mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ISSUES OF THE WEEK
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-26

it is interesting, when I am watching the news or looking at a newspaper, I can see what kind of pictures are there in the news story, and having been at press conferences where print media that is extremely slanted will come up, the photographer from such media source will come up and get right in front and then start taking pictures and have their camera on nonstop, just click, click, click, second after second. So you know they have got 100, 200 pictures. prgtoken It is easy to know what they are doing. They are taking as many pictures as fast as they can. And you know that they are going to go through and they are going to take the picture in which your mouth is in the most contorted position, or where it looks like you are saying a word that would be inappropriate for an elected official to say. You know that is the picture they are going to put up, trying to make you look as stupid as possible before you ever read the article. prgtoken For some of us, it is not difficult to make us look stupid. We can't help our looks. But you just know before you ever read the article, when you look at the picture, whether it is going to be a fair and objective article, or whether it is going to be totally skewed and totally subjective. prgtoken I notice that, too, sometimes when friends across the aisle come with blown-up pictures. I can look at the pictures and tell whether it is going to be a fair and objective dissertation I am going to hear from my fellow Representatives across the aisle. But it is true of s as well. I just don't see those type of skewed pictures very often at all, if at all, from the s. But, anyway, it seems to be a good rule of thumb. You look at the pictures and you can tell whether it is going to be fair or it is going to be a total hit piece. prgtoken I have been very interested, though, to watch during the course of this last 9, 10 months as we come through 2017, the story nonstop from Representatives across the aisle has been about Russia, Russia, Russia. It sounds a bit like Sean Hannity, Russia, Russia, Russia, yes, but I don't mind sounding like somebody I greatly admire. prgtoken But isn't it interesting that in the revelations that have been coming out in the last few days, our friends across the aisle have not been as anxious to run down and talk about Russia? prgtoken But somebody needs to talk about it. I have been talking about it for quite some time, and for most of this year I have been pointing out that we actually need a special prosecutor, a special counsel to investigate former FBI Director Comey and to investigate the Clinton ties to Russia and the over $100 million in contributions that came from stakeholders, apparently, of Uranium One. It is just absolutely incredible. prgtoken What is amazing, though, there are bound to be so many fingers going out emanating from that deal that we have not seen or heard of. We didn't know what was going on, and now
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise to discuss an issue that is extremely important to me and to many of my colleagues on this side of the aisle--the issue of judicial vacancies. I came here to work and am honored to serve on behalf of the people of the State of Nevada who sent me to Washington. One of the most pressing issues I have found since being here is, all too often Members of Congress go home before their work is finished. prgtoken Many of you here know the first piece of legislation I have introduced for the past two Congresses is my No Budget, No Pay Act. The concept is simple. If Congress can't pass a budget and all of its spending bills on time, then Congress itself shouldn't get paid. prgtoken The Senate should apply the same concepts, in my opinion, to confirming judges. I commend our majority leader for bringing two more judges to the floor this week, but there is a lot more work to do. We need to work day and night to confirm those judges who are already on our calendar and have moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate has an incredible opportunity right now to confirm Federal judges who will uphold the Constitution. We should be here every day, for as long as we need, to ensure all judicial vacancies are filled. prgtoken Our conference must be willing to work together in order to get the business of the Senate done. Right now, there are 149 judicial vacancies. Let me repeat that. There are 149 judicial vacancies, and the Senate has only confirmed 8 judges this session--149 vacancies, 8 judges confirmed. That means, in 9 months, with well over 100 vacancies and over 60 judicial emergencies, we have only managed to confirm 8 judges. prgtoken The minority party has undercut the confirmation process of the administration's nominees and judicial appointments. When new Presidents are elected, they have always been given an opportunity to put their team in place in short order. Historically, this is not just common courtesy, it is an expectation of the American people to have a seamless transition of power, resulting in a functional Federal Government. prgtoken One of the eight judges confirmed was Neil Gorsuch, who I am thankful now serves on the Supreme Court. Justice Gorsuch is an example of the type of judge we have the chance to put in place. As with Justice Gorsuch's confirmation, we need to do all that is necessary to fill these vacancies with great judges like him. prgtoken President has nominated many judges and has more to nominate. For those he has already nominated, it is our duty to carefully review these nominations and ensure that these judges are confirmed in a timely manner. We must be willing to put in as much time as needed, whether that means working weekends, canceling State work periods, or working all through the night to get these Constitution-loving judges confirmed. prgtoken I know this is important to all of us, but we need to do better. Last week, I was a proud p
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-26

