mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Joe Donnelly (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-6-13

I rise to discuss my efforts on the Senate Armed Services Committee, on behalf of the people of Indiana, to craft and advance a defense bill that supports Indiana's role in our Nation's defense and protect America's security interests and defense- related jobs. prgtoken Before I get to that, though, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the chairman of our committee, my friend Senator John McCain. He is an American hero. I hope as he watches the Senate do its bipartisan work on this year's NDAA, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, he knows that all of us here are thinking of him back in Arizona and wishing him the best in his battle. When we think about John McCain, we think about a fighter. We think about the epitome of a man who defends our freedom every single day. I am proud he is our chairman, and I am proud he is my friend. prgtoken Now I want to talk about provisions I secured in the national defense bill that we are considering, efforts I supported, and an amendment I filed. prgtoken I am proud of the many contributions Hoosiers make to the safety and security of our Nation--most especially those brave men and women who volunteer to put on the uniform in service to our country. prgtoken I am also proud of the thousands of working men and women who go to work in the dark every day to manufacture the highest quality products and equipment that support and protect our warfighters. From humvees and transmissions to satellites and aviation braking systems, Hoosiers know a key strength of our military is the technological and quality advantage that American manufacturing gives to our warfighters. prgtoken In fact, it is with those friends and neighbors in mind that I want to talk about the importance of ensuring that the equipment used by our Armed Forces and the jobs--the moms and dads who go to work every day to build that equipment--stay right here in America. prgtoken One of the provisions I pushed hard for and was included in the bill requires the examination of the F-35 supply chain in order to ensure that key manufacturing capabilities are not being sent abroad, jeopardizing the backbone of America's future Air Force. prgtoken Workers at the Honeywell facility in South Bend, IN, currently manufacture components for the braking mechanism for the F-35 airplane--one of the most prgtoken technologically advanced aircraft ever built. I am told that next month, the last raw forging shipment will come to the facility for Hoosier workers to manufacture these components. Honeywell is planning to send that manufacturing work for the F-35 overseas to a plant in Turkey. prgtoken While Turkey is a member of NATO, it is on a concerning path of crumbling democratic norms, and it is in the process of purchasing a missile defense system from Russia. That is not the kind of place where we should be manufacturing critical components for one of the most advanced warfighting machines in our a
NEGOTIATIONS WITH NORTH KOREA
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-13

I rise to discuss the negotiations with North Korea. I do so in my role as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. prgtoken I point out that, just a month ago, I joined with the chairman of that subcommittee, Mr. Yoho, in sending a letter to the President saying we now need tougher sanctions on North Korea. In particular, we need to make it clear to the large banks in China that they can no longer do business with North Korea. prgtoken We had our foot on the neck of Kim Jong-un. We needed to press it down a little harder to get the concessions that we need. Instead, we have a lifting of the efforts. Instead of ratcheting our sanctions up, we are going to relax them. The word is out to businesses and banks in China: You can do a little bit more today and a little bit more after that. prgtoken This is a giant victory for Kim Jong-un. The negotiations will go forward, but those negotiations will go forward with Kim Jong-un being able to breathe because we no longer have our foot on his neck. prgtoken Four hours ago, the President tweeted: ``There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea.'' He might as well have smiled with Kim Jong- un and said: ``Peace in our time.'' prgtoken Now, I am not saying that what happened in Singapore is as fraught with danger for the world as was what happened in Munich in 1938, but what happened in Munich will illustrate for us that just because you have a summit with smiles does not mean you are leading toward peace. prgtoken The President tweeted: ``There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea.'' If you believe that, you probably believe that he has been faithful to all three of his wives. prgtoken We hope that these negotiations lead to real peace. But so far, they have led only to a big win for the person President calls ``Little Rocket Man.'' That is a big win for Little Rocket Man. prgtoken You see, the President's most famous book has been reissued. It is now called ``The Art of the Capitulation.'' prgtoken How do you exercise the art of the capitulation? You make enormous concessions to the other side. You settle for vague platitudes. Then you go on TV and say: This is the best deal ever. prgtoken Let's look at the concessions. The President has referred to our military exercises as provocative and indicated that they will be scaled back or eliminated. He has given the green light to Chinese business and bankers to do business. He has given Kim Jong-un the prestige of a meeting with the President of the United States, not necessarily our most prestigious President, but a President of the United States nevertheless. prgtoken What have we received in return? A vague statement about denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. But, as far as we know, North Korea doesn't intend to do that until the entire world is denuclearized. He also has released three American hostages and says he will help us, allow us, to find some of the bodies of our fallen h
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2018-6-13

