mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PRAYER
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-10-5

. This report shows a staff of over 20 members of the Judiciary Committee literally working around the clock for weeks on all leads--any lead that came in on these serious allegations. These investigators have the authority of the law. When people speak to them, if people speak to them and lie, they commit perjury. They spoke to more than 35 individuals, pursuing any and all substantive leads. This is in addition to the FBI report. prgtoken I want to commend Chairman Grassley for this serious and diligent work in this regard and the work of the Committee. It wasn't highlighted a lot, but it is very serious work. A lot of it is detailed here. prgtoken Two important points stand out from this work. First, the Committee has not obtained or received any evidence that would corroborate the claims made by Dr. Ford. They talked to and tried to pursue leads in so many different areas. Dr. Ford's allegations were investigated respectfully and thoroughly by this Senate Judiciary staff and the FBI. As I mentioned, she certainly had courage in coming forward. Nevertheless, these allegations were not corroborated. prgtoken Four people Dr. Ford claims were present had no knowledge or memory of any such event, and the others the FBI asked about the alleged incident had no knowledge either. One of them was a lifelong friend of Dr. Ford's. Leland Kaiser said she didn't even know Judge Kavanaugh. As you know, all these statements were made under the penalty of perjury. prgtoken Another important point from the Judiciary Committee summary--again, I would suggest people take a look at it given the seriousness of the allegations and the seriousness of the investigation--that has not been picked up on is that the minority staff of the committee, those representing my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, refused to participate in most of these investigations, sometimes not attending any interviews at all, and when they did, they refused to ask questions. This is truly a mystery to me. prgtoken One of the constant refrains and arguments--and I am saying it has been in good faith from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, which continues today--is the need for more investigations into the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh. They have been making that argument very regularly. Yet when you read what happened in the committee, they have refused to take part in almost any part of the intensive ongoing investigations from the Judiciary Committee staff investigators of which there are 20. They have been working on this diligently. prgtoken I am not a member of the Judiciary Committee, but it is my understanding that this is a very significant break from past bipartisan investigations that have almost always occurred on the Judiciary Committee for every other previous Supreme Court nominee, so I am not sure why this happened. Perhaps one of my colleagues can explain it, but it does make one wonder. Where does this leave us? <|p
VOTE EXPLANATION
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-10-5

