mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-6-14

Chaz Karidis of Madison County, Illinois, had dreams of being a husband and a father. His family said he wanted to be a good role model for his younger brother. prgtoken Sadly, those dreams came to an end in November of 2013 when Chaz's mom, Kari, received a phone call that no parent wants to receive. Kari learned that Chaz had lost his battle with heroin addiction just after his 23rd birthday. prgtoken As a parent and a grandparent, I can't imagine the agony in receiving that call. prgtoken This painful loss of a child led Kari to launch a nonprofit that provides support and assistance to the companions of people suffering from addiction. Sadly, organizations like Kari's are needed now more than ever. prgtoken In 2016, there were almost 2,000 opioid overdose fatalities in Illinois alone. That is nearly twice the number of fatalities that occur in motor vehicle accidents. prgtoken Opioid overdose deaths have increased 82 percent between 2013 and 2016 in Illinois; not counting how much it has increased around this Nation. prgtoken These aren't just numbers, and they aren't just statistics. These are moms and dads and sons and daughters and neighbors and friends. prgtoken Addiction doesn't care about your race, your income, your gender, or your politics. That is why I am proud to join my and friends this week in the passing of legislation that focuses on treatment and recovery, prevention, protecting our communities, and fighting against synthetic drugs. If we work together, we can save lives and continue to restore hope in our communities. prgtoken To the folks at home, if you see someone struggling with addiction, please encourage them to seek help through the local drug and alcohol treatment centers. Don't wait for a phone call, the one you want never to come.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-6-14

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until Monday, June 18; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed. I further ask that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 5515. I further ask that it be in order for Senator Sanders or his designee to raise a single Congressional Budget Act point of order that lay against amendment No. 2282 on the bill, as amended, and that a motion to waive then be considered to have been made and the Senate vote on the motion without intervening action or debate; finally, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, all postcloture time on H.R. 5515, as amended, expire at 5:30 p.m Monday, and the cloture motion filed today ripen following disposition of H.R. 5515.
HONORING ALYSSA YARCK
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to recognize Alyssa Yarck. A student at the University of North Georgia, my alma mater, Alyssa recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award--the highest honor that the leadership organization awards. prgtoken Alyssa joined the Girl Scouts as a kindergartener, entering into the Daisy ranks and deepening her commitment to the program even after graduating from Chestatee High School. prgtoken She received the Girl Scout Gold Award for modernizing a system to equip first responders with important health information about students in Hall County. prgtoken The new database, Assisting Special Kids' Needs and Other Technologies (A.S.K.N.O.T.), centralizes students' individual health needs and contact information within Hall County Central Communications, preparing emergency responders to better care for children in the event of an emergency. prgtoken Whether an emergency occurs at school or home, first responders now have access to medical information for students who have enrolled in A.S.K.N.O.T. and can then respond accordingly. prgtoken Alyssa started this program in 2015 and completed it last September. Her tireless service through the Girl Scouts has left a lasting impact on children in our community--I want to thank Alyssa for her dedication and congratulate her on this significant honor.
MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING U.S. ARMY STAFF SERGEANT ALEXANDER W. CONRAD
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today, along with my Arizona colleagues, to honor the life and sacrifice of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad from Chandler, Arizona, who was recently killed by indirect enemy fire while in support of Operation Octave Shield in Somalia. prgtoken Sergeant Conrad served as a human intelligence, noncommissioned officer and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. prgtoken Sergeant Conrad's decorated service included two tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. prgtoken , Sergeant Conrad was one of Arizona's finest. He fought to free the oppressed and to ensure that all Americans live out their days in liberty. prgtoken Please keep his family, friends, and comrades in your prayers. prgtoken , I now ask that Members please join me and my Arizona colleagues for a moment of silence to remember U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Alexander W. Conrad.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-6-14

