mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING FLOYD McKINLEY SAYRE, JR.
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-10-24

I wish to recognize a friend and colleague, Floyd McKinley Sayre, Jr who recently departed this life. I came to know Floyd many years ago and interacted with him while serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates, U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate. Recent testimonies to his life state that he was ``a good man by all accounts and lived his life in a pursuit of endeavors he felt were right, good and virtuous.'' Throughout my friendship with Floyd, I found this to be true. prgtoken Floyd was born in Beckley, WV, on July 17, 1930. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School before going on to West Virginia University, where he was an active member in the Sigma Nu fraternity. After college, he had a successful military career where he served in the Berlin Brigade in Germany, guarding West Berlin during the Cold War. Upon his return, Floyd started a professional career with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that eventually brought him home to West Virginia. prgtoken Floyd owned and managed Floyd Sayre's Management Consultants and was the first certified professional executive in West Virginia. He worked hard to bring a certification program to the State and mentored many future executives. As a student of West Virginia politics, he understood how to navigate the halls of the State legislature, where he is remembered as a gentleman and forceful advocate for a better West Virginia. prgtoken In 1960, Floyd married his wife, Ruth Ellen Thomas, who was his staunch supporter and companion for his entire prgtoken career, and together they had three sons, Floyd, Richard, and David. Floyd loved spending time with his family and friends, gardening, bird watching, and rooting for his beloved West Virginia Mountaineers. Floyd was a Rotarian, as well as a Paul Fellow and past president of the Southern Pines, NC, Rotary Club. Floyd was also a member of the church I attend, another community in which he will be sorely missed. prgtoken I am honored to have known Floyd and his wife, Ruth, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. West Virginia owes him a debt of gratitude for his service to the State. I am proud to have called him a friend and fellow Mountaineer.
IN RECOGNITION OF MISS PHENIX CITY 2018--STELLA KONTOS
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-10-24

I ask for the House's attention to recognize Miss Phenix City 2018, Stella Kontos. prgtoken Stella is a junior at Auburn University majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Business. She is vice president of the College of Engineering and on the university's Dean's List. Stella is also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Cardinal Key, Lambda Sigma Honors Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. prgtoken Seven years ago, Stella founded her personal platform S.T.A.G.E. (Science, Technology, And Girls in Engineering). Stella works to increase female student participation in Engineering. She's the student liaison to the ``100 Women Strong'' organization and has spent 1,200 hours speaking to over 5,000 students in 25 different classrooms and conference settings. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing Miss Phenix City 2018, Stella Kontos.
STRENGTHENING CYBERSECURITY INFORMATION SHARING AND COORDINATION IN OUR PORTS ACT OF 2017
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-24

the balance of my time. prgtoken I once again urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I want to thank Congresswoman Torres for her strong leadership on this bill, Mr. Vela, Ranking Member Thompson. prgtoken , we have passed over 50 bills out of my committee, out of the House floor, and sent them to the Senate, where they still sit there with no action whatsoever. And when it comes to homeland security measures, I believe that it is dangerous to do nothing, and I urge the Senate to take up action on this bill and the other 50 bills that we have sent over to the Senate. prgtoken , .
HONORING A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY--KIRKSVILLE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-10-24

I proudly pause to recognize A.T. Still University--Kirksville College of Medicine on their 125th Anniversary. Since 1892, this fine institution of higher learning has been producing quality graduates who greatly enrich our society with the knowledge and values that have been instilled in them. Founded in 1892 in Kirksville, Missouri by Andrew Taylor Still, ATSU-KCOM is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine. Originally known as the American School of Osteopathic Medicine, ATSU was the first school of osteopathy in the world. The first Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DO's, graduated from ATSU-KCOM in 1894 and over 18,000 graduates later, they have practiced in every state and around the world in a variety of medical specialties. While staying true to their osteopathic principles, students at ATSU receive the most comprehensive medical education while training on state of the art equipment. With a focus on rural healthcare, ATSU is a vitally important medical training institution, now more than ever I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the rich 125 year history of A.T. Still University--Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. This elite school has impacted the world with the osteopathic physicians and health professionals it has produced. I commend ATSU President Craig M. Phelps, DO, ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, and the faculty, staff, students and alumni as the school continues to train and produce highly qualified professionals to serve in the medical field for generations to come. I am extremely honored to represent this fine institution in the United States Congress.
HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-10-25

