mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLOTURE MOTION
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-12-5

Senator Sullivan and I have just returned to Washington after an almost surreal 24-hour period up in the State. prgtoken We went up on Sunday night, Monday morning. We hadn't anticipated being there, but the State of Alaska--and more specifically Southcentral Alaska--experienced a powerful earthquake on Friday. It was certainly an unsettling event, a frightening event to many, and it caused significant damage in the most populated part of our State. prgtoken Last Friday, at 8:29 in the morning, we had an earthquake that struck the community of Anchorage with a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was about 7 miles north of Anchorage. It was about 25 miles deep. That shock lasted anywhere, folks were saying, from about 40 seconds to 1 minute; that was the initial hard jolt. Then, movement after that depended on where you were and what kind of ground you were located on, but it was a very significant earthquake by all standards. prgtoken I heard about the earthquake, not because I got an alert on my phone but because my phone rang when my son called. He lives and works in Anchorage. He had been at his shop, and he called me right after the shaking stopped. My son is a pretty calm young man, but I could tell that something was wrong, something was different. I could hear it in his voice. He was clearly rattled. His comments to me reflected so many of the comments I have heard from so many with whom I have had a chance to visit. prgtoken As we were speaking on the phone, it was about 7 minutes after the initial jolt that we had another earthquake, a 5.7 that followed. He literally said: You have to hold on, Mom, because we are having another one. These are significant at any time, but to have a 7.0 followed by a 5.7 and then to know that the aftershocks have been continuing--they have continued until today. As of this afternoon, the total number of aftershocks we have had is about 2,500. prgtoken Think about that. From Friday morning to midafternoon Alaska time, about 2,500 aftershocks, and we have had 14 above 4.5 in magnitude. We have had 14 in that time period that were over 4.5. Now, 4.5 is going to get anybody's attention. prgtoken Yesterday morning, when I was leaving Alaska to come to Washington, I was getting ready in the bathroom, and there was another shaker then, and that was a 4.8. prgtoken People have asked me: How are things back home? prgtoken I said: Well, we had the big jolt on Friday, but it is still rocking and rolling. prgtoken People are anxious, but the report I would like to share with folks today is that there has been an incredible response at so many different levels. The initial response was pretty intense. prgtoken After I spoke with my son, I talked to a staff member whose pipes had burst in her home, and she was dealing with flooding. One of the main arterials in Anchorage, Minnesota Drive, is one of the access roads to get to the airport, and parts of that h
NOMINATION OF BERNARD L. McNAMEE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-12-5

on a completely different matter, the Senate is resuming our work this afternoon. Later today, we will vote to advance the nomination of Bernard McNamee, the President's choice to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. prgtoken This is an impressive nominee who has the right qualifications for this important job. In his career as a well-regarded lawyer on energy issues, he has represented clients and gained expertise all across the energy sector. He has helped clients build solar projects and natural gas facilities and get renewable energy standards approved. In his own words, he said: ``I have not just talked about fuel diversity and `all of the above' energy policies; I have worked to help make them a reality.'' prgtoken Mr. McNamee has worked as an energy policy expert at the Department of Energy, as well as right here in the Senate. FERC plays a pivotal role in ensuring our energy security and enabling prosperity. Among other responsibilities, the Commission is responsible for permitting important infrastructure investments such as pipelines and export terminals. Continuing with a deadlocked and understaffed Commission could threaten the status of these investments and the jobs that revolve around them. Therefore, we need to confirm Mr. McNamee promptly. prgtoken His obvious qualifications and his commitment to fairness and impartiality earned him a bipartisan vote out of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee last month with a favorable recommendation. I hope the same common sense will prevail today so we can move this nominee forward with the bipartisan vote he well deserves. prgtoken .
WELCOMING PASTOR LOUIE GIGLIO
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-12-5

it is an honor to be here with Pastor Louie Giglio, from Atlanta, who pastors the Passion Church there. prgtoken I think everyone in this body knows Congress led on an issue to end modern slavery around the world. That was something that passed this body a couple of years ago. The appropriators have funded it. We are well on our way leading the world today in trying to end modern slavery, where today we have 27 million people around the world in slavery--more than at any time in the world's history. I can honestly say the genesis of that, the seed for that, the beginning of that, started at Passion Church, where he led an effort to make sure people are aware of this scourge on mankind. I am grateful to him. Millions of people around the world will be grateful to him and his congregation. I am honored to know him and be his friend, and I thank him for his leadership in that regard but also beginning our day in this way. Thank you so much. prgtoken With that, .
RISE: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE AT THE PASSING OF OUR 41ST PRESIDENT PRESIDENT GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-6

