true donating their time and money to these heroes on the homefront. prgtoken In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Camp Hope/Chris Neal Farm, it is my great pleasure to honor the Whites, the volunteers who join them and the combat veterans they serve today before the United States House of Representatives.