mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SPENDING CUTS TO EXPIRED AND UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-6-7

first, let me say I heard the gentleman from prgtoken Georgia's argument that this money wasn't needed. I heard that argument a month ago; Ebola money was not needed. Guess what? Ebola money was needed. prgtoken I rise in opposition to this rescission bill, , which I think is a sham, period. It is a shameless attempt by the majority to gloss over the tremendous deficits that have been incurred by its tax law. prgtoken s are hoping they can fool the American people with a pretense of phony fiscal responsibility, but the American people can see right through it. They can see more than $1 trillion a year in deficits for the next decade and a future for our children and grandchildren mired in debt. And for what? To give tax breaks to the wealthiest while raising taxes on many in the middle class. prgtoken We have before us, , a bill that the majority hopes will make it appear fiscally responsible. But the CBO says it would just save over $1 billion. Now, that is a lot of money, but guess what? In the next bill, without any committee hearing, the majority has added $1 billion. So they have already spent their savings of outlays of $1 billion. prgtoken The CBO says that it would save just over that amount, compared to the $1.8 trillion deficits that s incurred with their tax laws. I wonder if the majority intends to bring another 1,800 bills to this floor just like this one, because that is what it would take to make up for the tax bill they passed without a single hearing and without any citizens having the opportunity to testify. prgtoken In fact, this bill rescinds less funding than s just added, as I just said, to their Military Construction bill without a single vote being cast in the full Appropriations Committee, . prgtoken But this bill is also dangerous and irresponsible for another reason. It is based on the glib assertion that these funds will never be used and no one will be hurt if they are taken away. But we have already seen that to be a false promise. prgtoken The previous package, as I just said, cut funding to combat Ebola. I was told by the majority leader that we don't need those funds, which s, however, now admit is very necessary to protect public health. prgtoken The same goes for children's health, I would suggest to you. Just because we haven't used these funds yet does not mean they won't be needed. It is a contingency to make sure that children aren't left out in the cold. prgtoken Oppose this rescission package.
Tariffs (Executive Session)
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-7

I rise today to oppose the nomination of Kenneth L. Marcus, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education. prgtoken The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, OCR, was established to address discrimination that prevents all students from receiving an equal opportunity to learn. No student should experience harmful discrimination because of their race, gender, disability, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. prgtoken Based on Mr. Marcus's record and performance during his confirmation process, I have no confidence that he is ready to effectively lead OCR and robustly enforce civil rights protections throughout the country. Mr. Marcus's demonstrated lack of commitment to the mission of OCR and his failure to understand that all children, regardless of citizenship status, have a right to attend public schools, are warning signs that the nominee is not the right person to lead OCR. prgtoken Students in Illinois and across the Nation deserve a leader of OCR who will actively investigate and enforce civil rights protections, particularly in cases where there is evidence of systemic discrimination. An unwillingness or inability to address comprehensive, systemic discrimination in education is disqualifying, and I must oppose Mr. Marcus's confirmation.
RECOGNIZING MELODY HERZFELD
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-7

today I rise in recognition of Melody Herzfeld from Parkland, Florida, for being named the fourth recipient of The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University's Excellence in Theater Education Award. Under her guidance, her students have been able to turn to music and theatre to combat the tragedy that they suffered. prgtoken Ms. Herzfeld is the director of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Drama Department, where she has been teaching drama since 2003. In that time, she has been responsible for putting on over 50 productions. Her theatre program, Children's Theatre Project, has received numerous Critics Choice awards and South Florida Cappies, which celebrate excellence in regional student theatre and journalism. prgtoken On February 14, as the tragic events unfolded at their school, Ms. Herzfeld hid 65 of her students in her office for two hours. Since then, we have seen her students demand their own space on the national stage. While some began to speak out and call for reforms, others turned to theatre and music to make their voices heard. Ms. Herzfeld's students performed their original song titled, ``Shine,'' for national audiences at the CNN Town Hall on February 21 and at the March for Our Lives on March 24. prgtoken , the Excellence in Theater Education Award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. This is why it is no surprise to us that Ms. Herzfeld was selected to receive this award by a panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon and other leaders from the theatre industry. prgtoken , today I ask this body to recognize Ms. Herzfeld for her endless dedication to both her students and the arts. prgtoken Melody Herzfeld represents the kindness and warmth that I see from teachers across the State of Florida. We thank her for her outstanding leadership and guidance during such a difficult time.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-6-7