. I would like to discuss my strong support for the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. In July I had the opportunity to meet with Judge Kavanaugh in my office, and it was clear to me that President had nominated an outstanding jurist who was well- qualified and ready to be our next Supreme Court Justice. prgtoken From the very beginning, just minutes after his nomination, some of my ic colleagues had already decided to oppose Judge Kavanaugh at all costs. They refused to meet with him, spread a misinformation campaign about his record, and claimed he was outside of the mainstream. The indisputable fact is that Judge Kavanaugh is the mainstream. His reasoning has been adopted by the Supreme Court more than a dozen times, and he is well respected by people across the spectrum, from fellow judges to those who have argued before him. prgtoken Judge Kavanaugh sat through more than 30 hours of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and subsequently responded to 1,287 questions for the record, more than every previous Supreme Court nominee combined. It was not until the 11th hour, when Judge Kavanaugh was on the verge of being confirmed, that unsubstantiated and uncorroborated claims from 36 years ago were leaked to the media in a last ditch effort to derail his nomination. The F.B.I. conducted yet another background investigation, its seventh, and yet again, nothing was discovered that would disqualify Judge Kavanaugh from sitting on the Supreme Court. prgtoken Montanans overwhelmingly want a Supreme Court Justice with impeccable academic credentials, someone who does not legislate from the bench, but upholds the rule of law and who follows the Constitution. Judge Kavanaugh is without a doubt that person. prgtoken Yesterday, I was happy to cast my vote in favor of bringing debate to an end on this nomination. While I was unavailable this afternoon for the vote due to a longstanding family commitment, I spoke with Judge Kavanaugh and assured him that, if my vote was needed for final passage, that I would return as soon as possible. I would like to thank my good friend and colleague, Senator Murkowski, for pairing votes so that my absence would not change the outcome. prgtoken However, I would be remiss not to mention that we would not be in this position had my friends across the aisle not turned this entire process into a political circus. They have done this for no other purpose than to obstruct and delay this nomination through the election in hopes that they take back control of this body and block all of President 's nominees. I fully support Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation look forward to his many years of service on the Supreme Court.
TRIBUTE TO MASON WILLIAMS ANDREWS
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today to welcome home and congratulate a young man from my home State of Louisiana, Mr. Mason Williams Andrews. Mr. Andrews just achieved his mission of setting a new world record as the youngest solo pilot to complete a circumnavigation of the globe, as Mason is about 4 months younger than the current record holder. prgtoken Mr. Andrews set out on July 22, on ``Mason's MedCamps Mission'' from Monroe, LA, in an effort to achieve the new world record, as well as raise funding and awareness about MedCamps, which is a summer camp for children with disabilities and illnesses. Today Mr. Andrews has achieved both of his goals and will make his official and final landing in Monroe tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 6. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Mr. Andrews on a job well done. We are grateful for his safe return and applaud his courageous efforts to help a worthy cause by raising over $25,000 for MedCamps throughout his 2 month journey. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Louisiana, I would like to express my congratulations to Mason and thank him for his efforts in helping MedCamps continue their mission of serving children.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today to discuss the impending confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. It now appears that tomorrow, Judge Brett Kavanaugh will become Justice Brett Kavanaugh, an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. prgtoken It is worth pausing for a moment to reflect why that is of such great consequence for our country. In recent decades, the courts have seized more and more policymaking authority, have intruded into the authority of the democratically elected legislature, and have taken policy issue after policy issue from the hands of the American people and usurped it instead into the hands of five unelected judges. prgtoken Given those stakes, the 2016 election in a very real sense was waged over what direction the Supreme Court would go, and there was a markedly different vision, a markedly different promise that was made by and Hillary Clinton. promised to nominate constitutionalists who would defend the Constitution and who would defend the Bill of Rights. That is what the people of Texas want, and I believe that is what the American people want--judges who will follow the law, who will be faithful to the Constitution, who will uphold our fundamental liberties--free speech, religious liberty, the Second Amendment, the 10th Amendment--the fundamental liberties protective of every American in the U.S. Constitution. prgtoken The stakes here are high, particularly with this seat--the seat that was held by Justice Kennedy, a Justice who has been the swing vote for three decades now. prgtoken Even though the stakes are high, what we have witnessed the last several weeks is unprecedented in the annals of confirmation battles. We saw initially a confirmation hearing that was relatively straightforward. It was marred by protests, coordinated with ic Senators, according to media reports. On the first day of the hearing, 70 individuals were arrested for protesting and disrupting the hearing. prgtoken But at the end of that opening week of hearings, not a single Senator on the committee had made the argument that Justice Kavanaugh was not qualified to be a Justice--by any measure, he is one of the most respected Federal appellate judges in the country--nor did any of the Senators on the Judiciary Committee make any meaningful argument that raised serious concerns about Judge Kavanaugh's jurisprudence. He has been a court of appeals judge for over a decade. prgtoken It appeared at that point that the confirmation was a forgone conclusion and that indeed Judge Kavanaugh was prgtoken likely to get a substantially bipartisan confirmation. Then, on the eve of the vote, it was leaked in the press that there were allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. Those allegations sadly had been in the possession of the ranking ic member of the committee since July 30 in the form of a written letter that had been submitted by Dr. Ford on July 30 detailing t
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-10-5

