mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROMOTING INTERAGENCY COORDINATION FOR REVIEW OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINES ACT
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-7-19

I would just note that all current reviews that we do now for pipeline siting, they all remain in place. None of it goes away. Those same reviews take place. prgtoken The gentlewoman's amendment, in our view, is unnecessary because nothing in this legislation would limit environmental protections or affect laws that govern the multiple use of our public lands. prgtoken Pipelines, we know, as I said earlier, are the safest, most efficient way to transport energy supplies. The overwhelming majority of Americans strongly support modernizing our infrastructure, including pipelines, to ensure stable, affordable supplies. And I would note, we have millions of miles of pipelines across the country. prgtoken So what is the alternative if you don't have a pipeline? prgtoken Well, it is going to be more expensive and, frankly, the accident record is not perfect either. It includes rail or truck, often at a higher cost, which then is passed along to those consumers, impacting the most vulnerable the most. prgtoken Infrastructure modernization and job growth go hand in hand with environmental and natural resource protection. Investing in our infrastructure is a smart investment for energy security, job growth, manufacturing, and creating the jobs that we want. prgtoken Maintaining and expanding these economywide benefits is dependent on a transparent and a predictable regulatory approval of infrastructure projects. That is what the underlying bill does. prgtoken This amendment, however, we would view as a step backward. I would urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. prgtoken .
CAPTIVE NATIONS WEEK
Dennis A. Ross (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-19

I rise today to recognize Captive Nations Week. prgtoken In 1959, Congress authorized and requested the President proclaim the third week in July as Captive Nations Week. During this week, we stand united with those who still live under the rule of communist regimes as they continue fighting against this oppression and lack of human rights. You have my word that I will continue to fight along with you. prgtoken As a way to educate current and future generations about the ideology, history, and societal impact of communism, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation was authorized in 1993 by a unanimous act of Congress. prgtoken In honor of this foundation, I have introduced H. Con. Res. 57, which expresses the sense of Congress that establishing a museum in memory of the victims of communism is an important step in educating Americans about the human rights violations committed by these totalitarian regimes and telling the whole story of 20th century history. prgtoken This museum would honor the memory of the heroes who resisted communist tyranny and commemorate America's more than half a century of efforts resisting Soviet imperialism. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me during Captive Nations Week in recognizing and supporting victims of communism by cosponsoring H. Con. Res. 57 and bringing the truth to light.
REMEMBERING MAYNARD F. HAGEMEYER
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-7-19

today I wish to remember Maynard F. Hagemeyer, a WWII veteran and Ohio business and civic leader. Mr. Hagemeyer passed away on July 16, at the age of 98, at his home on Wilmington Road in Clarksville; he died in the same room he was born in on November 22, 1918. prgtoken Maynard Hagemeyer attended Spring Hill elementary school in a one- room schoolhouse and graduated from Massie Township High School in Harveysburg, OH in 1936. He attended the University of Cincinnati, studying business administration. He loved horses and, in his youth, showed Percheron and Belgian horses throughout the U.S and in 1940, he traveled through the Panama Canal, transporting draft horses to Chile. prgtoken Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941, Maynard served almost 5 years during WWII, half in deployment overseas. He attained the rank of captain and commanded a company in the 23rd replacement battalion in North Africa, serving under General George Patton. He also served under General Mark Clark in Italy. prgtoken Maynard took over the family farm in 1948 and operated various business ventures over the years. These included an excavation business, a feed mill, an anhydrous ammonia and fertilizer business, an egg business, and a Standardbred racing and breeding business he started in 1957 that still continues today. prgtoken Active in the community, Maynard was a member of the Clarksville Masonic Lodge since 1940, the Scottish Rite and Shrine since 1946, and he joined the Eastern Star in 1947 and served as ``Worthy Patron'' in 1952 and in 1962. prgtoken Maynard was on the Warren County Fair Board for 42 years and the Warren County Veterans Commission for 20 years. He also served as a director of the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association and was the first president of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation. prgtoken He stepped into public service after the death of his father in 1948, completing the balance of his father's term as Warren County commissioner. He was also a member of the Warren County School Board for 10 years and served as a Washington township trustee for 32 years. prgtoken Maynard has been recognized many times over the years, including the Pacer Grass Roots award in 1989, named a ``Kentucky Colonel'' at the age of 91, Masonic Lodge 75-year award in 2016, and the Harveysburg alumni 80-year award in 2016. prgtoken Maynard and his beloved wife, Stella, were married for 71 years and had 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. prgtoken I would like to honor Maynard Hagemeyer for his contributions to his community, his country, and his family.
CONGRATULATING THE YOUNG GUNS AT QUAIL CREEK
Thomas J. Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-19