my amendment would increase the VA medical services account by $5 million for the purpose of strengthening the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. prgtoken Burn pits, as you know, , were commonly used on U.S. military sites during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to burn all types of waste--from chemicals, paint, medical waste, and human waste to munitions, petroleum, plastics, and rubber. But, as you know, many members of the military who were exposed to burn pits are beginning to experience negative health effects from the toxic smoke that they inhaled. And that is why I prgtoken am offering this amendment, to increase funding to address and assist those suffering more aggressively and quickly. prgtoken On May 7, , I met with a group of Vermont National Guard members led by Pat Cram, who have been impacted by burn pit exposure. Pat is the wife of Sergeant Major Mike Cram of the Vermont National Guard who died this past December from prostate cancer that is believed to be a direct result of his exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken Sergeant Major Cram first deployed to Iraq in 2004 with a group of MPs from the 42nd Infantry Division of the Vermont National Guard. They joined up with the 278th Tennessee National Guard Calvary in Iraq. All 21 soldiers from this group that deployed together for 18 months returned home to their families safely. prgtoken But since their safe return, this same group has lost two members from prostate cancer and another has been treated for it, and they believe their exposure to burn pit toxins is the reason. prgtoken This group is still close, they stay in touch, their families support each other. I was so inspired to hear about how they have stuck together throughout the years. But those members that have not had the direct health issues that some of their comrades have are now wondering whether they, too, will get sick. prgtoken This funding would provide resources to the VA to make necessary improvements to the registry and prepare for the long-term care for those affected veterans. It would also allow, , the VA to hire analysts and epidemiologists who can connect the registry entries to health outcomes, make necessary technological updates to the registry, and increase the funding for essential clinical research. prgtoken The cost of a war must always include the cost of caring for the warrior, and this critical funding helps to do just that. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz for their attention to this issue and willingness to help. I urge support for my amendment, and .
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-6-7

. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this amendment which would remove the provision in this bill which prohibits funding from being used to implement National Ocean Policy. prgtoken This provision represents yet another in a long line of attempts by House s to weaken an effective, common sense policy that protects our nation's oceans. prgtoken National Ocean Policy allows federal agencies to coordinate implementation of more than 100 ocean laws, and allows state and local governments to have a say in the ocean planning process. prgtoken In my home state of Rhode Island, the Ocean State, a strong National Ocean Policy is vital to our economy. prgtoken Rhode Island's ocean economy generates more than $2 billion annually, including more than $1.4 billion from the travel and tourism industries, and nearly $94 million from the commercial fishing industry. prgtoken On top of this, Rhode Island's Ocean economy supports more than 41,000 jobs. prgtoken My state, as well as all coastal states, depends on clean, viable oceans to support these industries, which is why it is such a terrible idea to undermine the development of a strong National Ocean Policy. prgtoken National Ocean Policy does not create any new regulations, supersede existing regulations, rather, it helps coordinate the implementation of and compliance with existing regulations in order to ensure a more efficient and effective decision making process. prgtoken The funding prohibition in this bill would undermine good, effective policy, and would undermine effective stewardship of our nation's oceans and coastlines. prgtoken I strongly support this amendment to remove the provision, and encourage its adoption.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-7

again, I offer my appreciation both to the Rules Committee and to the chairman and ranking member. prgtoken This is to emphasize the need for funding in the Army Corps of Engineers. It is an amendment that increases and decreases by $100 million, with the focus on the construction account. prgtoken I hold up examples of construction projects that are necessary, not only in the Gulf region, but projects that are necessary across the Nation. prgtoken That is, of course, dams, reservoirs, reservoir pools, and other areas that can be devastated by disaster. And so this amendment is to emphasize the Army Corps of Engineers construction account, particularly dealing with the need for repair to river and harbor, flood and storm damage, shore protection, aquatic ecosystem restoration and, as well, to include the need to deal with our ports. prgtoken So my amendment is, again, to reflect on the devastation of the storm that occurred over the last year. With the prediction of 14 storms coming in 2018, approximately five or so to be of monumental impact and hitting the Gulf Region, it is imperative that the Army Corps of Engineers move on their construction account and move on their construction projects to avoid some of the disaster that we have already experienced. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment. prgtoken In concluding, let me emphasize the Port of Houston, which truly needs the Army Corps of Engineers' efforts, particularly in dredging. We are a manmade port. That is a very important aspect of our work, and that is construction work. prgtoken The Port of Houston today is operating with draft restrictions that may last a year or longer. Draft restrictions are adding costs to oil and gas and petrochemical operations, which are passed on to wholesalers, who pass these costs to consumers at the pump. prgtoken It is also well known that the work that the Army Corps of Engineers does in respect to repair helps the environment. So again, I ask my colleagues to support the amendment, what is a focus on the Army Corps of Engineers' construction account, but I would like to make the additional point that we, in the region, need an expedited utilization of those dollars to fix the repairs, prepare us for oncoming potential disasters not only in my particular State, but across the region. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RAPHAEL ALLEN
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-7

I rise today to recognize the life and service of Raphael Allen. I join his family and friends to celebrate his life and his service to the Richmond, California, community. prgtoken Raphael Allen was born and raised in the Bay Area, where he attended Stanford University. He went on to serve as an editor for Duke University Press and covered a variety of topics relating to the World War II Home Front National Historical Park and Rosie the Riveter Park in Richmond, California. prgtoken In 2007, he began volunteering with the National Park Service at Rosie the Riveter, editing exhibits, conducting research, and developing interactive youth programs. He was also a ranger at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, where he assisted with outreach programs at local schools and gave tours of the site, including for myself and our staff. prgtoken Later in his career, Raphael was hired permanently at Rosie the Riveter as a park guide, where he was instrumental in opening the new visitor center. He also supported the development of exhibit content and Rosie the Riveter informational films. He went on to develop a wide variety of programs, which he often presented in the visitor center, highlighting many untold average American stories that existed about the park and the service. prgtoken Raphael will be remembered for his service and the mark he left on our community and our country for ensuring its history was passed on to others. He will be sincerely missed.
THE JOURNAL
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-7

