mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 37. I want to commend my colleague from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for her leadership in sponsoring this measure. I am proud to be a cosponsor. prgtoken The blacklisting rule is a textbook example of executive overreach that became standard operating procedure during the previous administration. Instead of using the existing suspension and debarment system to deal with bad actors, the administration imposed an unnecessary regulation that placed significant burdens on all Federal contractors, even though they admitted that ``the vast majority of Federal contractors play by the rules.'' prgtoken This kind of action--failing to enforce existing rules and then imposing a burdensome, redundant regulatory scheme--is exactly what frustrates the American people about Washington. We all want bad actors to be held accountable, but this rule is unnecessary red tape that punishes everyone for the actions of a few. prgtoken As chairman of the Committee on Small Business, I am concerned that we already have 100,000 fewer small businesses doing business with the Federal Government than we did back in 2012. So in the second term of the administration, we lost 100,000 small businesses doing business with the Federal Government across the country. That means we have less competition, and that is bad for job creators and it is bad for taxpayers alike because, when there is less competition, we pay more, so the tax dollars that we send here to Washington are not used as efficiently as they ought to be. prgtoken The Committee on Small Business held several hearings and roundtables on this rule over the last 2 years, heard directly from small businesses, and examined the administration's rule very closely. What we found was quite alarming. prgtoken The blacklisting rule would force innocent small businesses to settle unproven claims, disclose commercially sensitive information to their competitors, and report information the Federal Government already has. So we are going through this whole process, and the Federal Government has already got it; but they are not competent enough to use what they have already got, so they want to put it on the contractor to do even more. It makes no sense. prgtoken Ultimately, this rule will result in small businesses being blacklisted from participating in Federal contracting based on accusations--just accusations--where they may ultimately be found innocent. They didn't do anything wrong, yet they are barred from doing business with the government. Again, it makes no sense. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 37. Passage of this joint resolution will undo a duplicative and unnecessary regulation that harms small business, hurts competition, and prevents taxpayers from getting the best bang for their buck. prgtoken I again want to thank the chairwoman for her leadership in pushing this forward. I urge my colleagues to supp
REMEMBERING JOE BILL DEARING
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-2-2

today I wish to remember Joe Bill Dearing, an Arkansan with a big heart who loved to tell a good story and was a legend in Hereford cattle breeding. He passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017, at the age of 88. prgtoken Joe was born in on, AR. He married his high school sweetheart, Dennie, in 1947, and the couple pursued a career in farming at their Red Robin Farm. prgtoken Joe came from a family of farmers so his passion for the industry and dedication to his craft came as no surprise. He established a nationally recognized herd of Polled Hereford cattle and became an internationally recognized Hereford cattle breeder. prgtoken This success also earned them the recognition of ``Boone County Family Farm of the Year'' in 1973. prgtoken He took his expertise to Montana in 1978 to work in the cattle industry and was active on the national cattle show circuit, winning the award for national champion bull in 1994 and 1995. prgtoken After his decades of raising cattle, he could still remember in detail his prized animals. He was more than happy to share pictures and stories of his cattle. prgtoken Joe was a longtime member of the Union Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, church secretary, and treasurer. prgtoken The Dearings were so kind to my daughters when they were showing cows through 4-H. We spent countless hours with Joe and Dennie traveling all over the country, and we witnessed the great examples of integrity and character that defined their lives. prgtoken Joe Dearing left a lasting legacy. He was a beloved husband, friend, community member, and cattle rancher. I was proud to call him my friend, and in fact, he and Dennie always seemed more like family. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 36, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A FINAL RULE OF THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 37, DISAPPROVING...
