mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Trump-Putin Summit (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-7-19

. Thank you, . prgtoken I would like to acknowledge that the Senator from Pennsylvania has made a number of good points on the subject of Russia and the way we need to go with Russia. prgtoken People have asked me about what I think about Mr. Putin and whether he is trustworthy, and I tell them no. The way that I know he is misleading the public on the issues of meddling is because his lips are moving. He is not just telling the truth. Any time he talks about it, it just flies in the face of Federal investigations, oversight hearings, and classified briefings we have been involved in. I think it is an example of where Members of Congress have really come together on an issue.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-19

. As we all know, America is a Nation of immigrants. Almost all of our ancestors came from somewhere else in search of a better life in this land of freedom and opportunity, and we want to maintain that. prgtoken , America is also a Nation of laws. We support immigration, but it also must be legal immigration. We must have the security, especially, along our southern border. As we speak, our men and women at the border are doing their absolute best to maintain both order and decency. prgtoken Since 2014, Border Patrol has completed more than 13,000--let me say that again, 13,000--life-saving rescues along the border, including many children. We would be naive to think that there are not certain individuals hoping to enter this country illegally and to do us harm. prgtoken Yesterday, when we talked about ICE, one of the elements that came up was the thousands of gang members that they stop. We all know the most vicious gang out there is MS-13. We know it because we know it in our communities. We see the murders. We see the drugs. We know the hundreds of MS-13 members that they have stopped from being a part of our communities. That is why we had that vote. prgtoken Simply put, the entire immigration enforcement community deserves our support because they work under very difficult circumstances. I think everybody would agree with that, which is why, if I can be very honest with my friend, I was upset to see many refuse to stand with the men and women of ICE yesterday. prgtoken Why? Six individuals who work for ICE gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life. One was murdered by the Los Zetas cartel. prgtoken The gentleman asked if I would bring up a bill. I offered to bring up a bill, but the author of the bill who put it across the desk and asked people to cosponsor said he would vote against it. prgtoken What was most shocking to me is the number of people who voted ``present.'' The gentleman can argue with me all day on things I vote ``yes'' and things I vote ``no'' on. The only time he will ever see my vote up there for ``present'' is a quorum call, because I believe the American public and my constituents expect me to make a decision when I come. prgtoken I think it was very clear yesterday. You can make a decision. I know my friend and his beliefs, but I also know his party has a new movement. It is a socialist party, and they are gaining steam. But that new party and that new movement in there, I still believe, would want you to make a decision one place or the other. prgtoken Just last year alone, ICE made almost 5,000 gang-related arrests. They seized nearly 1 million pounds of narcotics and opioids. prgtoken The gentleman knows, those 2 weeks we spent on this floor dealing with the opioid epidemic, there will be more than 100 Americans who will die today because of opioids, and tomorrow will be the same. That is why we did CARA in the last Congress. That is why we came back with billions of
HONORING THE LIFE OF BRADEN VARNEY
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-19

I rise to honor a hero of the Sierra and mourn his tragic loss. prgtoken Braden Varney, age 36, gave his life Saturday night fighting the Ferguson Fire, which continues to ravage the forests near Yosemite Valley and threaten the communities of Mariposa County. prgtoken A second-generation bulldozer operator with CAL FIRE, he was all alone that night, cutting firebreaks to stop this monster fire, when his dozer overturned in treacherous terrain. He was well-known to the people of Mariposa, being involved in many civic activities. Braden leaves behind a grieving widow, Jessica, and two small children, Malhea, age five, and Nolan, just 3 years old. prgtoken Our firefighters face mortal peril when they leave the safety and comfort of their homes and families to put themselves in harm's way. They literally place their lives between our communities and the fires that can consume them. They know the danger better than anyone. Yet, they do what they do anyway. prgtoken , to the Varney family, I can only express our profound respect, admiration, gratitude, and sympathy on behalf of all of those who Braden died to protect
CONGRATULATING DEVIN ROBERSON OF THE JEFFERSON CITY JAYS
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-7-19

