mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 1276
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-25

I rise today to introduce the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act with my colleagues, Senators Grassley, Durbin, Tillis, and Ernst. prgtoken Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana. In many instances parents, after exhausting other treatment options, have turned to CBD to as a last resort to treat their children who have intractable epilepsy. Anecdotally, CBD has produced positive results. prgtoken However, due to existing barriers and the fact that marijuana is a schedule I drug, rigorous research that is needed to better understand the long-term prgtoken safety and efficacy of CBD as a medicine, as well as the correct dosing and potential interaction with other medications, is lacking. prgtoken The Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act seeks to both reduce these barriers and spur additional research to ensure that CBD and other marijuana-derived medications are based on the most up to date scientific evidence. It also provides a pathway for the manufacture and distribution of FDA-approved drugs that are based on this research. prgtoken It does this while maintaining safeguards to protect against illegal diversion. prgtoken First, the bill directs the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to complete a scientific and medical evaluation of CBD within 1 year. Based on this evaluation, the legislation directs the Department of Justice to make a scheduling recommendation for CBD that is independent of marijuana. This may include transferring the schedule of CBD to another schedule, or removing it from the list of controlled substances altogether. A scheduling recommendation for CBD that is independent of marijuana has never been done before. prgtoken Second, without sacrificing appropriate oversight, it streamlines the regulatory process for marijuana research. In particular, it improves regulations dealing with changes to approved quantities of marijuana needed for research and approved research protocols. It also expedites the Drug Enforcement Administration registration process for researching CBD and marijuana. prgtoken Third, this legislation seeks to increase medical research on CBD, while simultaneously reducing the stigma associated with conducting research on a schedule I drug. It does so by explicitly authorizing medical and osteopathic schools, research universities, practitioners and pharmaceutical companies to use a schedule II Drug Enforcement Administration registration to conduct authorized medical research on CBD. prgtoken Fourth, the bill allows medical schools, research institutions, practitioners, and pharmaceutical companies to produce the marijuana they need for authorized medical research. This will ensure that researchers have access to the material they need to develop proven, effective medicines. Once the FDA approves these medications, the bill allows pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and distribute them. prgtoken Fifth, the bill allows
Russian Investigation (Executive Session)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-5-25

I join my colleague from New York in expressing the special respect and passion that we all feel in honoring this great holiday that remembers the service and sacrifice of great Americans, to make sure we sustain and preserve and enhance our democracy. Part of that democracy is indeed the rule of law, as well as protecting the institutions that make us great as a Nation, including our elections system and its integrity. prgtoken Today should also be a time to observe and commemorate the continued respect for the law that makes us great. Part of that respect was demonstrated recently when the Deputy Attorney General appointed a special counsel to investigate possible coordination between the administration and the Presidential campaign with the Russians as they interfered with those democratic institutions. Make no mistake, there is consensus and unanimity in the intelligence community, and more broadly among us in this body, that the Russians purposefully and relentlessly interfered in the 2016 election through a cyber attack on this Nation. In my view, it was an act of cyber warfare. prgtoken The questions now are who and how in the team may have colluded with the Russians in that illegal, outrageous activity and, indeed, whether there has been obstruction of justice since then. Mounting evidence indicates that there has been. prgtoken I have joined many of my colleagues in praising the appointment of a special prosecutor because it is vitally necessary for a fair and impartial, as well as aggressive, investigation. The special prosecutor must follow the evidence wherever it leads, and I have confidence that Bob Mueller is the right person for this assignment. He has the grit and backbone to stand up to pressure. He has the prosecutorial experience and expertise to conduct a truly professional investigation. prgtoken I called for a special prosecutor back in February. I was one of the first, if not the first, among our colleagues to do so because the conflicts of interest raised by the recusal of the Attorney General and the potential involvement of the Deputy led me to think that such an appointment was absolutely necessary. prgtoken I now call on the President to support this investigation. With the utmost respect for the Office of the President, it should be unnecessary to call for that cooperation and support. My hope was that the President would say as soon as the appointment occurred that he would indeed cooperate. But, instead, he has continued to characterize this investigation as a witch hunt and a charade. He has demeaned and disrespected it and indicated that, if anything, there will be less than full cooperation. That would be a grave disservice to our democracy and to the American people. prgtoken The integrity of our electoral system is bigger and more important than any single electoral contest or even any occupant of the White House. It is about the freedom and indep
INTRODUCTION OF THE VOTE BY MAIL ACT OF 2017
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-5-25

