mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Recognition of the Majority Leader (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-7-18

this week the Senate continues to confirm impressive nominees whom President has asked to serve our country. We have confirmed two Assistant Secretaries to the Department of Education, Scott Stump and James Blew. We have confirmed a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, Randal Quarles. Now we will turn to the judiciary and consider nominees to the Fifth Circuit and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken First is Andrew Oldham of Texas, the President's choice for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Oldham has impressed the legal community in his years of public service, most recently as general counsel to the Governor of Texas. prgtoken Mr. Oldham has degrees from the University of Virginia, Cambridge, and Harvard Law. He clerked on both the DC Circuit Court and the Supreme Court. He carries the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association, ``unanimously well-qualified.'' prgtoken He comes highly recommended by peers and colleagues from across the political spectrum. Judith Zaffirini is a Texas State senator. She is a . She wrote the Judiciary Committee to support Mr. Oldham's nomination ``confidently, enthusiastically, and without reservation.'' She and the nominee have worked together on a number of important subjects. Through them all, she explains, ``Mr. Oldham reflected the ideal qualities of a judge . . . open-minded, fair . . . thoughtful and analytical.'' prgtoken Lisa Blatt is a skilled litigator who argues frequently before the Supreme Court. She is also a . She wrote the committee too. Her letter describes Mr. Oldham as ``a great listener'' with ``a brilliant legal mind, [and] a wonderful sense of humor and collegiality.'' prgtoken Her conclusion? He would ``make a superb judge.'' prgtoken What about Mr. Oldham's own words? If confirmed, he explained to our colleagues during his hearing, he will ``uphold the rights of all litigants--big or little--equally, and apply the law to all fairly.'' prgtoken He understands his responsibility, clearly. I look forward to confirming this nominee, and I urge each of our colleagues to join me.
TRIBUTE TO IOWA SELECT FARMS AND THE DEB AND JEFF HANSEN FOUNDATION
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-18

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation for being honored by the Army National Guard for their outstanding support of Army Guard Soldiers across the state of Iowa. prgtoken Iowa Select Farms has been honoring Iowa's soldiers for 12 years now by distributing pork and pork products to all military families during the holidays. Lieutenant General Timothy J. Kadavy, director of the Army National Guard, noted the ``positive impact'' that employers such as the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation have on Soldiers' lives and thanked those ``who do so much for the men and women who serve in the Army National Guard.'' prgtoken , it is with great honor that I recognize Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation today. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in applauding their ongoing support of our military members.
Blue-Slip Tradition (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-7-18

I appreciate the comments made by my distinguished colleague, the Senator from California. prgtoken When Americans see a ``Made in USA'' label on a product, it is a source of great pride. It represents the American virtues of innovation and industriousness. It is a symbol of support for American manufacturing jobs and high-quality products across the board, and it often spurs American consumers to buy those very products. prgtoken The Federal Trade Commission currently enforces a difficult standard for products to claim the ``Made in USA'' label. It requires that all or virtually all of a product must be made in the United States, and it has issued lengthy guidance documents establishing the rules. However, one State holds a different standard--one that is nearly impossible for businesses to meet. Under California's law, if more than 5 percent of the components of a product are manufactured outside the United States, even if that means just a few bolts or a few screws, then that product cannot be labeled ``Made in USA.'' prgtoken While companies could legally boast this claim in 49 of the 50 States under the Federal standards set by the Federal Trade Commission, they are often unable to do so because of the flow of interstate commerce. Most manufacturers sell wholesale to national and international distributors who then disperse products throughout the country. As a result, companies must label products according to the most rigid definition in order to protect themselves from costly litigation. In short, one State--one single State--is effectively governing how interstate commerce is conducted with regard to ``Made in USA'' labeling throughout the country. prgtoken The Reinforcing American-Made Products Act would solve this problem by ensuring that the current Federal definition is the supreme labeling law in interstate commerce without weakening the strong ``Made in USA'' national standard. In addition to upholding the Constitution, which empowers Congress--this body--to regulate interstate commerce, this legislation would provide clarity and consistency, which would help American companies avoid unnecessary hardships and frivolous lawsuits. prgtoken In the global marketplace, it is increasingly difficult for small American companies to stay afloat, let alone to compete. This reform would ultimately encourage manufacturing in America and use American tools and resources. It would also help so many of the small businesses and ordinary American workers who are currently being left behind, and helping them ought to be our goal. prgtoken This bill passed unanimously out of committee, and it has broad bipartisan support. I am disappointed that it is being blocked by the few people who do not support it when it could benefit all 50 of our States. We should exercise this authority, and we should open the flow of interstate commerce. prgtoken .
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-18

