mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-5-8

I rise today in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. prgtoken At the outset, I want to thank my colleague, Mrs. Napolitano, for being a partner in this and a leader in this issue for a long time. I am honored to speak with her on this issue. Many of my comments today are going to echo the sentiments that she just spoke here in Congress, but it bears repeating, in my own words. prgtoken Throughout May, my colleagues and I will bring attention to the impact of mental illness on American society, as well as Congress' role in addressing mental healthcare issues facing the country. It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues in the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, including Mrs. Napolitano, to raise awareness for mental illness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and create legislation that improves mental health outcomes for all Americans. prgtoken Mental illnesses have a devastating effect on those struggling to live with them. This includes changes in mood, social interactions, sleep patterns, and eating habits. Sadly, the most extreme consequences that occur all too often for mental illness are when individuals inflict self-injury or take their life. prgtoken Here are some statistics that should stun everybody. prgtoken Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, and it is the 2nd leading cause of death among Americans aged 24 and younger. Let me repeat that. The 10th leading cause of death for all Americans is suicide, and for Americans aged 24 and younger, it is the 2nd leading cause of death. That is stunning. prgtoken Approximately 1.4 million Americans attempt suicide each year, and over 47,000 Americans lose their life to suicide each and every year. prgtoken The United States has 3,700 suicide attempts daily and 129 suicide deaths per day. This equates to one suicide every 12 minutes. By the time I finish this speech, statistics will have it that another person will have taken their life. That should wake people up in this country. prgtoken Not only does suicide have severe emotional costs on families and communities, it also has a huge cost to our economy. It is estimated that suicide and self-injury reduce the economic output of the United States by nearly $70 billion a year. prgtoken The suicide epidemic is responsible for nearly the same amount of deaths in the United States as another major crisis, one that gets far more attention, and rightfully so, that being the opioid epidemic. It is estimated that opioids were the cause of 47,600 deaths in America last year, only a few hundred more than suicide. prgtoken While solving the opioid crisis has received ample funding and attention, and rightfully so, reducing suicide and improving mental health treatment deserves the same recognition. We fall far short of that now, far short of that. prgtoken To give you an example, the Zika virus came about in this country, and, of course, it was a terrible virus with terrible consequences. C
Opioid Epidemic (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-5-8

I come to the floor today again to talk about the drug epidemic that continues to be such a big issue in my home State of Ohio and around our country. I am here now for my 56th floor speech, I am told, on this topic, sometimes talking about the opioid crisis that has gripped my State the way it has so many others in this Chamber but also talking about other issues that relate to the drug epidemic. It is not just about the prescription drugs, the heroin, the fentanyl, and the carfentanil that have impacted so many women and children and families and devastated so many communities; there are also other issues. The one I want to talk about today is what is happening with regard to crystal meth. prgtoken Methamphetamine is back with a vengeance, and we need to have a more effective response to it. Congress has done quite a bit in the last several years to push back against this drug epidemic. prgtoken New policies have been put in place at the Federal level for the past few years that are promoting better prevention, treatment, and recovery and helping our law enforcement respond with Narcan--that miracle drug that reverses the effects of overdoses--and helping to ensure that we have a prevention message out there that is more effective. prgtoken Congress has now spent more than $3 billion in additional funding-- taxpayer dollars--to support treatment and recovery programs, and it has been needed. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act has provided a lot of that, and so has the 21st Century Cures Act. That goes directly to the States. prgtoken The good news is that these efforts are actually starting to pay off. Drug overdose deaths are still way too high. In Ohio, we started with a high-water mark, but after 8 years of more people dying every single year, finally, last year, we saw in Ohio and around the country a reduction in overdose deaths. That is great news. We peaked in 2017 at 72,000 Americans losing their lives. It is the No. 1 cause of death in my home State of Ohio and the No. 1 cause of death for all Americans under the age of 50. prgtoken The progress has been particularly encouraging in places like Ohio. We saw a 21.4-percent drop in overdose deaths in the first half of last year, 2018. Those are the last numbers we have and the most recent data we have. That was the biggest drop in the Nation, actually, between July of 2017 and June of 2018. So in that 1-year period, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, Ohio had the biggest drop in the country. Again, that was partly because Ohio's numbers were so high. We were second in the Nation in overdose deaths, from that data. prgtoken Nationally, we are seeing a more promising, if more modest, downturn in overdose deaths. Between September of 2017 and March of 2018, overdose deaths fell from about 72,000 to about 71,000. Overall, the overdose rate dropped in 21 States and nearly a full percentage point nationally
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-5-8

