mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING CHARLES ANTHONY ``C.A.'' WILLIAMS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-3-13

today I wish to honor the life of Charles Anthony ``C.A.'' Williams, of London, KY, who passed away after a long career of public service and great creativity. prgtoken During a lifetime of achievement, C.A. had many professions. He served his community as a Laurel County clerk and his Nation in the U.S. Army. He traveled the country driving a semi-truck, and he shared his deep faith as a gospel music singer and songwriter. prgtoken In each of these endeavors, C.A showed his passion, his skill, and his love. Through his music and his witness, C.A. fulfilled his greatest desire in life. Mr. Kip Jervis, one of C. A.'s nephews, remembered that his uncle ``had a made-up mind of where he was headed, and he made it his mission to take everyone he could with him.'' This drive led C.A. to share his story and his faith. prgtoken His passion continued throughout his battle with brain cancer. After a 1989 diagnosis, C.A. faced every day with optimism, knowing that ``he was a winner either way.'' After a long fight, C.A. recovered from cancer and continued to write music. prgtoken Reverend Gene Greene, the pastor of Carmichael Pentecostal Church in East Bernstadt, remembered C.A.'s immense talent. During his long drives in his semi-truck, C.A. would write gospel songs, a practice that became his greatest joy. He released some of these songs in an album called ``Magnificent Jesus.'' For a man of so many talents, this album was one of C.A.'s proudest accomplishments. prgtoken C.A. left behind three loving children, Brittany, Brooklyn, and Israel, and his sister, Connie. I know that the memories of C.A.'s love for them will help ease their pain. Elaine and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Williams family, and I know that C.A. will be remembered fondly by everyone he inspired with his faith, his dedication, and his music. He was a good man, and I am proud to say he was my friend.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-3-13

I rise today to speak in favor of the nomination of Seema Verma to serve as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. prgtoken I think we can all agree that this is a critical time for healthcare in America. Health costs continue to rise, and patients face growing uncertainty over coverage. At the same time, the health of too many Americans continues to decline, healthcare costs continue to grow, and millions of new baby boomers are becoming eligible for Medicare each and every year. prgtoken I might add, you heard the minority leader talk today as if have had nothing to do with all of this mess. Much to the contrary. Congress and our new President face intense pressure to address these challenges, and the stakes are very high. I am confident that Ms. Verma is up for that challenge. She has over two decades of experience working with State healthcare and industry leaders to reform and improve services for the most vulnerable members of our community. Ms. Verma's experience as an entrepreneur and industry leader allowed her to work extensively on a wide variety of policy and strategic projects involving Medicaid, insurance, and public health in conjunction with the Indiana Governor's office, State Medicaid agencies, State health departments, State departments of insurance, the Federal Government, and private companies and foundations. She has had a tremendous amount of experience in those areas, and I have every confidence that she will be a great leader. There are few professionals in the country who have her level of close relationships with State leaders that will be critical as Congress and the administration work to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act--the so-called Affordable Care Act; it is anything but affordable. prgtoken Medicaid represents an enormous burden on State budgets, and we now have an unprecedented opportunity to reform a Federal entitlement program long in need of structural changes. Ms. Verma is the ideal candidate to oversee the reform of the Medicaid Program and take steps administratively to give States the flexibility they have been clamoring for. prgtoken In Indiana, Ms. Verma worked with Governors Daniels and to design a Medicaid expansion program that extended health coverage to nearly prgtoken 400,000 low-income working Americans. She did so in a way that empowered people to take greater responsibility for their own health by providing incentives to use healthcare resources efficiently. The program ensured that many people got health care coverage for the first time. Now this innovative program has become a national model for other States. prgtoken Ms. Verma's experience will be invaluable as we work together to improve healthcare across the country and bring down the costs thereof. In addition to her work in Indiana, Ms. Verma has developed several other Medicaid reform programs, including 1,115 Medicaid waivers f
ECONOMIC GROWTH IN JACKSON COUNTY, GA
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-3-13

