mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NORTH KOREA
Joe Donnelly (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-9-7

I am here today to urge the White House and the National Security Council to develop and deliver to Congress a clear, comprehensive U.S. strategy to address the urgent threat posed by North Korea's nuclear missile program. prgtoken I have submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act--the annual national defense bill that we will consider soon-- requiring that strategy within 90 days, and I hope all of my colleagues will support it when the time comes. prgtoken I am honored to colead two Senate panels that have been focused on this threat for years: the Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces--where I work with my colleague Senator Fischer to oversee our Nation's nuclear arsenal, missile defense systems, and nuclear nonproliferation programs--and the Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, where I work with Senator Ben Sasse to oversee the development and enforcement of U.S. sanctions laws. prgtoken In my role on these two panels, I have traveled to South Korea, the DMZ, and China. I have met with U.S. forces and foreign leaders to discuss our challenges and our options for overcoming them. I have worked with colleagues--both and ic--to shape legislation to improve our homeland defenses, strengthen our military, and expand our sanctions in response to Kim Jong Un's dangerous behavior. I have sat in dozens of meetings, hearings, and classified briefings on the subject of North Korea's nuclear program and what we can do about it. prgtoken Just yesterday, every Member of the Senate had the opportunity to attend one of these briefings and hear from the leaders of the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Intelligence Community about our various efforts against Kim Jong Un. I am sorry to say I walked away from yesterday's briefing with the same concern I had after every briefing on this subject in the past 8 months. We have operational plans for our military and scattered talks among our diplomats, but we need a substantive strategy. prgtoken With each passing week--at times, with each passing day--North Korea is making its intentions clear and its progress toward a nuclear- capable ICBM known to the entire world. We see missile tests with growing ranges, warhead tests with growing yields, test shots that fly over the territory of our allies, and threats that target U.S. territories. Kim Jong Un says he wants to shoot a nuclear-armed missile into the U.S. mainland. I take him at his word, as we all should. prgtoken In times like this, it is critical every move we make be a deliberate one that moves the ball forward toward the outcome we want, the outcome we need to achieve. We should be doing everything in our power to do that in a way that will not put America's sons and daughters, moms and dads, brothers and sisters who make up our Nation's military in harm's way unnecessarily. prgtoken There are more than 20,000
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-7

yesterday, along with several of my colleagues, I introduced the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 2017. This bill would reauthorize a national program to improve the Nation's earthquake preparedness. Senators Murkowski, Gardner, Murray, Wyden, , Merkley, and Cantwell are original cosponsors of this bill, and I thank them for their support. prgtoken I firmly believe that, when it comes to a catastrophic earthquake, it is not a matter of if it will occur, it is a matter of when. It is important that we recognize the threats posed by earthquakes and do all we can to plan for the worst. By reauthorizing the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, we will ensure that vital research, assistance to States, and development of early-warning systems continue. prgtoken Earthquakes threaten many areas in the United States--some densely populated, some not. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program helps four Federal agencies--the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation--coordinate earthquake research and education activities, as well as develop and disseminate information and best practices in order to protect public safety. The most recent reauthorization expired in 2009. prgtoken While there is still much that we do not know about earthquakes, we do know that there are many actions that we can take to reduce earthquake risk. We can map active fault lines and utilize geological knowledge to inform where we build. Research can help architects to design buildings that are more earthquake-resistant, as well as ensure that critical infrastructure such as hospitals and powerplants are able to function after an earthquake strikes. Outreach and better coordination can help prepare response efforts, and developing an early-warning system is a critical tool to guard against severe loss of life. prgtoken The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act would enable earthquake-prone communities to better prepare and protect themselves by minimizing losses through infrastructure improvements and hazard and risk assessments. prgtoken The key provisions of the bill would permanently reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, NEHRP; remove outdated language related to earthquake prediction and instead emphasizes the continued development of earthquake early-warning systems through the Advanced National Seismic System; require the production of a set of maps showing active faults and folds, liquefaction susceptibility, and other hazards that can be induced by an earthquake, such as landslides; reduce various administrative burdens for Federal agencies that are disruptive to the essential mission of the program and improves data sharing between agencies; enhance coordination among Federal agencies and with State agencies; provide clea
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-9-7

