mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Agriculture (Executive Calendar)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise in support of Attorney General Scott Pruitt to be the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and I think it is important, as we are continuing this debate, to make a couple of things perfectly clear. prgtoken We all, like the Senator from Delaware who has been leading the debate, believe in clean water, clean air, how important that is to all Americans, certainly important to my State, which has some of the cleanest water, cleanest air, the most pristine environment in the world. I certainly don't think any of us debate that. We all agree on properly disposing of waste and cleaning up contaminated sites. And just this past year, Congress passed very dramatic legislation, very important--bipartisan, by the way; I am on the Environment and Public Works Committee--the Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, which does that. And I think most of us agree that the EPA has an important role in ensuring that we have clean water--within the authority granted to that Agency by Congress. So I think the vast majority of this body agrees with that. prgtoken But as I have been listening to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and their criticism of Attorney General prgtoken Scott Pruitt, one thing that has not come up over the past 24 hours in this debate--as a matter of fact, on the EPW Committee, on which I sit, the past 2 years, I don't think I heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ever talk about this issue, and it is a very important issue for the country. It is the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution. prgtoken We have been debating Scott Pruitt's nomination for a while now, but not one of my colleagues has uttered that phrase--not one--even though many of my colleagues are lawyers and former law professors and former attorneys general themselves. prgtoken Why is this important? Why is it important to have a debate on the rule of law when we are looking at Scott Pruitt's nomination? prgtoken Well, I think it is incredibly important because if you looked at the EPA's actions and activities and focus over the last 8 years--the last 8 years--it has not been an Agency that has focused on the rule of law. In many ways it has been a lawless Agency, a rogue Agency. So when we are having this debate, we need to put the debate of Scott Pruitt's nomination and confirmation in the context of what has happened over the last 8 years. prgtoken We have had an Agency in the EPA that does not listen to States, even though it is required to by Federal law; that ignores the rule of law, as evidenced by numerous Federal court decisions rebuking it; and that believes it has the power to regulate every nook and cranny of American life--every economic activity of America. That is literally what we have right now with regard to our current EPA. This is not just one Senator making this claim. It has become the conventional wisdom and the common narrative with regard to this EPA in th
A CONSTITUENT'S VIEW ON THE STATE OF OUR NATION
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-2-16

today I rise on behalf of my constituent, Ed Rapp, from Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Rapp recently retired as a top executive and group president from Caterpillar Inc. after thirty-six years of tremendous and admirable service to the company and the Peoria community. He was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and turned his focus to raising awareness and supporting those in search of a cure. The following is an open letter Mr. Rapp penned to his grandson: An Apology to My Grandson Cole On the heels of a frustrating election, the combination of reading ``Hamilton'' and seeing the Chicago Cubs win the World Series, I'm compelled to put my thoughts down in writing taking the form of an apology to my grandson, and the next generation of Americans. ``Hamilton'' reminded me of the combination of leadership and compromise demonstrated by our Founding Fathers. And the Cubs showed us that, against the odds of history, if you improve competitiveness, you can compete and win. (And let the record show that I--a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan--can appreciate that feat!) Fortunately, what was the most disappointing election process in my history is behind us. My words are not aimed at one party or the other as I am equally frustrated by both sides. Our leaders spend too much time trying to defeat the opposing party instead of focusing on how to make sure that America competes and wins. At 59 years old, my generation inherited the most competitive country in the world, and that competitiveness led to the highest standard of living in the world. We seem to have overlooked the direct correlation between a country's competitiveness and the standard of living of its citizens. The Cubs championship team stands as a first class example of how changing the way you compete can change your results. If you want to improve your competitiveness, you adapt. New leadership made great draft choices that complemented wily veterans, ending more than a century of losing. The same opportunities are afforded to this great nation (yes, it should be noted I remain optimistic about this country's future). However, what lies ahead won't be easy. It will require strong leaders like Hamilton, compromise by both parties and an understanding that it is all about competitiveness. Like it or not, our infrastructure is in a state of disrepair and we have not addressed its long term funding in more than 20 years. The build-out of our US highway system in the 1960s ignited one of the greatest economic booms in history. But we haven't re-invested. The road to progress still begins with a road, period. We have gone from having one of the most competitive corporate tax rates in 1986 to being the laggard amongst O
