mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO DEMOCRACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2018
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-11-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the ic Republic of the Congo Democracy and Accountability Act of 2018. prgtoken , I want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their very strong support of this legislation and for their strong statements today. prgtoken I think this is, again, another example of bipartisan legislation and the House uniting over a very egregious situation that is occurring in the DRC. prgtoken I would point out to my colleagues that I have visited the DRC myself, been to Kinshasa, the capital, raised a number of human rights issues when I was there. prgtoken But I also traveled to Goma, where there was terrible acts of bloodshed committed by both the government troops. As well as those that were combating the government, and even terrible acts by the peacekeepers, the U.N. peacekeepers, some years ago, where they were complicit in human trafficking, particularly of little children. prgtoken In my subcommittee, I chaired four hearings on this horrible practice of the peacekeepers themselves causing such violence against kids. There is now a much better situation, but it is still awful, and, again, we are now facing another serious crisis. prgtoken I would also point out to my colleagues that Karen Bass and I had a trip planned to Kinshasa for August 24 and 25. We made part of that trip where we went to Ethiopia, but we were denied visas. We could not get visas to go to the DRC. We wanted to raise issues with Kabila, himself, with regards to the election and human rights abuse. We were denied that by not getting a visa. prgtoken This bill could not be more timely. Indeed, there is an urgent need to focus attention on the DRC, a strategically located, resource-rich country, which has been misgoverned for much of its history and again is in crisis today. prgtoken The wonderful people of the DRC deserve better, far better than they have gotten from the Kabila regime. Next month, just before Christmas, the country is scheduled to vote to replace Joseph Kabila, who has retained power in defiance of constitutional term limits for some 2 years beyond his mandate. prgtoken Right now, there is talk of further postponement of the election, which would accord with Kabila's desire to postpone a transfer of power for as long as possible. If such a delay occurs, it would be attributable to the obstacles placed by the Kabila government to holding a free and fair election. prgtoken This bill before us today shows congressional resolve that there be accountability and codifies three executive orders by three Presidents: President , President , and President . prgtoken It points out that there needs to be significant progress towards holding free and fair elections or else they will not be lifted, and it does so for 7 years. We are talking about respecting fundamental freedoms of the press, expression, and assembly, as describe
Tribute to Orrin Hatch (Executive Calendar)
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-27

I rise this afternoon to say a few words about a colleague, a friend, a mentor, and a man whom I admire very, very much and for whom I have so much respect, my colleague Senator Hatch. prgtoken In Pennsylvania, as in many States, along the sides of the roads in various towns, you often see these commemorating plaques of historically significant places. In Pennsylvania, there are these that are of beautiful cast aluminum. They are painted blue, and there is gold lettering. They tell you something unique about little boroughs, towns, villages, or sometimes sights in big cities all across the Commonwealth. prgtoken There is such a commemoration at the house at which Betsy Ross made the first American flag. There is a marker that signifies the spot at which President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. There is the site of the first World Series in Pittsburgh, PA. prgtoken Now, I am not a member of the commission that makes the decision about these things, but if I were, I think you could make a great case for a current and unique Pennsylvania success story. Many of my colleagues already know that Chairman Hatch is actually a son of Pennsylvania. He began with very humble roots in the great city of Pittsburgh, PA, where he attended McGibney Elementary School and grew up in a hardscrabble neighborhood. prgtoken He developed an amazing tenacity, which we have all seen and come to know, that has stayed with him to this day. As a matter of fact, my understanding is that the tenacity started at an early age. I understand there was a season during which a young Orrin Hatch, on the Baldwin High basketball team, managed to foul out 15 times in 1 season. A pretty tough and tenacious guy on the basketball court he was. Yet he was not just a good athlete. prgtoken The city of Pittsburgh helped to nurture in Orrin Hatch his love for music. He was a regular attendee at, among other things, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at the old Syria Mosque in Oakland, which I like to think contributed a little bit to his lifelong love of music. prgtoken He was a hard-working guy from the beginning. In high school, Orrin Hatch worked his summers as a wood lather, and he was a card-carrying member of the AFL-CIO. The modest income he earned from that job helped to put him through school. prgtoken Yet, if you had to pick one place to put the marker that would be calling attention to this wonderful son of Pennsylvania, it might actually be a chicken coop in the Pittsburgh area because, while he was struggling to make ends meet right after college, Orrin Hatch renovated the chicken coop in his parents' backyard, and he turned it into a little two-room cottage. That is where he lived with his young family. That is where they scraped by while he was attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Law on a scholarship. prgtoken The future Chairman Hatch graduated from that law school. He practiced law in Pittsburgh for 7 years an
RECOGNIZING PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-11-27

