mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COUNTERING IRAN'S DESTABILIZING ACTIVITIES ACT OF 2017
John McCain (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-6-14

I rise in support of the Countering Russian Aggression and Cyber Attacks Act, an amendment to the Iran sanctions bill currently under consideration. prgtoken In just the last 3 years under Vladimir Putin, Russia has invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea, threatened NATO allies, and intervened militarily in Syria, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and broken promises in his wake. And of course, last year, Russia attacked the foundations of American democracy with a cyber and information campaign to interfere in America's 2016 election. prgtoken It has been 8 months now since the U.S. intelligence community publicly concluded that the Russian Government had attempted to interfere in our last Presidential election. Since then, the intelligence community has concluded that it is confident that the Russian Government directed a campaign to compromise emails, American individuals, and political organizations; that Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign to undermine public faith in the democratic process; and that Moscow will apply lessons learned from this campaign to future influence efforts worldwide, including against U.S. allies and their election processes. prgtoken Months of congressional hearings, testimony, and investigative work have reinforced these conclusions that Russia deliberately interfered in our recent election with cyber attacks and a disinformation campaign designed to weaken America and undermine faith in our democracy and our values. Vladimir Putin's brazen attack on our democracy is a flagrant demonstration of his disdain and disrespect for our Nation. This should not just outrage every American; it should, at long last, compel us to action. prgtoken In the last 8 months, what price has Russia paid for attacking American democracy? Hardly any at all: Modest sanctions against a few Russian individuals and entities, some Russian diplomats and spies sent home to Russia, prgtoken two spy compounds closed, at least for now--and all of this is reversible at the discretion of the President. prgtoken We must take our own side in this fight, not as s, not as , but as Americans. It is time to respond to Russia's attack on American democracy with strength, with resolve, with common purpose and with action. So I am proud to support this amendment, which would begin to do just that. prgtoken This legislation incorporates some of the best ideas from different pieces of legislation already introduced in the Senate, ideas that have broad bipartisan support. The amendment would impose mandatory sanctions on transactions with the Russian defense or intelligence sectors, including the FSB and the GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency that was primarily responsible for Russia's attack on our election. prgtoken The amendment would impose mandatory visa bans and asset freezes on any individual who undermines the cyber security of public or private infrastructure and d
RECOGNIZING EVALYN ORMOND FOR HER ACCOMPLISHED CAREER IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-6-14

it is my privilege to recognize Evalyn Ormond for 40 years of dedicated service in the health care industry of Northwest Louisiana and for 25 years as CEO of Union General Hospital. prgtoken Evalyn graduated from Ouachita High School and Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana. She began her health care career in 1977 at Sterlington Hospital and, with much determination and hard work, became the hospital's administrator in 1988. Just four years later, Evalyn also took on the role as CEO of Union General Hospital in Farmerville, Louisiana. She remained CEO of both facilities for seven years until Sterlington Hospital closed in 1999. The health care industry is constantly advancing with new innovative technologies. Evalyn remains an active force in bringing those innovations to Louisiana and ensuring the people within our community receive the care they need. prgtoken Evalyn currently serves on numerous health care boards and committees, devoting her energy to providing quality and stable health care. She has long been a champion for rural health care and regularly travels to Washington, D.C. to vocalize her concerns with Louisiana's elected officials. She is an active member of various organizations including the Louisiana Hospital Association, North East Louisiana Hospital Association, Rural Hospital Coalition and the National Rural Health Association. prgtoken In addition to her successful tenure as a health care administer, Evalyn remains an active leader in her community. She has earned recognition by the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce for her service and was the first female invited to join the Farmerville Lion's Club. She currently serves as the organization's president paving the way for other women looking to serve their community. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to congratulate Evalyn Ormond on her many accomplishments. I applaud her service to our community. She has truly been a blessing to the health care community. We are fortunate to have individuals like Evalyn who are committed to helping others through difficult times with kindness and compassion. My wife, Kelly, and I thank her for her service and dedication to the people of Louisiana and wish her continued success.
COUNTERING IRAN'S DESTABILIZING ACTIVITIES ACT OF 2017
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-6-14

