mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEINENKUGEL'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. As every Wisconsinite knows, Leinenkugel's is a staple of our state's economy and has been for 150 years. In my district, Chippewa Falls, WI is home to one of the original Leinenkugel breweries and is still proudly producing union made Leinenkugel beer today. In fact, Leinenkugel's is not only one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the United States; it is also the 4th largest craft brewer in our country. Leinenkugel Brewing Company has also been a dynamic driver of tourism in my district and across the state of Wisconsin. The brewery's visitor center, the Leinie Lodge, draws over 125,000 visitors annually making it one of the most prominent tourist destinations in our great state of Wisconsin. Leinenkugel's success, however, is not only because they manufacture great tasting beer, but it's also because they embody the Wisconsin notion of service to others. The Leinenkugel family has a long history of public service, dating back to World War II when Bill Leinenkugel served as a United States Marine in the South Pacific. It was this same passion for service that propelled Bill's 40-year career with the brewing company. Two of Bill's sons, the fifth generation of the family to work for the brewery, Jake and Dick also served as officers in the United States Marine Corps. In addition to their service as Marines, Dick Leinenkugel served as a County Board Supervisor in Waukesha County, WI and as Wisconsin's Secretary of Commerce from 2008 until 2010. Jake Leinenkugel is retired from the company but continues to honor the Leinenkugel tradition of service as a Senior White House Advisor to the Veterans Administration. The dedication for community involvement and support has been passed down through generations and continues to shape the way in which the Leinenkugel family does business in western Wisconsin today. Whether it's brewing Leinenkugel beer in Chippewa Falls, WI or serving our country in the Marines, the Leinenkugel family consistently represents the hardworking values of all Wisconsinites. With this in mind, I'd like to raise a Summer Shandy and congratulate the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and Leinenkugel family on 150 years of dedicated service to western Wisconsin.
HONORING FOOTBALL PIONEER TOM FLORES
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-7-28

I am pleased to introduce a resolution for Tom Flores urging he be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. prgtoken Tom Flores had an outstanding and successful career, both as a quarterback and as a head coach. This resolution pays tribute to his inspiring athletic talents. prgtoken Flores became the first Hispanic starting quarterback in professional football history and played on two Super Bowl-winning teams. Also, he was the first Hispanic head coach to win two Super Bowls, a feat he accomplished on two separate teams, and he became the first Hispanic manager in the National Football League. He left with an impressive lifetime record and an 8-3 playoff record. prgtoken Tom has been a trailblazer for Hispanics in the NFL and has motivated a generation of new players by showing they can compete and win. Let's enter this trailblazer into the Hall of Fame.
RECOGNIZING MAYTHA SEBASTO IN CELEBRATION OF HER 80TH BIRTHDAY
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today in celebration of Mrs. Maytha Sebasto's 80th birthday. Maytha is a beloved wife, mother, teacher, and friend to many. prgtoken Maytha Sebasto was born in Merced, California to M.O. and Bertha Richards. Her parents were true pioneers and farmed in Merced and later in the LeGrand area. Maytha graduated LeGrand High School in 1955 and went on to Fresno State where she earned her degree in elementary education in 1960. While in high school, Maytha belonged to her local 4-H club and was a member of Job's Daughters and President of the Girls League. prgtoken Maytha began teaching at LeGrand Elementary School in the fall of 1958 with a provisional credential. Her teaching philosophy was simple: Always give your students a strong foundation for their future success. prgtoken In 1960 she taught at Eastin Arcola in Madera County and then in 1961 she joined Fresno Unified School District, teaching primary grades at Tielman Elementary, Birney Elementary and Columbia. Maytha joined the faculty at Ewing Elementary in 1967. In 1990 she joined the faculty at Ayer Elementary where she remained until her retirement after more than 35 years of teaching. Maytha was beloved by her students and spent the last 15 years of her career teaching Kindergarten. prgtoken Maytha caught the eye of a young soldier, Alfred Sebasto at a church party. The two were married on December 29, 1962. For the first year of their marriage, Maytha and Alfred lived in Augsburg, Germany, where Alfred was stationed in the U.S. Army. Thereafter, the two moved back to the Sebasto Family Farm on the Eastside of Fresno County to raise their family. Maytha and Alfred are the proud parents of two loving daughters, Theresa and Alfreda. prgtoken Maytha not only assists her husband in the family farming operation, but she also volunteered for the Farm Bureau ``Ag in the Classroom'' program, teaching students and teachers more about the industry of agriculture and its importance to our community. Since her retirement from teaching, Maytha has become an accomplished water color artist. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Maytha Sebasto as she celebrates her 80th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family continued health and happiness.
TRIBUTE TO GEORGE ECCARIUS
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-7-31