this past holiday weekend, I had the pleasure, the opportunity, to travel to the Middle East and to the Horn of Africa. Specifically, I got to visit with some 700 Kansas National Guardsmen from the 2nd 137th Combined Arms Battalion and Battery C, 161st Field Artillery. These guardsmen have been deployed since April in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Spartan Shield. prgtoken I am often asked what was the purpose of my trip. Why do Congressmen do these trips? prgtoken First of all, I think it is important that, as a Congressman, I bring these troops a message of hope and thanks and let them know personally that we do care and are grateful for their service and the sacrifices they are making for this country. prgtoken Next, my goal was to check on the mental and physical well-being of our troops. Despite talking to hundreds of our soldiers, I cannot get one of them to register one complaint. Specifically, I thought their mental health was outstanding, that they were all in good spirits and, indeed, had great hope. Physically, their nutrition appeared to be well attended to. Their medical and dental needs were well attended to as well. prgtoken My one concern, perhaps, would be the housing. And though no soldier complained about housing, when you are there for a year at a time, I do think we could supply our soldiers with better housing. prgtoken Today, we are reminded of the dangers of serving in our military as we lost three soldiers to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Certainly, my sympathy goes out to the families. I know the words that I can express will never be enough, but I would say this: Today we are also reminded once again that freedom is not free.
RECOGNITION OF 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH
Dave Brat (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-11-27

I rise to join the Midlothian community in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Founded in 1918, Bethlehem Baptist Church remains a pillar in the area and a beacon of light throughout the community in Midlothian, Virginia. Since its inception, Bethlehem Baptist Church has encouraged and empowered individuals with their message of hope, while encouraging the pursuit of opportunity through spiritual growth, education, economic empowerment and development. prgtoken On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia, I want to extend my congratulations to the church, the congregation, and the surrounding community for preserving one hundred years of faith and tradition.
AMENDING THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE WATER RIGHTS QUANTIFICATION ACT OF 2010
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am very proud to come to the floor tonight, not only with another Coast Guard reauthorization bill, but it will be the last bill I will pass and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will pass, as my chairmanship expires and I leave Congress here at the end of the year. So it is a proud moment for me. prgtoken I am especially proud that S. 140 was named the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. prgtoken This is a product of bicameral and bipartisan efforts. The Coast Guard is an armed service with a very difficult mission: to enforce all Federal laws on, under, and over the high seas in the jurisdiction of the United States. prgtoken This bill supports the Coast Guard and its servicemembers by authorizing funding for fiscal year 2018 and 2019. prgtoken The legislation includes three bills reported from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee: the Coast Guard Improvement Reform Act of 2017; the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017; and the Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 2017. prgtoken The bill promotes commercial and recreational vessel safety, protects the environment, modernizes Coast Guard administration laws, and provides protection for American business in regard to foreign shipping alliances. prgtoken Once again, it authorizes a heavy icebreaker to be purchased by the Coast Guard. We just hope the appropriators find the funding to do that for a much-needed icebreaker. prgtoken The bill is named for our colleague, Frank LoBiondo, who previously served as chairman and ranking member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee during five different Congresses. His leadership on the subcommittee translated into many legislative victories for the Coast Guard and their hardworking Coast Guard members. So it is absolutely fitting to name this after Frank LoBiondo. prgtoken , I urge all Members to support the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act by voting ``yes'' on S. 140, and .
HONORING LIEUTENANT COMMANDER VICTORIA MARUM'S 11 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HER COUNTRY AND HER HONORABLE RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-11-27