my amendment would restore the EPA's Science and Technology account to 2017 levels. prgtoken I offer this amendment to underscore the importance of environmental research to the health and safety of the American people, as well as thousands of jobs in my district and across the country. prgtoken This amendment is framed in increase-decrease terms for the simple reason that, given the subcommittee's inadequate allocation, there is simply no place to turn for an offset. prgtoken The EPA's Science and Technology account funds research and development activities within the agency, supporting the work of the world's leading environmental research enterprise and informing the environmental policies that Congress enacts. prgtoken The bill on the floor today would cut this account by $105 million, a 15 percent reduction. About the only good thing I can say about that is that it isn't as bad as the budget, but it is still a deep and devastating cut we have to restore these funds as this bill moves through the remaining stages of the process. prgtoken The EPA's Office of Research and Development funded by this account not only supports EPA programs in air, water, toxicology, and energy research, but it also facilitates innovative partnerships with some of the premier higher education and research institutions in the country. prgtoken EPA research facilities employ more than 2,000 people, supports some 700 affiliated jobs in my district alone. This includes advanced laboratory scientists, administrative personnel, also blue-collar jobs in maintenance, custodial, and security positions. prgtoken The EPA research that this agency conducts, world class research, it allows us to remain proactive in protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, resources, whose safety we must never, ever take for granted. prgtoken Now, I know the EPA is continually a scapegoat when it comes to spending cuts. In times of crisis, however, we don't hesitate to call on them to respond quickly to events that could pose a threat to the environment and public safety. prgtoken Just last week in the devastating wake of Hurricane Harvey, sites containing dangerous chemicals and contaminants were severely flooded and damaged. Research from this office, the office being cut in this bill, proved invaluable in putting together a safe and effective response. prgtoken In other words, the EPA is part of the first line of defense to respond to events that pose threats to public health and safety. It follows that if we gut the EPA's research budget, we are putting ultimately the American public at risk. prgtoken The EPA research cuts underscore, I think, how fraudulent the claim is that this is a bill that would make America secure and prosperous. Really? In reality, it would cripple investments that Americans count on each and every day to keep them safe and healthy. prgtoken , I remain hopeful that a bipartisan budget
DACA
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-9-7

I take this time to share with my colleagues a meeting that I had last Thursday in Montgomery County, MD, with CASA de Maryland. We put together a roundtable discussion to talk about immigration and the need for immigration reform and the concerns we had about the current status of people who are concerned about what is happening with immigration enforcement. That was before the President had made his announcement on terminating the DACA Program, which is the program that provides relief for the Dreamers--those who have been in this country for a long period of time and know only America as their home. prgtoken I must tell you that, at that discussion I had last Thursday in Montgomery County, MD, the fear of uncertainty was clear to me. I talked to many families who were concerned about how the administration was enforcing our current laws, what would be the resolution of the temporary protective status, TPS, under which people are here legally, and I had a chance to see firsthand some of the Dreamers who are here under the protection of the DACA Program. prgtoken It was very clear to me that what the people in that meeting were looking for was leadership in Washington that recognized that it is in our national interest for us to provide the type of legal protection to these individuals who have made America their home--who took the risk to come here for a better life for their families. prgtoken These individuals came to this country--the Dreamers, who are the children, particularly--when they came with their parents. It was the parents' decision to try to find a better life for their children. They know only America as their country. They do not know the countries from which they have come. America is their own home. They have helped to build this great Nation. They have attended our schools. They have joined our military. They have joined our workforce. They are, truly, the future of America. prgtoken The DACA Program, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, provided protection for these Dreamers against their arbitrary removal. It applied only to those who had come to this country when they were younger than 16 years of age. They had to have been here before January 2007. They had to have gone through a background check to make sure that they had not violated any of our criminal statutes, and they had to have been enrolled in schools or our military. It was really dealing with young people who were innocent with regard to any of the violations of our immigration laws. It really dealt with individuals who had come to this country and had been part of America. prgtoken The DACA Program provided not only protection against their removal but gave them protection in the workforce. They were given documentation so that they could legally work here in the United States and get the protection of our labor laws and not be subjected to an underground economy or the abuses in the workf
LET US VOTE TO RESTORE OUR VALUES AND GIVE DREAMERS OPPORTUNITIES THEY DESERVE
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-7

