mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO STEVE JOHNSON
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-12-12

today I wish to recognize a longtime member of the Senate family who is concluding his tenure with us as this session comes to a close. His last day of service in the U.S. Senate will be December 22. prgtoken Steve Johnson, a resident of Annandale, VA, and a native of Freehold, NJ, is retiring as the manager of the Senate Dining Room after 22 years of service. prgtoken Steve has managed the Senate Dining Room with hospitality, professionalism, and graciousness. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Senate Dining Room and has introduced many of our guests to the stained-glass George Washington Memorial Window, which is often the focal point for visitors. prgtoken The window was purchased by the Federal Government for the Capitol in 1910 from the artist, Maria Herndl, for $1,000. The window's Revolutionary War scene shows President George Washington on his white horse conversing with Marquis de LaFayette and Baron von Steuben, the drillmaster of the American Army. I only know the story behind the painting because Steve told me. prgtoken Steve sure knows his history, but his primary focus has always been on his team and the Members of this body. Under Steve's leadership, the Senate Dining Room has been an ideal venue for conducting the important business of the U.S. Senate. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for overseeing and implementing the requests of Members of the U.S. Senate and has done so with efficiency, poise, and thoughtfulness. prgtoken Steve has always been resourceful and, at times, creative. Once, a former Senator who, at the time, happened to be the Vice President of the United States, ordered a lunch that had not been on the Senate Dining Room menu for several years, but thanks to Steve's ingenuity, Vice President enjoyed his chopped salad immensely. prgtoken On another occasion, Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist stopped by the Senate Dining Room after a long day on Capitol Hill and ordered chocolate chip cookies and milk. prgtoken The cookies were not on the menu, nor were they in the kitchen, but they still showed up at the Chief Justice's table, thanks to Steve's quick thinking and resourcefulness. prgtoken Remarkably, during his Senate service, Steve also found the time to train and compete in 18 marathons. He has qualified and run the Boston Marathon seven times, and I hear that more marathons are in his future. prgtoken On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I wish to express our deep affection and gratitude to Steve Johnson for his 22 years of faithful service to the U.S. Senate. We will miss him dearly. We wish Steve and Joanne, his wife of 32 years, a happy and healthy retirement.
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COMMANDER WENDY LEWIS
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-12-12

today I recognize Lieutenant Commander Wendy Lewis of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, who has served as a fellow to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for the past 3 years. I thank Lieutenant Commander Lewis for all of the hard work she has done for me, my staff, and the entire committee. prgtoken Lieutenant Commander Lewis has had a significant impact during her time as a fellow. Her expertise as a ship driver and manager of our Nation's natural resources has meaningfully informed the committee's efforts. She has worked on several pieces of legislation that have become law, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act and the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. Her contributions have enhanced the ability of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out its missions and bettered the lives of those who work there. prgtoken I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Lieutenant Commander Lewis for all of the fine work she has done and for her continued service to our Nation. I wish her success in the years to come.
COMMUNITY INSTITUTION MORTGAGE RELIEF ACT OF 2017
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-12

