mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Senate's Blue-Slip Tradition (Executive Session)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-5-8

first of all, I want to thank the distinguished Senator from Vermont, who has been such a role model to me since I came to the Senate--we started working together on technology issues and worked together on so many matters dealing with appropriations and finance--for all his counsel, not just on this but over the years. I thank him for the courtesy of being allowed to go next.
Nuclear Agreement with Iran (Executive Session)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-5-8

the President just announced that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The President says he wants a better deal. So do a lot of us. The fact is, we need to keep pressure on Iran with additional economic sanctions that will stop it from developing ICBM missiles. That was not part of the Iran nuclear agreement. We need to ratchet up the pressure on Iran in order to stop its ICBM missile program. prgtoken Pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal is a tragic mistake. It will divide us from our European allies, and it will allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon--a nuclear bomb--within a year, as compared to 7 to 12 years in the future if we stay in the agreement. I think keeping an atomic weapon out of a radical religious outfit like Iran, headed by an Ayatolla, is clearly in the free world's interest. Certainly, it is for the free world. Clearly, it is for the United States, as it is for all of our allies. That is why the United States had such broad support in an agreement that Iran not build a nuclear weapon. Pulling out of this agreement risks all of the unprecedented restrictions on Iran's nuclear program that are in place right now--the hundreds of visits by the IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and its ability to get in behind locked doors. Before this agreement, we never had that kind of insight into Iran. Now is the time to continue ramping up the pressure on Iran, not to back off, as pulling out of the agreement will cause us to do. prgtoken First things first, let's keep restrictions on Iran's nuclear program--the lessened enriched uranium, the complete cementing over of the plutonium plant, the ability to inspect and verify. Then what we ought to be doing is doubling down on Iran's ballistic missile program, on its regional aggression, on its support for terror, and on its human prgtoken rights violations. It was the tough U.S. and international sanctions that brought Iran to the table in the first place, and it was we in this Congress who enacted many of those economic sanctions. prgtoken To sum up, we need to put more pressure on Iran with additional economic sanctions to stop it from developing its ICBM missiles, and pulling out of the Iran nuclear agreement now is a tragic mistake. It will divide us from our European allies, and it will cause Iran to build a nuclear bomb within a year instead of preventing it from building one for at least 7 to 12 years. That seems, to me, to be a choice that we made at the time we entered this agreement. It seems to be all the more clear today that we ought to continue the agreement. prgtoken . prgtoken .
VOTE EXPLANATION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-5-8

I regret that, due to unforeseeable flight delays, I was unable to make it back here to Washington in time for the cloture vote on Kurt Engelhardt's nomination for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Had I been present, I would have voted against cloture. prgtoken His record on the district court is deeply troubling, particularly those concerning sexual harassment, religious discrimination, civil rights, and discriminating against women who choose to have children in the workforce--a right that should be open to every American woman without fear of losing one's job. In Mr. Engelhardt's court, ogling, groping, making suggestive comments, and talking about a woman's appearance do not constitute sexual harassment or a hostile work environment. In Mr. Engelhardt's court, a woman who is ordered by her doctor to be on bedrest can be fired 2 weeks after giving birth because ``the fact that Plaintiff's absences were caused by pregnancy does not dispense with the general requirement that employees must show up for work.'' prgtoken Then there is Judge Engelhardt's extremely disturbing ruling overturning the convictions of five former New Orleans police officers in the Danziger Bridge case. This was a case that was described at the time as ``the most significant police misconduct prosecution since Rodney King,'' but Mr. Engelhardt overturned the convictions because three of the prosecutors wrote anonymous blog posts, even though the judge acknowledged that there was no evidence that any of the jurors had ever read these posts. Mr. Engelhardt's ruling in the Danziger Bridge case is exactly the kind of action that makes so many Americans distrust our criminal justice system and amplifies the racial inequalities that exist in it. prgtoken Too many Americans have been denied justice in Mr. Engelhardt's court for the Members of the U.S. Senate to reward and elevate him to a position of higher authority. Therefore, I would like it to be known on the record that I oppose Judge Engelhardt's nomination to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and would have voted in the negative had I been able to be here.
HONORING JOE EDDIE HAWKINS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2018-5-8