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Commander Victoria Marum on her separation from the United States Navy after 11 years of faithful service to our country. prgtoken An esteemed member of the United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander Marum most recently served as a Liaison in the Navy's U.S. House of Representatives Liaison Office. In this capacity, she oversaw and led countless Congressional and staff delegations to naval installations throughout the United States and the world. These trips greatly helped members and their staffs achieve a greater understanding of the issues facing our Navy and its Sailors from all over the world. prgtoken I was so grateful for Lieutenant Commander Marum's guidance during delegations that I prgtoken led abroad, as she always handled stressful situations and difficult individuals with poise, humor, and resourcefulness. The talent she exhibited on Capitol Hill will serve her well on every path she finds herself in the future. prgtoken LCDR Marum attended the University of Florida and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in 2007. She would later go on to earn her ``wings of gold'' and qualify as a Naval Aviator in 2009. Following her winging, LCDR Marum reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 where she served from 2010 to 2013. LCDR Marum's awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons. prgtoken As LCDR Marum embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that she may recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions she has made to the United States Navy, Congress, and our great nation. prgtoken I wish her the very best and continued success in her future endeavors.
Tribute to Orrin Hatch (Executive Calendar)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-11-27

I just can't express my gratitude for the kindness of my dear friend from Pennsylvania. This means so much to me. I didn't even realize it was going to happen. I hustled over here, and there it was. prgtoken I say to the Senator, I am grateful to you, and I am grateful for the kind remarks you have made. I couldn't have asked for more. It was so decent of you, as you always exhibit. You are a great Senator, and I really appreciate your support here today. Thank you so much.
GLOBAL FRAGILITY AND VIOLENCE REDUCTION ACT OF 2018
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-27

I rise in support of the bill I wrote with Mr. Engel, my good friend, the Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act. prgtoken , one of our greatest national security challenges is preventing violent conflict around the world. Violent conflict creates hostile environments and displaces and deprives citizens. It costs the global economy over $14 trillion annually. prgtoken They also provide fertile recruiting grounds for terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations, which I have tracked in my role as chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. Often, these environments thrive in states that are fragile, where the government loses legitimacy in the eyes of its own people and, ultimately, its ability to govern. prgtoken When ignored, these breakdowns in a government ultimately can lead to lengthy and costly involvement by the United States. That is why, today, Congressman Engel and I are proposing an innovative, new way of thinking about these challenges. prgtoken The Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act requires the administration to launch an initiative to reduce this fragility and violence. This will guide our efforts to reduce violent conflict and help fragile states down a path towards stability. prgtoken This bill also requires the Department of State, in coordination with USAID and the Department of Defense, to identify 10 countries or regions as a pilot program to start this new initiative. This initiative ensures local partnerships are at the core of any solution in order to deliver better long-term results. prgtoken Since each fragile state is different, this initiative is flexible to address the causes of fragility. What may work to solve the economic and migration issues of Venezuela are likely to be different than the solutions needed to help curb terrorist groups in west Africa. prgtoken By integrating the Department of State, USAID, and DOD together and prioritizing, we are reshaping how we think about how we deliver aid and development resources, preventing them from spiraling into chaos. prgtoken , I would like to thank, again, the ranking member; I would like to thank Chairman Royce for his friendship, as well as Mr. Poe and Mr. Smith; and I hope everybody will attend the chairman's portrait unveiling at the National Archives this evening.
Tribute to Orrin Hatch (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-11-27

I have the great pleasure today to talk about a friend. It is a bittersweet moment because that friend is choosing not to stay with us here in the Senate. He didn't run for reelection. He is going back home to Utah, but I want to take a minute to talk about his incredible accomplishments here as a public servant over a 42-year career--over 4 decades here in the Senate. prgtoken Some people come here because they want to be somebody. Orrin Hatch came here because he wanted to do something for people, and boy, he has done that. Time after time, he has stepped up to serve the American people. prgtoken When Senator Hatch retires, the Senate will be losing not only our President pro tempore--that means that he is fourth in line to be President, and he is the President pro tempore here of the Senate, the most senior Member--but we are also going to lose somebody who, over the years, has been a mentor for a lot of us because he is a person who is committed to legislating, to making a difference in the lives of the people of Utah and the people of our great country. He has been a Statesman. At a time of bare-knuckle politics, isn't it nice to have that model? That is Orrin Hatch. prgtoken Back in 1976, a blue-collar kid from Pennsylvania, who had been a card-carrying union member, of which he is proud, and later went to law school and in Salt Lake City became a successful litigation attorney, decided to run for the Senate. He was running against a 3-term incumbent. Normally, that is not a recipe for success, but he had a rare and impressive victory for a first-time candidate, and he hasn't looked back since. prgtoken When he got elected, I think he probably was a little surprised, but he also realized that he owed something to the people of Utah. That was to put his nose to the grindstone and make a difference for them, and that is what he has done. prgtoken They say he has sponsored more bills that have become law than any other living Member of Congress. He might even have that record for any Member of Congress but, certainly, for those of us who are still around. prgtoken He is the former chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, also called the HELP Committee, and the former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Currently, he is the chairman of the all-powerful Senate Finance Committee. I say that somewhat jokingly, but, truly, that committee has jurisdiction over such a broad range of issues, all of which Senator Hatch has touched. I have gotten to work with him on a lot of those issues over the years, when I was on the Ways and Means Committee in the House and now on the Senate Finance Committee. We have worked together on tax reform, on anti-drug legislation, on pension legislation, on healthcare legislation, on intellectual property legislation, and on so much more. prgtoken I also had the honor of working very closely with him when I was U.S. Trade Represen
Border Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-27

