mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-25

this morning I listened to the remarks by Senator Schumer, the minority leader, and for a minute, while listening to him, I was worried that Senator Harry Reid was back disguised as Senator Schumer. After all, I used to hear a lot of false comments about the Judiciary Committee's work from the misinformed former minority leader. prgtoken This year, the minority leader first fretted that this Senator, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, would be ``twisted by leadership'' in the course of reviewing Judge Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court. Of course, that is false, but it was strange to hear a complaint about leadership intervening in committee business from a ic leader who appears to be doing just that. prgtoken As far as his other comments on the Supreme Court confirmation process, I would like to reiterate a few points I made over the last couple of weeks. prgtoken The Senate Judiciary Committee will have a thorough, modern, and efficient process for reviewing Judge Kavanaugh's qualifications. As I explained yesterday, Senators already have access to Judge Kavanaugh's 307 opinions that he offered over a 12-year period of time when he was a DC Circuit Court judge, the hundreds more opinions he joined, and of course the 6,168 pages of materials he submitted as part of his Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire. prgtoken For the benefit of the public, if you want to get into the weeds on this stuff, you can go to the Judiciary Committee's website and get all of this information that I just mentioned. These materials are the most relevant to assessing Judge Kavanaugh's legal thinking. prgtoken We expect to receive more than 1 million pages of documents from Judge Kavanaugh's time in the White House Counsel's Office and the Office of Independent Counsel. This will be the largest document production in connection with a Supreme Court nominee ever. By comparison, we received only about 170,000 pages of White House records for Justice Kagan. prgtoken ic leaders want gratuitous and unnecessary paper from Judge Kavanaugh's time as White House Staff Secretary. This is an unreasonable request, and I think they know it. prgtoken ic leaders are already committed to opposing Judge Kavanaugh. We have minority Leader Schumer himself saying he would fight Judge Kavanaugh ``with everything he's got.'' prgtoken Yesterday one colleague said that supporting Judge Kavanaugh is ``complicit'' and ``evil.'' That is quite an offensive statement. It doesn't sound like they are interested in assessing Judge Kavanaugh's qualifications in the way everybody ought to approach this--with an open mind. prgtoken Their bloated demands are an obvious attempt to obstruct this confirmation process. prgtoken It gets worse. The ic leaders are even demanding to search each and every email from other White House staffers that even mentions Judge Kavanaugh while he served in the White House. That
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-7-25

in January of next year, when I cast my final vote and look back on 18 years in the House and the Senate, one of the things I will value most are the friendships made during my time here. prgtoken I have been fortunate to have an incredible staff to work with for every year that I have been here: from the interns who answer the phone calls, not all of those phone calls pleasant, mind you, to the staff assistants who make constituents and visitors feel welcome in my office and in the Capitol; to office managers who make things run smoothly and build comradery among the staff and the team; to legislative correspondents who skillfully explain the nuances of bills and resolutions I have sponsored or those I have avoided; to legislative assistants who delve deep into the issues, much deeper than I have the time or sometimes the inclination to dig into; to a press shop that tries and often succeeds in making me look better and more thoughtful than I am; to legislative directors who try to focus my attention on issues where I might make a bit of a difference; to schedulers who gently remind me, without judging, of family birthdays and anniversaries and who keep me out of the middle seat more often than not; to expert staff in Arizona who endure protests and provide skilled outreach, sometimes to lonely posts across the State; to caseworkers who work to solve Medicare, Social Security, veteran, and immigration issues for constituents who later thank me in the grocery store for tireless work that I scarcely knew was done. prgtoken Now, to keep this ship moving in the right direction, there has to be a leader at the helm who is accomplished and skilled, equal parts firm and kind. It has been my good fortune that Chandler Morse has filled that role for many years. Chandler will be leaving for greener pastures at the end of this month. prgtoken Chandler first came to my House office in 2005 as a legislative assistant. I remember looking at his resume and wondering if his background at the National Association of Homebuilders would lend itself to working on a broader legislative agenda. But as soon as I met Chandler, I knew that he had the intellect and the work ethic to do whatever I asked of him. I have never been disappointed. prgtoken Chandler moved from legislative assistant to legislative director to deputy chief of staff and, eventually, to chief of staff here in the Senate. Along the way, he has handled natural resource issues, trade issues, homeland security issues, U.S.-Cuba policy issues, and, perhaps most difficult and vexing of all, immigration issues. prgtoken The Members and staff making up the Gang of 8 in 2013 relied heavily on Chandler's work and expertise during months of negotiations that led to the successful passage of a good bipartisan bill. prgtoken I would like to think that Chandler has enjoyed climbing aboard the Marc train in Baltimore to come to work in Washington every day. I
RECOGNIZING ``BLUEBONNET BELLE''
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-7-25

