mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-3-8

I rise to restate my support for H.J. Res. 58, a resolution to overturn the administration Department of Education's rule regulating future teacher preparation programs from Washington, DC. prgtoken This teacher preparation mandate actually assumes that Washington bureaucrats are competent to micromanage teacher training programs across America. There are 27,000 such programs, by the way, and this micromanagement is absurd. We all agree that education matters, that teachers matter, that teacher training programs matter, and that kids are the future of our country, but I ask my colleagues to acknowledge the expertise and to respect the reforms already begun at the district and State levels and to reverse this misguided Federal regulation of teacher preparation programs. prgtoken I would like to close by reading several quotations from those who would have been affected by this regulation had it gone into effect. prgtoken This first quotation comes from the American Federation of Teachers. Their public statement on the final rule, on October 12, 2016, reads as follows: It is, quite simply, ludicrous to propose evaluating teacher preparation programs based on the performance of the students taught by those program's graduates. Frankly, the only conceivable reason the department would release regulations so out of sync with the Every Student Succeeds Act and President 's own call to reduce high-stakes testing is they are simply checking off their bucket list of outstanding issues before the end of their term. The final regulations could harm students who benefit the most from consistent, high-quality standards for teacher preparation programs. The regulations will create enormous difficulty for teacher prep programs and place an unnecessary burden on institutions and states, which are also in the process of implementing ESSA. prgtoken My second quotation comes from the comments of the provost and the chair of the Department of Education at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, dated February 2, 2015, of the comment period: As stated earlier, the regulations represent a significant financial burden to institutions, local school systems, and states. In the state of Nebraska, there are over 500 individual teacher preparation ``programs'' subject to the complexities of these regulations. prgtoken Again, these regulations are 700 pages. Even as a system is developed, issues regarding privacy, low numbers, and student demographics would impact results unfairly and result in decisions unlikely to improve teacher preparation programs and student learning at PK-12 schools [in Nebraska]. prgtoken My third and final quotation comes from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Nebraska, and they wrote the Department of Education about this rule as foll
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2017
Steve Womack (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-3-8

I consider it one of the great honors in Congress to serve on the Defense Appropriations Committee with some real champions for national security: guys like Rodney Frelinghuysen, the overall chairman; Chairwoman Kay Granger from the Defense Subcommittee; my friend Pete Visclosky, the ranking member. These are all people that have a heart and a soul for what we are trying to do here today, and that is to provide for the common defense. It is our constitutional duty. And guys like Mac Thornberry, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. A lot of champions here that believe in a strong national defense. prgtoken , not only does this bill rebuild readiness by giving our troops the equipment they need, but it also reverses -era cuts to the developing defense platforms, stops troop drawdowns, and perhaps most importantly, gives our warfighters a much-deserved pay raise. prgtoken As a 30-year veteran of the Arkansas Army National Guard, I am particularly pleased that this bill provides the funding necessary to ensure the National Guard remains a fully operational force. prgtoken It is a good bill, , and with a willing partner in the White House and a pledge to rebuild our military, it marks the first step, an important first step our Congress has to take to complete our business from last year; and it gives our defenders what they need and deserve, and that is certainty. prgtoken Threats are growing. America must project strength. That starts with creating a military so strong that we never send our men and women downrange in a fair fight. prgtoken I call on my colleagues to stand strong against our enemies. Take this first step today in projecting power with our financial commitment. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 725, INNOCENT PARTY PROTECTION ACT
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-3-8

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , the rule before the House today is simple. It provides for the consideration of the Innocent Party Protection Act. prgtoken , we often speak of the Federal regulations or taxes inhibiting job growth in our country, but there are other headwinds that our Nation's job creators face as well. One of those headwinds is frivolous litigation. prgtoken I believe strongly that anyone and everyone should have access to justice. Everyone who is injured deserves to have their day in court, and they should have the opportunity to make their case. However, sometimes trial lawyers take advantage of our justice system and seek to gain an unfair advantage against a defendant. Trial lawyers may try to go court shopping in order to rig the case against the defendant. prgtoken One way they may seek to secure their preferred venue is to sue a perfectly innocent individual or a small business who happens to reside in the jurisdiction within which the trial lawyer desires to pursue the case. After some time, the innocent party is often released from the litigation, but not before incurring legal costs as well as emotional and opportunity costs. Each time an innocent small-business man or woman has to divert their attention from growing their business and divert resources away from investing in their employees and creating jobs and divert energy away from expanding their involvement in our communities, and instead they are forced to direct their attention toward defending themselves from a frivolous legal claim, each time this happens is a missed opportunity for creating jobs and for realizing economic growth. prgtoken The Innocent Party Protection Act defends our small-business men and women from bad faith lawsuits. It provides relief from trial lawyers who seek out friendly courts in order to pursue their cases. It balances the needs of justice with proper restraints on decidedly unjust actions. The Innocent Party Protection Act is a good and equitable solution. I ask my colleagues in the House to support our local businesses and defend them against frivolous lawsuits. Vote ``yes'' on the resolution. Vote ``yes'' on the underlying bill. Rein in this abuse of our justice system. I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Chairman Sessions for bringing this bill before us.
COACH STEVE CHAPMAN
Blake Farenthold (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-8