I want to talk a little bit about what my good friend from Delaware talked about with regard to our being judged by history. Some of what I want to talk about today is of the history of this system and of others who have served. prgtoken I have read several times in the last 30 days, particularly, that the feel they can do anything because of the way Merrick Garland was treated. I don't think there is any comparison between the way Merrick Garland was treated and the way Judge Kavanaugh has been treated. The only comparison I can think of is that they are both on the DC Court of Appeals and that they have both said very kind things about each other, but there is no comparison. prgtoken Merrick Garland was nominated in the last year of a Presidency. The last time someone was put on the Supreme Court who was nominated in the last year of a Presidency was in 1932. The last time that happened was in 1932. The last time someone went on the Supreme Court when the President was of one party and the Senate was of the other and when it was a Presidential election year was in 1888. There is no comparison. prgtoken In fact, Vice President --then-Senator --said on June 25 of 1992, in what turned out to be the last year of the Presidency: If there is a vacancy, there will be no hearing until after the election. prgtoken There was not a vacancy, by the way. They were just putting that historical marker down that if there were a vacancy, there would not be a hearing until after the election. Of course, that meant there would not be a hearing that mattered. Unless the President were to be reelected and the majority in the Senate were to stay the same, there would be no reason to assume there would be a judge appointed by this President this year. prgtoken Senator Schumer said in July of 2007, in his not wanting to wait until election year but just wanting to put his position on the table even earlier in the last year of another Presidency, that we should not confirm any nominee--I think he meant--from that moment on. As a matter of fact, he did say we shouldn't confirm any nominee from that moment on except in extraordinary circumstances. I am sure he didn't mean one vacancy on the Supreme Court would be an extraordinary circumstance but a circumstance that would be dealt with just like Judge Garland's was dealt with, and people were heard. Yet that is not what this is about, and it sets no precedent any more than Senator or Senator Schumer set a precedent that should have been a surprise for anybody. prgtoken So what do we have with Judge Kavanaugh as we decide in the next few hours or in the next day or so whether he becomes Justice Kavanaugh? prgtoken This was the seventh background check of this judge by the FBI. There had never been a more extensive review of a Supreme Court nominee-- seven times in slightly more than a dozen years--in going through this backgroun
IN MEMORY OF VAIL JOHNSON
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-10-5

today I rise to honor the life and memory of Vail Johnson, a young girl from my district who passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2016 from a heart condition. prgtoken Two years after her death, the North Texas community is continuing to honor her life through the work of Friends of Vail. This foundation, established by Vail's parents Susan and Chad Chance, has dedicated a new outdoor classroom at the Pilot Point intermediate school in her memory. Through the Friends of Vail foundation, her family has donated funds to other community needs both large and small. prgtoken The foundation's work is a testament to an extraordinary child. As a fourth-grade student at Pilot Point Elementary School, Vail was known for kindness and generosity. She loved horses, softball, and the color green. A bright student and writer, Vail also competed nationally as an equestrian and began playing softball. prgtoken Two years after her loss, Vail Johnson is remembered as a girl who brought love and joy to others wherever she went. She is deeply missed, and her generous spirit will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, and all who knew and loved her.
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF SERGEANT (RET.) RICHARD TAYLOR
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise today alongside my colleague, David Valadao, to honor Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Taylor, a community leader from Bakersfield, California. Mr. Taylor retired this year from his position as the Director of the Kern County Veterans Service Department following a lifelong career of service to his community and nation. prgtoken Born and raised in Bakersfield, Dick attended East Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College. Throughout his youth, he had a keen interest in the Armed Services and serving his nation, which pushed him to join the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, Dick served around the world, with deployments in South America and around the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, he served as a sergeant in several infantry units with the First Marine Division, with the 1st Battalion 5th Marines and 2nd Battalion 5th Marines, serving as a Section Leader in an 81mm Mortar Platoon, then as the Battalion Armorer. Prior to leaving the Marines with an honorable discharge, Dick received many medals over his career of service, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment ribbon. prgtoken Upon returning to Bakersfield, Dick quickly re-immersed himself in the community he called home, working at his family's Goodyear dealership, which he operated as President and General Manager for 27 years. Dick also got involved in matters impacting the state and county, serving as a delegate to the California Party and also as a Field Representative for the California Off-Road Vehicle Association. He played a key role in establishing neighborhood watches across Kern County by partnering with the Kern County Sheriffs Department to deliver presentations to communities. For six years, Dick continued his service to our community by working as a Field Representative for Kern County Supervisor Mike Maggard. Today, Dick continues to serve as one of Kern County's Liaison Representatives for the Devil Pups Youth Program for America, where he counsels and trains Kern County's youth in moral and ethical citizenry. prgtoken Despite his many accomplishments, Dick is best known in town for his dedication to helping the veterans of Kern County. As the Kern County Veterans Service Officer, Dick worked each day to promote and honor all veterans, connecting Kern County's approximately 47,000 local veteran heroes with the resources and services they fought and sacrificed so much for. He is a happy warrior with a tireless work ethic, and his passion for our community's veterans extends far beyond his desk at the Kern County Veterans Service Department. It is not uncommon to see Dick throughout Kern County supporting causes and organizations, such as Kern County Honor Flight, the Veterans History Project, and the Wounded Heroes Project. His efforts have directly made the Kern community a better, more supportive place for veterans to live. prgtoken Over
IN RECOGNITION OF MAPLEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS A 2018 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-10-5

