mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRUMP'S REFUGEE ACTIONS
Mark Sanford (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-1-31

I thank the gentleman from Texas for the way that, on a nightly basis, he comes down to the well and helps inform people. Jefferson, in the writings of our Founding Fathers, talked about how important it was to have an informed electorate. prgtoken I just really appreciate the way the gentleman gives people clarity and information that they can then digest and make their decisions with. That process of informing is, I think, a vital part of the politic. He does it on the daily basis, and I appreciate it. His doing so matters to me and to the people that I represent. prgtoken I appreciate so much the gentleman's yielding because I want to talk just a couple of minutes about a bill that I introduced today entitled the REAL ID Privacy Protection Act. prgtoken It is a bipartisan bill. It is supported from the side by people like Mark Meadows. It is supported on the ic side by like Chellie Pingree from Maine. I think they do so because it is a commonsense bill that gets at some of the deficiencies that one can find in REAL ID. prgtoken Quite specifically, what it does is eliminate the requirement that your personal documentation and documents be held and archived, in essence, prgtoken in warehouses for 10 years. It will not require your stuff to be out in government databases for 10 years. Secondly, it eliminates the requirement that the DMV databases be co-linked. Thirdly, it creates uniformity with regard to the way in which extensions are granted. prgtoken So the bottom line is your driver's license could still be used to get you in the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort or it could be used to go into Joint Base Charleston or a whole host of other facilities around this country. More significantly, for the average flying public, you could still use your driver's license next year to be able to get on a plane in the United States of America. prgtoken Why is all this important? prgtoken It is important because individual privacy matters. It is important because equal treatment under the law matters. It is important because the 10th Amendment really matters. States have a role in which the Founding Fathers intended the Federal Government to fit with the State government, to fit with local government, and to fit with individual prerogative. prgtoken Now let's examine each one of those couple of things. One, if you look at South Carolina driver's licenses, just as an example, they are secure. We have holograms. We have barcodes. We have a whole host of different things that create security. prgtoken Yet, in the wake of 9/11, what the Federal Government, Homeland Security, and others decided at that time was that, in essence, what they wanted was a de facto national ID card and for the Federal Government to, in essence, federalize what had previously been a State function, with State's issuing driver's licenses. prgtoken There is not a Federal driver's license. Texas has driver's licenses, Sou
SECURING THE CITIES ACT OF 2017
Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-1-31

I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 655) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Securing the Cities program to enhance the ability of the United States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials that pose a high risk to homeland security in high-risk urban areas, and for other purposes.
INTRODUCTION OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE FINAL RULE OF THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELATING TO MITIGATION POLICY
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-1-31

I rise today to introduce legislation disapproving of the Compensatory Mitigation Policy (CMP) rule finalized in the final days of the administration. On December 23, 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its final Endangered Species Act (ESA) CMP, which violates existing environmental law and puts future economic development across the country at risk. This rule establishes policies that are a significant departure from existing practices regarding compensatory mitigation and limits private-sector, voluntary involvement in developing compensatory mitigation plans. My legislation utilizes the Congressional Review Act to block this dangerous rule and will prevent the potential catastrophic impacts it would have on our nation's economy. prgtoken The CMP exceeds USFWS' statutory authority by adopting the mitigation goals of ``net conservation gain'' and ``no net loss,'' which are not grounded in federal statute. This directive is a significant departure from existing practice and runs counter to current law. The policy will lead to an extensive, time-consuming valuation process in which development projects are required to initiate an assessment process, as well as undertake advance mitigation that could tie up many economic projects in burdensome, costly procedures. prgtoken This overbroad policy could jeopardize an extensive range of economic development activities in every corner of the U.S while also impacting a wide-range of industries, including: agriculture, forestry, mining, natural resource development, energy production, conservation projects, and building and road construction. The final CMP will also have significant strategic, legal, and financial implications for development projects large and small, while ensnaring future economic growth in a maze of permitting setbacks and bureaucratic red-tape. prgtoken We must protect our country's economic future and ensure burdensome rules and regulations promulgated by a bloated bureaucracy do not threaten desperately needed job creation and economic growth. The integrity of the law is threatened by misguided federal policies like the USFWS's CMP rule, and I urge all members to join me in supporting this legislation to block yet another oppressive and overreaching regulation promulgated by the previous administration.
RECOGNIZING SCOTT GRAVES, STAFF DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-1-31