I rise today to honor an extraordinary community pioneer, Mr. Joe Eddie Hawkins. prgtoken Joe Eddie Hawkins was born on September 21, 1953 and is still as strong in his beliefs and empathetic of the many insurmountable problems and issues that have troubled his heart for many years regarding his community and Tunica County. Yet, some are better and some are still much alive, but he continues to ``PUSH'' forward. Joe once asked the questions ``Are ``leaders'' made or born?'' He said that ``Leaders are born.'' Joe has been one of the most visible leaders and spokespersons to fight against injustice and inequality for a long saga for: better and affordable housing; better health care and of course, a better education for all; so children can read and write to help empower themselves to succeed in the world of work. prgtoken Joe was a 1971 graduate of Rosa Fort High School, located in Tunica Mississippi. Here he met Rose Mary Huddleston, then he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to continue to serve others and his country, but he was injured and received an Honorable Discharge. prgtoken Joe later married Rose in 1974, a woman of intellectual strength, God fearing and of radical faith. Four daughters were born: Ayanna, Rasheda, Jo Yarketta and Henrietta. Being a leader and even with his disabilities; he continued to persevere and received an Associate Degree in Drafting and Designing from Northwest Mississippi Junior College (NWMJC). prgtoken Joe has been a community philanthropist and on a mission for over thirty years with also great concerns about the needs and poverty of other countries and other parts of the world. prgtoken After graduating from NWMJC; Joe took on the challenge and decided to work in Tunica for the Department of Human Services (DHS) as an Eligibility Worker. Joe made home visits throughout the county and he became more aware of the great needs for housing and how many poor and underprivileged families were seen . He was very disheartened and disturbed by his observations. Joe began his work as a leader and met with other concerned citizens of this county to help solve the problems of poor housing and gruesome unsanitary conditions. prgtoken In the year of 1986, Joe was one of the pioneers of the Sugar Ditch Saga that helped the families with their transition and orchestration to 17 Trailer Houses in the Sear's Subdivision that were generated by Federal Funds. He has also written grants to build low income families better homes and aided with self-build homes for this community. A charter grant was received from USA of Africa. With the funds, Joe was instrumental in building a community store located in White Oak Subdivision by Tunica County residents of skilled builders. Jobs and skills were provided to the community and also the store is still being a benefit to the community. prgtoken In 1986, Joe was the founder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Commemorative Services. The dream i
Net Neutrality (Executive Calendar)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-5-9

I am proud to stand with my good colleague from New Hampshire and all of my colleagues today in defense of net neutrality. prgtoken Net neutrality has leveled the playing field for every American consumer, allowing everyone to access and enjoy an open internet. Thanks to the internet provided by schools and public libraries, students have been able to utilize information available online to enhance their education or help them do their homework. prgtoken I have heard from librarians and library administrators from all across Nevada expressing their concerns about the direct negative impact net neutrality's repeal would have on Nevadans. They told me that repealing net neutrality would hamper their ability to provide Nevadans with essential services. According to the Pew Research Center, ``Library users who take advantage of libraries' computers and internet connections are more likely to be young, black, female, and lower income.'' prgtoken In Nevada, I know students who don't have access to internet at home now go to the library to do their homework. Nevadans applying for jobs currently use the internet in public libraries to connect with employers to submit resumes and job applications. Many Nevadans use the internet and internet access to learn new skills through training resources that are available online. prgtoken In November of last year, I received a letter from the Las Vegas- Clark County Library District strongly opposing the repeal of net neutrality. The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is the largest in the State and serves over 1.6 million people. The letter reads: Many of our customers, even in the urban areas of the county, are not able to afford access to the internet at their homes at all, and rely on public libraries to complete their school work, research information about starting small businesses, and whatever else they need to do on the internet. prgtoken Limiting the ability of public libraries to provide fast, reliable internet service means limiting opportunities for Nevadans to thrive. prgtoken Through simple online marketing or by using online sales platforms, small businesses have the opportunity to improve their visibility and expand their customer base. prgtoken It has become possible for startup companies to get a fair chance at competing in highly saturated markets because of internet accessibility. prgtoken It is true in Nevada and all across the country that the internet has opened doors for jobs, businesses, education, innovation, and technology, and net neutrality protections have allowed the country to continue opening those doors. prgtoken As access to the internet has exploded, more and more Americans have been empowered to start their own business ventures. More specifically, there has been a sharp growth in women business owners due in large part to a freely accessible, fair and open internet. prgtoken As you have heard,
Net Neutrality (Executive Calendar)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-5-9

