mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BATTLING THE WILDFIRES THAT PLAGUE CALIFORNIA
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-9-27

let me start by thanking the thousands of firefighters who, each year, put their lives at risk to battle wildfires like those that have plagued California and other western States. We owe it to them, as well as to the American people, to use every measure available to fight fires in ways that reduce the risk to those firefighters and the risk of losing lives and property among our population. prgtoken Just in the last year, and that is in 2018, wildfires in California burned 1,117,000 acres. Nationally, there was 6.5 million acres burned. In California, we had six fatalities. Nationally, there were 16 fatalities. California property losses were 2,356 houses--those are people's homes--and 1,239 nonresidential buildings. prgtoken On that note, today, I would like to draw the attention of my colleagues and the American people to what I consider to be an inexcusable roadblock that is stopping the implementation of new, innovative, and tested effective firefighting technology. prgtoken In 2008, I helped secure funding for research and testing of the technology that ultimately became Precision Containerized Aerial Delivery System, or PCADS. prgtoken It was designed specifically for military aircraft, including the C- 17s and the C-130s and others as well. It has been tested over the years and proven to deliver massive amounts of water or fire retardant onto fires using GPS and other expertise. It is safer, more accurate, and much more effective than traditional aerial firefighting. prgtoken Yet a decade later, this technology has not been put to use despite the Air National Guard's report determining that the PCADs are operationally effective and appropriate for the use of C-130 firefighting aircraft or military aircraft that can be made for firefighting. This has been deemed operational, yet for the last 8 months, while we have lost all of these homes and all of these lives, hundreds of these aircraft, C-130s and C-17s, have sat on the tarmac. prgtoken This aircraft was designed for military use, but without modification, can save the lives and homes of American citizens throughout this country who are victimized by wildfires and other types of fires. The primary responsibility of our government is to protect the lives of our people with the best available tools, and it is certainly not doing so. prgtoken I include in the Record, , letters that I have written to the Director of our Air National Guard; to Secretary Mattis, the Secretary of Defense; and to Heather Wilson, the Secretary of the Air Force. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, August 30, 2018. Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, Director, Air National Guard, Washington, DC. Dear General Rice: I draw your attention to our military's bureaucratic inertia that has led to a needless loss of life an
AMERICAN INNOVATION ACT OF 2018
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-9-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Let me say to the gentleman that I am not sure how the economy works in Vermont, but I can tell you that in terms of the tax package--the original one and this one, 2.0--Florida is on fire, in terms of growth. There is more energy and more excitement about the tax thing. prgtoken Ninety percent of people are getting a tax break. For families of four in my area, it is $2,400. We have seen little or no growth for the last 10 years. Now we are at 2 to 3 percent. We have got real growth. It is tough to get the amount of workers that we now need in Florida, in general. That is pushing paychecks. prgtoken So I don't know what is going on in Vermont or different parts of the country, but I can tell you that in Florida it is making a huge difference in terms of the confidence with a lot of startups and entrepreneurs. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell).
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDI GAIASHKIBOS
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-9-27

