mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
Steve Russell (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-7-14

there is a lot of discussion as we gather to talk about the role of government and almost everything that we do day to day. I think most Americans, as they go to work and they look at how the government's role is in their lives, they don't really give the government a lot of thought. They want to be left alone. prgtoken They are willing to pay some measure of taxes to have things that we all agree on, like schools, roads, bridges, stoplights, national defense, other things. We like to see efficient government. We like to see it small. We like to see it without waste. prgtoken If there are things that other services can provide without it being done by government, we like choices. We like privatization. We like the private sector. prgtoken But there are certain things, , that the government does have a role in. This was recognized by perhaps the finest American we ever produced, Abraham Lincoln, when he said: ``The legitimate object of government is to do for the people what needs to be done, but which they can not, by individual effort, do at all, or do so well, for themselves.'' prgtoken , there are three sectors in which the government does have a role; and we as conservatives might want limited government, efficiency, and lack of waste, and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle would want similar things, but they might approach it a different way. We all, as Americans, have a moral obligation to protect the security of the United States of America. We have just seen that with the passage of the National Defense Authorization. But what I would like to address today is a breach in one of our pillars of national security with a proposal with our aerospace. prgtoken The three areas that we must safeguard and protect are our national defense, our national intelligence, and our national aerospace. prgtoken We are considering now an AIRR Act, H.R. 2997, which would take the Federal Aviation Administration's reauthorization, which we have to do, and it will pretty much remove Federal control of air traffic controllers and the control of our aerospace and put it into private industry. Many of us, in a bipartisan fashion, have grave concerns with this. I am one of them. prgtoken If you look at H.R. 2997, what you will find is that the President has diminished authority. In the 1980s, when air traffic controllers, through their unions, went on strike and they said, ``We are not going to play; we are going to picket,'' and it put the United States at risk, Ronald Reagan warned them by saying, ``If you do that, you are fired.'' prgtoken They said, ``Oh, he is not going to do that. How is he going to control the skies?'' prgtoken The President, acting on his constitutional responsibilities, fired them. He took control, as he should have, and air traffic controllers, by the thousands, were removed, and others were put in their place. prgtoken H.R. 2997 would remove this type of authority that the President of the
THANKING JANET BOSLEY
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to honor the life and public service of Janet Bosley. Janet has been a caseworker in my district office and previously served my predecessor, Congressman Matt Salmon. She is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and I am very happy to call her my friend. prgtoken Janet will soon be retiring. She faithfully served the constituents of Arizona's Fifth Congressional District for the past 5 years, and her steady presence in the district has been invaluable. prgtoken My staff and I are going to miss Janet's infectious smile and her witty stories. She is one of the most engaging people I have known, and my life has been blessed because of her friendship and example. prgtoken I wish her the best of luck and happiness as she moves into this new chapter in her life. prgtoken Thank you, Janet. May God bless you.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Thornberry for yielding and for his great work leading us on the NDAA. prgtoken I would like to address two amendments that are coming up in en bloc packages. prgtoken First of all, on Iran, my amendment to the NDAA, No. 361, requires the President, along with various agencies, to provide the House with a report regarding Iran's use of commercial aircraft for illicit activities. I am doing this with Representative Roskam. prgtoken Diligent research from think tanks, such as the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the American Enterprise Institute, have demonstrated the need for the intelligence community to provide Congress with a report of their activities. prgtoken In total, Iran Air, Mahan Air, Pouya Air, Cham Wings Airlines, and the Iranian Air Force operated at least 404 flights from Iran to Syria since the Iran nuclear deal was adopted on July 14, 2015. prgtoken Now, this report does not block the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran, but asks the intelligence community to take a serious look at these sales so Congress can determine if they should continue. prgtoken The other amendment I would like to address, , is No. 364 on boost-phase missile defense. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Thornberry for including this amendment, which was cosponsored by Mr. Kinzinger, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Franks, and Mr. Wilson from South Carolina, to advance boost-phase missile defense programs. prgtoken As you know, ballistic missiles are at their most defenseless when they are in their boost phase, the initial phase of flight. They are at their slowest, and they have not yet deployed decoys and countermeasures that would make it more difficult to shoot them down in later phases of flight. prgtoken This amendment will make Americans safer as we move towards advancing this absolutely critical technology.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL LARRY WYCHE
