mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BENEFITS OF NATIONAL DEFENSE FUNDING
Scott Taylor (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise to voice my support for the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken The United States of America is the greatest force for freedom, peace, and prosperity. We are the greatest because we have built a military that has the best equipped, the best trained, and the best led fighting force the world has ever known. prgtoken , we all have a moral responsibility to every servicemember who puts their life on the line for America. That responsibility is to give them superior equipment, sound strategy that doesn't put them in unnecessary danger, and care for their families while they are away. This bill gives our troops a sorely-needed pay raise, and helps to rebuild our military, thus fulfilling our promise. prgtoken In the words of George Washington: ``To be prepared for war is the most effectual means of preserving peace.'' prgtoken I am proud of this bill, and I am thankful for my amendment to be included in it, that expands veteran opportunities to get credentialed. It allows servicemembers to use the skills they developed in the military to be more competitive in the workforce. It allows them to get credentialed for in-demand professions that are valued by our civilian employers. prgtoken , I am proud of this bill, and I am thankful for all those who worked on it.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-14

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I fully agree with the gentleman from Washington when he expresses his appreciation to the members of our committee. Each one of the 62 members of our committee has contributed to the bill that is here before us today and, as the Chair knows, we have had more amendments considered over the last 3 days than ever before for a National Defense Authorization bill. So Members of the whole body have contributed in many ways. prgtoken I also agree with the gentleman that our staff on both sides of the aisle, led by Jenness Simler and Paul Arcangeli, have done a terrific job in helping to manage this process and to shape and guide what has been historic levels of interest by Members on particular provisions. prgtoken , I think that you would find among our committee virtually, if not unanimous, agreement on two points. One is we live in an increasingly dangerous world. The second one is we have done deep damage to our military because of the budgets cuts, the continuing resolutions, the erratic nature of funding over the last few years. prgtoken Certainly, the members of our committee who go out and actually talk to the people who serve have heard, seen, witnessed firsthand airplanes that can't fly, ships that can't sail, training that has not gone on, movers--we are trying to save money for the military, so we are hiring cut-rate movers, and members of the military are experiencing incredible damage to their household goods as they are shuffled about from place to place involuntarily. Sometimes there are movers with criminal records who can't actually get on the military base they are supposed to be delivering to. I mean, just example after example of how these cuts have affected the men and women who serve. prgtoken And as Secretary Mattis says, the only reason we are doing so well around the world is because they have sucked it up and borne the burden. Deep damage that this bill starts to reverse. prgtoken I appreciate all the Members who support fixing our planes, getting the training, having ships that sail, better missile defense, all the things that are in this bill. prgtoken I am not going to engage in a detailed discussion about the budget. The gentleman and I discuss this frequently. prgtoken I would just say, , I believe the first obligation of the Federal Government is to defend the country. Article I, section 8 says that Congress has the power and the responsibility to raise and support armies, provide and maintain navies, provide the rules and regulations for the military forces of the United States. That is our job, and I think that is our first job. prgtoken So I agree that some of the cuts that have been proposed in other domestic programs, discretionary programs, are inappropriate, and we ought to evaluate each of them on their merits. And that continues to be my point when it comes to defense. prgtoken We
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-7-14

my constituents are discouraged. They are fed up with political elites who have failed to represent them, and with special interest groups who, too often, put impractical dogma before practical policy. prgtoken In the Rust Belt region I represent in upstate New York, the impact of this has been devastating: devastating job losses, economic stagnation, and the massive out-migration of people and jobs, the largest in the Nation. prgtoken In my district, , decline has bred despair, which has spurred a host of other problems. In light of all this, I was elected to Congress with a strong mission to reverse the tide and to revitalize our upstate communities to the greatness and innovation they once experienced. prgtoken I am the voice for my constituents who have been left behind, and I am fighting to bring my district back on path toward individual prosperity and economic revival. prgtoken , my amendment uniquely achieves both. There is nothing new or groundbreaking about my amendment. Simply put, it reinstates a domestic sourcing provision for stainless steel flatware that was in law for 30 years without issue. My amendment adds stainless steel flatware back into the Berry amendment. prgtoken For 30 years, American-made flatware was covered under Berry. However, the provision was removed in 2006 after Oneida Limited, the only Berry-compliant manufacturer, ceased domestic operations. prgtoken In the void left by Oneida's departure came Sherrill Manufacturing, a company in my district that, since 2008, has produced 100 percent American-made