mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PESTICIDE REGISTRATION ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2017
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1029, the Pesticide Registration Enhancement Act of 2017. prgtoken Once again, Madam , I stand before you to urge the passage of H.R. 1029. As we know, the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating the sale, use, and distribution of pesticides. To facilitate and expedite that pesticide approval process, pesticide manufacturers have long supplemented the EPA's annual budget. This system allows the products to be reviewed in a timely manner, without sacrificing environmental and safety protections. It is truly a win-win for both manufacturers and consumers, and, as you heard Mr. Davis speak about, it is a clear example of government at its best. It is exactly why I enjoy working on the Committee on Agriculture. It is exactly why I enjoy working with people such as Rodney Davis. We have a bipartisan, effective, public-private legislative solution for a more predictable pesticide evaluation process that literally helps everybody. prgtoken The Pesticide Registration Enhancement Act, H.R. 1029, is an exceptional piece of legislation not only because it is supported by a unique coalition of pesticide registrants, environmental groups, and agricultural labor representatives, but H.R. 1029 provides a more effective, predictable, and transparent pesticide evaluation process. It promotes shorter review periods for reduced-risk pesticides and enhances scientific and regulatory activities related to farmworker protection. prgtoken My district on the central coast of California is not only bountiful in its agriculture, it is absolutely beautiful with its environment. Therefore, we on the central coast work hard to find that balance of being known as the salad bowl of the world and one of the most scenic places in the world. That is why our agriculture producers are the most thoughtful stewards of the land and recognize the need to protect the environment and the natural resources. prgtoken This legislation facilitates that balance. This legislation provides a unique coalition building and encourages the agriculture industry to work with environmentalists. Thus, H.R. 1029 helps all of us who live and work in our community and, ultimately, our country. That is why I am absolutely honored to speak in this debate, humbled to share the floor with Representative Davis, and why I urge all my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken Madam , .
RECOGNIZING VIZCAYA, A SOUTH FLORIDA NATIONAL TREASURE
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-20

I rise today to recognize Vizcaya, an accredited museum and national historic landmark, located in my congressional district and the legacy of visionary James Deering, who created this south Florida gem 100 years ago. prgtoken With the help of Deering's nieces, public officials, and private citizens, Vizcaya has been serving as a public resource for more than 60 years now. Today, it is at the origins of modern Miami's interest in art, international culture and innovation, and welcomes over 275,000 guests each year. prgtoken Vizcaya will restore several historic village buildings and the surrounding landscape, which will enable them to tell the full story of the estate, including the legacy of its workers, and to accommodate new programs for students and families, including those on urban farming. prgtoken Vizcaya's future will be rooted in its history, but directed toward the demands of 21st century Miami. prgtoken For 100 years, , Vizcaya has been a place for people to gather, to learn, to engage in social activity, and to find inspiration. Its continued evolution will cement its role as Miami's cultural hub.
TRANSPARENCY IN TECHNOLOGICAL ACQUISITIONS ACT OF 2017
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1353, the Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017. I commend the gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice) for introducing this very important bill. prgtoken Over the course of the last Congress, the Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee conducted rigorous oversight of TSA's technology and equipment acquisition process, and they found it fraught with waste and inefficiencies. The committee also found that TSA fails to effectively communicate its procurement needs with the private sector. prgtoken Our government relies upon private sector innovation to develop security technologies. However, that innovation comes with a price tag, and we cannot reasonably expect the private sector to spend millions of dollars in research and development of new emerging technologies without greater transparency and communication, both with the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security, as to exactly what their future needs and technology investments will be in the future. prgtoken This bill will provide greater transparency into TSA's acquisition plan, allowing for industry to better meet emerging needs, and enable better congressional oversight. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING RAY YOUNG AND CHARLES ``BUCK'' VANDERSTEEN
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-3-20

I rise today to recognize two of my constituents, Ray Young of Wisner and Charles ``Buck'' Vandersteen of Alexandria, for their recent induction into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction. prgtoken Since growing up on his family farm, Ray Young has dedicated his life and career to farming. After earning a degree in agriculture from Louisiana Tech and a master's in entomology from LSU, Ray went on to pioneer the stale seedbed conservation tillage system, known today as no-till, used across the South to enhance crop production. prgtoken In 1989, Ray presented to Congress an application to charter the Federal Land Bank of North Louisiana. He has served on the board of directors for the Federal Land Bank, as a board chairman of the Louisiana Land Bank, and as a leader of numerous State and Federal agricultural organizations. prgtoken Ray and his family still farm cotton, soybeans, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, corn, vegetables, cattle, hay, wheat, and pine trees. prgtoken He is a tremendous example of a Louisiana farmer making his life and a living off his land. His insight is always valuable to me when I am working on agricultural policy for our Nation. prgtoken Buck Vandersteen has spent 34 years presiding over the 4,000-plus members of the Louisiana Forestry Association, is a past president of the Southern Forest Heritage Museum and a past president of the National Council of Forestry executives. prgtoken During that time, Buck has helped pass the Forest Productivity Program to get part of the State's severance taxes distributed to forest landowners as cost share for replanting. It is recognized as one of the top programs in the Nation. He has been instrumental in advocating forestry education at the technical school and university levels so that we can have sustainable and productive working forests. prgtoken Buck continues to serve the forest industry today, and I look forward to working with him in my role on the Working Forest Caucus on behalf of foresters across the country. prgtoken , Louisiana is one of the top agricultural States in the Nation, and I am proud to serve on the Agriculture Committee here in Washington to represent our State's farmers, foresters, and ranchers. prgtoken But the real contributions to our State agricultural prowess can be traced back to folks like Ray Young and Buck Vandersteen, men who have spent their lives enhancing the industry that is so vital to Louisiana. Congratulations once again for being inducted into the Louisiana Agricultural Hall of Distinction. It is an honor that is well deserved.
RECOGNIZING MAJOR ERIKA PERRY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-3-20

on February 12, an historic change of command ceremony was held for the South Carolina National Guard 51st Military Police Battalion. Lexington High School math teacher Major Erika Perry became the first female commander of this battalion. prgtoken Major Perry comes from a military family, with both her father and grandfather serving in the United States military. She was commissioned as a military police officer in 2001 and became a platoon leader in the 133rd Military Police Company in 2003, being deployed to Iraq. prgtoken A recent article in Cola Daily, edited by Terry Ward, detailed: ``During her years in the National Guard, Perry served in Iraq and Afghanistan and on the home front during times of crisis, like Hurricane Matthew. She appreciates the LHS administration's support of her military career throughout her 19 years at the school.'' prgtoken Congratulations to the University of South Carolina men's and women's basketball teams on their victories last night, securing their place in the NCAA's Sweet 16 as one of the few universities to have teams in both tournaments simultaneously. Go, Gamecocks. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
CONGRATULATING CAMERON RUDY OF FORT ZUMWALT SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL ON WINNING THE MISSOURI CLASS 3 WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE 126 POUND WEIGHT CLASS
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-3-20

I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cameron Rudy of the Fort Zumwalt South High School Bulldogs on winning the Class 3 Wrestling State Championship in the 126 pound weight class. Cameron and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Cameron Rudy for a job well done.
KIM JONG-UN IS A TERRORIST
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-20

incorrigible little Kim and his minions are rattling their sabers once again. prgtoken While U.S.-South Korean exercises were underway, North Korea launched four land-based missiles. The missiles traveled over 600 miles. North Korean Army bases are purposely positioned to strike U.S. bases in Japan and South Korea. prgtoken It is time to put an end to North Korea's mischiefmaking. The United States' hopeless appeasement policy with North Korea has not worked. prgtoken In 2008, the administration removed the warmonger from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list with little Kim's promise to stop their nuclear weapons program. Well, guess what? Kim Jong-un lied. prgtoken We must return North Korea to where it belongs: the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Senator Cruz and I have filed legislation to do just that. Then real sanctions and blocking of financial transactions are necessary. prgtoken The United States cannot underestimate the war-prone lunacy of Kim Jong-un. He needs a clear message from America to leave us alone and leave our allies alone. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. WILBUR WILLIAMS FOR HIS 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-3-20

