mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-6-13

I come to the floor to speak on behalf of the amendment being offered by my colleagues Senator Warren from Massachusetts and Ranking Member Jack Reed from Rhode Island. I strongly support this amendment, and I want to explain why. prgtoken A nuclear weapon is a nuclear weapon, period. They are the only human-made force that could destroy all of humanity in a matter of minutes. They annihilate utterly and completely. The size of the bomb does not matter. Using any nuclear weapon is a step so grave that it is, in and of itself, an act of war. It also invites nuclear retaliation. That is why President Ronald Reagan was right when he said: ``A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.'' prgtoken Nuclear weapons are fundamentally different than any other military capability we possess. Congress must have a role in determining when these weapons are developed, how they are managed, and if, Heaven forbid, we must ever use them again. prgtoken Oversight is one of the fundamental responsibilities of this body, and on no issue is it more important than nuclear weapons. That is why I support what Senator Warren and Senator Reed are doing. It rightly protects the role Congress must play in determining if and when we as a nation decide to develop more of the most lethal weapons on the planet. prgtoken What Senator Warren and Senator Reed are doing is ensuring that Congress must authorize developing new or modified nuclear weapons because that is all important. This authority was written into law years ago. It was a bipartisan compromise that passed 96 to 0. Congressional oversight of nuclear weapons development and deployment has long enjoyed bipartisan support, and it should now as well. prgtoken There are many, myself included, who believe we should go even further. As the only Nation to have ever used nuclear weapons against another country, the United States has a special responsibility to lead global efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate the world's nuclear weapons. This is an important issue. I am a realist, and I realize, as long as nuclear weapons exist, the United States must have a credible nuclear deterrent that is safe, secure, and reliable. prgtoken Appropriately striking this balance is one of the most consequential issues, not only for our Nation but for the whole world. It is why, for decades, Congress has played a crucial bipartisan role overseeing our Nation's nuclear arsenal. The debates have been heated. We have not always agreed, but we recognize Congress must be involved. This must continue to be the case moving forward. prgtoken So I thank Senator Reed and Senator Warren for their leadership in offering this amendment, which goes right to the heart of the question of what the role of the Congress is on this most important of all issues--the authorization for the development of nuclear weapons in our country. prgtoken From the beginning of the nuclear era, when President Roos
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-13

I would say amen to the comments of the Senator from Illinois, our ic whip. He spoke on two subjects very eloquently--the subject of opioids and the subject of ripping apart families in immigration, both of which require immediate action. Healthcare prgtoken Now, , I want to speak on something that requires immediate action. There are 130 million Americans in this country who have a preexisting condition. The Affordable Care Act that we passed 7 or 8 years ago guarantees insurance coverage if you have a preexisting condition. Lo and behold, the administration is trying to rip that out of the Affordable Care Act, the law--130 million Americans and almost 8 million just in my State of Florida. prgtoken They want to repeal and kill the Affordable Care Act. This is one way to do it because the administration and congressional s and their allies have repeatedly tried and failed to kill the Affordable Care Act but now are trying to dismantle it piece by piece by pulling out economic undersupports of the law. As a result, they successfully did that and attached it to the tax bill that went through, and we are seeing the results of that. The premiums are going up. Now they want to basically kill the bill by saying that it is not a requirement of the law that insurance companies cover a preexisting condition. prgtoken Let me give you some examples of preexisting conditions: Alzheimer's, cancer, acne. How about simply being a woman? Let me repeat that. Being a woman was a preexisting condition before these protections were put into law--that an insurance company would have to cover you and that your rate had to be fair. prgtoken Having faced multiple times the s trying to dismantle this law, the administration is now trying administratively and through the courts to take health coverage away. In my State of Florida, it is almost 8 million people. prgtoken Here is what they did. In February, in 20 States, the attorneys general, including in my State of Florida, filed a lawsuit to attack our Nation's health law and all of the key protections that go with it, and that is without any plan to replace it. Just last week, the U.S. Department of Justice sided with these States and went into court and told the court to do away with the law that bans insurers from charging people more or denying them coverage based on a preexisting condition. prgtoken This seems absolutely inexcusable to me. If the attorneys general and the administration now supporting them prevail, health insurers across the country will once again be able to charge unlimited premiums for older adults by discriminating against all people with preexisting conditions--discrimination by the insurance companies refusing to offer them coverage or charging them exorbitant premiums simply because of what they call a preexisting condition in their medical history.
PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN VETERANS
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 4635, as amended, to increase the number of peer-to-peer counselors available to women veterans. prgtoken Peer-to-peer counseling is meant to be sensitive to the specific culture of the military and how that culture affects veterans. It can be incredibly helpful to veterans who may not feel comfortable entering a more formal form of treatment, and for many women veterans, their most relatable peer will be a fellow woman. prgtoken This bill would require VA to increase women veterans' access to peer-to-peer counselors, thus ensuring all veterans can enjoy the benefit of this incredible form of therapy. prgtoken Between this legislation and the other peer support measure recently passed in the VA MISSION Act, this body continues to underscore its commitment to expanding peer support at VA. I appreciate the hard work Mr. Coffman has put into this issue and look forward to supporting his efforts. prgtoken , .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-6-13