today I recognize George Eccarius, an intern in my Rapid City, SD, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. prgtoken George is a graduate of St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City. Currently, he is attending the University of Oregon, where he is majoring in business. George is a dedicated worker who has been committed to getting the most out of his experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to George Eccarius for all of prgtoken the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO CONNOR HIGGINS
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-7-31

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Connor for his hard work as an intern in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Connor is a native of Nevada. He currently attends Linfield College, where he is studying political science. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Connor for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
NOMINATION OF KEVIN NEWSOM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-31

this week the Senate will continue considering a number of nominations, beginning with Kevin Newsom of Alabama to serve as judge on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Mr. Newsom has earned bipartisan support, having been voted out of the Judiciary Committee 18 to 2. As Chairman Grassley pointed out prior to that vote, several lifelong and s have penned letters to the committee touting Mr. Newsom's ``professionalism and qualifications.'' He is an ``exceptionally accomplished nominee,'' Chairman Grassley said, ``who spent the last 20 years building an impressive legal resume.'' prgtoken That resume includes things like clerking for an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, serving as Alabama's solicitor general, and earning an appointment to the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules. prgtoken For his exceptional work, Mr. Newsom has garnered a number of awards from the legal community. The American Lawyer magazine has included him on its list of America's top 50 litigators under age 45. Chambers USA has ranked him Band 1 for appellate litigation. The National Association of Attorneys General has awarded him on several occasions the Best Brief Award for his briefing before the Supreme Court. prgtoken During his impressive legal career, Mr. Newsom has argued four cases before the Supreme Court, filed amicus briefs in many other cases, and argued more than 35 cases in Federal circuit courts. prgtoken As indicated by his distinguished professional background, Mr. Newsom will be an excellent addition to the court. I look forward to supporting his nomination today and confirming him to the Eleventh Circuit later this week. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO PETER JOHN CAMINO
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-7-31

I wish to speak on behalf of Peter John Camino, who is being inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Every year since 1992, Wyoming has recognized individuals who have made substantial contributions to agriculture in our State. As a third-generation rancher dedicating much of his life to Wyoming's agriculture industry, Peter John is well deserving of this honor. prgtoken Peter John grew up on his ranch that his grandfather founded near Buffalo, WY. After attending college, he joined prgtoken the military and served honorably for several years. Ultimately, the ranch lifestyle called him home and he returned to Wyoming to take over the family operation. Peter John has said the sheep business was thriving upon his return and fondly remembers the community support and good times. prgtoken Fortunately for Wyoming, Peter John not only stuck with the agriculture industry during the good times, but took on leadership positions and persevered through the hard times as well. Peter John served as president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association and played a crucial role in strengthening the organization. He has been described by coworkers and friends as a courageous leader who would always take time to listen to members of the organization. As president, he guided the sheep industry through some tough times and advocated for its cause at the local and Federal levels. prgtoken Leadership, courage, and collaboration are only some of the admirable qualities Peter John possesses. He has also shown dedication and selflessness while volunteering in his community and passing on his knowledge of the agriculture industry to younger generations. In addition to volunteering with his church and Knights of Columbus, serving on the board for Johnson County Fire District, and advising the University of Wyoming's Sheep Program, he also serves as sheep superintendent for the Johnson County Fair and often invites schoolkids to his ranch to teach them about ranching, the sheep industry, and the value of wool. prgtoken I want to extend my congratulations to Mr. Camino and thank him for his service and years of hard work. Peter John truly lives the ``Code of the West,'' and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize his achievements as an inductee into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Wyoming is well served by his lasting and continuing contributions to our State.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-7-31