I rise today to congratulate the Young Guns at Quail Creek for winning the 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship. Based out of my hometown, Okeechobee, Florida, the Young Guns have won the SCTP State championship for the past 3 years. prgtoken The Young Guns had the highest combined team score of all 38 teams competing. Specifically, one participant, Nicholas Blenker, had the highest overall score in the competition for trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Over the course of the 2-day competition, Nicholas shot 575 out of 600, only missing 25 shots. prgtoken , I congratulate the whole team on their success and for making Okeechobee proud.
RECOGNIZING THE PADUCAH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-19

I rise today to recognize the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce for their designation as the 2017 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. This national honor was awarded at the ACCE National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 18. prgtoken This is the second win for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce in the last 6 years, and is national recognition of the area's national business leaders whose community contributions are unparalleled. Ranking among the top 10 percent of Chambers nationwide, their mission of promotion, advocacy, and education develops well- prgtoken rounded, lifelong business leaders with a pride and responsibility to their fellow community members. prgtoken As the largest city in the First District of Kentucky, the chamber's efforts have benefited not only the Paducah area, but positively impact communities throughout western Kentucky. prgtoken I would like to thank President Sandra Wilson and Board Chair Tammy Zimmerman, as well as the board of directors, staff, and chamber members for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of local industry. I look forward to many future accomplishments for the chamber, and I am proud to represent the thriving business leaders of Paducah.
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-19

Care was imposed on our country 7 long years ago. It has been hurting the people we represent ever since. Families were supposed to spend less on healthcare costs. They actually paid more. Families were supposed to have more healthcare choices. They ended up with fewer, sometimes none at all. prgtoken Worse still, for many years, we had an administration that often waived away the concerns of middle-class families who were hurting. Today, we thankfully have an administration that has chosen instead to listen and agrees with us that Americans deserve a lot better. prgtoken I appreciate the efforts of the administration at every step of the process to move beyond the failures of Care. The President, the Vice President, Secretary Price, Administrator Verma, so many others-- we thank them for all the work they have done so far. We look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts when we travel to the White House later today because we have a very important task before us. prgtoken As I announced last evening, after consulting with both the White House and our Members, we have decided to hold a vote to open debate on Care repeal early next week. The Care repeal legislation will ensure a stable 2-year transition period, which will allow us to wipe the slate clean and start over with real patient-centered healthcare reform. This is the same legislation that a majority of the Senate voted to send to the President in 2015. Now we thankfully have a President in office who will sign it, so we should send it to him. prgtoken , today the Senate will vote to move forward on the nomination of John , of Kentucky, to serve as a judge on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken As I said when I introduced Mr. to the Judiciary Committee, I am pleased to join the bipartisan chorus of voices supporting his nomination. More than 100 lawyers and law professors from around the country have written in support of his nomination. Nearly one-third of those supporters are . They laud Mr. 's ``excellence, professionalism, and leadership in the legal profession.'' They also note his ``capacity to approach issues with an open mind and to respectfully consider the viewpoints of others.'' prgtoken In addition, some of his supporters from across the ideological spectrum and from around the country who have known Mr. for decades have written separately to underscore their support for his nomination. They are confident he understands the role of a judge, which is to fairly consider the arguments of both sides in a case and then to decide that case based on the law and nothing else. Indeed, it is precisely because of his firm belief in the rule of law that they strongly support his nomination, despite the fact that he and they may hold different political and policy views. prgtoken As an illustration, I think we can all agree it is not common for current or former le
PROMOTING CROSS-BORDER ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE ACT
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-7-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we are here talking about how to take politics out of our infrastructure. As we just heard the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green), this is a bipartisan bill. We hear a lot of stuff about it damaging the environment; it doesn't. We are talking about crossing a border and taking a situation that was held up for 8 years with the Keystone pipeline and making sure it has the transparent and consistent approach on how we regulate these permits. prgtoken The United States is a powerhouse around the world. We want to keep it that way. We want our country to compete freely in the global market and continue to positively benefit our economy. My bill, H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act, supports the construction of energy infrastructure across our North America borders. prgtoken Simply put, this bill takes the politics out of energy infrastructure projects. The construction of these border-crossing facilities should be done effectively and efficiently without getting caught up in our Nation's politics. These facilities are used for importing and exporting oil, natural gas, and electricity that enhance the trade of our energy products that benefit our economy. prgtoken This bipartisan piece of legislation allows a transparent and efficient process to be followed the same way every time and for every project. Most importantly, it provides regulatory certainty to those charged with carrying out these projects. I want to thank this House for allowing such bills to come forth and the opportunity to allow this bill to be heard. prgtoken , .
HONOR FLIGHT NORTHERN COLORADO'S 18TH HONOR FLIGHT
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-19

