mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ANNUAL AUGUST BUS TOUR
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-9-5

each August, I conduct a bus tour of South Carolina's Second Congressional District with my wife, Roxanne, and dedicated staff members from all offices. I would like to specifically recognize scheduler Emily Saleeby for this year's very meaningfully coordinated schedule. prgtoken It was humbling and inspiring to meet with constituents and visit 30 locations from small businesses and schools to local chambers of commerce and large employers. I took the opportunity to thank employees for their service, and employers for creating jobs in all five counties I represent. prgtoken Many of the businesses were multigeneration success stories, such as Form Tool Technology in Elgin founded by Mike and Roxann Robbins; The Marwin Company in West Columbia led by Andy Davis; Anovotek in Barnwell founded by Don Alexander; and Hansen International in Lexington led by Lisa Beebe. The pro-development policies of South Carolina were also highlighted by Kimberly-Clark corporation's largest manufacturing facility in North America located in Beech Island with 2,000 employees. prgtoken I am additionally grateful for Principal Anna Miller of Chapin Middle School; Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor of USC-Aiken; Director Sandra Sigmon of North Family Community School; and Principal Jacqualine Kasprowski of Cardinal Newman High School for their emphasis on proactive education across the district. prgtoken A final stop was to thank Gary David of WVOC Radio in promoting relief efforts for the recovery of Hurricane Harvey in Houston. prgtoken Additional stops included BAE Systems hosted by Michael Eaton, Aiken Rotary Club hosted by John McMichael, Jr Hubbell Power Systems hosted by Pete Swales, Ahh Sunshine hosted by Jim Hanna, CVS Caremark prgtoken Distribution Center hosted by Elizabeth Brooks, Frank Donaghy, and Tom Moriarty, Alley Downtown Taproom hosted by Norman Dunagan, Irmo Chamber of Commerce hosted by Kerry Powers, K2Tech hosted by Zach Minton, Cayce-West Columbia Rotary hosted by Marnie Robinson, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt hosted by Jorge Gonzales, Mathnasium hosted by Annette Sudduth, Coca-Cola hosted by Alison Patient, FN America hosted by Greg Butler, South Carolina Vocations & Individual Advancement (SCVIA), a division of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands, SC, Inc. hosted by Mike Adams, Duck Donuts hosted by Katie McCanna, Brittons of Columbia hosted by Perry Lancaster, Shealy's Bar-B-Que hosted by Tommy Shealy, and Ansaldo STS hosted by Joseph Eiseman. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
RESTRAINING EXCESSIVE SEIZURE OF PROPERTY THROUGH THE EXPLOITATION OF CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE TOOLS ACT
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-9-5

the balance of my time. prgtoken , in closing, I think Mr. Crowley and Mr. Neal hit the nail on the head, as did Mr. Collins. prgtoken Let me just sort of sum up then. This is a story about a citizen, a citizen who is scandalized by the Federal Government that is there to protect the citizen, and the citizen said: Do you know what? This doesn't seem right to me. You don't get to do this. prgtoken You can imagine what it was like for these people who got caught up in this and were told by IRS agents and Department of Justice lawyers the nature of that intimidation and how heavy-handed and aggressive that is. Yet these people said: No, no, no. That is not right. That is not the way this country is supposed to work. prgtoken So they brought it to people's attention, and, , people on both sides of the aisle were scandalized by what they heard about this and were troubled by it and said: We can do something about it. prgtoken So as a result of this, you have got something that is moving through. Look, it is a tumultuous time in our public life, and there are many deep divisions within this House and across the country about all kinds of issues. But do you know what? Nobody is here defending the status quo of how these people were treated. prgtoken So the institution worked. The institution heard what was going on, and now people have come together on both sides of the aisle to move forward on this basis. prgtoken I want to echo Mr. Neal's admonition to the Department of Justice. It is not good enough for the Department of Justice to go into a passive- aggressive mode and to say: Well, we are just going to wait these people out. prgtoken That is not good enough. We need to make sure that the Department of Justice is acting forthrightly, is reviewing these cases, and is moving them with dispatch. prgtoken , s, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Neal, and Chairman Brady. I urge passage of the bill, and .
Hurricane Harvey and the American Spirit (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-9-5

