mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COUNTERING IRAN'S DESTABILIZING ACTIVITIES ACT OF 2017--MOTION TO PROCEED
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-7

I come to the floor very briefly to make what, I hope, is a reasonable recommendation to my colleagues on both sides. prgtoken We are due to vote later today on moving forward on a piece of legislation that I support. Last week, we voted out of the Foreign Relations Committee a new sanctions bill against the Iranian regime for its continued movement toward a ballistic missile program that, ultimately, could threaten the security of the Middle East and could threaten the security of our sacred ally in the region, Israel. It also speaks to Iran's continued problematic human rights record and its support for terrorism in the region. prgtoken We should move forward on this piece of legislation, but I would recommend that we not do so today. There is reason to have this debate, but given the terrorist attack that occurred in Iran, given the fact that today we know that there are 12 dead and 40 wounded in 2 very coordinated attacks, my worry is that, literally, at the moment of grieving in Iran, this resolution would look as directed not at the regime, as it is, but at the Iranian people. It would seem intemperate and, ultimately, do more damage than good. prgtoken This is an important resolution to debate. We can find the time to get this done, but given the unfortunate timing--obviously, not intentional in our moving this forward this week--given the attacks that just occurred and for which ISIS has claimed responsibility, I would hope that we could find a way prgtoken to move this to another time. I think it is really important because, ultimately, it is in the United States' national security interest for the Iranian people to get their way, who are, broadly speaking, Western-oriented and who, broadly speaking, want a democratic, internationalist future. prgtoken In everything we do, we need to make it clear that we have deep disagreements with the Iranian regime--its rhetoric toward Israel, its inflaming of tensions, its funding of proxy wars in the region--and that our beef is not with the people of Iran. From time to time, that is a difficult distinction to make, but it is a very important distinction to make. By choosing to postpone this debate and this vote to another time, I think we will send an important message to the Iranian people that we want to give them the time to grieve and that we want to give them the time to understand the scope of this attack. prgtoken I do not think it comes at much of a cost or loss to us. It is important to remember that when we were attacked on September 11, there were vigils held throughout Iran. The regime itself was not sponsoring those, but the Iranian people did stand up and, in substantial numbers, displayed a common cause with the people of this country--again, another sign that this disagreement is not with the people of Iran but with the regime. prgtoken Despite my having some reservations about this piece of legislation-- I do not endorse it wholeh
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-6-7

I rise to speak about legislation I am introducing with my colleague from Michigan Senator Stabenow to authorize funding for a new Soo Lock. prgtoken Since 1855, locks at the St. Mary's River have allowed ships to pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. In modern times, this waterway has allowed large freighters to move coal, iron ore, and agricultural products throughout the Great Lakes. The Soo Locks are the most important link in a critical supply chain that connects iron ore mines in Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula with steel mills and manufacturing facilities all across the country. prgtoken During World War II, Congress authorized funding for a new lock because it was clear the country's ability to move iron ore to steel plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania was absolutely critical for the war effort. It took less than 2 years to complete that project after Congress authorized the funding in 1942. prgtoken President Roosevelt signed an Executive order establishing the military district of Sault Saint Marie, and the Army stationed 10,000 troops there to defend the Soo Locks by land, air, and sea--so great was the fear that a German attack would instantly cripple Allied efforts to produce steel and weapons. prgtoken Today, there is only one Soo Lock--the Poe Lock--that is large enough to accommodate modern freighters, especially the 1,000-foot-long vessels that move millions of tons of iron ore each and every year. Over 80 percent of the commodities that flow through the Soo Locks must pass through the Poe Lock, and each one of those 1,000-foot freighters carries the equivalent of 3,000 truckloads of commodities. It is not possible to move that amount of iron ore in these 1,000-foot freighters by rail or by road, and on top of that, the steel mills are only equipped to handle the iron ore supply by water. prgtoken A study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security in 2015 confirmed that it is the Achilles' heel of our economy. Key findings from the Department say: ``A disruption of the Poe Lock likely will cause an almost complete shutdown of Great Lake steel production.'' prgtoken The report goes on to say: ``A shutdown of Great Lakes steel production likely will cause almost all North American appliances, automobiles, construction equipment, farm equipment, mining equipment, and railcar production to cease within weeks.'' prgtoken Within weeks. The Homeland Security report estimates that 11 million Americans would lose their jobs if this were to happen. prgtoken Consider the fact that the jobs of millions of American workers depend on the ability of large ships to pass, as depicted, from here to here on the St. Mary's Falls Canal. Currently, there is only one lock that can accommodate this task. If this lock shuts down, steel plants in Ohio and Indiana and Kentucky shut down. Auto plants in Texas, Tennessee, California, and Michigan shut down. The American economy shuts
IMMIGRATION
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-6-7