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
NOMINATION OF KEVIN NEWSOM
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-31

today I want to speak briefly about the nomination of Kevin Newsom to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals from Alabama. prgtoken I intend to support Mr. Newsom's nomination. Mr. Newsom is currently in private practice in Birmingham. He previously served as the solicitor general of Alabama. He also clerked for Justice Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court and graduated from Harvard Law School and Samford University. The American Bar Association has unanimously rated him ``well qualified.'' prgtoken My support for Mr. Newsom's nomination does not mean that this is a judicial nominee that I would have necessarily chosen. There are aspects of Mr. Newsom's record that concern me. prgtoken For example, in private practice, Mr. Newsom published an article in which he was extremely critical of the doctrine known as substantive due process. This is the doctrine the Supreme Court invoked in protecting the right to use contraception, a women's right to choose, and the right to same-sex marriage. prgtoken Additionally, as solicitor general of Alabama, Mr. Newsom filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court in the case Rasul v arguing that Federal courts did not have jurisdiction to hear habeas claims from foreign nationals who were captured overseas and detained at Guantanamo Bay. The Supreme Court ruled against Mr. Newsom's position in a 6-3 decision. prgtoken Lastly, while Mr. Newsom was in private practice, he filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case Roper v. Simmons, where he urged the Court to reject a brightline rule prohibiting capital punishment for children under the age of 18. His work on this case followed several other cases where, as solicitor general of Alabama, he had argued against procedural rights for individuals on death row. prgtoken As I consider this nominee, I have to balance these positions--which do concern me--with other aspects of Mr. Newsom's nomination. Here, we have a nominee unanimously rated ``well qualified'' by the American Bar Association. His home-State Senators have returned blue slips and support his nomination. Although some outside groups have expressed concerns, no outside group has officially opposed his confirmation. prgtoken As a result, I voted to invoke cloture on Mr. Newsom's nomination today. My decision on every nominee will be based on that nominee's individual record. prgtoken I also want to briefly remind my colleagues why we are even considering Mr. Newsom's nomination in the first place. prgtoken In February 2016, President nominated Alabama U.S. District Court Judge Abdul Kallon for this very same vacancy on the Eleventh Circuit. prgtoken Today Mr. Newsom was voted on because Senators Shelby and Strange returned blue slips for his nomination. prgtoken I would like the Senate to also know that we held a hearing just last week that included Judge Ralph Erickson to be a judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals because Senators Hoeven and Heitka
Venezuela (Executive Session)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-7-31

we have chaos in Venezuela. It is a protracted crisis in Venezuela, which took yet another turn for the worse yesterday. prgtoken Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pushed ahead with a vote to form a constitutional assembly despite the vehement opposition of the Venezuelan people and overwhelming international criticism. It became a sham vote. Only about 10 percent of the population voted. The opposition stayed home. Plain and simple, the vote was illegal, and it was rigged. Once again, on the streets and at the ballot box, the Venezuelan people have made themselves heard loud and clear. Two weeks ago, more than 7 million Venezuelans voted against even holding this vote, and, yesterday, millions of people stayed home. prgtoken Maduro wants to rewrite Venezuela's Constitution so that he can cling to power, and yesterday's vote was only the latest attempt to undermine, if not to completely undo, Venezuela's democracy. He continues to crack down on protesters, killing more than 100 and injuring and arresting thousands more. His thugs have raided homes and terrorized the opposition's families. He has tried to strip the National Assembly of its powers, undercut the Attorney General, and he has co-opted the courts. His thugs attacked the National Assembly and injured opposition lawmakers. He blocked a lawful referendum to recall his election. prgtoken His cronies steal the country's money and enrich themselves. All the while, the Venezuelan people suffer. The people go hungry; children are malnourished; there are no staple products--no medicines, no medical supplies for the people. Of course, you know who gets the food and the medical treatment. It is the privileged few--the Maduro ones whom he protects. This is Venezuela's tragic reality. prgtoken Maduro has made himself a dictator, and he and his cronies are bent on turning Venezuela's once vibrant democracy and once vibrant economy into a Cuban-style regime. Nevertheless, the Venezuelan people, in the face of violence, oppression, and deprivation, continue to fight for their democracy--for the little bit of freedom they have left. They are doing everything they can--at great risk to themselves and their families--to save their democracy and, thus, to save their country. The task just got a lot harder. prgtoken The issue before us is what we can do to support them since Maduro has now installed himself with this fake referendum on the National Assembly. What can we do to keep Maduro from being the dictator he is? prgtoken What we need to do is to condemn the National Assembly as the sham that it is. It also means the United States increasing the pressure on the Maduro regime. I just spoke this afternoon with the Treasury Department. The United States announced a little earlier this afternoon that it has frozen Maduro's assets. I expect at least two other countries to follow suit--and probably more after they do. This is an important step, and I
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-7-31