today I join my colleagues and all Arkansans in support of and in prayers for the people of Southeast Texas and all of the victims of Hurricane Harvey. I also want to express our thanks on behalf of a grateful nation. All of you reminded us of the American spirit at a time when we needed it pretty badly. prgtoken August was not an easy month for our country. First, in Charlottesville, then in Berkeley, we saw some pretty disgusting things--racism, anarchism, mob violence. If all you knew about America was what you saw on cable news and social media, you might think it was disintegrating into two armed camps of Communists and neo-Nazis. Images reminiscent of dark days in the last century appeared on our screens-- torchlight marches, black-masked thugs, political violence in the streets, beatings, and even a murder--but none of these contemptible people represent America, certainly not what is best about America. They cannot even begin to understand what makes this country great because this country's destiny was always to be more than a new battleground for old hatreds. It was meant to be a mighty fortress for the rights of all Americans. Our destiny is to be the home of mankind's aspiration for freedom, not the twisted delusions of grandeur of pathetic losers. The vast majority of Americans--whatever color, faith, age, or region--celebrate this creed, and they welcome this destiny. prgtoken That is exactly why we should not amplify irrelevant, fringe voices. It creates the illusion that a trivial, impotent minority is, in fact, a large and powerful movement against the dictates of common sense and experience. To my knowledge, I have never met a neo-Nazi, a White supremacist, or a leftwing anarchist, nor have the Arkansans with whom I spoke in the last month, but while watching TV or surfing the web in the last month, you would think they number in the tens of millions. The drive for ratings and clicks seemed to leave a lot of Americans wondering, Is this America? Is this whom we have become? prgtoken Then Hurricane Harvey made landfall. The stories and the images that followed, once again, proved the old maxim: Adversity does not teach character; it reveals character. What it revealed is an American spirit as strong, as brave, and as loving as ever. prgtoken Law enforcement and other first responders performed bravely and skillfully, as always, but what was striking was how ordinary citizens answered the call to duty. There was Jim McIngvale, better known as Mattress Mack. Anyone who has ever lived in Houston knows that you cannot watch TV without seeing a Mattress Mack commercial, but Mack was not selling mattresses that day--he was saving families. He turned two furniture stores into relief centers and opened his doors to anyone who sought shelter. Soon, he had 400 people at each store, sleeping on recliners, sofas, love seats--you name it. He gave out his personal cell number for people to
LET US VOTE ON DACA
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-5

today the administration announced that it intends to crush the hopes of 800,000 DREAMers and cause them to live in fear each and every day, because that is what ending the DACA program will do. prgtoken Despite his many promises and saying that he has a heart, the President is persecuting young people who have done nothing more than come to this country in their parents' arms. They know no other language. They know no other country. prgtoken Ending the DACA program is opposed by the leadership of both parties and by the majorities in both Chambers. It is opposed by the clear majority of the American people. prgtoken But this Congress can do something to fix this. I am confident that if we put the BRIDGE Act, the American Hope Act, and the American Dream Act on the floor, if the leaders would allow a vote, then it would pass. prgtoken DACA is in our court now. Let's have a vote and keep this lifeline to the American Dream alive.
IN SUPPORT OF AWARDING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO SENATOR ROBERT DOLE
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-5

we recognize Senator Dole, a patriot whose life and career embody superior public service. prgtoken The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award we can bestow. We confer this honor to men and women who grace our nation with exceptional achievements and contributions. prgtoken Senator Bob Dole is a leader of great integrity, a public servant of deep dignity and an American hero of extraordinary courage. prgtoken Before the people of Kansas brought him to Capitol Hill, Bob Dole fought for our country in the mountains of central Italy during the Second World War. prgtoken For his courage and immense sacrifice, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for Valor. prgtoken Bob's bravery was not limited to the battlefield. When he came to Congress, he fought relentlessly to ensure that every person in uniform would receive the care they needed upon coming home. prgtoken It is a special source of pride that Bob Dole first came to Washington to serve in the House of Representatives. prgtoken There, as a proud Representative of western Kansas, he proved his mettle as a tenacious fighter for American families and American values. prgtoken Later, in the Senate, as Majority Leader, he continued to champion the vital causes central to our identity and our ideals as Americans. prgtoken Senator Dole was a champion for justice, battling to expand the civil rights of every American during the 1960s. prgtoken He was a champion for working families, reaching across the aisle to expand eligibility for food stamps. prgtoken He was a champion for equality, fighting for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. prgtoken After he left Capitol Hill, he continued the fight. He has advocated tirelessly on behalf of veterans, disabled Americans and families struggling with hunger and poverty in every part of the world. prgtoken Twenty years ago, President Clinton awarded the Senator our nation's other highest civilian honor: The Presidential Medal of Freedom. prgtoken Receiving this award, he said, ``Our challenge is not to question American ideals or replace them, but to act worthy of them.'' prgtoken Senator Bob Dole: for a lifetime spent defending, advancing and exemplifying our proudest American ideals, we are grateful. prgtoken This Congress thanks you. We send our warmest congratulations to your incredible wife Elizabeth--a fierce champion for our hidden heroes: our military caregivers--and to the entire Dole family.
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOJOURNER TRUTH HOUSE
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-9-5

