mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS ACT
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am indeed proud to present my bill today, H.R. 289, the Guides and Outfitters Act of 2017, also known as the GO Act. I would like to thank the Natural Resources Committee for its overwhelming support of this bill, which happened on June 27 of this year. prgtoken , I expect that nearly every Member of this body has fond memories of being on our public lands, whether it be fishing as a kid or with your kids, hunting with friends, hiking, on a horse, or camping with the family. Outdoor activities generate not just memorable moments and a love and respect for the great outdoors but also important, considerable economic activity, which is especially important for our rural areas of northern California, where my district is, and all across our Nation. prgtoken The Outdoor Recreation Association estimates that recreational activity in the United States contributes nearly $900 billion to our GDP annually, supporting about 7.6 million jobs. prgtoken Unfortunately, public access to public lands is too often hindered by costly and complex permit requirements that vary from agency to agency, sometimes even crossing from agency to agency what the requirements are to seek a permit. prgtoken The GO Act enhances and protects access to our public lands by streamlining Federal agencies' special recreation permit process, moving the permit process online, and providing joint permits for activities across a combination of National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Forest Service land. prgtoken In rural America, where rural economies often depend on annual outdoor events--some events, this might be their only event of the year, a big part of their local economy. We have that in northern California in some areas. The GO Act provides greater assurance that such activities on public lands will continue into the future. prgtoken This bill also authorizes agencies to use categorical exclusions to grant annual events a streamlined review, ensuring such events don't need expensive and duplicative studies year after year. Really, there is no need to reinvent the wheel each year for an existing permitted activity. prgtoken Getting more American families and groups and clubs outdoors can only be accomplished by building a permit process that doesn't deter outdoor enthusiasts from enjoying public lands but, indeed, makes them feel welcome and encouraged to enjoy these lands that belong to all of us. prgtoken The idea behind this bipartisan bill is simple: getting more Americans outside, on their lands, for less cost, less prgtoken money, less headache of permits, less red tape; that is really what this is about. There is no need for some of the process that people have to go through to get a permit when it is especially an already- known activity with very minimal or no impact. prgtoken , let's make recreating in our public lands an open and simple experience. Once again, I u
NOMINATION OF AMY BARRETT
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to discuss how we allow religious believers to participate in public life. prgtoken From the founding of our country, religious believers have played a central role in our government. The Declaration of Independence was signed by a Presbyterian minister, John Witherspoon, and Charles Carroll, the cousin of our first Catholic bishop. prgtoken The importance of religious participation was in the air the Founders breathed, and the benefits religious believers of all backgrounds contributed to the common good was understood by the Framers of the Constitution. That is why they made it clear in article VI of the Constitution that no public officers could be subject to a ``religious test.'' This new country wouldn't be a country for Anglicans or for Congregationalists or for Quakers; it would be a country for all Americans and all faiths--all of those who are committed to the Constitution and the common good. prgtoken Unfortunately, the religious test clause is no longer just the subject of history lessons. During this Congress, there have been a number of cases where my friends in the minority have seemed to ask nominees about their substantive religious beliefs. I find this particularly troublesome because, as a Mormon, I am a member of a faith that, while it is growing rapidly, still counts fewer adherents than many other religions. It is religious liberty, espoused in constitutional provisions like article VI and the First Amendment, that has allowed my faith, despite a very difficult history, to flourish in the United States, and it is religious liberty that is threatened when we seem to evaluate the fitness of nominees for higher office on religious orthodoxy. prgtoken The most recent example of this was the recent Judiciary Committee nomination hearing of Professor Amy Coney Barrett of the Notre Dame Law School. During the hearing, she was asked repeatedly about her Catholic faith and faced what bordered on ridicule when she repeatedly stated that she would perform her judicial duties without interference from the doctrines of the Catholic faith. It was stated by one questioner: ``The dogma lives loudly within you, and that's of concern.'' What does that statement mean in this context, if not to question Professor Barrett's judicial fitness based on her religious beliefs? prgtoken Liberal groups have been relentless in their opposition to Professor Barrett, mischaracterizing her record to paint her as some kind of fringe ideologue waiting to take orders from the Pope or others in clergy on how to decide cases. Just last week, the New York Times ran a 1500-word story on where Professor Barrett worships. As it turns out, apart from her parish church, Professor Barrett has been part of an ecumenical charismatic community. prgtoken I should note that charismatic Christianity is gaining a lot of ground among Latinos in the United States and throughout Latin America. It is a vibrant and
TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL BOBBI DOORENBOS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-10-2

today I wish to recognize and congratulate an exceptional airman, Brig. Gen. Bobbi Doorenbos, on her selection for promotion to the rank of brigadier general in the Air National Guard. This promotion means she will leave behind her role as commander of the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Wing in Fort Smith, AR, to assume her new responsibilities in Washington, DC, as part of the leadership team within the Pentagon's Total Force Continuum Office. prgtoken Brigadier General Doorenbos clearly epitomizes the finest qualities of a military leader as evidenced by her distinguished career. After graduating from Iowa State University, she entered the U.S. Air Force in 1995 and initially served as an F-16 pilot in the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Fighter Wing. She continued her honorable service by holding various positions in the Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia areas, including Air National Guard Crisis Action Team member; White House Fellow; executive officer/speechwriter for the Air National Guard Director; chief of Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance; special adviser to Vice President for Defense Policy and Intelligence Programs; and chief of program requirements and integration at the National Guard Bureau. She has flown combat missions in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom. Brigadier General Doorenbos is also a senior pilot with more than 1,200 flight hours in the F-16C Fighting Falcon and MQ-1B Predator. prgtoken She is truly a trailblazer. As the first female to command the 188th Wing at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, she simultaneously held the title of air commander with responsibility for over 1,000 Federal technicians, Active Guard, and Reserve members in the execution of three distinct mission sets: remotely piloted aircraft; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations; and targeting. Her wing in comprised of the most dedicated, loyal, and highly trained airmen that the National Guard has to offer. As a team, they have taken immense pride in fulfilling their roles and obligations to the State of Arkansas and to the Nation. As a testament of Brigadier General Doorenbos's superior leadership, the 188th Wing was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its incredible accomplishments during her tenure as wing commander. prgtoken Brigadier General Doorenbos has displayed an extraordinary amount of dedication and passion throughout her life and career. As a mother of three daughters, it is my pleasure to watch Brigadier General Doorenbos excel in her career and show young women that they are capable of achieving anything. She will continue to be a major asset to the U.S. Air Force in her new role at the Pentagon. prgtoken I want to extend my sincere congratulations to her on this well- deserved promotion. I am very proud of her many accomplishments and wish her all the best in her fu
PROTECTING THE UNBORN
Kristi L. Noem (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-10-2

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this piece of legislation, which will, quite literally, save lives. I am so grateful that we are having this debate on the House floor at this point. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. I believe that every life, including an unborn baby's life, has dignity and value. But more than 40 years ago, the Supreme Court handed down a decision in direct contradiction to those principles. prgtoken In the decades since, I have joined with many families and my colleagues in the House and many across the Nation fighting to undo the damage that has been done. We have got a long way to go in this country, but the passage of H.R. 36 would be a step in the right direction. prgtoken A strong and growing body of medical research provides evidence that pain receptors develop in unborn babies at no later than 20 weeks. Medical professionals have testified about seeing babies that age recoil from painful stimuli. Others have been able to measure increases in stress hormones when babies inside the womb are subjected to pain. prgtoken If fetal surgery is performed, that baby is given anesthesia in many cases to shield them from the pain of surgery. Yet our Nation's laws allow for these babies to endure the pain of a life-ending abortion. It is absolutely heartbreaking. prgtoken My husband and I knew that our lives had completely changed the minute that we heard our oldest daughter's heartbeat. I will never forget that moment. I hope that she knows how proud we are of the generous and compassionate person that she has grown up to become. She has grown up quickly, and I love to think back about those days when she was still a little girl and when she wasn't much taller than I. prgtoken We read a lot back then. We read books. We read the Bible. One of her favorite books was Dr. Seuss' book, ``Horton Hears a Who!'' which says: ``A person is a person no matter how small.'' Each time we read that line, I thought back to those first moments when I heard her muffled heartbeats and thought about Kassidy and thought about ``a person is a person no matter how small.'' prgtoken I had that blessed moment three different times with my three different children, and I pray every day that each and every baby's heartbeat would be heard by parents who understand the gift that that life is from our God who loves them dearly. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to defend the smallest among us this week and pass H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. I thank the gentleman for his leadership.
CANCER LINK CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cancer Link, an amazing volunteer organization dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and assisting those in south Florida whose lives have been impacted by this disease. prgtoken Cancer Link was founded in 1987 by a small group of 10 Miami women who wanted to spread awareness about breast cancer after suffering the devastating loss of a friend. In the years since, this wonderful organization has grown into an impactful volunteer group that has supported essential breast cancer research at the Sylvester Cancer Center in Miami, Florida. prgtoken The volunteers at Cancer Link have also helped provide essential community healthcare programs that ensure that healthcare for breast cancer treatment is accessible to every woman in our community. prgtoken Congratulations again to all who have been a part of Cancer Link throughout the years, and thank you for 30 years of service to our community.
CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S SOUTHERN ADIRONDACK RESTORE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to honor and celebrate the opening of Habitat for Humanity's Southern Adirondack ReStore. prgtoken Habitat for Humanity has a long history of serving Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties by providing affordable housing to those in need. In order to continue its mission, Habitat for Humanity is expanding its services to a new ReStore in Moreau, New York. At this location, Habitat for Humanity will sell furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more for an affordable prgtoken price. Habitat for Humanity's ability to offer these goods and services at the ReStore is made possible by the hard work of volunteers and donors throughout the community. By working on behalf of their neighbors, the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity continue to enrich the North Country community. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank Habitat for Humanity and its volunteers for providing an invaluable service to the North Country. We are grateful for Habitat for Humanity's commitment to this region, and look forward to the benefits that the ReStore will provide for years to come.
RECOGNIZING CEDAR CREST COLLEGE'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Charles W. Dent (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to recognize Cedar Crest College on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. In 1867, Robert Emmett Wright--a distinguished lawyer and public servant in Lehigh County-- envisioned a school which his daughters could attend. On July 12, he joined members of the Reformed Church leadership at Allentown's Zion's Reformed Church in putting a proposal forward to purchase property for Lehigh Female Academy, which would later become Cedar Crest College. prgtoken Classes were first held in September, with only eight students in attendance; however, in a year's time, attendance grew, and the school relocated to Clover Nook, at Fourth and Turner Streets. Its name was once again changed to Allentown Female College. Additional classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and a fully equipped art room were added to accommodate the increasing educational interests of the college's growing student body. In 1913, the school moved to its modern day location, and it officially became Cedar Crest College. prgtoken Today, Cedar Crest College remains committed to its original goal of providing higher education for women and preparing leaders for the increasingly global community. With a graduate and undergraduate count of over 1,500 students, Cedar Crest College provides a personable and high quality approach to education for local women and those in the nearby states of New York and New Jersey. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize the students and faculty who comprise Cedar Crest College on this momentous occasion. Cedar Crest students are both bright and capable, but it is their approach to leadership as service to the community and the world around them that really makes them shine. May they experience continued growth and success over the next 150 years.
HAPPY DOUBLE TEN DAY (TAIWAN)
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-2