I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Devin Roberson of the Jefferson City Jays for his first-place finish in the Discus Field Event at the 2018 Missouri Class 5 State Track and Field Championship. Devin and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Devin Roberson for a job well done.
ANTI-TERRORISM CLARIFICATION ACT
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-19

last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee marked up and passed by voice vote S. 2946, the Anti- Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018. prgtoken I was proud to introduce this bipartisan bill and to lead it through the Judiciary Committee. I am proud to have Senators Nelson, Rubio, Whitehouse, Cruz, Blumenthal, Tillis, Coons, Cornyn, Hatch, and Kennedy as cosponsors. prgtoken It is not always easy to find common ground here in the Senate, but there is one issue where there is no doubt we can all agree: Those who aid or carry out terrorist attacks that kill or injure Americans should be held fully accountable. prgtoken Those who have been impacted should have a meaningful avenue to seek justice. prgtoken For over 25 years, the Anti-Terrorism Act has empowered American victims of international terrorism to bring civil lawsuits in Federal courts to vindicate their rights and obtain compensation for their injuries. prgtoken Just as important, these lawsuits disrupt and discourage the financing and material support of terrorist organizations. By cutting terrorists' financial lifelines, the ATA helps to reduce global terrorism, protecting Americans both here and abroad. prgtoken In short, the ATA puts terrorists on notice to keep their hands off Americans. prgtoken I was proud to be the lead sponsor of the ATA back in 1992, which removed the jurisdictional hurdles that, for too long, had frustrated or outright prevented American victims' ability to seek redress. prgtoken Since then, terrorists and those who financially support them have tried to blow holes in the law and stretch its exceptions beyond what Congress ever intended. prgtoken The Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018--and its additional improvements adopted in the Judiciary Committee last week--strengthens the ATA and reiterates Congress's original intent that terrorist groups and their supporters be brought to justice in U.S. Courts, regardless of where the attacks occurred. prgtoken It is a carefully considered and deliberately crafted response to efforts to undermine the ATA. It represents Congress's considered judgment in responding to acts of international terrorism that kill or injure Americans overseas. prgtoken The bill clarifies the ATA's so-called ``act of war'' exception. Congress never intended that designated terrorist organizations could dodge liability for attacks that kill or injure Americans by simply claiming this exception. prgtoken Some, however, have twisted the exception to get away scot-free. The ``act of war'' exception should not be a liability shield for designated terrorist organizations or their supporters. prgtoken This bill makes clear that the exception doesn't apply to those designated by the U.S. Government as foreign terrorist organizations or specially designated global terrorists. prgtoken This is common sense. As one Federal judge put it, ``To find that a terrorist organization can be a military force under the ATA
NOMINATION OF RYAN BOUNDS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-7-19

the Senate is continuing our productive summer. This week we have been focused on confirming more of the President's qualified nominees. After his confirmation yesterday, Andrew Oldham, of Texas, will now bring his impressive credentials and years of distinguished service to his new role on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Today, we are considering the nomination of Ryan Bounds to serve on the Ninth Circuit. Each of these nominees has been selected by the President and his team for their credentials, reputations, and commitment to the rule of law. Each has been thoroughly examined by our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken Ryan Bounds is no exception. He has earned degrees from Stanford and Yale. He clerked for the very Ninth Circuit judge he has been nominated to succeed. For the past 14 years, he has distinguished himself as a public servant at the Department of Justice and in his current role as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for Oregon. prgtoken Along the way, he has earned the respect and recognition of legal professionals from across the country and the political spectrum. Forty-six of his colleagues in the District of Oregon describe his ``admirable work ethic,'' ``keen judgment,'' and ``masterful writing'' as ``skills that colleagues and opponents alike seek to emulate.'' prgtoken In a letter to our Senate colleagues from Oregon, criminal defense attorneys who have litigated against Mr. Bounds testified to his ``fairness,'' ``diligence,'' and ``legal acumen.'' prgtoken They write: He has shown time and time again that he is a man of his word. . . . He is an excellent lawyer and would make an outstanding judge. prgtoken A number of law professors from across the country seem to agree. They remind us about the standards to which this body is charged with holding judicial nominees--fairness, impartiality, intellectual rigor. To sum it up, in the words of one legal peer, ``Ryan has all of this, and more.'' prgtoken So I look forward to voting to confirm this excellent nominee, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me.
TRIBUTE TO GERALDO ``JERRY'' PUGA
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-19