. Madam , today I am here to congratulate Calallen High School baseball coach Steve Chapman on his recent induction into the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. prgtoken Coach Chapman was born and raised in Hallettsville, Texas. After graduating from Hallettsville High School, he attended Blinn College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he received a degree in education. After graduation, he began his coaching career at Victoria Stroman High School as an assistant coach. In 1983, he became head baseball coach at Calallen High School. prgtoken In Coach Chapman's 33 years at Calallen, his Wildcats have won or shared 25 district championships and have been to the Region 4 finals 19 times. The Wildcats have reached the UIL State tournament on 12 occasions, played in the State championship game 8 times, and have won 3 State championships. Coach Chapman's overall record is 967 wins, 204 losses, and 2 ties. prgtoken Coach Chapman's induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his hard work and the thousands of lives he has touched while coaching the Wildcats, including my long-time legislative director, Blake Adami. I offer my congratulations to Coach Chapman, his family, and everyone at Calallen.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 725, INNOCENT PARTY PROTECTION ACT
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-8

I would just summarize this case in that it is not only me, it is not Mr. Buck alone, it is not Mr. Sessions alone, it is the American people who are calling out for this kind of relief. It is not just the American people--we might consider them to be laypersons in this--but it is also the courts. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Harvie Wilkinson, as Mr. Buck quoted, spoke to this issue. The Supreme Court of the United States has spoken to this issue under ``plausible'' versus ``speculative.'' Professor Martin Redish also has spoken on this subject matter. prgtoken The Third Circuit spoke to the Briscoe issue. The final piece is the Fifth Circuit has essentially adopted a very similar, if not identical, policy. We need to codify this. This is our chance to do so. I urge adoption of the rule and support of the underlying rule.
IN HONOR OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF BEE SWADER MALONE
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-3-8

I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the birthday of Bee Swader Malone. She will turn 100 on March 30th. prgtoken Jessie Beatrice Swader Malone was born on March 30, 1917 in the Pine Grove community on Sand Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama. Born to Robert and Addie Swader, she grew up on her parents' farm and attended school in nearby High Point and Valley Head, graduating from Valley Head High School in 1937. prgtoken Bee was working at J.C. Penney when she first met Marvin E. Malone, Jr who worked in the shoe department there. They married and settled in Fort Payne, Alabama where Marvin worked for Southland Sox, Inc. They had three daughters: Kay, Ann, and Susan; and three grandchildren: Shannon, Oliver, and Halle; and now Bee is the great-grandmother of two girls: LizaBanks and Bea. prgtoken Bee and Marvin ran Malone Mills, a hosiery finishing mill in Fort Payne, for many years. First Presbyterian Church in Fort Payne honored her with a life membership for her active role there over many decades. Bee is still known in the church and far beyond for her excellent cooking, gardening, sewing, and handwork. She has voted in every single presidential election since she turned the legal voting age, which was then 21, and she was profiled in the Times-Journal last November for being one of the oldest registered voters in DeKalb County. prgtoken Bee still lives on her own today, in her house of almost 57 years on a hill overlooking Fort Payne. This month Bee will be celebrating her 100th birthday with a gathering of family and friends. Please join me in wishing this centenarian a very happy birthday.
JCC THREATS
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-8

. Madam , I rise today because there have now recently been at least 100 threats made against more than 75 Jewish community centers across the country. These threats and the recent vandalism of Jewish cemeteries are despicable. I can probably find much more harsh language to use, but we probably shouldn't use it here on the House floor. prgtoken Community centers of all faiths should be places where people can find peace and not feel targeted for their beliefs. As a nation, we have to demonstrate that we will do everything within our power to prevent future threats and stop potential attacks. prgtoken One of my first acts as a new Member of Congress was to join the bipartisan task force to combat anti-Semitism. I am sad that we even have to do this. Our group works across the aisle to combat global anti-Semitism. I have also cosponsored the Combating European Anti- Semitism Act, which instructs the Secretary of State to track anti- Semitism in Europe. prgtoken But it is clear from these attacks, Madam , that we must also do far more here at home to combat anti-Semitism. In the coming days, I will be working with my colleagues, both s and , to determine the additional steps that we can take to combat anti-Semitism in the United States and keep our communities safe. prgtoken I make this encouragement. I encourage all of my colleagues to ask themselves one question: What if it were their child's elementary school? What if it were their child's daycare? What if it were their child's afterschool program that had the threat of a bomb, just like the one that took my own legs?
IN RECOGNITION OF MUSLIM LAKHANI
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-3-8