I rise today to recognize the economic growth that Jackson County has experienced over the past year. The investment of new companies in the Ninth District of Georgia has brought hundreds of new jobs to our community, and it is my hope that this growth will continue for years to come. prgtoken For many years, companies have made their home alongside Interstate 85 in the middle of Jackson County. The continued growth of e-commerce, in addition to the demand for expedited shipping by customers, has made it necessary for companies such as Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, and Whole Foods to acquire regional distribution centers. We are eager to welcome these companies, as well as many others, to northeast Georgia. prgtoken In addition to the settlement of new companies in Jackson County, there have been multiple expansions that have been announced by already existing businesses and health centers. The continued growth of these companies shows that they have found a community in the Ninth District that is conducive to their businesses' future. prgtoken The number of companies that have decided to absorb industrial space in our district represents another notable step towards increased economic strength for our community. However, Jackson County is continuing to invest not only in the economic sector, but in the future of young men and women by creating a college and career academy. In fall of 2017, the county will submit a proposal for this academy, which has the potential to attract new industries to northeast Georgia, as well as to educate the young men and women of our community. Mr I applaud this holistic approach to community growth on the part of Jackson County.
Kansas Wildfires (Executive Session)
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-3-13

I rise today to speak about the historical and unprecedented wildfires that burned through southwest Kansas last week. We had fires in 21 of our Kansas counties, roughly one-fifth of our State. High winds and dry conditions caused fires of the highest classification that blazed across central and western Kansas some 30 to 40 feet high, burning more than 700,000 acres of land, making this the largest wildfire in our State's history. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has said it could take weeks to determine the full extent of devastation from the fires. Clark County, KS, officials--that is the county that was the hardest hit--estimate a devastating loss of anywhere from 3,000 to 9,000 head of cattle. That is just in one county. As I indicated, Clark County was the hardest hit by the windblown fires, with over 85 percent of the land in the county consumed by these prairie fires. This is hundreds of thousands of acres in one county and over 700,000 in regard to our State. prgtoken On Friday, I drove south from Dodge City, KS, through range and ranchland I didn't even recognize. What used to be gently rolling prairie, dotted with herds of cattle and crisscrossed by fencing, is now reduced to blackened dust. Friends of mine lost their ranch when a 40-foot wall of fire roared out of the valley over the bluff and burned out their operation. We have unimaginable damage to land and property, but also heart-wrenching scenes of cattle and wildlife burned, wounded, and wandering. prgtoken Many Kansans lost everything. According to Sheriff John Ketron of Clark County, 31 houses and over 440,000 acres were burned there. We have longtime friends there, John and Carol Swayze. We have known them for years. John said with tears in his eyes: ``Pat, it took me 43 years to build up this operation, and it took about an hour to take it all down.'' Riding with Sheriff Ketron, we were assessing the town of Ashland, where a volunteer firefighting force managed to save the town when it became surrounded in flames. Some volunteers were fighting fires elsewhere in the area and learned their own homes had been engulfed and lost. prgtoken I met with brave people in the towns of Englewood and Ashland, KS, in the heart of Clark County, who had just come through frightening experiences fighting the unpredictable and unstoppable fires. Some were out driving cattle away from the fires and had become separated from loved ones. When the flames turned, they were left to pray for their safety. prgtoken Kylene Scott, with the High Plains Journal, calls it ``the worst day of her life.'' She wrote a courageous and honest account of the day. I will read her words now: I think I had them going the right way, then the wind switched. Now I just don't know. When I heard the crack in my husband's voice yesterday afternoon, I knew it was bad. He is normally the calm, cool, collected one. A family fr
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-3-13

