mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THANKING TEAM RUBICON
Blake Farenthold (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-11

I want to take a few minutes to talk about and thank Team Rubicon and all other volunteers who are helping assist victims of Hurricane Harvey with storm cleanup, not only in the district I represent but throughout the State of Texas. prgtoken Many of our cities still have piles and piles of debris. Initially, it was trees and brushes cleared, but now, as people are starting to survey and repair the damage to their home, there is insulation, there is sheetrock, there are personal belongings all out along the street waiting to be picked up and cleaned up. prgtoken This Monday, I spent time with the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, visiting some of our cities, and they are telling me that the cleanup may not be complete in some cities, like Port Aransas and Rockport, until December or January. There is a big job ahead. It is going to take a lot of people. prgtoken Several weeks ago, Ryan and several members of the Texas delegation joined Team Rubicon in the Houston area aiding in demolition and cleanup in the flood-devastated areas. The group's positive attitude and commitment to service is inspiring. prgtoken Last week, Janice Dean of FOX News visited the district I represent and told the story about how Team Rubicon is helping with debris removal in Wharton, Texas. That is a city of about 9,000 south of Houston that was devastated by flood waters associated with the storm. prgtoken You know, Team Rubicon was founded in 2010, following the earthquakes in Haiti, by two marines, Jake Wood and William McNulty, who knew they could use their military experience and go out and help others. prgtoken Since then, Team Rubicon has drastically expanded across the Nation, uniting the skills and experiences of veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. prgtoken I want to thank Team Rubicon for all the help they have provided the folks of Texas, especially Wharton, and the people around the world who have suffered disasters since 2010. prgtoken I also want to thank Janice Dean of FOX News for helping tell their story. Janice's commitment to Team Rubicon didn't stop with just telling the story. prgtoken In fact, once the story aired, she has donated $15,000 from sales of her children's book, ``Freddy the Frogcaster'' to Team Rubicon and will continue to be donating all proceeds from this book to the group. Thank you, Janice. prgtoken Thank you, Team Rubicon, and thank you for everyone who is helping out those who are victims of Hurricane Harvey and the various other disasters that this Nation is facing right now.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-10-11

for yielding. prgtoken , I rise unscripted to bring to the attention of the entire Nation the plight of the good citizens of Louisiana who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey last month. Beside me at this graph shows the rainfall, the water event of Hurricane Harvey as it impacted Texas and Louisiana. prgtoken As anyone can see, it was a tremendous water event, unprecedented rainfall, that overwhelmed any water management system. And, as anyone can see, the parishes of southwest Louisiana were impacted, as well as many counties in Texas, yet, as we discuss disaster relief, Louisiana is absent from our conversation. I point out, to all who would choose to witness, the State line of Louisiana, as defined by the Sabine River, and the impact of Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken , Hurricane Harvey did not recognize the artificial State boundaries that we have created as a Republic, nor should we as we provide disaster relief for our citizens. Just after Hurricane Harvey had impacted Texas and Louisiana, my office drafted a letter to the executive branch to a President that I admire and respect, advising him of the impact, and begging his expedited approval of the disaster status once the formal request had been submitted by our Governor. prgtoken Sometime later, just 2 weeks ago, that formal request was submitted by the Governor of our State. Just after that submission, my office drafted and submitted a second letter requesting expedited approval of disaster status for these citizens of Louisiana, who were clearly just as impacted by this storm as many citizens in Texas. prgtoken Tomorrow, we shall send a third letter, this time signed by the entire Louisiana delegation. I ask that the Nation recognize the plight of the people I represent. The good and patriotic citizens of southwest Louisiana are suffering. prgtoken I respect and admire my President, I support him, I have supported him since day one, and I support him still. But it is important that we, as representatives of we the people, communicate clearly our intent and our service. prgtoken I beg that the leaders of the executive branch level would witness this clear evidence of the need for disaster declaration of the parishes of southwest Louisiana. And I beg that this message is received with the spirit with which it is delivered, which is respectful, yet in determined service of the citizens whom I have sworn to represent. prgtoken , for yielding these precious moments to me.
IMPACT OF RECENT HURRICANES
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-11

