mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Order of Procedure (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-19

we are grinding the wheels here in Washington, DC, in the Senate very slowly, too slowly, when it comes to confirming the President's nominees, first to the Cabinet and now to the sub-Cabinet positions. prgtoken When the American people elected President on November 8, they knew they were electing not just one person but also his full executive branch team, most certainly when it comes to filling vital national security positions like those in the Department of Defense. But because of unprecedented delay and obstruction from our ic colleagues, at the current pace, it would take more than 11 years to fully staff the executive branch--and to what end? Do our ic colleagues object to the qualifications of these nominees? Well, the answer is, by and large, no. Most of these nominees have sailed through the relevant committees, and some were even nominated by President , but that doesn't do anything to expedite the confirmation process. So I can only be left to conclude that our ic friends are just trying to make it more difficult for President to do his job and, in the process, make it harder for us in the Senate to do ours. prgtoken On Monday, we voted to end the filibuster of Patrick Shanahan, the nominee for Deputy Defense Secretary at the Department of Defense. Thankfully, we voted to confirm him, but he was confirmed by a vote of 92 to 7, so there wasn't any good-faith disagreement about his qualifications. There wasn't any real doubt about whether he would be confirmed, but our friends across the aisle insisted on burning as much time as possible, using every procedural objection they could in order to delay it. This is the same person who passed out of the Armed Services Committee by unanimous voice vote, essentially by unanimous consent. prgtoken Well, if there is one thing that is indispensable in the Federal Government, it is our national security. The Department of Defense has been facing a critical shortfall in leadership, which is dangerous to the Nation, especially while we are engaged in such a vast array of conflicts around the world. We have seen only 6 of President 's 22 nominations confirmed, and by drastically delaying this process, our ic colleagues are promoting not only the waste of taxpayer dollars, but they are putting lives at risk. I recently talked to the commander of a cyber unit who said that it took months for recently appropriated money to make its way out to his unit. In the meantime, he had to make personnel cuts and forgo investing in resources that would strengthen our cyber defenses, all because we couldn't get administrative positions filled at the Pentagon. The type of drastic action this particular commander was forced to take is not unique. It is reprehensible that anyone would play politics and delay for delay's sake, especially when considering the nomination of a person who directly impacts the tra
PROMOTING INTERAGENCY COORDINATION FOR REVIEW OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINES ACT
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-19

I thank Chairman Upton for yielding me time in his effort to bring this bill to the floor today. prgtoken , I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2910. Thanks to the shale revolution, America is a top global producer of natural gas, and in the past several years, natural gas has become the top fuel choice for generating electricity in our Nation. prgtoken My constituents in Texas have seen the dramatic benefits of the shale revolution and pay some of the lowest electricity costs in the Nation. For example, last April, the residential price for electricity was just over 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, the average price in Massachusetts was almost 21 cents per kilowatt-hour. prgtoken America's domestic energy outlook has completely flipped from scarcity to abundance, yet why do some parts of the country, primarily in the northeast, pay twice as much for electricity? There is one clear reason: some areas lack the needed pipeline infrastructure to bring natural gas to consumers. prgtoken The reason for this is that some State and Federal agencies are failing to make timely decisions on the necessary pipeline permits to deliver natural gas to consumers. prgtoken We can and we should modernize our pipeline infrastructure to match our abundant natural gas resources. Making the permitting process more efficient enables and encourages a more robust and reliable pipeline infrastructure system; that way, all parts of the country can realize the benefits of clean, affordable, and abundant natural gas. prgtoken My bill, the Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act, builds on important permit reforms under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by bringing greater accountability, predictability, and transparency to the process to approve interstate natural gas pipelines. prgtoken This bill requires early notification to all participating agencies, States, and Indian Tribes, and it reinforces FERC's status as the lead agency for coordination. prgtoken It further establishes a clear process for consultation and concurrent reviews among Federal and State agencies and Indian Tribes, and sets deadlines for final decisions. prgtoken , these are commonsense reforms that reduce interagency bureaucracy, and I think that we can all agree that permitting should be more transparent and more accountable. prgtoken H.R. 2910 enhances certainty for pipeline applicants, but it is important to note that this bill does not guarantee an outcome, it does not guarantee an approval on any application, and it does not change any existing environmental laws. So all the rhetoric we just heard over the last few minutes about it changing the environment is absolutely 100 percent false. prgtoken It does not change any eminent domain laws or adversely affect private property rights. So all that argument we heard a few minutes ago is false. So prgtoken we could conclude this debate p
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF COLONEL THOMAS KUNKEL
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-19

