mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO DR. M. LYNNE CORN
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-6-19

I would like to take the opportunity to submit to the Record of the U.S. Senate a statement to celebrate the career of public service of Dr. M. Lynne Corn, offer my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of her retirement from the Congressional Research Service, and wish her happiness and prosperity in the next chapter of her life. prgtoken For over three decades, Dr. Corn dedicated the better portion of her professional career to serving the Congress of the United States from within the halls of the Library of Congress. As a specialist in the study of natural resources, Federal land management, earth sciences, agriculture, and endangered, species recovery, she has guided and informed the decisionmaking of countless Members of Congress and Senators, and their staffs, on the major, related issues of her time. prgtoken As a Senator representing the State of Utah and as a Westerner, her policy acumen has on countless occasions aided legislative efforts that have had a substantial impact on my constituency. She has served as an invaluable guide in the drafting of legislation and helped inform some of the most difficult votes I have cast, and I can say without question that she has helped guide the process of passing some of the most difficult pieces of legislation into law. As well, as some of my most senior staff can attest, she leaves her position with a reputation of being among the most informed and insightful research and policy advisors on Capitol Hill. prgtoken Let the record show that Dr. Corn began working at the Congressional Research Service in 1985, after having served for almost 6 years in a congressional office, including as an AAAS--American Association for the Advancement of Science--congressional science fellow from 1979 to 1980. Dr. Corn came to Capitol Hill after sharing her enthusiasm for the ecology of all types of animals and plants with students at Middlebury College, VT; Stockton State College, NJ; and Arizona State University. prgtoken Dr. Corn adeptly transitioned from pedagogy to informing congressional deliberations on policy development, especially related to the Endangered Species Act. Although her doctoral research at Harvard University was related to a tropical ant species, Congress put her biological expertise to work researching and writing on the Pacific Northwest's spotted owl and the species and habitat of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Dr. Corn also became an expert in various conservation related trust funds, as well as the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program, which is critical to the rural inhabitants of my home state of Utah. Dr. Corn excelled in the use of visual aids, such as maps, to explain complex issues to congressional audiences. prgtoken But the work of a congressional researcher can sometimes be more light-hearted. I will share one incident, as it has been told to me, when it was the staff that provided the visual aid. Dr. Corn was asked to
TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN SARA A. JOYNER
John McCain (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-6-19

today I honor a superb leader, liaison, and warrior. After more than 2 years of service as Director of the Navy Senate Liaison Office, CAPT Sara Annette Joyner is very deservedly moving on and moving up to assume the responsibilities of a rear admiral, lower half. On this occasion, I believe it is fitting to recognize Captain Joyner's distinguished service and dedication to fostering the relationship between the U.S. Navy and this Chamber. prgtoken Captain Joyner is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. An attack pilot by designation, Captain Joyner has not only been training and teaching to fight aerial adversaries, she has been attacking history. Call sign ``Clutch,'' Captain Joyner is a groundbreaking leader, as the Navy's first female strike fighter squadron commanding officer at VFA-105 and the first female Carrier Air Wing Commander at CVW-3 aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. Captain Joyner has held numerous other leadership positions in the Navy, including assignment as the joint strike fighter requirements officer, with the CNO's strategic studies group, and most recently as director, Navy Senate liaison, from 2015 to 2017. prgtoken Over the course of the last 3 years, Captain Joyner has led 37 Congressional Delegations to 47 different countries. She has escorted 44 Members of Congress and over 48 personal and professional staff members. I have had the pleasure of traveling with Captain Joyner on many of these trips. She has distinguished herself by going above and beyond the call of duty to facilitate and successfully execute each and every trip, despite any number of weather, aircraft, and diplomatic complications. prgtoken This Chamber will feel Captain Joyner's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Captain Joyner for her outstanding leadership and unwavering support of the missions of the U.S. Navy, and especially to her patient and supportive family, Commander James ``Bud'' Mitchell Joyner, Sara Elizabeth Joyner, and Mark Samuel Joyner, I wish ``fair winds and following seas.''
Tribute to Lee Jordan (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-6-19