I rise today to wish both the people of Taiwan and Americans celebrating Taiwan's National Day this October 10th a Happy Double Ten Day. prgtoken Our two countries' partnership has flourished thanks to a mutual commitment to democratic values and constitutional government Taiwan has created a strong democracy, as evidenced by the six direct presidential elections the country has held since 1996 and the three peaceful passages of power from one political party to another in the wake of these elections, most recently in 2016. Taiwan now serves as a strong example of democracy for not only the Asia Pacific region, but also the world. prgtoken The strength of this bond has also been demonstrated most recently by a series of common initiatives. In August, onr two nations collaborated on the launch of Taiwan's first domestically built satellite, the Formosat-5, and Taiwan signed letters of intent to purchase approximately 365 million bushels of U.S. grains in 2018 and 2019 worth almost $3 billion. Additionally, Taipei pledged $800,000 to relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken I applaud Taiwan's commitment to deepening ties with the United States, and the people of Taiwan should rest assured that Americans and this Congress share it. prgtoken This is a day to celebrate, and to be optimistic. I ask my colleagues to join me in recommitting ourselves to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, and in wishing Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.
CONFIRMATION OF HEALTH TARBERT AND CFIUS REFORM
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-2

I would like to take a few moments to congratulate Heath Tarbert, who was confirmed by the Senate last Wednesday and will soon be serving as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Markets and Development, prgtoken and also to talk about reform legislation that relates to his new area of responsibility. I was pleased to support Mr. Tarbert's nomination, along with the vast majority of my Senate colleagues. He has held a number of important positions in all three branches of the Federal Government, including his service as a special counsel to the Senate Banking Committee during the negotiations leading to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; an associate counsel to the President of the United States during the global financial crisis; and a law clerk for the Supreme Court of the United States. He is an experienced lawyer and financial expert who will be a valuable asset to the Treasury Department. While his new position may not be well known to many outside of the Beltway, it is vitally important to safeguarding our national security interests, as Chairman Crapo of the Senate Banking Committee attested to when Mr. Tarbert was voted out of committee in near-unanimous fashion in May. I have no doubt of Mr. Tarbert's qualifications to take on this key role, and given that only one Member voted against his nomination, it is clear that there is a bipartisan consensus on that point. prgtoken With that being said, I look forward to working closely with him on some important reforms that are desperately needed to protect our national security and modernize the way we screen foreign investment deals for those risks. Specifically I am referring to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, better known as CFIUS. As you may know, Mr. Tarbert will now be charged with overseeing the vetting of hundreds of proposed investments annually. I am confident that Mr. Tarbert will make effective use of the tools and authorities that CFIUS has. Unfortunately, those current tools and authorities are not adequate, in light of the changing national security landscape. There are clear gaps in the CFIUS process, which nations such as China are exploiting on a daily basis. The reason for this is simple: CFIUS was not designed to stop investment-driven technology transfers, and unfortunately, many such transactions are occurring today that are carefully designed to sidestep CFIUSs' limited jurisdiction. prgtoken The need to close these gaps has garnered support from s and alike, something that is seemingly rare in Washington these days. In fact, there is a bipartisan effort coming together right now to introduce legislation that would modernize the CFIUS process for the first time in a decade. Such commonsense reforms should be made to heighten scrutiny on certain types of investments, especially from countries such as China that pose a potential
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-10-2

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
Las Vegas Mass Shooting (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-10-2

there are a number of issues I wish to speak on today, but first I wish to extend my most sincere condolences to the victims of violence in Las Vegas. prgtoken What we witnessed last night was a tragedy without precedent. Today, our thoughts are with all those folks who have lost--the families, loved ones, and prgtoken friends whose lives will never be the same as a result of this shooting. prgtoken Our hearts are with all of you, and so are our prayers. We love you. We stand by you today. We ask that God will stand by you always.