I have 8 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``New entrants in the National Airspace.'' Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' civil work program.'' Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examining MACRA implementation.'' Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Indian Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Special Committee on Aging prgtoken The Special Committee on Aging is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Older American Act.'' Subcommittee on Strategic Forces prgtoken The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration prgtoken The Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration of the Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
National Small Business Week (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-5-8

our Nation's economy is booming. Last Friday's jobs report far exceeded anyone's expectations. It showed that we added 263,000 jobs last month and that unemployment was sitting at the lowest since 1969. At the backbone of it all are our small businesses. prgtoken Just look at my home State of Iowa, where 99 percent of our businesses are small businesses. With our State's prgtoken economy continuing to grow and our unemployment amongst the lowest in the Nation, it is clear that our small businesses' success is Iowa's success. These job creators in our State are leading the way by finding innovative solutions and creating new opportunities for our workforce. Too often, small businesses struggle to comply with some of the most costly and burdensome regulations that come out of Washington, DC. prgtoken As a way to rein in these regulations and to foster a more thoughtful rulemaking process, this week, I reintroduced my PROVE IT Act. This bipartisan legislation gives the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy an opportunity to ask Agencies to prove their regulatory analyses when proposing a rule that may be economically harmful to small businesses. It gives Iowa's small businesses a voice in the rulemaking process. prgtoken One increasingly important component of our country's labor market is women-owned small businesses. Iowa ranks in the top 10 for growth in employment and revenues in women-owned businesses. However, these businesses still face many challenges. That is why I recently introduced the Expanding Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses Act, which addresses the discrepancy in sole-source manufacturing contracts that puts women-owned small businesses at a disadvantage. This bipartisan bill is a sensible and simple fix to help ensure all of Iowa's small business owners get a fair shot at competing and succeeding. prgtoken Commonsense deregulation, coupled with tax reform, has helped to fuel economic growth and has contributed to high levels of consumer and business confidence. Yet, folks, there is still a lot of work to be done. While many of Iowa's small businesses would absolutely love to provide their employees with the option of having paid parental leave, it is just far too costly. That is one reason I am working with Senator Mike Lee on a proposal that would allow new moms and dads who work at one of these small businesses the opportunity to receive paid parental leave. prgtoken As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I am excited to celebrate National Small Business Week and to continue fighting for pro-growth policies and a regulatory system that encourages innovation and job growth--one in which Iowa's small businesses are heard loud and clear. As I have said before, when Iowa's small businesses are successful, Iowa also succeeds. prgtoken .
STEM School Highlands Ranch Shooting (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-5-8

I am saddened to have to begin my remarks this morning by acknowledging yet another senseless act of school violence in America. prgtoken Less than a month after the 20th anniversary of the tragic shooting at Columbine High School, another Colorado community was shattered yesterday afternoon. Just miles away, at the STEM School Highlands Ranch, one student has been killed, eight others have been wounded, and many more young lives have been changed forever at the hands of two of their fellow students. prgtoken I know the entire Senate joins me in holding the victims of yesterday's shooting, their families, and their entire community in our prayers today. prgtoken Our gratitude is with the first responders of Douglas County, whose swift action to engage the shooters saved untold lives.
RECOGNIZING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CAROL WARREN-CLARK
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-8

I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Carol Warren-Clark on her retirement after serving over 30 years in our United States Armed Forces. prgtoken She has dedicated her time in the military to healthcare, administering it in nearly every capacity imaginable to keep our soldiers healthy. prgtoken In Afghanistan, she was responsible for medical evacuation plans. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, CMS Warren-Clark directed all inpatient services. prgtoken She also led a medical team for the 57th Presidential inauguration. prgtoken Her latest position has been as command sergeant major for the Winn Army Community Hospital located in the First Congressional District of Georgia, where her ability to increase efficiency and readiness has shined. By decreasing administrative costs 5 percent at the hospital and boosting soldier deployment readiness 5 percent, she has made significant contributions to every soldier and our military as a whole. prgtoken , I thank Command Sergeant Major Warren-Clark for her commitment and her service to our Nation. prgtoken Enjoy your retirement, and congratulations.
RECOGNIZING JACQUELINE AND VICTORIA SCHNEIDER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-8