today I want to recognize the famed Bluebonnet Belle C-47 Skytrain in Burnet, Texas, that I represent. prgtoken The Bluebonnet Belle was designed and built in 1944. It flew more than 75 missions during World War II to carry cargo, passengers, and evacuate casualties. prgtoken The Highland Lakes Squadron Commemorative Air Force purchased the Belle in 2002 where it then made its way to Burnet, Texas, and has called the Lone Star State home ever since. prgtoken As recently as last year, this aircraft was used to transport food and supplies to the good people of Texas who suffered from Hurricane Harvey. It logged 13.6 flight hours going back and forth, which is incredible for a plane of this age. prgtoken Unfortunately, on Saturday, June 21, as the plane headed for the Oshkosh Air Show in Wisconsin, it crashed upon takeoff before catching fire and eventually exploding. prgtoken By the grace of God, all 13 crew members and passengers aboard the aircraft survived and are now in good spirits and safe. prgtoken I am thankful for the first responders who tended the aircrew and to those who helped contain the fire. I am sad to say that the Bluebonnet Belle will not be able to be restored. It is a huge loss for Burnet and for Texas 25. We will always remember this plane and all it accomplished across the United States and the world. It was a treasure that cannot be replaced. prgtoken In God we trust.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-7-25

I will just take a few moments as we are waiting for greater discussion about our appropriations package that is on the floor. Tribute to Marge Mullen prgtoken , the community of Soldotna, AK, in South Central Alaska--what we call the Kenai Peninsula--is going to be celebrating their Progress Days this weekend. On Friday, we have a homestead community barbecue, where a very special individual will be recognized as the first female homesteader in Soldotna. prgtoken Now, when most of us around here think about homesteading, we might go back to when President Lincoln signed the 1862 Homesteading Act. This enabled over 1.6 million people to stake their claim on Federal lands. Perhaps, if you are an Alaskan, you recall that homesteading became legal back in 1898. That was when President McKinley signed legislation to extend homesteading to what at that time was still the District of Alaska. It was not until decades later that we became a State. prgtoken What most people do not realize is that while the days of the wild West are certainly over here in the lower 48, the tradition of homesteading is still very, very much alive, and certainly we see that in Alaska. prgtoken So I would like to take just a couple of minutes this morning to share the story of an Alaskan homesteading icon, Marge Mullen. Again, it is Marge who will be recognized this weekend at Progress Days in Soldotna. In fact, on July 27, she will be recognized by the mayor of Soldotna, Mayor Anderson. July 27 will be recognized as ``Marge Mullen Appreciation Day.'' prgtoken Marge was born in Chicago in 1920. According to the Peninsula Clarion, the local newspapers there on the Kenai Peninsula, Marge claims that she remembers seeing an article on Alaskan homesteading in the Chicago Daily News back in 1947. The idea must have seemed really appealing to her because after she read that article, she and her husband Frank, who was a pilot during World War II, bought a small plane, and they headed north to plant their roots. That was quite a trek back in the late 1940s, to fly in a small aircraft. prgtoken They landed in Alaska. They walked 65 miles through some pretty tough terrain. They then settled their homestead on Soldotna Creek, making Marge the first woman to live in Soldotna under the Homestead Act. prgtoken It wasn't too many years after they arrived in Alaska that, sadly, Marge lost her husband Frank to polio. It certainly would have been easier at the time for her to just pack up and head back to Chicago, but Marge was a pretty independent, strong-headed woman, and she made that brave choice to remain on her homestead. prgtoken Just to kind of paint a picture of what we are talking about back in the early 1950s, to make sure everybody understands the significance of a decision like that, you can either stay out there in some pretty open and still very wild areas or you can go back to Chicago. Ho
RECOGNIZING THANET NATISRI
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to recognize Officer James Holder of Pinckneyville Police Department for receiving the Illinois State Bar Association's Law Enforcement Award. The Law Enforcement Award recognizes officer conduct that promotes justice and brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system. prgtoken Officer Holder was acknowledged for his involvement in a search and rescue operation during a major fire in an apartment building next to the Perry County Jail. He forcibly entered the building, notifying residents to immediately evacuate and clearing housing units to ensure no one was present. prgtoken He proceeded to identify the source of the fire and work with other first responders as traffic and crowd control. prgtoken Thank you, Officer Holder, for your brave service, and thank you to all of our first responders who are out there risking their lives every day to keep our communities safe.
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-25