under the Clean Water Act, Congress gave the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate any air pollutant from any class or classes of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines which may be reasonably anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. prgtoken To avoid any ambiguity, Congress further defined the term ``motor vehicle'' as a ``self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway.'' prgtoken Until recently, regulators understood, as any reasonable person would, that the term ``self-propelled vehicle'' only applies to vehicles that can move on a roadway under their own power, such as cars, pickup trucks, semi trucks, SUVs, or vans. Never was a trailer, whether a utility trailer pulled by a pickup truck, a boat trailer pulled by a car, or a cargo trailer pulled by a semi considered a self- propelled vehicle, and, therefore, these were never under the regulatory authority of the EPA. prgtoken However, in 2016, without any authority of Congress, the EPA extended its regulatory authority and included cargo trailers in the rules for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency standards for on-road, heavy-duty vehicles and engines. This rule will require cargo trailers to add components that, in some cases, have shown to improve aerodynamics, resulting in some improvement in fuel efficiency. However, this blanket policy, which has resulted from regulatory overreach, is not only costly to consumers, but, in some cases, is counterproductive to the Agency's own mission of promoting clear, clean air policies and practices. prgtoken The additional weight of these aerodynamic components that are being mandated by the EPA will cause carriers to significantly limit the amount of cargo a single trailer can carry and still stay within DOT weight restrictions. Therefore, carriers have to put more trucks on the highway to carry the same amount of goods. Obviously, more trucks mean more carbon emissions without any measurable improved efficiency. prgtoken If the EPA is able to enforce this regulation, it will not only be counterproductive to the environment, but also very costly to American consumers. prgtoken The trucking industry has made significant strides in recent years to improve fuel efficiency and reduce air pollution, without the government mandates. prgtoken This amendment simply prevents the EPA from using any funds in this act to regulate trailers under the greenhouse gas rule. Congress never extended to the EPA the authority to regulate trailers under the Clean Air Act, because trailers are not and have never been considered self- propelled vehicles. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense amendment, so we can put an end to this blatant regulatory overreach. prgtoken .
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DEFEND AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-7-18

earlier this week, the President put the ``hel'' and the ``sink'' back in ``Helsinki'' because our Republic is sinking under the weight of his radical actions in capitulating to Vladimir Putin in the eyes of the world. prgtoken Now, some of my colleagues have called this appeasement. I want to correct that. Appeasement is a misguided policy where you give concessions in order to try to make peace and stability with a dangerous, aggressive foreign power. prgtoken This was not appeasement. This was simple surrender. The President wasn't trying to make peace with a hostile power. He was trying to capitulate and have us go over to the other side of the hostile power. prgtoken The President has sided with authoritarianism, with every kleptocrat, dictator, despot, and tyrant on the planet Earth today. prgtoken We the people of the United States and we in Congress have a responsibility now to defend American constitutional democracy. We must invest in our elections and fortify our elections so we can begin to restore the principles we have lost under the terrible leadership of .
IN MEMORY OF CHESTER ``CHET'' MORGAN
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-7-18