I rise today to talk about an issue of deep importance to our country and my fellow Alabamians, and I follow my colleague, Senator Lankford, who spoke with such eloquence on national security. prgtoken This week, we are debating the National Defense Authorization Act, which funds our Nation's defense programs for the coming year. Like Senator Lankford, I want to thank Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed for their work on this incredible and important legislation, as well as Senator Inhofe. He has done such yeoman's work in Senator McCain's absence. prgtoken This bill has tremendous implications for our country, both abroad and here at home. In Alabama, we know all too well about the need for national security and a good economy. From Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville to Fort Rucker, from Maxwell Air Force Base to the Anniston Army Depot and all of our Reserve and National Guard men and women in the State of Alabama--they are on the frontlines. In addition to the tens of thousands of civilians who support their work--Alabama is home to a first-class workforce that supports our national security mission every single day. So it only makes sense that this legislation continues to support the work of Alabamians and includes a well- deserved 2.6-percent pay raise for our troops. prgtoken Just as important, it also includes funds for the Missile Defense Agency at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. It increases space defense funding, which is so important to our Air Force. It authorizes 75 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, some of which will be stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. It provides what Senator Lankford talked about a moment ago--14 KC-46 refueling aircraft. I hope the Air Force will put a few of those in Birmingham for our fantastic Alabama Air National Guard, which supports so many missions around the world. prgtoken There are many more resources to ensure that our Nation's defenders are always mission-ready, and we could go on and on. prgtoken I am pleased that this legislation takes care of so many of the priorities for our military, our defense, and Alabama. I certainly plan to vote for this bill, and I commend all of those who have worked so hard to make it happen. That doesn't mean there aren't still ways we can improve this bill. prgtoken As some may know, Alabama is also home to thousands of talented welders, mechanics, and other trades men and women who build the helicopters and ships that carry our troops around the world to defend the United States and our interests. Not only are these vehicles important for an effective and responsive military, but they also support good American jobs. prgtoken One of those ships is the littoral combat ship, many of which are built in Mobile, AL, including the USS Manchester, which was delivered to the Navy just last month. The LCS continues to prove its value to our Nation's defense and our military, which is why I am a little d
CURBING REALISTIC EXPLOITATIVE ELECTRONIC PEDOPHILIC ROBOTS ACT OF 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , sex toys with children is disgusting, and I believe it is something that one would want simply to say pass a bill to cease and desist. prgtoken But I would like to discuss H.R. 4655, the Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots Act of 2017, also known as the CREEPER Act of 2017. prgtoken There is no doubt that we oppose what this bill is intending to do. The bill seeks to prohibit the importation and transportation of child sex dolls. prgtoken There is no doubt that child sexual exploitation is a serious, grave problem in our country. It is a growing and ever-evolving problem that requires a multifaceted response, and one might argue that the creation of these dolls, besides being exploitation of our most precious resource, is just to make money. That is absolutely both disgraceful and absurd. prgtoken Combating child sexual exploitation requires aggressive action by the Congress of the United States, and we must remain always vigilant to stamp out any new methods in technology developed and used by child predators to harm our children. prgtoken Just yesterday, the Department of Justice announced that, in a coordinated effort spanning all 50 States during March, April, and May, 2,300 suspected child sex offenders were arrested. In my own hometown of Houston in 2016, 126 people were arrested as online predators as part of a coordinated effort to tackle the problem of child exploitation; and last year, 13 were arrested. prgtoken We must protect our children everywhere from any and all bad actors who want to do them harm. I am concerned, however, that the majority has not given us sufficient time to properly consider this bill, its basis for making a correlation between the possession of obscene dolls and possession of child pornography, and its relation to child abuse. Those are important points, and I know that this bill has great intentions. We might have made it even greater. prgtoken We also did not have the opportunity to assess whether this bill would implicate a reporting statute for sex offenders or to identify any other problems and perhaps an opportunity to offer ways to improve this bill to ensure we are, in fact, protecting all of our children I look forward, however, to hearing further in the discussion of this bill, and .
THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2018-6-13

