mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ATROCITIES CONTINUE IN SYRIA
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-6-28

I want to thank the chairman for his leadership on this issue and for his very eloquently delivered speech on the seriousness of what is happening. prgtoken The Syrian civil war is now in its eighth year, and it is approaching a very serious crossroad. While the media focus fades away after some chemical attack or a picture that steals our hearts for a moment, the war crimes being committed and the atrocities taking place in Syria are happening in full force right this very minute. prgtoken For the last 9 days, the southern border of Syria has been under constant bombardment from airstrikes and barrel bomb attacks. Despite a ceasefire prgtoken pact from Russia in July of 2017, we know Syria's main military ally has continued to carry out attacks on behalf of the Assad regime. prgtoken This critical moment will affect the future of Syria, the security interests of the United States, and stability within the international community. So what are we going to do about it? prgtoken Since World War I, we have held that chemical weapons have no place on the battlefield. We have held strong to this principle and its core to the values of our country. prgtoken We know that the President of Syria, the brutal dictator, Bashar al- Assad, and his ruthless regime have committed countless war crimes, and they are responsible for murdering more than half a million Syrians. prgtoken We know Assad has used chemical weapons countless times to attack and murder innocent civilians. prgtoken We know that Russian and Iranian regimes have supported and helped Assad in his genocide on the Syrian people, including airstrikes and attacks that account for more than 50,000 dead Syrian children. prgtoken We have seen the Assad regime, along with his Iranian and Russian backers, starve the people in cities like Madaya, Aleppo, and eastern Ghouta by using food as a weapon. prgtoken We know the Assad regime has often refused U.N. and other humanitarian organizations from delivering critical humanitarian assistance to the most ravaged cities in Syria. prgtoken Because we know this, we cannot turn a blind eye. We cannot just sweep this under the rug and ignore the horrific reality in Syria right now. We cannot isolate ourselves from this crisis. prgtoken What happens in Syria and what happens in the Middle East has a very real impact on our national security and the security of future generations. If we fail to act in Syria and fail to inflict punishment over the use of chemical weapons, we will ultimately see the end of the nonproliferation treaty of chemical weapons and open the world to ghastly horrors, perpetual insecurity, and extreme danger. prgtoken I support the President's enforcement of those red lines, but we must not be naive enough to think that, if we show weakness elsewhere, it will not happen again. prgtoken To be clear, I am not suggesting that the United States invade Syria, put 100,000 troops in, and start a regional war, not in the sligh
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--Continued
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-6-28

reserving the right to object, as chairman of the committee of jurisdiction, I have reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its views, and the Agency opposes this legislation. prgtoken According to the Agency: FEMA has spent more than $432 million on . . . [the Transitional Shelter Assistance program], and provided rental assistance to more than 25,000 TSA participant families to help them find permanent housing solutions. [Ninety-seven] percent of those enrolled in the program have successfully transitioned to more permanent housing. The remaining households in [the Transitional Shelter Assistance program] have either received rental or repair assistance from FEMA; have a habitable home with utilities on; or are not eligible for additional FEMA housing assistance. Federal, state, and voluntary organization partners will continue to provide assistance through disaster case management to those who still require long-term solutions. prgtoken Again, as the chairman of the committee with oversight and jurisdiction over FEMA, I really do believe it is important to support FEMA's objection to this. For those reasons, I object.
INSISTING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMPLY WITH REQUESTS AND SUBPOENAS
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of a resolution that literally is about this institution. And when we look at this, it is about the Department of Justice and the FBI giving documents to this institution so that they can conduct proper oversight. prgtoken We have had months and months go by with multiple requests where those requests have been largely ignored by the Department of Justice. prgtoken It is time that the American people actually have the transparency that they deserve in being able to see these documents and let them judge for themselves what did or did not go on within the Department of Justice and FBI. prgtoken , Lady Justice should have a blindfold, and that means that justice should not be meted out to those that are well connected or well financed. It should be even in all regards. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan).
CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to congratulate Cincinnati Children's Hospital on their remarkable achievement of being ranked the second-best children's hospital in the nation and the best hospital to treat pediatric cancer and diseases affecting the digestive tract according to U.S. News and World Report. Over the past seven years, this hospital, located in my district, has consistently been rated third best overall in the nation. Their commitment to excellence is continually recognized across the country, and they have been a stalwart in the Cincinnati community for a long time. Not only do they provide world class care for their patients, but they also engage with the local community and throughout the region. Without a doubt, the hospital prioritizes the kids they treat and their families. To continue that mission, the hospital has recently started construction on a new clinical care building. I will continue to work with them to ensure that I am doing whatever I can to help them further succeed as they move forward. Again, I want to congratulate Cincinnati Children's Hospital on this tremendous accomplishment, and look forward to them becoming number one in the future. They make Cincinnati proud.
