mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EPA ADMINISTRATOR PRUITT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-4-9

the Wheeler nomination sheds even more light on the current storm surrounding EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. If there was ever somebody who characterizes the swamp, it is Scott Pruitt, and all Americans should believe that, regardless of your views on the environment or whether wind or solar or natural gas or oil or coal is the right form of energy. prgtoken What Pruitt is doing is just incredible. In a relatively brief tenure at EPA, he has amassed an embarrassing list of scandals. He has ordered the construction of an expensive soundproof office at the EPA for reasons unknown, when none of his predecessors, ic or , saw any need for such a facility. He has typically flown coach when paying for travel out of his own pocket but elected to fly first class when the taxpayers foot the bill. After moving to Washington, Administrator Pruitt rented an apartment for a cutrate price from--guess who--an energy lobbyist and former campaign donor who represents multiple clients with businesses before the EPA during Pruitt's tenure. prgtoken The level of hypocrisy in this administration is staggering. President says he is going to drain the swamp. Pruitt characterizes the swamp in just about all of his actions, and sticks by him. If you want to drain the swamp, , get rid of Mr. Pruitt. prgtoken Unfortunately, President has stood by Pruitt, despite obvious abuses of the taxpayers' money and trust. Why? Well, he likes what he is doing to unwind critical environmental protections on behalf of powerful industries. prgtoken The bottom line is simple. President is so beholden to the special interests that supported Administrator Pruitt and his extreme, anti-green, industry-driven agenda that he is willing to turn a blind eye to serious ethical problems. If Big Oil and Big Gas are happy with EPA Administrator Pruitt, so, it seems, is President . prgtoken In supporting Administrator Pruitt, President is lowering the bar of government ethics and accountability to the floor. What abuse of the American people's trust will President not tolerate if Administrator Pruitt is allowed to continue in his position despite flagrant graft? How can the President, with a straight face, say he aims to drain the swamp when he allows a man like Pruitt to stay? How much will President let the standards for ethical conduct in his administration deteriorate? prgtoken I say to President : The corruption and incompetence of this administration has reached a fever pitch. prgtoken President , if you truly mean to drain the swamp--and it doesn't seem that you do--you ought to fire Administrator Pruitt immediately. Accept his resignation. Let him leave, which alone will clean up Washington in a way that Pruitt has not cleaned up our environment.
OATH OF CITIZENSHIP ON APRIL 13, 2018
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-4-9

it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on April 13, 2018. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. prgtoken America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. prgtoken On April 13, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Maria Rebolloso, Pablo Serrano, Armando Martinez, Cristina Olivia Vasquez, Ricardo Rivera, Alejandra Sandoval, Yang-Yi Avia Lin Shemesh, Juliana Isabel Mercado Velazquez, Leticia Luna Swinson, Benjamin Tovar Lopez, Angelica Magallon de Amezcua, Mercedes Lorenzo de Diaz, Haroldas Vysniauskas, Octavia Guijosa Granados, Manoel Jacques Etienne Couder, Alejandrina Perez de Davila, Mohammad Yousef Mustafa Hijaz, Ma del Carmen prgtoken Barajas, Aida Batisse Tamba, Mamoon Arif Raza, Irene Patrick, Cordelia Eruaga, Zilha Basic, Bore Trajkovski, Milan Sorgic, Ann-Marie Thomas, Muhammad Rizwan Ashraf, Isabel Cristina Padilla, Georges El Howayek, and Zubair Ul Haq. prgtoken Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. prgtoken , I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States ofAmerica on April 13, 2018. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.
CONGRATULATING TONKA SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-4-9

I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka High School boys swimming and diving team on its state championship. It's the second consecutive championship for the Skippers, who won their first state championship in 1978 and have taken home the state title nine times since. After winning two individual events and one relay, Minnetonka put up an impressive 217.5 points--beating out Shakopee who was able to tally just 181 points. It's their first back- to-back title since 1997. prgtoken I want to recognize Senior Jack Dahlgren for winning first place and setting new state records in both the 200 Free and 100 backstroke. I also want to commend John Shelstad for winning the 200 IM and Erik Gessner for his victory in the 100 butterfly. A special congratulations goes out to the 200 meter freestyle relay team of Erik Gessner, Michael Shelstad, Isaac Alberts and John Shelstad for taking first place home for the Skippers. prgtoken , swimming and diving is a sport that takes endurance, extensive training and poise. It's also important to recognize that these student athletes work hard in the classroom as well. Congratulations to Head Coach Dan Berne, the coaching staff, the parents, the fans and the entire swim and dive team on being state champs.
Order of Procedure (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-9

notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that at 12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Boom nomination and that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; further, that the cloture vote in relation to the Ring nomination occur at 2:15 p.m.
GRAND OPENING OF LOTUS VILLAGE
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-4-10