let me return the compliment to Senator Corker. prgtoken Senator Corker announced in his opening remarks about the bipartisan vote in our committee on the Iran sanctions bill. In the last Congress, we were able to get a unanimous vote on the Iran bill. We, under the leadership of Senator Corker, fully recognized that particularly on foreign policy, our country is much stronger when we speak with a united voice, so bringing and s together is in our national interest. prgtoken Senator Corker has listened to different views. He and I do have different views on many issues concerning foreign policy, but in almost every one of those cases, we have been able to reconcile those differences. That is true and it was very clear on the Iran sanctions and it is also very true on the Russia sanctions amendment that we will be voting on later today. prgtoken To Senator Corker, I just want my colleagues to know we have a leader on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who puts America's national interests first and has respected the rights of every Senator, not only in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but in the U.S. Senate, that can add to the richness of our discussions and debate. I think we are much stronger today because of that. This is a good example of that, and I am very proud to be supportive of all these efforts and supportive of how this came about because I think it is important for our colleagues and the American people to know about that. Congressional Baseball Practice Shooting prgtoken , Senator Corker and I both want to express, before we start our debate on this issue, our concerns for our colleagues who were victimized by the shooting that took place in Virginia--an outrageous event--and for our security people as well as the innocent bystanders who were struck by the gunfire. Our prayers are with those who are recovering. We hope they will have a complete recovery. We are committed to making sure we keep our Senate and congressional family safe, and we will do everything we can to make sure that takes place. We will continue to work to make sure we preserve the democratic ideals of this Nation and the free society we live in. We know there are rifts, and we know we can do service and stand by those democratic commitments but also keep America safe. prgtoken I think the work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had those goals in mind, and Senator Corker, through the Chair, I thank you for your attention to those details. prgtoken , let me talk for a few minutes about S. 722, the Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act. This bill will impose new sanctions on Iran for its nonnuclear violations. I want to make that clear--nonnuclear violations. Their responsibilities on the nuclear side is now judged by the nuclear agreement that was entered into. We had a great debate about it last year, and we are not goin
HONORING MR. LARRY MARSICANO
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-14

I rise today to honor Mr. Larry Marsicano for his many years of tireless work to improve and protect Candlewood Lake. As Larry prepares to leave the Candlewood Lake Authority where he has served as Executive Director for fourteen years, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and recognize him. Larry has been a champion for conservation in western Connecticut, and his expertise and dedication have helped our community make significant progress to address pollution in Candlewood Lake. prgtoken As an undergraduate at Western Connecticut State University in the 1980s, Larry began collecting data on the water quality of Candlewood Lake, Connecticut's largest lake. After completing his Bachelor's degree, Larry worked as a laboratory manager, and then joined the Candlewood Lake Authority in 1998. prgtoken The Candlewood Lake Authority is an agency created by the five municipalities surrounding the lake to reduce pollution and improve its quality. Larry first worked as a Lake Preservation Director, supporting research and outreach, and in 2003, he became Executive Director. His work for the group has spanned environmental research, policy and advocacy, and education initiatives. Among his many accomplishments, Larry was instrumental in changing local land use regulations to protect surface water quality and in developing opportunities for high school students to learn about research on the lake. prgtoken , Mr. Larry Marsicano has been a devoted public servant in spearheading the efforts to protect Candlewood Lake and promote conservation awareness. I thank him for his decades of hard work to bring together government and private sector leaders to solve the issues facing the lake. While our efforts on behalf of the lake will continue, he will be greatly missed. It is fitting and proper that we honor Larry here today for his service and extend our best wishes as he begins the next stage of his career.
REMEMBERING XAVIER JOY
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-6-14

