mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HARTZELL PROPELLER
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-7-11

it is with great pride that I recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hartzell Propeller. Hartzell Propeller has been a tremendous leader in aviation engineering since its founding in 1917 and it represents the best of American innovation and entrepreneurship. Robert Hartzell founded the company when Orville Wright suggested he use his wood processing plant to manufacture propellers for him and his brother. Since then, the company has developed composite and aluminum propellers for the general aviation market that have broken numerous records and received many awards. prgtoken Hartzell Propeller has provided propellers in both world wars and successfully transitioned into the general aviation market because of its commitment to build the highest quality propellers. The phrase ``Built on Honor'' is placed on the company's propellers to reflect their dedication to this mission. Hartzell Propeller has had a profound impact on the history of American aviation and on its local community in Piqua, Ohio and it will continue to do so for years to come. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hartzell Propeller.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-7-11

, the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, for engaging in this important discussion. prgtoken I am proud to stand before my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to discuss some of the bipartisan work that we have accomplished through regular order at the Agriculture Committee specifically with regard to H.R. 1029, the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2017, or PRIA 4. prgtoken PRIA, while technical in nature, is critically important with assisting both EPA in carrying out administrative functions and industry that relies upon timely, science-based pesticide registration decisions to get products on the market and in the hands of farmers, ranchers, and other consumers. prgtoken PRIA, historically, has received widespread support from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including members of the pesticide registrant community--both agricultural and nonagricultural uses, labor, and environmental advocates, which has contributed to Congress's ability to pass reauthorizations swiftly and by unanimous consent. With the Widespread support of the PRIA coalition, as illustrated by a coalition letter addressed to our committee on June 29, 2017, which expresses support of the amendment to H.R. 1029 and urges swift action, this effort should be no different. prgtoken Our committee held a hearing earlier this year to review this issue in an open and transparent manner. As we have heard time and time again, farmers and ranchers want regulatory certainty. EPA and registrants who rely on PRIA to get new products on the market and in the hands of farmers, ranchers, and other consumers want certainty. prgtoken My colleague raises an issue that has historically been outside the scope of the technical, fee-based registration process of PRIA. I certainly understand the concerns that have been raised by some groups with regard to certain actions EPA is considering with regard to the Worker Protection Standard and the Certification of Pesticide Applicators rules. My hope is that EPA and the relevant stakeholders can constructively discuss areas of concern related to these issues within the framework of our Federal regulatory process without jeopardizing PRIA. prgtoken Current authority for PRIA expires at the end of this fiscal year. With that deadline in mind, our recent committee action is timely and necessary to get PRIA updated. prgtoken Should PRIA's authority lapse, pesticide registration will not be available for a wide range of crops that rely on innovative and new solutions for pest protection, and a lapse will have a negative impact on the products requiring registration that are used to protect public health and ensure public safety. prgtoken It is important that we get PRIA across the finish line not only to provide certainty to the industry but to also provide new products to growers for crop protection and to consumers to protect publi
RECOGNIZING THE GENEROSITY OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-11

I rise today to recognize the generosity of my friends and neighbors in northeast Georgia. prgtoken Fueled by a passion for service, northeast Georgians recently donated 15,000 pounds of food to the Georgia Mountain Food Bank. Everyday citizens made this incredible donation possible, and, in total, they donated a little more than $25,000 to feed the homeless men and women in their community. prgtoken Their giving spirit reminds me of what I love most about my Georgia home: the people. For so many of my neighbors, kindness is second nature. They never hesitate to help each other out in a time of need. prgtoken We have a duty to be aware of the needs in our community and to respond with compassion. After all, as long as we're with friends and neighbors, giving back is really just sharing.
VENEZUELA
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-11

for more than 100 days, the Venezuelan people have been courageously protesting peacefully on the streets against the abusive regime of Nicolas Maduro. prgtoken Since June, more than 1,400 people have been injured, over 3,600 have been detained, and over 100 people have been killed by Maduro's thugs. prgtoken Just days ago, Maduro moved opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez to house arrest after more than 3 unjust years in prison. But this diversion tactic is not enough. All political prisoners must be released. prgtoken Maduro's fraudulent constituent assembly must be stopped. And more names must be added to the sanctions list, especially those human rights abusers who are responsible for the violent actions against innocent civilians. prgtoken This will send a strong message that the United States stands with the people in their struggle for democracy and for justice for all Venezuelans.
MEDICAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2017
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-11