the Senate adopted amendment No. 2276 to H.R. 5515 by voice vote, though I opposed this amendment and would have voted against it. This amendment would further study the feasibility of establishing a permanent U.S. troop presence in Poland. We should be looking at where we can reduce our footprint abroad, not where we can expand it. As our government continues to pile up debt, we should be asking our NATO allies to step up and prioritize their own defense. The more that we assume the security burden, as this amendment would do, the less incentive these countries will have to contribute their share toward our mutual defense. (At the request of Mr. Durbin, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record,)
RECOGNIZING AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 70 IN JUDITH GAP, MONTANA
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today, on Flag Day, to recognize American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 in Judith Gap for its patriotism and successful efforts to honor our nation and flag. In 2014, the auxiliary unit teamed up with American Legion Post 70 to begin Flags on Main Street. Flags on Main Street is a grassroots, community-driven project. The initial goal of the program was to mark patriotic holidays with the American flag flying on every business, home, and building on the main street passing through Judith Gap. The ALA unit purchased flag holders and flags, and members went door-to- door to bring the program to life. Businesses and residents along the main street welcomed the unit's patriotic spirit, and the people of Judith Gap began placing flag holders on prominent locations beyond the main corridor so that our flag could fly throughout the town on patriotic holidays. American Legion Post 70 coupled Flags on Main Street with their local flag education program. Flags on Main Street continues to enjoy widespread, enthusiastic support in Judith Gap. The flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom. Its stars and stripes represent our founding, our republic, and our unity. As Ronald Reagan said, ``The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice.'' It is my honor to recognize American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 in Judith Gap for its patriotism, dedication to its community, and its spirit of Montana.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-6-14

I appreciate the efforts made by my friend and distinguished colleague, the Senator from South Carolina. I wish to speak concerning the purpose for my making this request. I do so with great respect for this body, for its customs, its traditions, its rules, and for each of its Members. prgtoken At the same time, it is imperative that we point out what is happening. We have a bill--one of the most consequential pieces of legislation we vote on each year--the National Defense Authorization Act. We have been effectively shut out of a meaningful amendment process, one that has historically marked this body as one of its distinguishing characteristics; one that has historically helped this body to refer to itself as the world's greatest deliberative legislative body. prgtoken We have tested that in recent months and years as Members have started objecting with increasing frequency to prgtoken anyone getting a vote on any amendment they don't like, that they object to. The amendment at issue is based on a bipartisan piece of legislation called the Due Process Guarantee Act. I am the lead sponsor, along with my lead cosponsor, the senior Senator from California, Mrs. Feinstein. prgtoken The purpose of this amendment is simple. It is to make sure the U.S. Government has no authority and claims no authority to indefinitely detain U.S. citizens apprehended on U.S. soil. Most people listening to this--anyone listening to it--would think, why on Earth would we need legislation stating something so obvious? The fact is, we shouldn't. prgtoken It is the inexorable command of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, not to mention other statutory and constitutional protections, that the indefinite detention without charge, without trial, without access to a jury, without access to counsel--these kinds of things are anathema to our way of life, to our constitutional system of laws. prgtoken Why then do we need this amendment? Well, about 7 years ago, toward the end of 2011, when Congress was considering, then ultimately passed, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Congress included in that legislation a provision, section 2021 of that bill, that purported to give the U.S. Government that authority in certain circumstances. prgtoken In other words, there were circumstances based on the accusations against you, as an American citizen, that you could be apprehended on U.S. soil and held indefinitely without charge or trial. This violates everything we know about our system of government. It violates everything we know about the laws of any decent nation--any nation that recognizes the fundamental, essentially eternal dignity of the human soul. This is not something we do in the United States. prgtoken I raised objections to it at the time. I tried to fix it at the time. It didn't happen. The following year, late in 2012, when we were addressing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fis
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-6-14

. That was very touching. Thank you very much, I say to my friend, Senator Schumer. prgtoken , I want to start today by giving an update as to where we are in the process for the NDAA. prgtoken At 10:30 a.m which is coming up shortly, we are going to have a cloture vote on Toomey's amendment that applies the REINS Act to the CFIUS rulemaking process. We all know what that is. We all know there is opposition. If that vote fails, we will immediately roll into a cloture vote on the substitute amendment. That is our amendment, which we will be considering as the bill. Then, we hope to invoke cloture on the underlying bill this afternoon before we head out of town. If we are able to do that, we will have the final passage vote on Monday when we return. prgtoken We are also working diligently as we speak to clear an additional managers' package. One of the things we were talking about, and I have been somewhat critical of some of my fellow Members, is the fact that we have been operating under rules--and we have gone through this in years past; it is almost predictable that one individual will try to use this bill as a must-pass bill. Everyone knows it is going to pass; it has passed for the last 57 years. So, logically, it is where you put an amendment that is very difficult to pass. I don't blame them for that. I would do the same thing. Nonetheless, I wouldn't do it if it caused all other amendments to not be considered. prgtoken I am hoping we will be able to have a managers' package. I have reason to believe and I am optimistic about that, and it would be a great thing to have. I don't know how many of these amendments would ultimately be in the managers' package, but we are talking about a lot of amendments, and we have already cleared many amendments. prgtoken Anyone who criticizes the process that we are going through right now may not be aware of how many amendments we have considered in our work on this in committee. We are talking about some 300 amendments, and since that time, countless amendments have been agreed to on both sides. That is where we are today. prgtoken It will be a great victory for all of us in this Chamber if we can get the managers' amendments agreed to, and hopefully that will be true. prgtoken I can't neglect that today is the Army's 243rd birthday. I actually attended a birthday party for the U.S. Army quite a while before a lot of you were even born, when I was in Fort Lee, VA, in the U.S. Army. We would have been celebrating the 180th birthday at that time. Back when we were celebrating the 180th birthday, I never dreamed I would be around to celebrate the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Army. prgtoken The Army is actually older than this country is. In 1775, brave Americans joined the cause to fight for the life and liberty we hold so dear now. It is the same motivation that still inspires the service of the men and women who join the Army and, indeed, all of the service br
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR RECOVERY IN VIABLE ENVIRONMENTS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ACT
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-14

