mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM ALLEN KENDRICK, JR.
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-6-13

I rise today to honor the life of William Allen Kendrick, Jr a Marine and lifelong resident of Jena, Louisiana, who died tragically on May 24. prgtoken Allen led a life driven by passion, patriotism, and faith, values he lived and expressed through music. He served as a bandsman in the Marine Corps for 8 years and brought his enthusiasm for music and theater back to civilian life in his hometown of Jena, a small rural community that I have the privilege to represent in my district. prgtoken Allen first discovered his love of music at Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church when he joined the Nolley group known as the Nolley Notables as a young student. As an adult, he created the Nolley Memorial UMC Grace Notes Choir and doubled the size of the LaSalle Parish Community Choir after becoming its director. prgtoken Not surprisingly, Allen incorporated his love for God and country in his music, and it showed when he performed the most notable arrangements during Independence Day, Memorial Day, and other veterans events. prgtoken He was also a member of the Jena Community Theater Group called Acting Up, and a former band director at Jena High School. prgtoken Allen shared a quote on his Facebook page that said: ``Music is not what I do. It's who I am.'' He lived that life every day, and all of us who heard his music are better for it. prgtoken I join all those who have been blessed by Allen's music, and I mourn his passing, as does the community. It will be hard not to think of him the next time I attend a service in Jena, though I know that his legacy and his patriotism will forever be a special part of Jena and Louisiana and, hopefully, the Nation.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-6-13

as everyone in this Chamber knows, passing the Defense authorization bill is a tradition that has taken place without interruption for 56 years. That means that, regardless of political party or the disagreements we may have on other issues, we can agree on this: the importance of a strong national defense. prgtoken This year, we consider the National Defense Authorization Act against the backdrop of a changing world. America faces challenges from nations seeking to upend our rules-based international order. These nations aim to undermine the United States and her allies and disrupt the American- led system of international commerce and security that has been the foundation of global prosperity since the end of World War II. prgtoken America is at a crossroads, and as we look out at the forces that threaten our security, we need to be ready to defend our way of life. In Europe, a newly emboldened Russia under the control of Putin seeks every opportunity to exert its malign influence, undermine democracies, flaunt international law, and bully our NATO allies. In Asia, expansionist China is working to coerce its neighbors, invest millions in military modernization, construct illegal artificial islands, and challenge American leadership across the globe. In short, we have reentered an era of great power competition. prgtoken If we value our security and our prosperity, we must be prepared to support the men and women of our military so that they are able to win in this environment. Earlier this year, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis presented Congress with a national defense strategy. This blueprint for the Nation's defense thoroughly emphasizes the fact that interstate competition is now the focus of our U.S. national security. The priorities laid out in the NDS provide a road map for confronting these challenges head-on. Now is the time to fund them. prgtoken That is why I am proud to stand before you in support of the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. With this legislation, we take important steps to ensure that our Nation's defense is ready to deter and defeat great-power adversaries. This year's NDAA provides $716 billion in fiscal year 2019 for the national defense--a direct investment in building an agile, capable force that is prepared to take on the threats of the 21st century. prgtoken This authorization closely aligns with the core tenets of the NDS. It provides keen investments in modernization priorities to help America defeat threats identified by Secretary Mattis and position our forces to be more lethal against our major foes. First and foremost, this legislation fully supports the sustainment and the modernization of our nuclear forces. prgtoken I serve as the chair of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, whose jurisdiction includes nuclear forces, missile defense, and the national security of our space programs. The subcommittee increased investments in each of t
THE IMPORTANCE OF C-SPAN
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-6-13