Ana was an intern in my office. She is also an undocumented immigrant. When DACA was announced, Ana was ecstatic. She told me that DACA meant she could qualify for financial aid or be an intern at the State Department. All she saw were opportunities to contribute to our country, and that is exactly what she has done. prgtoken Thanks to DACA, Ana earned her master's degree and got a job helping other immigrants to lay roots and contribute, like she did. She was able to get a driver's license to safely get to school and work. And today, she is attending law school. prgtoken Ana represents the promise that if you come here, work here, and contribute here, you will have a future here. But is breaking that promise by ending DACA. prgtoken And so it is up to us to fix it. The bipartisan Dream Act will protect these DREAMers who are American in every way but on paper. prgtoken , let us vote to restore our values and give these DREAMers the opportunities they deserve.
PROTECTING DACA
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-7

I rise today in strong support of the 800,000 DREAMers in our Nation, 200,000 in my State of California. prgtoken Now, these DREAMers are students, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and neighbors. They go to school, they work, and they pay taxes. They are young men and women like my constituent, Karem, a DREAMer who recently graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. prgtoken Karem now works as a paralegal, helping people like herself navigate our complicated immigration system. Karem came to America when she was only 3 years old. prgtoken In a message to my office, she wrote: ``The United States is all I've ever known.'' prgtoken I have to tell you, she is as American as I am. Forcing Karem or any hardworking DREAMer out of this country or back into the shadows is heartless and un-American. This is her home. prgtoken Deporting DREAMers from the only country they have ever known is an extreme betrayal of our values. We care about family values. Ending DACA breaks families up. prgtoken Let me be clear: Now President has turned his back on these innocent young people. Now it is up to Congress to have the courage to do the right thing. I call on Ryan to bring up the bipartisan and bicameral Dream Act now.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-9-7

. If the gentleman will continue to yield, I thank him for giving us an update. I also thank him for the consideration of our Members who live in the southeast and scheduling Harvey early and then no votes subsequent to that because I have had a lot of my Members talk to me about, as you point out, their desire to get home as quickly as possible with their constituents and with their families.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-9-7

my amendment would strike section 431. prgtoken Section 431 does two things. First, it withdraws the Clean Water Rule. Second, and more importantly, it breaks procedure and creates a loophole so that the removal of the Clean Water Rule does not have to abide by the Administrative Procedure Act. prgtoken In essence, we are creating a loophole to eliminate a rule, a rule requested by the Supreme Court and one that took several years to put together. This elimination without allowing tweaks, thoughtful removal, or comment is a radical and dangerous precedent. prgtoken In fact, 80 Members of Congress and I actually asked for an extension of the 30-day comment period to eliminate the Clean Water Rule to allow the American people to have a say. The administration agreed with us and extended the comment period an additional 30 days. I don't get to say that too often. prgtoken So clearly, there is a desire for a comment period, as evidenced by our letter and the administration's decision to appropriately extend the comment period, but the language in this bill would eliminate that process completely. prgtoken I include in the Record the request for extension. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, June 29, 2017. Re Request for Extension of Comment Period on EPA and Corps Proposed Rule Defining Waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. Administrator Scott Pruitt, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203 Dear Administrator Pruitt: We request a minimum 90 day extension to the proposed 30-day comment period to rescind the 2015 Clean Water Rule, 80 Fed. Reg. 37054 (Jun. 29, 2015). The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) finalized the Clean Water Rule to clarify the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act. The EPA and the Corps solicited comments on the Rule for over 200 days. In accordance with Administrative Procedure Act, the agencies first established a public comment period for 90 days and extended the comment period twice in response to extension requests. The final rule reflected over 1 million public comments on the proposal, the substantial majority of which supported the Clean Water Rule. The agencies also initiated an extensive public outreach effort, including over 400 meetings across the nation with various stakeholders, including but not limited to: states, small businesses, farmers, academics, miners, energy companies, counties, municipalities, environmental organizations, and other federal agencies. The agencies incorporated these comments into the final Clean Water Rule. President 's Executive Order 13778 directs EPA and the
HURRICANE HARVEY DISASTER RELIEF, THE DEBT CEILING, AND FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-7