flatware. And since 2008, Sherrill has been among the top providers of flatware to the Department of Defense and GSA, fulfilling more than $6.8 million in Federal contracts over an 8-year period. prgtoken All these products are being produced in the formerly closed factory using refurbished Oneida Limited equipment, and also providing jobs for many of the same employees who lost their jobs from Oneida's closure after decades of service to that same closed factory. In fact, GSA has repeatedly found Sherrill's flatware to be offered at fair and reasonable prices, which is why the agency already purchases flatware from Sherrill, independent of any domestic sourcing requirement. prgtoken Some domestic sourcing requirements may raise costs. No evidence has been submitted to support the claim that my amendment will do that. This alone should allay any concerns that taxpayers would be on the hook for overly expensive flatware, should my amendment be adopted. But if it isn't enough, then there is this: prgtoken My amendment retains all existing waivers under Berry, which means that, if Sherrill's flatware becomes too expensive or is of poor quality or insufficient quality, the DOD can find other sources. prgtoken Ultimately, , whenever we can create domestic sourcing opportunities that reduce our military's dependence on imported goods and stre
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Bruce Poliquin (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the leadership of the Armed Services Committee in the Seapower Subcommittee on both sides of the aisle to accept this amendment and its important modifications to the underlying bill provision limiting the availability of funds for prior fiscal year DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. prgtoken My revised amendment, Mr. Chair, is agreed to by the committee and, importantly, removes the additional, or third, fiscal year 2016 DDG-51 ship from the provision's proposed requirements. prgtoken Additionally, sir, and again, as agreed to by the committee, it states the sense of Congress that the Navy should bear the majority of the share-line risk for the fiscal year 2017 DDG-51 Flight III destroyer contract, which will represent the first ships to integrate the Air and Missile Defense Radar, which is 30 times more effective and better than the legacy radar system.
COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEORIA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-14

I would like to recognize Peoria Heights Fire Department of Peoria, Illinois, for celebrating their 100th Anniversary. prgtoken In 1917, Peoria Heights Fire Department was chartered to provide protection for the village and its inhabitants. Since then, the department has grown immensely; it now provides fire suppression, fire prevention, technical rescue response, and emergency medical services. Over the past 100 years, these men and women have shown their dedication and service to the greater Peoria area by working countless hours to keep our neighbors, friends, and families safe. prgtoken Peoria Heights Fire Department protects a total of 6,800 inhabitants and is known throughout Central Illinois for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Today, we thank and celebrate them for their dedication to serving the greater Peoria area. I extend my sincere congratulations to Peoria Heights Fire Department for a successful 100 years, and I wish them another 100 years of success and good fortune.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I thank my friend for yielding and for the question. prgtoken , I do agree with the gentleman on the premise that it is responsible fiscal policy and it is important to our country's ability to succeed, that includes honoring the full faith and credit of the United States. prgtoken The last information I was given, I believe this is public, is that the debt ceiling will not run out until October. There was conversation that that could have been earlier, but we will continue to work with you and Secretary Mnuchin to make sure we pass an extension.
RECOGNITION OF FULBRIGHT GRANTEES
Dave Brat (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to recognize four constituents who received prestigious Fulbright awards during the 2016-2017 academic year. They are, Ms. Tyra Beaman of Glen Allen, Virginia, Ms. Ellen Korcovelos of Henrico, Virginia, Mr. Colfax Phillips of Richmond, Virginia, and Ms. Eileen Wang of Glen Allen, Virginia. prgtoken These scholars will be joining alumni of the Fulbright program who have and will continue to be extraordinarily successful in their lives. Fulbright scholars go on to excel in nearly every seclor of our economy, as well as serving in the highest levels of government and Congress. prgtoken According to the United States Department of State, more than 370,000 individuals from the United States and over 180 countries have participated in the Fulbright program since 1946. The Fulbright Student Program boasts that ``The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide.'' prgtoken This program is a terrific way for students to gain worldwide perspectives and learn valuable lessons from other countries. They are also taking with them the values that made America what it is today. They will build lifelong relationships and be ambassadors for America for years to come. Congratulations.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-14

on Thursday, July 13, 2017, I was absent from the House because I was unavoidably detained. Due to my absence, I did not record any votes on the Motion to Adjourn, first vote series, and second vote series. I would have voted ``aye'' on Roll Call 354, Roll Call 355, Roll Call 362, Roll Call 369, and Roll Call 371. prgtoken I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call 353, Roll Call 356, Roll Call 357, Roll Call 358, Roll Call 359, Roll Call 360, Roll Call 361, Roll Call 363, Roll Call 364, Roll Call 365, Roll Call 366, Roll Call 367, Roll Call 368, and Roll Call 370.
