mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO ERIN COSKY
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-1-25

I ask to have printed in the Record an article that was published in yesterday's Pensacola News Journal, ``Meet the Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year.'' I commend Ms. Erin Cosky for her dedication to Florida's students, and wish her well in the State's Teacher of the Year selection process. prgtoken The material follows: [From the Pensacola News Journal USA Today Network, Jan. 24, 2018] Meet the Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year Florida.--Gulf Breeze High School science teacher Erin Cosky has been selected as the Santa Rosa County School District's Teacher of the Year. The news was announced during a surprise visit to Cosky's classroom Wednesday morning. Cosky teaches earth and space science and advanced placement environmental science at the school. She is Santa Rosa's nominee for the Florida Department of Education's Teacher of the Year 2019. The Florida Teacher of the Year will be selected in May and will serve as Florida's nominee for National Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in January 2019. Cosky, other nominees for the award and all Santa Rosa County educators will be honored at Santa Rosa's Golden Apple Celebration on March 2.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-1-25

we have finally ended this government shutdown that was produced and directed by the in the Senate. prgtoken The reason decided to take this extreme step and shut down the government was because of the narrow issue of illegal immigration. They shut down services for citizens of the United States to provide services for people who are not citizens of the United States, and the have admitted it was all about this issue of illegal immigration. prgtoken There may have been another reason, as well, that wanted to shut down the government, and that was so they could change the subject being debated by people, talked about by friends, noticed by Americans, and making the headlines. That subject, of course, is the competence and optimism in the American economy--by workers, by people who are paying taxes, by people who realize how the tax relief legislation is going to help improve their lives personally. prgtoken I think the success of the tax relief bill scares a lot of . It scares them because every one of them voted against it. They didn't think it was a good idea to let people keep more of their hard-earned money. The thought it was a better idea for possibly the government to keep that money and use it and spend it in ways many people--certainly in Wyoming--feel is not a good use of that money. Families know how to get more value out of their dollars than the government ever will. voted prgtoken against it--the tax cuts that would actually create jobs all across the country, and we have seen that job creation occurring. They voted against the tax relief that is going to allow money to be brought back to America so investments are made in America. prgtoken It was so interesting to listen to Nancy Pelosi--the former of the House and now the minority leader in the House--refer to what we were doing in the Senate and in the House as Armageddon. She said it was the end of the world. That is what she said. prgtoken The American people, hard-working people, don't believe that at all. They believe it is good for them personally. It turns out that people who work at more than 200 companies in this country have already gotten a raise or some kind of a cash benefit or additional contribution to their retirement because of the tax law. That is why all those companies said they did it. Over 2 million people have obtained this benefit of the tax relief law, and more are going to benefit in the years ahead. Millions of Americans are going to start seeing more take- home pay in their paychecks next month. That is because of this tax relief law the --every one of them--opposed. We are seeing it not just with American families; we are seeing it with investments coming in from abroad. prgtoken This law has totally changed how we tax the money companies earn that sell things to people overseas. This chart goes through i
Senate Priorities (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-25

now that the government is up and running again, we need to look ahead at what our legislative priorities should be. I can't speak for everybody, but I can speak for myself. My priorities are threefold. prgtoken First, we need to expedite disaster relief. In December, the House passed an $81 billion disaster relief bill designed to address the natural disasters caused by Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey, as well as the wildfires out West. That has been sitting in the Senate since December. We need to act and act with dispatch. prgtoken Everybody remembers Hurricane Harvey--we certainly do in Texas--which pummeled us last August. It was last August; this is February. Most of the media attention in the months since has focused on the city of Houston, which quite literally was torn apart. This was the most intense rain event in American history--more than 50 inches of rain fell in 5 days. prgtoken Other areas beyond Houston fared worse--I am thinking of cities like Rockport and Port Author on the Texas coast. I am thinking of cities like Victoria and Beaumont. More than 28,000 square miles were flooded. Crops rotted, livestock died, and almost 6 months later people are still piecing together their lives. prgtoken In addition to Hurricane Harvey, as I said, there was Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, and there were the wildfires that burned across California that later resulted in mudslides after the rains fell. I know the Federal Government is not the only entity charged with ensuring help gets to these places, but it certainly has an important part to play. prgtoken This morning, I attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors and saw a number of my mayors from Texas who were part of the success or at least the management of this natural disaster in prgtoken Texas. They have done their part. The State has done its part. It is time for the Federal Government to step up, and it is time for the Senate to pass this supplemental bill that was passed by the House in December. prgtoken The second priority I have, personally, is lifting the spending caps that impair our national defense, particularly our men and women in uniform. In my remarks yesterday, I said this is a problem set in motion by the Budget Control Act of 2011. While well-intentioned--for a while it did hold down discretionary spending and reduced our deficits and our debt--its implementation has not stemmed our national debt, but it has tied the hands of our military. This is an important lesson. It is not defense spending, it is not tax cuts, it is not discretionary spending; it is the mandatory spending in our entitlement programs which continue to run up deficits and debt and which threaten us and our financial future, to be sure. prgtoken In the meantime, our military faces readiness challenges across the globe. We simply must listen to people like Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. We should lift the caps, end sequester so our military no lon
WORK OF THE SENATE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-1-25