it was great to participate in this morning's board of delegation meeting, during which we discussed the impact of recent hurricanes on our State and unmet needs to require further attention. prgtoken With the onslaught of natural disasters that have plagued our country in recent months, we must provide appropriate levels of Federal support to all who are suffering. However, we must also ensure that Florida's ongoing needs are not overlooked as we seek to fully recover. prgtoken Our two largest industries, tourism and agriculture, have sustained significant losses, which will have a long-term impact on our economy, unfortunately. We also learned valuable lessons during the hurricane as it relates to the care for our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors and the disabled. These lessons need to translate to action in order to prevent future tragedies. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues as we evaluate the proposed natural disaster funding bill that will be voted on later this week and determine its impact on Florida.
HOPE FOR TRAFFICKED VICTIMS
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-11

for years, Lynda could not bring herself to speak about her past turmoil and nightmares. prgtoken Lynda is finally telling about her tortured life. When she was 16, two neighborhood boys drugged and sexually assaulted her. Highly drugged, the boys convinced her to have sex for money just once. But it wasn't for just one time, . They set up online advertisements to sell her and other girls. prgtoken When one of the other girls tried to escape, they tied her to a chair and beat her up mercilessly. They mixed drugs into the food to maintain control over the girls. It was years before Lynda finally escaped her turmoil. prgtoken Today, the rape and torture still haunts Lynda, but she works every day to become a survivor. I recently introduced the Abolish Human Trafficking Act that provides grants to ensure that victims like Lynda get help and services, such as mental health counseling, legal aid, job training, things that they deserve from us. This will help trafficking victims put their broken lives back together. prgtoken Trafficking is a scourge, and we need to send a message to everyone that our kids are not for sale. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
REPUBLICAN STUDY COMMITTEE
Mark Walker (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-10-11

I thank the gentleman for his comments. I always appreciate the contribution that the gentleman makes to the House and to the American people. prgtoken I could not agree more. For those who may be listening or watching, you may have seen, in the last few months, a heightened energy, or an urgency when it comes to calling out our partners in the Senate to begin to move and to begin to act--not just on things like repealing the healthcare, Care, but also moving, getting ready to move, hopefully, on tax reform. prgtoken I know there has been some agreement on the framework, but, as the details continue to be more and more clear, we hope our colleagues on the Senate are ready to move quickly and swiftly for the American people. prgtoken , from South Carolina (Mr. Norman), a brand-new Member who came in from a special election to replace OMB Director Mick Mulvaney when he took the position with President 's administration. He has gotten up to speed quickly and is a huge asset to the Study Committee and to the House s as a whole.
REMEMBERING SERGEANT DUSTIN WRIGHT
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-10-11

I rise today to honor the life of a Toombs County native. Twenty-nine-year-old Staff Sergeant Dustin Michael Wright was one of the three U.S. Army Green Beret soldiers killed in the line of duty last week. prgtoken The U.S. Africa Command says Dustin was part of a team assisting in advising local forces in southwest Niger at the time of the ambush. prgtoken A 2007 graduate from Toombs County High School, Dustin joined the Army soon after graduation, following in the footsteps of his parents and his brother. His family remembers him as a beloved jokester and was always making people laugh. He took great pride in serving the country, and I am so proud to see the Toombs County community coming together to paint the town red, white, and blue in honor of Dustin's life. Dustin was truly a hometown hero, and Toombs County will remember him often. prgtoken As Jesus said: ``Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for his friends.'' prgtoken Dustin sacrificed his life for his brothers and sisters in service to this great country. I will never forget our freedom fighter from Toombs County.
KEITH SWERDFEGER TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-10-11

I rise today to honor Mr. Keith Swerdfeger of Pueblo, Colorado, who has been honored with the Lifetime Business Achievement Award from the Colorado State University-Pueblo. prgtoken Keith Swerdfeger was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, and has had a lifelong passion to start a business and make a contribution to his hometown. In 1968, Keith realized his dream of becoming a business owner, opening Swerdfeger Construction, Inc. with his wife Sharon. This was the beginning of a very successful business venture. Today, Swerdfeger Construction, Inc. is a vital part of Pueblo's economy as well as in Southern Colorado and six other states, employing 500 people. Keith readily gives all of the credit to his employees for his company's success, while continuing to strive to create more jobs and opportunities. prgtoken Keith is passionate about investing in the Pueblo community and firmly believes that part of his company's success has come as the result of the work he, his family and employees have done to give back. Keith has been very active with the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, Pueblo County United Way, the Colorado Contractors, the Distribution Contractor Association, the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and other civic and industry associations. Keith represented Colorado House of Representatives District 47 from 2011 to 2013 where he served on the Economic and Business Development Committee, the Finance Committee and the Local Government Committee. He was a strong advocate for his District and the community of Pueblo--and worked diligently to bring jobs and economic opportunities to the people of southern Colorado. prgtoken , Keith Swerdfeger has been a long-time business leader and tireless civic volunteer for his hometown of Pueblo, Colorado. I'm fortunate to consider him a dear friend. When we tell younger generations of Puebloans that the keys to a successful life are dedication and a strong work ethic, we can point to Keith as an example. Pueblo is grateful to have Keith Swerdfeger as one of its sons.
NIST SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY ACT
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-10-11