HONORING FULTON CHAPTER NO. 35, ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR, ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to honor the Fulton Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star, on their 100th Anniversary. On September 21, 1917 Chapter No. 35 was founded by first Worthy Matron Anna Christian and first Worthy Patron Howard B. Lang. While the chapter has roots in Fulton, the dedicated members live throughout Missouri and surrounding states. There were 22 original signers who saw the vision of what the Fulton Chapter No. 35 could become. These signers were: Lena Newkomm, Julia Ann Neal, Anna Christian, Charles H. Christian, Selena Loveng, Bertie Fay Jackson, J. Roy Jackson, Gertrude Clatterbuck, Edgar Clatterbuck, Norma Lang, Howard B. Lang, Gertrude M. Brown, Jella D. Brown, Doyle S. Brown, Lulu Beaven, Theodore Beaven, Marie Le Noir, William Meng, John R. Pratt, Harry H. McIntire, Alice Koontz, and Elmer L. Koontz. Currently, the Fulton Chapter No. 35 is 102 members strong. The members of this Masonry organization are dedicated men and women who consistently represent the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together to benefit mankind. Their hard work and charity is constantly felt by the community and dearly appreciated by the many lives they have and continue to touch. They have been active in many charitable causes to benefit the community: Callaway Relay 4 Life, MoChip, Cancer Research, and the Masonic Home to name a few. Since the foundation of the organization, the lessons shared at the meetings have remained scriptural, the purpose beneficent, and the teachings moral. This type of teaching is a nod to the founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dr. Robert Morris, who had the vision of using beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples which in turn would be the noble principles Eastern Star members are encouraged to emulate. With this vision, the environment within the Eastern Star organization is dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness. I ask you to join me in honoring Fulton Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star on their 100th Anniversary.
THANKING CAPTAIN SWEATTE AND MICHAEL SULLIVAN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to recognize Captain Raymond Sweatte and Mr. Michael Sullivan, the crew of the University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography's ship, the Savannah. prgtoken While Captain Sweatte and Mr. Sullivan were on the Savannah conducting a research-based fish survey just off the coast of Georgia, they were contacted by the Coast Guard about a nearby ship in distress. prgtoken After searching multiple locations in the nighttime darkness, the Savannah located and saved two Florida fishermen struggling to cling to their lives. prgtoken The fishermen had been taking on water for about 5 hours in high seas and winds and could not keep up with the water flowing into the ship. prgtoken If the Savannah had not located and rescued these struggling fishermen, it is possible they would not have survived. prgtoken I sincerely thank the University of Georgia's Captain Sweatte and Mr. Sullivan for their bravery and heroic actions in this emergency situation to save the lives of two fellow Americans.
TRIBUTE TO PASTOR ARTHUR ARNETT
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-6-28

today I wish to honor Pastor Arthur Arnett as he retires from Aurora Avenue Bible Church after decades of faithful service to his congregation and community. prgtoken Pastor Arnett spent many of the early years of his life in Des Moines, IA, where his father served as the pastor of Bethel Bible Church, later to be renamed Aurora Avenue Bible Church. Even at a young age, Pastor Arnett demonstrated his passion for service by volunteering for any needed tasks around the church. After graduating from high school, Pastor Arnett studied at the Prairie Bible Institute and worked in a variety of jobs, including truckdriving, mechanical contracting, and cooking. While holding these positions, Pastor Arnett's love of ministry shone through as he discussed and shared his knowledge of the Bible with many. In 1968, Pastor Arnett was called to military service and trained in aviation. Shortly before leaving for a year of service in Vietnam, Pastor Arnett married his wife, Connie Ray, in Tipton, IA. After returning from Vietnam, Pastor Arnett once again devoted his life to ministry and served congregations in Colorado and Kansas. In 1976, Pastor Arnett joined the Seaman's International Christian Association, where he was able to minister to thousands of seamen from all over the world over the course of 12 years. prgtoken Pastor Arnett was then called back to his home church in Des Moines, IA, where he began ministering on July 8, 1988. And on July 8, 2018-- exactly 30 years later--Pastor Arnett will retire from the pastorate at Aurora Avenue Bible Church. After three decades as a pastor and many more years as a volunteer, Pastor Arnett has been able to deliver thousands of messages and touch countless lives through his faithful service to his community and congregation. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me as I proudly recognize Pastor Arthur Arnett, an Iowan whose lifelong devotion to service epitomizes the great American ideals of hard work, duty, and dedication.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to comment on something that is somewhat misunderstood in many parts of our country, and that is the farm bill. prgtoken I have the privilege to sit in a seat of the U.S. Senate once held by Saxby Chambliss, a former chairman of this Agriculture Committee. I am fortunate to be from a State where agriculture is our largest industry. I am fortunate to sit on this committee, and we have just heard from two people, two leaders, the ranking member, Senator Stabenow from Michigan, who is my good friend, and my good friend Senator Pat Roberts, the chairman. This is a bipartisan committee. prgtoken People sent me up here 3 years ago. They said: Look, we need you to go there and get something done. I said: OK, fine. prgtoken We know we have two opposing views in Washington, so that means you are going to have to compromise. I made the comment that no one gets everything they want. I remind people, anyone, that I am married; I mean, this is something that is the American way. I come from the American business community. I can tell you that nobody gets 100 percent of everything they want in any deal. That is what we are talking about today. prgtoken This is a bill that moves this agenda forward. It provides certainty--and that is what this is about--for our agriculture industry. It is not about subsidies. It is not about protection. It is about certainty. It is about protecting a strategic industry in our country. I want to make that point upfront. This is very definitely a strategic industry. prgtoken The United States today enjoys a God-given position in the world. We are one of the three major bread baskets in the world. The world needs us to be successful in our agricultural industry. prgtoken There are hungry people in the world whom we can feed in our capacity here in the United States. Our productivity in many of our commodities has gone up in my lifetime dramatically. prgtoken I grew up working on a farm, and I can tell you, I know we produce a lot more corn per acre today than we did when I was 6 years old. This is an amazing productivity story, and the rest of the world needs that today. prgtoken A big reason our State continues to be the best State in the country is that we understand this. We have a port that we can export from. We have God-given land and water and God-given people who understand how to work that land with that given water, and we produce great products not only for our country but for the world. prgtoken For the last year and a half, we have been working on this farm bill, and all the members of that committee, myself included, have gone all over the country, listening to farmers and ranchers around the country. I have been all over my State talking to our farmers and ranchers about what is important to them. prgtoken I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for providing the framework, really, for this particular farm bill. This is, indeed, a strategic in
RECOGNIZING SUWANNEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY TROY WADFORD
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of Suwannee County Sheriff's Deputy Troy Wadford earlier this month. prgtoken On June 4, Deputy Wadford was off duty and traveling with his family when he witnessed a horrible car accident. He immediately took action and administered aid to one of the drivers who was pinned in an overturned car. prgtoken His quick thinking and response saved Destiny Romine that day. As you can see here, Destiny is on the road to recovery because of Deputy Wadford. prgtoken Even when our law enforcement personnel are off duty, they carry out their commitment to protect and serve. They jump into action and they put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and for that, we will all be forever grateful. prgtoken I thank Deputy Wadford and all those who wear the badge. His actions reflect great credit on the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office and exemplify the best in America.
