mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SECURING THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL AGAINST OPIOIDS ACT OF 2018
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-14

the purpose of the STOP Act is to address the influx of synthetic opioids arriving through international mail. Given the growing harm to our communities from substance abuse, I, too, want to thank and commend the Ways and Means Committee for its hard work on developing this legislation. Especially, I want to point out the efforts of Mr. Pascrell and Mr. Bishop. prgtoken I am strongly committed to preventing the shipments of dangerous and illegal opioids into the United States. I support the intent of this bill to limit illegal trafficking of drugs, and I voted in support of this bill in the Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken However, after the last-minute changes made to this bill in the Rules Committee, I, unfortunately, cannot support H.R. 5788. The leadership insisted on last-minute changes to impose civil penalties on the Postal Service for any accepted shipment lacking advance electronic data without allowing enough time to fully vet the impact of the changes with critical stakeholders. prgtoken I am concerned about the fairness of imposing civil penalties for individual shipments lacking electronic data when the Postal Service lacks direct control over whether foreign postal operators provide this data. I am concerned that having one executive branch entity impose penalties on another would set up an adversarial relationship in addressing illegal drug trafficking rather than a collaborative relationship. I am also concerned that penalties are imposed based on individual shipments rather than systematic violations. prgtoken I appreciate the work of my ic colleagues to mitigate the negative effects of these civil penalties; however, due to the concerns of the U.S. Postal Service and the postal unions about the negative impact of these last-minute changes by leadership, I cannot support this bill at this time. I am committed to stopping the shipment of dangerous drugs and to working to resolve these problems as this legislation continues to move forward. prgtoken I urge that we continue to work to improve it and make it the very best that it can be without threatening in any way the viability of postal operations.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-15

I want to thank my colleague from Texas for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to H.R. 2851, legislation that would give Attorney General Jeff Sessions through the Drug Enforcement Administration sweeping new authority to combat the synthetic drug crisis facing our country. prgtoken In 2016, nearly 64,000 Americans died because of a drug overdose, and the overdose rate from the synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, nearly doubled. We know that illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues are extremely deadly and increasingly are being shipped into our country through China. prgtoken I know all Members would agree that synthetic drugs are a very real threat that we have to combat. However, it is unclear to me that the appropriate response to this crisis is the creation of a new schedule-- schedule A--that would impose new burdens on researchers and manufacturers. It would also dramatically limit the scientific and medical role HHS and the FDA play in our scheduling process today. prgtoken In fact, the DEA already has the authority today to temporarily add these synthetic substances to the Controlled Substances Act if they determine that they pose an imminent hazard to public safety. The agency has used this authority over 80 times, including most recently to put all fentanyl-related substances into schedule I. DEA also has authority under the Analogue Act to treat synthetics that are substantially similar to a controlled substance the same way they treat the controlled substance, and this is authority the DEA has and continues to use to combat this crisis. prgtoken Instead of proposing to improve the DEA's existing statutory authority, this bill creates a new schedule for synthetic substances, and it gives almost sole discretion as to when a substance can be temporarily scheduled in the new schedule A and expands temporary scheduling for up to 5 years. prgtoken Another reason I oppose this bill is because it also eliminates the critical scientific and medical analysis by HHS and FDA. It only requires the DEA to consider recommendations from HHS, eliminating the binding nature of such analysis under the permanent scheduling process today. prgtoken A letter in opposition from a coalition including the ACLU, Drug Policy Alliance, Human Rights Watch, and the NAACP, among others, has also raised concerns about SITSA circumventing the role of HHS in the scheduling process. The letter notes: ``SITSA would enable the Attorney General, an unelected individual, to single-handedly determine which substances are acceptable for private citizens to consume.'' prgtoken As a public health agency, HHS, acting through FDA, is best positioned to be making decisions regarding scheduling drugs or substances based on their scientific and medical analysis. We should not hand this authority over to a law enforcement agency, and that is yet another reason why I oppose this bill. prgtoken
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JUDGE JOAN BERNARD ARMSTRONG
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise to honor the life and legacy of Judge Joan Bernard Armstrong, the first woman elected to serve as a judge in Louisiana and the first African-American to serve as chief judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, who died on June 9, 2018 at the age of 77. prgtoken In 2011, Judge Armstrong announced her retirement from the bench after 37 years, which made her the longest-serving judge in Louisiana at the time. When Judge Armstrong was first elected to the bench in Orleans Parish Juvenile Court in 1974, she was the first African- American woman elected judge in Louisiana. prgtoken Judge Armstrong graduated from Xavier University in 1963. She taught school by day and attended law school at night to earn her J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in 1967. She was elected without opposition to the appeals court in 1984, as the court's first female jurist. She became chief judge in 2003. prgtoken During her tenure on the bench, Judge Armstrong was chairwoman of the Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges from 2004 to 2005 and was also a member of the Judiciary Budgetary Board; Judicial Ethics Committee; Judicial Human Resources Committee; Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice. prgtoken Judge Armstrong served as a member of several organizations and received several honors during her long career: Loyola University Board of Trustees, 1984 to 1990; Adjunct Professor of Law, Southern University Law Center, 1985 to 2003; American Judges Association Education Committee, 1990 to 1991; Grambling State University Dr. Martin Luther King Criminal Justice Center, First Board of Directors; President, Community Relations Council of Greater New Orleans, 1972 to 1974; President, Louisiana League of Good Government, 1972 to 1974, and others. prgtoken Judge Armstrong lived an extraordinary life that cannot be categorized. Her legacy will forever be a part of the city of New Orleans and her dedication to community embodies the spirit of the city. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Judge Armstrong, but surely, we can try to match her sense of service. We cannot match her courage, but we can strive to match her devotion. prgtoken A widow, Judge Armstrong is survived by two children: a son, Reverend David Armstrong; a daughter, Anna Armstrong Alexander; and two grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Florence Bernard James. prgtoken , I celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Joan Bernard Armstrong.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INNOVATION ORGANIZATION (BIO)
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-6-15