we are one week away from the open enrollment period--an opportunity for Americans to purchase health insurance for 2018. prgtoken President ended the cost sharing reduction--the CSR--payments, which reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income working families. prgtoken A Congressional Budget Office analysis says ending these payments would likely increase premiums by 20 percent next year and by 25 percent by 2020. prgtoken In the Senate, there is a bipartisan agreement, led by Senators Alexander and Murray, to stabilize the marketplaces by funding the CSR payments and increase resources for open enrollment outreach. prgtoken Last night, unfortunately, a couple of the Members in the majority added partisan objectives to the bill, cutting mandates, which will keep costs low, and adding anti-abortion restrictions to CSR payments. prgtoken , I urge the majority to drop the poison pills and work with to bring the Alexander-Murray bill to the floor as soon as possible to stabilize markets and lower costs for American families. The failure to fix the health reform will cause millions of Americans to lose healthcare, and, that is, ``No Care Care.''
NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-10-25

it is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and we have a lot of work to do to better secure our Nation's cyberspace, and we cannot underestimate these challenges. prgtoken During our district work period last week, I took the opportunity to go on a cybersecurity tour to understand better what Rhode Island's initiatives are. During that time, I visited some of the Ocean State's growing cybersecurity companies, stopping by SecureWorks' Providence campus and speaking on a panel at Carousel Industries' AlwaysOn Technology summit. prgtoken I learned about efforts to stem cybercrimes from the Rhode Island State Police, and I joined Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea at an election security workshop for local officials. prgtoken At the Rhode Island Society of CPAs, I encouraged our accountants to advise their clients about cybersecurity risk, and I joined State Senator Lou DiPalma to promote cyber hygiene practices. prgtoken Most importantly, I spoke to PTECH students and participants in CyberPatriot about their importance as the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. prgtoken , cybersecurity may be the national and economic security challenge of the 21st century, but with the talent that we have in Rhode Island, I am confident that we can take it on.
Healthcare (Executive Calendar)
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-10-25

I rise in support of my colleagues who have come to the floor to urge the Senate to quickly pass funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP. prgtoken CHIP provides comprehensive health insurance to 9 million low-income children who don't qualify for Medicaid, including 18,000 children in my home State of Delaware. Lots of other States would say that 18,000 children is a small number, but in Delaware that is a significant population. Bluntly, whether it is 1 or 100 or 1,000 or 18,000, how can we allow inaction in this Chamber to put at risk the healthcare of millions of children across our country? prgtoken It has now been more than 3 weeks since funding for CHIP expired. While some States have enough money in their accounts to carry them through to the end of the year or just beyond, the uncertainty about when or if CHIP funds will be reauthorized is causing chaos, concern, and anxiety across the country. Some States will have to start issuing notices to households that they will face the loss of CHIP coverage. Imagine the unnecessary fear this will bring to parents and families and struggling households across the country as they are facing other challenges in their life. prgtoken This is totally unnecessary. We can stop this uncertainty right now and bring needed stability for parents, children, and States and show some kind of leadership from our Federal Government. I am a proud cosponsor of the bipartisan KIDS Act, S. 1827, being led by Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah and Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. This KIDS Act would extend funding for CHIP for 5 years. I urge the Senate to do right by America's children and America's working families and swiftly take up and pass this bill. prgtoken While we are on the topic of programs desperately in need of reauthorization, I also want to draw attention to the expiration of the Community Health Center Fund, which ensures access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for 26 million patients across the country. In my home State of Delaware, about 50,000 Delawareans benefit from several community health centers that are widely respected, well run, and provide affordable, accessible, and preventive healthcare in communities up and down my State. Funding for this critical program also lapsed more than 3 weeks ago, and now, sadly, community health centers across my State and across the country are struggling to make key decisions--decisions like signing new leases or signing on new medical personnel to positions. Without certainty that the Federal Government will authorize their funding, how can we expect health centers to plan, to provide services, and to provide preventive healthcare that improves health and strengthens our community? prgtoken We should do everything we can to swiftly pass a 5-year reauthorization for funding for community health centers, such as the bipartisan bill that Senator Blunt of Missouri and Senator Sta
The Budget and Republican Tax Plan (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-10-25