recently, I was invited by a young friend, prgtoken Tyler Nissen, at the Palermo Middle School in Palermo, California, to come address their class, the class belonging to Mr. Seth Davis. prgtoken I spoke to the students about the importance of individual civic engagement in our Republic and all things in Congress. prgtoken That is when it hit me: How does the public stay in touch with what we are doing here if they can't be in the gallery or visit Washington, D.C.? It really occurs that C-SPAN is an important aspect for people to be in touch, that network whose entire purpose is to allow those watching at home to be able to do so, to be involved in what goes on in the inner workings of this town and this process in Congress. prgtoken In the grand scheme of our whole country, it is actually fairly new, having begun in 1979. Today, nearly anyone can tune in or go online, on an internet connection, and be a part of the debate, thanks to the camera coverage we have in this room as well as in our committees. prgtoken As a nonprofit, unedited, and uninterrupted channel for all things Congress, even the Presidential inauguration or State of the Union Address, C-SPAN is an integral part of our Republic. I hope more people will partake of that great tool like the students are at Palermo Middle School--and Tyler Nissen and his classmates--to be in touch with what goes on in their government.
CURBING REALISTIC EXPLOITATIVE ELECTRONIC PEDOPHILIC ROBOTS ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-6-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , today we consider the Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots Act of 2017. It criminalizes the importation and transportation of child sex dolls. prgtoken I have mixed feelings today about bringing this bill to the floor. I am happy that this legislation is moving through, and we are taking steps to address a problem that very much needs to be addressed. I am distraught, however, that this problem even exists. I am saddened that there are people in this world who would create realistic child sex dolls and distraught that there are people in this world who would buy them. prgtoken These dolls are being manufactured in China and Japan and being shipped all over the world. Consumers can order bespoke dolls providing pictures of specific children they would like the doll to resemble. They can indicate a preferred facial expression, such as sadness or fear. These dolls can be programmed to simulate rape. The very thought makes me nauseous. prgtoken While a small group of people advocate for the use of these dolls to curb pedophilia, there is absolutely no scientific literature supporting this view. To the contrary, these dolls create a real risk of reinforcing pedophilic behavior, and they desensitize the user, causing him to engage in sicker and sicker behavior. They put our children in danger, and we must not tolerate them. prgtoken In April of this year, Amazon announced it was removing anatomically correct child sex dolls from its website. I call upon all internet- based retailers and media platforms to do the same. prgtoken Australia and the United Kingdom have already taken steps to criminalize the importation of child sex dolls and are actively prosecuting these cases. There is no reason that the United States should not follow suit. prgtoken , I would like to thank Mr. Donovan of New York for introducing this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-6-13

I don't disagree that we need to send a strong message to people doing business with the United States. However, the Commerce Department has imposed a severe fine in the ZTE case--a $1.7 billion fine--in addition to penalties and compliance measures on ZTE, including the firing of its entire board and all senior executive leadership. That is not dissimilar to a commerce violation right here in the United States. If someone violates the rules and laws of our land, there are fines, penalties, and compliance measures that go along with that. prgtoken In regard to these harsh penalties, Secretary Ross has just said: ``the strictest and largest settlement fine that has ever been brought by the Commerce Department against a violator of export controls.'' prgtoken The Commerce Department has leveled a harsh but justified penalty. prgtoken I agree that we need to send a strong message, and I think this does just that. However, the current NDAA managers' package would trample on the separation of powers and undercut the administration's authority to impose these penalties. My amendment would prevent this year's NDAA from limiting the export control authority of the Secretary of Commerce. prgtoken I don't dispute the threat that ZTE products pose, but, remember, the majority of the chips used in ZTE products are made right here in the United States. Our government should not use products from ZTE, Huawei, or any other company with such close links to the Chinese Government. prgtoken The underlying NDAA still prohibits the entire government from purchasing ZTE products, but we should not tie the hands of the administration to enact penalties as it sees fit, particularly in these times of aggressive actions by foreign players. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment No. 2870 to amendment No. 2282.
SUPPORTING GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN ACT
Jason Lewis (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-6-13

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , s across the aisle for their efforts in this regard. prgtoken I too agree that, absolutely, we need healthcare reform to ensure that people have the kind of coverage that covers things like opioid and substance abuse. Part of that effort means that people can afford a good insurance policy and choose the kind of coverage they want so that they are not priced out of the market and go without any insurance at all, which is really a problem with some of these people suffering through this epidemic. prgtoken Madam , in conclusion, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 1091, and .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-6-13

the right to trial by jury is a most precious and ancient right. A few minutes ago on the Senate floor, 68 Senators voted to give a vote on the Senate floor on whether anyone captured and accused of a crime would get a trial by jury. It is in the Bill of Rights. Over two-thirds of the Senate voted for it-- enough to pass a constitutional amendment. We voted for it, and one person is denying a vote on this. prgtoken The senior Senator from South Carolina does not believe the Bill of Rights applies to people accused of a crime. Think about that. This is not about me. This is about one Senator from South Carolina who so much objects to the Bill of Rights that he doesn't want it to apply to people accused of a crime. prgtoken So, yes, I do most strenuously object.
IN HONOR OF ROMA WALKER'S 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-6-13

I rise today to extend my congratulations to Roma Walker on the celebration of her 100th birthday. I join her friends and family in extending my best to her on this occasion and in celebrating her life and contributions to our great state and country. I hope she uses this momentous day to do the same. Again, , I would like to extend my congratulations to Roma Walker on her birthday. May her year be filled with happiness and blessings.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-6-13

I have talked to a lot of Oklahomans who say they would love to hear some good news every once in a while, so let me just pause for a moment and read a couple of headlines and give some good news. prgtoken One piece of good news came out of the Oklahoma legislature and out of our research branch. It deals with our finances. Oklahoma's revenues are up 20 percent higher than what was expected. For folks in this Chamber who don't know what is happening in Oklahoma, our economy has been down for a couple of years. We have been struggling through some serious issues in the budget. For our revenues to be up 20 percent higher than what was expected is a surprise but a welcomed surprise. It is a real sign of the turnaround in the Oklahoma economy, and it is very good news for a lot of people. I am grateful to say that it is not isolated news, that this is happening nationwide with there being a real turnaround in the Nation's economy. prgtoken I don't often come to this floor and quote the New York Times, but let me do that today. Just a couple of days ago, the New York Times ran the headline: ``We Ran Out of Words to Describe How Good the Jobs Numbers Are.'' prgtoken In just the first couple of paragraphs of its story, it read that the real question in analyzing the May jobs numbers released that week was whether there were enough synonyms for ``good'' in an online thesaurus to describe them adequately. For example, ``splendid'' and ``excellent'' fit the bill. These are the kinds of terms that are appropriate when the U.S. economy adds 223,000 jobs in a month, despite its having been 9 years into an expansion, and when the unemployment rate falls to 3.8 percent--a new 18-year low. prgtoken That was from the New York Times. They ran out of words to describe how good the economy is nationwide. prgtoken This is from CNN: There are now more job openings than workers to fill them. Want more evidence that America's economy needs more workers? For the first time in at least 20 years, there are now more job openings than there are people looking for work. prgtoken That came from CNN. prgtoken The strong economy that we are facing shows that we have a 44-year low of people right now who are applying for unemployment insurance, of people who are out there who have lost jobs and are looking for jobs--a 44-year low nationwide. prgtoken Three million new jobs have been created since November of 2016. Right now, there is a job opening for every jobless person in America. During the height of the recession just a few years ago, there were six people who were looking for work for every one job open. Now there is at least one job open for every single person in America. Unemployment has fallen to 3.8 percent--the lowest in 17 years--and consumer confidence has hit an 18-year high. prgtoken There have been remarkable turnarounds that have happened. There has been a nice, strong, steady increase in
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-6-13

I couldn't have said it as well as the Senator from Missouri. This is the John S. McCain reauthorization bill and obviously he is deserving of much more than that. Amendment No. 2842 prgtoken Since we are going to have the votes in just a few minutes--two votes--let me make a couple of comments, and then I will yield to the Senator from Rhode Island. I believe the first vote we are going to have is going to be the Reed amendment, and I do oppose it. This amendment would require congressional authorization for the development of nuclear weapons for one simple reason we already require. Congress is already required to authorize the development of nuclear weapons in each year's authorization and appropriations bill. prgtoken The debate is not really about the authorization; it is about the ``Nuclear Posture Review.'' The ``Nuclear Posture Review'' calls for the United States to develop a low-yield nuclear capability, which some in Congress are against. That is fine. That is what this vote is on. We should debate it. We have debated it in the past, certainly in our committee we have, and that is the reason it is on the committee and would have to be taken off on the floor, if that is the desire of the majority of Members. That is not my desire. That is what we did. prgtoken The Armed Services Committee considered an amendment to limit low- yield authorization, debate its merits, and voted it down by a bipartisan vote of 16 to 11. There is certainly support for it. prgtoken Let's be clear. The purpose of developing the low-yield capability is the same as our entire nuclear enterprise--deterrence. According to the NPR, Russia believes we have a gap in our nuclear capability because we have no low-yield nuclear warheads. As a result, they may perceive that limited nuclear first use, including low-yield weapons, would present the United States with two bad choices in response: escalate or do nothing. Since neither response would be acceptable, Russia may see this as an opportunity to gain strategic advantage through the use of nuclear weapons. We must correct this Russian misconception. prgtoken Simply put, the NDAA authorizes the development of low-yield capability to make nuclear use less likely, to preserve and enhance deterrence. That is what this is all about. I heard arguments--and we debated this for many hours in the committee, and it is one that I think we ought to have every capability the Russians have, and of course we will not have that unless we have the low-yield capability. I would hate to have our country in a position where the only choice we have is to do nothing or to use the high-yield equipment that we don't want to use. prgtoken I will save my remarks on the next amendment, the Lee amendment, until after this so we can give Senator Reed the opportunity to visit about his amendment.
IMPROVING THE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO FAMILIES IMPACTED BY SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER ACT
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-6-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we have all heard about the opioid epidemic, and I always feel, despite the fact that it has been very publicized, it has still been underpublicized. Over 40,000 people every year die of this epidemic. prgtoken I am old enough to remember the Vietnam war, and it was relatively late in that war before we got to 41,000 deaths, and we all remember how that divided the country. There are more people that die in this year, every year, than the number of people who are both murdered and die in car accidents combined. prgtoken I am on a variety of committees, and if you sit on almost any committee, I think, in this institution, eventually the topic of opioid abuse comes up. One of the things that hits me when it comes up is the degree to which there are varying opinions on what to do with this, and it varies from agency to agency. prgtoken Therefore, what I am proposing in this bill is a task force that gets together two representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Labor to look for solutions and look for best practices. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is also supposed to appoint four other members to this task force. prgtoken I don't want this to be one of the task forces that is hanging out there for too long. They have got to come back with recommendations within 9 months, and, hopefully, we will use these recommendations by this time next year on this floor. prgtoken It is very frustrating, like I said, to attend these hearings and hear, among the experts, such divergent opinions as to how to save some lives here. We really cannot be spending more time on programs that don't work or having the agencies not work with each other. prgtoken I look forward to strong leadership in this committee. I expect that they will be taking advice from strong local leaders who have done what they can to address this epidemic around the country. We must put our full weight behind a coordinated strategy to bring stability and health to our communities. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and .
STOP ILLICIT DRUG IMPORTATION ACT OF 2018
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-6-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise in support of this important piece of legislation. This bill will get FDA the tools the agency needs to intercept illicit substances coming through our country's international mail facilities. Illicit and unapproved drugs entering the U.S. supply chain through these facilities pose serious public health threats. prgtoken Hundreds of millions of parcels go through the IMF facilities each year, and it has been reported that the number of packages processed by the Nation's nine IMFs nearly doubled from 2013 to 2015. These facilities now receive more than 275 million packages annually. prgtoken Although the FDA has increased the number of investigators it has in the facilities, it is estimated that the FDA can only physically inspect less than 0.06 percent of the packages that might contain drugs or drug products. prgtoken In conjunction with H.R. 5228, led by Representative Pallone and passed by the House yesterday, this bill will give the FDA the flexibility and the tools the agency needs to effectively and efficiently seize illicit or unapproved drugs, and to prohibit bad actors from continuing to ship these deadly products into the country. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill and to help stop the entrance of illegal opioids and other drugs that might harm Americans. prgtoken , .
ASSISTING STATES' IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANS OF SAFE CARE ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-13

from Virginia for yielding time. prgtoken , across the country, communities are struggling to bear the heavy burden of the worsening trend to opioid addiction. At the Committee on Education and the Workforce, we like the idea of evidence- based policymaking. We like to see numbers and statistics. We have to remember, though, that these are never just numbers; they are real people in our own communities. prgtoken We have held hearings, spoken with experts, brainstormed solutions, and drafted bills. It has become abundantly clear to me that, for every person living with an opioid addiction, there are countless others who also have a steep price to pay. Few things are more devastating than witnessing a neighbor, a friend, a coworker, or a loved one fall prey to addiction and feeling powerless to stop it. prgtoken I want to thank and commend members of the Committee on Education and the Workforce for leaving no stone unturned as we work to make healing possible to all victims of this scourge of addiction, not only those who are struggling with opioid abuse. prgtoken Too many people, especially children, have been impacted by this scourge. Today's bills are designed to bring relief to those who are affected by the addiction while addressing the needs of children and families who have been left in this tragedy's wake. prgtoken According to many experts, the worst of the opioid addiction is still to come. If we are to bring this senseless tragedy to an end, we need to do all we can to ensure that the law addresses the needs of families, workplaces, and communities at large. I believe the bills the House is voting on today will do just that, and again, I commend the members of the Education and the Workforce Committee for all their hard work.