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, BIO has served as the leading voice of the biotechnology industry and has been instrumental in fostering new discoveries that help patients around the world defeat diseases and conditions that were unbeatable only a generation ago. prgtoken Biotechnology has not only helped drive the United States' economy forward through the use of renewable and sustainable fuel sources, but it has also helped the world strive to meet the increasing food demands of an ever-growing planet. For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as in other places across our nation, the biotechnology industry is an integral pillar of innovation and economic development. As the largest representative body of biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations, BIO has contributed greatly to the scientific breakthroughs in biotechnology that have benefitted our world. I would also like to honor the memory of Henri A. Termeer, an early biotech visionary and pioneering scientist who was a prgtoken resident of Massachusetts and provided remarkable contributions to the biotechnology industry with his exemplary leadership, insight, and dedication. prgtoken , I would like to reiterate that the Biotechnology Innovation Organization's commitment to supporting the growing biotechnology industry in our nation has promoted a vast degree of innovation, helped to build a more robust economy, and benefitted a near countless number of patients around the globe. On behalf of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, I wish BIO all the best and much continued prosperity.
SHUT DOWN WENTWORTH REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER IMMEDIATELY
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today out of anger and frustration at a deplorable situation in my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. I was shocked to read in yesterday's Chicago Tribune about the callous disregard demonstrated for our poor and vulnerable citizens by Alden Management Services, who operate Wentworth Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in my district, and I am here today to call on Alden to shut it down. prgtoken This so-called skilled nursing facility allowed a patient to remain on fire while an employee enjoyed a beverage. To add insult to injury, many residents have to endure bug bites, bruises, and other forms of neglect. This is the epitome of negligence and should not happen. This is America. prgtoken It is not a coincidence, , that most of these residents are poor seniors and African Americans. Where were CMS and the other regulatory and oversight authorities? prgtoken , this is reprehensible. Once again, I call for this hellhole to be shut down immediately.
DACA
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-6-15