I rise to recognize a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that was recently named Pennsbury School District's 2018-2019 Nonprofit Partner of the Year. prgtoken Artists of Yardley, founded in 2004, is an organization dedicated to enhancing creativity in our community through immersion in the arts. prgtoken Located at the Janney House on Patterson Farm in Yardley, Artists of Yardley boasts over 250 members and offers classes, workshops, and summer camps for young people in Bucks County. These opportunities, taught by professional art instructors, seek to amplify the artistic talents and education of our community's youth. prgtoken Notably, for the past 3 years, Artists of Yardley has organized an art competition for Pennsbury School District students at its headquarters. prgtoken , I applaud Artists of Yardley for all of its amazing work with our community and for inspiring Bucks County students to pursue their dreams. prgtoken I would also like to particularly thank Artists of Yardley's president, Alison Smith, and vice president, Jim Bongartz, for all of their work and service to our community.
RECOGNIZING SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE OFFICER THOMAS WILSON
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-5-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Suffolk County Police Officer Thomas Wilson. prgtoken In responding to a 911 hang up call, Officer Wilson came upon a female victim with severe stab wounds and an armed assailant who refused to surrender. Thanks to his quick and measured thinking, while assuming clear risk to his own life, Officer Wilson was able to subdue and arrest the armed assailant and provide lifesaving first aid to the female victim. prgtoken His courageous actions have earned him the Silver Shield Award from Suffolk County PBA, and he will soon receive the Combat Medal from Suffolk County PD. prgtoken While this is an extraordinary act of heroism, those who know Officer Wilson are not surprised. This is the same man who worked on the pile in the aftermath of 9/11 for 350 hours and who has traveled to D.C. dozens of times to fight for the Zadroga Act and to fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. prgtoken On behalf of our entire community and Nation, I thank Officer Wilson for his continued service.
IN MEMORY OF RILEY CARL HOWELL
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-8

. Madam , it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize Riley Carl Howell, a hero from Waynesville, North Carolina. Riley gave the ultimate sacrifice when he saved the lives of his fellow classmates at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on April 30, 2019. prgtoken I am honored and humbled to have represented a young man so full of life, courage, and selfless character. Riley Howell was fatally shot when a gunman entered his classroom at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and opened fire. Rather than fleeing, twenty-one-year-old Riley Howell bravely charged the gunman--knocking him off his feet, which enabled his classmates to find cover and allowed the authorities more time to apprehend the gunman. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police hailed Riley as a hero and stated that his bravery prevented further violence and saved his classmates' lives. Riley's selfless actions on April 30th clearly demonstrate his courage in the face of adversity-- confronting danger to protect those around him--even at the risk of his own life. prgtoken My deepest sympathies go out to Riley's loved ones that are left behind to grieve his passing and honor his sacrifice. Riley's life touched many, especially his parents, Thomas Howell and Natalie Henry- Howell, and his siblings, Iris, Juliet, and Teddy. Riley was an enthusiastic student and graduated from T.C. Roberson High School in Asheville, North Carolina, before studying at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While in school, Riley served as a cadet in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). The ROTC motto is ``Leadership Excellence''-- Riley embodied the spirit of this motto in his life by helping and encouraging those around him, and ultimately by putting the safety of others ahead of his own. Riley's life brought endless joy to those around him, and his legacy of sacrificial love will continue to inspire and encourage all the lives he touched. prgtoken Riley had a tremendous impact on his community, and he will always be remembered as a hero. Riley's life was celebrated in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Riley's example of putting others first brings John 15:13 to mind, ``Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.''
National Small Business Week (Executive Calendar)
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-5-8