I include in the Record a poem by Albert Carey Caswell: Our tears are deep In hearts of the love which speak As no longer upon this earth to keep You, as its for you Timber Wolf we now so weep With sadness and tears of joy so sweet For heaven is full of such men of grace Who stand strong in all of their love and courage, and in all their service and faith, in what they've faced And for whom our Nation have so bled, for that old Red, White, and Blue each day they wake in how they've led Who give, not take For you George, America Son our Lord holds so a place As an Angel who will watch over us, because of your service and faith ``A Patriot's plane was shot from the sky'' ``Would this brave heart live or die?'' ``What was to be?'' ``When, the Lord reached down and pulled this man from the sea'' George, Rise
PRESIDENT WILLIAM TEAGUE OF ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-6

a wonderful Christian Servant of Abilene Christian University has died. Bill Teague was President and an alum of my Alma mater ACU. He served as president when I was a Member of the board of trustees of the University. His clever dry Texas wit was a trademark of his leadership. His official obituary states: ``He was born Billy Teague in Olney, Texas, on July 12, 1927, the youngest of six sons. His father died when he was 14 years old, leaving his mother to raise him by herself in Nocona, Texas. While enrolled at high school, Teague was a proud member of Nocona's 1944 state champion basketball team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years while based in San Diego. It was in San Diego that he met Margaret ``Peggy'' Louise Newlen. They married June 4, 1948.'' ``After his honorable discharge from the military in 1949, the couple moved back to Texas so Bill could continue his education at Abilene Christian. While a student, he was appointed the first manager of KACC, the campus radio station. He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and speech.'' ``He immediately went to work for then-president Dr. Don H. Morris as assistant to the president and secretary of the Alumni Association. He worked at ACU for five years before leaving to serve as vice president at both Harding University (1957-59) and Pepperdine University (1959-70).'' ``Outside of his career in education, Teague pursued a variety of interests. He earned a master's degree from Columbia University in 1959 and a doctorate from UCLA in 1965. In 1968 and 1970, he ran for U.S. Congressional seats in California. Teague frequently engaged in public speaking. He could be passionate and inspiring, but it was his humor that really endeared him to audiences. He was an active basketball and tennis player, but he most enjoyed spending time with his family.'' ``During the 1970s, Teague served as vice president of two Fortune 500 companies, Purex Corporation in California and Kerr-McGee, an Oklahoma-based oil company.'' ``From 1981 to 1991, Teague served as ACU's ninth president, and later as chancellor (1991-2007) and chancellor emeritus (2007-18). With an emphasis on fundraising, he oversaw the transformation of the campus leading to the construction of the Mabee Business Building and Onstead- Packer Biblical Studies Building, as well as the relocation of Judge Ely Boulevard. ACU's Teague Boulevard opened in May 1992, serving as a new front entrance to the university. Across campus, the Margaret L. and William J. Teague Center was dedicated in his and Peggy's honor.'' ``In addition to the major buildings completed during Teague's decade as president, the university endowment
IN MEMORY OF MELISSA DRISKO
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-6

our nation is blessed with many hardworking professionals who work in the defense and intelligence communities, keeping our people safe and safeguarding American national security. Often they cannot talk about what they do, even among their family and close friends. And yet, some of the best and brightest in our country commit their lives to this dedicated service. prgtoken One of those individuals has unfortunately been taken away from us too soon, but her passing enables the public to get a glimpse of the critical roles she has played as an outstanding leader in our intelligence community. prgtoken Melissa Drisko most recently served as Deputy Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. The daughter of a U.S. Army Officer, she graduated from University of Virginia on an ROTC scholarship and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy in 1981. Her assignments in the Navy included watch officer, intelligence officer, Soviet submarine analyst, and aid to the Director of Naval Intelligence, where she met her beloved husband, Phil Kosmacki. She went on to work at the Department of State and as Flag Aide to the Director of Naval Intelligence. prgtoken Following her Naval service, Melissa continued her distinguished career as a civilian with leadership positions in several agencies including Office of Naval Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency, and Office of the Director of National Intelligence. For the past 14 years, Melissa served at the Defense Intelligence Agency, culminating in her position as Deputy Director. prgtoken The Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Ashley called Ms. Drisko ``brilliant, determined, and among the finest intelligence officers of her generation.'' A quiet and visionary leader, she encouraged others to speak their mind, always with an eye to the greater good. prgtoken Melissa was known for her intelligence, her inquisitive mind, and her integrity. Those closest to her also recognized her kindness, her quick sense of humor, and her way of being fully present in any given situation, qualities that were woven throughout her life. prgtoken While she was serving the nation as a national security professional, the center of her life was her family, as a spouse to her husband, Phil, and as a mom to their children, Alison, Rachel, and Jackson. prgtoken Like most of her colleagues in the Intelligence Community, Melissa served humbly and selflessly, directing accolades away from herself to those with whom she worked. She knew that she was part of a team, and she made that team better. The focus of that team and the professional calling of Melissa's life were to protect her fellow citizens and defend the United States of America. That is among the highest calling to which any of us can devote our lives. prgtoken Melissa passed away on November 14 after a two-year battle with cancer, which she faced with characteristic strength and dignity. prgtoken Day after day,
CELEBRATING LeROY TROYER
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-12-6