I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Geraldo ``Jerry'' Puga, who passed away in California on Saturday, July 7, 2018. Jerry was a small business owner in the City of Corona, an active member of our community, and he will be deeply missed. prgtoken As a young child, Jerry's family lived in Alberhill where his father worked in clay products manufacturing. The Pug as moved to Corona when Jerry was 10. When he was finished with school, he followed his father into clay manufacturing. Later, Jerry began his career in floor coverings at Larry Graebner's Furniture in Corona. In 1960, Jerry and his partner, the late Frank Addleman, opened the doors to Jerry & Frank's Carpets in Corona. For over 50 years, Jerry spent his professional life in the carpet/floor covering business. prgtoken While conducting business at a local bank, Jerry met Andrea Martinez, whom he married in 1970. They became business partners, with Andrea instituting home decorating. The business changed its name to Jerry Carpets & Interiors and opened in the Corona Mall. Jerry was an active member of the Corona Rotary and participated in numerous local charitable causes. After serving customers in six decades, Jerry retired in 2008. The Corona Chamber of Commerce honored Jerry in January 2018 with its Lifetime Achievement Award. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt condolences to Andrea Puga, the entire Puga family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Jerry. Although Jerry may be gone, the many contributions he made to our community will have a lasting impact.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-7-19

. We have made good progress on the issue of sex trafficking, but it is so related to the issue of opioid abuse. Specifically, as I said, these often go hand in hand. Often, traffickers find people who are addicted. They are vulnerable, they crave the drug, and the trafficker can provide it. But in my home State of Ohio, I have met with survivors, and many times we have found that they find vulnerable people who are not addicted but then make them addicted so they become dependent on the trafficker. prgtoken This is an issue that relates to so many things, doesn't it? It relates to our workplace because people who are addicted to opioids are not coming into the workforce. One reason we have such high levels of unemployment--people are outside the workforce altogether, not showing up on the unemployment numbers because they aren't even looking for work. The labor force participation rate, as economists call it, is so low right now largely, in my view, because of this opioid issue. Our courts are jammed, our jails are jammed, and our hospitals and emergency rooms are jammed. We have to do more to get at this issue for so many reasons. prgtoken The driving force in my home State of Ohio and around the country now is this synthetic form of heroin or opioids called fentanyl. It is 50 times more powerful than heroin. There are other drugs--carfentanil is an example--that are even more powerful. These synthetic forms of opioids are causing most of the deaths now in my State of Ohio and around the country. prgtoken The Centers for Disease Control, CDC, recently issued a report that showed this increase in overdose deaths involving fentanyl. The report analyzed overdose deaths in 10 States hit hardest by the epidemic, including Ohio. They found that fentanyl overdose deaths in those States nearly doubled from the last 6 months of 2016 to the first 6 months of 2017. Of course, 2017 is the last year for which they have good records. It is unbelievable. prgtoken This synthetic form of heroin is the new scourge of the opioid epidemic, and it is being spread into every other drug too. When I do roundtables back home, as I do regularly, I hear about it being spread into crystal meth, cocaine, and heroin, of course. prgtoken Twice in roundtable discussions I have had with community leaders, I have heard--once from a police chief and once from a sheriff--very similar stories about a young man who wakes up from an overdose after being saved through Narcan, which is a miracle drug that reverses the effects of an overdose. When the young man comes to, he says: I was just smoking pot. How did I overdose? prgtoken In both cases, based on the forensics and the information they were able to get from the labs, they found out that of course it wasn't just marijuana; it was marijuana laced with fentanyl. No street drug is safe. They can all kill you. prgtoken As I have met with these first responders, community leaders, and those in reco
RECOGNIZING THE BICENTENNIAL OF PLAIN CITY, OHIO
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-7-19

I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's 15th Congressional District to recognize the bicentennial of Plain City, Ohio. Since Dr. Isaac Bigelow first made his way to Central Ohio from Pennsylvania, Plain City has exemplified many of our nation's core values. prgtoken In the early 1800s, the few residents of Pleasant Valley began to witness change and growth for their town. From a single log building on Post Road known as Travelers Inn and prgtoken two stores run by Dr. Bigelow himself, a truck line railroad eventually spurred sustainable and quick growth for Pleasant Valley, which officially became Plain City in 1871. prgtoken Moreover, from its foundation, Plain City has played an important role in American history, originally planted within the Virginia Military District to support veterans of the Revolutionary War. Today, there are over 500 veterans living and working in Plain City, all of whom have made tremendous sacrifices to preserve our freedoms. prgtoken For the past 200 years, the overwhelming characteristic of the people of Plain City is the compassion they hold for one another and their determination to do what is right and just. In the 19th century, residents worked diligently in support of the Underground Railroad. Today, the people of Plain City strive to create a ``family-oriented community that works cooperatively to promote outstanding quality of life, securing a sustainable environment for future generations while preserving [their] unique heritage and character.'' prgtoken Today, Plain City remains a beautiful place to work, live, and raise a family. I am grateful for the leadership of the Village Council Members, Jody Carney, Kerri Ferguson, Sherry Heineman, Darren Lee, Shannon Pine, and John Rucker, Mayor Darrin Lane and all of the neighbors and friends who have maintained Plain City's beauty and history. prgtoken I am honored to represent this county, where community, integrity, and freedom are celebrated not just in recognition of the 200th anniversary of its founding, but each and every day.
TRIBUTE TO JEANNE FOLLETT
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-7-19