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE OF DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Rob Bishop (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , this comes from groups all over the Nation who understand what is going on and also realize the problem of this--I mean, there are some people who might think this only deals with Alaska. Technically, it does. prgtoken The problem is, if this happens to Alaska, if the ability of the Federal Government to supersede the State happens in Alaska, this could also happen to anyone of the lower 48 States. prgtoken We are simply one lawsuit away from Fish and Wildlife Service being either allowed or required to order similar regulations for everything across the lower 48 States as well. And that is what is so difficult and impossible to understand. prgtoken Look, let me try and sum it up this way: None of the practices that have been railed about today actually are existing, and any of those that are are easily controlled by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. prgtoken The underlying premise, both of the rule that the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior did and the underlying premise of most of the debate that has happened here on the floor, is that only somebody who lives here in Washington has the intelligence, the foresight, the vision to make these kind of rules that unfortunately people in Alaska are simply too dumb to do it. You are a bunch of redneck hicks that don't understand how to rule yourself. You don't understand science. You barely have television. prgtoken I don't know what it is, but why do we have this mindset that only Washington can make these decisions when actually the States have proven, not only that are they capable, they are superior to what happens from this Department here in Washington. prgtoken That is what this is about, an illegal rule that simply takes away from the States what they are doing and what they are doing well; and that is why this should be opposed. That is why this rule should be pulled away. This midnight rule, once again, should be taken back. prgtoken Allow them to start over and do something intelligently. At least, recognize the professionals--the real professionals who work in the States to make this system work. They can do it. They have done it. Allow them to do their jobs, and protect the rest of us from any judge saying, oh, if it happened in Alaska, maybe it can happen in your State as well. That is the fear. prgtoken This is a rule passed by Fish and Wildlife at the last minute of the administration that doesn't solve anything and will be impossible to administer. It violates everything that has gone on before. prgtoken Vote for this rule. Bring back sanity and allow the States to do their job as they are supposed to do and as the law prescribes for them to do. prgtoken I urge support of this. I don't know if you are undecided on whether I was for this resolution or not. Just, for the record, yes, I support this resolution. prgtoken .
A TRIBUTE TO TIM ALBRECHT
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tim Albrecht for being named a 2017 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. prgtoken Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious honor based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2017 class of Forty Under 40 honorees will join an impressive roster of 680 past business leaders and growing. prgtoken Tim is known for his solid reputation, strong work ethic and positive attitude. After years of honing his craft on numerous political campaigns, and four years serving as Communications Director to Governor Terry Branstad, Tim set out on his own in 2016 to establish Albrecht Public Relations. Additionally, Tim is a partner and co- founder of the bipartisan polling firm RABA Research. Tim lives in West Des Moines with his wife Josie, 31/2-year-old son Davis, and baby daughter Avery. prgtoken , it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Tim in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud him for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Tim on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2017 Forty Under 40 class a long and successful career.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BILL COOPER
Jason Lewis (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of Bill Cooper. Bill was a leader, innovator, philanthropist, and a friend, and he lived the American Dream. prgtoken He grew up in Detroit, where he worked as a police officer while earning a degree in accounting. His career in banking brought him to Minnesota in 1985, when he became CEO of Twin Cities Federal. He transformed this small savings and loan into a thriving national bank. prgtoken Bill worked to ensure that all children also had access to a quality education by founding the Friends of Education, which sponsors 15 schools and serves more than 9,000 children. prgtoken Bill was a defining force as well in Minnesota politics. He always stood up for conservative principles and served as chairman of the State Party from 1997 to 1999. prgtoken Bill Cooper left his mark on Minnesota, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him.