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-2-2

on Tuesday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule for consideration of two important measures, which would overturn two significant onerous regulations finalized in the waning days of the administration. prgtoken First, the resolution provides for the consideration of H.J. Res. 36, providing for congressional disapproval of the so-called BLM methane rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee and provides for a motion to recommit. prgtoken In addition, the resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 37, providing for congressional disapproval of the so-called blacklisting rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and provides for a motion to recommit. prgtoken , burdensome regulations are crippling our businesses. The administration finalized 38 major rules between election day and inauguration day. It is estimated those rules will cost our economy $41.2 billion. Sadly, this was just par for the course with the previous administration. In 2016, the administration finalized over 400 regulations at a cost of over $160 billion to the economy. Over the entire Presidency, over 3,000 regulations, at a cost of $873.6 billion, were finalized. prgtoken I am heartened by President 's regulatory freeze, which has been estimated to save over $180 billion in regulatory costs, followed by his executive order which aims to revoke two regulations for every new regulation put forward. prgtoken Specifically, H.J. Res. 36 overturns the BLM methane rule. The rule is a significant regulatory overreach by the Bureau of Land Management. Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate methane emissions, which it currently does. Instead, the BLM has decided to also assert authority over methane in a way that is both duplicative and unnecessary, yet has significant negative impact on jobs, energy production, and Federal, State, and local revenues. prgtoken , this is a regulation in search of a problem. According to a 2015 EPA study, methane emissions from both natural gas systems and crude oil production have fallen by significant margin, even while oil and natural gas production have exploded. The BLM flaring rule is both costly and unnecessary. prgtoken The second rule considered by this resolution is similarly a solution in search of a problem. For decades, the Federal Government has had a suspension and debarment process in place to deny Federal contracts to bad actors who violate basic worker protections. However, President signed an executive order directing various agencies to add another layer of bureaucracy onto the Federal procurement system. Prior to awarding a contract, each agency's contracting officer and a newly
TRIBUTE TO THE DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES MIDDLE SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL TEAMS IN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE 115TH CONGRESS
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise today to recognize and congratulate the members of the 2016 Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School Mock Trial teams on their success at the 33th Annual Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Competition in Des Moines, Iowa, which took place from November 14 through November 16, 2016. prgtoken The state competition featured 34 teams from around the state of Iowa. The two teams representing Dallas Center-Grimes defied expectations when both teams placed among the top ten. The members of the Green team, which placed 8th, were Garrett Bond, Audrey Frett, Dante Chittenden, Megan Grimes, Rachel Becker, Madison Stone, Josh Ward, and Huston Halverson. The members of the Purple Team, which placed 10th, were Molly Patterson, Sierra Sonberg, Alex Romig, Cale Schmitz, Elizabeth Vance, Sierra Mason, Emma Wagner, and Jordan Smith. The coaches of the two teams were Shannon Wallace, Jill Altringer, Kim Cross, Kathryn Pagel, and Jessica McCartan. prgtoken , the success of these students and coaches exemplifies the rewards of determination, commitment, and team work. I am proud to represent these young leaders in the United States Congress. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating them for their success in the state competition and in wishing them nothing but continued success in school and beyond.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A FINAL RULE OF THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken As I have mentioned before, , this rule will not just reduce waste and increase taxpayer revenues, it will also reduce air pollution and improve public health. prgtoken In support of that, we received a letter this week from 13 medical and public health groups, including the American Lung Association, the American Public Health Association, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the Public Health Institute, and many more, pointing out the importance of the BLM methane waste prevention rule for cutting down on harmful methane emissions. prgtoken They write: ``. . . we strongly urge you to oppose any Congressional Review Act resolution of disapprov- al . . .'' for the BLM rule. prgtoken They point to the volatile organic compounds that also pollute the air when natural gas leaks, saying that these chemicals ``include benzene, a known carcinogen; ethylbenzene, a probable carcinogen; and toluene, a neurotoxin that may also cause miscarriages and birth defects.'' prgtoken Also, these chemicals are ``precursors to the formation of ground- level ozone, a dangerous air pollutant that causes permanent lung damage. By limiting emissions of volatile organic chemicals, oil and natural gas limits will reduce the risk of ozone formation in the air and, thus, the risk of ozone-related health effects, including asthma attacks, hospital admissions, and, unfortunately, premature deaths.'' prgtoken These health impacts are just one more set of reasons why repealing the BLM Methane Waste Prevention Rule is the wrong way to go. prgtoken , .