over the next few weeks, the Senate, the House, Congress--everybody here in Washington is going to be engaged in what I think is one of the most important and potentially impactful debates we have had here in a long time. For a place that has been so criticized for not doing anything, we have a chance to actually do something that is going to matter and help real people and help the country. It is called tax reform. prgtoken I think the great thing about a tax reform debate is that it actually goes to the heart and soul of our identity as a nation and who we want to be and who we have been up to this point. prgtoken We are a nation that has embraced free enterprise. There are people who don't believe in free enterprise. There are people who believe in different variations of free enterprise. By and large, America has believed in free enterprise. That basically means the government doesn't try to control too much of the economy. People have private property and private businesses. You have rules to make sure people don't cheat and steal from one another or hurt people, but by and large, we believe in a private economy. Why do we believe that? I think the answer to that is not just a purely economic one; you look back at our founding. prgtoken One of the unique things about this country that we have taken for granted and do not do a good enough job of teaching young Americans is that America was not created as a nation to bring together a common race or a common ethnicity or a common religion. There are a lot of nations around the world--in fact, I would argue that most of the nations that have ever existed have been a homeland for the people who were born and have lived in that one place--not us. We were founded on the idea that you could bring different kinds of people from different backgrounds and unite them as one people, despite their differences in background and ethnicity and religion. You could unite them behind a very powerful idea--the idea that all of us are created equal because we were born with a God-given right to life and to liberty and to pursue happiness. prgtoken That is not just a revolutionary idea; it has changed the world. It has been the identity of our country. It is among everything else that makes us unique and special. In every generation, it has been challenged economically, socially, and culturally. We need to continue to fight for that. prgtoken One of the core principles behind equal opportunity is the ability to fulfill your economic potential--to grow up and be who you want to be, do what you want to do, open a company or work for a certain industry or career or prgtoken stay home and raise children. Whatever your choice is, they are all legitimate. We are a nation that believes we all have the God-given right to pursue that, and that is something which free enterprise makes possible. prgtoken The difference between free enterprise and people who want government
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise today during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to call attention to this topic that is so important throughout our Nation. prgtoken With one in eight U.S. women, or 12 percent, developing breast cancer over the course of their lives, too many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with this tragic disease. prgtoken I lost my mother as a result of breast cancer, and my friend and former district director, Jill Cox, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She attributes her strides in recovery to early detection and self-examinations. prgtoken Many women with breast cancer have no symptoms, underscoring the importance of how regular breast cancer screenings and self- examinations can save lives. No test is too early. prgtoken We all must continue to work together and move forward addressing breast cancer, and I urge my colleagues to continue their focus on this critical issue. Cody Hiland Appointment as U.S. Attorney
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-26

I want to first thank the chairwoman for a phenomenal job. prgtoken Look, our current fiscal environment, according to the CBO, they project that the growth of our economy will be 2 percent or less for the next decade. prgtoken I am reminded of what a good friend and ic colleague in the Budget Committee said one day: That 3 percent growth, that is just a dream, that is unrealistic. prgtoken Yet, before the storms hit, what did we see as far as our economic growth of the country: 3.1 percent economic growth, something that one of our colleagues, ic colleagues, said was a pipe dream. prgtoken This is, in large part, because excessive regulations have been curtailed by both the administration and by Congress; but to keep that momentum, we need to pass tax reform. prgtoken It will lead to a sustained strong economy. It will again lower the tax burden to our families. It will lead to increased wages for families, for the middle class, for individuals for the first time in such a long time, allowing the American people to keep more of their hard-earned money. It would make small-, mid-, and large-sized businesses more competitive so they can create millions of additional jobs here in the United States. prgtoken , this legislation will allow us to do real tax reform to keep the economy growing, to get the economy going, to get the American people working again, and this is an essential part. prgtoken , I urge everyone's support.
CIVIL RIGHTS
Marcia L. Fudge (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-10-27