in honor of America's heroic veterans, the Honor Flight Network conducts two annual Honor Flight ceremonies to Washington, D.C. to give our nation's heroes a day to visit and reflect at their war memorials. On May 7, 2017, Honor Flight Northern Colorado held its 18th Honor Flight that gave many of our courageous veterans this extraordinary opportunity. I am pleased to recognize the Honor Flight on May 7, 2017, honoring World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans of Northern Colorado. prgtoken , those who participated in this flight are as follows: prgtoken World War II: Cecil Carlisle, Richard Crum, Edgar Darrow, Charles Davis, Eugene Doering, Muriel Elijah, Armand Hansen, Nathan Stiewig, William Thousand, Willard Williams, Richard Zisch. prgtoken Korean War: Richard Anema, John Baker, Edwin Boggie, Robert Brethauer, George Browning, Ralph Crockett, Gary Crouch, Marvin Elwood, John Fickes, Harold Hogness, LaVern Hueske, Harry Kembel, Neville Kempkes, Harold Krug, Louis Lambdin, Robert Lebsack, Arthur Meyer, LeRoy Odell, Loren Postlewait, Frank Shipman, Wayne Sodman, Irvin Troudt, Wayne Wallis, Lois Wolfsong. prgtoken Vietnam War: Jose Abeyta, Tony Abeyta, Timothy Ahern, Daniel Alires, Nelson Bachus, James Barnett, John Barslund, Stephen Bartels, Les Bates, Bernard Bay, David Beard, David Becker, Gary Becker, Mark Becker, Stephen Bernardo, Howard Bostrom, William Bradford, Darrell Brasier, Robert Brevig, Timothy Camps, Thomas Chagolla, Eric Christensen, Marvin Clark, Norris Clark, Richard Conley, David Cowan, Wesley Craig, Lorraine Davison, Gary Dorsey, Christopher Erickson, Stanley Fisher, Jerome Folse, Patricia Folse, Douglas Frost, Aurthur Gallegos, Theodore Gilbert, Leroy Gonzales, Raymond Gonzales, Albert Guse, Lowell Hill, Richard Istas, Timothy Jachowski, Joseph Kolicko Jr, Robert Krasznai, James Kuehl, Gary LaCrosse, Patrick Lennon, Gary Littlefield, Robert Loos, Malcom Macaulay, Robert Maciel, Ronald Martinez, Jonathan Mason, Douglas Mayeda, Joseph McKeon, Lee McCain, Donald McKinley, Michael McPheron, Lawrence Montoya, Tobias Morales, Marjorie Morningstar, Warren Morrow, John Niehoff, Everett Noble Jr Jeffrey Nuce, Danny Oppie, Robert Ortega, William Pierson, William Post Jr Anthony Quintana, Jimmy Rahm, Rudolph Ramirez, Constantino Ramos, Ronald Ray, Abel Razo, James Rose, Stephen Ryan, William Sheahan, Jimmie Shipp, William Springsteel, John Swens, Rolland Trauernicht, Vernon Turner, Daniel Valdez, Dwight Van Beber, William Weaver, Warren Wienke, Richard Wyatt. prgtoken It is my distinct pleasure as the U.S. Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to recognize the honor, courage, and sacrifice of these heroes, along with all members of America's Armed Forces. I thank them for their dedication and service to this nation.
AMERICA'S DEBT
Trey Hollingsworth (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-7-19

from Arizona for yielding to me. I promise to be brief. prgtoken , I rise today to talk about something that Hoosiers back home are talking to me about every single day, and that is to rise to express my support for those struggling against burdensome and costly regulations, those costly regulations that are hurting Hoosier businesses from being able to get their products to market, from ultimately being able to grow their enterprises, and from ultimately being able to hire more Hoosiers. prgtoken When passed the Dodd-Frank Act, they promised a success for Main Street. Instead, Dodd-Frank has become a nightmare for businesses on Main Street. prgtoken Specifically, while I was back home just a few weeks ago, I met with two businesses working hard to do right by their customers and employees but confounded by section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act. prgtoken Section 1502 requires businesses to disclose due diligence on the source and chain of custody of ``conflict minerals,'' as well as hire a third party to honor their due diligence and subsequently submit a report to the SEC on those measures. According to its ic authors, this provision would only affect the biggest of companies, but those companies have to bring in all of their suppliers, all of their vendors in order to comply, which affects many small businesses across Indiana's Ninth District. prgtoken One of those firms is Best Home Furnishings in Paoli. They manufacture quality furniture across Indiana, and I was astounded to learn the lengths they must go through in order to comply with this regulation. They travel far abroad to verify the wood is conflict-free. And even after all that time-consuming and very costly travel, they are left wondering, despite all of their best efforts, if they are making any impact on those areas that are far from their plants, far from their customers, and far from their employees. prgtoken Another such example is Key Electronics, a manufacturer that is working on electronics in Indiana to get through opioid withdrawals for many Hoosiers who are afflicted by this scourge on our communities. It is a laudable goal, but they are hamstrung by the thousands and thousands of dollars they pay to ensure the customers that they work with ultimately get this third-party audit on them and all of their vendors. This challenging business with very thin margins is being limited in what they can invest in innovative, desperately needed therapy for those addicted to opioids. prgtoken For every dollar and every moment that a businessowner has to spend complying with this outrageous and unnecessary regulation, those are minutes and dollars that are not directed towards job creation, not directed towards investing in America's future, prgtoken and not directed towards fulfilling their and, ultimately, their employees' dreams. prgtoken , I look forward to working with my colleagues in this Congress to brin
TRIBUTE TO MACI BURKE
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-7-19