Nominations of Jeff Sessions and Scott Pruitt (Executive Session)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-2-3

why are we even debating the nomination of a person who clearly does not believe in our Nation's public schools? No matter whether you are a , , Independent, no matter what part of the country you live in, whether rural or city, whether you have children or not, who would say that education is not important or valuable? Who would say that education is not foundational to success in life? prgtoken Nine of every 10 students in the United States attend a public school. Who among us would say those students should be led by a person who does not believe in public schools? Who among us would say that we should have an Education Secretary who does not commit to making public schools better for the sake of all of our children? prgtoken Then we should ask ourselves: Is Betsy DeVos the best that we can do for our children and young people? Does Betsy DeVos believe in public schools? No. Has Betsy DeVos ever been a teacher, a principal, or even attended public school? No. Does Betsy DeVos believe that we should hold charter schools--which are public schools, by the way--equally as accountable as other public schools? No. Does Betsy DeVos understand educational civil rights laws that provide all children with disabilities the opportunity to pursue a free and appropriate public education? No. Did Betsy DeVos commit to holding schools accountable for campus sexual assault? No. Again, I ask: Is Betsy DeVos the best that we can do for our children and young people? No. prgtoken Again, why are we even here to debate whether such a person should lead the Department of Education? I feel as though we are going down a rabbit hole where up is down and down is up. It should not be asking too much to have an Education Secretary who will stand up for public schools and the millions of our children and young people who attend our public schools all across our country. prgtoken Education is foundational. I think we all acknowledge that. I speak from experience. When I came to this country at almost 8 years old, I did not speak a word of English. I attended public schools where I learned how to speak English, developed my love of reading, and ultimately prepared for college. Public schools really helped prepare me for life. prgtoken I had a great sixth grade teacher. His name is Yoshinobu Oshiro. Before he was a teacher, Mr. Oshiro served in the military intelligence service during World War II, one of the segregated Japanese-American units that went on to earn the Congressional Gold Medal. He really cared about his students, and he encouraged me to study hard. prgtoken I have stayed in touch with Mr. Oshiro for decades. When I was last home in Hawaii about a month ago, I invited him to the historic meeting of President and Prime Minister Abe of Japan at Pearl Harbor. I wanted to make sure that Mr. Oshiro met both Prime Minister Abe and President . This happened. Today, I have a photo of Mr.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-2-3

. I thank the majority leader for his comments. prgtoken I don't think he wants me to delve very deeply into why we do not have a Secretary of Health and Human Services. It is because the s have not produced nor has the nominee produced full disclosure, as the gentleman knows, of his financial dealings with respect to legislation that he introduced and supported. They want full information so that they can make a considered judgment. I won't go further into that deep well, however. prgtoken I will say to the gentleman that you don't need a Secretary to bring legislation to the floor, and this is not an issue that is new this year or that is as a result of the November election of last year. It is, frankly, after 65 votes on this floor, to repeal the Affordable Care Act without having an alternative. prgtoken I will tell my friend, the majority leader, with great respect, you have had 6 years. You can catalog all of the things that you think are bad. Obviously, you don't mention any of the things that are good except so many in your caucus--perhaps the overwhelming majority of the caucus--say we are going to keep preexisting conditions, and we are going to keep 26. Of course, we are not going to eliminate annual limits, because that will hurt people and force them into bankruptcy. I don't hear that discussion going on. But the fact of the matter is, Mr. Leader, you cannot get away from the fact that 6 years have gone by since we adopted the Affordable Care Act--6 years of complaining about how awful it is. prgtoken By the way, as the gentleman knows, the majority of people now have made it very clear they do not want to repeal the Affordable Care Act unless they see a replacement on the table that they can consider and look to for alternatives. And that, as you know, Mr. Leader, is the first time in the 6 years because people said, ``yes, we don't like the Affordable Care Act'' in a vacuum, but now, when it really may be repealed, they are looking at it much more closely, and they don't know what is going to replace it, and they are concerned. prgtoken I have, I will tell you, family after family after family--I had somebody come up to me in the grocery store two nights ago, at Teeter--with tears in his eyes--who said: Don't let them repeal the Affordable Care Act. I have a son who has a dire illness; and but for the fact of the Affordable Care Act, he would not be covered, and we couldn't keep him alive--with tears in his eyes. prgtoken So, when I hear you cataloging some of the things, those cases aren't mentioned. The 30 million aren't mentioned. The preexisting condition isn't mentioned. prgtoken I will say to my friend that you don't need a Secretary of Health and Human Services to bring a bill forward.
