mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of S. 1768, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2018. prgtoken The bill before us is the same text of H.R. 6650, the bill I introduced in the House earlier this year to reauthorize a Federal program that improves America's earthquake preparedness, and which the Senate agreed to accept as the final agreement. With a little indulgence, I might then say that this would be the Rohrabacher- Feinstein Earthquake bill. That is the way it goes. prgtoken For 40 years the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NEHRP, has supported efforts to assess and monitor earthquake hazards and risks across our Nation. prgtoken Four Federal agencies coordinate their earthquake activities under this program: the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These agencies assess earthquake hazards, deliver notifications of seismic events, develop measures to reduce earthquake hazards, and conduct research to help reduce overall American vulnerability to earthquakes. prgtoken The Congress last reviewed and reauthorized the program in 2004, and that law expired in 2009. Although Congress continues to appropriate funds for this important work, the legislation before us makes long overdue changes to modernize the program and make it more effective. prgtoken The bill removes outdated language related to earthquake prediction and instead emphasizes the continued development of an earthquake early-warning system. The bill also reduces various administrative burdens for Federal agencies, burdens that are disruptive to the essential mission of the program. Our approach also improves data sharing between these agencies. prgtoken Finally, the legislation provides a 5-year authorization for appropriations at the current funding level. prgtoken In my home State of California, we understand the omnipresent threat of another massive earthquake. According to the USGS, California has a 99 percent chance of being devastated by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake, or an even larger one, in the next 30 years. That is the same power as the 1994 Northridge earthquake which killed 57 people, injured more than 8,700 others, and caused damages of up to $50 billion, making it one of the costliest disasters in American history. prgtoken California is not alone. Close to 75 million people in 39 States face significant risk from earthquakes. By being prepared for future disasters we reduce our potential loss of life and property for those who would suffer those consequences. prgtoken I want to thank Senators Dianne Feinstein and Lisa Murkowski who introduced this bill in the Senate, as well as Representative Pramila Jayapal who joined me in introducing the bill in this House. I want to thank the leadership of the House Natural Resources Committee and t
SALUTING THE 2018 U.S. BORDER PATROL NATIONAL PISTOL TEAM
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-27

I salute the 2018 United States Border Patrol National Pistol Team which swept six of eight team events at the 56th Annual National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, NM. The following team members exemplify professionalism, marksmanship, and the esprit de corps found within the ranks of the United States Border Patrol: prgtoken National Program Manager-Assistant Chief Kenneth Malone prgtoken Program Support-Assistant Chief Kevin Orr prgtoken Team Captain-Watch Commander Arturo Velez prgtoken Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Shawn Becker prgtoken Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Brian Reilly prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Robert Vadasz (National Champion) prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Adam Kovatch prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Alaric Mason prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Ben Morrow prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Charles Rogers prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Andrew Signell prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Tony Simmons prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Brett Sullivan prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Jeremy David prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Joel De Leon III prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Dean Geiger prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Lilia Ferrer prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Andrew Moore prgtoken Border Patrol Agent Tracy Wong prgtoken Their success is nothing new as the USBP National Pistol Team has won more NPSC competitions than any other law enforcement agency and holds numerous team and individual national records set by past and present U.S. Border Patrol Agents. All USBP National Pistol Team members are law enforcement agents first and represent the USBP in competitions as a collateral assignment by earning their way onto the team. prgtoken The National Pistol Championships take place annually and include teams from the U.S. Armed Forces and Civilian Marksmanship Program clubs from across the nation. The Olympics of law enforcement-centric competitions, the Championships provide officers a program that promotes skill and competence with firearms at state, regional, and national levels. prgtoken I proudly commend the U.S. Border Patrol National Pistol Team for not only their work to keep our nation safe, but for their dedication and efforts on their own time which superbly represent the U.S. Border Patrol in prestigious firearms competitions. The Team showcases the very best in both law enforcement and the demanding world of precision marksmanship. I thank them for their service and I know they'll continue excelling in future firearms competitions.
RECOGNIZING GIVING TUESDAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-27