reserving the right to object, Senator Cotton from Arkansas and I were just on the floor these past 15 minutes explaining why this bipartisan provision is in the managers' amendment to the bill. It is because of the threats posed by Huawei and ZTE. With respect to ZTE specifically, it is because of its multiple flagrant violations of U.S. law. Removing that provision would send a very bad signal, not just to ZTE, not just to China but to anybody else around the world watching that they can violate U.S. sanctions law with impunity. We shouldn't be doing that. prgtoken I object.
HONORING RABBI JOEL SIMON
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to recognize several individuals from our community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who administered first aid that would ultimately save the life of a beloved school bus driver. prgtoken In January, Janet Lapsley suffered a life-threatening medical emergency. Discovered unconscious by fellow bus driver Bob Fay, Janet was found to be lacking a pulse. With the help of Bob and drivers Brent Briggs, Danny Shimp, and Jeff Randolph, Janet received CPR and oxygen. With the assistance of school nurse Dawn Fulton and athletic trainer Katie Holmes, Janet received the additional treatment she needed to survive while first responders were on the way. prgtoken I would like to commend the first responders, who worked collectively and professionally to save Janet's life. They are Ottsville Fire Company Chief William Shick, Deputy Chief James Keogh, Firefighter and EMT Jeff Lauble, and Junior Firefighter Evelyn Keogh. prgtoken The weekend following this health scare, Janet's brain activity hovered between 3 percent and 5 percent. However, with the help of a team of doctors and many prayers, Janet slowly recovered and is now working as a monitor on bus 97, continuing to assist the children she cares so deeply about. prgtoken I would like to thank Bob, Brent, Danny, Jeff, Dawn, Katie, William, James, Jeff, and Evelyn for their courageous actions. Their knowledge and quick thinking truly saved the life of a dedicated community servant. I encourage all of my constituents to follow their lead and, as an EMT, educate themselves on the power of first-aid techniques to save lives every single day. Honoring the Work of Teachers Marc Cutillo and Joan Savion
STEPHEN MICHAEL GLEASON CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-6-14