for the last few months, I have been coming down to the floor to recognize someone in my State who, through acts both small and large, has made the State better for all of us. I call this person our Alaskan of the Week. What I am going to do is I am going to talk a little bit about baseball as part of the Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken We saw how important baseball is with regard to a sport that can bring Americans together. Just last week, I think people all across the country--certainly in DC and certainly here in the Senate--saw how important that is. prgtoken We had that great game-- and s last week coming together. I am a little biased here about the team, with Senator Flake and Senator Paul. We didn't win, but it was a good game. I know we are all still praying for those injured last week, Congressman Scalise and others, but it is important to see how that great American pastime brings us together as a Nation. prgtoken There are many great things about my wonderful State. But in Alaska, baseball also brings us together. So I would like to recognize today one of the many people throughout the State who keeps the special institution of baseball alive in Alaska. This gentleman's name is Lee Jordan. He is from Eagle River. prgtoken Now, I would venture to guess that most people, when they think of Alaska, think about our spectacular mountains and glaciers. They might think about fishing, our delicious salmon, thousands of miles of State and Federal parks, and our vast wilderness. But baseball probably isn't the first thing that comes to many people's mind when they think about Alaska. prgtoken Actually, those who follow baseball understand how important Alaska summers are to taking young college students with raw talent and growing them under the midnight Sun into seasoned, professional baseball players. This is the Alaska Baseball League, and it is one of the premier baseball leagues in the summer in the United States. prgtoken Let me give you a few names of those who have come up through the Alaska Baseball League. It has produced some of the most important Major League stars, including Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Tom Seaver, Dave Winfield, and Randy Johnson, just to name a few. I think those are all hall of famers. prgtoken Alaska's six-team league includes two teams in Anchorage, one in Fairbanks, one in Palmer, one in Kenai, and--thanks to the unrelenting enthusiasm of Lee Jordan--one in Chugiak-Eagle River, AK, a picturesque area about 20 minutes from Anchorage, nestled in the Chugiak Mountains. It is part of Anchorage, but it is also very much its own place, with a sense of pride and people who live there like Lee. prgtoken Let me tell you a little bit about Lee Jordan. He was originally from Alabama, where football, not baseball, was king. When he enlisted in the Army in 1947, his choice of overseas assignments was, according to him, ``anything but Alaska''-
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-6-19

reserving the right to object, I remember full well 7 years ago. Senator Reid was the majority leader, and we were called into session the Monday after Thanksgiving, and we stayed here 7 days a week until Christmas Eve. So why did we stay in session 7 days a week, from the Monday after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve? Our ic friends didn't want anybody to go home. They didn't want anybody to go home and have to explain what they were in the process of writing in the majority leader's office. prgtoken I think it is pretty safe to say that this subject has been very partisan from the beginning. Not a single voted for the bill, and our friends on the other side have made it perfectly clear that no will be voting to replace it. prgtoken So through that process, when our colleagues on the other side had 60 votes at the time, Care was imposed on our country. Over the last 7 years, we have all witnessed and debated its many failures. Over the last 7 years, s have offered ideas on a better way forward. Over the last 7 years, have worked to prevent Congress from acting. Basically, it is the same dynamic that we see today: Care continues to collapse, s are working to implement better ideas, and are trying to prevent Congress from acting. I regret that announced their intention early on that they didn't want to be a part of a serious bipartisan process to move past the failures of this law. Congress still has a responsibility to act, and the reconciliation process will allow us to do so. prgtoken Later, after that period in late 2009, our ic friends used reconciliation to force Care on Americans. It is a process that can be used in 2017, the same way they used it in 2010, to move beyond its failures. prgtoken I would remind colleagues of what happens when legislation comes to the floor under reconciliation. The minority leader is somehow arguing that reconciliation is not an open process. It is an open process. There is an unlimited number of amendments. prgtoken First, the bill text is received. Then a CBO score is issued. Members will have time to review both. After that, there is an open amendment process and a robust debate. It is the one type of amendment we have on the floor of the Senate on which no one can prevent amendments. Ultimately, at the end of the process, the Senate votes. That is how reconciliation works. prgtoken We have been debating Care's failures and what to do about them for so many years now. Members are very, very familiar with this issue. We have heard so many anguished stories from constituents who have been hurt by Care. Thankfully, at the end of the process, the Senate will have a chance to turn the page on this failed law. prgtoken I object.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-6-19

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, June 20; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Mandelker nomination; finally, that the time until the vote on the Long nomination be equally divided between the two leaders or their designees.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-6-19