6 years ago today, DACA provided a shining light for hundreds of thousands of young Dreamers from all across this country to come out from the shadows and live freely without fear in a nation that for many has been the only home they have ever known. prgtoken These are people who were brought here as young children through no choice of their own, but no longer. Now, since DACA was rescinded, their status and future hang in limbo with great uncertainty. Their futures and dreams are put on hold as those fears of being ripped from their families and deported to strange, foreign countries has reentered their lives. prgtoken We cannot afford to wait another day. The vast majority of Americans support Congress passing a final solution, a permanent solution, for these Dreamers. The majority of Congress supports finding a permanent solution for these Dreamers. prgtoken Let's stand together, work for the good of the people in this country, and pass a solution for these young people all across the country.
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-6-15

I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding the time, and I thank her for her leadership in opposing this bill. prgtoken I, too, oppose the bill. This bill is yet another in a long line of so-called tough-on-crime bills that Congress has enacted since President Nixon declared a war on drugs nearly 50 years ago. These laws have, without question, failed to win the so-called war. But they have succeeded in placing the United States as number one in incarceration rates in the world to the extent it is so bad that some studies have actually shown that our incarceration rate is so bad that it actually adds to crime because so many children are being raised by parents who are incarcerated. prgtoken So much of the Department of Justice budget has been on prisons that aren't doing any good when that money should be spent on things that could do some good. Too many people have felony records and can't find jobs who are actually adding to crime by this so-called war on drugs. prgtoken , there are three main reasons why I oppose this bill. First, the bill abandons evidence and expertise in exchange for expediency. By giving the Attorney General the power to permanently designate analogue substances to a new drug schedule, he will be free to ignore the experts at the Department of Health and Human prgtoken Services and the Federal Drug Administration. This is the Attorney General whose judgment has led him to rip children from their parents at the border. prgtoken The bill also codifies drug equivalency laws which are used at sentencing absent any input from the United States Sentencing Commission, which is already conducting an in-depth study of analogue drugs. In addition to research and expertise, the Sentencing Commission also possesses the flexibility to adjust sentencing guidelines as necessary if its knowledge of analogue substances changes. prgtoken Second, the bill will add to the problem of mass incarceration. By enacting higher sentences without a mens rea requirement, people could serve longer sentences even if they did not know that a drug contained an analogue substance. prgtoken Third, we simply do not need the bill. The Department of Justice already prosecutes cases involving drug analogues under existing law. The then-Acting Administrator of the DEA said as much in her testimony before the Judiciary Committee on December 12 of last year when she described the current legal process as workable but resource intensive. prgtoken , let's not enact yet another law that sends more people to prison while ignoring the root cause of the current crisis; that is, substance abuse, which is a public health problem and should be treated as such. prgtoken Other opioid bills we have been considering take this public health-- not criminal justice--approach. That is the approach we should take, and we should pursue that strategy by rejecting this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JAVIER ARMANDO MARTINEZ
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise today to honor the life of Javier Armando Martinez, who passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017. prgtoken Born to Joey Martinez and Yoli Garza, Javier had four siblings, Vanessa, Veronica, Victoria, and Gustavo. He attended South Middle School in Edinburg, Texas, where he excelled academically. Javier also loved being outside. On any given day, one could find him climbing trees, swimming, or riding his bike with his older brother. prgtoken On May 19, 2015, Javier, at the age of 11, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Javier bravely fought against the disease, drawing strength and comforts from his parents and siblings who provided him with love and support every step of the way. prgtoken , a brilliant young man was taken away from us before his time. Javier touched the hearts of those around him and prgtoken displayed inspirational courage in the face of adversity. The memories he leaves behind will forever be treasured by all who knew Javier.
UPON THE OCCASION OF THE RETIREMENT OF KEVIN MILLER, CITY MANAGER, FOSTER CITY
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-15