on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. prgtoken On March 9, had I been present, I would have voted the following on amendments to H.R. 985, the Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2017: No on roll call no. 140, the Deutch Amendment, No on roll call no. 141, the Deutch Amendment, No on roll call no. 142, Soto amendment, No on roll call no. 143, the Johnson Amendment, No on roll call no. 144, the Conyers amendment, No on roll call no. 145, the Jackson Lee Amendment, No on roll call no. 146, the Espaillat Amendment, and No on roll call no. 147, the ic Motion to Recommit. I would have voted Yes on roll call no. 148, final passage of H.R. 985, the Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act. I would have voted the following on amendments to H.R. 725, the Innocent Party Protection Act: No on roll call no. 149, the Soto Amendment, No on roll call no. 150, the Cartwright Amendment, No on roll call no. 151, the ic Motion to Recommit. I would have voted Yes on roll call no. 152, final passage of H.R. 725, the Innocent Party Protection Act. prgtoken On March 10, had I been present, I would have voted the following on amendments to H.R. 720, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act: No on roll call no. 153, the Soto Amendment, No on roll call no. 154, the Jackson Lee amendment, No on roll call no. 155, the Conyers Amendment, No on roll call no. 156, the Jeffries Amendment, and No on roll call no. 157, the ic Motion to Recommit. I would have voted Yes on roll call no. 158, final passage of H.R. 720, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act.
IN MEMORY OF SAM HOUSTON, IV
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-13

a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Sam Houston, IV was a blessing to Texas, not just because of who his great-grandfather was, but because of his passion for Texas history. prgtoken Born on September 25, 1931, in Claremore, Oklahoma to Sam Houston, III and Ruth Helen Nilson, Sam Houston, IV was the great grandson of General Sam Houston. He was one of Texas' founding fathers whose statue stands in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, and whose bust is displayed in the historic Ways and Means Conference Room in the Capitol as well. Sam Houston, IV shared his tries to Texas history with all who would listen. A frequent speaker at annual San Jacinto Day celebrations, Sam brought history to life. prgtoken He enjoyed sharing his love of Texas history and his special connection to the founding of the Texas Republic with children, school groups, civic and other organizations. His great-grandfather, who once said about Texas that ``no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages,'' would have been proud of his great grandson. prgtoken A salesman with U.S. Steel for many years, Sam attended Schreiner Military Academy and Allen Academy in Texas. He also attended St. Michael's College in New Mexico before earning his BA in history at the University of Houston. prgtoken Always a patriot, Sam served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and led an infantry platoon. After active service, he served an additional 16 years in the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. prgtoken He was appointed to the Bi-centennial Commission of the U.S. Constitution and served on the Sesquicentennial Commission of the Republic of Texas celebration. He served as President General of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and was Knight Commander of the Knights of San Jacinto. He is one of nine men in the over one-hundred year history of the Sons of the Republic of Texas to have been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. prgtoken He was commissioned as Commanding General of The Texas Army on April 20, 2010 by Governor Perry. On February 23, 2011, he was awarded the George Washington Award by the Paul Carrington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Houston, Texas. prgtoken Sam would carry his weighty name with pride as he spoke to tens of thousands of schoolchildren about Texas history. He also appeared in the EMMY Award winning documentary, Sam Houston: American Statesman, Soldier, and Pioneer, that will live on for generations to come. prgtoken For the past several decades, he called the Houston area his home. Sam and his wife, Virginia Rose, were blessed with three children, Vicky, Steven, and Kevin, three grandchildren, Sherry, Bridgett and Scott, and seven great-grandchildren, Jessica, Chelsea, Patrick, Mackenzie, Nicole, Sophia and Dylan. Sam is also survived by his brother, Temple. prgtoken On March 10, 2017, Sam passed away at the age of 85 and will be sorely missed.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-3-13

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA FARM BUREAU
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-3-14

today I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. prgtoken Established in 1917, the South Dakota Farm Bureau has worked tirelessly to promote, uphold, and improve agriculture across our State. What started as a small group of farmers and ranchers, joining together to protect their homes and livelihoods, has grown to represent more than 16,000 families in South Dakota today. prgtoken As advocates for rural America, their mission is to ``make the business of farming more profitable, and the community a better place to live.'' They accomplish this by educating consumers, leading grassroots advocacy efforts, and providing youth programs to train the next generation of farmers and ranchers. prgtoken I congratulate the South Dakota Farm Bureau on 100 years of successfully supporting South Dakota farmers and ranchers, so they can continue to supply safe, high-quality food to consumers around the globe.
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-3-14