the balance of my time. prgtoken I want to commend Chairman Sessions for working on this important legislation with the Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to ensure that we got it right. This is a good bill with appropriate safeguards. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and .
AUTHORIZING THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO ACQUIRE CERTAIN PROPERTY RELATED TO THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Lynn Jenkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-7-11

I rise in support of H.R. 1541, legislation that would strike a prohibition in the Fort Scott National Historic Site's enabling law that prohibited the incorporation of the structure known as the Lunette Blair blockhouse into the site's formation. prgtoken Fortunately, the blockhouse still sits right across the street from the historic site, where, under the future care of the National Park Service, it can remain on display in perpetuity without disrupting the grounds' antebellum view shed, successfully linking the site's frontier fort structures with the community's Civil War legacy. prgtoken Located in the historic town of Fort Scott, Kansas, the Fort Scott National Historic Site preserves the important story of the original frontier fort's role in nineteenth-century America. It serves as a physical snapshot of the pioneer days of westward migration of a young republic, from its initial construction 175 years ago, and portrays a figurative stepping-stone upon the prairie toward a transcontinental nation. prgtoken However, the story of the community of Fort Scott continues from that point on as the town grew around the shuttered fort of the same name. The community's history itself invokes the violent struggles of the era we all know as Bleeding Kansas and the conflicts of the Civil War. prgtoken After the U.S. Army demobilized Fort Scott in 1853 following the collapse of a permanent Indian frontier, private residents purchased the last of its property; the buildings of the old fort became the new town. Soon after, Americans of opposing sentiments, abolitionists, free-staters, and Border Ruffians alike, settled the area throughout the rest of the decade in turmoil. While the territory of Kansas ultimately became the free state of Kansas on January 29, 1861, violent conflict soon engulfed the entire nation. prgtoken During the Civil War, the Union Army militarized the town of Fort Scott to store Union supplies and to deter Confederate invasions into Southeast Kansas. The Union Army constructed many fortifications in the surrounding area, including four garrisoned blockhouses, or ``lunettes,'' fortified structures with designated names, such as Fort Lincoln, Fort Insley, Fort Henning, and Fort Blair, in order to house soldiers and armaments while protecting the town's approach. prgtoken While these structures successfully deterred such attacks, the U.S. War Department considered these four blockhouses as surplus property after the Civil War and sold them at auction to private individuals. The structure called Fort Blair, known locally today as Lunette Blair is the sole remaining Civil War blockhouse standing today. prgtoken , it is only through the diligent stewardship of the citizens of Fort Scott, Kansas, and their dedication to preserve the community's heritage, that the Lunette Blair blockhouse still stands after all these years. prgtoken Members of the Fort Scott community support the donation of the blo
IN HONOR OF COLONEL STEVEN J. OWENS
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-7-11

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Colonel Steven J. Owens on his retirement from the United States Army after 30 years of service to our country. An esteemed and respected member of the Army Medical Service Corps, Colonel Owens most recently served as the Deputy Director for Reserve Affairs at the Office of the Surgeon General. In this capacity, he was instrumental in driving policy to improve the capability of the Army to recruit and retain high quality providers to care for our Nations prgtoken Daughters and Sons. He also played an integral role in strengthening the relationship between Army National Guard and the Army Reserve medical communities. prgtoken Colonel Owens distinguished career began with the Virginia Army National Guard in 1987, and included time at Ft. Belvoir, VA; Camp Robinson, VA; Ft. Pickett, VA; Ft. A.P. Hill, VA; Joint Force Headquarters, VA; the National Guard Bureau; Fort Sam Houston, TX; and the Office of the Surgeon General. During this time, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his time in Iraq, he served as the I Corps MNCI and USFI liaison to the Iraqi Army Surgeon. In that role, he performed the medical portion of counterinsurgency training for hundreds of America's service members and advised the Iraqi Army Surgeon on methods to increase capabilities to provide care to the Iraqi Soldiers, and to improve recruitment and retention of providers in the Iraqi Army. prgtoken As Colonel Owens embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions he has made to the Office of the Surgeon General, the Virginia Army National Guard and to the United States Army. I would like to send him my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors.
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-11