our public schools are critical National infrastructure. They play a central role in our Democracy--educating the next generation, serving as polling places for our elections, hosting community meetings and events, and so much more. As we consider the components of a new major Federal investment in infrastructure, we cannot afford to leave our public schools behind. That is why I am proud to be introducing the School Building Improvement Act with my colleagues Senators Brown, Cortez Masto, Hassan, Warren, Whitehouse, Hirono, and Cardin. prgtoken Safe, healthy, modern, well-equipped schools are essential for advancing student achievement and ensuring that the next generation is prepared to meet the economic, social, environmental, and global challenges our Nation faces. Yet, too many of the over 50 million students and six million staff who learn and work in our public schools, spend their days in facilities that fail to make the grade. A 2014 Department of Education study estimated that it would cost $197 billion to bring all public schools into ``good'' condition. Nationally, there is also a $38 billion funding gap in annual capital construction and new facility funding, as reported in the 2016 State of Our Schools report. Despite the benefits and need, however, Federal funding accounts for 0.2% of the total current capital investment in our schools. prgtoken Addressing this need is the right thing to do for our students and our communities. Moreover, it will give a needed boost to our economy, putting people to work in family sustaining jobs. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, every $1 billion spent on construction generates 17,785 jobs. prgtoken There are plenty of examples in Rhode Island of the urgent need for additional investment in school facilities. My hometown of Cranston recently reported $190 million in school facility deficiencies--a startling figure. In the weeks ahead, the Rhode Island Department of Education will publish a report detailing the infrastructure shortfalls in school districts across the state. Our students and community members do not have to be convinced about the need for investing in school facilities. This spring, students, educators, and community leaders gathered in Providence to talk about our schools. One participant said, ``The condition of the buildings is a value statement about how we feel about our students. We must have buildings that are warm, safe, and dry.'' The Federal government needs to be a partner in helping Rhode Island and other States in closing school infrastructure funding gaps. prgtoken The School Building Improvement Act of 2017 will create a Federal- State partnership for school infrastructure. It will provide, over ten years, a total of $100 billion in direct grants and school construction bonds to help fill the annual gap in school facility capital needs, while creating nearly two million jobs. prgtoken Speci
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-7-31

. Thank you, . prgtoken First, on the matter of healthcare. I sincerely and truly hope the events of last week are a turning point. I hope they steer this body toward a period of greater bipartisanship. We sure could use it because the problems in our healthcare system did not end last week. We know that the Affordable Care Act wasn't perfect. We want to keep what works--and there are a lot of good things in it--and we want to fix what doesn't. We have a lot of work to do on that front. prgtoken Our first order of business should be to stabilize the individual market and then both parties should work together through regular order through committees to discuss other improvements. Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray have indicated they want to work together, have public hearings, and do this the right away. I am hopeful Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Wyden, both of whom have proven themselves willing and able to work across party lines, also will be willing to work closely together to address broader problems with our healthcare system. prgtoken Let me repeat. The first order of business should be to stabilize the individual market, which has been racked by uncertainty. prgtoken Right now, as insurers prepare to lock in their rates and plans for 2018, the administration is dangling a massive sword of Damocles over the heads of millions of Americans, threatening to end payments the administration is supposed to make that would lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for so many Americans. These payments are critical to keeping healthcare costs down and keeping the markets stable. Remember, AHIP--the largest trade group of insurers--has said the uncertainty about these payments is ``the single most destabilizing factor in the individual market.'' That is not Chuck Schumer or some saying it, it is the insurers saying it. Make no mistake, by refusing these payments, President is sabotaging our healthcare system. He is actively trying to make it collapse, taking out his political loss on the American people. That is not being Presidential; that is small, it is vindictive, and it will hurt millions of Americans he has sworn to help. prgtoken In Pennsylvania and North Carolina, insurers have filed two separate sets of possible rates for 2018; one if the payments are made and one if they are not. If the payments are not made, premiums would be 20 percent higher. prgtoken Let's repeat that. If the payments are not made, if President follows through on his vindictive idea of not making the payments, premiums will be 20 percent higher for the people of North Carolina and Pennsylvania. So if President does not guarantee these payments permanently, Americans will have to pay a tax on their premiums next year. prgtoken Let me say that again. If President does not guarantee these payments, Americans will be paying a tax of 20 percent higher p