later today, the Senate will vote on H.J. Res. 42, the resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act relating to a Department of Labor regulation on the drug testing of unemployment insurance applicants. I rise to speak in support of that resolution and to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of its passage. prgtoken Let's put this resolution and the regulation it would repeal in proper context. In 2012, Congress passed and President signed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. Among many other things, that law included a number of carefully negotiated provisions relating to the unemployment insurance program, including a number of reforms to address program efficiency and integrity issues. prgtoken One of those provisions overturned a DOL ban on drug screening for UI applicants. Specifically, the law allowed States to test UI applicants who either lost their job due to drug use or were seeking employment in an occupation that generally required drug tests as a condition of employment. prgtoken It did not require States to begin drug testing; it only gave them that option. In addition, the law required DOL to issue regulations to define those occupations that regularly conduct drug tests. States would not be allowed to implement any drug testing policies pursuant to the law until the regulations were finalized. DOL issued its proposed regulation in 2014. prgtoken At that time, Members of Congress and stakeholders at the State level argued that the proposal fell far short of Congress's intent. The final rule was issued in August of last year, about 4\1/2\ years after the provision was signed into law. As before, the final regulation defined the relevant occupations so narrowly that it basically makes it impossible for States to implement any meaningful drug testing policy. prgtoken So here we are, debating a CRA resolution that would wipe this regulation off the books and give DOL an opportunity to put forward something new that better reflects Congress's intent. prgtoken Let's talk about why this drug testing provision is important. The UI Program requires beneficiaries to be able and available to work and be actively seeking work. This is a condition of eligibility for UI benefits. This is what it boils down to. If a worker loses his or her job due to drug use, he or she cannot affirmatively establish that they are fully able to work. Likewise, if an unemployed individual is unable to accept a new job because they cannot pass a required drug test, they are not available for work. prgtoken Congress intended to give States the power to withhold benefits in these cases because, by definition, individuals in these situations are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. prgtoken Keep in mind that, according to recent surveys, more than half of all U.S. employers require prospective employees to take a drug test. It isn't some fringe or mean-spirited notion that t
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-14

I have 6 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: Armed Services Committee prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 10 a.m in order to conduct a hearing entitled ``Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, Part I.'' Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate in order to hold a hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Finance Committee prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 10 a.m in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building, to consider the nomination of Robert Lighthizer. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the 115th Congress of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 2:30 p.m in room SH-219 of the Senate Hart Office Building to hold a CLOSED hearing. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to hold a meeting during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 2:30 p.m in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. prgtoken The Committee will hold a Subcommittee Hearing on ``Continuing to Improve Truck Safety on our Nation's Highways.''
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-14

I have come to the floor several times over the past 8 years to discuss the constitutional principle of separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and the judicial branches. President promised that he would act independently of Congress where he had to; his quote: ``Where they won't act, I will.'' I have come to the floor to discuss the many examples of Executive overreach that we have witnessed, from unilateral pursuit of climate change regulations to unconstitutional recess appointments. prgtoken As I have said before, the structure of our Constitution is a critical safeguard of our liberty. As Justice Scalia famously said: Every banana republic in the world has a bill of rights. Every President for life has a bill of rights. The real key to the distinctiveness of America is the structure of our government. prgtoken Now, I have served in the Senate for 36 years, so I have a deep appreciation of the different roles of the coordinate branches and for the fact that the people govern themselves through their prgtoken elected representatives, and my accountability to them is the defining characteristic of my role as one of their representatives in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken That is not true of judges in our Federal system who are not elected, and it is certainly not true of the executive agencies that administer the laws we write here in the Congress. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch is the President's nominee to serve as the next Justice of the Supreme Court. It seems to me that he really understands the important differences in these roles. Reflecting on the legacy of Justice Scalia, he remarked that ``the great project of Justice Scalia's career was to remind us of the differences between judges and legislators.'' prgtoken So I am now going to turn to Senator Lee. I would like to have him discuss a question I put before him: How do you understand Judge Gorsuch to view differences between judges, legislators, and the executive under our Constitution?