I thank my friend for his leadership and his commitment to not only the families and the people in his district, but to the challenges that many families are facing all across the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on these issues. prgtoken Some of these challenges that face families across the country touch my constituents in Hawaii as well. I would like to share a few of their stories and their challenges here today in the hopes that Congress and this administration take action and do the right thing for them and for our country. prgtoken We are a nation of immigrants. Andres Magana Ortiz's story is not a new one. It is not one that will surprise anyone. prgtoken In fact, it will be quite recognizable to most of us. No tradition is as American as telling the stories of our relatives and ancestors who, against all odds and great difficulties, found and made a home here on our shores. prgtoken But while our family histories remind us of how far we have come, Andres' story demonstrates the progress that we have yet to make and who is hurt and affected by the lack of that progress today. prgtoken Andres Ortiz came to Hawaii seeking the American Dream. With hard work, perseverance, and a little luck, Andres demonstrated what we, as Americans, know to be true and that we strive for: if you work hard, you can succeed and get ahead. prgtoken Andres started a new life in 1996 picking coffee--backbreaking, tough work, for anyone who has done it before--in the Kona region on the island of Hawaii. He proved himself smart and capable, and he was soon promoted to supervisor. By 2010, he saved enough to buy his own coffee farm. Today, he owns 20 acres of coffee trees, and manages another 150 acres for his neighbors. prgtoken Andres quickly earned a reputation as a knowledgeable and skillful farmer. When an invasive beetle, called the coffee berry borer, began to ravish our Kona coffee farms and trees, Andres began a pioneering system to help his community track and eradicate this infestation, even before our U.S. Department of Agriculture took action. Now, this infestation was not just a small matter. It was something that cost our farmers millions of dollars. prgtoken Our country offered Andres the means to become an entrepreneur, and he paid us back in full: he started a business, he creates jobs, he takes care of his workers, and he is a leader in our community. Andres is not a legal resident of Hawaii, but Hawaii owes him a debt for his contributions. prgtoken Managing the coffee farm is a family affair for Andres. He is a proud husband and father of three children. His wife and kids are all American citizens, and his kids only know Hawaii as home. prgtoken Andres embodies the spirit of the American Dream, and serves as an example of why we should welcome courageous, hardworking immigrants into our community. The reality that Andres faces now, sadly, is far different. prgtoken If Andres is deport
INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-7

I rise today because we are told that this week is Infrastructure Week. After four contentious months of a new President, and all that has been contained in those 4 months, I actually saw a glimmer of hope and possibility around the idea that we might finally come together to do something for our constituents in an area that they tell us is absolutely essential. prgtoken I worry, , that we are going to let this opportunity be lost in the political roil that is already consuming this idea of a week that we devote to infrastructure. prgtoken So I want to stand here, , and say, let's not let this idea go. It is too important. The improvement of our roadways and our bridges, our airports, and our railways is absolutely essential to the quality of life of every single constituent of every single Member of this House. prgtoken As I talk to the business leaders in my district, the fact that they have a challenge in moving their people and their goods, that sometimes getting to work is a 2-hour proposition, are the things that hold them back. prgtoken I know that the s and the disagree on an awful lot, but we have to be able to agree on the fundamental notion that if we don't have a functioning transportation infrastructure, if our airplanes and ships and rails and cars don't move well, this country cannot be great, and our economy will be damaged. prgtoken These last 4 months have been pretty rough. We got--kicked off with a repeal of the Affordable Care Act; and I understand that my friends had been promising that for years, but it was a brutal experience. It failed on the floor. The American public hates the bill that so many of my friends were cajoled into voting for, much to their political peril. prgtoken There was an alternative start to this Presidency. There was this fantasy alternative start that has the President, shortly after his inauguration, saying to the American people: I know that this campaign was tough and the rhetoric was as ugly as it ever has been in an American campaign, but we are going to come together now, in January of 2017, to restitch the Nation, literally and figuratively. Literally means we are going to work together to rebuild the infrastructure of this country. prgtoken Sadly, that is an alternate reality that did not happen, and so we are consumed in Twitter feuds and partisanship and some of the most difficult to pass legislation that ultimately is not likely to become law, but which will continue to split the parties in this Chamber. prgtoken It is not too late, though, . I think we can still turn this around. prgtoken I have the privilege of chairing the New Coalition, 61 ic Members who, as challenged as they feel by this President's positions and behavior, are hoping for that moment when we can work with s, when we can get something done with this President that will be meaningful to our constituents. And I k
SELENA MARTINEZ
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-6-7