this week, the Senate has moved past a partisan paralysis and checked off several important items for the American people. prgtoken On Monday, we passed the bipartisan measure that funds the government through February 8. But that bill didn't only end the shutdown, it also extended the State Children's Health Insurance Program for 6 years. That is long-term security for millions of vulnerable children and peace of mind for their families. And the bill delayed three onerous taxes that Care would otherwise have imposed on the American people. prgtoken Yesterday, I filed cloture on commonsense legislation to protect unborn children who can feel pain. There are only seven countries left that still permit elective abortion after 20 weeks, including us, unfortunately, China, and North Korea. On issues of human dignity, this is not the company we ought to keep. I look forward to voting to advance this bill next week. prgtoken We also made important headway in another vital area--the personnel business. We confirmed three of President 's highly qualified nominees for important posts. We have a new Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Mr. Powell. We have a new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mr. Azar. And we have a new Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, our former colleague Sam Brownback. Here in the Senate, Mr. Brownback championed legislation to combat human trafficking and work to facilitate cooperation on issues facing vulnerable children. As the voices of religious minorities are being suppressed around the world, I am glad they will have Ambassador Brownback to speak up for them. prgtoken Of course, a great deal of work lies ahead of us. In the near future, we need to make bipartisan progress on areas such as immigration and border security, disaster relief, healthcare, and securing adequate funding for our Armed Forces. It is my strong preference that Senators reach bipartisan agreements on these issues in advance of the February 8 deadline. Fortunately, with the government shutdown behind us, serious discussions have resumed on all these matters. A bipartisan, bicameral group, including Senators Cornyn and Durbin, is hard at work on immigration. We will also hear from the White House on Monday, and I look forward to the framework they will present. prgtoken I am optimistic these ongoing negotiations will lead to results; nonetheless, I came to the floor on Sunday night and again on Monday to restate a possibility I had previously discussed with Members with diverse views on immigration policy. I restated that if the February 8 deadline for the current funding bill passes and a long-term agreement still eludes us, as long as the government remains open, the Senate will proceed to a variety of priorities on the subject of immigration, including border security, the DACA issue, and other aspects of immigration policy. prgtoken The bill I choose to introduce for
U.S. MARSHAL CLEVELAND VAUGHN, JR.
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-1-25