. Madam , I rise today on ``Giving Tuesday'' to recognize the importance of charitable giving, especially during this time of year. prgtoken With the Christmas and holiday season upon us, we recognize and celebrate many blessings. As we reflect on all that we have achieved and accomplished, we must also remember the less fortunate among us. ``Giving Tuesday'' began in 2012 as a day to encourage charitable giving on the heels of shopping-focused days like ``Black Friday'' and ``Cyber Monday.'' It is a dedicated day to give back. prgtoken Americans are compassionate people who care about their neighbors on ``Giving Tuesday'' and all year long. Through monetary donations or gifts of time through volunteering, we are always finding ways to give back to our communities. prgtoken But today, on ``Giving Tuesday,'' we find ways to lift up our fellow citizens. These acts of kindness and generosity highlight our American values. The best way to celebrate your blessings is to share them with others. No gift is too small and no gesture too insignificant to someone in need. prgtoken It is the American way.
COAST GUARD REAUTHORIZATION BILL
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-11-27

this evening the House of Representatives concurred in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to S. 140, legislation known as the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. The House's action clears the way for this measure to reach the President's desk. As the Coast Guard works through hurricane season and continues drug interdiction and other critical efforts, House passage of this legislation is a critical step toward supporting the men and women in uniform who guard our Nation. Among this bill's provisions is a title that addresses the need for clear and enforceable standards of incidental water discharges from vessels. Senator Carper and I reached a bipartisan agreement, included in this legislation, which places the Environmental Protection Agency in the lead role of establishing standards, which the Coast Guard will monitor and enforce. Clear, achievable rules will be the most effective way to address environmental concerns about the spread of invasive species through ballast water discharges. I am pleased to have reached this agreement, and I want to inform my colleagues that we will be submitting errata to the Committee Report on the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 Senate Report 115-89, that reflects the agreement we reached. I ask the Senator from Delaware if the Senator agrees that the modifications we negotiated over the last few months have made a significant improvement to the legislation?
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-11-28

I thank the gentleman (Mr. Lamborn) for yielding me time. prgtoken , it is an honor and truly a God-given pleasure to be here tonight to speak on the 77th anniversary of National Bible Week. prgtoken When you are among colleagues like we are here, 435 of us in the House of Representatives, I feel as though I am among 434 other friends and colleagues who celebrate like we do. prgtoken When I was 12 years old and was entering confirmation, my parents presented me with my first Bible. I still have it. It is white, it had a zipper. One of the most important memories I have that I can see every day when I open it up is the original signature of both my parents, who have since passed on, as they presented it to their son who was entering confirmation. prgtoken The first thing I did, in the middle of the Bible there was a section where you could put in your family tree, because they wanted to do that, so I wrote in my own 12-year-old handwriting at that point the family tree. And, again, it is still in the Bible, so I get a chance not only to review the Word of God, but also remembering how that affected my family as they had persevered through the Great Depression and World War II. prgtoken But when we think about what our parents and grandparents did, and our founders did to create the country that we live in today, it is important to remember that they did that. And we are blessed, so blessed, that we live in a country where we can study the Word of God and gather and worship freely without the threat of persecution. prgtoken In a time where it seems that there is no ultimate truth, we can take comfort in knowing that the truth of the Bible is unchanging and eternal. These truths do not discriminate. They are for everyone everywhere, and today is a great example of this. prgtoken Today we have Members of Congress from different regions and walks of life all coming together to celebrate the Bible as the very foundation upon which our Nation was built. This is something we must not just say, but we should live out. prgtoken Micah 6:8 says: ``And what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'' prgtoken I pray that this is a scripture that I honor not only as a Member of Congress, but in every day of my life. prgtoken The Bible has made an indelible mark on our Nation's history. From our founding to this very day, the Bible has helped guide, instruct, and inform those who have served in this great body. prgtoken John Adams may have said it best when he said: ``The Bible contains the prgtoken most profound philosophy, the most perfect morality, and the most refined policy that ever was conceived upon Earth.'' prgtoken As families in the First District of Michigan and all throughout the country gather together for the holidays, let's give thanks for our loved ones, the freedoms we have in the United States of America, and the truths of the Bible upon which our Nation w
CLAIRE SATTLER
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-11-28