FARM BILL
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-6-28

I am very glad my Senate colleagues joined me in supporting the Senate farm bill, in fact, with a very strong vote of 86 to 11. prgtoken This farm bill is good news for Montana farmers and for Montana ranchers, and it is going to help to provide certainty for Montana agriculture in these most difficult times because agriculture is Montana's No. 1 industry, and it supports tens of thousands of jobs in our State. Yet, with more than 25,000 family farms and ranches in Montana alone, it is clear that ag is more than just an economic driver in our State; it is very much a way of life. prgtoken That is why, as Montana's Representative on the U.S. Senate Ag Committee, I fought to ensure that this farm bill reflects the priorities that Montana farmers and Montana ranchers have shared directly with me. Some of these priorities are the crop insurance and the sugar program; ag research funding at Montana State University, as well as ag research stations all across Montana; and prioritizing rural broadband for Montana's underserved communities, as well as supporting and maintaining conservation programs that are important to our farmers, to our ranchers, and to our sportsmen. prgtoken This farm bill is also critically important to the health of our national forests. Last year in Montana, catastrophic wildfires harmed numerous communities, and it cost our State millions of dollars. I am glad to have secured important forest reforms that are critical to healthy forests, to Montana timber jobs, and to wildlife habitat, such as encouraging the coordination among the Forest Service and State forestry agencies to restore our forests to reduce the risk of wildfire and allowing the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to enter into agreements with counties, as well as with States and Tribes, to implement forest management projects on national forests and public lands. Additionally, there is a provision that will support more innovation, as well as to develop new markets for Montana's timber industry. prgtoken These are important wins, but I want to make something very clear that there is still so much more we can do to help improve the health of our forests and support Montana's farmers and ranchers. In fact, in Montana, as well as across the West, we are seeing extensive collaboration. Groups are collaborating--conservation groups, wildlife groups, wood products stakeholders, along with our counties--and they are working together to determine responsible forest management practices. prgtoken These partners know very well that active management is critical to restoring a healthy forest and that it helps to reduce wildfire risks. It is important that we don't allow extremists to hinder this most important work because, today, it takes 18 to 24 months to do many of these environmental reviews. After that is done, many projects in Montana are litigated, and this can add years of delay. prgtoken In fact
CONGRATULATING MASTER TROOPER JAMES TOON ON BEING PRESENTED THE PUBLIC SAFETY VALOR AWARD
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to recognize Master Trooper James Toon for receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award. prgtoken A native of Whiteville, North Carolina, Master Trooper Toon moved to Fayetteville in 1989 where he was stationed at Fort Bragg while serving in the Army. After serving our country as a Demolition Sergeant, Master Trooper Toon joined the Fayetteville Police Department for three years before joining the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he has served faithfully ever since. prgtoken While Master Trooper Toon was off-duty traveling to downtown Fayetteville, he came across a car on fire. After pulling over to investigate, he noticed individuals trapped inside the burning vehicle. He was able to free one woman from the car, and because of his heroism, she made a full recovery. I want to thank Master Trooper Toon for his courage and valor in this heroic act. prgtoken Master Trooper Toon is married to his wife Kimberly, and they have two wonderful children. I am extremely grateful for Master Trooper Toon's service to our community and I wish him continued success. The Valor Award is presented to those who execute extreme acts of heroism in order to save the lives of others in our community, and I can think of no more deserving recipient than Master Trooper Toon. prgtoken , please join me in celebrating Master Trooper James Toon on receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-6-28

I come to this lectern to speak on a subject of perennial importance. It is a subject I know a little something about--one that will not only influence the Senate agenda in the near term but will determine the direction of our democracy for decades to come. I speak, of course, on the future of the Supreme Court. prgtoken Yesterday, Justice Anthony Kennedy--a great friend of mine and a wonderful Justice on the Court--announced his intention to step down, effective July 31. Justice Kennedy has served this Nation with the highest distinction. Over the course of his tenure, he has exercised outsized influence on the Supreme Court and has played a pivotal role in some of the most consequential Court decisions of modern times--from McDonald v. City of Chicago to Citizens United v. FEC. prgtoken As a testament to his independence, he rightly gained a reputation as the Supreme Court's swing vote. Sometimes he sided with the Court's liberal wing. At other times, he sided with the conservatives. Yet he always sided with what he believed to be the correct interpretation of the law. What more could we ask from a judge? prgtoken Throughout his public service, Justice Kennedy has mentored a generation of jurists who went on to become luminaries in their own right. Not the least among them is Justice Neil Gorsuch, a former Kennedy clerk who now serves as his equal on the Supreme Court. With his onetime pupil now working alongside him--and with dozens of former clerks now serving on the Federal bench--Justice Kennedy leaves behind a legal legacy that is almost without equal. Although he will be stepping down next month, his influence on our judicial system will be felt for generations to come. prgtoken With Justice Kennedy's impending retirement, the responsibility now falls on us to confirm an able replacement. In the coming weeks, the President will announce his nominee to fill Justice Kennedy's seat. In doing so, he will seek the advice and consent of the Senate, which is a process that entails confirmation hearings and extended hours of debate in order to fully vet the qualifications of the President's nominee. prgtoken The questions we should ask during this confirmation hearing should focus solely on the judge's qualifications: Does he or she have the requisite experience to adjudicate wisely from the bench? Does he or she understand the proper role of a judge under the Constitution? Does he or she respect our Constitution? Is he or she committed to upholding its principles no matter the consequence? prgtoken This process should be simple, straightforward, and, most importantly, nonpolitical, but it rarely is. That is because we already know the will do everything they can to politicize a process that should not be politicized. We already know that many of them will ask questions of the nominee and will have an ulterior motive in mind-- to divine his or her partisan leanings rather than to evalua