I rise to recognize Kevin Miller as he retires from his position as City Manager of Foster City. Mr. Miller has served as a city employee for a total of 33 years. He began in the Parks and Recreation Department and, for 23 years, was Director of that department. For the past three years, he's been City Manager. Throughout this time, Kevin Miller has been an outstanding example of candor and thoughtfulness in public service. prgtoken Foster City is a community of 34,000 people located on the shores of San Francisco Bay. It is a jewel, with waterways throughout and a culture of physical fitness and activity that would make an Olympic athlete feel at home just going to the local Starbucks. Residents can be found jogging along the levee in the pre-dawn hours, swimming at Gull Park on a Saturday morning, and playing at the assorted soccer, tennis, and baseball facilities throughout the year. The city's website lists 5 parks in a community of 20 square miles. The only thing missing from this exciting community is a bobsled track-Foster City lacks even a molehill, let alone any genuine inclined land. prgtoken Former Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Miller, backed by countless active citizens and city council members, is a key reason that this city pulses with athletic joy and energy. He led the charge to create these facilities and to nurture them over decades. He envisioned public places where families could relax or explore or yell and shout. He found land where geese can roam and where rabbits still chew the grass in the early morning. When the Fourth of July fireworks soar over the city's waterways, its residents ply the lagoons and canals in tiny boats. Kevin Miller is a decades-long leader in the creation of opportunities for healthy celebration, adventure, and play. prgtoken A few years back, a longtime City Manager retired and the City Council naturally selected Mr. Miller as the successor. It was an easy selection for a challenging time. The Foster City levee had just lost its accreditation by FEMA, and suddenly the person at the tip of the organizational spear was forced to confront a project that eventually penciled out to $90 million. In the past few weeks, the voters confirmed the judgment of the city council, Kevin and other leaders on his team when 80 percent chose to fix the levee. Protecting lives prgtoken and property is Job No. 1 of the City Council, the City Manager, and the highly respected public employees of Foster City. prgtoken In addition to serving as City Manager and Parks and Recreation Director, Kevin Miller has participated in economic development, housing and other activities during his time in public service. He has the confidence of the business community because he runs a business- like operation at city hall. prgtoken It was many years ago that Kevin graduated from Chico State with a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration. He ultimately assumed statewide lead
STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-15

. Mr. Chair, again, let me indicate that I appreciate the gentleman's concern. I am concerned that simply a negligence standard would be the standard for judging a defendant under this particular amendment: should have known the substance was intended to be consumed by injection, inhaling, injection, or any other immediate means. That is not an appropriate standard that would attach criminal liability and particularly severe consequences such as a mandatory minimum. prgtoken Again, I am holding up one of the reports from the Sentencing Commission, and I would make the argument that it is thorough in its review, and our colleagues can be comforted by the fact that, again, the Sentencing Commission will continue its work and it will continue to address some of the concerns of my friend from Texas. I would hope that we would allow that process to proceed. prgtoken I think it would be very concerning to all of us if we had a negligence standard. I believe the courts will address the fact based upon the defendant and the facts that we have in place. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to oppose the amendment and oppose the underlying bill prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to Amendment 13, proposed by Mr. Thornberry. The amendment adds a list of factors that may be considered when proving whether a particular substance was intended for human consumption. I oppose this amendment for two reasons: prgtoken First, because criminal liability could result from one of the factors being proven merely under a negligence standard--only whether the defendant should have known the substance was intended to be consumed by injection, inhalation, ingestion or any other immediate means. It is not an appropriate standard prgtoken to which we should attach criminal liability, particularly, severe consequences, such as mandatory minimums. prgtoken Second, this amendment actually makes it easier to trigger mandatory minimums. For instance, a defendant could be subjected to a 20-year mandatory minimum in instances where serious bodily injury results. I am opposed to Amendment 13 because defendants could be subjected to such mandatory minimums relying in part on proof that they should have known a substance was intended for ``human consumption''. prgtoken I have long been opposed to any laws that trigger mandatory minimums because they take away judges' discretion and interfere with their sound judgment in sentencing the individual defendants that appear before them. Therefore, I oppose Amendment 13. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .