mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today to recognize a public servant in our community for his dedication to improving the lives and educational experiences of Bucks County students. prgtoken Dr. Robert Fraser, the superintendent of the Council Rock School District, recently became one of only 30 school superintendents in the United States who have successfully completed the National Superintendent Certification Program. prgtoken This elite program helps bring education professionals up to speed on the various issues that have recently presented themselves in the American school system. It covers such facets as instructional leadership, budget management, and using cutting-edge technology to ensure that Council Rock students and faculty are fully equipped to use the most effective resources to assist in the learning process. prgtoken I commend Dr. Fraser for his commitment to our community's students, and I would like to thank Jerold Grupp and the entire Council Rock School Board for all of their work. Recognizing Kristian Falkenstein
45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES RERECOGNIZING THE COUSHATTA TRIBE OF LOUISIANA
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-6-27

along with Senator Kennedy, I wish to talk about the Coushatta Tribe. The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is descended from a large, powerful sovereign nation of Coushatta-- Koasati--people who lived prosperously and peaceably for thousands of years in what is now the southeastern United States. The principal Coushatta--Koasati--villages were located on islands in the Tennessee River, in what is now south central Tennessee, which is where the Tribe was living when they first encountered the European explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540. prgtoken Koasati oral tradition also holds that they were always the most northerly of the Muskogean-speaking peoples. Tribal elders say that their villages were ``abon, fallami-fa'' which literally means ``above, to the north.'' They believe that their tribal name comes from ``Kowi iisa-fa aati-ha,'' which is literally translated as ``the people from [the lands] where the big cats live.'' Some elders believe that the name Coosa given by the Spanish to the affiliated group of villages, what is now called the Coosa chiefdom, was actually pronounced ``Kohosa'' and thus the people were called ``Kohosa Aati,'' literally translated as the people--of Kohosa. Numerous period maps support these oral traditions, identifying these islands as ``Cosauda''--Koasati, Coushatta, or some other spelling of the Tribe's name. These include the Franquelin map of 1684, the 1711 Crisp et. al. map, and the 1720 Moll map. prgtoken When the Coushatta--Koasati--were moving southward from their villages on the Tennessee River in October 1686, they encountered the Spanish explorer Marcus Delgado. They explained to him that the two major reasons for their move were drought and aggression from the neighboring tribe of ``Chalaques''--Cherokees. prgtoken The Coushatta--Koasati--initially settled in villages in the Guntersville Basin area of what is now northern Alabama, then moved a little further south to be allied with the political organization that became known as the Creek Confederacy. The present-day town of Coosada, AL is named for the Coushatta who lived in nearby villages. prgtoken The Coushattas entered into several treaties with the United States, starting with the Treaty of New York in 1790, signed for the Koasati by Alexander McGillivray and Chiefs Hopoy, Muthtee, and Stimafutchkee, and the Creek Treaty of August 9, 1814, which was signed by Nomatlee Emautla--Captain Isaacs--of Cousoudee--Coushatta, Koasati. prgtoken When the Creek chiefs negotiated their boundary lines with the United States in 1814, they stated that their northernmost boundary should stretch to ``Cosauda Island in the Tennessee River.'' This is a clear indication that the Koasati people considered these lands in what is now Tennessee as their homelands, never renounced them, and that this claim was widely known and accepted by all of the Tribes. The transcribed text from the papers of the War Dept. is as follows:
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-6-27

today, Wednesday, is day 83,723 since the Senate first achieved a quorum and started work. No grand celebration there. That is 229 years, 2 months, and 22 days. In that time, this body has deliberated over some of the most difficult issues of our time--of any time--slavery, war, voting rights. They have all been difficult issues that our Nation has debated in this building. prgtoken But lately it seems we have less and less debate and more and more empty-Chamber quorum calls. For the people who watch the debate in this room and watch an empty room and think ``Where is the debate happening in the Senate?'' I can assure you there is work being done. There is a lot happening in committee hearings right now. There is a lot happening in different offices on trying to