I rise today to recognize Scott Graves, the outgoing Staff Director of the House Committee on Agriculture. You have heard a lot of fine things about Scott today, and all of them are deserved. Instead of talking about what Scott has done for the members of the Ag Committee, or the greater agricultural sector, which would keep me here into next week, I would like to recognize Scott for what he has meant to my staff and to me. When I arrived here some two years ago I knew a fair bit about farming. I've been growing rice, corn and soybeans in the fertile lands of Northeast Louisiana most of my life. Scott has helped me take that experience and apply it to crafting our Nation's agriculture policies. Policies that help farmers and producers grow the finest commodities in the world and deliver them to dinner tables across the planet. Scott and his staff have been instrumental in helping my staff and I understand the finer intricacies of these policies and practices. They have gone to great lengths to help me, and all the members of the Committee, work to make sure the American farmer can not only endure, but prosper. Scott has spent 12 years working on Ag policy on the Hill, and his absence over at 1301 Longworth will be profoundly felt by many, myself included.
HONORING CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OFFICER WILLIAM ``RYAN'' OWENS
Scott Taylor (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-1-31

I rise to honor Chief Special Warfare Officer William ``Ryan'' Owens and his wife and his children. prgtoken The Department of Defense announced his death January 28 in the Arabian peninsula after wounds sustained in a raid against al Qaeda. It should also be noted that two others were wounded in the raid and three others injured in a crash landing. prgtoken I looked for my own words today, but I came across the profound writing of Andrew Stumpf, and I shall recite his powerful words today in honor of Chief Owens and his family: ``A Debt That Cannot Be Repaid.'' ``In a country that most would struggle to find on a map, in a compound that few possess the courage to enter, men from my previous life took the fight to our enemy. ``In that compound, they found men that pray five times a day for your destruction. Those men don't know me, they don't know you, and they don't know America. They don't understand our compassion, our freedoms, and our tolerance. I know it may seem as if those things are currently missing, but they remain, and I know they will return. Our capacity for them is boundless, and is only dwarfed by their hatred for you. They don't care about your religious beliefs; they don't care about your political opinions. They don't care if you sit on the left or the right, liberal or conservative, pacifist or a warrior. They don't care how much you believe in diversity, equality, or freedom of speech. ``I'm sorry that you have never smelled the breath of a man who wants to kill you. I am sorry that you have never felt the alarm bells ringing in your body, the combination of fear and adrenalin, as you move towards the fight, instead of running from it. I am sorry you have never heard someone cry out for help, or cried out for help yourself, relying on the courage of others to bring you home. I am sorry that you have never tasted the salt from your own tears, as you stand at flag draped coffins, burying men you were humbled to call your friends. I don't wish those experiences on you, but I wish you had them. It would change the way you act, it would change the way you value, it would change the way you appreciate. You become quick to open your eyes, and slow to open your mouth. ``Most will never understand the sacrifice required to keep men from that compound away from our doorstep, but it would not hurt you to try. It would not hurt you to take a moment to respect the sacrifices that others make on your behalf, whether they share your opinions or not. It would not hurt you to take a moment to think of the relentless drain on family, friends, and loved ones that are left behind. Ideas are not protected by words. Paper may outline the foundation and principles of this nation, but it is blood that protects it. ``In that compound, a man you have never met gave everything he had, so that YOU, have the freedom to think, speak, and act however you choose. He went there for all of us, whether you
RUSSIA DECRIMINALIZES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-31

. Madam , according to a Russian proverb: ``If he beats you, it means he loves you.'' In Russia, that has become the norm. Forty percent of all violent crimes in Russia are done within the home. 36,000 people are beaten by their partners every day. prgtoken Madam , this is disturbing; but the Russian Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to decriminalize domestic violence if it does not cause substantial bodily harm and does not happen more than once a year. So, if a husband beats his wife once a year, that is fine, sayeth the lords of Siberia. prgtoken Madam , domestic violence is not just a family issue; it is a human rights issue. As a lifelong advocate for victims, our societies and countries must recognize the devastating effect of domestic violence. It tears at the fabric of society--and not legalize it, but stop this nightmare wherever it is. prgtoken Like my grandmother always taught me, you never hurt somebody you claim you love. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
Patient Freedom Act (Executive Calendar)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-1-31