I rise today to speak out for the millions of American families who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. prgtoken Every day we hear another story of parents who have lost their child to a heroin overdose or of young children who are left behind without care as their parents struggle with addiction. prgtoken In Alabama, which has the highest rate of opioid prescription use in this Nation, residents average 1.2 prescriptions per person. prgtoken , this epidemic doesn't discriminate by age or income or gender. The opioid epidemic has taken from families of every background. prgtoken Now, more than ever, these victims need our help. It is our job to help them find treatment not as criminals, but as patients in need of care. prgtoken , I am grateful that we are finally seeing as a society that addiction is not something to be criminalized but, rather, addiction is, indeed, a public health crisis. It is not a crime. It is a chronic neurological prgtoken disorder, and it does make sense for us to find help for those who need it and not to put them in jail. prgtoken Unfortunately, during the 1980s and 1990s during the crack addiction, we criminalized that addiction and destroyed so many families, many of whom are in my district. But, , I am glad that we see that the opioid epidemic is, indeed, a public health crisis. I am equally glad that, , we are finally working in a bipartisan way to actually find the needed help that these families need in order to break such addictions. prgtoken Today I am glad to see that s and working together in Congress are trying to solve the opioid epidemic and to help those in need. At a time when Congress is struggling with partisan gridlock, I am glad and happy to see that this week has been declared by my colleagues as Opioid Week, where we will talk about bipartisan bills in order to solve this crisis. prgtoken I am proud to have introduced bipartisan legislation with Congressman Peter Roskam. Our bill, the Preventing Addiction for Susceptible Seniors Act, helps prevent abuse among seniors without limiting access to needed medication. prgtoken For an at-risk senior, our legislation requires part D to create a lock-in plan that prevents patients from doctor shopping. Our legislation would also streamline communications between CMS and part C and part D plans regarding program integrity. prgtoken , bipartisan solutions like these are a step forward in our work to solve the opioid crisis. I look forward to my bill with Mr. Roskam coming before this body next week. I truly believe that we have the power to end this epidemic. prgtoken I have heard reports from Alabama groups that our poison control center is getting fewer calls about opioid emergencies. A new study shows that the opioid prescription rate in Alabama has finally begun to decrease. prgtoken States have implemented prescription drug monitoring programs that have proven successf
TEARING IMMIGRANT CHILDREN AWAY FROM THEIR PARENTS
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-13

during a 2-week period in May, 658 immigrant children were separated from their families by Customs and Border Patrol agents at our southern border. The number of immigrant children held in custody by the United States government is now 10,773, an increase of 21% since the end of April. Sadly, this practice of family separation continues to be applied by the administration today. It must be stopped immediately. prgtoken The high majority of families crossing our southern border come from Central America, where rampant violence threatens the lives of women and children in particular. These families come to the United States in hopes of finding safety. Instead, this inhumane policy enforced by the administration ensures that parents and children will face additional psychological and emotional trauma. prgtoken Separation from parents is particularly damaging for young children, who have already endured a long and dangerous journey from their points of origin. Aside from the obvious emotional toll of parental separation, a report released by the American Civil Liberties Union last month details pervasive abuse of unaccompanied children by the Customs and Border Protection agency. Instances of this abuse include CBP officials repeatedly punching a child's head, verbally abusing detained children, and denying a pregnant minor medical care, which resulted in a stillbirth. prgtoken Congress must come together to end the administration's practice and to ensure that these migrants are treated humanely. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recent announcement that this administration will not grant asylum to victims of domestic and gang violence will only exacerbate the problems these families face, and at the very least, we must ensure that they are able to stay together as they face their uncertain futures. prgtoken , no matter where they come from, parents and children belong together, Congress must use its legislative authority to prevent the administration from ripping them apart.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2851, STOP THE IMPORTATION AND TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ACT OF 2017; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5735, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR RECOVERY IN...
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-13

on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, I missed the following votes: prgtoken 1. Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2851, H.R. 5735, and H.R. 5788. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on this motion. prgtoken 2. H. Res. 934, Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2851, Stop Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017, H.R. 5735, Transitional Housing for Recovery in Viable Environments Demonstration Program Act, and H.R. 5788, Securing the International Mail Against Opioids Act of 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on this bill.
OPIOID CRISIS
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-13