I rise today to congratulate Claire Sattler on her impressive victory at the 2018 Teen Jeopardy Tournament. Claire worked very studiously leading up to and throughout the tournament. I am honored that she admirably represented our Bonita Springs community in front of a national audience. prgtoken Claire was rewarded with $100,000 which she will use to pay for her college tuition. She has applied to 14 colleges and with her work ethic and determination, I know she will succeed as she pursues higher education. prgtoken Further, she plans on donating a portion of her earnings to charities, such as Stem4Students and Immokalee's Guadalupe Center. It is fitting that she chose to give back to further education for others. Our Southwest Florida community is grateful for her contributions.
SENATE BRIEFING
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-28

for the information of all Senators, key members of the administration will be coming to the Senate at 11 a.m. this morning for an all-Members briefing with respect to Yemen and Saudi Arabia. prgtoken Senators on both sides of the aisle have legitimate concerns about the war in Yemen, the terrible humanitarian plight of Yemeni citizens caught in the crossfire, and the multiple U.S. interests wrapped up in this conflict. prgtoken The U.S.-Saudi relationship is a longstanding and critical one, but Senators on both sides of the aisle also have legitimate concerns about the recent conduct of the Saudi Government. All of us want to see our critical foreign partners behave responsibly. I have been encouraged to hear both Secretary Mattis and Secretary Pompeo call for an end to the war in Yemen and for accountability following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. So I look forward to hearing from both Secretaries today and learning more about the administration's strategy to achieve these and other important objectives.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 2644
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-28

from New Jersey and my colleague from Delaware for working together on this issue. prgtoken I rise today once again to speak in defense of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and to speak of the importance of the investigation he is leading and the attacks on our electoral system during the lead-up to the 2016 election. One wouldn't expect that such an investigation would be controversial, but somehow it warranted a tweet from the President earlier this week--one of several tweets--calling Special Counsel Mueller a ``conflicted prosecutor gone rogue'' and claiming that the ``$30 million witch hunt'' is doing nothing but ruining lives. To be clear, this is the same investigation that brought indictments for more than a dozen Russian nationalists for attempting to influence the 2016 election. Why shouldn't we be up in arms about that? Why does that warrant a tweet from the President--many tweets--trying to go after the special counsel? prgtoken The findings of this investigation are too important to our national security and the well-being of our democratic institutions to be halted or watered down. Mr. Mueller must be able to preserve the work he has done by completing this very thorough investigation, and his findings must be made public. This legislation has been proposed to ensure this outcome. prgtoken S. 2644, the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, serves one purpose: to protect the integrity of the special counsel's investigation and to prevent the executive branch from inappropriately interfering in an independent investigation in the future. prgtoken This legislation passed out of the Judiciary Committee in a bipartisan manner nearly 8 months ago. It has been awaiting action on the Senate floor ever since. It passed on May 26. Since that time, the Judiciary Committee has been busy. We have been busy here on the Senate floor. We have processed more than 50 judges and passed them here on the Senate floor. That is a good thing, but the priority now needs to be to protect the special counsel. prgtoken Some of my colleagues have said that this legislation is not necessary because there hasn't been any indication that Mr. Mueller will be removed from office. But with the President tweeting on a regular basis, a daily basis, that the special counsel is conflicted, that he is leading the so-called 12 angry , and demeaning and ridiculing him in every way, I believe to be so sanguine about the chances of him being fired is folly for us. We have already seen the forced resignation of the Attorney General the day after the election. It is clear, therefore, that something has to be done to protect Mr. Mueller's investigation. prgtoken Let me just say it wasn't just that the Attorney General was fired; it is that the investigation--or oversight for the investigation--was taken from the Deputy Attorney General, where it properly belonged and where it was before.
TRIBUTE TO SKYLER MANSELL
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-11-28

today I recognize Skyler Mansell, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work he has done on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. prgtoken Skyler is a graduate of the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. Currently, he is pursuing his master of business administration with a concentration in finance at the University of North Alabama. Skyler is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship and who has been a true asset to the office. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Skyler for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
HONORING THE 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION BOARD
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-11-28