I rise today to honor the memory of a man I have been fortunate enough to call neighbor and friend. Chester ``Chet'' Morgan, of Vernon, Connecticut, left this earth on Saturday after a lifetime of service to his community, his state and his nation. I'd like to take a few moments to reflect on his generosity and service. prgtoken Born in Manchester, CT, Chet Morgan's selfless life was inspired by President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural call to action in which he asked not what our country could do for us, but what we could do for our country. For not only his country, but also his state, town and family, Chet did a great many good works. prgtoken In addition to his career with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Chet served as a sergeant major in the 169th Infantry Battalion of the Connecticut National Guard for 30 years. He spent several of those years as his unit's First Sergeant at Connecticut's National Guard headquarters in Hartford and retired at the rank of sergeant major. It seems this line of work was Chet's true vocation and in 2017 he was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame for his years of service in and outside of the Guard. prgtoken Chet felt loyalty not only to his country, but to his state. In 1976 he was elected to the prgtoken Connecticut State Legislature as the representative from the 56th district, his hometown of Vernon. He served until 1983 and the highlights of his tenure include supporting important legislation that provided a greater quality of life for Connecticut's citizenry through improvements like smoke-free restaurants and free tuition for Connecticut National Guardsman attending state colleges and universities. prgtoken Chet was also a staunch advocate for working families during his time in the legislature. In the 1960s he was a member of the International Association of Machinists while employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. He was a courageous leader in a difficult strike in that era, and he and his closest friend, Chuck Harlow, manned the picket lines at the height of the struggles. He enjoyed telling those stories in the later years, particularly after Chuck passed away suddenly in the 1980s. prgtoken In 1986 when I launched my first campaign for the legislative seat Chet had held earlier, he generously helped me win that race, which I will never forget. Later as a candidate for the Second Congressional District, Chet volunteered to drive me to political events and offered valuable counsel during the long hours we spent together on the road. prgtoken Chet was also very involved in local government and community organizations. He served four terms on the Vernon Town Council and was chairman of the Vernon Planning and Zoning Committee in 2011 and 2012. He was actively involved in the Connecticut State Employees Association Local 2001, the Rockville American Legion Post 14, and the Rockville Lodge of Elks No. 1359, where he was recognized as Veter
HONORING THE LIFE, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND LEGACY OF NELSON MANDELA
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-7-18

. on this date a century ago, an extraordinary life began that would change the lives of millions of others. One hundred years ago today, Nelson Mandela was born in the village of Mvezo in a countryside of grass-covered rolling hills in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. That day began a 95-year journey of one man who led the South African people to liberation and whose legacy continues to reverberate through time. prgtoken Over the course of his life, Nelson Mandela, known by his nickname ``Madiba,'' became venerated as a global advocate for justice and equality by millions--arguably, more than any other political figure of our time. Through political activism and resistance, Madiba led a revolution by shepherding his people from racial division, hate, and subjugation to freedom, tolerance, and democracy. prgtoken One of the most striking aspects of Nelson Mandela's leadership as the first President of a truly free, nonracial, nonsexist South Africa was his enormous capacity for forgiveness and his ability to open his heart to those who were once his brutal oppressors. prgtoken Twenty years after he was released from a lifetime in prison, Nelson Mandela invited to dinner at his own home one of his former jailers, a man with whom he had become close friends, saying that their friendship reinforced his belief in the essential humanity of even those who had kept him for so long behind bars. How long? Twenty-six years, 6 months, and 1 week. prgtoken Despite all of those years, months, and days of continuous imprisonment, Nelson Mandela never himself became a prisoner to hate. Madiba set the example of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation that ultimately allowed South Africa's rainbow nation to emerge from the ashes of brutal racial oppression. prgtoken His example is particularly timely and powerful in light of the polarization, distrust, and division in our world and even in our own Nation today. History reminds us, though, that this reconciliation, this openness, is not a new phenomenon. prgtoken Fifty-two years ago this summer, in June of 1966, then-U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered a memorable speech at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Speaking to a nation then deep in the throes of the cruel injustices of apartheid, Senator Bobby Kennedy began his speech by describing ``a land in which the native inhabitants were at first subdued, but relations with whom remain a problem to this day; a land which defined itself on a hostile frontier; a land which was once the importer of slaves, and must now struggle to wipe out the last traces of that former bondage.'' Kennedy then paused before famously concluding: ``I refer, of course, to the United States of America.'' prgtoken Then, as now, the differences between the United States and South Africa are significant. Yet Americans and South Africans share more than we might recognize or want to acknowledge. On the positive side, we share
CONGRESS TO ELIMINATE FUNDING FOR THE ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-7-18