it is with great pleasure and admiration that I recognize the Sojourner Truth House as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary. In honor of this special occasion, the Sojourner Truth House will host an open house followed by a celebration mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels on September 16, 2017. The organization will then conclude its day of celebration with a reception at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. The Sojourner Truth House, a not-for-profit organization located in Gary, Indiana, serves an average of 2,092 homeless and at-risk women and children per month. The outstanding and compassionate employees and volunteers at the Sojourner Truth House assist and encourage their clients to regain their dignity and sense of purpose for themselves, their children, and their communities. The organization's dedication to its four core values--Openness to the Spirit, Community, Simplicity, and Dignity and Respect for all--fosters a safe environment for their clients to identify and overcome the barriers in their lives. Clients are provided with access to resources, classes, counseling, and various activities aimed at healing the mind, body, and spirit. Among the organization's numerous and important contributions, the Sojourner Truth House has clothed over 2,000 clients and has provided meals for nearly 15,000 people in need. Clients of the Sojourner Truth House share their appreciation for the warm, welcoming assistance they receive at the Sojourner Truth House, which only further reinforces the positive and lasting impact the organization has on the community of Gary and the entirety of Northwest Indiana. Recently, they have become a special limited partner in the Village of Hope, a 40-unit apartment building for homeless individuals and families with mental illness and/ or addiction. I would like to take time to mention some of the inspiring leaders in Northwest Indiana who have worked with the Sojourner Truth House to bring about positive, impactful change and to inspire the community. They include Executive Director Sister Peg Spindler, Chairwoman Judith Stanton, and the rest of the current Board of Directors: Leo Barron, Regina Biddings-Muro, Susan Cohen, Denise Dillard, James Donovan, Sister Michele Dvorak, Mike Gluszewski, Jason Griffin, Roxanne Morton, Sister Cathy Schwemer, Vickey Sultzman, Michelle Taylor, Scott Yahne and Pamela Yttri. I am also grateful for the sponsorship of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who work tirelessly to spread the goodwill and hope the Sojourner Truth House exudes I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Sojourner Truth House on its 20th anniversary. For the past 20 years, the staff and leadership have touched the lives prgtoken of countless individuals through their unwavering commitment to those in need. The ministry is both a beacon of hope and a network of support for so man
HURRICANE HARVEY DISASTER RELIEF AND OTHER ISSUES BEFORE THE SENATE
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-5