it is with a mix of sorrow and gratitude that I rise today to commemorate the incredible life of LeRoy Troyer, who passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018. prgtoken LeRoy was born and raised in Middlebury, Indiana, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. prgtoken LeRoy's strong Hoosier values were deeply rooted and remained true for his entire life. He built a successful career, starting with his own architectural firm, Troyer Group, and a beautiful life for his wife, Phyllis, and their three sons, Don, Ron, and Terry. Thanks to his steadfast leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Troyer Group became a mainstay in the northern Indiana business community, and he made a lasting difference in all that he did. prgtoken LeRoy enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career, but his biggest accomplishments were in service to others. For the past several decades, he gave much to Habitat for Humanity, through which he formed a unique partnership with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. Through the Carter Work Project, they built or repaired 4,290 homes in 14 different countries, including 23 in Mishawaka just this past August. His hard work and dedication to Habitat's mission earned him high praise from our 39th President: ``He's been a true inspiration to us.'' prgtoken A mark of the fruition of his skill and expertise, LeRoy led the Troyer Group's design and construction of the Ark Encounter in Kentucky. This 510-foot long, 85-foot wide, and 51-foot high, full-size replica of Noah's Ark as described in the Bible is the featured attraction at the biblical theme park. The craftsmanship of this grand structure, a project of great magnitude and meaning, demonstrates LeRoy's ability to bring an architectural dream to life. prgtoken LeRoy embodied the best of the Hoosier ethos. He was diligent, industrious, innovative, and generous. And above all, he was devoted to his family and loved his country. I will be forever grateful for his valuable wisdom and foresight when it came to creative building projects and things that would continue to promote growth in our community. prgtoken By the grace of God, he was surrounded by family in his last moments. I want to thank Phyllis for all she has done to honor his legacy and comfort their children during this difficult time. Our community will always remember LeRoy for his selflessness and for the passion that drove him to make a real difference in people's lives.
TANF (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-12-6

today I raise an important issue for my colleagues that impacts many families in Iowa but also throughout the country. You hear it everywhere. It is about high prescription drug costs. I am not going to address that issue across the board, but I am going to do it in a narrow way for one part of it. prgtoken One contributing factor that has played a part in how much money the government and taxpayers pay for some drugs is a government program called the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. prgtoken On Tuesday I introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Wyden of Oregon. The bill, called the Right Rebate Act of 2018, would close a loophole in that program that causes the problem I am addressing. prgtoken As a condition for participation in the Medicaid Program, drug companies must pay a rebate--or some people might call it a discount-- to the Federal Government and to the various States for the drugs they offer. Generally speaking, the rebate dollar amount is less for a generic drug than for a brand-name drug. prgtoken The rebate program hasn't worked as designed. Some drug companies have been able to game the system to boost their bottom line, and they do so at taxpayers' expense. Some drug companies have paid smaller rebates to the government. When that happens, that means taxpayers are footing a bigger burden. prgtoken One example, in particular, highlights the main issues we aim to solve with this legislation. prgtoken During the administration--it could have been a administration as well--because of the problems in this program, Iowans regularly contacted me by phone, email, and at my annual 99 county meetings about the difficulties they faced paying the rapidly rising prices of EpiPen. EpiPen is an emergency medicine used to treat severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. EpiPen is distributed by a company called Mylan. In 2007 a pack of two EpiPens cost $100. By 2016, the cost of that two-pack of EpiPens exploded to more than $600. That is a very substantial price increase. Nobody is going to argue with that. Many would argue that it is an unjustified price increase, especially considering the gut punch to taxpayers who foot the lions' share of the Medicaid bill for families. They happen to be families in need. I listened to the concerns of my constituents and began an investigation about how the drug rebate program was working. prgtoken In a nutshell, Mylan had classified the EpiPen as a generic drug in the Medicaid Program, when it should have been classified as a brand drug. That means Mylan misclassified EpiPen, and CMS let it happen. prgtoken Because of this incorrect classification, Mylan paid a much smaller rebate than it should have. I asked the Health and Human Services inspector general to look into these classification practices. The inspector general found that taxpayers may have overpaid for the EpiPen by as much as $1.3 billion over 10 years because of the incorr
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-6