I rise in support of H.R. 2105. prgtoken When I travel around my district, which is rich with technology workers, the thing that I hear repeated concern about is the increasing need for individuals with the skill set, education, training, and knowledge of cybersecurity matters. prgtoken With the recent events with Equifax, WannaCry, and OPM breaches, it is clear that our cybersecurity infrastructure needs to be strengthened. prgtoken In December 2016, the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity specifically recommended that the administration should ``develop concrete efforts to support and strengthen the cybersecurity of small- and medium-sized businesses.'' prgtoken With small businesses accounting for most of the U.S. economy's jobs and sales, it is imperative that we provide guidance to help them identify, assess, manage, and reduce their cybersecurity risks. By making these resources readily available to small businesses across the country, this commonsense legislation will help them protect their sensitive data and business from cyber threats so they can grow our economy and provide more jobs instead. prgtoken I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this measure, the NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on its passage. prgtoken , from Florida (Mr. Webster) for his leadership on this legislation.
IN HONOR OF THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF JUANITA VARNADO PIERCE
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-10-11

I ask for the House's attention to recognize the 80th birthday of Juanita Varnado Pierce. prgtoken Juanita was born to the late Howard and Maggie Lee Varnado and grew up in McComb, Mississippi. She graduated from Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in 1974 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and from Auburn University with a Master's in Early Childhood Education in August of 1975. prgtoken Juanita was married to the late Booker T. Pierce, Sr. and was blessed with three children: Booker T. Pierce, Jr. (Nashville, Tennessee), Vincent B. Pierce (St. Louis, Missouri) and Lisa P. Grant (Alexandria, Virginia). They have two grandsons, Dominque Pierce (Pompano Beach, Florida) and Nicholas B. Grant, who is a third year Mechanical Engineering Student at Georgia Tech. prgtoken Juanita started teaching 2nd grade at Dean Road Elementary School in Auburn in August of 1975 and continued teaching 2nd grade for 17 years. After completing her Administration Certification from the University of Alabama, she was hired as the Assistant Principal at Dean Road Elementary in Fall of 1992 and became Principal in Fall of 1996. She retired as Principal of Dean Road Elementary School in the Fall of 1998. prgtoken After joining Washington Chapel A.M.E. Church in 1960, she started teaching the pre-school Sunday School class and remained the teacher for nearly 50 years. She still serves in the Cathedral Choir, as a member of the Stewardess Board and is active in Sunday School. prgtoken In Summer of 2005, Juanita founded the S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math, Art, Reading and Technology) Camp. Funded by grants and donations, this free two-week camp was started at Washington Chapel A.M.E. Church with approximately 40 students. Today, it is held at George Washington Carver Elementary School due to size and nearly 100 applications. prgtoken A surprise Ladies' Luncheon will be held with women who have blessed her life over the years on October 21st at O'Charley's in Opelika, Alabama. prgtoken , please join me in wishing Juanita Varnado Pierce a very happy 80th birthday.
REPUBLICAN STUDY COMMITTEE
Mark Sanford (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-10-11