I rise to recognize my constituent, Muslim Lakhani, for his contributions to Virginia's 10th District and the nation. Mr. Lakhani, a Pakistani immigrant and entrepreneur, has long championed efforts to promote tolerance among different faiths, to partake in charitable projects, and to conduct strong, forward-thinking business practices. prgtoken Mr. Lakhani grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and later became an entrepreneur. His many business ventures allowed him to travel to countless countries throughout the Middle East and Europe. However, it was the lessons he learned as a young child that have truly shaped his humanitarian and caring mindset that he maintains today. prgtoken Growing up in Pakistan, he and his family always place a very strong focus on helping those less fortunate. After moving to the United States in 2006, Mr. Lakhani was regularly reminded of his family's values as he watched organizations like the Salvation Army help the homeless in Washington, D.C. Since 2008, Mr. Lakhani has been a strong supporter, contributor, and advocate for the Grate prgtoken Patrol Homeless Outreach Program, which provides professional guidance to homeless people and also feeds 200 people daily in the nation's capital. Additionally, Mr. Lakhani studied both Christian and Muslim texts in grade school, which is where he garnered an interest in diverse beliefs and religious tolerance. Social Vision, the self-funded philanthropic arm of his company, ML Resources LLC focuses on establishing stronger interfaith relationships, and additionally Mr. Lakhani strongly advocates for defeating terrorism. prgtoken Mr. Lakhani's childhood lessons coupled with his work ethic and strong business practices have allowed him to make a great impact on today's society. He has had the opportunity to speak in Rabat, Morocco at the Forum for the Future meeting on behalf of the Arab Business Council, and has received impressive awards, such as the InterFaith Bridge Builders Award at last year's InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Mr. Lakhani. It is a privilege to represent him and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-3-8

. So there is no confusion, let me clearly state what that timeline is. No. 1, States should continue to submit State accountability plans by the April or September 2017 deadlines. No. 2, States should continue to implement a State accountability system in the 2017-2018 school year. No. 3, States should continue to identify the lowest performing schools in need of comprehensive support and improvement by the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year. prgtoken To write these plans, States need simply to consult the law. The Every Student Succeeds Act requires States to submit a plan for peer review and approval by Secretary DeVos and the Education Department. The Department is committed to working with States by providing technical assistance, issuing non-regulatory guidance and other support materials. prgtoken If questions arise, there are a variety of ways to answer the questions. The Department will continue to provide States with clarification on how to comply with the law through the use of non- regulatory guidance, ``Dear Colleague'' letters, frequently asked questions documents, webinars, phone calls, and in-person conferences. In other words, if there are any questions about how to comply with the new law, there are plenty of ways for Chief State School Officers and others to ask the U.S. Department of Education to provide the answers. prgtoken It is important to emphasize that this resolution does not in any way give the Education Secretary a path to creating a new Federal voucher program. Some of my friends on the other side of this debate have been resorting to scare tactics and alleging Secretary DeVos will use this opportunity to regulate into existence a mandate that State and local school districts adopt a school voucher program. The Secretary of Education does not have that power, and this Secretary of Education has said she does not want it. Secretary DeVos has repeatedly affirmed her opposition to federally mandating school choice, saying that she does ``not and will not advocate for any Federal mandates requiring vouchers. States should determine the mechanism of choice, if any.'' prgtoken A school choice program cannot be unilaterally created by the U.S. Department of Education. Only Congress could create a voucher program. I tried to do that on the floor of this Senate during the debate about fixing No Child Left Behind. I offered an amendment called Scholarships for Kids that would have allowed States to use existing Federal dollars to follow the children of low-income families to schools of their parents' choice. Senator Scott of South Carolina offered a similar amendment, but only 45 Senators voted for our proposals. If you pay attention around here, you know that the most important things usually take 60 votes to gain approval. prgtoken Also, the 2015 law that we passed actually includes provisions that would prohibit the Secretary from mandating, directing, or controlling a State, school
SUPPORTING THE 2017 MONKEY MADNESS 5K RUN AND WALK
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-8