Xavier Joy should have spent this week enjoying the summer, working with the students he loved so much and thinking about his future. Instead, we are mourning the loss of this exceptional young man, who wanted nothing more than to care for his family and friends and continue his commitment to community service. prgtoken Xavier had already accomplished so much in his far too-short life. He touched many, many lives, as witnessed by the outpouring of sorrow and love from friends, family, and community leaders. He was a help and an inspiration, especially for children and young students struggling to overcome barriers and improve their lives. prgtoken Xavier was the cherished son of Nykea Pippion-McGriff and Ra Joy. Ra served my office and the residents of the 9th Congressional District for six years and went on to lead the Illinois Arts Alliance and serve as executive director of CHANGE Illinois. Like his father, Xavier was drawn to people and excited about making a difference. prgtoken A graduate of Whitney Young Magnet High School, Xavier attended Morehouse College and played football. He certainly had many life choices ahead of him, but he clearly caught the bug for public service from both his parents, as was evident in his work as a special education classroom assistant, and his time at City Year Chicago. He chose the path of empowering others. He was a mentor and a role model for students in Chicago and Evanston schools. He already had achieved so much but sadly we will never know what heights he would have reached. prgtoken Tragically, Xavier was a victim of the epidemic of gun violence that is plaguing our country and destroying the futures of so many bright, smart and giving people. His senseless death is a cause of incredible grief and loss, but it should also inspire all of us to follow his call to serve, to end gun violence and to ensure that every child has the tools and the support he or she needs to succeed. prgtoken As a mother, I cannot begin to understand the grief that Xavier's parents are feeling. My heart is aching for Ra and his wife Falona, Nykea and her husband Arthur, his brothers and sister, and his friends and family. I hope there is some comfort in knowing how many people loved Xavier, how many were touched by his kindness and caring, and how many will continue to hold him in their thoughts and prayers.
WE ARE UNITED
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-14

I rise to join the distinguished in paying tribute to the brave men and women of the Capitol Police force, and also, in sadness, for the assault that was made on our colleagues and members of the staff. prgtoken To my colleagues, you will hear me say something you have never heard me say before: I identify myself with the remarks of the . They were beautiful remarks, . Thank you so much for the sentiments that they represent. Thank you so much. prgtoken Again, we are not one caucus or the other in this House today, but I can speak for each other in saying that we send our thoughts and prayers to our colleague, Steve Scalise. prgtoken Personally, we have our Italian-American connection, so as soon as I heard his name, I was filled with concern, as I would be for anyone here, but we have that special connection. So our hopes and prayers-- and I said to the : ``I will be asking you every 5 minutes, `How is Steve coming along?' '' And also, for Zach Barth in Congressman Roger Williams' office; Matt Mika, who was a former staffer, and, of course, as the acknowledged, Crystal Griner and David Bailey. prgtoken In acknowledging their sacrifice and how fortunate we all were that they were on the scene, because other lives would have probably been lost, I want us to remember that every single day the Capitol Police protect all of us, take risks for us. And while a day like this is a time where we can focus on it so sadly, it doesn't mean that other days aren't as challenging. prgtoken I especially want to call attention to Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut, who, almost 19 years ago, July 24, 1998, lost their lives protecting the Congress, the Capitol, but not just the Members of Congress, the staff, the press, and our visitors, people who come to see this Capitol, this great edifice to democracy known throughout the world. So they are protecting a great deal, and it is an attraction, and that makes it all the more risky. prgtoken You may not know this, my colleagues, but every time I pray, which is very frequently, and certainly every Sunday, I pray for all of you, all of you together. In the earlier years, I used to pray for your happiness, for the fact that we would, working together, heed the words of President Kennedy in the closing of his inaugural address when he said: ``. . . God's work must truly be our own.'' prgtoken How do we view what God's will is for us? How do we come together to give confidence to the American people? As our Founders intended, we would have our disagreements and we would debate them, and we would have confidence in our beliefs and humility to listen to others. prgtoken But in more recent years, I have been praying not only for that, but for our safety because I, above anyone in here, and I can say that quite clearly, have been probably the target of more--a political target and, therefore, the target of more threats than anyone, perhaps other than the President of t
COUNTERING IRAN'S DESTABILIZING ACTIVITIES ACT OF 2017
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-6-14