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-7-14

I would like to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Larry Wyche, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Materiel Command, and Senior Commander of Redstone Arsenal in my home state of Alabama, on the occasion of his retirement following more than 42 years of exemplary service to the United States Army. prgtoken Lieutenant General Wyche began his career as an enlisted soldier rising to the rank of Sergeant and he will retire with three stars. Those stars were not easy to come by. They were hard earned. Lieutenant General Wyche has been critical in transforming the manner in which Sustainment is provided to our Nation's Warfighters and he has been a champion for the health and welfare of the Organic Industrial Base--our arsenals, manufacturing depots, and ammunition plants. prgtoken Lieutenant General Wyche has shaped and led the day-to-day operations oflhe U.S. Army Materiel Command, a $58 billion logistics enterprise, staffed by more than 120,000 Soldiers, Civilians, and Contractors for more than two years. The command has a presence in all 50 U.S. states and 155 countries. prgtoken As Senior Commander of Redstone Arsenal in my district, Lieutenant General Wyche was in charge of the security and well-being of the more than 70 tenants, Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Families. Under his watch, the quality of life for residents and employees alike greatly improved. prgtoken Lieutenant General Wyche's many stellar achievements are too many to recite, but they have had far reaching effects at home and abroad. As a major, he deployed with the XVIII Airborne Corps to Haiti and did his part to restore democracy to that country during Operation Uphold Democracy. His bravery and courage were also tested in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. prgtoken Lieutenant General Wyche began his career earning stripes and retires having earned every one of his three stars. We thank him for his leadership. On behalf of all those touched by his service, we wish Lieutenant General Wyche and his wife, Denise, and their family, good luck, good ground, and Godspeed. Army Strong.
YAKIMA VALLEY'S BEST BEER EXPERIENCE AWARD
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to celebrate a region in my district, the Yakima Valley, for being recognized as the winner of the World Food Travel Association's FoodTrekking Award for Best Beer Experience. prgtoken John Cooper, president and CEO of Yakima Valley Tourism, nominated the region for the award, and this is just one example of the efforts John and his group are making to promote the budding beer and hospitality industries of the Yakima Valley. prgtoken The FoodTrekking Awards recognize excellent food and beverage tourism experiences all over the world, and it is an honor for Yakima to be selected as prgtoken the winner for the Best Beer Experience among the international applicants. Central Washington's beer industry is thriving and has greatly contributed to the increase in tourism as well as the overall economic development of the area. prgtoken As a third-generation hops farmer from the Yakima Valley, I am proud that our fellow growers and our local craft brewers are receiving recognition for their efforts in making our region a unique travel destination. prgtoken Please join me in congratulating John, his team, and the entire industry for helping bring such a prestigious award to Washington's Fourth District.
RECOGNIZING THE MEN AND WOMEN OF ALABAMA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD'S 115TH EXPEDITIONARY SIGNAL BATTALION ON THEIR DEPLOYMENT TO THE MIDDLE EAST
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-7-14

I would like to recognize the men and women who proudly make up the Alabama Army National Guard's 115th Expeditionary Signal Battalion as they deploy to the Middle East in defense of our nation. prgtoken The 115th has a rich history of service to America. The unit was organized in December 1940 as the 2nd Battalion, 151st Engineers, a little less than a year before our nation would enter World War Two. prgtoken In early 1941, the unit was called into federal service to participate in maneuvers in Louisiana as the War Department geared up for the threat of war. prgtoken In January of 1942, just after America entered the war, the unit moved to Alaska to help protect American territory from the Japanese. Service during World War Two also included deployments to England and France. The unit would be called into federal service once more in 1963. prgtoken The men and women of the 115th would again answer our nation's call to service after the attacks of September 11, 2001 amidst our efforts to neutralize terrorist threats around the world. prgtoken The first call to support the War on Terrorism would be in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, returning home in 2005. Then, in 2011, the unit would be sent to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. prgtoken Now, in 2017, like so many Alabama Guard Units, the 115th which has companies in Florence, Haleyville and Huntsville, is once again standing up to serve our nation. The unit will be sent to the Middle East to support and defend our nation's vital interests abroad. prgtoken , Congress' appreciation along with our continued admiration for these men and women and the service they provide to the United States of America are reflected here today.