March 1 marked the 56th anniversary of the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps' talented volunteers have accomplished a lot over the years, serving in over 140 countries across the globe. They have changed millions of lives, provided immeasurable technical assistance to communities in need, and helped create a better understanding between Americans and peoples abroad. prgtoken In 2011, I was proud to author a bill that helped protect Peace Corps volunteers. The Senate companion to that bill became law as the Kate Puzey Act, establishing policies that improved volunteer safety and ensured that they would have the resources necessary to contend with emergencies. prgtoken Peace Corps volunteers exemplify the extraordinary compassion and leadership of our great Nation, and their security is paramount as they carry out their missions abroad. I congratulate the Peace Corps on its 56th anniversary, and I wish it even greater success in the years ahead. Congratulating Jonathan Aguiar and the KNOW MORE Campaign
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 725, INNOCENT PARTY PROTECTION ACT
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-8

without continuing the dialogue, I would like to at least respond to the gentleman and look right at you, Mr and tell you, in fact, we are going to have a CBO score. We are going to have a CBO score when we have an agreed-upon bill. This is a process that is open. The bill is being proposed. The bill is going to be debated. Then there are going to be votes. prgtoken For them to presume that they know the score before they know the outcome is not the way the chairman of the committee looks at it. Mr. Walden looks at it that he is going to let the committee vote and come up with a bill, and there are significant changes that could happen one way or another. I think it would be a presumptuous viewpoint to say here is the bill and here is the score, take it or leave it. I know Chairman Walden very well, and Greg Walden is trying to operate off openness and the agreement to look at the bill. When it is finalized, a score will become available. I appreciate the gentleman bringing this issue up.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-3-8

looking at today's headlines and listening to the news, it may seem as if colleagues from across the country--, --don't always agree on some things, let alone anything. I think we are starting to see a consensus emerge--a very good, genuine agreement emerge between liberals and conservatives, and s on at least one matter in Washington, DC, in the Senate: Neil Gorsuch. That agreement is on Neil Gorsuch. prgtoken Neil Gorsuch is an exceptional nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. In fact, Judge Gorsuch is, by many extents and by many commentators, arguably one of the most talented jurists we have nominated to the Court in a very long time, at least in modern history. prgtoken As the Denver Post in Colorado said: ``Gorsuch is a brilliant legal mind'' who has a reputation for ``[applying] the law fairly and consistently.'' prgtoken You can't ask for much more than that--somebody who will apply the law fairly and consistently. However, this shouldn't surprise anyone who knows Judge Gorsuch. Judge Gorsuch has always enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. All we need to do to see that is to look back to 2006 when we could see that most clearly in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken In 2006, when Judge Gorsuch was unanimously confirmed to the Tenth Circuit Court, 12 current ic Senators, including the minority leader and Senators Leahy, Feinstein, and Durbin, all were in office. It was a nomination in 2006 that was unanimous, a nomination that went by voice vote. prgtoken He was so universally appealing to the Tenth Circuit Court that he had an introduction at the Judiciary Committee by both a ic Senator prgtoken from Colorado and a Senator from Colorado, joined by every single person on the floor to vote yes unanimously. prgtoken They approved his nomination. And to give you even greater context about this vote, the people who made this vote, the approval of Judge Gorsuch in 2006 to the Tenth Circuit Court came in addition to the 12 people I just mentioned who are here today and who were here then. It also came with the support of then-Senator , Senator , Senator Clinton, and Senator Kerry. prgtoken Approximately 11 years later, now that Judge Gorsuch has proved himself to be a mainstream jurist, a consensus builder, a profound legal mind with an even temperament and affable nature, we have a chance again to put this incredibly brilliant mind on the Nation's highest Court. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch is a faithful adherent to the Constitution and the organizing principles of this great democracy. I have no doubt that Judge Gorsuch will--and should--enjoy similar levels of approval among my distinguished colleagues across the aisle. prgtoken I also wish for people to learn more about Judge Gorsuch personally and to tell some stories about growing up in Colorado. It is a story about how a young man from Denver, CO, through his own hard work and acade
REMEMBERING ENI F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA
Mark Sanford (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-3-8

I rise today to honor the life of our friend and colleague, Eni F. H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa, who passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. He was the longest serving delegate to the House of Representatives, and I had the honor of serving with him over the past few years and when I was first in Congress from 1995 to 2001. It was at the beginning of that chapter that we, freshman members of the class of 1994, soon realized what a wise man he was, and we often looked to him for wisdom and institutional knowledge throughout the years we served together. I will miss that, and I know all of us here in the House extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Hinanui Hunkin, their 10 children, and their 15 grandchildren. Know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers and that we grieve with you.