yesterday, the congressional leadership and the President reached a bipartisan deal on three crucial issues: short-term aid for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, the debt ceiling, and government funding. prgtoken Alongside the aid package for Texas and Louisiana, the Senate will take up and pass an extension of government funding and the debt ceiling, both to December 15, although that may be modified to December 8, as I understand it. We all agreed to work together to avoid a default in December as well. prgtoken This is a good agreement for the American people, and everyone should breathe a huge sigh of relief. This agreement takes the threat of a shutdown and default off the table this month and will help us quickly get resources to FEMA and other agencies that are helping with rescue and recovery in the wake of Harvey and that will, in all likelihood, be needed in the wake of Irma as well. prgtoken The Nation has been clamoring for bipartisanship--for the two parties to work together to do the country's business--rather than to engage in needless brinksmanship. Yesterday's agreement was a ray of hope for both parties coming together on the big issues. Also, let it be a ray of hope that both parties can come together to help the Dreamers. prgtoken We have said from the very beginning of this Congress that we are willing to work with our colleagues and the President for the good of the country so long as we do not sacrifice our principles. We have never been for obstruction for obstruction's sake, and we will never be for that. This agreement is a reminder that we do not always have to wait until the eleventh hour--risking shutdown, risking default--in order to compromise and do the right thing. Importantly, this agreement gives Congress a way forward on what are some of the thorniest issues this month, allowing us to move to other vital work. prgtoken The 3-month agreement is a compromise. In the past, so many of our colleagues have said: ``If the other party is President, we are not going to do anything to help.'' We did not want to say that. We did not want to say: ``It is all on you.'' We wanted to compromise. A compromise is just that--not dictating what should happen but working together. I give the President credit for understanding that in the Oval Office when Leader Pelosi and I made the compromise suggestion. I thank him for it.
DACA
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-9-7

I rise to speak briefly about the news this week that the President is terminating the Executive action protecting DACA recipients--Dreamers as we know them--but also putting the burden on the shoulders of this body, the article I branch, to find an appropriate solution. prgtoken The President often said as a candidate--and even in his early days as President--that he understood some things about these youngsters. He called them incredible kids, and he also said they would be fine. He did not use that language often in talking about immigrants so those were positive phrases that led many to hope he would continue the DACA Program. Many in his administration wanted him to. Others in this body--this speaker wanted him to continue the program, but he announced he was terminating it in 6 months and asked Congress to step up. prgtoken I wanted to just tell you about a couple of youngsters I was with last week. I had a roundtable on DACA at Northern Virginia Community College, which is one of the largest and most diverse community colleges in the United States. I held that this last week. I had eight students. They were a fascinating mixture of young men and women. I just wanted to come and share some things about their stories because it demonstrates how these young people, these Dreamers, are a source of strength for our country and that we need to accommodate them. prgtoken Renata was one of my youngsters. She came to Virginia when she was 3 years old with her parents, her older brother, and sister. She graduated high school with an advanced diploma. Some of us know the International Baccalaureate diploma, which is rigorous. Now, with DACA, she is studying at George Mason, getting a degree in clinical psychology. She does brain injury research. She wants to do that research to hopefully help people like returning veterans who suffer from brain injuries. prgtoken Giancarla is a DACA recipient from Virginia. She came here a decade ago to be reunited with her parents. She hadn't seen her parents in 7 years. She received DACA in 2012. She went to Radford University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in international economics. Giancarla described how she is so appreciative of where DACA has gotten her in life, but she told me the night before we met, she had a conversation with her sister. Her sister was in high school and calling her big sister to describe how scared she was about what would happen if DACA was taken away. She talked about her little sister as a hard- working and studious kid, and she is worried she will not be able to go to college anymore and may be separated from family. prgtoken Min is a young man who is a Korean-American born in Korea and a DACA recipient who is at George Mason studying cyber. He talked about his desire to serve the United States and help us with cyber expertise but how the removal of DACA could hurt his studies and could hurt his ability to get security clea