I rise today to recognize one of Nebraska's daughters for Native American Heritage Month, Judi Gaiashkibos, a descendant of Chief Smoke Maker of the Ponca Nation, who was a signatory to an early treaty between the United States and the Ponca people in 1825. prgtoken Judi has served as the Executive Director for the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs since 1995, where she focuses on creating partnerships and coalitions with elected representatives, Tribal leaders, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. She has been the principal liaison to the Nebraska legislature in developing policy for the State's four federally recognized Tribes and all its native citizens. In 2006, she was elected as the president of the Governor's Interstate Indian Council. In fact, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts praised Judi as ``an advocate for Nebraska's first people and a loyal spokeswoman for their priorities.'' prgtoken Judi earned a bachelor of arts degree in Human Relations and completed her master's in Management, both from Doane College in Nebraska. In 2009, Judy was a lecturer and advisor for the first Native Daughters Project at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications, and is currently an adjunct professor for the second Native Daughters project, focusing on the Indian women of Oklahoma. prgtoken In her long and distinguished career, Judi has served on many advisory councils across the State, including the Nebraska Minority Justice Committee, the P-16 Leadership Council, and the Nebraska Partners in Prevention Coalition. In 2008, she was appointed to the University of Nebraska President's Advisory Council. prgtoken Additionally, Judi is a member of the Racial Profiling Advisory Committee, the U.S. Census Advisory Board, the Interchurch Ministries' Grants to American Indians in Nebraska, the Nebraska Rural Development Commission, and recently completed a 3-year term on the Board of the United Way. She is a member of the Sheldon Museum of Art's Advisory Council and, in 2012, was appointed to the Doane University Board of Trustees. prgtoken Judi is a leader. Because of her courageous leadership, she has garnered many prestigious awards, including the Douglas County Historical Society 2009 Door Keeper Award for opening new doorways in the spirit of unity, equality, and understanding. She was the 2012 recipient of the prestigious Nebraska Humanities Sower Award. She received the distinguished NEBRASKAlander Award at the 2017 annual Statehood Dinner. prgtoken An enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Judi descends from a family of great leaders and role models, and credits much of her success to their love and support. Her mother was born in 1913, and as a young girl attended the Genoa Indian School. Following this, her mother returned to the Ponca homelands and served on the Ponca Tribal Council in her thirties, at a time when non-Indian women were not ser
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-9-27

I have 4 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Gordon Hartogensis, of Connecticut, to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty prgtoken Corporation, and Gail S. Ennis, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Social Security Administration. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Honorable Brett M. Kavanaugh. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 2 p.m to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management prgtoken The Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examination of Regulatory Policy on the Economy and Business Growth.''
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-9-27

this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Throughout its half century, this landmark conservation law has played a critical role in maintaining the natural, free-flowing qualities that make the country's wild and scenic rivers so special. prgtoken The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed October 2, 1968, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, has protected rivers across the United States for recreation, salmon and fish habitat, important geology and cultural values, and countless other important benefits. This bedrock environmental law is especially important for Oregon where, in 1968, the remarkable wild Rogue River received protection as part of the first eight rivers protected by the Act. prgtoken Since then, Congress extended Wild and Scenic designations to many of Oregon's most iconic rivers, including important segments of the Chetco, the Deschutes, the Elk, the John Day, the Lostine, the Owyhee, and over 50 other rivers and streams in every corner of my State. In total, Oregon has more river segments designated than any other State in the Union, with over 1,900 miles in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. prgtoken A free-flowing, unencumbered river is truly a sight to behold, which is why I am working now to add even more miles to Oregon's already impressive list of Wild and Scenic rivers through passage of the Oregon Wildlands Act. The Oregon Wildlands Act adds a total of nearly 200 miles, including many of the important tributaries to the Rogue River and the Elk River--home to one of North America's healthiest salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout populations along the Pacific Coast--and the Molalla River, to name a few. prgtoken Over the last 50 years, Congress designated 209 units of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, totaling nearly 12,600 miles of Wild and Scenic rivers and streams in 40 States and Puerto Rico to protect and provide remarkable habitat for endangered salmon and steelhead, drinking water for millions of Americans, and recreation opportunities for countless recreation enthusiasts who come from all over the world. prgtoken This is precisely what makes the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act so important after all these years as a tool to protect, for this and future generations, the very qualities that make America's and Oregon's natural treasures so unique and wonderful. prgtoken As Henry David Thoreau noted in his book, ``A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers,'' ``He who hears the rippling of rivers in these degenerate days will not utterly despair.'' Fifty years ago, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act started as a novel idea to protect and enhance the Nation's waterways from pollution, dams, and construction that could interrupt their free-flowing condition. By 2018, it has become a remarkable success story deserving of celebration and commemoration. prgtoken As climate change and other environmental factors continue to threaten the he
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUTH SPORTS 2018 STRIVE AWARD WINNER RECOGNITION
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-9-27