I, along with so many Americans, looked on with great shock as we saw the President capitulate to Vladimir Putin. It was truly a stunning and worrisome moment for me. prgtoken In fact, in that European trip, the President insulted our allies and then openly embraced a man who attacked our democracy, invaded and annexed other countries, and authorized lethal attacks on his political enemies and other countries. prgtoken Yet the President still embraced him. prgtoken It is a moment of alarm for the whole Nation, but it is important to note that there is something we can do about it, as the President has also urged the U.S. Congress to eliminate funding for the Election Assistance Commission. prgtoken This is very serious because we know that Russia assisted in the hacking and attack of over 21 States' election systems. The President may not be concerned, but Congress ought to be. prgtoken Unfortunately, today we expect to have a vote in which we are voting on a bill that eliminates the funding of the Election Assistance Commission. This should be rejected, as we should reject the President's failure to stand up for our values.
Blue-Slip Tradition (Executive Session)
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-18

reserving the right to object, I rise today to express concern with S. 118, the Reinforcing American- Made Products Act, because it would preempt California's strong ``Made in America'' labeling standards. prgtoken California requires that at least 90 percent of a final product be composed of American-made parts to use the label--the strongest standard in the Nation. prgtoken This bill would undo California's tough standard, setting instead a watered-down national standard. Companies could then confuse consumers by flooding the market with products sold under the ``Made in America'' label that were built using more foreign-made components. That is why the California attorney general and the Consumer Federation of California support keeping California's strong standards in place. prgtoken The ``Made in America'' label should promote U.S. manufacturing and give consumers confidence that they are supporting American jobs. Consumers want to know that products bearing the ``Made in America'' label are truly made in America. Because this would undermine that confidence and preempt California's strong standards, I believe this bill should not move by unanimous consent. Regretfully, for those reasons, I object.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-7-18

. Mr. Chair, sadly, the provisions contained in this amendment would block the Postal Service from running a pilot program designed to improve operations and save taxpayers money, like allowing travelers to submit passport applications at post offices across the country. It would severely limit the potential of one of our most essential, constitutionally mandated government agencies, and hurt our communities and our citizens in the process. prgtoken I represent not only countless letter carriers, but thousands of Ohioans who rely on the Postal Service for timely delivery of their Social Security checks, electric bills, and birthday cards from loved ones. prgtoken Expanding the services provided at our Nation's post offices would achieve two ends: supporting a great Federal job provider, and helping our communities and citizens at the same time. prgtoken At a time when banks and other institutions are abandoning inner cities and rural communities, in my district alone, post offices present a perfect medium to collocate, including with traditional banks or credit unions. prgtoken For example, in my home State, 18.6 percent of Cleveland households have no checking or savings account, and 24.1 percent of households are under-banked, forced to use costly payday and auto title firms or currency exchange stores to cash paychecks or make consumer loans. More than 35 percent of Cleveland's 389,000 residents live below the Federal poverty line. prgtoken Many post offices are located in bank deserts. Fifty-nine percent of post offices are in ZIP Codes with either zero banks or only one bank branch. prgtoken By giving the Postal Service the opportunity to serve our communities in prgtoken a more expansive capacity, we could also put the Postal Service back on the right track financially, bring back hundreds of American jobs, and, in so doing, restore faith in one of our most fundamental government services. prgtoken The Postal Service is already providing an impressive, expansive, and affordable service to all the American people--and by the American people, by the way. I am fighting in Congress to support the hardworking employees of the Postal Service and our citizens, especially in underserved communities across not just my district, but our country. prgtoken It is really horrendous to go into communities that have no financial services, where people are being ripped off every day. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues will join me in this effort and oppose this misguided amendment. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield my remaining time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), a very able and intelligent Congressman.