on April 20, Lotus House Shelter will have the grand opening of Lotus Village, a home for disadvantaged women and children that will offer a meaningful solution to prevent homelessness in my area of Miami-Dade County. prgtoken Lotus House is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women, youth, and children, providing support, education, tools, and resources that empower them to heal, learn, and blossom into who they are truly meant to be. prgtoken Today, Lotus House shelters over 250 individuals on a daily basis, 680 annually, breaking the cycle of childhood abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness. prgtoken The opening of the new home, Lotus Village, offers increased capacity, a neighborhood health clinic, a children's daycare center, and a wellness center. Lotus Village includes programs like child therapy, nurturing parenting classes, as well as training programs for life skills and job readiness. prgtoken This safe haven is deeply integrated in the fabric of our community, and I am incredibly proud of the tireless work of all the volunteers of Lotus House Shelter in serving those in need reintegrate into society.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-4-10

I have 7 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 armed services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. to conduct a hearing. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 2:15 p.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Facebook, Social Media Privacy, and the Use and Abuse of Data.'' Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 2:15 p.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Facebook, Social Media Privacy, and Use and Abuse of Data''. Committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Sharon Fast Gustafson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety prgtoken The Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Cooperative Federalism Under the Clean Air Act: State Perspectives.'' Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues prgtoken The Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues of the Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 2 p.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Summit of the Americas: A Regional Strategy for ic Governance Against Corruption in the Hemisphere.''
LT. COL. MARK YOUNG TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise today to honor Lt. Col. Mark Young for his 35 years of volunteerism in Colorado. His service to others began during the blizzard of 1982 where he spent all night in his truck with his CB radio answering calls to help stranded motorists. prgtoken On top of his volunteer work, Lt. Col. Young spent 29 years as a volunteer paramedic in Costilla County, using his knowledge as a paramedic to help thousands of his fellow citizens. In addition, he assisted his community in the creation of a volunteer ambulance service. prgtoken In 1996, Lt. Col. Young continued his service and joined the Montrose County Sheriff Posse as a volunteer search and rescue firefighter. Over the next 20 years he provided hundreds of hours of free helicopter service, and went on numerous rescue missions, providing vital helicopter support on each of those rescues. Just over a year ago, Lt. Col. Young and his team were able to rescue a pilot from Colorado Springs that got wrecked in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in Garfield County Colorado. prgtoken , whether it was spending all night on Christmas Eve helping motorists during a blizzard, or flying a helicopter for Search prgtoken and Rescue missions, Lt. Col. Young has always been eager to serve his fellow Americans. It is my pleasure to recognize Lt. Col. Young for all his generosity. On behalf of the Third District of Colorado I would like to thank Lt. Col. Young for his generous service to his community.
REMEMBERING DANIEL AKAKA
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-4-10