I rise today to recognize and applaud Selena Martinez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Selena Martinez is a student at Arvada K-8 School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Selena Martinez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Selena Martinez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-6-7

just when you think you heard it all, you haven't. And as my friend from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano) just pointed out, what we need to do is uphold the integrity of this body, the legislative branch of government. prgtoken Now, just a brief review, because I have about 2,000 pages of reference. We are not going to go into that all tonight, but if you will allow me, I will go into some of it.
ANTI-BORDER CORRUPTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-6-7

I rise in support of H.R. 2213, the Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017. prgtoken This legislation aims to address a staffing issue that has plagued the United States Customs and Border Patrol for many years. prgtoken H.R. 2213 would add the option to waive the polygraph test for a select few individuals who have already successfully taken and passed a similar polygraph test in the past. These individuals are veterans, members of our Armed Forces, or law enforcement officers with clean records and years of honorable service. prgtoken A veteran with secret clearance and an honorable discharge, 3 years of service, and a tier 5 background check is someone I would hold in high regard and exempt from an unnecessary polygraph. prgtoken I would not be in favor of this bill if it was exempting a polygraph test to the general public. This is a special group--our veterans and our law enforcement. prgtoken This legislation would not change the United States Customs and Border Patrol requirements for background checks or interviews. Customs and Border Patrol would still have their candidates undergo the regular battery of tests and checks. Customs and Border Patrol would still ask a candidate who waived the polygraph under these proposed changes to take the examination. This bill will not lower the standards for entry. Rather, the flexibility it provides would prevent potential bottlenecks in the hiring pipelines and eliminate redundancy. prgtoken , I would like to appease the concerns of several of my colleagues and say that this is not about building up a deportation force I would like to reaffirm that this legislation exclusively applies to Customs and Border Patrol, and it will not change the hiring procedures for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This bill is about ensuring the agency hires only the best and the most honorable candidates. This bill is about providing employment and advancement opportunities for our servicemembers and law enforcement and creating job opportunities for those living in our border communities and border States. prgtoken , I also live in a border community, and I support this bill.
EXTEND HAITIAN TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-6-7

I rise in support of the 6-month extension for Haitian temporary protected status recipients living in the United States, and for whom I believe our country should offer permanent residency. Temporary protected status, also known as TPS, offers forms of relief from removal under changing living conditions. prgtoken In 2010, Haiti was struck by the worst earthquake in the past 200 years, killing more than 160,000 people and displacing close to 1.5 million. prgtoken The United States played an intricate role in bringing some of the Haitians to the United States, providing them with a safe haven, because that is what we do. prgtoken Booker Washington captured well the importance of assisting people in need when he said: ``The highest test of the civilization of any race is in its willingness to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate.'' With this in mind, America should move the temporary protected status to permanent residency. prgtoken Return of the Haitian natives would only continue to set back the progress Haiti has made. The country of Haiti continues to feel the ramifications of the 2010 earthquake. Tens of thousands of people sleep in the streets or under plastic sheets in makeshift camps. The conditions that Haitians endure in the country has led to the spread of disease, which has become a major concern. The cholera epidemic has affected nearly 800,000 Haitians, killing over 9,000. Cholera is primarily found in countries with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. In short, the quality of living in Haiti has created a need for a better life. prgtoken The economic disparity, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment of Haiti continues to loom. Though it is an island nation with rich culture, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Among the 9 million people who reside in Haiti, over half live in extreme poverty, some even living on less than a dollar a day. While in the United States, people continue to contribute to our economy, prgtoken our diversity, and to our ever-evolving culture. This embodies the epitome of a mutualistic relationship. prgtoken The people of Haiti and the United States have had a long and complex relationship dating back to pre-slavery days. Our cultures and our respective economic histories and destinies are deeply intertwined. prgtoken I greatly urge my colleagues to support the permanent extension of Haitians being protected from mass deportation. For 7 years, these Haitians have greatly benefited the American communities of which they have been a part. To pull them away from these communities at such a pivotal point in both the United States' and Haiti's history would equate to nothing short of gross negligence. Let us not neglect the principle of which our Nation was founded upon and continue to assume the role of our predecessors. Help those who are less fortunate.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 10, FINANCIAL CHOICE ACT OF 2017
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-6-7