HONORING THE CAREER OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR SCOTT C. SCHROEDER
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to recognize the retirement of Command Sergeant Major Scott C. Schroeder. After 31 years of dedicated service, Command Sergeant Major Schroeder became the Command Sergeant Major for FORSCOM--a post he held for 3 years. prgtoken After enlisting in the United States Army in 1983, he began his career as an electronics mechanic at Fort Bliss, Texas. Serving at military installations all over the world allowed Command Sergeant Major Schroeder to gain prgtoken valuable experience that would help shape his long career. While stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District, he served with the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and 82nd Airborne Division. prgtoken Deployed on numerous operational assignments all over the globe and through some of our nation's toughest times, Command Sergeant Major Schroeder stood ready to answer the call to serve our great country. Some of his most notable engagements were Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia as part of the 82nd Airborne, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq as part of the 101st Airborne Division. Throughout these operations, he delivered on the promise to keep America safe and confront our enemies head on under the most difficult conditions. prgtoken While fighting our nation's battles overseas, Command Sergeant Major Schroeder had a full family at home. Residing in Charlotte, his wife of 26 years, Marla and he have 3 children. This country cannot repay the debt we owe to Command Sergeant Major Schroeder and his family; the Schroeders are true American heroes. prgtoken , please join me today in commemorating the retirement of Command Sergeant Major Scott C. Schroeder.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Thornberry for yielding time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, Pakistan has been supporting all kinds of terrorist groups for years, including those with American blood on their hands. But instead of penalizing Pakistan, the government has been rewarding them with hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. aid. Some of that money goes to support terrorists. prgtoken Previously, we placed conditions on military aid to Pakistan, but these conditions are only focused on Pakistan cracking down on one terrorist group, the Haqqani Network. Meanwhile, Pakistan is aiding and abetting a long list of terrorists in the region, including the Taliban in Afghanistan. prgtoken My amendment No. 100 places a new condition on any aid to Pakistan. The condition requires the administration to certify that Pakistan is not providing military, financial, or logistical support to any terrorists operating in Pakistan or Afghanistan. prgtoken This forces Pakistan to make a long overdue choice: either go after terrorists or lose millions of dollars of American aid. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
ENSURING VETERAN ACCESS TO SNAP
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-14

this week the House debated the National Defense Authorization Act, which I believe is one of the most essential responsibilities of Congress, to fund our armed services. This House works to ensure our servicemen and -women have the resources they need to keep America safe. prgtoken We must also make certain that our veterans, our military, have access to the resources they need to be successful in civilian life. This certainly includes access to nutritional food. prgtoken Out of the 22 million veterans in the United States, about 1.7 million are in households that currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Approximately 46 percent of our veterans are senior citizens, including those who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. prgtoken Veterans of all ages may also have widely varying levels of disabilities or limitations. SNAP cannot solve all of the challenges a veteran or a member of an Active-Duty military family faces, but it can help eligible veterans once they return home. prgtoken As the Agriculture Committee prepares the next farm bill, we must remain vigilant in our dedication to prgtoken serve those who have given so much in the defense of our Nation.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Evan H. Jenkins (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Thornberry for yielding me the time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, my amendment proposes to increase the authorized funding for the Counterdrug Program by $10 million. prgtoken For 30 years, the National Guard has successfully performed drug interdiction and counterdrug activities to support our local communities and our national security. The National Guard partners with local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to effectively combat the supply and demand for illegal drugs. The National Guard Counterdrug Program works. prgtoken In the past 4 years, the West Virginia National Guard successfully seized more than $500 million of illegal drugs, black market drugs that are devastating our communities and towns. And as our Nation copes with the devastating drug epidemic, we must fund programs to stop drug trafficking and keep drugs out of our communities. prgtoken For more than a decade, Congress has consistently provided funding above the budget request. It is important that we continue that support. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Thornberry and his hardworking staff that helped to make this amendment possible. I urge adoption of this amendment.