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I listened very carefully to my colleague, the ranking member, and I know how much respect she has--bordering, perhaps, on religious fealty--to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and I must admit, now that it is being led by our former colleague Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina, I am taking a renewed interest in their actions and their pronouncements. I am just curious, as time goes by, whether the ranking member will continue to show such faith and confidence in that particular institution. prgtoken Here is what we know, . All across America, we continue to lose one community bank or credit union a day. They are not perishing of natural causes. They are perishing from the sheer weight, volume, load, cost, complexity, and expense of the Dodd-Frank regulatory burden, of which this CFPB rule is just one aspect. prgtoken Again, as my colleague, the chairman of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee--I believe it was he who pointed it out. There is not any one particular regulation that may cause the demise of these financial institutions, but it is the totality of them all. And as they perish, so perishes the American Dream of homeownership for so many of our constituents, particularly in rural areas like much of the Fifth District of Texas that I have the honor and pleasure of representing. prgtoken , it is important that we save our community financial institutions. They play a vital role in our economy. It takes small banks and credit unions to fund our small businesses, which are the job engine of America. But again, they are being crushed by a regulatory burden. prgtoken So I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney) for bringing, again, just one needed, vital regulatory relief bill. prgtoken Again, let's make sure, , everybody knows what this bill is talking about. prgtoken Number one, already in current law, there is an exemption for small financial institutions dealing with having mortgage servicing and mortgage escrows. We are trying to bring it to a more reasonable level, an exemption that already exists. And I assume that the ranking member believes in the exemption or she would offer legislation to repeal it in total. So now we are debating how large this exemption ought to be. prgtoken Given how many of our constituents still are in need of mortgage opportunities, given the demise of our community banks and credit unions, I think what we are trying to do here is most reasonable. Soon, the gentleman from California on the other side of the aisle, a respected ic member of the committee, will offer an amendment that I believe the sponsor of the legislation--I, myself, am willing to accept because we are trying to work on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken There is a lot of bipartisan legislation that goes to the House Financial Services Committee. I wish the ranking member would participate in more of it,
COMMUNITY INSTITUTION MORTGAGE RELIEF ACT OF 2017
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-12-12

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , over the last 10 years, the community financial institution industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. Since 2006, more than 1,500 banks have failed, been acquired, or merged, due to economic factors and the overwhelmingly expensive regulation brought forth by the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act. prgtoken During this same period, there has been a drought in de novo banks. In fact, only five new banks charters and 16 new credit union charters have been granted. prgtoken Today, for the first time in over 125 years, there are fewer than 6,000 banks and, roughly, 6,000 credit unions serving all consumers in the United States. This is proof that the community financial institutions need smart, commonsense regulatory relief so they can properly serve local communities by assisting with small business startups and consumer credit. prgtoken My bill, H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act, would alleviate harmful burdens on small institutions across the Nation while saving money for low-income borrowers. This bipartisan measure would exempt small community-based institutions from mandatory escrow requirements. prgtoken My bill will also provide relief from new regulations that have nearly doubled the cost of servicing loans, specifically to low-income borrowers. I know that certain institutions will wish to continue to provide the same escrow services to their consumers, and they are welcome to do that. prgtoken By offering these real changes, smaller institutions--like the GOP Federal Credit Union, for example, in my district--can once again focus their full attention on relationship lending in the community without worry of government overregulation. prgtoken Once again, the current law mandates that all institutions follow escrow requirements, which raises the cost of credit for those borrowers who can least afford it, while harming small local institutions. prgtoken , I specifically thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for working with me on this bill, and I appreciate his support throughout the process. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to vote for the bill. prgtoken , , and I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling), the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, control the remainder of the time.
CHIP and Community Health Centers (Executive Session)
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-12-12

I rise today in continued support of Steve Grasz's nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. prgtoken Some of those who have been attacking Mr. Grasz have claimed that he doesn't have the character or the temperament to treat litigants fairly and decide cases based on the facts and the law. prgtoken In evaluating those claims, I hope my colleagues in this body will listen to the hundreds of Nebraskans of all partisan and ideological stripes who have stood up in support of Steve's nomination. I urge everyone to listen to what those Nebraskans have to say specifically about his character and about his temperament. prgtoken One Nebraskan wrote to Mrs. Fischer, the senior Senator from Nebraska, and to me, as well as to the Judiciary Committee: I was the plaintiff in a First Amendment defamation and political speech action against the Nebraska Party. . . . Mr. Grasz represented the Nebraska Party. I was not successful in my lawsuit. However, I did have the opportunity to meet and interact with Mr. Grasz during the case and found him to be . . . a consummate professional. Based on my observations I believe his judicial temperament would be of the highest quality and all parties would be given equal opportunity. . . . I can think of no one better qualified or suited to be appointed to this prestigious judgeship than Steven Grasz. prgtoken Another Nebraskan wrote to us: I know Steve personally having served as opposing counsel to him on cases. . . . Steve was a formidable opponent. . . . While he zealously advocated for his clients, he did so in a level-headed and even-keeled manner. prgtoken Yet another Nebraskan writes: I . . . have . . . represented clients in cases where Mr. Grasz was opposing counsel. In all circumstances he demonstrates the utmost professionalism. . . . I am a registered and, quite frankly, am not a strong supporter of the current administration. However, as a practicing attorney dealing with complex litigation and appearing regularly in the federal courts of appeals, I want intelligent, thoughtful individuals appointed to the Bench who will administer the law and apply existing precedent. I have no doubt that Mr. Grasz can do that very effectively. prgtoken Also, consider the words of this Nebraskan: Steve does not allow his role as an advocate to cloud his analyses and judgment. He reviews statutes, regulations, rule and common law with a clear eye, and he applies these authorities to the facts presented to him. . . . [H]is respect for precedent and his high regard for the works of other branches of government show his dedication to following the Constitution and our nation's laws as they are written. prgtoken Steve Grasz is a Nebraskan through and through.
Remembering Vera Katz (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-12-12