those wondering why lips are sealed so very tight when it comes to President jeopardizing our national security, threatening our democracy, and engaging in one crazy action after another need look no further than this bill. prgtoken You see, this is a bill to handcuff the cop on Wall Street. So many of our colleagues are so eager to shield Wall Street from action and eventually to bestow one tax break after another on Wall Street, that they are willing to pay almost any price in silence concerning Mr. 's outrages. prgtoken As a person who voted against all of the big bank bailouts, I am most concerned that this bill will produce only more. When the banks were bailed out, American families paid the price, as taxpayers. They paid the price for the recklessness that led to that unnecessary financial crisis. prgtoken A more immediate concern is what happens to the cop on the beat, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a new law enforcement agency that the AARP described as one designed to hold scam artists accountable. That is exactly what the CFPB has done. Whether it is payday lenders or deceitful language in the fine print of financial agreements, reverse mortgages, contracts denying consumers their legal remedies to address wrongdoing, or many other issues, this agency has been there to protect the consumers. prgtoken Among those most threatened that have benefited from this law enforcement agency are our military families, who face unique financial challenges, from illegal foreclosures, to cheating them on student loans, to payday lenders who overcharge their families. This law enforcement agency has been there to protect them. Today, it would be substantially weakened by this legislation. prgtoken One of the leading examples of the success of this law enforcement agency is Wells Fargo: fined $100 million, $85 million in restitution, $75 million in claw-backs from executives, a CEO resigned. None of that happened to the other banks, but Wells Fargo was caught. It was caught because there was a law enforcement agency on the beat doing something about it. prgtoken There are those who fought this legislation from the start, and they won't give up on trying to undermine it. prgtoken You need only look at what happened this year in enforcement actions to see what this agency is doing: a company failed to provide redress for illegal collection tactics, deceived consumers about credit scores, misstated the charges associated with pawn loans, denied consumers access to their own money, and kept borrowers in the dark about options to avoid foreclosure. One bit of wrongdoing after another. Why not have a cop on the beat working for us? Some people want to have the unlimited right to exploit consumers. This agency is the one thing standing in the way to protect them. prgtoken I say: stop this interference with law enforcement and send a message at the same time to Preside
RECOGNIZING MEGAFEST, THE NATION'S LARGEST FAITH, FILM, AND FAMILY MULTIDAY EXPERIENCE
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-6-7

I rise today to recognize MegaFest which returns to Dallas this summer--June 28 through July 1. MegaFest has been built into the nation's largest celebration of life-changing events and empowering seminars focused on faith, inspiration, music, entertainment, youth and fun for the entire family, and praise for this event's success belongs to visionary leader Bishop T.D. Jakes. prgtoken MegaFest has captivated diverse audiences in Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; and Johannesburg, South Africa, since 2004. In 2015, over 90,000 attendees from around the world called Dallas ``home.'' With an expected attendance of over 100,000, support from the business community and key sponsors has helped Bishop Jakes, MegaFest, and the City of Dallas reach larger audiences and offer quality programs and entertainment. prgtoken A major theme of the event is based on the ``Conversations with America'' survey conducted by Bishop Jakes. The survey gauged America's thoughts, concerns, and views on today's most pressing issues, including gender equality, criminal justice reform, economic reform, and national security. prgtoken This year's results show a significant and consistent gap between men and women's views toward the current state of gender inequality across America. Equality for all is a central pillar of our democracy, and women, no matter their ethnicity, religious orientation, or socioeconomic status in the United States, should be treated as equals in all aspects of our society. prgtoken , I congratulate Bishop Jakes on creating such a wonderful and progressive event. I wish MegaFest, and similar events, future success in uniting families and individuals from all over the world in the name of love, growth, and equality.