we are in the middle of national civics lesson, with unprecedented levels of citizen and grassroots activism driving political and policy conversations in communities across the country. It is ironic, then, that many states are trying to make it harder for Americans to participate in our democracy. On November 8, 2016, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, fourteen states had new restrictions on voting in place for the first time in a presidential election. Restrictions like these have historically targeted minority and low-income voters. This disturbing trend in state action has mirrored the weakening of campaign finance restrictions and voting rights laws by the U.S. Supreme Court in recent years. Even as we witness a growing civic engagement, legal and political barriers rise to unjustly diminish individual voices. prgtoken Expanding vote by mail is a clear and cost effective measure to make voting easier, not harder. Mail-in voting states Oregon, Washington, and Colorado saw among the highest voter turnout in the 2016 general election, especially notable for Oregon with nearly 250,000 new automatically registered voters. The Vote By Mail Act of 2017 will build on Oregon's successful reforms at the national level prgtoken The legislation will require states to mail ballots to all eligible voters in federal elections at least two weeks before the election. Every registered American voter would have the ability to return their ballots through the mail, using prepaid envelopes, or drop them off at secure predetermined drop-off locations like a public library or county elections office. prgtoken This bill also shifts the burden of registration from the individual to the government. It calls on state governments to collaborate with state motor vehicle agencies to maintain updated voter registration rolls for all citizens who apply for a driver's license and who do not ask to remain unregistered. prgtoken The Vote By Mail Act of 2017 is a vital step to restoring the mandate of American democracy.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF THE AMAZING WORLD OF DR. SEUSS
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-5-25

I would like to take this opportunity to include in the Record entitled ``Oh, the places you'll go when visiting the new Seuss museum'' that was published in the Boston Globe on May 25, 2017. This article comes ahead of the grand opening of The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss in Springfield, Massachusetts this June. This impressive museum honors the legendary work of Springfield native Theodor Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss. Geisel inspired generations of children and adults with his stories that have become iconic in American folklore. prgtoken , I hope that everyone will have the chance to visit this exemplary place and enjoy the marvels that Dr. Seuss created. [From the Boston Globe, May 25, 2017]
PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE ACT OF 2017
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-25

. I will accept that and continue to work with the gentleman and Chairman Goodlatte from Virginia, because, at the end of the day, to have some success and to move this forward, we are going to have to have reconciliation between the Senate bill and the House bill in how this is treated. I would hope that we would gain that agreement, and then we could move the legislation for signature. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.
IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-5-25

next week, on May 29, 2017, our nation will celebrate Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States. prgtoken We set aside this day to pay solemn tribute to the patriots who gave their last full measure of devotion for this country that we love. prgtoken Let us honor and remember our servicemen and women who answered America's call to service and paid the ultimate price to keep us here at home safe. prgtoken We honor their loved ones. Mothers. Fathers. Sisters. Brothers. Sons. Daughters. prgtoken Friends. We thank you for your sacrifice as well. prgtoken As a grateful nation, we have an obligation and a duty to be there for those who provided the ultimate sacrifice, and for their brothers and sisters in service. prgtoken Let us never forget our obligation to provide our troops the tools they need to carry out their mission; to care for all those who have served; to honor all those whom we've lost; to keep faith with our military families; to never stop searching for those who are missing, or trying to bring home our prisoners of war. prgtoken May God bless our fallen heroes and their families and all who serve in the United States Armed Forces.
PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE ACT OF 2017
John Conyers, Jr. (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-5-25

. Mr. Chair, the balance of my time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, let me close by saying that protecting young victims from sexual abuse is a necessary measure that will help ensure that young athletes in this country are able to pursue their athletic dreams in a safe environment and free of exploitation and abuse. prgtoken This bill imposes an affirmative duty on coaches, trainers, instructors, doctors, and the like to protect the young athletes who have been entrusted to their tutelage. This bill establishes remedies for those who might be harmed, and this bill mandates training and oversight to encourage compliance, vigilance, and protection. prgtoken I thank Chairman Goodlatte for facilitating the prompt consideration of this bill, and the Judiciary Committee. I also want to recognize the leadership of Senator Feinstein, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who authored the Senate version of this bill and who has been the leading voice in Congress in demanding we address these issues. prgtoken Finally, I note that this important bipartisan legislation is supported by many advocacy groups including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; the National Children's Alliance; the National Center for Victims of Crime; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network; and the United States Olympic Committee, as well as several of its national governing bodies. prgtoken For the foregoing reasons, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1973, and .
AMERICA NEEDS A RAISE
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-5-25