I want to thank my friend Rep. Veasey for hosting tonight's special order. prgtoken Let me begin by offering my condolences to the families of Sgt. La David Johnson and his fellow soldiers who lost their lives in Niger. prgtoken Those who give their lives in the service of this great nation and their families deserve our honor, respect and thanks. The White House's treatment of Sgt. Johnson's Gold Star widow is an embarrassment to our nation. prgtoken Furthermore, the White House's attacks on Congresswoman Frederica Wilson's character are baseless and shameful. I know Congresswoman Wilson as a woman of integrity who has proven her deep commitment to her constituents and community over the years. prgtoken , I stand today with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to share a concern about the leaked FBI's assessment creating a new class of threats and unjustly labeling ordinary Americans exercising their constitutional rights as extremists. prgtoken In the report, the FBI coins a new term--black identity extremists-- which can easily give the perception that African Americans speaking out against police brutality or anyone who identifies as black for that matter is a threat to law enforcement. prgtoken I can't help but wonder, what led the FBI to reach such a conclusion. Was it the Facebook ads purchased by Russian operatives targeting the Black Lives Matter movement? prgtoken This type of mischaracterization is dangerous and further erodes the trust between law enforcement officials and communities of color. prgtoken We have seen this before. The FBI has a long and troubling history of targeting African Americans in this country. prgtoken In the 1960s, the FBI's Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) was used to surveil and discredit civil rights activists fighting institutional racism, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and black members of Congress. prgtoken These activists were fighting for equality, access to the ballot box, educational opportunities, and decent housing. They no longer wanted to be treated as second-class citizens. Put simply, they were seeking an even playing field and equal treatment under the law as should be provided to every American. prgtoken Here we are sixty years later, and we continue to fight for the same rights. prgtoken We have seen it play out in the unrest that unfolded in communities like Ferguson, Baltimore, and Cleveland where those who are being paid to protect and serve are not held accountable for killing unarmed African American citizens. prgtoken This report makes clear that we have harkened back to the dark days of J. Edgar Hoover. COINTELPRO 2.0 undermines the progress we have made and continues the current Administration's disturbing trend of demonizing communities of color. prgtoken At some point, Members on both sides of the aisle must stand up and speak out against these efforts to mischaracterize actions of Americans fighting for a fairer and more just A
TRIBUTE TO ASSEMBLYWOMAN SHARON QUIRK-SILVA, THE IRVINE CITY COUNCIL, FIVEPOINT AND THE ORANGE COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK FOUNDATION
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-27

I would like to take a few moments today to honor Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, the Irvine City Council, FivePoint, and the Orange County Veterans Memorial Park Foundation for their contributions to the Orange County Veteran Community. prgtoken These organizations have paved the long and tiresome road to establish the Southern California Veterans Memorial Park in EL TORO, Irvine, California. Their combined efforts have produced an ideal final resting place for our Nation's Veterans that our Orange County residents can be proud of. prgtoken In 2014, Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva introduced AB-1453, which marks the beginning of the journey to established a Veteran Cemetery in Orange County. Through Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's efforts and relentless advocacy, the bill gained the support of various State legislators. AB-1453 was approved and signed by Governor Brown on September 27, 2014, just months after Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva introduced the bill. prgtoken The Irvine City Council pressed forward by diligently searching for a proper location for the veteran cemetery within the Old Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, which is of great significance to Vietnam-era Veterans. After much debate over the location, the council agreed on an ideal site, proposed by the FivePoint Company. The council's leadership and resolve would be instrumental in helping pass the necessary resolutions to move forward on the Veterans Cemetery. prgtoken The contributions made by FivePoint should also not go unknown. Fivepoint helped facilitate the selection of a pristine site for the veteran cemetery by proposing a land exchange deal with the Irvine City Council. Fivepoint's unyielding support for the veteran community and the county illustrates their belief of being a community based cooperation. prgtoken Finally, the Orange County Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, comprised of Korean and Vietnam War Veterans, was instrumental throughout the early conception of a Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. The relentless advocacy, collaboration, and achievements by Bill Cook, Zeke Hernandez, Brian Chuchua, Peter Katz, and Robert Brower will be a testament to their commitment to one another and the veteran community. prgtoken , I am honored to recognize the groups of individuals that have fought to establish a proper final resting place for our Nation's Veterans and the positive impact they have made on the Orange County Community.
A TRIBUTE TO BONNY BAKER
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-10-27