I want to thank my colleague and the ic leader, Senator Schumer, for his statement on this tax plan. I think he really has summarized in his statement the concerns many of us have. prgtoken We are concerned that the tax plan will do several things. It will cut funds for education in America at a time when we need it now more than ever to prepare our people for the jobs of the future. It endangers Medicare, a program that for almost 50 million Americans is critical for the healthcare they receive. At the same time, it is going to dramatically increase the deficit. For so long, we have heard from the s that their No. 1 issue was cutting the deficit, and now they come up with a tax plan that will increase the size of our deficit. Finally, of course, all of this is being done to create tax breaks for the wealthy and the biggest corporations in America. prgtoken Here are the simple facts: As a percentage of our gross domestic product, corporate profits in America have never been higher. Corporate profits have never been higher. As a percentage of the gross domestic product, corporate Federal taxes paid have never been lower. Profits never higher, taxes never lower, and the tax plan says: Let's cut corporate taxes even more, and then let's cut taxes on the prgtoken wealthiest people even more. That is not a fair tax plan. It is not a fair tax reform. prgtoken The tax plan sadly rewards the biggest corporations and the wealthiest individuals at the cost of cutting education, endangering Medicare, and unfortunately increasing the deficit, to be paid for by our children. The tax break for the wealthiest people in the tax plan doesn't go to the rich. It doesn't even go to the very rich. It goes to the superrich--the superrich. Who am I talking about? The one- tenth of 1 percent. The highest incomes in America--way beyond the rich. It is not a person who drives a big limousine; it is a person who is never going to drive the rest of their lives and owns a big yacht. Those folks--the one-tenth of 1 percent--get 40 percent of all the tax breaks in the tax plan. That may be good news for the President and his colleagues and friends and even his family; it is not good news for working Americans. To think that we would cut education, endanger Medicare, and increase the deficit to give that level of income, the wealthiest people in our country, such a tax break is hard to imagine. prgtoken Sadly, one of the provisions in the tax plan creates an incentive for companies to move jobs overseas, because they will have a lower tax rate if they do. Think about that. A President who has told us over and over again that we want to ``make America great again'' creates a tax program to incentivize businesses to locate overseas and make their profits overseas. That makes no sense whatsoever, but that is the tax plan. I am glad Senator Schumer brought that up.
Healthcare (Executive Calendar)
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-25

the Senate is currently considering the nomination of Scott Palk to a lifetime appointment as a Federal district court judge on the Western District of Oklahoma. I voted against Mr. Palk's nomination in the Judiciary Committee, and I will oppose his nomination on the floor. prgtoken While his nomination was pending for a lifetime appointment to be a Federal judge, Mr. Palk changed his membership with the National Rifle Association to take out a life membership in the organization. When I asked Mr. Palk about this change, he asserted he expects to maintain this ``lifetime member'' status, even if he is confirmed, and he refused to commit to recuse himself from any cases where the National Rifle Association has taken a legal position. prgtoken What I find disconcerting about this is Federal judges must be impartial. Federal judges must not have any appearance of conflicts of interest. When individuals come before a court, they need to trust that their case will be heard fairly and on the merits. prgtoken Every American must believe that they will get a fair, unbiased hearing no matter who their judge is. Federal judges must follow applicable laws and regulations that severely limit the kinds of organizations they can participate in. prgtoken For example, the code of conduct for Federal Judges says, ``[A] judge should not participate in extrajudicial activities that detract from the dignity of the judge's office, interfere with the performance of the judge's official duties, reflect adversely on the judge's impartiality, lead to frequent disqualification, or violate the limitations set forth below.'' prgtoken That is why members of the Senate Judiciary Committee often ask judicial nominees at their hearings what steps they will take to prepare for the bench. It is the committee's duty to determine whether a nominee is prepared to leave their former roles and personal beliefs at the door and instead serve in an impartial arbiter. prgtoken In fact, when nominated for lifetime appointments, most nominees try to rid themselves of conflicts and limit their affiliations, especially with advocacy organizations. However, Mr. Palk not only chose to maintain his membership with the NRA, he chose to extend his membership for life. prgtoken The fact that we are considering this nominee, given this issue with his background, just 3 weeks after the Las Vegas shooting, should really give us all a reason to pause. Las Vegas is now the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the United States. It has only been a year since the Pulse Nightclub massacre in Orlando, which was previously the deadliest mass shooting in our Nation's history. It has been only 5 years since 20 6-year-olds and 6 adults were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. What happened after each of those shootings? prgtoken After Sandy Hook, the NRA opposed any legislation that would have restricted high-capacity maga
RECOGNIZING AMRO FABRICATING CORP. ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-25