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise in support of my amendment No. 80 as en bloc No. 4. prgtoken My amendment encourages collaboration between the FAA and DOD on unmanned aircraft systems so that the FAA may leverage the unique capabilities and insights of the DOD. These are important activities as the FAA moves forward with incorporating unmanned systems into the national airspace. prgtoken The efforts highlighted in my amendment are already ongoing activities between the FAA and the DOD, but more work needs to be done, as documented in a 2014 joint report to Congress. prgtoken The Air Force Research Laboratory located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, AFRL, in particular, has expertise in these sense-and-avoid technologies. AFRL is planning to conduct unmanned aircraft research activities at Springfield, Ohio's, Air National Guard base in Ohio's Eighth District, upon FAA approval. prgtoken I am proud of our airmen and the work conducted at both Springfield and Wright-Patterson and to offer this amendment to help the FAA make good use of the capabilities located there. prgtoken I also rise in support of my amendment No. 120 as part of this en bloc package.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. And I have no better friend in this city either--or this country, for that matter. prgtoken , I am just called to come to this floor to add a few words to the topic that the gentleman from Texas has courageously brought forward and so few others would want to even speak to: the societal experiment that is going on in our military, the greatest military in the history of the world. prgtoken When the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert) talks about how history will be written one day, this isn't a civilization killer, but it is an indication of a civilization killer. I think of the circumstances in a little bit older history, back in the 16th century and the 17th century when the Ottoman Empire and the Muslim armies were sweeping across the countryside, and whoever they captured, they pressed into slavery. prgtoken And when they pressed them into slavery, they wanted to have their crack troops--they were called Janissaries, and there were other troops too, as well. But what they did in order to keep them from reproducing was that they did reassignment surgery on those slaves that they captured, that they had put into their Janissary troops, and that reassignment surgery was they took them from being a virile, reproductive male into being a eunuch. prgtoken Now, they were suitable to work in the harem, but they found out when they put them out in the field to do battle against the enemy that they didn't have the testosterone to take on the fight. And so over a period of time, a generation or two, they finally realized: I guess we are going to have to stop turning these men into eunuchs if we are going to have them as a fighting machine. That is the Janissaries. prgtoken And the old history through that is replete with narrative after narrative of them taking out the knife and actually cutting the flesh off of these anatomically complete men. Some would die from that and some would live, but none of them had the will to fight. And so they decided that they were going to keep anatomically complete men, men that were producing testosterone, in their crack Janissary troops, where they fought well. prgtoken That is a lesson of the military, the Ottoman military from 200, 300, 400 years ago. And today we are here thinking somehow we are going to make the military better by letting people line up at the recruitment center who have planned that they want to do sexual reassignment surgery, know that it is expensive, and believe: I can just get into any branch of the United States services--the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines, maybe become a Navy SEAL--and then submit to sexual reassignment surgery and go from a man to a woman. prgtoken By the way, it doesn't look like there are going to be any women becoming men after they go through SEAL training. I don't think that is going to happen, at least currently. prgtoken But there is no way that this enhances the capabili
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-14

I thank Chairman Thornberry, and I rise today in strong support of the Lamborn amendment requiring a report on Iran's use of commercial aircraft to support terrorist groups in rogue regimes around the Middle East. prgtoken The Lamborn amendment delivers a simple message to Iran, to Assad, and all companies considering selling aircraft to the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, and that is: Congress is watching. prgtoken Congress is watching midnight flights take off from military bases in Iran and land in war-torn Damascus carrying terrorists, guns, and explosives, which will only be used to shed more innocent blood in the Syrian civil war. prgtoken Congress is watching as Boeing and Airbus shake hands and cut deals with former leaders of Iran's National Revolutionary Guard Corps like Hossein Alaei, CEO of Aseman Airlines, who has called to destroy U.S. naval ships sailing in international waters. prgtoken Congress is watching as iconic American and European companies are choosing to fuel Iran's terror campaign around the world. prgtoken Mr. Chair, Congress is watching, and Congress will act to ensure that Western companies do not become complicit in the Syrian massacre. prgtoken Please support the Lamborn amendment.