it is Thursday afternoon, and it is one of my favorite times of the week. I know for many of my fellow Senators, including the Presiding Officer and the pages, this is one of their favorite times of the week, too, because it is the time that we get to talk about the Alaskan of the Week. I had a couple of people today ask me: Senator, when are you giving your speech on the Alaskan of the Week? prgtoken I said: Later. prgtoken They said: OK. We will keep an eye on it--because people find a lot of interest in what is happening in the great State of Alaska. The Alaskan of the Week, as many of my colleagues know, is somebody whom we like to highlight who has done great stuff for the State, community, town, maybe country. Sometimes it is someone famous. Oftentimes, it is somebody who has been working really hard for much of their life and doesn't get a lot of recognition. They are the heroes of the community. That is why we like to talk about the Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken It is also a great opportunity to talk to people in the Gallery or people watching on TV, on C-SPAN, to get them to come on up to Alaska. Come on up. It will be the trip of a lifetime. Of course, it is a gorgeous, huge State with mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, but when you get off the plane in Alaska, you get the sense of freedom--liberty. You can almost breathe it in ways that you can't in other places. prgtoken I tell everybody who is watching: Come on up. You will love it. It will be the trip of a lifetime. You will feel that freedom in the air like you do in almost no other place in the world. prgtoken Let me introduce you to our Alaskan of the Week, Jeanne Follett, who has displayed incredible commitment to keep our State clean and special. Let's talk about Jeanne. She was born in Detroit. She moved to Anchorage when she was just 6 years old and has called Alaska home ever since. prgtoken Like so many Alaskans, she has led a very interesting and varied life. She began her professional career as a court reporter for the Anchorage Daily News, our big newspaper, covering all kinds of trials when the State was still new and our court system had just been formed. Remember, we are a very young State. prgtoken Eventually, she moved to Girdwood, which is a beautiful ski resort town outside of Anchorage, where she was a breakfast cook and managed condos. She got a bit restless. She packed up her 1965 Mustang and drove across the country but missed Alaska so much she came back home again. prgtoken Then she worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, TAPS, as we call it, that flows the billions of barrels of oil from the North Slope down to Valdez for an energy-hungry country like ours. prgtoken She met her husband Ken as she was working on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. They bought a lodge in a wonderful, small community called Moose Pass--a warm, welcoming, and gorgeous Alaska community in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, about 100 miles south
TRIBUTE TO AUSTIN EGGL
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-7-19

today I recognize Austin Eggl, an intern in my Aberdeen, SD, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota over the past several weeks. prgtoken Austin is a graduate of Bishop Ryan High School, in Minot, ND. Currently, he is attending Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD, where he is majoring in business. He is a hard worker who has been dedicated to getting the most out of his internship experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Austin for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
AMERICA IS FINALLY BETTER OFF
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-7-19

I rise today because, after years of struggling to get ahead, America is finally better off. America is stronger at home and abroad, with a booming economy, safer communities, and a revived military. prgtoken Thanks to the historic tax reform, unemployment is at an all-time low; job openings are at record highs; paychecks are increasing; wages are rising; and small businesses are expanding. I hear it from people in Florida all the time: My constituents are better off. prgtoken , I represent Florida's Fourth Congressional District, which is home to many military families; and I am proud to say that we have begun to rebuild our military and support our men and women in uniform. We have passed legislation giving our troops the largest pay increase in almost 9 years, and investing $144 billion in upgrading and maintaining our military facilities. Our military men and women are better off. prgtoken The work that we have done and continue to do is creating a better way for the people of northeast Florida and for all Americans. Although there is much more to do, the economy is soaring, and policies are helping to improve people's lives, making it easier for families to get ahead with a renewed sense of confidence.