first, I welcome the Presiding Officer and every other Senator back from the district work period. As we all know, much has happened since we last were here. prgtoken North Korea has tested several ballistic missiles and reportedly tested a nuclear weapon, alarming well-meaning nations around the world. prgtoken In Charlottesville, neo-Nazis and White supremacists marched through the streets, reminding us we are not done fighting the darkest elements of American society--racism, bigotry, hate. prgtoken Right now, large parts of the fourth largest city in our country remain underwater. I extend my most heartfelt sympathies to the people of Houston and to those across parts of Texas and Louisiana who are just beginning a long road to recovery from Hurricane Harvey. Having lived through Hurricane Sandy in my home State of New York, I remember the agonies of families who lost their homes, lost their businesses, and, particularly in the first month, had a sense of helplessness about what had happened to them. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Houston. prgtoken We thank all the first responders and the rescue organizations--the police and fire departments--that are on the scene, as well as those everyday American heroes. Americans always rise to the occasion to lend a hand, such as the folks who drove to Houston with boats hooked to their cars to help rescue stranded families. In rough times, Americans pull together, and Congress will do its part to provide relief and aid to the people of Houston this month. prgtoken Needless to say, we have a busy work period ahead of us. In addition to a recovery package for Houston, we have to pass appropriations to keep the government open, raise the debt ceiling, protect the Dreamers, provide certainty on the cost-sharing program that helps keep healthcare premiums down, and much more. The to-do list is lengthy. Nearly all the items I mentioned will require votes from Senators from both sides of the aisle. The best way to tackle and ultimately pass legislation on those issues is for us to work in a bipartisan way this month. prgtoken , on taxes, unfortunately, we are off to a very bad start because President has scheduled a meeting on tax reform today with only legislative leaders. Just as they did with healthcare, s seem to be excluding from the legislative process from the very beginning. prgtoken The majority leader announced prior to the break that he would likely pursue changes to the Tax Code on reconciliation, meaning the s would only need the votes of their own party. Now they are meeting about the issue without even inviting to join in preliminary discussions. prgtoken Very simply, if s hope to avoid the same pitfalls that ultimately brought down their effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, they ought to abandon the misguided idea that one party can
BOB DOLE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I would like to say a word about Mr. Hultgren, who just took up the previous bill, H.R. 3110, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Insurance Member Continuity Act. I enjoyed working with him. It was a wonderful experience. I think we can do a lot more of that. prgtoken , having said that, I am pleased to rise today in support of S. 1616, legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to former Senator Bob Dole in recognition of his distinguished service to the Nation. prgtoken In his younger years, Bob Dole made clear that he truly exemplified the best of the Nation's Greatest Generation. When his studies were interrupted by World War II, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he risked his own life to save a fellow soldier. In recognition of his brave service, which left him badly wounded by machine-gun fire and with a permanent disability, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with an Oak Cluster, among other honors. prgtoken Following his service in the U.S. Army, Senator Dole began a long and distinguished career in public office, serving first in the Kansas House of Representatives, followed by multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1999, Dole was elected to the United States Senate, where he served for 27 years and rose to be majority leader before running for President. prgtoken Over the course of his political career, Senator Dole developed a reputation as an outspoken and pragmatic leader who was willing to work across party lines to advance the health and welfare of the American public. prgtoken For example, in speaking about the importance of Social Security and the need to protect Medicare for America's senior citizens, Dole said in a speech at the 1996 National Convention: ``And I have learned in my own life, from my own experience, that not every man, woman, or child can make it on their own. And that in time of need, the bridge between failure and success can be the government itself. And given all that I have experienced, I shall always remember those in need. . . .'' prgtoken In addition to working to safeguard important programs like Social Security and Medicare, former Senator Dole was also a strong advocate for the disabled, and he played a central role in passing the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Nation's first comprehensive civil rights law to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, public services, and public accommodations. prgtoken Although he was not elected President, as the nominee of the Party, he made clear that he would not accommodate racial or religious intolerance, stating that if anyone had ``mistakenly attached himself to our party in the belief that we are not open to citizens of every race and religion . . . the exits, which are clearly marked, are for you to walk out of. . . .'' prgtoken After leaving
NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-9-5

September marks National Senior Center Month. More than 11,000 senior centers across the country serve more than 1 million older adults every day. For many older Americans, senior centers are the heart of their communities, offering a place for everything from meals to recreational activities to health and wellness programs. Senior centers also create a sense of comity and community, giving older Americans a place to connect while reducing the social isolation that often burdens our older citizens. prgtoken This summer, as ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I visited numerous senior centers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in rural, urban, and suburban areas, to discuss the issues on the minds of older Pennsylvanians. At each stop, older Pennsylvanians told me about the important role that senior centers play in their daily lives, as a gathering place and a resource, providing not only necessary nutrition programs, but also benefits counseling, employment assistance, volunteer opportunities, transportation assistance, and so much more. prgtoken Senior centers and senior center staff deserve our support. Communities piece together numerous sources to fund their senior center operations, including Federal, State, and local government resources, private-sector donations and grants, and the man-hours of countless volunteers. Many of the county commissioners who joined me during these visits expressed their support for the Community Development Block Grant, which regrettably is slated for elimination by the administration. Counties throughout Pennsylvania depend on the Community Development Block Grant program to fund important infrastructure in our communities. Now is not the time to scale back our investment in these needs. I stand with our community leaders in support of the Community Development Block Grant program, and I will fight to protect these vital resources from elimination. prgtoken I am delighted to join with leaders from across the aging network in Pennsylvanian and throughout the country in honoring the work of senior centers and recognizing September as National Senior Center Month.