I rise in strong support of William B. ``Brock'' Long as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and I might add that supposedly, in 12 minutes, we were going to vote on his confirmation, and unfortunately because of this unbelievable weather throughout the country, we have Members who can't make it back in so this will roll until 11 a.m. tomorrow. prgtoken Brock is a fellow North Carolinian, alumnus of Appalachian State University, and currently lives with his family in Hickory, NC. I believe he is an exceptional nominee to lead FEMA, and he is well prepared to lead the Agency as it responds to disasters, regardless of where they are in this country. prgtoken When we met in my office a few weeks ago, we discussed the ongoing efforts in North Carolina to recover from Hurricane Matthew. Many might remember that. That was last year. It affected millions of people from Florida to Virginia. The storm caused historic flooding in cities and towns across the eastern half of my State. FEMA was in North Carolina before the storm, and Agency personnel have been in the State ever since that storm happened. As many in this Chamber know, once the camera crews leave, there is a perception by the American people the disaster is over. The truth is, Brock and I both know that isn't the case. Even 8 months after Matthew, there are still over 50 families being housed in local hotels utilizing FEMA assistance. It will take years for my State to fully recover. prgtoken Even as the recovery from Matthew continues, another hurricane season has already begun. If not a hurricane on the east coast, there will be fires, tornadoes, and other natural and manmade disasters that FEMA will be called to respond to. A key facet in responding to these disasters is the cooperation among local and State emergency management officials, as well as the Federal stakeholders led by FEMA. prgtoken Brock understands why this cooperation is imperative. He is bringing his own deep knowledge and experience of emergency management to FEMA. He began his career with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency before moving on to FEMA region IV in Atlanta. While at FEMA, Brock was a regional hurricane program manager and hurricane and evacuation liaison team leader. prgtoken After leaving FEMA, Brock was selected by my good friend Gov. Bob Riley of Alabama to serve as the director of Alabama's Emergency Management Agency. Brock served in that position from 2007 to 2011, where he led the State's efforts to respond to 14 disasters, including eight presidentially declared events. Specifically, Brock was charged with leading the State's response to the Deepwater Horizon oilspill in 2009. prgtoken He is a man of immense qualifications and experience. More recently, Brock has worked in the private sector, where he provided emergency management advice and expertise to his firm's clients. Brock has also served as the private sector
IN RECOGNITION OF WE KAYAK GROSSE ILE ON THE DATE OF ITS SECOND ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-6-20

I rise today to recognize WE Kayak Grosse Ile on the date of the organization's second annual Blessing of the Fleet. WE Kayak provides structured recreational activities accessible to all members of the Downriver community in the Grosse Ile's waterways. prgtoken Originally started in 2012, WE Kayak is a Grosse Ile-based organization that organizes weekly paddles available to the general public on the waterways in and around Grosse Ile, Michigan. The organization is active from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and has grown substantially from its initial group of six kayakers. Today, WE Kayak hosts several dozen members of the community each week to participate in exploring the waters while engaging with each other. The organization also hosts an annual Blessing of the Fleet, where WE Kayak, along with other members of the community, honor Kayakers who have passed and bless those who regularly go out on the water. This free community initiative has helped engage Grosse Ile residents while providing opportunities for physical recreation. prgtoken Initiatives like WE Kayak help bring the community together while allowing members to explore and appreciate the natural beauty around the Grosse Ile area. As the only organized public paddle on Grosse Ile, WE Kayak has played a key role in promoting physical activity and engagement while introducing new members of the organizations to a community of like-minded kayakers and nature enthusiasts. The group also serves as a forum for individuals to exchange information about other water sports events in the area, and it is my hope that WE Kayak continues to provide access opportunities for recreation for all individuals in the Grosse Ile area in the coming years. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring WE Kayak on the date of the organization's second annual Blessing of the Fleet. WE Kayak has helped individuals explore Grosse Ile's waterways and foster a strong community.
Coup Attempt in Montenegro (Executive Calendar)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-6-20

one further question. Has the Senator been--well, he obviously is aware, and he has obviously been briefed-- but can he help convey the gravity of the situation of Russia's interference in the upcoming elections in 2018 and 2020, where not only is it a question of whether they would change the vote count by getting in and hacking, but they could change the registration records so that a voter could show up to vote on election day and suddenly the registrar says: But you are not registered.
IMPROVING SERVICES FOR OLDER YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE ACT
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-20