my colleagues, Representatives Kind, Davis, H. Johnson, Wasserman Schultz, and I, as co-chairs and members of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, would like to honor Triangle Volleyball Club of Morrisville, North Carolina for being the winner of the 2018 S.T.R.I.V.E. (Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence) Organization of the Year Award. prgtoken Each year, the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) recognizes five finalist organizations that strongly meet the ``kids first'' approach, evidenced by their implementation of best practices and policies that protect kids and promote safety. The award, sponsored by AIG, is presented to the organization that the voters feel most exhibits heartfelt passion and shows a committed spirit to helping kids succeed in sports, while maintaining a commitment to safety procedures. This year, Triangle Volleyball Club was selected from four other excellent finalists: Baltimore SquashWise of Baltimore, Maryland; O'Fallon Little Panthers of O'Fallon, Illinois; Police Athletic League of Buffalo, New York; and Snider Youth Hockey of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Comprised of the who's who in the youth sports industry, NCYS was founded in 1979, and its membership represents more than 200 organizations and corporations serving over 60 million registered participants in organized youth sports programs. NCYS is the largest known organization in America representing the youth sports industry, and its members include organizations such as Little League Baseball, American Youth Soccer Organization, Jewish Community Centers Association of North America, YMCA of America, Pop Warner, and Special Olympics North America. prgtoken Triangle Volleyball Club is being recognized for how it places the health and safety of their athletes as their top priority while also competing at the very highest level of girls' junior club volleyball. Furthermore, Triangle Volleyball Club deserves this distinction for its commitment to educate the whole person through excellence in the sport of volleyball and the inclusion of service projects working with the disabled (veterans and young people) through sitting volleyball and leadership in adaptive sitting volleyball development and outreach. prgtoken Triangle Volleyball Club is just one example of many great youth sports organizations in this country, and we likewise commend all those that work and volunteer to allow the youth this Nation to gain the benefits of youth sports participation and helping to prepare our next generation of leaders. prgtoken We commend Triangle Volleyball Club for this wonderful achievement, and the great work they are doing.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6756, AMERICAN INNOVATION ACT OF 2018; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6757, FAMILY SAVINGS ACT OF 2018; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6760, PROTECTING...
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-9-27

I rise today to speak out against H.R. 6760, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Acts of 2018, along with the two other bills packaged into what is being called Tax Reform 2.0. H.R. 6760 is a continuation of the GOP's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was pushed into law in December 2017. This 2017 tax law is a scam on the American public, and the legislation before us today is more of the same. The fundamental problem with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is that its goal was never to help the average American. Instead, it helps out large corporations and wealthy individuals by dramatically decreasing their tax rates. H.R. 6760 doubles down on these regressive policies, doing nothing to even the playing field for millions of working Americans struggling to enter or stay in the middle class. Like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 6760 continues to favor high-income individuals over middle- and working- class Americans. prgtoken To make matters worse, H.R. 6760 adds to the large debt we have as a nation. According to the Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 6760 alone would increase the deficit by $631 billion over the next ten years. At a time when the deficit is already too high, we need to start figuring out ways to stop the deficit from growing, not adding to it. A growing deficit only means that critical benefits that Americans use every day, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will be diminished or demolished as a way to pay for this unfair and flawed tax legislation. Ending crucial benefits that Americans rely on every day is another attack on the very people who sent us here. prgtoken Instead of continuing to hurt Americans, Congress must come together to create a tax code that is fair for all American workers and the middle class. I urge my colleagues to create a tax code that evens out the playing field for American workers, strengthens working families, and helps our economy benefit all Americans.
107TH NATIONAL DAY FOR THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-9-27

today I wish to honor the people and leaders of Taiwan on their National Day to take place on October 10. The United States and Taiwan have a long history of friendship that has promoted prosperity and security on both sides of the Pacific. The U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relationship continues to grow based on our shared democratic values and common strategic interests. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of Taiwan.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Dave Brat (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-9-28

I rise today to thank Chairman Brady, Chairwoman Foxx, and Chairman Walden for addressing opioid and substance abuse disorders and their work on H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. I am grateful to my colleagues for treating the crisis with the urgency it deserves. prgtoken In my district, this crisis has affected way too many. I am also grateful that my bill, H.R. 5889, the Recognizing Early Childhood Trauma Related to Substance Abuse Act of 2018 was included in the final package before us today.
IN HONOR OF THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOLENBERGER HARDWARE
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-9-28