next Friday marks an important deadline in funding the Federal Government. While we have been effective in passing appropriations bills that have funded 75 percent or so of the government, there is still a small but important portion left to be negotiated before we break for Christmas. prgtoken Part of the debate will be how we go about securing our border, especially as recently, several large caravans of men, women, and children have left their homes in Central America and made the long, dangerous trek to the United States via Mexico. The truth is that the caravans occur on a daily basis. Of course, most of that hadn't penetrated the consciousness of the American people because it took thousands of people en masse, in a big caravan, to actually get their attention and get the attention particularly of the President of the United States. prgtoken I bet it would surprise most Senators and most Members of the House to know that in 2017 alone, there were 396,000 people detained at our southern border--almost 400,000 people. These caravans, whether they are the large, massive caravans like we see in Tijuana or the minicaravans that occur daily in places like the McAllen sector for the Border Patrol--this is a big and important issue. But funding is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to border security and the migrant crisis. prgtoken I would like to say that I was encouraged by a story that I saw in the Washington Post dated November 24 entitled ``Deal with Mexico paves way for asylum overhaul at U.S. border.'' This article goes on to talk about a policy of ``Remain in Mexico,'' where the Mexican Government has actually provided work permits and offered asylum to Central Americans transiting Mexico. Some of them have taken the Government of Mexico up on those, but many of them want to come to the United States, understandably, and the problem is how to deal with these large numbers of asylum seekers. This development, if it proved to be accurate, I think represents an impressive change in policy on the part of the Government of Mexico in a very constructive sort of way. prgtoken I want to congratulate Secretary Nielsen, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary Pompeo, and the entire administration for undertaking this delicate and difficult negotiation because this really represents a sea change in the way the Government of Mexico regards the migrant crisis. In other words, it is not just our problem. They themselves regard it as part of the solution to this challenge. prgtoken But the truth is, we can't look at this issue like we are looking through a soda straw. I had reporters yesterday ask me ``Well, what about what is happening at the bridge in Tijuana,'' as if that were the whole story. We can't narrowly focus on just one part and refuse to see the full picture, and that is what I want to talk about here briefly. prgtoken We won't secure our borders and we won't solve the m
UNITED STATES-MEXICO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP ACT
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I want to thank Representative Cuellar and Representative Castro as well as the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Engel, and the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Mike McCaul, for their work on the legislation that we are considering here today. prgtoken The United States and Mexico share strong economic and cultural ties. As our neighbor to the south, a strong, stable Mexico benefits the United States. Realizing this, we already have many professional and educational exchanges between our two countries to help see that young people in Mexico graduate from school and enter the workforce with the skills, the credentials, and the experience that they need in the 21st century. prgtoken In the 2015-2016 school year, 5,000 U.S. students studied abroad in Mexico while 16,000 Mexican students studied in the U.S. They did this through various exchange programs. prgtoken These are good numbers, true, but more can be done to ensure that our young people are taking advantage of existing opportunities to study in both countries, and this bill builds on existing programs to expand and strengthen these exchanges. prgtoken In particular, the bill focuses on exchanges in four important areas, and these are higher education, medical school, entrepreneurship, and the energy sector. These are all areas from which the U.S. and Mexico stand to mutually benefit from greater cooperation. prgtoken There are, of course, areas in which the U.S.-Mexico relationship can improve. For example, Mexico needs to do more to combat the rampant corruption that has taken its toll on its citizens' trust. prgtoken But this does not mean that our two countries cannot work together to ensure a brighter, more successful future for young people in both of our countries. Educational and professional exchanges are key to that goal, so I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and .