America needs a raise. prgtoken It has been years since we have increased the Federal minimum wage, which is an abysmal $7.25. All over this country, we see ballot measures passing in red States and blue State increasing the minimum wage, like Alaska and Arkansas. We have seen the minimum wage go up in New Jersey and all over the country. While people in Congress may not realize that America needs a raise, people across the United States do. prgtoken Today I am going to participate in a press conference to say that we are going to propose a bill to raise the minimum to $15 an hour and index it. This is a simple recognition that if you work full time, you shouldn't live in poverty. If you work full time, you shouldn't have to rely on food stamps, you shouldn't have to rely on housing assistance, and you shouldn't have to rely on medical assistance. prgtoken I believe in those programs and I support them, but if you work hard every day, you shouldn't have to rely on government assistance just to put food on the table. prgtoken , two-thirds of the people who benefit from an increase in the minimum wage are women. This is a gender issue. This is a general inequality problem. prgtoken We have to fight. America needs a raise, . Let's do it.
WHY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND HUMAN RIGHTS ARE CRITICAL TO U.S. NATIONAL INTERESTS
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-5-26

over the past forty-two years, much has changed in Vietnam. The Vietnamese people are a little richer, but still have few rights. prgtoken The Vietnamese Communist Party has opened up a bit to the outside world, but remains closed to democratic reforms and the rule of law. prgtoken U.S.-Vietnamese relations have warmed because Vietnam fears China's increasing economic power and its incursions in the South China Sea, but we see few human rights improvements emerge from better relations. prgtoken Over the past two years, Human Rights Watch has used the words ``dismal'' and ``abysmal'' to describe Vietnam's human rights record. Vietnam scored a 7, the lowest score, on Freedom House's ``Freedom in the World'' index. prgtoken From sex and labor trafficking to the censorship of the press and Internet; from restrictions on independent labor unions to severe repression of faith communities, the Vietnamese Government and Communist Party is one of the world's worst abusers of human rights. prgtoken For too long Vietnam has gotten a free pass on human rights. Diplomats are so focused on the fact that Vietnam is ``not China'' that this oppressive police state is granted trade and security benefits without condition. There is a silent human rights crisis going on in Vietnam that must be addressed. prgtoken Human rights should be a top talking point when President meets next week with Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Doing so will advance U.S. economic and security interests and it will be warmly welcomed by the Vietnamese people. prgtoken The President has a real opportunity to bring about tangible reforms in Vietnam if he links better U.S.-Vietnam relations to tangible human rights improvements. prgtoken I have been to Vietnam. I have met with its rights advocates and young activists for decades now, like imprisoned rights activist Nguyen Van Dai. I know there is a younger generation in Vietnam--66% of Vietnam is under the age of 40--that looks to the U.S. as a land of opportunity and freedom. They want the same liberties enjoyed by their relatives in California, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana and so many other places where former Vietnamese refugees have flourished. prgtoken The Vietnamese people want the U.S. to be a voice for freedom-- because their voice is silenced. prgtoken No government that represses its own people or restricts fundamental freedoms can be a trusted ally of the United States. No government that censors the Internet, tortures and jails dissidents, and crushes civil society should be given generous trade or security benefits without conditions. prgtoken The President will face pressure from his advisors and the business community to look at Vietnam through the lens of trade deals and the containment of China. Hopefully, he will be able to see the situation more clearly than past Administrations. prgtoken Failing to press for real and concrete human rights improvements underestimates U.S. leverag
RECOGNIZING GREG GARRISON
Todd Rokita (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-5-26

I rise today to recognize and salute the distinguished ``Voice of the Heartland'', Greg Garrison, who has announced that he will retire from his radio program on June 9, 2017. I wish to express my admiration and appreciation for Mr. Garrison and his constant dedication to his conservative Hoosier values. prgtoken Greg's commitment to the rule of law and justice began before he took to the airwaves, serving the community through his law firm Garrison Law, which focuses on personal injury, business, and commercial law. It was through his diligent work in his practice that he gained fame during the high profile prosecution of boxer Mike Tyson in 1992. That case lead to opportunities to offer legal analysis nationwide for major trials such as O.J. Simpson and Timothy McVeigh, and on various media platforms such as 60 Minutes, the Today Show, 48 Hours, the FOX News Channel, Rivera Live and ESPN. prgtoken Greg became a Hoosier treasure through his radio program that began twenty years ago. His program, Garrison, became an institution of measured thought and Hoosier values. He connected with his listeners through his warm demeanor that sounded more like a friend than a commentator. He was a positive influence on the lives of the countless Hoosiers that spent their mornings listening to him. prgtoken I have known Greg for almost as long as he has been on the air. As Secretary of State, I was a guest on his show on several occasions, speaking about the need to improve election integrity with the adoption of the state's photo ID law. We also discussed investigations into voter fraud and redistricting reform. As a member of Congress, my appearances were more frequent as a regular on his program until he cut back his hours and moved to a later timeslot. I will always remember he asked tough, but fair questions teeming with Hoosier common sense. prgtoken While it will be sad to not hear his voice over Indianapolis' airwaves every day, he will not be disappearing from the scene completely. He plans to be on the radio every now and again and he plans to stay active in his law practice. But his daily presence will be missed. prgtoken Congratulations to Greg on twenty years of service to the Hoosier state and a happy and well-deserved retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT (SSG) KENNETH RAY BRADLEY
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-5-26