I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. James P. Burns of Warner Robins, Georgia, who passed away on April 31, 2017, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. prgtoken Mr. Burns used his 100 years to make his country and his community a better place to live. Mr. Burns served in the Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force from 1940 to 1960, fighting for his country during World War II and the Korean war. prgtoken After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Mr. Burns worked another 16 years for the Department of Defense before retiring at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. prgtoken Upon his retirement from the DOD, Mr. Burns and his wife, Lucille, dedicated their lives to helping fellow members of the south Georgia community. In his 20 years, Mr. Burns volunteered over 14,500 hours at the Houston Medical Hospital. When he wasn't volunteering for the hospital, Mr. Burns could be found helping seniors do their taxes or transporting food for the local food bank. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Mr. Burns' life today and his dedication to the community. He will certainly be missed.
Fossil Fuels (Executive Calendar)
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-7-19

some really big things are happening right now that are happening under the radar; people are not aware of them. One of them is the fact that the war on fossil fuels is officially over now and good things are happening. prgtoken This coincides with a time when we have a shale revolution. We have a situation where we are actually reviving an industry that had been pushed for the last 8 years. Oil and gas accounts for over 5 percent of the jobs in the entire country and accounts for over $1 trillion in economic impact in the U.S. gross domestic product. prgtoken In my State of Oklahoma, the industry directly employs nearly 150,000 people, and each of those jobs support more than two additional jobs in the State. Thanks to the election of President , help has arrived. prgtoken There are some very vocal sectors in America that want to put the fossil fuel industry out of business. We know that. They are out there. They are alive and well, and the attacks will keep coming. While most inroads were made toward that goal during the administration, the environmental extremists will continue to use our court system and the media to ensure that the war on fossil fuels continues, putting American jobs and the economy at risk. prgtoken Back in Oklahoma--it is kind of funny--I have an established policy for the last 20 years that every year, at the end of every week, I will either--if I don't have to be in Afghanistan or someplace else--I am always back in the State, never here. prgtoken I have been in aviation for many years so I get one of my airplanes and travel around the State and talk to people--real people. People don't understand this because you don't get logical questions asked or responded to here in Washington. They will say, for example--and this happened early in the administration. They would come up to me and say: Explain this to me, Senator Inhofe. We have a President who has a war on fossil fuels, trying to do away with fossil fuels. He doesn't like nuclear either. Yet nuclear and fossil fuels, which is oil and gas, account for 89 percent of the energy it takes to run this machine called America. So if he is successful, how do you run the machine called America? The answer is that you can't. prgtoken With the election of a -led Congress and a in the White House, we should be working together to address the concerns of the industries that provide cheap, reliable fuel for American energy. Unfortunately, as what always seems to be the case when we are in power, s can't seem to get together and work toward a common goal, dividing themselves over some of the issues. Healthcare is no better example. prgtoken But the threat against the industry and fossil fuels should be a priority of all s and , whether or not they come from a State dependent on these resources for jobs, because cheaper and more reliable energy is an issue that
HONORING PARKER SWAGGERTY
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-7-20