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I would make two quick points on the importance of tax reform. One, I would refer to an editorial that appeared in yesterday's Wall Street Journal. What it talked about was the nexus between deficits and tax reform. Oddly enough, if you look at the numbers here of late and if you look at the 2017 CBO report, what it shows is that, in fact, deficits are creeping up again. Last year's number is $668 billion. prgtoken What they point to in this editorial was that a good part of the reason why deficits have escalated has been tied to anemic economic growth and that, unlike other recoveries that had been more robust in nature, the revenues had not come in as they have in past recoveries. As a consequence, deficits have exploded. prgtoken So if you care about the deficits--and I do, and I know that the gentleman from North Carolina does, and I know that other members of the RSC do. If you care about deficits, then you have got to do something about tax reform this year was, in essence, the premise of the editorial. prgtoken The other point I would make is this. In a capitalistic society, capital matters. In essence, it is a mathematical formula. prgtoken Savings drives investment, which drives productivity gain, which ultimately impacts standards of living or wages, which we talk about. There are only two ways of increasing or improving human productivity. One is with gray matter: you can build a better mousetrap because you have been well educated and you can think of something different. The other is with physical capital. One person with a bulldozer can move a lot more dirt than one person with a shovel. prgtoken Yet what we oftentimes forget in the debate on tax reform is how important it is that we encourage and, in essence, complement the efforts of those who are out there risking on a daily basis. So with that in mind, it is important that we have tax reform that includes people who are actually, again, building businesses. prgtoken Think about this: the top 25 percent of the earners out there pay 90 percent of the taxes; the top 10 percent pay 60 percent of the taxes. prgtoken Now, let's define that for just a second. If you are in the top 25 percent, that begins at $77,000. If you are in the top 10 percent, you are at $133,000. prgtoken Now, tell me this: When I talk to a truck driver and a schoolteacher at home, their combined income could be around $100,000. Are they rich? I would say no. But they are out there making the kinds of risks that are necessary to the building of capital that was exactly what The Wall Street Journal talked about. prgtoken If we want to do something about deficits, and if we want to do something about capital formation that is so necessary to raising wages, then we have got to do something about this equation. It is important that those earners and those small-business people not be left out, as is the case right now. That is yet ano
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-11

on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, I was unable to be in Washington and missed Roll Call votes No. 558, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office, and No. 559, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 25 New Chardon Street Lobby in Boston, Massachusetts, as the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Post Office. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on both bills.
THE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH AND SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-10-11

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , this bipartisan legislation introduced by Chairman Knight and Ranking Member Murphy of the Committee on Small Business' Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce aims to modernize and improve the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer, or SBIR and STTR, programs. prgtoken The SBIR and STTR programs have helped thousands of small businesses create new technologies, commercialize their ideas, and generate new jobs. While creating these benefits in the private sector, the programs offer, in a cost-effective manner, ways for Federal agencies to solve operational problems. H.R. 2763 strengthens these two programs in quite a few ways. prgtoken First, the bill emphasizes agency accountability by creating several firm reporting deadlines for covered agencies and for the SBA to provide future Congresses with improved information that will lead to a better understanding of the programs' strengths and weaknesses. prgtoken Second, the legislation clarifies the congressional intent of the 2011 reauthorization to ensure that taxpayers reap the benefits of the SBIR and STTR programs by binding the technologies developed in the programs to long-term projects at the Department of Defense. prgtoken Third, the legislation extends a popular pilot program included in the 2011 reauthorization that would allow all participating Federal agencies to award a phase II contract immediately if the agency finds that the small business concern has already completed work typically done during phase I. prgtoken Fourth, it makes permanent the option for all participating agencies to prgtoken establish commercialization readiness programs, or CRPs. As a pilot program from the 2011 reauthorization, these CRPs have been shown to provide much-needed support to small companies nearing the completion of the process and have helped advance technology to the commercialization phase. prgtoken Fifth, it extends, through 2022, the provision that allows participating agencies to utilize 3 percent of their allocation for administrative functions, conduct outreach in an effort to bring more companies into the SBIR and STTR programs, and increase deterrents to waste, fraud, and abuse. prgtoken I want to thank Congressman Knight and Congresswoman Murphy for the bipartisan work on this important legislation. I would also like to thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, as well as Chairwoman Comstock and Ranking Member Lipinski of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, for working together with us to produce this bipartisan bill that we have before us this afternoon. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and .
REFORMING THE TAX CODE
Kevin Yoder (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-10-11

I rise today to talk about our efforts here in the people's House to reform our Tax Code and reduce the burden of the Federal Government on every American. Right now, Americans know that our Tax Code is unfair, it is too long, and it is too complicated. prgtoken It has been 30 years since we have made meaningful reforms, and the time for that change is now. House and Senate s have announced reforms that will make the Tax Code simpler, with more than 90 percent of filers being able to do their returns on a simple postcard. prgtoken We have asked to make the Tax Code fair for middle class Americans, lowering their rates and doubling their standard deduction. We have asked to give relief to low-income Americans by eliminating the lowest 10 percent bracket completely and cutting the 15 percent bracket to 12. We have asked to crack down on tax avoidance by ending the dozens and dozens of loopholes that only the wealthiest taxpayers and corporations can take advantage of. prgtoken , we have a unique opportunity to do so much for hardworking families across America. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join us, offer solutions, and make this a bipartisan effort to give the American people the relief they deserve.