I am pleased to join my colleagues on the floor to very strongly support the Congressional Review Act resolution to restore net neutrality and maintain a free and open internet. I applaud Senator Ed Markey for his leadership in introducing this Congressional Review Act resolution. prgtoken Restoring net neutrality is especially critical to small businesses and startup companies in New Hampshire and across the United States. Small businesses are the backbone of our Granite State's economy. They represent 99 percent of our employers. The internet continues to provide opportunity for these small businesses because it levels the playing field. It makes it easier to find new customers and grow online, but that level playing field is now in jeopardy because of the Federal Communications Commission's decision to end net neutrality protections. prgtoken Last Thursday, I convened a field hearing of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of New Hampshire. I wanted to hear concerns of our small business owners about what the net neutrality rollback would mean to them. In particular, they are concerned that net neutrality will impede their ability to expand and create jobs. prgtoken In conversations with small business owners and leaders across my State, they tell me this rollback is a direct threat to their businesses. They say it would be like watching their large competitors take the highway while they are forced to take the slow roads. Without net neutrality, broadband providers could charge more for fast lanes--a cost that many small businesses simply can't afford. This would put them at an even greater competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis large corporations that have the resources to pay for those fast lanes. In the digital age, speed is critical. prgtoken Witnesses at our field hearing pointed to research showing that even small delays of a second or less--just think about that, a second or less--can lead to the loss of significant sales. Customers today expect a fast, easy online experience. It is clear, small businesses operating at slim margins would lose out to big firms that can afford the fast lane. prgtoken Josh Cyr, who testified at our hearing, is an executive with Alpha Loft. Alpha Loft is a startup incubator that is based in Manchester and Portsmouth, NH. At the field hearing, he had a stark warning. He said: The repeal of net neutrality protections enables a small handful of very powerful internet providers tremendous control over what is delivered to consumers' homes and the speed with which it is delivered. Without net neutrality, the power and control these internet providers have will allow them to create artificial market barriers. prgtoken The repeal of net neutrality would pose even greater challenges for small businesses in rural areas. As Senator Klobuchar said, she has a lot of rural areas in Minnesota. Well
INTRODUCTION OF THE NON-FEDERAL RESERVOIR OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENT ACT
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-9

as we in the San Joaquin Valley know, ``food grows where water flows.'' prgtoken We also know the ravages of drought and are the first communities in California to experience drought's harmful effects. prgtoken For over 30 years, I have worked to strengthen water supply reliability for the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. prgtoken While I was in the California Legislature, I authored the legislation to create the Kern County Water Bank, led 2 water bonds and helped to pass 2 others, providing more than $2 billion dollars to improve California's water system and provide for safe, reliable drinking water. prgtoken In Congress, I have secured approval of the Madera Irrigation District Water Bank, the San Luis Intertie, and the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Project, bringing hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of more secure water to the San Joaquin Valley. prgtoken I also worked on a bipartisan basis to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the prgtoken Nation, or WIIN Act, which was signed into law in December of 2016 and increased pumping flexibility to move water throughout the state and provided over $355 million dollars for water infrastructure projects, including matching federal funds for new surface storage in California. prgtoken In all of my time working to improve the lives of the people of the Valley, rarely have I been presented with a project with such obvious potential as raising the spillway gates at New Exchequer Dam. prgtoken Water impounded behind New Exchequer Dam provides irrigation water for agriculture in Merced County, groundwater replenishment for several nearby communities, and environmental benefits for fisheries and wildlife refuges downstream of the dam. prgtoken Recently, Merced Irrigation District performed a detailed analysis of the hydrology of the watershed upstream of New Exchequer Dam and found that by raising the spillway gates 8 feet, Lake McClure could hold an additional 57,000 acre-feet without impeding the Merced River's Wild and Scenic River designation. prgtoken However, in order to move forward with raising the spillway gates, the flood control and operations manual for New Exchequer Dam must be updated, a responsibility of the Army Corps of Engineers. prgtoken Unfortunately, this manual is based on data that dates back to 1959, when New Exchequer Dam was being constructed. prgtoken Army Corps of Engineers policy requires that flood control manuals be updated to reflect new data and changes to a project. prgtoken In 2017, Merced Irrigation District wrote to the Army Corps requesting a revision of the flood control manual, which was last updated in 1981. prgtoken The Army Corps indicated that it could not update the manual at this time, citing budgetary constraints. prgtoken Merced Irrigation District proposed to pay for the public process to update the flood control manual to incorporate the new hydrologic data. prgtoken The Army Corps responded by saying
THREATS TO SNAP PROGRAM
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-5-9