today I wish to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant, a beloved statesman, and a gentleman of the Senate: Senator Daniel Akaka. On Friday, Senator Akaka passed away peacefully with his family gathered by his bedside. He leaves behind not only a strong record of legislative achievement, but a legacy of love and Aloha that animated his work here in the Senate. prgtoken Senator Akaka committed his life to public service. Whether as a soldier, educator, or Senator, he dedicated himself fully to the betterment of our Nation. After graduating high school in 1942, Senator Akaka enlisted in the Army Corps of Engineers, playing a key role in critical construction projects across the Pacific Theater during World War II. Senator Akaka's military service was a springboard to even greater opportunities, allowing him to finance a college education through the GI bill. prgtoken As a beneficiary of this historic legislation, Senator Akaka was perhaps the greatest advocate of our troops during his time here in the Senate, writing and spearheading passage of the 21st Century GI bill. He wanted our servicemembers to have the same opportunity he had to transition into civilian life, receive an education, and change this country for the better. prgtoken With help from the GI bill, Senator Akaka earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in education from the University of Hawaii. For nearly two decades, he worked in Hawaii's public schools, first as a teacher and eventually as a principal. Working in the trenches of America's public education system, Senator Akaka gained the prgtoken hands-on experience he would need as a legislator to take an active role in some of the most important education reforms of modern times. prgtoken After working as both a teacher and an administrator, Senator Akaka served as the chief program planner in the department of health, education, and welfare, and eventually served as the director of the Hawaii Office of Economic Opportunity. The sterling reputation Senator Akaka gained in State government helped launch his legislative career, and in 1976, the people of Hawaii elected him to the U.S. House of Representatives. He had a distinguished record as a Congressman before Hawaii elected him to the Senate in 1990. prgtoken In this chamber, Senator Akaka worked hard on behalf of our Native populations as the chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. He also fought valiantly for our troops as the Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, ensuring that our men and women in uniform were well taken care of upon returning home. prgtoken Having served alongside Senator Akaka for more than two decades, I remember best the spirit of civility he embodied as a legislator. He was caring and kind, loving and loyal, genuine and generous to all. He represented the best of this body in his willingness to lay aside partisan differences for the good of the Nation. Although we were members of diffe
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONING OF USS ``JOHN F. KENNEDY''
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the first aircraft carrier named after our 35th President of the United States, the USS John F. Kennedy. President John F. Kennedy began his political career as a member of this chamber and his legacy continues to this day with our colleague from Massachusetts, and his great-nephew, Joe Kennedy. prgtoken The USS John F. Kennedy, nicknamed ``Big John,'' was the only ship of her class and the last conventionally powered carrier built for the United States Navy. Since its first keel plates were laid down on October 22, 1964, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Virginia, the ship grew weld by weld and deck by deck to its full magnitude--five city blocks in length, 252 feet across the flight deck, and the height of a 23-story building. prgtoken Big John was officially christened by President Kennedy's 9-year-old daughter, Caroline, on May 27, 1967, just two days short of what would have been President Kennedy's 50th birthday. Some 30,000 spectators gathered at the shipyard to witness the launching of the Navy's newest aircraft carrier. President Lyndon B. Johnson, delivering the principal address, was joined at the podium by members of the Kennedy family including Caroline, the Matron of Honor Jackie Kennedy, and a distinguished list of military and civilian officials. prgtoken As the bottle of champagne crashed across the bow with Caroline's swift blow, the ship floated free from the keel blocks that had supported her during years of construction. In that moment, Hull 577 became the mighty aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. A little over a year later, the ship entered the fleet after being commissioned on September 7, 1968 with Captain Earl P. Yates in command. prgtoken The Kennedy's maiden voyage and several of her subsequent voyages were on deployments to the Mediterranean during the 1970s to help deal with the steadily deteriorating situation in the Middle East. It was during the seventies that Big John was upgraded to handle the F-14 Tomcat and the S-3 Viking. During her seventh deployment in 1978, Kennedy set a record of 31,568 flight hours and 12,438 arrested landings. prgtoken On January 4, 1982, Big John sailed as the flagship for Carrier Group 4 from Norfolk, Virginia on her ninth deployment and her first visit to the Indian Ocean. During her time there, the USS John F. Kennedy played host to the first visit of the Somali head of state aboard a U.S. Naval ship, held the largest mass re-enlistment ceremony in her history officiated by the Secretary of the Navy, and achieved her 150,000th arrested landing. Her cruise ended with port visits to Mombasa, Kenya and Toulon, France before returning home on July 14, 1982. prgtoken In October 1983, Big John was diverted to Beirut, Lebanon from her planned Indian Ocean deployment, after the Beirut barracks bombing killed 241 U.S. military personnel taking part in the M
TAX REFORM TRUTH TELLERS
Mimi Walters (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-10

in February, Congressman Paul Mitchell of Michigan and I established the Tax Reform Truth Tellers series to combat the misinformation being spread about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken Today I had the distinct honor of joining my colleagues from the great States of California and New York to talk about the benefits this historic tax reform bill is having on our communities and local economies. prgtoken When it comes to taxes, our two States have something in common: some of the highest State tax rates in the country. prgtoken My district in Orange County, California, is home to great people, beautiful weather, and a rich history, but it is also located in the highest taxed State in the Nation. prgtoken It is my duty to find ways to help my constituents build and achieve their American Dream, whether it is opening a small business, sending their children to college, or saving for retirement. Unfortunately, high taxes can prevent these dreams from becoming a reality. prgtoken While the State legislatures in Sacramento and Albany keep placing prgtoken crushing tax burdens on their residents, congressional s take action to lower the Federal tax burden on hardworking Americans and job creators in our districts. prgtoken The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act did just that by lowering rates and restoring the ability of American companies to compete globally. prgtoken For too long, our Tax Code was broken. It imposed high tax rates on families, individuals, and small businesses; it was full of special interest loopholes; it contained a tax structure that encouraged companies to ship jobs overseas; and individuals, families, and job creators spent nearly 9 billion hours each year preparing their taxes, which cost the economy $400 billion in lost productivity. prgtoken Last December, we addressed those issues and fixed our outdated Tax Code when we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation lowers rates for nearly every taxpayer, doubles the standard deduction for individual and joint filers, and maintains popular deductions that will help working families in cities like Irvine, Mission Viejo, and Tustin. prgtoken When the new withholding rates took effect in February, Orange County residents saw their take-home pay increase. Now, families and individuals are rightfully keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks. prgtoken The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has also encouraged economic growth and job creation. Since the tax reform package was signed into law, our economy has experienced its most robust growth rate since 2005, consumer and manufacturing confidence are near record highs, and just last month, the U.S. economy experienced its strongest month of job growth in nearly 2 years. prgtoken Over 500 companies have given their employees new benefits, like pay raises, bonuses, and increased matching 401(k) contributions. In the last 3 months, 4 million American workers have received bonuses. prgtoken Furthermore, the Nationa