as we move forward in our efforts to repeal and replace the failed Care law, it is worth remembering the reasons why this work is so urgent and why it is so important. The Affordable Care Act has left many American families paying far more for healthcare than they did beforehand, and it has taken away their freedom to choose the doctor they want or the health plan they want. That is, of course, all contrary to what was promised at the time Care was passed back in 2009 and 2010. prgtoken We all remember what the President said, and none of it has proven to be true in terms of your plan, your doctor, or the costs. In fact, as I mentioned before, the cost has gone up 105 percent for people in the individual market since 2013 alone. So rather than seeing a $2,500 decrease in the cost to their health coverage, they have seen a $3,000 increase, and the prices continue to go up. It is actually getting worse by the day, which is another reason for the urgency of what we are about to do. A report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, released yesterday, found that 40 percent fewer insurers have applied to participate in prgtoken the Care exchanges next year. The reason why that is important is because when fewer insurance companies choose to participate, of course, consumers have less choice and there is less competition in terms of quality of service or the price they charge. The damage goes far beyond the damage to the doctor-patient relationship and the damage to our pocketbooks, when we are told things will cost us less and they cost us more. The damage of the Affordable Care Act has literally permeated our entire economy and has led to a lot of people losing their jobs along the way. prgtoken Care consists of a number of mandates, government coercion, and punishment if you didn't comply with the mandates that forced many Americans to buy a product they would not have bought of their own volition and in many instances simply could not afford. But if you refused to do it, the government fined you, punished you. That represents a radical change in the nature and guiding philosophy of this country. This country was founded on the concept of individual freedom, not on Big Government coercing you to buy something that you don't want and you can't afford. But that is the theory behind Care. prgtoken In addition to that, for small business owners, it included a penalty for any business that exceeded more than 50 employees who did not provide government-approved health insurance policies. It cost them at least an additional $70,000 a year, in addition to other increases in healthcare costs. prgtoken Let's say you are a small business of 50 or so employees. You are sure not going to hire over the cap and subject yourself to the additional $70,000 a year in costs. What you are likely to do is to hire fewer than 50 employees in order to protect yourself from t
HONORING FRANKLIN HOBSON
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-7-11

today I rise to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Yadkin County. prgtoken The first meeting of these dedicated citizens was held on June 13, 1957, at Fall Creek Elementary School as 12 local men worked to establish the fire department. Its charter calls for 60 members, and its membership ranks have remained nearly full for 60 years. A pillar of the community, members have been awarded North Carolina's Order of the Long Leaf Pine on three occasions. prgtoken Helping others is one of the most honorable activities anyone can engage in, and this kind of selfless dedication to one's community is critical to the well-being of our country. prgtoken I thank the members of the Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Department for the selflessness and bravery they demonstrate as firefighters. America needs more courageous individuals like them to give of their time and talents to keep our communities safe.
CONGRATULATING MINNETONKA BOYS TENNIS CHAMPS
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-7-11

I rise to congratulate the Minnetonka High School boys tennis team on their recent extraordinary State tournament victory. The Skippers won their second consecutive State title, led by Senior Adam Thompson and Junior Ben Wheaton. prgtoken The team worked hard to win, with a final score of 4-3. This close victory displayed their competitive skill, and the way the Skippers carried themselves after the victory epitomizes the virtue of sportsmanship and humility. prgtoken , with their strong determination and commitment to excellence, these student athletes exemplify the very best of their school and of our community. They excel both on the court and in the classroom. prgtoken I offer my congratulations to the players, the coaches, and the parents. Congratulations to the Minnetonka boys tennis team on their victory and becoming State champs.
MAJORITY OF AMERICANS DO NOT TRUST THE MEDIA
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-11