I proudly pause to recognize Parker Swaggerty. Parker 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 1360, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Parker has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Parker 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, Parker has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Parker built a wheelchair accessible sidewalk for the Chapel of Family Promise in Kansas City, Missouri, which provides transitional housing for homeless families I proudly ask you to join me in commending Parker Swaggerty for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-20

it is my honor to come to the Senate floor today to talk in support of a fellow Coloradan's nomination to be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior--David Bernhardt. I am very excited about his nomination, strongly support his nomination, and believe that my fellow Coloradan will do an absolutely incredible job for Colorado and for the rest of this country at the Department of the Interior. prgtoken I had the great honor just a month or more ago of welcoming David to the committee and welcoming his beautiful family there with him that day. I reminded his oldest son Will about the connection that my family and our oldest child will always have with Will, because when my wife Jaime was working at the Department of the Interior, our oldest daughter Alyson spent some time at daycare with David Bernhardt's son Will, as well. It was the same daycare and the same work Jaime and David did at the Department of the Interior, working together prgtoken all those years. But there is more than that. There are more connections I will share, between David Bernhardt and me, and one of the many reasons why I support him. prgtoken I have known him personally and professionally for nearly two decades. We both grew up in rural Colorado. I am from the Eastern Plains of Colorado, and Mr. Bernhardt is from the Western Slope. I am from the flatlands, and he is from the mountains. We share a lot of common interests in rural development and saving small towns. prgtoken We both began our public service 1 year apart, interning in the Colorado State Legislature for a member of the Colorado State Legislature named Russell George, who would go on, eventually, to become the Colorado speaker of the house. prgtoken I will never forget when I began. It was in the second term of then- State Representative Russell George. I worked for him on Tuesdays and Thursdays in an internship through Colorado State University. He said: You should reach out and meet last year's intern because I think he could help you figure out the ropes around here and what you should know about the internship. He gave me the phone number for David Bernhardt. So I followed in the footsteps of David Bernhardt at the capitol, and I am excited to see the work that he continues to do. prgtoken As I mentioned, Mr. Bernhardt worked with my wife Jaime at the Department of the Interior, and, at one point, their offices were just around the corner from one another. His personal background and public and private sector professional experiences prove that he is a strong voice for the West and extremely well-qualified for the nomination to be Deputy Secretary. He has extensive insight on western water policy, natural resource policy, and Indian affairs, just to name a few. Those who have worked with Mr. Bernhardt commend him for his integrity and wealth of knowledge on the issues under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. prgtoken In 2008, a
RECOGNIZING GABRIELLA BOFFELLI
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-20

. Madam , last night I was proud to present my legislative director, Gabriella Boffelli, with the Vermillion Award of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, CHLI, named after the late Steve Vermillion, the former chief of staff to Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. prgtoken This award is presented each year to two staffers who exemplify Steve's huge heart and dedication to freedom. None are more deserving than Gaby, and her fellow honoree, Angela Ramirez. prgtoken Since starting as an intern in my Miami office 6 years ago, Gaby has risen through the ranks, year after year, serving our south Florida community with wisdom, grace, and integrity. Now completing a master's degree at Johns Hopkins University, Gaby is the consummate public servant, selflessly working on behalf of our constituents, while constantly fighting for democracy and human rights in places like Nicaragua. prgtoken It has been an honor to have Gaby Boffelli on my team, and I know this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career. prgtoken Congratulations, my friend. Felicidades, mi amiga.
TRIBUTE TO JIM SINCLAIR
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-7-20