I rise today to honor the individuals who served on our 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board. prgtoken As a Member of Congress, I have the honor of nominating young Hoosiers from Indiana's 6th Congressional District to the United States Military Service Academies. Each Member of Congress may nominate up to ten candidates for each available vacancy to the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. prgtoken Each year, the members of the 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board work with my staff and I to evaluate the applications of young men and women from our District who are seeking admittance to a military academy. During my time in Congress, we have nominated more than 90 young men and women to these academies. Many of them have since graduated and are currently serving our country. prgtoken I want to thank all of the members of the Nomination Board, including, Nate LaMar, Jan Frazier, Robert Morrow, David Martin, and Kelly Poltrack for their service. The Board's insight and experience has always been helpful to me and my staff. prgtoken I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to our country. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.
STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH CARE FRAUD PREVENTION TASK FORCE ACT OF 2018
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-11-28

I rise in support of H.R. 6753, the Health Care Fraud Prevention Task Force Act. This bipartisan bill--which I introduced with Ranking Member Frank Pallone, and is supported by Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady and Ranking Member Richard Neal--passed the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously earlier this year. This will be the 132nd bill that our committee has passed this Congress, 92 percent of which have been bipartisan just like this one. I look forward to continuing in that vein over the next two years. prgtoken By passing this bill, we will be codifying a program that already works. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) currently operates the Health Care Fraud Prevention Partnership--a voluntary collaboration between the federal government, state agencies, law enforcement, private health insurance plans, and anti-fraud associations. Together, this group works to detect and prevent fraud that threatens to undermine our nation's health care system. This program was created by the Administration, and the Administration has recommended codifying it into law. The bill before us today does just that, also strengthening and expanding the scope of partnership's work. prgtoken , I urge passage of this commonsense, bipartisan bill to improve the integrity of our nation's health care system.
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-11-28

I would like to thank Congressman Lamborn for setting aside this Special Order. prgtoken We are following up National Bible Week, so as the listeners know, National Bible Week is the week surrounding Thanksgiving. prgtoken Why is National Bible Week relevant to us today? As those of us who look at America and see storm clouds ahead, we have got to remember John Adams' statement: ``Our Constitution was only for a moral religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'' prgtoken We have to remember, if we are going to continue to enjoy the benefits we have of our Constitution, we must one more time become that moral and religious people who John Adams warned us we had to be. prgtoken One more quote from John Adams on the Bible: ``A society that adopted the Bible as its only law book and lived according to its precepts would be a utopia.'' prgtoken So, clearly, by a moral and religious people, John Adams meant a people who believe in the Bible. prgtoken Now, which parts of the Bible did our forefathers look at? There are quotes all over the place from our forefathers in the Bible. prgtoken It kind of surprised me a couple of years ago when I found out that the prgtoken book in the Bible that our forefathers quoted the most was Deuteronomy. How often, when you hear somebody quote a Bible verse, do they turn to Deuteronomy? Not very often. prgtoken Why did our forefathers turn to Deuteronomy? Because the rules and the buildup to the founding of Israel took place in the Book of Deuteronomy, which may have largely been by Moses himself. prgtoken And I will point out in the room that we are right now, we have a relief of Moses. We have 30-some reliefs of various great thinkers throughout society in this room, but whoever put together this room in the Capitol put Moses in the head position overlooking this Chamber. prgtoken Now, I will encourage listeners out there, including clergy, as they reflect on National Bible Week, to read a book of the Bible you usually don't read. Read Deuteronomy. Tell your congregation about it. It was the book that I think our forefathers felt should be read so that we could duplicate the Jewish republic, which was soon to be founded, because I think our forefathers wanted America to be a country blessed by God as well. prgtoken , I would like to thank Congressman Lamborn one more time for setting aside this time on National Bible Week.