CONGRATULATING SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise today to congratulate Susquehanna Valley Emergency Medical Services, a first responder organization in my district, for receiving the American Heart Association's Gold Plus Award. Only 1 percent of organizations nationwide achieve this designation. prgtoken The designation recognizes the great length that Susquehanna EMS has taken to improve the treatment of patients suffering from severe heart attacks. prgtoken Last year, Susquehanna EMS personnel provided lifesaving treatment to 94 percent of patients within the critical 90-minute time period prescribed by the American Heart Association. prgtoken These remarkable individuals who serve have taken incredible pride in their work that has had real lifesaving results in our community. prgtoken To the dedicated men and women of Susquehanna Valley EMS, I and your community thank you.
RECOGNIZING RICHARD DeWITT SMITH
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-7-14

I rise this morning to recognize Richard DeWitt Smith, a native of my home State of North Carolina and a graduate of our alma mater, North Carolina Central University. prgtoken Tomorrow night, Richard will be honored by the NCCU Alumni Association with the prestigious Alumni Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award. prgtoken Richard is most deserving of this great honor. Since graduating in 1981, Richard has been a dedicated alumnus to the university, always exemplifying our motto of Truth and Service. prgtoken Richard continues to serve NCCU and its alumni community in numerous capacities at the local, State, and national levels. He gives of his time, talent, and resources to help students from across the country succeed in obtaining a quality education from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. prgtoken Richard Smith has been married to Jacqueline Beatty Smith for 28 years. They met 40 years ago as NCCU students. prgtoken , time does not permit me to fully describe Richard's many other contributions; but suffice it to say that Richard Smith is most deserving of this high honor--the NCCU Alumni Association 2017 Alumni Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award. prgtoken I am proud of Richard Smith, and I thank him for his extraordinary work. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating this great American hero.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2017-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of Congressman Lamborn's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to require the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on the use of commercial aircraft by the Government of Iran for illicit activities. I am proud to be the lead ic co-sponsor of this bipartisan amendment, along with Reps. Lamborn, Roskam, Zeldin, and Sherman. prgtoken As we are all aware, U.S. firms have reached multi-billion-dollar agreements to sell or lease hundreds of aircraft to Iran, supposedly to help bring the country's fleet into the 21st century. I am deeply concerned, however, that these aircraft, intended for civilian use, could instead be used for nefarious purposes, such as transporting fighters to Syria or weapons to Iran's proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah. prgtoken Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, with a longstanding record of human rights violations. Its support of radical groups throughout the Middle East poses a threat both to our greatest ally in the region, Israel, and also to U.S. interests.. For this reason, we must keep a watchful eye on Iran's actions, including how it uses dual use exports from the United States. prgtoken If Iran is indeed only using American-made commercial aircraft for legitimate purposes, there should be no concern that a report confirming this would have an adverse effect on American trade. If Iran is using aircraft to conduct illicit activities, we must be made aware, and we must hold Iran accountable. prgtoken I am also proud to have co-sponsored another amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that will help hold Iran accountable for it actions. This bipartisan amendment, offered by my Nevada colleague, Rep. Kihuen, would extend a presidential reporting requirement to ensure that we have an integrated strategy between the Administration and Congress to deter Iran's nuclear weapons program. prgtoken Two years ago today, the United States, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Iran agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA), which aimed to ensure that Iran's nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful and that Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon. I was not a Member of Congress when the JCPOA came to the floor for Congressional approval, but had I been, I would have opposed the agreement. However, I have said since before I first came to Congress that now that the JCPOA is the law of the land, the United States must demand that Iran abide by it completely, and that any cheating or subversion should be dealt with swiftly. prgtoken Both the Lamborn and Kihuen Amendments that I have co-sponsored are manifestations of this principle. If Iran is directly violating the JCPOA by developing a nuclear weapons program, the Administration and Congress must be ready to respond. And if Iran is vi