a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found that a combined 68 percent of Americans said that they do not trust the media very much or not at all. The same poll also found that Americans trust President more than the media. prgtoken It is no surprise that Americans do not trust the media. The media have stopped reporting and have started attacking. As The Federalist's David Harsanyi noted in a recent article, ``News organizations have become obsessed with fighting the President rather than covering him.'' prgtoken A Harvard study recently found that 80 percent of the news coverage of President in his first 100 days in office was negative, a new unfortunate record. prgtoken The media is so fixated on attacking the President that they rush to print unfounded stories using a single anonymous source. prgtoken Last month, three CNN employees resigned for their role in a botched -Russia story. This debacle revealed the media's insatiable appetite to print any story--no matter how groundless--that is critical of the President. prgtoken The liberal media should stop fighting the President and start covering his Presidency in a fair and unbiased manner. Then they will regain the trust of the American people.
REMEMBERING R.J. CORMAN
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-11

today I wish to remember the life of my dear friend, R.J. Corman, and to congratulate a business he started in Kentucky on its 30th anniversary. A man from humble beginnings, Rick started a company at the age of 18 with only a backhoe and a dump truck. With a keen business sense and a tireless work ethic, Rick built his company and earned a reputation for doing work better and faster than anyone else in the business. Today the R.J. Corman Railroad Group employs over 1,600 people and operates in 24 States. prgtoken Rick's life was tragically cut short when he passed away in August 2013 at the age of 58 after a long fight with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. Although his company had to learn how to succeed without him, the signature red locomotives and white cross-rail fences still carry Rick's name and his legacy. prgtoken Those who knew Rick could agree that he worked hard, cherished honesty, and had an infectious laugh. In 2011, Fortune magazine published a profile on Rick and his business. It read, ``In the way he operates--and faces the world--Rick Corman is truly larger than life.'' prgtoken Rick started his company making track repairs for major railroads in 1973. With vision and determination, Rick convinced people to take a chance on him, and he began to expand his company. prgtoken This year, one of his businesses, the R.J. Corman Railroad Co is celebrating its 30th year of operation. It opened in 1987, when Federal deregulation allowed railroads to sell unwanted lines of track. Rick, seeing both a profitable venture and a way to provide an economic boost to rural areas, began purchasing short line railroads. Today the business operates 11 railroad lines and more than 900 miles of track. prgtoken When Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast in 2005, Rick's emergency response operation immediately offered to help. Rick personally oversaw the repairing of railways damaged by the storm. Despite the heavy damage, Rick answered the call to help those in need. prgtoken Rick's business acumen was impressive, but even more extraordinary was his unstoppable spirit. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, he fought far beyond the doctors' expectations. Rick continued to work, to enjoy life, and even to finish the Boston Marathon. He deeply cared for his employees and his community. When one of his employees lost his home to a fire, Rick sent the family a temporary trailer the next day. Over the course of his life, Rick and his company made numerous contributions to St. Joseph Hospital in Jessamine County. The hospital remembered Rick as the largest philanthropic supporter in its history. prgtoken Rick's compassion and love of life inspired so many friends, family, and employees. He may be gone, but his legacy will remain, as we celebrate the 30th year of the R.J. Corman Railroad Co. Rick believed in his employees, and he said, ``It's really the people that make this company so different. I
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-7-11

I have 7 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: committee on armed services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 9:30 a.m in open session to consider the nomination of: Mr. Richard V. Spencer to be Secretary of the Navy. committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 10 a.m to hold a hearing entitled ``Nominations.'' committee on homeland security and governmental affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 10 a.m. for a business meeting. 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, July 11, 2017 from 2:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in Room SH-219 of the Senate Hart Office Building to hold a closed business meeting to consider the nomination of Mr. David Glawe to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security. 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, July 11, 2017 from 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in Room SH-219 of the Senate Hart Office Building to hold a closed hearing. committee on veterans' affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. in SR- 418, to conduct a hearing on legislation pending before the Committee. committee on the judiciary subcommittee on crime and terrorism prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate, on July 11, 2017, at 2:30 p.m in Room SD-226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled ``Concurrent Congressional and Criminal Investigations: Lessons from History.''