I rise to recognize and celebrate the 130th anniversary of Solenberger Hardware of Winchester, Virginia. Solenberger Hardware is truly the classic story of American entrepreneurialism, a story of humble beginnings, of overcoming adversity and adapting to new circumstances. prgtoken On the occasion of the company's anniversary celebration, a large, beautiful historical mural about the company has been completed that includes portraits of past company leaders and an illustration of the original store. The mural highlights one biblical expression to summarize those 130 years: ``Do to Others What You Would Have Them Do to You.'' This high standard of trustworthiness and loyalty, that was developed by each of the company's leaders, is what has set Solenberger Hardware apart. John S. Solenberger, the founder of the store in 1888, made a significant contribution to this corporate culture when, during the Great Depression, he promised his employees that he would keep them working and on the payroll, and paid in cash. Herbert Solenberger, of the following generation, treated the store's customers with such integrity that, if he found that the store had short-changed a customer, he would personally seek out the customer to repay him or her. And Herbert's brother, Hugh, developed a standard of customer service that involved training employees to be experts about the store's products and services, always approaching their work with the customer's best interest in mind. prgtoken Such extraordinary loyalty and trustworthiness have always been extended to the larger community, as well. The 1960s and 1970s were times of racial unrest in Winchester and John T. Solenberger, Hugh's son, expressed loyalty to an African-American employee by promoting him to a management position in the company, based on his merits, without being thwarted by any concerns he may have had for how such a decision might affect their business. Additionally, Solenberger Hardware annually hosts fundraising events to benefit the Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter and the Winchester Rescue Mission. prgtoken Another tradition contributing to Solenberger Hardware's resilience has been its passion for change and innovation, starting with John S.'s modifying the very nature of the Solenberger business, to current leaders John, Jr. and Cyndi Solenberger's move of the store to a place offering greater access to the customer. prgtoken The attitude of the Solenberger family has been that adversity generates change and that change is to be welcomed and encouraged. prgtoken After 130 years, can the Solenberger legacy be continued? John, Jr. and Cyndi consider themselves stewards of a business that they want to pass on to the next generations, and they are now training and mentoring Seth McManigle and Jaime Solenberger-McManigle as leadership partners of the future I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating the owners and employees of
AMERICANS BLAME MEDIA BIAS
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-9-28

several Rasmussen Reports recently polled Americans on perceptions of bias in the media on specific subjects. Their surveys found the following: prgtoken The majority (52 percent) of U.S. Voters believe reporters are trying to block the president from passing his agenda, up from 44 percent a year ago. prgtoken Voters also say politics, not issues, are driving the Kavanaugh opposition. Forty-five percent, a plurality, think the opposition to Kavanaugh is ``mostly due to partisan politics.'' ``Half of voters (47 percent) say reporters aim to defeat the Kavanaugh confirmation. . . . Just eight percent think most reporters are trying to help Kavanaugh win the Senate confirmation. . . . prgtoken The polls' figures speak for themselves. The American people feel strongly that the media is biased. And that is not good for our country.
DEPUTY SHERIFF ZACKARI SPURLOCK PARRISH, III, POST OFFICE BUILDING
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-28

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5791) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9609 South University Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as the ``Deputy Sheriff Zackari Spurlock Parrish, III, Post Office Building'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Bill Johnson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-9-28

today is the culmination of months of tireless work driven by heartbreaking stories of people whose lives were destroyed by opioid addiction, and, just as importantly, the powerful stories of hope and recovery. prgtoken I am grateful for the hard work of my colleagues and our Energy and Commerce staff. I am proud that my legislation to improve how health professional students are taught to recognize, prevent, and address addiction, as well as to expand the availability of telehealth and peer support services for those struggling with addiction is included. prgtoken , I am looking forward to continuing the hard work ahead on this very important issue, and I urge support for the bill.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-28

on behalf of the families of the Commonwealth of Kentucky which suffers from the third highest opioid overdose mortality rate in the Nation, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, and I thank the chairman for his leadership on this. prgtoken This legislation marks a critical investment to help individuals and families struggling with addiction rise above addiction and transition back into the workforce. prgtoken Specifically, H.R. 6 includes my legislation, the CAREER Act, which creates a demonstration program to promote evidence-based transitional housing that pairs recovery support with life skills, workforce training, and job placement. prgtoken I would like to thank the many nonprofits in my home State of Kentucky for inspiring this legislation.