Nominations of Jeff Sessions and Scott Pruitt (Executive Session)
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2017-2-3

I rise today to address the potential confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. I rise today not just as a Senator from Montana; I am a former public school teacher, a former public school board member. I have a mother who was a teacher and an aunt who was a teacher. I have a daughter who is a teacher. I have a sister-in-law who is a teacher. I have a number of teachers in my family. They all have either taught at or currently teach at public schools. When I was growing up, education was a critical part of what we developed into. Public education was something that my parents thought was very important. That was instilled in them by my grandmother, who over 100 years ago immigrated to this country from Sweden, due in part to the public education system we have in this country today. prgtoken When I came home from school every day, my mother would quiz me on what went on in public education. By the way, I went to the same school she did. She would find out what had transpired, both the interactions with the kids and what went on academically in the school, and also offer me a hand if I needed help with the academic portion. We would talk about my experiences in the public school because it was important. She knew it was important. prgtoken She was the daughter of a homesteader. When she was a child, homesteading wasn't exactly looked upon kindly by the ranchers of the community. They thought homesteaders were taking away their right to make a living--breaking up that good grass and putting wheat on it, making it so cattle couldn't continue to graze there. There was a lot of friction between ranchers' and farmers' kids. They all went to the same public school. In my particular case, it was Big Sandy Public Schools. In the environment of that public school, those kids learned to get along. What resulted from that was the ``greatest generation.'' We live in a world today due in much part to their figuring out a way to get along, figuring out a way to communicate, figuring out a way to make the world a prgtoken better place. That was due I think entirely because of the public education system we have in this country today. prgtoken Our public education system is--and this cannot be argued--the foundation of our democracy. When I was growing up and the Vietnam conflict was going on and there were conflicts around the world, everybody said: You know, these countries need to have a democracy. And then there was a realization that without an educated population, democracies really don't work. prgtoken We have had a democracy in this country for nearly 250 years because of the success of our public education system. We have had a middle class in this country that has been the envy of the world because of our--listen to me--public education system. It is the foundation of our democracy, it is the foundation of our economy, and it is a place where we learn to live together peacefully. <|p|
HONORING MICHAEL MINASIAN
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-3

I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and the passing of a special person from Montebello, California. Mr. Michael Minasian was an irreplaceable member of the Armenian-American community, who was born to survivors of the Armenian genocide in 1931. Mr. Minasian's success wasn't handed to him; for five years he and his family lived in a camp for displaced persons after World War II. When Mr. Minasian and his family immigrated to the United States, he attended night school to learn English while helping his parents support the family. prgtoken From 1953 to 1955, Mr. Minasian served in the U.S. Armed Forces in West Germany, and became a citizen in 1954. He returned to the Los Angeles area where he produced the bilingual ``Armenian Radio Hour'' and put his entrepreneurial spirit to work, first through owning the International Music Center in East Los Angeles, and later by building a successful insurance agency. More recently, Mr. Minasian reinvented himself as a land developer, building tracts of single family homes. Through his businesses, Mr. Minasian helped develop the City of Montebello and much of Eastern Los Angeles County bears his mark. prgtoken Mr. Minasian's contributions to the economy of our community were rivaled only by his civic leadership. A champion of the Armenian- American community, he spearheaded efforts to build the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument, which towers over Montebello's Bicknell Park. As founder of the Armenian Assembly, he paid his success forward to young Armenians by creating a Washington, DC internship placement program. Mr. Minasian has even made a difference right here in the United States Congress, where he successfully led the fight for passage of Armenian-genocide resolutions in 1975, 1984, and 1985. prgtoken Countless organizations in Montebello have benefitted from Mr. Minasian's leadership. He served as President of the Montebello Junior Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Montebello Citizens Advisory Committee on Park Planning and Design. He has also served on the boards of directors of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce and the Armenian Educational Foundation. His contributions to the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Montebello American Legion, and as Human Services Commissioner for the City of Montebello will not be forgotten. prgtoken Mr. Minasian's life embodies the spirit of our hardworking immigrant community. His legacy will serve as a shining example, not only to the Armenian-American community but for all future generations, of the difference that one man or woman can make in his or her community. I hope my colleagues will join me in sending my condolences to his widow, Lydia, and their four children and six grandchildren.