work through the issues. prgtoken Our days are busy and full, but for some reason, we are not getting to some of the biggest debates of the moment that need to be done and completed. We had a real push in the nomination process. We spent 100 days in prgtoken the last 18 months just on a quorum call waiting for a nomination to come up. That didn't happened in the last five Presidents combined. There have only been 25 requests for additional time for any nominee in five Presidents. This time, in 18 months, there have been 100. It is slowing down the body. We have to fix that. prgtoken We have to fix our budget process. Our appropriations process is working a little better this year, and that is good. We moved three bills last week. That is the first time that has happened in a decade in the Senate. That is good progress, but we have to complete the process so we don't end up with omnibus bills. That is going to take some reform. There are 16 of us--8 s and 8 --who are meeting consistently to work on how to reform the process of our budgeting to make sure that we can fix that. prgtoken So there is some work that needs to be done. There is also some reform that needs to be done. But as we deal with things like the farm bill this week--so far, we have not had amendments and votes on it--we have to reform the process on how we get through the farm bill, how we get through our appropriations process, and how we get through nominations. prgtoken We also need to work through things that are difficult, things like immigration. I have been in this body multiple times to talk about this issue, and I will continue to come back to this body to raise it. The challenge we have with immigration is that there seems to be no deadline to solve it, so Congress just delays actually working on immigration. When a deadline comes, Congress finds a way to get around it, or the courts step in and make some change and say: We are going to make some ruling, which delays a decision here, and it just gets delayed again. prgtoken The Nation is once again looking at the issue of immigration because of what we are watching happen with families on the bo
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-27

. Mr. Chair, this amendment seeks to reverse a justified reduction made by the committee to the request for the AMRAAM missile program. prgtoken Both the Navy and the Air Force, historically, overestimate the cost of the missile in their budget request. In the last 5 years, this overestimation has been 12 percent, on average. The fiscal year 2019 request assumes a unit cost that is 16 percent more than the most recent contract. prgtoken For several years in a row, Congress has adjusted the budget request for this program to account for these overestimates and other facts of life, such as production delays. In fact, the delivery schedule for this program has been revised 25 times since 2011, and the production of new guidance system components is 21 months behind schedule. prgtoken The Department, itself, has frequently sought to take savings from the AMRAAM program for other priorities. For example, the Air Force has, 5 years straight on, sought approval to reprogram a total of $57 million of this program to other needs. This is in addition to the reductions that have been taken by Congress. It, therefore, defies the facts to claim that this program is being underfunded. prgtoken Because of the long time it takes the Department of Defense to put together its budget request, these requests do not always reflect the most current information. The committee takes commonsense reductions when they will do no harm to national security. prgtoken I must add that this is precisely the sort of commonsense reduction to the President's budget that enables us to accommodate the priorities of Members of this body. This year we received approximately 6,600 such requests. prgtoken The committee will continue to engage with the Navy and Air Force on this program and make adjustments as needed. This amendment, however, would restrict our ability to ensure that the priorities of this body are reflected in the final bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I, therefore, oppose the amendment and urge its rejection, and .
TAX REFORM AND ECONOMIC HEALTH
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today, proud to share a snapshot of rising wages, more jobs, and increasing opportunity in the Fourth Congressional District of Washington, which I have the distinct pleasure of representing. prgtoken In the city of Yakima, unemployment is at 5.5 percent, as reported in April by the Washington Employment Security Department. That number is reportedly the lowest it has been for that month since electronic reporting began in 1990. Yakima County is the most populous county in central Washington and had a May unemployment rate at 6.0 percent, which is the lowest rate in decades. prgtoken In another major population center in Washington, the Tri-Cities, unemployment was at 5.2 percent in May. Wages in the