I thank the ic leader. I thank my friend, the chairman of the Banking Committee, and also Senator Shaheen. prgtoken Hardly a week goes by that we don't learn more about the efforts of the Russian Government to sow the seeds of dissent around the world. Apart from oil and gas, this seems to be Russia's primary export. One administration after another has tried to reason with President Putin, but appeals to reason clearly don't work. prgtoken Vladimir Putin needs to know he will pay an increasing price for his hostile actions. He needs to know we will stand up for our allies in Ukraine and throughout Europe. He needs to know we will not tolerate his interference in our democratic process, whether in the last election or the next election. prgtoken Instead of providing a firm, clear message that we will not tolerate Russia's bad behavior, this administration has been all over the diplomatic map--and that is just in its public pronouncements. Frankly, we don't know exactly what the administration is doing privately with the oligarchs, the oilmen, the Kremlin, or even with President Putin himself. prgtoken This amendment sends a firm, clear message we need right now: The United States of America will not accept continued Russian aggression. We will put tough measures in place to punish past prgtoken actions and to deter future aggressions. We will stand by our allies. prgtoken I commend Senators Graham and Blumenthal for their amendments. I thank Chairman Crapo for his leadership. I thank Senator Corker and Senator Cardin and all the Senators who have put time and effort into this issue. prgtoken On behalf of the Ukrainian community in my State, on behalf of fair play, and on behalf of the integrity of the American election system, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.
U.S. ARMY 1ST ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-6-15

more than 3,000 soldiers with the Army's 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division are headed home to Fort Riley this month after a nine-month deployment in South Korea. prgtoken Also, known as the ``Devil'' brigade, these soldiers have been stationed in South Korea since October of last year. During their deployment, these American soldiers have trained closely with their South Korean partners, deterring North Korean hostility and providing security in the Korean peninsula. Their service is invaluable. prgtoken These Soldiers and families sacrifice greatly during deployment. As the ``Devil'' brigade begins their journey back to Fort Riley, may I be the first to thank them for their service and say, ``welcome home.''
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2372, VETERANS EQUAL TREATMENT ENSURES RELIEF AND ACCESS NOW ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2579, BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-6-15

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Let me just say that I do agree with the honorable gentleman from Massachusetts. Yesterday, I think Ryan gave one of the finest speeches that I have heard on the floor of this House. prgtoken I also agree that there will be ample time for debate on all of the issues that are encompassed in today's rule, and I look forward to that spirited debate, as I always have in the past. But I also agree with the gentleman, that some of that debate may be best left for another day. prgtoken I also want to acknowledge the gentleman from Massachusetts and his comments about David Vince. Any time one of our staffers departs from either the minority or the majority side, it is obviously a time of gratitude for their service, and we look forward to what is next in their lives. prgtoken But I want to join with the gentleman from Massachusetts that we appreciate the service of David Vince to the minority and to the members of the Rules Committee in general. prgtoken So thank you for your service to the House, David. prgtoken , I applaud my colleagues for all of their work on the rules and the underlying bills. prgtoken , , and I move the previous question on the resolution. prgtoken The previous question was ordered.
TRIBUTE TO PAM MOORE
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-6-15

this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Pam Moore, the Benchmark plant manager in Lewis and Clark County. Pam has spent many years supervising a staff of hard- working Montanans doing their best to produce useful products for a variety of government agencies. prgtoken For well over three decades, the Benchmark Manufacturing Plant in Helena has produced tens of thousands of backpacks that have been distributed across the United States. For nearly 18 years, Pam has supervised production at the plant. Over half of Pam's team at the plant are disabled Montanans, and that team has done highly respectable work under her guidance. Their quality products help U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters carry their equipment. With our abundant forests in Montana, we know how important it is to have the proper equipment in the hands of our firefighters, and over the years, the employees at the Benchmark Manufacturing Plant have had abundant success getting the right equipment to the right customer. For that, we are very grateful. prgtoken Montanans have earned a well-deserved reputation for being reliable and hard-working, and Pam and her team are great examples of that assessment. When asked about her favorite part of the job, Pam said she enjoys that her teammates are able to work. Valuing work is a Montana tradition. Thank you, Pam, for having a steady hand helping others to overcome obstacles, reach their potential, and get the job done.