I would like to acknowledge Maplewood Elementary School for being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2018. Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized public and private schools for academic excellence. This year marks the third time the Maplewood Local School District has been awarded this honorable distinction. Maplewood Elementary School holds high academic standards for each and every student. The Blue Ribbon recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and administrators of this outstanding school. There is no greater cause than educating the minds of the future. As a father, I know the amount of trust parents put into the hands of our educators. I am proud to have this example of academic excellence in Ohio's 14th Congressional District and I congratulate Maplewood Elementary School on this well-deserved recognition
CONSTITUENT COMMENTS ON SOBER LIVING HOME PROBLEMS
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-10-5

I rise to inform my colleagues about the hearing held by the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on September 28, 2018 on the issue of sober living homes. I had the privilege of testifying at that hearing in support of my bill, H.R. 5724, to restore local oversight over sober living homes. As part of that testimony, I submitted to the Subcommittee letters from many of my constituents about problems with sober living homes caused by current federal law preventing appropriate local oversight. For the benefit of my colleagues and the American people, I include in the Record the first group of these constituent letters below: Generally speaking, Mr. Rohrabacher, you're not someone I feel represents me as a constituent. However, this is one topic I agree with you on, and I never thought I'd say that. I've seen the sober living home industry firsthand. They exploit the desperation of addicts and their families, offer no real help, and when the addict relapses, they are kicked to the curb the same day and don't get prorated their rent money. If they paid for a month and get kicked out 3 days later, they lose all that money. It's actually more profitable for sober livings to have high failure rates because when the next person moves in, they effectively get paid twice for the bed; the forfeited rent and the new person's. The sober living home doesn't concern itself with whether or not the people they evict have somewhere to go. It's not surprising that many end up on the streets. Many sober living homes are poorly maintained, have bug infestations, are overcrowded, and residents regularly experience theft and violence. If the purpose of a sober living is to give someone a fresh start and chance at redemption, which it should be, then the sober living home industry has failed miserably, and that failure has proven lucrative for those who profit from human suffering. More accountability is needed, addicts are people like everyone else, and deserve better. Stephanie Ashley Larcome, Westminster, California.
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DICK ROBINSON
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-10-9

I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Dick Robinson who is to receive the Distinction Award from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's Rocky Mountain Chapter on October 10th, 2018. prgtoken I have had the privilege of knowing Dick for many years. His story is truly a remarkable one. A fourth generation Colorado resident, he is a graduate of Colorado State University and has dedicated most of his life to bettering our state and community through countless charitable and community projects; while during much of that time maintaining his family's dairy business alongside his brother. Mr. Robinson embodies a spirit of service, recognized throughout the state of Colorado. prgtoken Dick Robinson began his career of service in the U.S. Army, earning a Silver Star, prgtoken Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, while leading troops as an artillery officer during the Korean War. Upon his return home to Colorado, he, along with his brother, turned Robinson Dairy into a nationally regarded business. After selling it in 1999, Dick Robinson became the Co-Founder of the Dean Foods Denver operation. Throughout his successful business career, he has also taken on many additional responsibilities. These have included, serving as the chair of charities such as the Milk Processor's Education Program, the Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce, the Rose Community Foundation as well as many other organizations to better our community. Some of his other commitments include the boards of the Denver Art Museum, HCA-HealthONE, and Regis University. prgtoken Dick Robinson's spirit of service is invaluable in the Denver Metro area where he has been so active, and it is in the spirit of this service that he is celebrated by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Distinction Award. Congratulations to Dick Robinson.