I was asked to bat cleanup on National Small Business Week for our conference. I have been a Main Street entrepreneur my entire life. prgtoken My wife and I moved back to our hometown in 1978. She will celebrate her 41st anniversary this September with her only job--a business in our downtown selling home accessories and gifts. prgtoken I am very proud of you, Maureen. prgtoken Three years later, I had my opportunity to stake out my attempt at being an entrepreneur. As Senator Scott mentioned, it is fraught with pitfalls. There is no guarantee, when you stick your neck out and want to do some enterprise--no guarantee it is going to turn out. What a thrill it is, though, when it does, and it is what drives our great country. prgtoken Enterprise in this country, from its foundation, was built upon small businesses. We have over 500,000 of them in Indiana. Those businesses created over 38,000 new jobs in the last year, but things aren't as good as they could be because as much as the tax reform did for securing the future of small business, it is not permanent. We need to make sure that is done sometime before 2025. prgtoken Manufacturing--the biggest business in Indiana since the economy has created the hottest context for business, small, medium or large. Six times more jobs in President 's 2 years have been created in manufacturing than the last 2 years of the prior administration. prgtoken Sometimes a little business can get lucky and become a medium-size business and a large business. Mine followed that pathway. I will give you a little detail on that in a moment. prgtoken McDonald's started with one location. This summer they will add, in the prgtoken State of Indiana, 11,000 summer jobs. International companies even come to the State of Indiana because our door is open and what a great place to have a small, medium, or large business. prgtoken Saab will add a $25 million investment in West Lafayette that will create 200 great-paying jobs. prgtoken Now back to my story. We raised a family, and I had the chance to start my business. In 17 years, it never got beyond 15 employees. That is the number of employees I started with in 1981 and that is what I had in 1998. prgtoken Perseverance, patience, reinvesting, keeping a low overhead so you can get through the scrapes that inevitably will come in an economy, and someday your day of opportunity will arise. prgtoken In the darkest hours of the great recession, when our industry shrunk by over 50 percent literally overnight, every asset I owned was a piece of commercial real estate--a warehouse. Everything I sold was an unnecessary want, not a need--auto and truck accessories. I wondered, what did the future hold? prgtoken Well, the future held the greatest opportunity I could have ever imagined because I lived my life in a way that set the stage for opportunity. I make that point because we are not doing it in this institution. prgtoken We have
Iran (Executive Calendar)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-5-8

5 years ago, I, along with 46 of my fellow Senators, released a letter to Iran's Ayatollah letting him know that any nuclear deal he reached with President wouldn't be worth the paper it was printed on unless it was ratified as a treaty by two- thirds of the U.S. Senate. We wrote: ``The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time.'' prgtoken A lot of people were upset by this letter, but I don't really know why. All it did was state a straightforward lesson on American civics-- something any ninth grader who has read our Constitution should know. Yet the Ayatollah agreed to a deal with President that was not, in fact, approved by two-thirds of the Senate. In fact, it was almost rejected by three-fifths of the Senate. Just as we cautioned, not 3 years later, a new President did, in fact, revoke that deal with the stroke of a pen. prgtoken Today is the 1-year anniversary of America's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, and a lot has happened since then. prgtoken Just this morning, Iran threatened to renew its rush to the bomb, stockpiling more uranium and producing more heavy water--even threatening to enrich nuclear fuels to dangerous levels in the months ahead if the civilized world does not cave to its demands. prgtoken We know better than to cave in to the ayatollahs. The United States will remain steadfast in our maximum pressure campaign against Iran until that regime abandons its nuclear and missile program and its support for terrorism. I welcome the news that the President is announcing new sanctions on Iran's mining industry as well. prgtoken As for our European allies and partners and members of the business community abroad, I hope Iran's threats will serve as a needed wake-up call. Any attempt to invest in Iran's market under any circumstances other than Iran's complete and verifiable cessation of its full range of malign activities will be fraught with huge legal and financial risks--huge risks. Businesses shouldn't put themselves in that compromising position, and European partners shouldn't give in to Iran's high-stakes nuclear blackmail. prgtoken Of course, today's announcement is just the latest dangerous provocation by the Iranian regime. In the past year, Iran and its well- armed proxies have continued their killing spree across the Middle East--the same spree they were on before and during the Iran nuclear deal. This time, the United States has stood up to Iran rather than rewarding its evil deeds. prgtoken We designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps for what it is--a foreign terrorist organization--for plotting attacks around the world and arming groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the very same groups that slaughtered innocent civilians in Israel just last weekend with no regard for the lives they purportedly represent in