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bonny Baker on her recent retirement from the Taylor County Courthouse after 43 years of dedicated service. prgtoken Bonny began her work at the Taylor County Courthouse in September of 1973 while she was still a senior at Bedford High School. For seven years, she worked in the Treasurer's office before moving to the County Auditor's office. In 1999, Bonny was appointed as county auditor. She has worked on everything from secretary duties to the board of supervisors, election-day preparation, passport services and tax statements. She stated in the Bedford Times-Press that ``I loved working there and loved the rush of working with people all day long.'' prgtoken , I am proud to represent Iowans like Bonny in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today for her outstanding service. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on her retirement and in wishing her nothing but the best in the next chapter of her life.
TRIBUTE TO LOU MERVIS
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-10-27

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Lou Mervis, a business, education, and philanthropic leader, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 83. prgtoken Lou came from a humble background and turned his father's local scrap business into one of the largest family-owned scrap processing companies in the country, with locations in multiple states. However, Lou's legacy in Illinois goes beyond his business success. prgtoken Education was one of Lou's passions. He was elected to the Danville school board at age 29, and served two terms on the board, including as president. He also served on the Illinois State Board of Election for 17 years, including seven years as chairman. prgtoken Lou and his wife, Sybil, provided scholarships and support to programs at several colleges and universities, including the University of Illinois, Indiana University, and Danville Area Community College. His family has funded 92 scholarships to DACC students, and four scholarships at Indiana University. prgtoken These are just a few of the invaluable contributions that Lou and Sybil have made to the region and state as a whole. His impact on the countless lives and organizations will not be forgotten. prgtoken I'm proud to have known Lou, Sybil, and his five children, Adam, Phillip, Michael, Joshua, and Ellen. Please keep his wife Sybil, and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
RECOGNIZING TELSTAR ASSOCIATES, INC.
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-10-30

every month I celebrate the power of the American entrepreneurial spirit by prgtoken highlighting the successes of a small business in my home State of Idaho. This month's recipient of the Small Business of the Month is a veteran-owned business, which is fitting since this week is National Veterans Small Business Week. It is always great to see veterans succeed after they close out their years of service and continue their path as a civilian. The founders of October's Small Business of the Month demonstrate that, with determination and hard work, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. I am honored to recognize an enterprise that makes it their business to help other businesses experience growth and prosperity of their own. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to recognize TelStar Associates, Inc as the Senate Small Business of the Month for October 2017. prgtoken TelStar was founded in 1979 by Jose Telleria and Douglas Stark, who decided to join together and use their individual strengths and experience in the field of information technology to create their own business. The company name, TelStar, is a combination of the names of its founders and represents the partnership between Telleria--Tel--and Stark, Star. For their first contract, TelStar developed a software program that tracked the storage and shipping of onions for Murakami Produce. Within a short period of time, TelStar was providing their services to a diverse range of clients in both the private and public sectors, including the Idaho Governor's Office, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the Idaho National Laboratory, and Boise State University. TelStar also developed a chemical management and waste disposal management application that is currently used by the U.S. Navy. In addition to being an invaluable asset to their community, TelStar exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit by continually adapting to the needs of their clients. prgtoken As leaders in the IT field, Jose and Douglas created a business known for flexibility and for consistently providing meaningful services. Responding to the changing needs of businesses, TelStar expanded their services from custom contract programming to network support, field services, cyber security, and IT staffing services. TelStar provides their clients with access to affordable services that allow them to improve their IT capabilities. In an increasingly technological world, small businesses have the opportunity to benefit from businesses like Jose and Douglas's. I know the technological challenges businesses can face, which is why I am proud to recognize TelStar, a successful business that is committed to helping other businesses achieve success of their own, by empowering them to be the best at what they do. Since their first contract for Murakami Produce, TelStar has exemplified the innovative nature of many American s
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-10-30

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.