I am here to speak about honoring Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken Steve is well known in Louisiana and throughout the gulf coast and to football fans across the country. He is a Washington State native, as Senator Murray recently spoke, but he lives in New Orleans with his wife Michel and son Rivers. prgtoken Steve played in the NFL for 8 seasons, mostly with the New Orleans Saints. He is famous as a New Orleans Saint. On September 25, 2006, on ``Monday Night Football,'' the first game back in the Superdome when it reopened after Hurricane Katrina, the Saints were playing their archrival and division opponent, the hated Atlanta Falcons. The Presiding Officer probably likes the Falcons. prgtoken The Falcons were punting from deep in their own territory. Steve broke through the line and blocked the punt. Fellow Saint Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball for a touchdown. prgtoken The stadium erupted. There were 70,000 fans in the Superdome stadium. I was watching on TV. Al Michaels was blown away. It was an incredible moment, not just for the football team but because it was the first game in the Superdome, having just been reopened after Hurricane Katrina, which had almost destroyed the city and, indeed, the whole gulf coast, and it had much more meaning. prgtoken The emotion was for the play but also for what the play symbolized for the game. Steve Gleason's blocked punt symbolized, as Steve would say, ``no white flags.'' New Orleans and the gulf coast were back, and despite Katrina's devastation, we would not surrender. prgtoken Now Steve demonstrates that ``no white flags'' resolve in another arena. In 2011, Steve was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease. He cannot speak and, except for moving his eyes and blinking, he cannot move. But Steve can still think, and because he can think and because of what he has done with his thoughts is why he inspires and why we wish to honor him with a Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken He has a difficult challenge, but his accomplishments addressing that challenge are what is noteworthy. After his diagnosis, Steve and his wife began a mission to show that patients with diseases such as ALS cannot only live, but they can thrive. prgtoken Steve declared that there would be ``no white flags,'' and that became the mantra of something he began: the Gleason Initiative Foundation. This foundation helps to provide individuals who have neuromuscular disease or other injuries with cutting-edge technology, equipment, and services. It raises global awareness about ALS to find solutions and an end to the disease. It has also helped hundreds of people with ALS experience life adventures they never thought possible. prgtoken Steve's story and mission have been chronicled by national and local media outlets as well as a 2016 documentary, ``Gleason,'' which shows what his life has been like since 2011. prgtoken When f
SECURING THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL AGAINST OPIOIDS ACT OF 2018
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today in support of H.R. 5788, the STOP Act, sponsored by my good friend Mike Bishop. prgtoken This important piece of legislation would secure our mail system from fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic opioids that are flooding into the United States from foreign countries, namely China and Mexico. prgtoken The opioid crisis kills more than 100 Americans each day and caused more than 45,000 deaths last year alone. In 2016, more Americans died from a drug overdose than we lost in Vietnam. A third of those deaths are attributable to fentanyl. prgtoken Over the last few years, I have witnessed my kids losing their peers to this crisis, and it is terrifying. prgtoken Yesterday, I spoke to the mother of Nate Gordon, a young man from my district, who lost his life due to a fentanyl-laced overdose. Nate's mother and the rest of his family are heartbroken. prgtoken We have a responsibility to stem the tide of this crisis and prevent more families from suffering the tragic loss prgtoken of one who is loved to opioid addiction. A vital component of this effort is plugging the holes in our mail system and stopping illicit substances from entering the United States. prgtoken So far this year, Customs and Border Patrol, working with the U.S. Postal Service, has seized more than 790 pounds of fentanyl. That is enough fentanyl to kill 179 million people. To put that in perspective, that is more than half our population. prgtoken My friend Mr. talked about the size of a grain of rice. How about 1 gram, , a Sweet'n Low packet, something that we use every day? It is enough to kill 500 people. prgtoken The STOP Act is a great companion to the bill I recently introduced with my friend Tom Cotton that provides the U.S. Postal Service with more resources to screen international mail to stop these insane amounts of drugs coming into our country. prgtoken I thank my friend from Michigan for his thoughtful work to implement this much-needed policy change. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR RECOVERY IN VIABLE ENVIRONMENTS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ACT
Sean P. Duffy (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-6-14

. Let's get this done. If we are going to address this crisis, it is the kind of thought process that Mr. Barr has put into this bill of creative thinking, using resources that we have available to us, to help people who are getting crushed by these devastating drugs. prgtoken I know the ranking member cares about those people deeply. And I know she has fought for those folks who have been inflicted with drug abuse. I just would ask her, in this one, to join us and say: Let's do a small demonstration project, just 10,000. Let's work together.
HONORING ETHAN PIERCE FIELDS
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-6-14

I proudly pause to recognize Ethan Fields. Ethan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 251, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ethan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ethan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Ethan has become a warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Ethan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project where he painted parking curbs in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ethan for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-6-14