today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Kenneth Ray Bradley who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 28, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Bradley died of a heart attack while serving in Baqubah, Iraq. prgtoken SSG Bradley was assigned to Company B 588th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas. The Utica native was a 19-year Army veteran. prgtoken According to the Associated Press, SSG Bradley enjoyed music. Cleveland Washington, SSG Bradley's first cousin, said he liked musical instruments. ``He was left-handed,'' Washington said. ``He blew the trumpet and played the guitar. He always liked music and was in a band.'' prgtoken People who grew up with SSG Bradley and served with him in the Army memorialized him on the ``Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom'' website. prgtoken Sergeant First Class (SFC) Lee of Washington said he was a great leader. ``I remember that he was a great NCO and a great leader,'' SFC Lee said. ``He is a true hero and will never be forgotten. God bless his family, friends, and brothers-in-arms.'' prgtoken Sergeant First Class (SFC) Frye of Fort Benning, Georgia, said SSG Bradley would not be forgotten. ``You are never forgotten, brother, and your passing caused me so much grief. Your words touched my heart,'' SFC Frye said. ``I remember those days you talked of spending time with your family prior to being ordered to go to Iraq. The fact that your life was cut short, and we're all robbed of your love, hurts me to this day. I only pray your family has found peace in your memories and what a great man you were.'' prgtoken Melvin Waters of Woodbridge, Virginia, offered his condolences to the family. ``I would like to convey my sincerest sympathy to Claudia, Brian, and Sandra,'' Waters said. ``Kenney is truly missed by many and he will always live in our thoughts and good deeds.'' prgtoken Specialist (SPC) George Sanchez served with SSG Bradley. ``I am currently attending St. Mary's University as a disabled veteran,'' SPC Sanchez said. ``The days I feel like quitting, I think of SSG Bradley, and my other fallen brothers-in-arms. Then I pick myself up and keep going for them. I dedicate my education to their memory. Your sacrifice is not in vain, my friend.'' prgtoken SSG Bradley bravely fought to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His service to our nation will not be forgotten.
IN RECOGNITION OF REV. JOHN BEATTY KAHL'S 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-5-26

I rise today to recognize Reverend John Beatty Kahl for his 25 years of dedicated service to our community as an ordained minister. prgtoken Rev. Kahl attended Lenoir Rhyne College where he graduated magna cum laude with a triple major in math, physics, and chemistry. As a driven scholar, he received the American Institutes of Chemistry Award his senior year of college and became a member of multiple academic honor societies. While in college, he enlisted in the Navy and went on to Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned as an officer. prgtoken After graduation, Rev. Kahl served his country for four and a half years as an officer in the United States Navy. During his service as a Submariner on the USS Key West, he felt God pulling on his heart to pursue another career. This calling led Rev. Kahl to attend Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, where he graduated cum laude. He was ordained as a minister on May 29, 1992 at Lenoir Rhyne College. Now, he is not only the head pastor at New Life Lutheran Church, but also the principal at Christ the King Christian Academy. He and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Joshua and Lisa. prgtoken Rev. Kahl has shown immense commitment to God and his country over the years. He is a man of principled values and strong faith who continues to embody the true meaning of public service. It is my hope that he will remain an active leader in the community for years to come. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring Rev. John Beatty Kahl for his 25 years of service to his community
HONORING THE SERVICE OF BRIAN COOPER, CHIEF CLERK TO THE PARLIAMENTARIAN
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-26

I rise today to honor Brian Cooper, Chief Clerk to the Parliamentarian, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to our country. prgtoken Brian Cooper has dedicated his career to ensure the good management and orderly function of the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken As Chief Clerk to the Parliamentarian, much of his work has gone unnoticed. prgtoken But it has not gone unappreciated. prgtoken From time-keeping to processing bills to preparing for joint sessions of Congress, Brian Cooper has played an integral role in maintaining the integrity of the House of Representatives. prgtoken After more than three decades of service, this public servant has more than earned his wings of retirement. prgtoken Brian Cooper made the House work better and he will be missed by his many friends and colleagues, whom I join in wishing him well as he embarks on a new chapter in his life of service to others.