DOUBLE STANDARDS
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I am the chairman, as I mentioned, of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats. I am a senior member also of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I am here, basically, to discuss emerging technology that is unleashing a new economic dynamic, but it could also be negatively impacting on our national security. prgtoken I have long considered myself a proponent of freedom. Instead of government controls, I have trusted free people and free markets with optimism that technology and innovation would deal with the perplexing challenges to our security and our prosperity. prgtoken In recent years, one of the more exciting innovations helping reshape the way we live is the introduction of digital currency here and globally. prgtoken Thanks to this leap in technology, times are changing right before our eyes. Americans have new ways of fighting inflation and handling their personal business obligations. People with bitcoins living under despotic regimes throughout the world now have the opportunity to protect their assets from abusive and corrupt government. Indeed, the security of the blockchain technology will enable a new wave of societal advances that should invigorate our markets and improve lives. prgtoken However, with all that potential benefit of digital currency, there is also danger. It empowers the good people of the world, but it also can be used by those who have goals that are malevolent and evil. prgtoken Radical Islamic terrorism is now a horrendous threat that hangs over all the free people in the world, in the United States, and elsewhere. Law enforcement throughout the world is now aware that bitcoin is available for use for terrorists in accomplishing their gruesome missions. prgtoken What makes it a good deal for terrorists? prgtoken It is anonymous. They can transfer funds using a digital currency platform without any of the usual safeguards that thwart terrorists and criminal activity. prgtoken Anti-money laundering and know-your-customer standards have worked to deal with criminals in recent decades, but now that approach can be technologically undermined by the use of the bitcoin instead of traditional currency. prgtoken Since digital currencies such as the bitcoin offer a free ability to transfer funds, some of our neighbors, such as Sweden, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, have banned their use. prgtoken , I do not believe that that is a necessary or practical response. Banning digital currencies will not prevent terrorists from using them any more than banning guns will prevent criminals from using them. prgtoken Instead of banning all the digital currencies because some lack standards, I believe we should encourage digital currencies to implement full anti-money laundering and know-your-customer standards. prgtoken These protections should empower both our law enforcement and national security professionals to keep terrorist and criminal financing under contro
IN HONOR OF JOSEPH NOUFAL
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I would like to take a moment to commemorate the life of my constituent Mr. Joseph ``Joey'' Noufal from Leesburg, Virginia, who passed away on May 31, 2017, at the age of 48. Throughout his life, Mr. Noufal was an esteemed entrepreneur in our community and a devoted husband, father, and friend. Revered for his sincerity and beloved for his contagious smile, generosity, and compassion, Mr. Noufal embodied an innovative and zealous character. His legacy endures and he will always be remembered and missed by many. prgtoken Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Mr. Noufal immigrated to Northern Virginia during his childhood. From a young age, he developed the essential entrepreneurial qualities of reliability, creativity, and determination by working in his family's salon. Later on, he earned his Associate's Degree in Graphic Design. As an award-winning hair stylist, he successfully ran Noufal Hair Color Studio for more than a quarter- century. Throughout his career, Mr. Noufal garnered numerous international certifications and made house calls to royal families and foreign dignitaries. Additionally, Mr. Noufal operated various business ventures involving franchising, coffee distribution, and corporate cleaning. prgtoken Recently, Mr. Noufal and his wife, Vicky, celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. Together, they have three sons, Alexander, Brandon, and Mason. Mr. Noufal often remarked that his greatest accomplishment in life was being father to his sons and a partner to his wife. He is also survived by his mother, six brothers, and two sisters. prgtoken Mr. Noufal leaves behind a remarkable legacy and an extensive entrepreneurial career to the Commonwealth. His unyielding strength and devotion to his work and clients attested to his selfless character and genial demeanor. He will be greatly missed by the countless lives he has touched. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of, and bidding farewell to, Joey Noufal. May he rest in peace, and his family be comforted.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-7-14

we have heard nothing from the Coast Guard this year in opposition to this amendment. In years past, I think the gentleman is correct, we have heard from them, but this year we have heard no opposition. In fact, a recreational vessel being repaired is the same as a recreational vessel being manufactured to use as a public vessel and should be treated the same in law. prgtoken The Coast Guard already strictly enforces the existing laws and regulations that determine whether a vessel is recreational and enforces the law against those who would unlawfully use recreational vessels for commercial purposes. So I would suggest to the gentleman that this is not something the Coast Guard opposes. prgtoken , .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-14

the Rules Committee issued announcements outlining the amendment process for three measures that likely will be before the Rules Committee next week. prgtoken An amendment deadline has been set for Tuesday, July 18, at 10 a.m for H.R. 218, the King Cove Road Land Exchange Act; H.R. 2910, the Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act; and H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act. prgtoken The text of these measures is available on the Rules Committee website. Feel free to contact me or a member of the Rules Committee if Members have any questions.
COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to advocate for the victims of human trafficking and for the law enforcement and organizations who are on the front lines combating this growing problem. Human trafficking is a growing problem in Illinois where we rank ninth in the Nation in reported trafficking cases. prgtoken Cases are on the rise nationwide. As a father of three and grandfather of 11, I am angry. We must wipe out this evil before it does any more harm. prgtoken I am proud that s and came together to pass three antitrafficking bills this week. prgtoken Our work is far from over, but these bills are vitally important to help protect American families.