. Mr. Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ranking member for her leadership on this issue. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5735, the THRIVE Act. prgtoken H.R. 5735 has a worthy goal. Helping individuals struggling with addiction to access treatment and recovery services is certainly important, but despite these intentions, H.R. 5735 has significant flaws which, in the end, make the bill unworkable. prgtoken My primary concern is that H.R. 5735 carves out 10,000 existing Section 8 vouchers for use in this pilot program without authorizing new funding for any additional vouchers. This essentially decreases the number of Section 8 vouchers in circulation and increases wait times for millions of other households already seeking a voucher. Those forced to wait will include low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. prgtoken You cannot just change words in the law. You need to open your checking account or your checkbook. prgtoken Currently, only one in four households who are eligible for Federal affordable housing assistance receive it. In New York City, we have more than 150,000 people waiting for a voucher. prgtoken While I fully support helping all people with substance abuse disorders and recognize the important role affordable housing plays in an individual's recovery process, providing affordable housing for individuals with substance use disorders should not come at the expense of others in need. prgtoken HUD's Affordable Housing and Section 8 programs are woefully underfunded. Instead of providing Section 8 vouchers to just those with substance use disorders, we should be providing significantly more resources and expanding the Section 8 program to help all those in need. prgtoken Additionally, this bill places arbitrary time limits on the individuals participating in the demonstration program. This is counterproductive and out of step with other existing supportive housing programs. prgtoken Finally, while H.R. 5735 seeks to help individuals suffering from substance use disorders, it does nothing to address the fact that many people with these disorders lose their housing because of the harsh eviction policies in Federal housing assistance programs. prgtoken I support the ranking member in her continued effort to ensure those individuals with substance use disorders face fairer eviction procedures and ban one strike policies that cause tenants to lose their assistance for a single incident of drug use.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-6-14

this amendment very simply directs the Postmaster General to issue a Forever Stamp to honor Gold Star families who have lost a family member in combat. It is about as simple and straightforward as an amendment to this immensely complex and costly measure could be. prgtoken We are now in the second decade of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan at humongous costs to our Nation: In treasure, some $5 trillion, and in lives, close to 7,000 Americans have perished. prgtoken On this Flag Day, and at the beginning of the Father's Day weekend, I ask that this body approve an amendment that very simply would issue and direct the Postmaster to issue a Forever Stamp commemorating the sacrifice and loss of our Gold Star families. prgtoken All of us in this body have attended funerals. We have seen firsthand the losses suffered by brave Americans, their families, their loved ones, their friends, their dads, and their moms. All of us ought to be joining in paying tribute to those families by directing the Postmaster General to issue a Forever Stamp, which will be valid for whatever time it is used. prgtoken There is precedent for this kind of stamp. In fact, I was reminded of it by a friend and constituent, Joe Kaliko of Greenwich, CT, who was inspired by his childhood stamp collection to suggest a stamp for Gold Star families, permanently recognizing and commemorating these national heroes. The stamp was issued in 1947 for Gold Star mothers. It expired about a year thereafter. Since then, this Nation has never issued such a stamp again, but there is no better time than now to recognize this service and sacrifice. prgtoken This amendment is a very simple way to pay tribute to Americans who have lost loved ones in wars that we have permitted and authorized to go forward. Indeed, this defense bill has more than $700 billion, and a good part of it will be in support of continued American service and sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken So my question to colleagues is: Who knows better about whether this stamp ought to be issued, the Postmaster General or ourselves? Their objection is that somehow there is bad precedent here in Congress authorizing a Forever Stamp. We ought to be proud of that precedent because this cause is different. Especially as we pass a measure that will support continued war efforts in defense of our Nation, protecting our national security, we ought to be especially mindful of the need to remember and pay tribute to families who have sacrificed loved ones in the service of our country. prgtoken I know that every one of my colleagues joins me in this feeling. I hope that every one of my colleagues will join me in making that feeling known to the Postmaster General. This amendment is one way of doing it. prgtoken To all of us whose sons or daughters have served--as two of mine have--during this period of war, we must be haunted by the idea that we could be one of those Gold Star families. No
ANTI-DOPING LEGISLATION
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-14