I rise today to commemorate African-American History Month by posthumously honoring the federal service, accomplishments and communal contributions of U.S. Marshal Cleveland Vaughn, Jr. prgtoken He was born on a farm in Earle, Arkansas, skipped a grade in country school and graduated from high school at age 16. He went to college at what is now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and graduated with a degree in agriculture education. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a game warden. prgtoken He began his federal career as a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1967, when he was accepted into a federal law enforcement training program. Mr. Vaughn wrote of the experience in an essay for the Omaha World Herald stating ``I was the first black. At the time, I didn't realize what that meant, that it was a tremendous breakthrough. To me, it was a job. Period.'' It is a job he held for half of a 28-year career with the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 1993, Cleveland was the first African-American appointed to be the U.S. Marshal for the State of Nebraska. The U.S. Marshals Service describes the members of its ranks thusly, ``hometown-men and women familiar with local feelings about national issues. They are people comfortable within their own neighborhoods.'' This is a particularly apt description of Mr. Vaughn according to his friends, family and colleagues. Quoting Shirley Vaughn, his wife of nearly 49 years, ``He loved people. He loved his church. He loved to help.'' prgtoken Cleveland Vaughn was active in his church, Zion Baptist, serving as a trustee. He was a mentor and a confidant for the young and old. Cleveland shared his love of the outdoors and nature with all. He utilized his passion to help coordinate an annual wild game feed at Zion Baptist church, which emphasized fellowship between young men and positive role models. The Douglas County Attorney described Mr. Vaughn as a ``public servant whose public service didn't stop.'' He was known for his generosity, openness and selflessness. prgtoken In addition to his wife, Shirley, and other relatives, Vaughn is survived by son Derek Vaughn, and daughters Monica Watson and Janae Vaughn of Omaha. prgtoken As we prepare to celebrate Black History month, we recognize the immense contributions African-Americans have made to this country. Trailblazers and public servants like Cleveland Vaughn, Jr. deserve our gratitude and thanks.
COST ESTIMATE ON H.R. 4564, THE POST-CALIPHATE THREAT ASSESSMENT ACT OF 2017
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-25

the following cost estimate H.R. 4564, the Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Congress, Washington, DC, January 18, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4564, the Post- Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4564--Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017 As passed by the House of Representatives on January 9, 2018 H.R. 4564 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare a threat assessment related to the current activities of foreign terrorist fighters, including information on the travel patterns and countries of origin for such persons. The act would require DHS, within 180 days of enactment, to report to the Congress on the results of the assessment. Using information from DHS, CBO estimates that implementing the act's provisions would cost less than $500,000; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting H.R. 4564 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4564 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4564 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
SUPPORT CROSS-STRAIT STATUS QUO BETWEEN TAIWAN AND CHINA
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-1-25

I rise today to express serious concern and opposition to the unilateral decision by the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority to activate four air routes in the Taiwan-Strait. The decision was made without any consultation with the government of Taiwan, which is a clear violation of international law according to the International Civil Aviation Organization. This action by China could pose a grave threat to the cross-strait status quo between China and Taiwan. The cross-strait status quo has been essential in preventing a military crisis between the two countries that could be a threat to peace and security in East Asia. prgtoken All relevant parties, including the Taiwanese Government, support the continuation of the cross-strait status quo. The Chinese Government must come to the negotiating table with Taiwan in order to return to the status quo. I prgtoken am pleased that the State Department has come out strongly against this unlawful action by the Chinese Government and I encourage them to use their influence to bring China back to the negotiating table. The relationship between China and Taiwan should be based on dignity and respect, not one side trying to dominate the other.
RECOGNIZING THE ALASKA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY NORDIC SKI TEAM
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-1-25

every week, I have been coming to the floor, going on 2 years now, to talk about what makes my State, the great State of Alaska, such an amazing place to live--gorgeous, untouched mountains, the glaciers, the wildlife. I have live web cams in my office. For people who want to see the bears, walruses, the salmon spawning, bears scooping up these amazing fish from the choked streams, please come on by. Most of that happens during the spring, summer, and fall. The winter, of course, is the longest season in Alaska. In my opinion, it is one of the best times to experience our State. prgtoken For those watching on TV or in the Gallery, we want to welcome you to Alaska. Come on by. You will have the trip of a lifetime. I guarantee it. prgtoken It is truly the people who make my State such a truly special place. What we try to do each week is talk about prgtoken some of those people in what we have termed our ``Alaskan of the Week'' celebration, to talk about community, to talk about so many Alaskans who are helping not only their State and their community but their country, generous yet tough and competitive people who make up our Wonderful State. prgtoken Many of them get very excited when the snow starts to fall. They strap on their skis and they fly through the snow. One group of Alaskans who every winter strap on their skis and train--actually train all year round and compete on the hundreds of miles of Anchorage's trail system--is the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Program. Hands down, it is the very best ski team in America. They are our Alaskans of the Week. prgtoken Let me tell you a little bit about the APU Nordic Ski Program. Led by Coach Erik Flora, Alaska's APU Nordic Ski team year after year produces some of our Nation's finest athletes, who compete in races all across the world, including the upcoming Winter Olympics in Korea. As I mentioned, year after year, APU athletes are simply the best cross- country skiers in the Nation. Their depth of talent was put on display earlier this month at the U.S. Cross Country Championships in Anchorage, where they took 11 out of the 24 podium spots in the senior races and 8 out of the 24 junior podium spots. Think about that. One team dominated the U.S. Cross Country Championships this year. prgtoken They train year-round. In the summer, the ski team trains on Eagle Glacier, accessible by a 10-minute helicopter ride from Girdwood, AK. As the Anchorage Daily News put it, this unique training area has ``been a springboard to APU's international and domestic success [and dominance]. Flora and his staff have groomed serpentined, undulating trails there that mimic [international] courses'' on a glacier in Alaska in the summer. That is great training. It is year-round. prgtoken In addition to training and coaching these world-class athletes, the APU Nordic Ski Center also has a popular junior program, which helps develop the next generation of Olympic
DACA = DEMS AGAINST COMMON AMERICANS
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-1-25