. I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 4 p.m. Monday, December 10; further, that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; finally, following leader remarks, and notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume the consideration of the Muzinich nomination, with the cloture motion filed during today's session ripening at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
TRIBUTE TO DR. BARBARA SHANNON-BANISTER
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-12-6

it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of my dear friend, Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister. She will retire from her position as the Chief of the Community Relations Division for the City of Aurora on December 31, 2018. prgtoken Dr. Shannon-Banister is a truly dedicated civil servant whose work over the length of her career has significantly benefitted my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, and the greater Denver Metropolitan area. In 1989, Dr. Shannon-Banister co-founded the Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN), which is the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides primary care and other health-related services for the medically underserved not only in the City of Aurora but also for areas outside of Aurora. prgtoken As a fierce advocate for civil rights, Dr. Shannon-Banister also worked to bring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Aurora, where she was instrumental in starting a new NAACP chapter in 1991. Her efforts gave the residents of Aurora, Colorado's third largest and most diverse city, an organization that fully understood the need to protect and advance the cause of civil rights. prgtoken A true icon of our community, she is also President and chief executive officer of the non-profit foundation, Grand Design Inc that works to preserve African American culture through community outreach, hosting concerts, and visual arts performances. prgtoken , Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister represents the very best in public service that the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer. I thank her and commend her for her decades of tireless and inspirational leadership on behalf of all of us in our community, our state, and our nation. I wish her all the best of luck and a wonderful and fulfilling retirement.
CONGRATULATING COACH DALE GILDEHAUS OF ST. FRANCIS BORGIA HIGH SCHOOL IN WASHINGTON, MISSOURI ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-12-6

I rise today to honor Coach Dale Gildehaus of St. Francis Borgia High School in Washington, Missouri on his well-deserved induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. prgtoken Coach Gildehaus has a longstanding career of 32 years as head football coach at St. Francis Borgia High School. Throughout the years, Coach Gildehaus has approached football as much more than just a game about wins and losses. It's about faith, family, his players and coaches, and the entire Washington, MO community. As a graduate of St. Francis Borgia, Coach Gildehaus has the unique connection to the town and understands the importance of a coach who cares about his team on and off the football field. His ultimate goal is to teach positive leadership and influence his team to also develop positive leadership mindsets to carry into their personal lives and help them be successful in whatever they choose to do. prgtoken As Coach Gildehaus enters his 32nd year, he boasts a whopping 252 wins. Among those wins is a Class 3 state championship in 1993. In 1995, he was honored with the Jimmy Conzelman Coach of the Year by the National Football Foundation. Despite his impressive record, Coach Gildehaus often credits the many coaches who have impacted his life: Coaches Rinne, Scanlan, and Flanagan each demanded discipline, respect, and hard work-the same lessons that Coach Gildehaus instills in his football players today. prgtoken After high school, Coach Gildehaus went on to play football at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri where he earned induction to the Truman State Hall of Fame. After graduating he spent four years at Union High School before moving to his current position at St. Francis Borgia. This impressive football career has been acknowledged by the Missouri Football Coaches Association in 2007 with an induction into their Hall of Fame. In 2014, the Missouri Football Coaches Association also honored him with the Pete Adkins Power of Influence in Football Award. prgtoken Throughout the years, Coach Gildehaus has always been supported by his loving wife, Beth, and their children, Christopher, Sandi, and Stacy. His granddaughter, Anna, said it best: ``whether it is on the field, around school, at home, or around town you can always count on Grandpa to have a smile on his face'' please join me in congratulating Coach Gildehaus on his incredible career and induction to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.