I rise today to celebrate the pivotal role that small businesses in California's 38th district are playing in transporting humanity to new frontiers in our solar system. As a proud member of the NASA Caucus, I know that the extraordinary feats that the United States has made in space exploration and human spaceflight would not be possible without the ingenuity of small businesses and manufacturers across our country. prgtoken I want to recognize one such manufacturer, AMRO Fabricating Corp which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next week. In 1977, AMRO was established in South El Monte, California by Michael K. and Thora A. Riley. The company first entered the aerospace industry in 1979, and in 1986, McDonnell Douglas selected AMRO to manufacture Isogrid panels for the Titan IV rocket. Over the past 30 years, AMRO has honed its forming process for Isogrid and Orthogrid designs, which allow metal structures to be both lightweight and durable, and are critical for enabling spacecraft and aircraft to fly efficiently and safely. prgtoken I am proud of the integral work AMRO is contributing to the development of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, which will carry U.S. astronauts farther than ever before and eventually to Mars. Just this August, AMRO delivered window panels for the Orion spacecraft that astronauts will use on its first manned mission, Exploration Mission-2, in the early 2020s. AMRO is also working on elements for the SLS's core stage, which will carry the Orion spacecraft beyond Earth's orbit. prgtoken From 1977 to 2017, AMRO's innovation in spaceflight and aerospace have allowed it to grow from just 6 employees to more than 250, as well as to develop training programs for high school and university students. The U.S. space program has an exciting future ahead of it, in no small part due to the dynamism of America's small businesses. Please join me in congratulating AMRO on its 40th anniversary.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H. CON. RES. 71, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-10-25

I thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding me the time. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to this rule because I rise in opposition to the underlying budget--a budget which is really a budget buster that could be before the full House for consideration tomorrow. prgtoken It calls for an additional $1.5 trillion worth of debt accumulated over the next 10 years. They call for that, I fear, in order to clear the path for unpaid-for tax cuts. There is a bipartisan path to move forward on tax reform. It has been 31 years since we have taken a serious run at the Federal code. It is long overdue. It is one that would simplify the code, that would broaden the base and lower the rates and make us more competitive at home, but especially abroad, in light of what the rest of the world has done. prgtoken That can also help promote economic growth, but I fear that that is not the direction that the opposing party is taking with their tax reform proposal. I say fear because we haven't seen the details yet. So we can't say with certainty just what exactly will be offered over the next couple of weeks. But if history is any guide, there is a proclivity to pass large tax cuts that are not paid for. prgtoken If history is a guide, we have been down this road before, in the 1981 tax cuts, the 2001, the 2003, that promised to bring a boon of economic growth that would offset and pay for the lost revenue. It didn't materialize. Instead, we had huge budget deficits. Unfortunately, today, we don't have the luxury of time to help us recover from a huge fiscal mistake. Because today, 70 million baby boomers are beginning their massive retirement and joining Social Security and Medicare--10,000 a day. prgtoken If we go down this route of going with massive tax breaks that aren't paid for, we are going to jeopardize the long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare at exactly the wrong moment in our Nation's history. The folks back home tell me they would like to see tax reform along the lines that I just described, but they are not telling me that they are more interested in trickle-down economics where the predominant relief goes to the most wealthy, hoping that it somehow benefits everyone else. prgtoken Now, they would like to see it a little fairer for working families, for small businesses, for family farmers so that they can share in the economic growth and the prosperity that could be offered if we do this the correct way in a bipartisan fashion. prgtoken But instead, I fear that we are going to be witnessing history repeat itself. But unlike the time of the past, we don't have the luxury of time going forward without jeopardizing Social Security and Medicare, and without leaving a legacy of debt once again for our children and grandchildren to inherit. prgtoken So let's regroup. Let's do a budget that makes sense for the long- term fiscal solvency of important programs, but especially our children's future. This budg