. This bill will continue these opportunities, increasing funding, and giving States more flexibility to implement innovative programs. prgtoken Most importantly, a diverse group of members from our community from all socioeconomic backgrounds stand on the edge of success, and this will help get them there. prgtoken , I look forward to seeing this bill pass, and I urge everyone to support it.
EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE THAT THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE FACES SIGNIFICANT READINESS CHALLENGES AFFECTED BY BUDGETARY UNCERTAINTY
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-7-25

I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1010) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Air Force faces significant readiness challenges due to insufficient personnel levels, a shrinking and depleted aircraft fleet, and maintenance deferrals, all of which are affected by budgetary uncertainty and impede the Air Force's ability to meet ongoing and unexpected national security threats, putting United States national security at risk.
LOWER PREMIUM PLANS AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-25

for far too long, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have advocated for a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare. But as we have learned of the failures of Care, Federal Government mandates do not work for the American people. They demand choice. prgtoken Part of the House 's Better Way agenda is to restore the doctor-patient relationship and put patients back in control of their healthcare decisions. That is what we have done today. prgtoken I congratulate my colleagues on passage of H.R. 6311. H.R. 6311, the Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act, will provide more choice by expanding health savings accounts to help people plan and save for their healthcare needs, while also assessing lower cost healthcare plans. prgtoken Instead of paying high premiums, Americans can save their hard-earned money in tax-favored health savings accounts. It also delays Care's tax on health insurers for an additional 2 years, providing relief from the premium increase caused by the tax itself. prgtoken Simply put, our current healthcare system is failing the American people, prgtoken and I believe this reform will lower the cost of care while enhancing competition.
ENERGY DIVERSIFICATION FOR EUROPE
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to recognize a good friend and a key figure in education and communication sciences in Arkansas, Dr. Dan Tullos. prgtoken Dr. Tullos recently retired from Harding University, where he served since 1979 as a professor, program director, and chair of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. Under his guidance, the communication sciences and disorders program has grown from a major offered under the oversight of the Department of Communication to a separate department with two undergraduate majors and a graduate program. prgtoken Throughout his career, Dan has been honored by his colleagues, students, and industry leaders with well-deserved recognition and awards. Most notably, he was the 2015 recipient of the Frank R. Kleffner award, which recognizes an individual's outstanding contributions to communications. prgtoken For his devotion to youth development, education, scouting, and a better world that has improved the lives of countless individuals across Arkansas and the globe, I congratulate Dr. Tullos on his great career and his retirement. Honoring Pat Downs
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF GOVERNING BY CONTINUING RESOLUTION
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-7-25

I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona, and I would like to ask that she maybe elaborate a little bit more. prgtoken I think the gentlewoman brings up a great point about the impact on the Air Force, with Luke Air Force Base being there in her district, and the impact on airmen, the impact on the job that they do. I would love to have her share a little bit more about the conversations that I know she has had a lot with members of the military back in her district, but especially there at Luke Air Force Base, maybe elaborate a little bit more on the specific impacts that they deal with on a daily basis there at Luke Air Force Base.
TRIBUTE TO JIM GRANT
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-7-25