I want to take a second to thank Senator Inhofe and Senator Reed and their staffs for all of their hard work on getting us to this point on the Defense authorization bill, which is so very important. prgtoken Through the European Deterrence Initiative, we have made important progress in preparing U.S. forces and allies to address Russian threats to American interests and the international order that protects them. prgtoken I was just in Poland visiting U.S. forces with Senators Inhofe, Capito, and Enzi. We saw firsthand the work they are doing to preposition equipment and to establish the necessary footprint to sustain operations. prgtoken The NDAA contains a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to conduct an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of permanently stationing a U.S. Army brigade combat team in Poland. This amendment would require a report to accompany the assessment, detailing the requirements for combat enablers to deter aggression by Russia and to execute the Department of Defense's contingency plans. Combat enablers are the essential noncombat force that helps to maintain our defense posture around the globe. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this amendment as the Senate continues to play its oversight role to ensure that we defend our interests and our allies in Europe against Russian aggression. prgtoken .
CONGRATULATING MANHEIM TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to congratulate the Manheim Township High School boys lacrosse team, who recently won the program's first-ever PIAA State title. The Blue Streaks defeated La Salle, 6 to 4, in the PIAA Class 3A championship game this past Saturday to bring the title to Lancaster County. prgtoken Manheim Township of District 3 became the first school from outside Districts 1 or 12 to win the boys lacrosse title since the tournament began. This historic championship is a fitting end to an excellent season that also included a program best 26-1 record and both the Lancaster-Lebanon League and District 3 titles. These young men have put in countless hours of hard work to achieve this incredible result. prgtoken As I have said before, high school sports are about more than just winning. They are about teaching our children valuable skills such as teamwork, commitment, and perseverance. They build character and create memories that will last a lifetime. These young men have displayed these valuable skills throughout their entire season, and I am proud to represent them. I look forward to the team's future successes. prgtoken Congratulations to the Manheim Township High School boys lacrosse team, the coaches, their families, and the faculty, staff, and students who enabled this historic title. Combating Opioid Epidemic
SECURING THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL AGAINST OPIOIDS ACT OF 2018
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-6-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 5788, the STOP Act. prgtoken , this bill is focused on stopping synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil from entering our country through the international mail system. prgtoken These synthetic opioids can be 50 to 500 times more potent than a regular street dose of heroin, and it is the ever-growing presence of these synthetic opiates in our country that is causing overdose deaths to skyrocket. In fact, today, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are over 115 deaths each and every day from opioid overdose. prgtoken To address this crisis, I have been traveling across my district in Michigan hosting townhalls and roundtables, where I have heard, firsthand, the devastating impact this crisis is having in our communities. prgtoken I have also met with a wide range of officials in my district who are on the front lines of this crisis, including police and fire personnel, emergency response personnel, educators, medical prgtoken professionals, and others, all of whom are pleading for commonsense solutions at the Federal level to address this crisis, just like the bill we are voting on today. prgtoken I want to be candid; I agree. Currently, our government is not doing enough to stop the flow of synthetic opiates coming through the international mail system. prgtoken I was astounded to find out that current law treats packages coming in through private carriers like FedEx and UPS differently than it does shipments through the international mail system. Private carriers are required to provide what is known as advance electronic data, or AED, on all inbound packages, while the same is not true for shipments handled by the United States Postal Service in the international mail system. prgtoken This advance electronic data includes three primary pieces of information: where a package is from, where it is going to, and what is in it. This is actionable data that enables the CBP to target high-risk shipments for inspection and seizure. prgtoken Officials at the CBP will tell you this is all about finding a needle in a haystack. This AED information provides law enforcement the tools they need, the information they need to interdict and seize these illegal packages. prgtoken So here, specifically, is what my bill would do: H.R. 5788 would require the United States Postal Service to obtain AED on all international mail shipments by 2020 so that the United States Customs and Border Protection can target suspicious packages for synthetic opioids and other dangerous shipments. It also requires USPS to ramp up 70 percent AED compliance by the end of this year. The legislation would also require the United States Postal Service to refuse shipment of any foreign package that does not have AED after 2020. prgtoken Additionally, this bill includes strong enforcement and accountability provisions that