mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CAIRO HOUSING CRISIS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-9-25

today I would like to bring attention to the southernmost city in my State, Cairo, IL. prgtoken Sitting at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Cairo was once a booming port town and was home to Fort Defiance during the Civil War. In the 1960s, Civil Rights icon Representative John Lewis even spent a summer there to help integrate a number of businesses and public spaces. prgtoken However, in recent years, this southern city has faced a new challenge, as uninhabitable living conditions have force hundreds of public housing residents to relocate from their homes--and in many cases from their beloved community. Public housing in the city suffered years of neglect at the hands of local officials who are now accused of misusing Federal funds to bankroll lavish personal expenses, including multiple trips to Las Vegas and steak dinners. prgtoken And how was life for residents? By the time residents were forced to relocate, 185 families--including roughly 200 children--were living in housing overrun with rodents, bedbugs, roaches, crime, mold, asbestos, and lead. I am talking about rats in the couch, maggots in the freeze, and plumbing and heating that simply refused to work. prgtoken It was local officials who failed to provide its residents with safe and healthy housing; yet these families were the ones whose lives were uprooted as a result. Today, all 185 families have relocated, and the vacant housing complexes are set to be demolished. While the strength and resilience of these residents and their community in the face of this situation is inspiring, there is no question they deserved far more from their government. prgtoken It has been more than 2 years since the HUD Inspector General's Office began investigating alleged misuse of Federal funds by local officials, and it is beyond time for that investigation to be finalized and for the results to be made public. prgtoken Today I am calling--once again--for the HUD inspector general to do just that, but more remains to be done to restore the faith and confidence of public housing residents in our government. Transparent accountability must be had at all levels of government where mismanagement played a role in creating this crisis. prgtoken This is why, in May of last year, Senator Duckworth and I called for the HUD inspector general to also look into HUD's oversight of Alexander County Housing Authority. This July, the IG released its report that found that despite having early knowledge of bad conditions at Alexander County, HUD hesitated to intervene, while residents suffered. prgtoken This is unacceptable, and it cannot be repeated. HUD is responsible for ensuring public housing authorities meet their responsibility to provide safe and affordable housing, and it must be capable of performing this vital oversight. Senator Duckworth and I have urged HUD to quickly implement the recommendations included in the report to more effective
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-9-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 6229, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Reauthorization Act of 2018, and I thank Chairwoman Comstock for sponsoring this bill. prgtoken This is a bipartisan bill that provides support for NIST's important work carrying out scientific and technical research, and assisting small- and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers. The agency's work helps to advance standards development in critical areas of innovation across all sectors of our economy. prgtoken NIST's core mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness. Through its laboratories and user facilities, NIST carries out world-class measurement science and facilitates the development of standards for emerging technologies. prgtoken Standards ensure users that promising technologies have been rigorously tested for safety, effectiveness, and reliability. NIST provides its services and expertise to other agencies, academic researchers, and the private sector. prgtoken This bill provides funding to support NIST's work in critical areas of national importance, including advanced communications, cybersecurity and privacy, the Internet of Things, quantum information science, and infrastructure resilience. The wireless demands of the 21st century require the advances in measurement science that NIST is carrying out. prgtoken The devastating hurricanes and other natural disasters that have plagued our communities underscore the importance of NIST's work in disaster resiliency and new infrastructure materials. prgtoken In addition, this bill provides significant funding for NIST's quantum information science and artificial intelligence research programs. Quantum technology has promising applications in healthcare, navigation, encryption, and many other areas. We are only beginning to explore the significant advances that artificial intelligence, or AI, may bring to the world. prgtoken At the same time, there are significant policy implications for AI, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on issues dealing with ethics, workforce impacts, and the human-AI interface as these technologies move forward. prgtoken Finally, with five Nobel Prize-winning scientists in its ranks, NIST continues to attract some of the Nation's leading scientists. Even so, recruiting and retaining top talent is a challenge, and this bill provides flexibility to help NIST bring on and train the best and brightest measurement scientists in order to remain at the leading edge of emerging technologies. prgtoken I am also happy to see the bill increases support for the labs program and funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. In the future, I hope my colleagues will support increases for necessary improvement to NIST's aging lab infrastructure. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6229, and .
IN HONOR OF CHIEF JACK THOMAS
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-25