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jim Sinclair of Plains for the leadership he has provided to his community in northwest Montana. As the senior pastor of his church, Jim has provided a helping hand to others for over two decades. prgtoken The people of Sanders County know Jim and his wife, Renee, for the admirable work their ministry has done to support those in need. Before becoming a pastor, Jim made a living harvesting timber, and those skills have been valuable with helping the most vulnerable members of their community stay warm during the cold Montana winters. In addition to distributing firewood, Jim's church harnesses the talents of many volunteers in order to provide a food bank, soup kitchen, and clothing bank. Jim's hands on approach to ministry has empowered his community to help each other overcome challenges. prgtoken Communities like Plains depend on folks like Jim and Renee, as well as the dozens of volunteers they have mentored over the years. I thank them for all the hard work they have done and wish them the best as their ministry continues to grow in the service of others.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in strong support of the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2017. prgtoken , the American people are reminded about the threats facing our country on a daily basis. When they turn on the TV or pick up the newspaper, they learn about the latest terror attack or plot, foreign governments engaged in cyber warfare, and drug smugglers and human traffickers relentlessly trying to creep across our border and infect our neighborhoods. prgtoken Our adversaries are determined and agile. They wish to strike our homeland and disrupt our way of life. They are constantly calling for new attacks to be carried out against Americans with any weapons they have available. prgtoken To stay ahead of our enemies, we need a national security apparatus that is best set up for success and can adapt to new challenges as they arise. prgtoken After the 9/11 attacks, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security was necessary to help confront the threats at that time. Unfortunately, Congress has never reauthorized DHS since it was created. This is just simply unacceptable, and that is why eight committee chairmen signed a memorandum of understanding at the beginning of the year stating: ``The Department of Homeland Security and its components should be authorized on a regular basis to ensure robust oversight and improve its operation.'' prgtoken If we are going to keep America safe, we must reform and improve DHS prgtoken through a first-ever comprehensive reauthorization. The legislation before us today accomplishes several goals. prgtoken First, it reasserts Congress' Article I authority granted by the Constitution to write laws and give discretion to the Department. Congress has abdicated its role and responsibility in providing comprehensive legislative direction since 2002, and has ceded power to the executive branch. This legislation will fix that. prgtoken Second, it creates efficiencies by eliminating, consolidating, and streamlining programs and offices. With dangers gathering and the terrorist threat evolving, we need the most nimble DHS possible for the Secretary to lead and carry out the Department's vital mission. prgtoken Third, this bill protects American taxpayers by making DHS more accountable. Through new cost-efficiency efforts, we will be able to provide the funds necessary to keep our country safe while identifying and eliminating government waste. prgtoken Fourth, our legislation will support our frontline defenders and first responders. This bill will provide the tools and training needed to defeat emerging threats through important grant programs while also allowing DHS to better focus on recruiting and training a qualified workforce. prgtoken Finally, it improves America's security. Specifically, this reauthorization will: strengthen the Department's ability to deny terrorists entry into the United States; ensure that Federal ag
IN RECOGNITION OF 26TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ATHLETIC TEAMS
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-20

I rise today to recognize recent athletic victories within my district. I am proud to announce that the Argyle High School boy's golf team has claimed the title of state champions this spring. The Argyle High School boy's golf team attained their third straight state title by thirteen strokes. The Eagles three-peat performance in the UIL Class 4A state tournament was led by Coach Brady Bell. Also of note, Luke Griggs took fifth place in individual performance at the state tournament. The team has won its local district tournament for six consecutive years, and continues to excel in this area of athletics. The team effort displayed by Argyle's High School golf team in the state tournament demonstrates the continued success and dedication in District 26. It is my honor to represent Argyle High School boy's golf team in the U.S. House of Representatives. These dedicated student athletes and their coaches have represented the 26th District well, and our community looks forward to more successful seasons to come.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-7-20

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding me time, and I thank him for his question. prgtoken Madam , he is correct that, as of today, all 12 appropriations bills will be done from committee, marked up in subcommittee and full committee, and I want to thank the Appropriations Committee for their work. They achieved something that has not been achieved before in the timeline that they were given, and it is extraordinary the work they were able to do. prgtoken It is correct in the Make America Secure minibus package that we are bringing, that that package covers over 66 percent of our total discretionary spending. prgtoken As the Rules Committee has noted, the bill will come under a rule, so it will be a structured rule. We assume that there will be hundreds of amendments, as the gentleman knows, just like in the NDAA, more than 200 amendments. prgtoken I would like it noted there were more ic amendments than there were amendments in the process that we worked through, and that is why I expect there will be late votes next week as well.