Americans love sports. They love honest sports. They love winning the Stanley Cup by the great team here in Washington. We loved winning the World Series with the Houston Astros. We love our Olympics. prgtoken Today, I rise because I recently introduced, H.R. 6067, the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, or RADA. prgtoken In the realm of international sports, it has become almost commonplace for too many athletes to yield to the temptation of bridging the gap between their own skills and the pinnacle of athletic achievement by resorting to performance-enhancing drugs. prgtoken To conceal this fall from grace, cheaters are employing increasingly sophisticated modes of masking the use of any prescribed drugs. This practice, some of it state-sanctioned, undermines international athletic competition. That is why I introduced the RADA Act, H.R. 6067. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me. This is a bipartisan bill supported by Ms. Gwen Moore, Dr. Burgess, and myself. Our numbers are growing. The legislation I have introduced is bipartisan. prgtoken As well, we salute the valiant man who revealed the true extent of the complex, state-run doping scheme in Russia. prgtoken , I would simply like to close by saying a young lady by the name of Alysia Montano lost a race to Russians who had been a part of doping fraud. She lost the medal and she lost millions, but she also may have lost her spirit. prgtoken , I include in the Record an article from The New York Times entitled: ``U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Criminalize Doping in Global Competitions'' which cites RADA as a step in the right direction toward criminalizing doping in international sports. [From the New York Times, June 12, 2018] U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Criminalize Doping in Global Competitions (By Rebecca R. Ruiz) United States lawmakers on Tuesday took a step toward criminalizing doping in international sports, introducing a bill in the House that would attach prison time to the use, manufacturing or distribution of performance-enhancing drugs in global competitions. The legislation, inspired by the Russian doping scandal, would echo the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which makes it illegal to bribe foreign officials to gain a business advantage. The statute would be the first of its kind with global reach, empowering American prosecutors to act on doping violations abroad, and to file fraud charges of a different variety than those the Justice Department brought against top international soccer officials in 2015. Although American leagues like Major League Baseball would not be affected by the legislation, which would apply only to competitions among countries, it could apply to a league's athletes when participating in global events like the Ryder Cup, the Davis Cup or the World Baseball Classic. The law would establ
REMEMBERING KITTIE MOORE WILSON
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-6-14

it is with great sadness that I recognize the passing of Kittie Moore Wilson, of New London, NH. prgtoken Today, I wish to celebrate the life of Kittie and her service to New Hampshire. prgtoken While Kittie was born in Bangor, ME, she spent a majority of her life as a Granite Stater. She attended Epsom High School and then went to Plymouth State University, as well as the University of Connecticut. After graduating, Kittie taught third grade for 15 years at Kearsarge Regional School District before going on to oversee and teach the Mindstretch Program throughout the entire district for the next 16 years. prgtoken Known affectionately as the Loon Lady, Kittie had a deep love of the environment and was dedicated to protecting loons and conserving Pleasant Lake in New Hampshire. For her work and her passion, she received the Loon Preservation Committee's Spirit of the Loon Award and the EPA's Meritorious Lifetime Achievement Award. prgtoken During my time as Governor of New Hampshire, I had the pleasure of working with Kittie and the Loon Preservation Committee on SB 89, legislation that helped to protect our loon population from deadly lead poisoning and to preserve an important part of our State's natural beauty that helps drive our economy. prgtoken Kittie is survived by her husband of 29 years, John, her brother Michael Moore and his family, her sister Karen Johnson and her family, her stepson Jeb Wilson, and her Scottish Terriers Aberfeldy and Macallan. prgtoken I join with Kittie's friends and family, and many people across the Granite State in remembering and honoring her legacy.