the big debate right now, as we all know in our country, is this: How do we repeal and replace Care? prgtoken It is pretty clear that the American people want something done. They voted, ever since the bill was passed, for those who opposed Care and had a desire to both repeal and replace, culminating in the election of President . prgtoken Now, I and Susan Collins, as well as others, have introduced something called the Patient Freedom Act, which is our attempt to replace Care. But what I want to emphasize here is the bill's emphasis upon federalism. The key feature is that we take power from Washington, DC, and give it back to patients and back to State capitols. prgtoken We think that we find plenty of examples where Washington has done that, allowing States to be the laboratories of democracy. It has worked out well for all. prgtoken First, let's look at the parameters that President has laid out. President says he wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act but replace it with something which covers everyone, takes care of preexisting conditions, does not have mandates, and lowers cost. Those are the marching orders, as far as I am concerned. With the Patient Freedom Act, we attempt to achieve President 's goals. prgtoken Now, how do we do that? Under our bill, Congress would pass legislation this year which next year would give States one of three options. prgtoken The Patient Freedom Act has something we call the better choice. That would be one option that States could choose. But really, a State would have the choice to say nothing: We don't want anything from the Federal Government. Good-bye. Get out of here. That is one option the State has, and the last option the State has is to stay with the status quo-- or the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken We have actually gotten a little bit of criticism for that from conservatives, and I am saying: Why? This is federalism. prgtoken We are going to repeal the Care taxes and penalties. We are repealing that. But if a State and a State capitol wants to reinstitute taxes and penalties upon the people in its State and upon the businesses in that State, God bless them. I think it is a mistake, but they should have that choice. In fact, they have that choice now. All we are saying is that you can exercise the right that you currently possess. prgtoken The States would choose in 2018. They would implement their choice in 2019. By 2020, Care would be repealed and replaced. That is our goal: to repeal and replace while achieving President 's goals of insuring all, taking care of those with preexisting conditions, without mandates and at a lower cost. prgtoken Now, by the way, let's talk a little bit about federalism. Conservatives have always thought the 10th Amendment, which grants the States every responsibility not delegated to the Federal Government, is an important consideration. That is what we are embraci
Program (Executive Calendar)
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-1-31

. The Senate is about to adjourn. prgtoken Under the standing order, we will convene at 12 noon tomorrow. Following the prayer and pledge, we will resume consideration of the Tillerson nomination post-cloture. prgtoken For the information of all Senators, the post-cloture time on the Tillerson nomination will expire at approximately 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, and the Senate will vote on confirmation at that time.
HONORING THE LIFE OF STANLEY RUSS
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-1-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of one of Arkansas's great leaders and a dear friend, former State Senator Stanley Russ, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 86. prgtoken Born and raised in Conway, Arkansas, Stanley served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war before becoming a State senator for 25 years. prgtoken Stanley received numerous awards for his work, including being named of one of the Ten Outstanding State Legislators in the United States by the Assembly of State Governmental Employees. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Conway Chamber of Commerce and was elected into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction as well as the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. prgtoken Our State and Faulkner County will miss Stanley's smile, his enthusiasm and ability to get things done to enrich the lives of all Arkansans. prgtoken I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his family and loved ones.
INMATE MANNING
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-1-31

. Madam , I rise to share my disgust and contempt for the former President's decision to commute the sentence of inmate Manning, formerly known as Bradley Manning. Manning's commutation was even opposed by President 's Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter. prgtoken According to press reports, after Manning released over 450,000 Army field reports and intelligence reports, plus over 200,000 diplomatic cables, the Taliban went on a killing spree--taking out everyone who seemed to fit the description of individuals working with the U.S. It was indiscriminate killing. prgtoken Madam , we are hearing the usual handwringing this morning from President 's critics about the impacts of his executive order on those who helped us in Iraq and Afghanistan. These individual voices would be much more credible if they had criticized President for his irresponsible commutation of inmate Manning. prgtoken President may be gone, thankfully, but we are still suffering from his irresponsible decisions. Change has finally come to America, Madam . Manning and other enemies of our Nation should be on notice.
Nomination of Neil Gorsuch (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-2-1