the U.S. Senate has the opportunity today to vote on a nominee to the Eighth Circuit Court who exemplifies the qualities we all seek in a judge. prgtoken Steve Grasz from Nebraska is a nominee who has earned the respect of his peers. He believes in the rule of law. He has the education and the training. He has the experience needed to prepare him for this serious responsibility. Steve has a keen intellect and the humility that allows him to show respect toward all. He has an even and calm temperament--a judicial temperament. prgtoken Steve Grasz served as the chief deputy attorney general of Nebraska for 12 years. In that role, Mr. Grasz professionally and capably defended the laws of the State of Nebraska, authoring nine briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court. He has earned the respect of the Nebraska legal community. Timothy Engler, president of the Nebraska State Bar Association, has stated he always found Steve ``to be professional, civil, and ethical in all respects.'' In short, Steve is an outstanding Nebraskan and a talented legal mind. prgtoken The scores of recommendation letters we have received for Steve are a testament to his temperament, his integrity, and his character. These recommendations come from a diverse group of Nebraskans, from political officials to church pastors, business and community leaders, and Steve's friends and neighbors. prgtoken Steve has bipartisan support from those who know him best. Nebraskans from across the political spectrum have pointed to Steve's thoughtfulness, fairmindedness, high ethical standards, and brilliant abilities as a jurist. This includes former ic Governor and U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, who wrote that Steve ``was an asset to our state and Nebraskans benefited from having such a capable and thoughtful professional in public service. Today, he is unquestionably one of the foremost appellate lawyers in the state, making him an obvious choice for this seat on our federal appeals court.'' prgtoken Debra Gilg, the former U.S. attorney for Nebraska and a appointed by President , said: Steve has always enjoyed a reputation for honesty, impeccable integrity, and dedication to the rule of law. He possesses an even temperament well-suited for the bench and always acts with respect to all that interact with him. prgtoken This is a nominee who should receive bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate as well. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to put their lockstep partisan politics aside on these nominees and join with me and my Nebraska colleague in voting to confirm this decent man of integrity to the Eighth Circuit. I urge a ``yes'' vote on Steve Grasz. prgtoken , all time.
JIM DOODY TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-12-12

I rise today to honor Jim Doody. Mr. Doody's hard work led to the opening of the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial Park at the Fruita Visitor Center in Fruita, Colorado. Shortly after his work on the memorial, he went on to serve as a member of the Grand Junction City Council from 2005 to 2009 and as Mayor of Grand Junction for two of those years. prgtoken Mr. Doody was compelled to honor the brave men and women that sacrificed so much to fight for this country and wanted to permanently display that appreciation. To celebrate our veterans he worked to create the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial Park. His dedication to the project was clear when he drove across the United States to pick up a UH-1H `Huey' helicopter for static display at the memorial, and his work led to the park opening on July 4, 2003. prgtoken Mr. Doody continues to work to maintain the memorial to this day. Mr. Doody helps fundraise for continued maintenance needs and has aided in designing the three bronze statues of a mother and father welcoming home their son at the memorial. On top of all this, he ensures that every November 11th there is a ceremony at the memorial where people can gather and recognize veterans. prgtoken I was fortunate to attend the ceremony on November 11, 2017. At the ceremony it was evident that Mr. Doody did not create this memorial for the purpose of commendation, but he nonetheless deserves to be recognized for his service to veterans and the community. prgtoken , just as Mr. Doody pays homage to our men and women that served, it is my honor to pay tribute to him for the work that he does on the Western Slope Vietnam Memorial Park. On behalf of the Third District of Colorado, I would like to thank Mr. Doody for his generous service to his community.
GUNNERY SERGEANT DALE SIGLER
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-12-12