Tri-Cities area are up 3.8 percent over 2017 and are among the fastest growing in the State. prgtoken The latest jobs report showed decreasing unemployment rates across my district in every single county, with Okanogan at 6.3 percent; Grant, 6.1; Franklin, 5.5; Douglas at 5.2; Benton at 5.1; Adams at 4.8; and Walla Walla at 4.3. prgtoken New jobs in construction, food manufacturing, and professional business services are largely driving the regional growth in the labor force. These numbers are more than just statistics, . Increasing employment opportunities mean families can provide a more secure future for their children. Graduating students are able to choose from more options after graduation. prgtoken My constituents deserve a Federal Government whose policies foster this kind of growth through lower taxes and smarter regulation. We should encourage entrepreneurs by helping, not hurting, growth. prgtoken Since tax reform was made law, local businesses in my district, such as Irwin Research & Development and Abbott's Printing in Yakima, have expressed optimism at the prospect of increasing investment and giving earnings to workers rather than the Federal Government. prgtoken The ability of businesses to write off the full value of equipment and other assets will help Buhrmaster Baking Company in Yakima plan for equipment upgrades. Chukar Cherries in Prosser has announced a $1.8 million, 12,000-square-foot expansion, in large part due to tax reform. prgtoken Cacchiotti Orthodontics announced hourly raises for their Moses Lake employees thanks to tax reform. Pacific Power, which serves Yakima County, announced that it will pass tax reform savings on to its ratepayers. Washington Federal, with branches in Moses Lake and Quincy, announced 5 percent merit-based increases in wages for all employees earning less than $100,000, as well as an investment in employee training programs. prgtoken Pacific Northwest companies such as Alaska Airlines, Costco, Boeing, Premera Blue Cross, and Starbucks have announced millions in increased benefits, raises, employee education, and nonprofit donations. prgtoken To sum it all up, central Washington's economy is experiencing growth, and that is good news for workers and for th
HONORING THE CAREER OF ARMY CORPS COLONEL JOHN P. LLOYD
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today to recognize the service of Colonel John P. Lloyd, commander of the Pittsburgh District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. prgtoken Colonel Lloyd assumed command of the Pittsburgh District on July 29, 2016. As the commander, he is responsible for carrying out the district's mission within the Ohio River basin, which includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways on the Allegheny River, Monongahela River, and upper Ohio River. prgtoken The Pittsburgh District's 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northeastern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland, and southwestern New York. Colonel Lloyd oversees 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multipurpose flood damage reduction reservoirs, 80 local flood damage reduction projects, and other projects to protect and enhance water resources. prgtoken , I had the pleasure of getting to know Colonel Lloyd during his tenure as commander of the Pittsburgh District, and he is a true public servant. He oversaw the Task Force Power Restoration effort in Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria tore through in 2017. He mobilized and deployed a specialized team of Army Corps personnel to rebuild the island's electrical system of power generation, transmission, and distribution. prgtoken Colonel Lloyd's team worked with FEMA, the Department of Energy, the power industry, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, and other stakeholders to restore more than 85 percent of Puerto Rico's prestorm power grid within 5 months. He displayed truly remarkable leadership. prgtoken Colonel Lloyd also took the time to travel to my district to meet with the Punxsutawney Borough Council to discuss modifications for its levees. prgtoken His expertise is second to none, and we have been fortunate enough to have Colonel Lloyd at the helm in the Pittsburgh District. prgtoken Prior to his assignment in Pittsburgh, Colonel Lloyd served in a variety of engineer command and leadership positions, including battalion commander of the 19th Engineer Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Before that, he served as the Army fellow assigned to the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii. prgtoken Colonel Lloyd is a man with numerous military awards and decorations, and the accolades surely do match his commitment and dedication to his job. prgtoken I wish Colonel Lloyd the best as he departs the Pittsburgh District for his next assignment. He has done an outstanding job for the citizens of northwestern Pennsylvania, and it has been an honor and a privilege to get to know this fine individual over the past 2 years.
AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED ROCKETRY ACT
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-6-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , as the Congressman for the Tennessee Valley of the State of Alabama, I am uniquely situated to appreciate the valuable contribution the Marshall Space Flight Center has made and continues to make to America's rocket propulsion capabilities. prgtoken As a child growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, I well remember the 1960s as nearby Saturn V rocket engine tests shook the ground and rattled the windows. I also remember the great pride in America I felt the moment Neil Armstrong stepped on the Moon after leaving the Earth on one of our Saturn V rockets. prgtoken No doubt about it, developing and improving rocket propulsion is essential to America's leadership in space exploration and national security. prgtoken It has been the Marshall Space Flight Center that has provided and continues to provide the cutting-edge expertise America needs in both solid and liquid rocket propulsion. prgtoken Over the last several years, Americans have witnessed a resurgence in the rocket propulsion industry. As traditional and emerging actors move forward, it is important that the Federal Government minimize expensive duplication and support healthy cooperation and communication between the private sector and the Federal Government to promote America's robust rocket propulsion industry. prgtoken With President 's establishment of Space Force as an independent branch of the military, rocket propulsion is recognized as even more important to securing America's future than ever before because America's military relies heavily on its space assets--global positioning satellites being but one example--to protect our national security. prgtoken As Congress guides America's national space policy, we must promote the robust rocket propulsion industrial base that is essential to our space presence. prgtoken My bill, H.R. 5345, the American Leadership in Space Technology and Advanced Rocketry Act of 2018, commonly known as the ALSTAR Act, helps ensure the long-term stability of the rocket propulsion industry through better coordination and collaboration between all relevant stakeholders, public and private. prgtoken Specifically, the ALSTAR Act formally designates Marshall Space Flight Center as NASA's current and future lead center for rocket propulsion. prgtoken In addition, the ALSTAR Act directs Marshall to explore, develop, and mature new rocket propulsion technology in cooperation with partners across and outside of government. This new emphasis, while building on a strong foundation, helps to ensure that America remains at the forefront of space exploration. prgtoken , in the 1940s and 1950s, voyages to the Moon were thought impossible, but America rose to the challenge and overcame the impossible. Today, America must, once again, challenge itself to reach far beyond its limits. prgtoken Through our increased attention, focus, and support of utilization of space and the explorat
MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 5515, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-27

I ask unanimous consent to take from the 's table the bill (H.R. 5515) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2019 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment, and request a conference with the Senate thereon.
TRIBUTE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUE ANNE GILROY ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM ST. VINCENT FOUNDATION
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today to honor my dear friend, beloved and iconic member of the Hoosier community, Sue Anne Gilroy, on the occasion of her retirement from the St. Vincent Foundation. For the past twelve years Sue Anne served as Vice President and Executive Director, devoting a large portion of her life to facilitating and providing financial resources for sick patients unable to afford the care they desperately need. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Sue Anne's commitment to her community, passion for public service, and years of inspired leadership with the St. Vincent Foundation and beyond. prgtoken A lifelong Hoosier, Sue Anne was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She attended DePauw University where she graduated cum laude and earned a Bachelor's Degree in speech and secondary education. From an early age, Sue Anne displayed a strong interest in public service. During her senior year at DePauw University, she accepted an internship in the office of Crawfordsville Mayor Bill Hays, Jr. This opportunity led to an introduction with then Mayor of Indianapolis Richard Lugar, where she became Assistant to the Mayor. Credited as her ``big break'', Sue Anne attributes this experience to the start of her career in public service. It was at the Mayor's Office where Sue Anne met the love of her life, Dick Gilroy, her husband of 42 years. Eager to learn even more about the public sector, she left the Mayor's Office to pursue her Master's degree in Public Administration at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. After earning her Master's degree, she continued her career as State Director for Senator Richard Lugar from 1990 to 1993 and as Chair for Mayor Stephen Goldsmith's transition team in 1991. prgtoken An inspiration to her community, Sue Anne began to redefine the role of women in public service. She became the first female director under Mayor Lugar's UniGov by serving as the Director of the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation. She broke yet another barrier becoming Indiana's first female Secretary of State in 1994. During her eight years in office, Sue Anne focused on election, corporate, and securities reform throughout the state of Indiana. Although unsuccessful, she ran a competitive race for Mayor of the City of Indianapolis in 1999. After finishing her second term as Indiana Secretary of State, Sue Anne became Director of Advancement at the University High School in Carmel, Indiana, where she was responsible for building community relationships, developing financial resources, providing strategic planning leadership, and serving as a student mentor for the newly established institution. prgtoken Inspired by her late daughter Emily, who passed away from childhood cancer at the age of 11 in 1989, Sue Anne became the Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the St. Vincent Foundation. Here she raised funds for underprivileged f
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise in strong support of this amendment. prgtoken We have an opportunity that doesn't come around all that often, thank God. Apparently, there are people who think this isn't important to our national defense. prgtoken I went up to an electric boat just 2 months ago. This is the most complicated machine ever designed, ever built in the history of the world. You don't turn this on and off like a spigot of water. prgtoken This is about saving our country. You heard the chairman talk about how we are falling behind as a country. How can we sit by and let this go? We must come together. We have to build this now or we are putting our country at risk.