I am proud to have a chance to speak in support of your fellow Coloradan, Neil Gorsuch, President 's nominee to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. prgtoken Clearly, we all understand this is an important decision and an important institution. The Supreme Court is the only Court specified in the Constitution and often the final arbiter of how the Constitution and the law is to be applied. In the history of the Court, in the history of the country, only 112 individuals have had the honor to serve on the Supreme Court. As we debate the qualifications and qualities of the person who has been nominated, and I hope to see confirmed as the 113th person to serve as an Associate Justice or a Justice on the Court, it is really vital we understand that we have a nominee who has a deep understanding and appreciation of the role of the Court and the role the Court plays in our democracy. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch embodies these principles through a lifetime of service, and he has really prepared himself in many unique ways for this moment. He graduated from Columbia University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. After law school, Judge Gorsuch served as a Supreme Court clerk to two different Justices, Justice Byron White and Justice Anthony Kennedy. It has been pointed out that if Judge Gorsuch is confirmed to serve on the Court, he will be the first person ever to serve with someone for whom he clerked, and hopefully he and Justice Kennedy will have an opportunity to serve together. prgtoken After clerking on the Court, he went on to a successful career in private law prgtoken practice, spending 10 years litigating a broad range of complex trials and appeals. prgtoken In 2004, just in case his Harvard law degree wasn't enough, as a Marshall scholar, he received a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford University. prgtoken At every point in his preparation, it has been understood he was at the top of that preparatory activity. He has served his country in the Justice Department, working as the Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General. In 2006, 10 years ago, President nominated him to serve on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. At the time of his nomination, the American Bar Association gave him a unanimous ``well qualified'' rating, the highest rating. The Senate then confirmed his nomination unanimously by a voice vote. prgtoken Today I believe the Senate has 11 serving with us who were part of that unanimous process. In his decade on the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals bench, Judge Gorsuch has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and interpreting the Constitution as its authors intended. prgtoken I am confident he will continue to adhere to the Constitution, apply the rule of law, and not legislate from the bench. I think he understands, as Justice Scalia did, that the job of a Justic
Nomination of Neil Gorsuch (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-1

finally, on Monday, the Senate moved forward with the nomination of Rex Tillerson to be the next Secretary of State. His confirmation before this Chamber to serve as our top diplomat should have been a no-brainer, but we know that our ic colleagues are still trying to relitigate the election of November 8, and because their preferred candidate lost, they are now trying to do everything they can to slow-walk and to hamper the ability of the winner, President , to get his Cabinet up and running to govern the country. While they think they may be hurting the President and his administration, what they are really doing is hurting the American people whom the government serves. I hope they will reconsider. prgtoken It is really sad it has taken this long due to the foot-dragging of our colleagues across the aisle who are sort of in a resistance mode. I really do believe it is like the stages of grief, like the Kubler-Ross stages, where the first one, of course, is denial, the second is anger, and then ultimately you get to acceptance. But they are a long way to acceptance, and they are still in the anger phase of their grieving the outcome of the November 8 election. prgtoken When the shoe was on the other foot, we confirmed seven of President 's Cabinet nominees on the day he was inaugurated--January 20, 2009--but apparently this is the new normal. prgtoken I just hope our ic colleagues realize that this is not serving the public interest, and it is not, frankly, good politics, it strikes me, to be so angry and throw a temper tantrum--or, as I said yesterday to some folks, growing up, people used to talk about throwing a hissy fit, and this really strikes me as throwing a hissy fit. prgtoken Much has been made of Rex Tillerson's incredible leadership role in a major corporation. Obviously, he has done a tremendous job for one of the largest businesses in the world. He was working for the shareholders of that corporation in that capacity. Now his enormous experience and aptitude and talent are going to be put to work for the American Nation and for the American people. prgtoken I believe that not only is he a person of conviction and competence, he is also a man of character. He believes in putting this country first, and I have no doubt he will serve the United States with great integrity and care. prgtoken It is none too early for us to transition to somebody of his great qualifications and experience. Our country is no longer respected by many of our friends around the world because we have withdrawn from international leadership. We are no longer feared by our adversaries, who are all too quick to fill the leadership vacuum around the world-- Russia being perhaps the most obvious example not only in Crimea and in Ukraine but obviously in Syria and now in Libya. It is dangerous. It is destabilizing. So I am very pleased that we will have a new Secretary of State and a ne