I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures. If I were present for rollcall votes, I would have voted ``no'' for the following votes: prgtoken Roll 241, June 7, 2018: On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 923, Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5895) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act. prgtoken Roll 240, June 7, 2018: On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5895) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act. prgtoken If were present for rollcall votes, I would have voted ``aye'' for the following vote: prgtoken Roll 242, June 7, 2018: On Approval of the Journal
Turkey (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-7

first, . I was asked by my colleague from North Carolina if I would agree with his remarks, and he said he thought so. I definitely do. I think Erdogan is doing very bad things to the Turkish people, to our NATO alliance in the Middle East. He has had a vehemently anti-Israel position. To allow him to get away with all of this stuff without putting maximum pressure on him makes no sense. So from North Carolina.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-6-7

my amendment seeks to ensure adequate resources for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the NRC, to provide for safe and effective decommissioning of nuclear power plants. prgtoken In 2016, Entergy Corporation, the owner and operator of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, announced that the plant would be decommissioned by 2019 after facing severe losses in revenue and plagued by safety concerns. prgtoken Since coming to Congress, I have been concerned by the safety of Pilgrim's day-to-day operations as well as the security of its spent fuel storage. Following Entergy's announcement, I have worked with State and local representatives to prioritize the safety of the decommissioning process, security of the plant's spent fuel, and the displacement of over 600 workers who are employed at the site. prgtoken The NRC has previously issued reports revealing that Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station comes up short on critical systems maintenance, and it is currently the worst performing reactor in the entire country. prgtoken While this infraction ultimately falls on the responsibility of Entergy, it is equally important that the NRC has the necessary resources to address concerns as they arise, including through cooperation with local communities. prgtoken As we have often cited, decommissioning of nuclear power plants has an enormous economic and financial impact on host communities. We have urged that decommissioning funds be used for the safe removal of spent fuel to dry cask storage, to restoration, to remediation of the site and maintaining emergency preparedness and security resources throughout the entire process. prgtoken Finally, it is my hope that the NRC prioritizes worker protections as it oversees decommissioning both in my district and around the entire country. As the number of decommissioned plants increases, the potential exodus of highly skilled experienced workers presents a serious threat to our safety. The people in my community rely on the workers in Plymouth to keep them safe, and we hope the NRC will facilitate workforce continuity throughout the entire decommissioning process. prgtoken Mr. Chair, s for their consideration of this amendment and urge their support. Again, I would like to thank the chairman from Idaho. prgtoken We started the day working on issues from the Pilgrims to the Mayflower, too, to things the Pilgrims never envisioned, like decommissioned nuclear power plants. So rest assured that when we celebrate the 2020 400th anniversary in the town of Plymouth, America's hometown, that he will be very welcomed, and I will give him a personal tour of the awe-inspiring view of Plymouth Rock. prgtoken Thank you again for your help, and .
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-6-7

this amendment is intended to highlight the lack of urgency by the Air Force to address an ongoing drinking water emergency across the country, including one in my home district. I am not talking about Flint; I am talking about Oscoda, Michigan, at the northern end of my district, the home of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. prgtoken My constituents living there have had their drinking water contaminated by PFAS, perfluorinated chemicals, from the Air Force's use of firefighting foam. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to harmful health issues like cancer as well as thyroid, kidney, liver, heart, and reproductive problems. It is not just servicemembers but community members there. prgtoken Unfortunately, the more we learn about this dangerous class of chemicals, the more we are finding it in drinking water across the country. In my district alone, thousands of people have cancer-causing chemicals in their drinking water due to the Air Force's use of this material. prgtoken The Air Force does not seem to want to recognize this ongoing drinking water crisis. I have been pushing the Air Force to clean up the contamination in Oscoda and other communities. In fact, the entire Michigan delegation, and s, wrote to appropriators asking for more funding for PFAS contamination. prgtoken While Members are prevented from earmarking legislation to send resources directly to clean up contamination in Oscoda, it is an urgent problem that I wanted to call attention to. This community is near this former Air Force Base. It is facing very serious water contamination issues. prgtoken You would think that the Air Force would request additional resources to clean up contamination, but, frustratingly, the Air Force has so far refused to request additional resources. prgtoken The Appropriations Committee even asked the Air Force if they needed more money. Let me repeat that. The Appropriations Committee even asked the Air Force if they needed more money to address this problem, but the Air Force responded that they did not need any additional funds. prgtoken I offer this amendment for the purpose of raising the issue. I know that it is not possible for us to designate these funds, so it is my intention to withdraw this. prgtoken , .