today I wish to honor Jim Grant. Describing him as a longtime, dedicated member of my staff does not adequately reflect his committed service. As of last week, Jim has worked 35 years in the U.S. Senate, in the offices of three Idaho Senators, through numerous Congresses and countless technological, State, and national changes. prgtoken The people of Idaho and our Nation have been far beyond well served by this dedicated and thoughtful public servant. Jim came to my office after working for two of my predecessors, Senator Steve Symms and Senator Dirk Kempthorne. Both have, not surprisingly, praised Jim's great work and dedication. I continue to feel blessed to benefit from Jim's extensive experience and work ethic over the past more than 19 years. prgtoken As a Caldwell, ID, native, Jim has a deep understanding of the State, and he has a profound sense of the pressing issues on the minds of many constituents. Jim reads and processes constituent mail. He is responsible for the timely response to the insight Idahoans have taken the time to share with me, and he carries out this responsibility with great care. This is an essential role in any congressional office, and Jim's work reflects a clear understanding of the importance of his work. He reliably ensures that their communications are wisely routed and that Idahoans are responded to effectively and promptly. As means of communication constantly change and speed up, this is no small undertaking, but Jim has taken on these developments and increased volumes with great proficiency. prgtoken Thank you, Jim. You have served our State and Nation admirably for a remarkable 35 years. During this time, you have helped ensure that Idaho voices are heard in this important legislative body and that what we do here in these halls is effectively communicated into countless households. This is such an important duty, and we have greatly benefited from your careful, hard work all these years. prgtoken Congratulations on this extraordinary milestone in your Senate service. I honor you, and thank you for your exceptional work.
HONORING THE BURLE FAMILY
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to recognize Caroline Lewallen of Jaemor Farms in Alto. prgtoken As a member of the Hall County Farm Bureau and Georgia Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers program, Caroline's commitment to our State's agricultural industry earned her the program's Excellence in Agriculture award. prgtoken Caroline holds degrees in agricultural education and leadership from the University of Georgia and Texas A&M University, respectively. She began her career as a student teacher and later became an agricultural fellow in the office of one of my former colleagues, Congressman Jack Kingston. prgtoken Today, Caroline serves as the agritourism and marketing coordinator for Jaemor Farms. At Jaemor Farms, Caroline manages all events, like the festival honoring my favorite peach, the annual Georgia Belle Peach Festival. She also runs Jaemor Farms' marketing and social media presence, regularly attracting attention from across the State and the country. prgtoken , Caroline has played an important role in promoting the work of the northeast Georgia farmers by communicating the importance of locally grown produce for communities, and I want to congratulate her on this award and wish her well throughout her career. Honoring Kit Dunlap
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-7-25

last week, the Finance Committee met to consider the nomination of Charles Rettig to be the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Charles Rettig is a highly qualified man whom I have long believed had near universal support from the members of the committee. prgtoken I suppose it should not be surprising, but my colleagues on the other side of the aisle were finally able to find an excuse for why they couldn't support this well-qualified practitioner. My friends on the other side, including Ranking Member Wyden, announced a newfound opposition to Mr. Rettig, based not on anything he has done, nor on anything he hasn't done. Instead, they decided to broadly oppose Mr. Rettig because of a recent regulatory change at the Treasury Department. prgtoken Now, some of you may be scratching your heads wondering how, if he hasn't been confirmed yet, does he have anything to do with this new regulatory change? I know it is puzzling. When you get into the weeds, it becomes clear that my friends have just been looking for an excuse to keep this well-qualified practitioner from heading up the IRS when our country needs him the most. prgtoken also raised extraneous news reports of a Russian person allegedly infiltrating the NRA and potentially infusing domestic organizations with so-called ``dark money.'' prgtoken Interestingly, though, they seem not to be at all concerned with the subsequent revelations that the very same person had meetings with at least one Federal Reserve official and at least one high-level official in the Treasury Department during the administration. Evidently, for , when it comes to activities that are quite concerning, the concerns vanish when the activities involve officials in a ic administration. prgtoken The point is, none of the ' concerns or opposition have anything to do with Mr. Rettig, and as his nomination moves forward, I will continue to talk about his incredible qualifications to be our IRS Commissioner as we move through his nomination process. prgtoken Today, I want to take a minute to address the Treasury Department's actions. By way of background, the Treasury Department changed an outdated Nixon administration rule that required certain tax-exempt organizations to report the names and addresses of taxpayers who made substantial donations. This requirement did not arise out of a current statute, it isn't useful for tax administration, and it unnecessarily puts taxpayer information at risk. Cognizant of these issues, the Treasury Department changed that rule. Not such a dramatic change, but to hear my ic colleagues react, you would think the Department repealed the Bill of Rights or sold our democracy down the river. prgtoken That is why I think it is critical to note that, despite the rule change, the IRS still has access to this information should the agency need it. Of course, you would never know that when
RESTORING ACCESS TO MEDICATION ACT OF 2018
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I take modest exception to the notion that somehow the Affordable Care Act failed. It represents the largest expansion of healthcare that we have seen in decades. It is so popular and important that, when my friends attempted to repeal it, something they have been working on for 7 years, it blew up in their face. Even President said their bill was mean. And it continues, even though they are working to dismantle it bolt by bolt. prgtoken I would hope that we will return to sanity to be able to work to be able to move forward on things like some of the elements in this bill here today that we agree upon that could move us forward rather than the continued battle over the notion that the Affordable Care Act is something that needs to be destroyed. The American people deserve better. prgtoken , .