I am pleased to include in the Record an opinion editorial authored by columnist Tom Joyce of the Mount Airy News. In the piece, ``DACA = Dems against Common Americans,'' Mr. Joyce correctly asserts that during the Schumer Shutdown, the ic Party put the interests of DACA participants above those of our military personnel who suffer from shutdowns. I commend Mr. Joyce on his acute understanding of the facts. [From the Mount Airy News] DACA = Dems Against Common Americans (By Tom Joyce) As I sit here on Friday, a stare-down is continuing in Washington over a spending bill that was threatening to shut down the federal government at midnight. First of all, it's bad enough that members of Congress-- representing both parties--are so irresponsible they can't handle a basic function such as adopting a budget, something state and local governments, businesses and families routinely do. This is evident not just with the spending plan, but virtually any issue of consequence to address our nation's many woes. The problem is that members of both parties are more interested in pleasing their corporate donors and other special interests than they are helping rank-and-file Americans. Senators and representatives largely have become a privileged class who believe they don't have to play by the rules, ones they themselves make. Although people like myself are paid to offer these kinds of observations in the dim hope they might actually elicit change, I wholeheartedly believe change won't occur unless some major overhaul in Washington replaces most of the present leadership. While the fiscal irresponsibility surrounding the recent budget impasse has been sickening in and of itself, the really disgusting thing is how congressional have tied their support for a spending bill to relief for DACA participants. You know, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Dreamers) program that gives special treatment to hundreds of thousands (and maybe more) illegal immigrants brought by their illegal immigrant parents to this country as kids ``through no fault of their own.'' Now they are young adults who are all military heroes, heart surgeons or Rhodes Scholars with spotless criminal records, and despite being such great and talented people aren't depriving legal citizens of jobs. Even if all that were true, it's disgraceful to see how the ic Party has been putting the interests of DACA participants above those of our military personnel who suffer from shutdowns, including not getting paid. When was the last time went to bat to such a degree for our own inner-city youths who are ``Dreamers'' depr
IN RECOGNITION OF STEVE MILLER'S SERVICE TO KENTUCKY'S SECOND DISTRICT
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-1-25

I rise today to give my sincere thanks to Steve Miller of Shelby County, Kentucky, who is retiring after nine years of service as a field representative with my office. prgtoken My friendship with Steve began when I was first elected to the Kentucky State Senate. Steve worked for the Senate leadership office, and I quickly learned how much everyone loved Steve. He built friendships quickly and had a deep knowledge of legislation and policy, so when I was elected to serve the Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives, I knew I wanted Steve on my team. prgtoken Steve rose up to the challenge and immediately developed a reputation for serving constituents effectively. He understood early on that service transcends ideological differences. Once, when Steve had an introductory meeting with a local official, he was rebuffed because the official was of a different party. Steve chuckled and explained that he wasn't there to be political--he was there to serve that community and be a resource to that official. A great relationship began in fifteen minutes and endures still. prgtoken For the past nine years, I've heard my constituents tell similar stories of appreciation for Steve. He wakes up each day thinking about who he can introduce me to as he hits the road to visit the constituents of Kentucky's Second District. I will miss Steve, but I wish him and his wife Donna good health and good times with their family during retirement.