I rise to commemorate the accomplished career of Chief Jack Thomas. Born and raised in Southern California, it was here where Chief Thomas began his career, first serving as an Explorer for the Orange City Fire Department. In 1988, he was hired as a Firefighter and then two years later assigned to the position of Firefighter-Paramedic. It was through his great leadership and zeal that Chief Thomas would go on to assume various leadership positions with the Orange City Fire Department: Fire Captain, Administrative Captain, and Battalion Chief to name a few. prgtoken Chief Thomas demonstrated heroism by deploying out with his team, California Task Force 5, to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He is a brave and fearless man and has directed the actions of other fire engine companies during numerous wildland fires throughout California. Chief Thomas has been a hero to his city and community. He has been rightfully awarded the County Board of Supervisors' Courage Under Fire Award, the Orange County Fire Authority's Special Operations Citation for deployment to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes, and the Orange Rotary Manager of the Year. prgtoken Chief Thomas also serves as husband, father, and grandfather. He still resides in Southern California with his wife Lesa, their children, and grandchildren: I wish Chief Thomas all the best as he retires from a storied career with Orange City Fire Department. I thank Chief Thomas for his service.
TRIBUTE TO JUDY DesHARNAIS
Heidi Heitkamp (Democrat, ND) \u2014 2018-9-25

I want to recognize a Federal employee I have had the privilege of working with for the past 5 and a half years, Judy DesHarnais, deputy for programs and project management with the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Quite simply put, she is one of the finest and most dedicated public servants I have had the opportunity to work with in my time in the Senate. prgtoken Judy joined the district in 1985 as one of the first female engineers. In 2001, she was promoted to be the district's and the Corps' first female deputy district engineer for programs and project management. Throughout her time with the St. Paul District, Judy has stood out as an individual who could tackle complex, sensitive water resource issues. With top leadership in the district changing every 3 years, Judy has been the one steady hand that has remained constant, guiding the district through preparation and response to historic floods to helping communities secure permanent flood protection. prgtoken To community leaders in North Dakota, Judy is a trusted public servant and an important partner. She has been on the frontlines with us on so many flood fights, helping to coordinate emergency response measures to protect families and businesses. She has also led efforts to help communities get critical flood protection projects that have saved lives and prevented more than a billion dollars in property damage. No matter what the challenge, Judy has always been able to meet or exceed it, and the positive impact of her work can be seen across the State in Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Devils Lake, Minot, and so many other communities. prgtoken Judy's contributions to the Corps of Engineers are numerous, but one that will always be recognized is her efforts to make the agency truly responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. After a distinguished career in public service that has spanned more than 30 years, I want to thank Judy for her service to the Corps of Engineers and the State of North Dakota. She will be greatly missed, remembered for her professionalism, and honored for the positive change she brought to the Corps, and I wish her all the best in her retirement.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-9-25

today I wish to recognize the Connecticut Chiropractic Association, Inc CTChiro, as it celebrates 100 years of extraordinary and exemplary advocacy on behalf of chiropractic doctors in Connecticut. prgtoken Since its formation in 1918, CTChiro has demonstrated tireless dedication to the advancement of the chiropractic profession. The association seeks to support these doctors and their practices throughout Connecticut in order to improve public health policies and provide their patients with the best treatment possible. prgtoken Endeavoring to raise awareness of the profession and make chiropractic care more accessible to the people of Connecticut, CTChiro diligently monitors healthcare legislation to ensure chiropractic services are a viable health option for residents. To meet the need for such medical care throughout the State, CTChiro strives to improve patient awareness of chiropractic services, while advocating for greater insurance coverage. prgtoken Continuously seeking to raise the standard for doctors in the field and the treatment they provide to their patients, CTChiro also offers opportunities for its member doctors to access resources and continue with higher education. Thanks to the association's longstanding, consistent efforts, institutions, representatives, agencies, and Connecticut residents are able to see the importance and availability of chiropractic medicine. Additionally, they can feel secure in the services offered to them as a result of CTChiro's dedication to developing a more comprehensive and knowledgeable set of doctors. prgtoken Since its establishment, CTChiro routinely prioritizes the creation of thorough, economical, and beneficial chiropractic care, supported by experienced, well-rounded professional doctors. I applaud their numerous achievements and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Connecticut Chiropractic Association, Inc on 100 years of service and commitment to Connecticut chiropractic doctors and patients.
REMEMBERING BRUCE MacINTYRE
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-9-25