I rise today to honor Gunnery Sergeant Dale Sigler from Moundsville, West Virginia. prgtoken Dale's life has been one of leadership and service to his community and country. At the age of 17, during the height of World War II, he got his parents' permission and enlisted in the United States Navy, even before he had finished high school. He served in the Navy until 1946 before returning home to finish his education. Upon graduation, he then joined the Marines and led an exemplary military career as a gunnery sergeant. prgtoken Dale retired after 20 years of military service, but his desire to serve the community didn't stop there. He went on to serve as a chaplain for the local chapters of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Marine Corps League. He was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated service. prgtoken Gunnery Sergeant Sigler, we salute you and offer you our deepest gratitude. You, sir, are truly a great American.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-12-12

I have 9 request 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: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room SD-366 to consider the following nominations: Linda Capuano, of Texas, to be Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy, and Timothy R. Petty, of Indiana, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room SD-366 to conduct a hearing. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room SD-430 to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Cost of Prescription Drugs: An Examination of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report ``Making Medicines Affordable: A National Imperative'. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act''. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. in room SH-219 to conduct a closed hearing. prgtoken Subcommittee on Communication, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet prgtoken The Subcommittee on Communication, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Digital Decision-Making: the Building Blocks of the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence'' Subcommittee Ocean, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard prgtoken The Subcommittee Ocean, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. in room SR-253 to conduct a hearing entitled ``National Ocean Policy: Stakeholder Perspectives''. Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation prgtoken The Subcommittee on Europe
TESTIMONY OF JAYLA JOHNSON
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-12-12

I include in the Record, the testimony of Jalyla Johnson distinguished members of Congress and fellow citizens. I am from Council Rock North High School located in Newtown Bucks County. I am Jayla Johnson. I come from an area that's majority white and upper middle class. I am the model minority. Let me tell you all about it. Last year during spirit week on pride day I was in school when I saw a student walk around with a confederate flag draped on him. I hope you're wondering WHY and HOW that happened. The school allowed the student to walk through the halls for more than half the day due to their first amendment right. Now what about my safety? I reported the incident to my administration in which they said they could kindly ask the student to remove it in due time. I confronted the student within minutes and in their response was that he got it from his parents. To me that basically said he did not know the hate behind it, and did not see it as a problem. This conversation led to my family and I having a mandatory meeting with my superintendent, in hopes to change the school's policy handbook. I was somewhat not satisfied because I wanted more action to be done and take place than just words on a piece of paper, that is easily not read by many. From then and the hate that is shown in my school I started a club called V.O.I.C.E. meaning, Voices Of Inequality at Council rock north Everyday. This club is for students who want to make a difference and have dialogue on topics that we are not familiar with whether that is with where we live and or who we interact with. Be an up stander rather than a bystander. So I propose this question to you all in Congress, how can you make a change? Does that come from making a policy for ALL schools regarding no tolerance for racism, bigotry, and so many other isms? Let's rather make it mandatory students take a class to help them learn and be better United States Citizens? We are here at school to learn and leave to serve but how can we serve the world when we are not taught about it in school and or familiar with all races and ethnicities. I hope to hear back from Congress in hopes to change the world for us since we are the leading future. Thank you for listening and please take this into consideration. Once again I am Jayla Johnson and I speak for the unheard voices and will continue to.