this week, the House is considering a number of bills relating to the opioid public health epidemic. prgtoken I serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and over the past year, our committee has heard from experts. We have had numerous hearings on all facets of the opioid crisis. We have gathered facts, listened to witnesses, including those struggling with addiction; doctors; providers; the Drug Enforcement Agency; and more. Plus, many families and experts back home have informed us and encouraged the Congress to act. prgtoken Last year, one loving father in my home district in Tampa, Florida, came to meet with me to share his experience. He said: Our son has been an addict for the last 5 years. During that time, our family has discovered how impotent the healthcare system, government system, insurance companies, criminal justice system, and our family have been to combat this disease. Prior to our personal experience, we were like most Americans who believed this was not our problem, but we were saddened by those who experienced the crisis. In addition, we cannot believe how futile and limited our resources and efforts to help our son overcome this illness have been. We still believe, although to a lesser degree, that the people afflicted with this illness still hold the key to unlocking their own happiness to managing this illness. However, what is abundantly clear now is that the resources necessary to provide even a remote chance for addicts to achieve temporary or permanent remission must be substantially increased. We have invested, personally, over $100,000 trying to help our son. prgtoken His remarks echo what we heard from experts all across the board in our committee, like Dr. Andrew Kolodny, director of Opioid Policy Research at Brandeis University, who emphasized that treatment has to be expanded exponentially, and it must be easy to access. ``We have to build a new system in America that does not exist.'' prgtoken have urged our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in truly tackling the crisis. What became apparent in committee and what is apparent through these small-ball bills on the floor this week and next week is that s still are not there. They are not willing to adequately address this public health crisis. We need a robust, long-term solution that truly meets the challenge of the opioid crisis. prgtoken A consensus has emerged, and it is based upon these devastating facts right now. Over 40,000 people are dying from an opioid overdose every year. In my home State of Florida, we are losing about 5,700 people per year to overdose. That was in 2016. That was a 35 percent increase from the previous year. prgtoken The CDC says opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999. Only 10 to 15 percent of Americans suffering from opioid addiction are currently rec
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-6-13

I come to the floor to mark a very unfortunate date. We are recognizing the 2-year anniversary of the shooting at Pulse nightclub on June 12, and on Sunday, June 17, we are going to mark the 3-year anniversary of the shooting at a church in Charleston. The killer in Charleston murdered nine people attending a Bible study. The killer in Orlando murdered 49 people who were at a nightclub. prgtoken I just came from my office meeting with one of the survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting. prgtoken About 93 people are killed every day from guns. That is a mixture of suicides, homicides, and accidental shootings. That means that in the 731 days since the Pulse nightclub shooting, we have had somewhere around 70,000 people killed by guns in this country. That is a statistic that has no comparison anywhere else in the world. In the United States, we have about 20 times the number of people on a per capita basis who are being killed by a gun than the average OECD competitor nation. Something is going on here that is different than what is happening anywhere else. prgtoken As my colleagues know, I try to come to the floor every few weeks to talk about who these victims are to give a sense about the lives that are cut short, all the promise that is erased from this Earth 93 times every single day because of what is happening inside the epidemic of gun violence and to try to relate to people how furious this mounting cavalcade of those left behind is by our inaction. Remember, we have done virtually nothing meaningful since the tragedy in my State at Sandy Hook, and thus the slaughter continues. prgtoken Melvin Graham's sister, Cynthia Graham Hurd, was murdered in Charleston in that shooting. Earlier this year, he talked about how angry he is that Congress has done nothing meaningful to try to affect the reality of gun violence in this Nation. He said: You would think that this would be the time. Each time something happens, you think, this is the time we're going to get some action, some movement, some unity in Washington to do something. . . . And each time they have let me down, they have failed me. They've shown me . . . that they simply do not care. prgtoken On the evening of June 17, 2015, Dylan Roof walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and killed nine people. He had a criminal record and shouldn't have had a gun, but because of a loophole in the background checks law that allows for a gun seller to transfer weapons to someone if the background check takes a long time, Roof was able to get a weapon, immediately go to this church, and kill nine people. The reality is, FBI data indicates that over the last 5 years, 15,000 people have been sold weapons who shouldn't have gotten weapons under this loophole. That means 15,000 people are walking around the United States today with firearms who have criminal records because their background check