today I wish to honor the memory of a great Montanan who left his mark on countless lives. prgtoken Bruce MacIntyre devoted his life to the betterment of Billings, MT. Bruce's service to his community started at his father's car dealership. After returning from the University of Notre Dame, Bruce took over the family business, successfully running it with integrity and passion. prgtoken It didn't take long for Bruce to expand his horizons by serving in community leadership positions. He eventually sold the dealership to devote his time to others. Bruce quickly began consulting for businesses around Billings, helping them evolve and grow, creating jobs and opportunities along the way. prgtoken Bruce eventually joined the Billings Chamber of Commerce as director of government affairs, fostering relationships between businesses and local officials to expand the economy and establish lifelong connections. Bruce was well-known in Billings and across the State as a humble, generous mentor who always had time to give advice or lend a hand or even simply to listen to someone who needed it. prgtoken His other passion was ensuring students got a quality education. Bruce was instrumental in passing numerous levies to benefit students and teachers, and in 2017, he was elected to serve as a trustee for Billings SD2, where he lent his insight and expertise to creating a better future for all students. prgtoken I rise to remember this great man, who selflessly dedicated his life to his community. Montana is a better place because of Bruce.
HONORING BARBARA JOHNSON
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-9-25

I rise today in honor of Barbara Johnson who represented the Fourth Ward of Minneapolis for 20 years, serving as the Council President for the last 12 years. Johnson became the longest-serving Council President in Minneapolis history. prgtoken Johnson's accomplishments as a Council Member and as Council President were extensive. She made public safety and the health of the Fourth Ward one of her main priorities, serving on the Public Safety & Health Committee and the Hennepin County Criminal Justice Coordination Committee. She assisted in crime prevention through job training and youth programs. As a registered nurse, Johnson was passionate about the growing healthcare sector in Minneapolis and supported using a public health approach to public safety. prgtoken Johnson was passionate about constituent service, always willing to pick up the phone to help get a pothole filled. She helped support local businesses in the neighborhood, including the opening of the North Market grocery store, and businesses across Minneapolis with projects like the Midtown Global Market. She also spearheaded an effort to merge the Hennepin County and Minneapolis library systems. prgtoken Johnson has a strong interest in parks and the environment. She served for 18 years on the Metropolitan Park & Open Space Commission, and served on the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area Commission. She helped negotiate a 20-year parks and street maintenance agreement that passed in 2016. She supported the development of the Webber Natural Swimming Pool. She also worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to reduce pollution on the Northside. prgtoken Prior to her elected service, Johnson was a founding member of the Victory Neighborhood Association (VINA) and was the Chair from 1994 to 1997. prgtoken Johnson's experience, hard work, and leadership has made a lasting mark on Ward 4 and across our community. I want to thank Barbara Johnson for her exceptional 20 years of public service and her dedication to the City of Minneapolis.
Recognition of the Minority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-25