I thank Congressman Raskin for putting this Special Order hour together. I thank him for his commitment and for his concern. prgtoken I join all of my colleagues in opposing what is being proposed in terms of this farm bill. prgtoken Three weeks ago, my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee sat silently while Chairman Conaway introduced a partisan farm bill. Then they allowed him to preach about the many reasons why he feels that SNAP should be transformed from a feeding program to a work program, uninterrupted. prgtoken Then they voted for this flawed bill that takes food off of the tables of veterans, seniors, and children. Now they want to pass it through the House and push it forward with their agenda to starve our Nation's most vulnerable. prgtoken My colleagues ought to be ashamed of this because Proverbs 22:9 says: ``The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.'' prgtoken I have said it once, and I will say it again: I don't believe that the Lord is pleased with what we are considering in this bill. prgtoken In my home county of Mecklenburg, North Carolina, more than 162,000 people are considered food insecure. Worse, 50,000 of those are children. prgtoken In my community, more than 55,000 families depend on SNAP to help put food on their tables. No one should wonder where their next meal will come from. But, sadly, this is a reality for many, many people. prgtoken Last year, North Carolina s introduced a bill on the State level that would have a similar impact to this partisan farm bill. Analysis of that bill shows that roughly 130,000 North Carolinians will lose their SNAP benefits if this bill passes, including 50,000 children. prgtoken Nationwide, the impact of this bill would even be worse: kicking 2 million people out of the program and causing an estimated 265,000 children to lose free or reduced lunch at school. So, no work, no eat? prgtoken If we are lawmakers and we aren't protecting our Nation's children, then I don't think we deserve to be here. prgtoken s continue to push the idea that we need entitlement reform just to appease the . Well, I understand the has announced his retirement, and I would like for us to just retire the idea that this so-called reform is just numbers on a page because it is not. Real people depend on SNAP programs and, without it, they will go hungry. No one can expect to work if they are hungry. No child can expect to learn if the child is hungry. prgtoken More than $8 in $10 in nutrition assistance go to households that include a child, a senior, or a person with a disability. Additionally, many working Americans depend on SNAP to make ends meet in expensive cities where earning the minimum wage doesn't pay all of the bills. People work two and three jobs a day at minimum wage, leave work, and go to a food bank to eat. prgtoken Additionally, many American families depend on SNAP. Wo
Net Neutrality (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-5-9

. Thank you, . prgtoken Colleagues, this is the only resolution that provides a golden ticket to maintaining a free and open internet. prgtoken By way of a free and open internet--and I know a lot of folks are following this debate. I see folks in the Gallery. What a free and open internet is all about is, after you pay your internet access fee, you get to go where you want, when you want, and how you want. Everybody gets treated the same. A local florist selling roses out of their shop in Condon, OR, a kid in Roseburg who wants to learn about artificial intelligence, a mom in Pendleton who wants to find out about childcare--all of them get treated the same, and they get treated just like the big guys, the people with the deep pockets. prgtoken Now the head of the Federal Communications Commission, a gentleman named Mr. Pai, wants something very different. In effect, he wants to turn that on its head and start cutting deals for the people with the deep pockets. He would kind of like to have something called paid prioritization, which basically means that if you are one of the fortunate few, you can get faster speeds, more content, and you can get access to the kind of technological treasure trove that I have seen my colleague from the Pacific Northwest, Senator Cantwell, talk about. He has all kinds of schemes to essentially suggest that he really is helping the consumer when he is really working for the folks at the top. prgtoken One of my favorites, colleagues--and my friend from Massachusetts and I have discussed this--is that the head of the FCC from time to time discusses the idea that we would have voluntary net neutrality. It is hard to keep a straight face with this one, the idea that the big cable companies, the big communications monopolies, are going to do this voluntarily. I think that is about as likely as getting my 10-year-old son, William Peter Wyden, to limit the number of desserts he eats. It just isn't going to happen. It is not going to happen. I see some parents on the floor who can identify with that. So what we have to do is pass the Markey resolution and ensure that there is a real position at the Federal Communications Commission that has some teeth. prgtoken The fact is, since he came to town, since he came to this position, Mr. Pai has basically tried to water down this whole effort on net neutrality again and again--we don't need title II protection; we don't need any of the basics that have been part of this effort that we have made for well over a decade to ensure that net neutrality has real teeth. prgtoken My friend and colleague mentioned that he introduced the first one in the House. I introduced the first one in the Senate. The point is, we have been working on this for well over a decade in both Chambers. prgtoken One of the reasons we sought to take this action now is that not only is Mr. Pai moving ahead to offer this ominous, dangerous definition of ``net neutra
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3053, NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2017
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-5-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , few people in this body understand the dynamics of Yucca Mountain as do the Members from the State of Nevada. One of my good friends is on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I have had the pleasure of being on the Rules Committee and hearing her make presentations with reference to this matter. She speaks very clearly. prgtoken , I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).