I rise in strong support of H.R. 2847, the bill offered by my friend prgtoken and colleague, Karen Bass, a tireless leader on foster youth and child welfare. prgtoken I recently hosted an amazing young woman named Ruth during Foster Youth Shadow Day here on the Hill. The message Ruth wanted lawmakers to hear is that the obstacles she faces every day as a 19-year-old have not suddenly stopped now that she has aged out of foster care. Ruth has a resilient spirit and unstoppable determination, but she should not be left out in the cold as she pursues her education and her goal of helping other foster youth in the future. prgtoken The Improving Services for Older Youth in Foster Care Act will help people like Ruth by making vital changes to the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, an important source of funding for foster youth. prgtoken Currently, foster youth are only eligible for Chafee services if they are between the ages of 16 and 21. This bill expands access to the services provided by the program to include youth between the ages of 14 and 23. This is such a crucial change to the program since foster youth like Ruth face so many daunting challenges during the period of young adulthood as they transition toward independence and self- sufficiency. prgtoken Providing essential services such as access to older mentors and role models, connections to employment opportunities, and education vouchers for foster youth after they reach the age of 18 are key sources of support for foster youth. This bill helps ensure that foster youth have the resources needed to become healthy, thriving adults. prgtoken Thanks again to Representative Bass for her work on this bill.
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Calendar)
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2017-6-20

we are about to embark on something that is pretty amazing to me. Next week, I am told, we are going to take up the Senate healthcare bill that is going to be the first cousin of the House bill. There are a lot of things that are referred to as putting lipstick on a pig, but this is truly putting lipstick on a pig, where we are going to take healthcare away from millions of Americans. prgtoken We might make it a little better by extending some Medicare or Medicaid monies, but in the end that will go away. We will potentially set up some high-risk pools for people with preexisting conditions. I will tell you, from my time in the State legislature when we dealt with high-risk pools, that gives access to healthcare for the rich folks. prgtoken In essence, what we are going to do next week, because some folks in this body forgot to read the Affordable Care Act when it came up, is we are going to repeal it and we are going to replace it with a piece of garbage. prgtoken Today I rise on behalf of the 48 rural and frontier hospitals in Montana--48 rural and frontier hospitals that are the backbone of our State. prgtoken I rise for the 77,000 hard-working Montanans who now have healthcare because of Medicaid expansion, and the 41,000 jobs of our State of 1 million people sustained by our healthcare industry today. prgtoken I rise on behalf of every Montanan who deserves to know what is going on in Washington, DC. What is going on back there? Are you guys really talking about jerking my healthcare away from me? Are you guys actually talking about taking something up that is really not going to do much for the 30 million Americans getting pounded by high premiums and high deductibles? Are you doing this to give the top one-tenth of 1 percent of the Americans in this country a tax break? prgtoken Right now, the Senate majority in this body is playing Russian roulette with people's lives. A handful of Washington politicians are crafting a secret healthcare bill in a smoke-filled room, probably a little whiskey is involved, a few steaks. They are crafting a bill that will impact every man, woman, and child in this country. prgtoken I heard earlier today, they said these meetings were open. It would be nice to know where they are. I would love to go in and give my two bits on what rural America feels about how we need to move forward with healthcare in this country. This is a problem that is not going away unless we address it in a commonsense way. prgtoken So they are crafting this bill in secret. We don't know what is in it, but we have indication it is going to be very similar--a first cousin--to the American Health Care Act passed in the House so we should be deeply concerned. This is irresponsible legislation that jeopardizes healthcare for over 250,000 Montanans, denying coverage to over 150,000 Montanans who have a preexisting condition like cancer, heart disease, even high blood pressure, and, quite frank
STREAMLINING DHS OVERHEAD ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2017-6-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 2190, the Streamlining DHS Overhead Act. Each year, the Department of Homeland Security spends nearly one-fourth of its entire budget on acquisitions. prgtoken DHS has a vast and diversified portfolio of assets and real property. Given the importance of these assets to DHS' mission, it is essential that DHS manage its real property investments efficiently and effectively. This legislation establishes a chief facilities and logistics officer to not only oversee real property, but to seek efficiencies in how the properties are managed. prgtoken H.R. 2190 also requires a 5-year regional real property strategy to help decisionmakers pinpoint opportunities to reduce overhead costs through co-location or consolidation efforts. This bipartisan bill was approved unanimously by the Committee on Homeland Security on May 3. prgtoken , in closing, I urge passage of H.R. 2190, Streamlining DHS Overhead Act. Enactment of this legislation conveys our interest in ensuring that the Department makes smart choices when it comes to managing its vast real estate property portfolio. prgtoken , .