yesterday the leader began his speech with a quote of mine. Let me begin mine with a quote of his. ``We're going to plow right through it.'' That is Leader McConnell: We are going to plow right through it. He was speaking to the Values Voter Summit about serious allegations of sexual misconduct by Supreme Court nominee Judge Kavanaugh. ``We're going to plow right through it.'' Does that sound like someone who is treating these allegations with respect and fairness and evenhandedness? Does it sound like someone who wants to get at the real facts no matter where they fall? Certainly not to me and not to the American people. prgtoken Then, yesterday, Leader McConnell brought the debate to a new low by calling the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh a ``ic smear job.'' Never mind that Leader McConnell has no evidence--no evidence whatsoever--that the recent allegations were contrived by . They were not. Never mind that Leader McConnell has no evidence--no evidence whatsoever--that the events in question took place or didn't take place. It seems likely they did, but he has no evidence one way or the other because he will not even ask for an investigation of it. prgtoken He then unilaterally declared the accounts of multiple women to be ``manufactured mud,'' part of a partisan smear campaign. Let me address these comments directly that these allegations are part of a ``ic smear job.'' prgtoken First, these allegations did not originate with . These women came forward with principle and courage, knowing they would face abuse and lasting personal pain for doing so, but realizing they had an obligation to the country, they did so anyway. prgtoken Dr. Ford came forward and shared her story voluntarily and on her own initiative. She wasn't put up by a or or anybody else. It came from her heart. The idea that these allegations were cooked up or instigated or encouraged by in Congress is patently absurd and a real insult to the members of the Judiciary Committee and the Members of this Chamber. It is against the spirit, if not the letter, of our Senate rules. prgtoken Addressing the second part of McConnell's claim, that is even worse. and are always throwing charges at each other, but the idea that this is a smear job--whatever you think of the veracity of the allegations, it is shameful--shameful--to doubt the women's sincerity. To say they are making it up and to discredit their sincere testimony is nothing more than a partisan hit job. prgtoken For too long, people in positions of power have dismissed accounts made by women before any evidence could be brought forward as politically motivated or character assassination. We have come a long way in this country, and we have to be better than that--better than the low standard Senator McConnell has set. prgtoken At a minimum, we must respect these women and Judge
RECIPROCAL ACCESS TO TIBET ACT OF 2018
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-9-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the actions called for in this bill are measured and calibrated, measured in that they follow the line of traditional diplomacy of taking careful steps without the dangers of over- escalation, but calibrated to achieve a real opening, to wisely use U.S. power to open up an opportunity for the two sides to take their next steps. prgtoken There are many Tibetan Americans throughout the United States whose family members still reside within Tibet, and they are watching this Chamber closely for signs that the United States is willing to help, willing to allow them to return to visit their families, and hoping fervently for a solution to the pain and suffering in Tibet and with the diaspora that has been experienced by generations. prgtoken This is the time for bold U.S. leadership, and I do believe that is what this bill offers tonight. Our timely consideration of this bill takes an important step forward in leveling the global playing field. This bill seeks to make simple policy changes to enforce reciprocity between our two countries, to make clear that China cannot bar our people from Tibet and continue to expect open access to our country. Allowing for the freedom of movement for people in both of our nations sets an important precedent going forward. prgtoken , let me just say that this has been an incredibly important bipartisan collaboration that we have had. I am very grateful to my colleague from Florida for her work on this, and I am also very grateful to Chairman Goodlatte and to Ranking Member Nadler for their work on this. prgtoken , I am proud to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the minority leader, who has been a tireless champion on this issue for decades, has led many of us to meet with His Holiness, has worked with His Holiness to come here, and has been a champion for human rights around the world.
FAA Reauthorization (Executive Calendar)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-9-25

I rise today to express my frustration--my outrage--that this body is poised to miss a historic, once-in-a- generation opportunity to stop the major airlines from gouging Americans with exorbitant fees every time they fly. prgtoken In the dark of night early Saturday morning, House and Senate committee leadership released a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that does not include a commonsense, bipartisan provision to protect passengers from having to pay $200 to change a ticket that costs $250--a provision that would have protected a family from paying $200 to cancel a flight because another family member had fallen seriously ill and a vacation had to be canceled. prgtoken Instead, after months of lobbying against my bipartisan FAIR Fees provision, the airlines won and airline passengers lost. I would compare it to the Christians and the lions, but in this story, the Christians even had to pay extra to enter the amphitheater. prgtoken What once were considered the basic services of flying have now become optional and with a massive price tag--checking a bag, carrying on a bag, flying standby for an earlier flight, printing a boarding pass, early boarding, seat selection, changing or canceling your flight, even a blanket and pillow. prgtoken Air travelers are being nickeled-and-dimed, but the real cost is in the billions of dollars. That is because the major airlines have turned fees into a multibillion-dollar industry. Last year, the airlines raked in $7.4 billion in fees. More than $4.5 billion came from now having to pay to check your bag, and $2.9 billion was extra fees if you wanted to change your ticket or if you wanted to cancel your ticket. That is billions of dollars. That is actually the equivalent of 11 million flights from Washington, DC, to Boston. That is the cost that is now imposed upon consumers. Passengers think they are buying low-cost fares, but they are really just victims of airline greed in support of a new multibillion-dollar profit center. prgtoken Even in the past few weeks, as we worked in Congress to include important consumer protection measures in this final FAA legislation, the airlines continued to raise their fees. prgtoken Last month, JetBlue Airways raised its change and cancellation fees from $150 to $200 for certain flights. They also raised fees for a passenger's first checked bag from $25 to $30 and increased the fees for a second checked bag from $35 to $40. That is $140 to check two bags for a round trip. Shortly after, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines followed suit, raising their bag fees to match JetBlue's. prgtoken In college, I might have spent more time being interested in politics than economics, but I thought competition was supposed to drive prices down and not up. So why are the airlines charging these fees? Well, the first answer is, because they can, but the real answer is, because there is no competition a