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I very much appreciate the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry) for his presentation here today, his friendship, and the job he has been doing for a long time representing the eastern third of Nebraska, generally speaking. prgtoken I would point out also, , that we actually first met on the pro-life issue. As I was looking at the primary candidates that were vying for that position in eastern Nebraska, I wanted to measure their character, the content of their character, the value of their faith and their commitment to principle and planning and Constitution, but especially life. In looking at the candidates, it didn't take very long to figure that out. prgtoken I think Nebraskans have done very well with the representation that they have sent to this Congress, especially in the case of Mr. Fortenberry, who has exceeded my expectations. And I am pleased to say that here. prgtoken As the gentleman indicated, I came to the floor here this afternoon, , to speak about life, about innocent, unborn human life. prgtoken To start with, I will put it this way, . There are a series of values that we hold dear. Many of the debates here on this floor and in the committees and the various committee rooms around the Hill that we have are more or less working around the edges of the central issue. Sometimes, though, we do get to the central issue. The central issue was debated here on the floor earlier with a different piece of legislation. prgtoken When young people are growing up in America and they are listening to their parents, their teachers, other friends and relatives and schoolmates, the question will emerge--and you can't grow up in America without the question of abortion emerging; and sometimes they are counseled on one side of that question and sometimes on the other--but when I am talking to young people, I want them to shape their values around the most solid principles, as our Founding Fathers shaped the values of America around the solid moral principles. prgtoken It doesn't do to simply pass off the idea of abortion and say: I am not going to think about it; or I am going to leave it up to God to decide. He calls on us also to contemplate these things. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers wrote into the Declaration of Independence that we have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When I contemplate those words and the order of those words, often it is conflated together as equal or equivalent values as if life and the pursuit of happiness are equivalent values, with liberty in the middle of all that, and you can stir it up and no one's pursuit of happiness should be diminished by someone else's search for liberty or the exercise of their liberty or that no one's life should trump that of someone else's pursuit of happiness or liberty. prgtoken , in understanding the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document that undergirds our Constitution and the most beautiful document w
THE THIRTY MILLION WORDS INITIATIVE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to bring attention to a truly innovative pilot program in my district in Pensacola, Florida. This one-of-a-kind program, known as the Thirty Million Words Initiative, is a collaborative effort brought by researchers from the University of Chicago in partnership with the Studer Community Institute. prgtoken The Thirty Million Words Initiative will educate parents of newborns at Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and West Florida Hospital on best practices for speech and engagement during the critical learning stage up to 3 years old. prgtoken As we all know, interaction by speech or music with young children has not only had an impact on learning abilities but also emotional needs. This program builds on this principle and strives to include all newborns, regardless of income level, race, or ethnicity. prgtoken Through this simple commitment, we can challenge the socioeconomic stereotypes we have become too used to and build a future for leaders and innovators stemming from all walks of life and bringing new ideas for a vision for the future. prgtoken This truly unique partnership between our community leaders and the parents of our future generation will garner a secure foundation for our children to bring stronger education, allow limitless possibilities, and meeting the challenges to build a better tomorrow.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Diane Black (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken I include in the Record letters from March for Life Action, Christian Medical and Dental Associations, and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. March for Life Action, Washington, DC, February 15, 2017. Representative, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of March for Life Action and the hundreds of thousands of our supporters and fellow marchers, I urge you to vote in favor of H.J. Res. 43 sponsored by Rep. Diane Black (R-TN). When H.J. Res. 43 comes to the House floor for a vote we will be scoring the vote in our annual scorecard for the First Session of the 115th Congress. In the waning days of his Administration President , using his power at Health and Human Services, issued a rule that locked down federal grants for abortion-giant Planned Parenthood but also usurped state's rights by blocking states seeking to defund the abortion industry and redirect funds to county health departments, community health centers and other clinics that put women's health above an abortion agenda. H.J. Res. 43 does not reduce funds for family planning, but allows states to assure that taxpayer funds do not support or underwrite abortion providers when so many Americans have ethical reservations about this procedure. The time has come for a clean break between government support of family planning activities and abortion. Again, on behalf of March for Life Action, I strongly encourage your vote for H.J. Res. 43. March for Life Action will score this vote in our annual scorecard. Sincerely, Thomas McClusky, Vice President of Government Affairs.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE OF DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-2-16