today I recognize the hard work of my Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee intern Maci Burke. Maci hails from Chamberlain, SD, and is a rising sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. prgtoken While interning on the Commerce Committee, Maci assisted the Surface Transportation Subcommittee. She is a dedicated worker who was committed to getting the most out of her internship. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Maci for all of the fine work she did for the committee and wish her continued success in the years to come.
RECOGNIZING BARBARA CLELAND
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-19

I rise today to express my gratitude for Barbara Cleland, the Aurora City Councilwoman at-large, for her extraordinary work and dedication to the city of Aurora for the past three decades. Her leadership has contributed to many of Aurora's most successful programs and initiatives. prgtoken Barb Cleland has made the decision to retire from politics so that she may spend more time with her family and five grand-children. Her tenure in local politics was one that brought positive change and development to a city that has experienced great growth since she was first elected. prgtoken Throughout her tenure, Councilwoman Cleland has sought to advance this city to its greatest potential. From relocating the University of Colorado Health Center, to putting stop signs on a street, her work is as meticulous as it is beneficial to the community around her. Despite retiring from the City Council, she will continue serving on the board for the Aurora Housing Authority, the Colorado State Housing Board, and as the Legislative and Community Relations director at Aurora Mental Health. Her focus on Public Safety, Courts, and Civil Service during her decades of dedicated service on the City Council for the City of Aurora reveals her commitment to her constituents and to their well- being. prgtoken Barb Cleland has enhanced the quality of life for every citizen in the City of Aurora. Her leadership during the last 28 years have made the City of Aurora the great place it is today. prgtoken , a great nation cannot exist without great representatives in local government. I believe that Ms. Barbara Cleland is among the very best and I am very grateful for her unyielding dedication to public service.
IN HONOR OF PAUL W. SANBORN
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-19

I rise today to honor the memory of a true pioneer and icon for the City of Cape Coral. Paul Warren Sanborn was a man of commitment; to his wife of 70 years, Mildred, to his daughters, Carol, Donna, and Mary, to his friends, and to the community he loved, and that loved him back. There are far too many accomplishments in a life well lived to fit into this writing, but to put it simply, Paul was Mr. Cape Coral. Paul Sanborn served his country as a B-24 gunner and radio operator with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon moving to Cape Coral in 1962, Paul immediately turned his service towards the small community of 1,100 people; as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Cape Coral and American Legion Post 90, Chamber of Commerce President, Cape Coral Hospital Board member, Lee County Mosquito Control official, Cape Coral High School task force member, and official city historian. During his 55 years in Cape Coral, countless other charitable, business and civic organizations benefited from his generosity. Paul was named citizen of the year in both 1968 and 1992. By the time that Paul Sanborn Park was dedicated in 2008, the city had grown to a population of over 160,000 there is no greater example of service over self than Paul Sanborn. His wit, wisdom, generosity and friendship will be missed by all.
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT ZACHARY HODGES
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-19

I would like to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of Lt. Zachary Hodges of Gainesville, FL. Four years ago, I nominated this impressive young man to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. prgtoken I recently received a letter from Zachary letting me know that he has graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy--a major milestone that his family and friends should be very proud of. prgtoken Zachary also said he plans to attend medical school at the University of Florida and looks forward to serving our Nation as an Air Force physician. prgtoken I am very proud to have nominated Zachary, who has already accomplished so much at the age of 22. His enduring commitment to his studies and his country is a testament to his will to succeed and serve. I have no doubt he will inspire others around him to do the same. prgtoken I wish Zachary the best of luck and look forward to hearing of his continued success; I am sure he has a very bright future ahead. May God bless him and all of the men and women who serve our Nation in the Armed Forces.