I thank the chairman for his time and his leadership on this issue. prgtoken I come to the floor today as the co-chair of the largest bipartisan caucus in the United States Congress: the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. On behalf of the millions of sportsmen and -women around the country, I say to the Federal Government, enough is enough. We will not be intimidated; we will not be strong-armed; and we will not be silent. prgtoken States have enjoyed a cooperative relationship with the Federal Government for years on wildlife management, and this is a disturbing shift that we have seen in the last administration. prgtoken Though I come to the floor today in defense of Alaska's management rights of national wildlife refuges, this sets a disturbing precedent for the lower 48 States. It is a disturbingly brazen power grab by the Federal Government against the law, in spite of loud and widespread opposition at the local level. prgtoken The rule removes Alaska's authority to manage fish and wildlife for both nonsubsistence and subsistence uses in Federal wildlife. The action by the last administration violated the clear letter of the Alaska Statehood Act, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to support what we are doing today and stand in support of the good men and women, the outdoorsmen in the great State of Alaska. I know you have heard from the gentleman from Alaska who has very clearly articulated the position of the people he represents in that great State. prgtoken I applaud the chairman. I applaud the action that we are taking today. I urge my colleagues to support it.
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-2-16

I thank the gentleman from Iowa. Perhaps this will embarrass you, my colleague, Steve King, but as I was flying into Nebraska last week--and I do this on occasion--I am looking out of the window and looking at the rolling hills of the western edge of Iowa as it borders the Missouri River and all of that beautiful terracing that has been done, all of that extraordinarily productive farmland, in order to save the soil and increase yields, and I wonder how much of that Steve King did himself in a former life. So I am grateful not only for the opportunity but mostly for your friendship.
Nomination of Ryan Zinke (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-2-16

over the past weeks, we have seen continue to use one delaying tactic after another on the floor of the Senate. They have tried to slow down the confirmation of many of the administration's most important nominees. We have seen it time and again. We have seen it in agencies all across the government, including right now the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA. are just wasting time, and they are doing it intentionally. They are not protecting our environment, not one bit. They are not safeguarding the health of the American people, not at all. prgtoken Government agencies like the EPA and one after another need their leadership in place and they need it in place now. What they don't need, what the American people don't need, is more political theater from the Senate . prgtoken We have heard a lot about Scott Pruitt's nomination to be Administrator of the EPA. Much of what we heard from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle has simply not been true. prgtoken I want to set the record straight. As head of the EPA, Scott Pruitt will protect the environment. During his 6 years as attorney general for the State of Oklahoma, Mr. Pruitt has stood up to polluters, he has worked across State lines, and he has worked across party lines. He has done it to lower phosphorous levels in the Illinois River. He actually negotiated a water rights settlement with Oklahoma tribes. Why? Well, to preserve scenic lakes and rivers. He used commonsense policies. He used them to protect the environment in Oklahoma, and he will follow commonsense policies at the Environmental Protection Agency. prgtoken The delays we have seen by have never actually been about Mr. Pruitt or his record or the answers he has given to questions about his qualifications. He has answered over 1,200 questions. He has answered four rounds of questions in committee, went for 6\1/2\ hours. Members on the other side said these were very fair hearings. These delays are all about obstruction. They are all about denying President his Cabinet. That is what this is all about. It is about pretending that their candidate Hillary Clinton did not lose the election in November. That is what this is all about. prgtoken We have seen them use the same tactics on one Cabinet nominee after another. As the Cabinet nominees were named, what we saw was a list of eight nominees come out who Senator Schumer had as his hit list of nominees he was going to oppose, slow down, obstruct, boycott. delayed. They delayed again. They delayed again. That is what we saw in one after another. prgtoken When Scott Pruitt is confirmed today, he will take office later than any incoming EPA Administrator for any new administration going back to the 1980s. prgtoken Our friends on the other side of the aisle need to recognize that the terrible precedent they are setting today with all of these relentless and needless del