I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Wilbur Williams from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. Dr. Williams is a beloved member of the Indiana Wesleyan community, as well as the greater Marion community. Through his 50 years of teaching, he has taught over 17,000 students, led over a hundred trips to the Bible lands, and is an accomplished author. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Dr. Wilbur Williams' commitment to educating the next generation of Indiana students to be knowledgeable, passionate, and active members of their community and the world. prgtoken Born in Gas City, Indiana to William and Idelta Williams, Dr. Williams is a life-long Hoosier. He graduated from Fairmount High School and later attended Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan, for his undergraduate studies. He married Ardelia Lee Williams, another beloved faculty member of Indiana Wesleyan, in 1953. After his undergraduate studies, Dr. Williams was a pastor at Sheridan Wesleyan Church in Sheridan, Indiana from 1953 to 1958. In 1957, during his time as pastor, Dr. Williams earned a Master of Science from Butler University. He then went on to become the Assistant General Manager of the Higley Press and Publishing Company from 1959 to 1960 then Plant Manager at the Economy Printing Concern from 1960 to 1961. Dr. Williams was then the Circulation Manager of the Christian Freedom Foundation from 1961 to 1966 as well as was the Editor of the Evangelical Sunday School commentary from 1960 through 1973. He earned his Master of Arts from New York University in 1965 and shortly thereafter, he came back home to Indiana and began his long career as an associate professor, teaching Old Testament and Archaeology, for Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Williams earned his Doctorate of Divinity from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1992. prgtoken Dr. Williams is perhaps one of the most well-known professors in Indiana Wesleyan history. Many students have taken his course, Old Testament Survey, where he has been known to incorporate his 40 plus years' experience in Israel Archeological excavations into the material he teaches. Not only is he a long serving professor, he is beloved by his students. He has been elected ``Professor of the Year'' eight times, most recently in 2009 and 2010. Dr. Williams for many years taught for only a $1 annual salary, so that the money prgtoken could be dedicated to maintain the Williams Prayer Chapel. The small Gothic-style chapel in the center of campus opened in August 2001, and is designed to provide a place of solitude for students to experience a moment of peace with the Lord amidst their busy schedules. Dr. Williams' wife, Ardelia Williams, who taught for many years within the Indiana Wesleyan Art Department, crafted all of the stained glass windows in the small sanctuary. prgtoken In addition to Dr. Williams' time as a faculty member at Indiana Wesl
REPLACING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-20

yes, this is an important week. There are a lot of things we are bringing up, but nothing is more important than the bill that is supposed to address the Affordable Care Act, as it was called. But it is kind of tough to call it that since it has been completely unaffordable for so many. So many lost their health insurance and lost their doctor. Some lost medication that they were taking before. It is now no longer approved under their new policy. So it has been a very difficult period of time as Care has been foisted on the country. It came so close to not passing. prgtoken And every that I am aware of has promised: You give us the majority in both Houses and the President and we will repeal it. I believe Majority Leader McConnell said we will repeal it and rip it out root and branch. leaders, I believe, mentioned lock, stock, and barrel. And I have great respect for my friends who were just speaking here, but I have got a real problem with the bill. prgtoken We are told there will be three phases, three buckets, three stages, whatever you want to call it. The first will be to pass this bill. It leaves in place the parts of Care that caused insurance to skyrocket. It is leaving in place the part of Care that caused deductibles to rise from very little to thousands and thousands of dollars, beyond so many Americans' ability to ever reach. So the insurance, they are paying them money every month, but they realize: I don't have $5,000, $6,000, $7,000, $8,000 to pay the deductible; therefore, I am really paying for nothing. Especially young people have found this. prgtoken We are told that it is because the Senate has what they refer to as the Byrd rule that would not allow us to take the part that is not currently in the bill regarding all of the regulations. We are told that the Byrd rule--and we have looked into it, apparently--if a bill is moving under reconciliation, as this is, then in the Senate, in essence, it must do more than affect the budget incidentally; it must materially affect the budget. And yet we know that if we repeal all of the part that is being put off for stage 2 or 3, but particularly stage 2, the regulations that were put in place by the administration, the regulatory authority that was given to them, by putting that off, it means the prices that dramatically skyrocketed, they are not going to skyrocket down. prgtoken We are told, well, they may go up some, but we think there is a good chance they will come down 10 percent. But for my constituents, so many of whom either lost their insurance or are now paying for skyrocketing prices two, three, four times or more than what they used to pay, a 10 percent drop will not be a help at all. Their deductibles will not be coming down anytime soon. prgtoken We are told, though, with the regulatory reform that my good friend Secretary Tom Price will do, that will be the phase, the stage, the bucket
DHS MULTIYEAR ACQUISITION STRATEGY ACT OF 2017
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-3-20

as much time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1249, the DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017. prgtoken The Department of Homeland Security spends billions of taxpayer dollars annually on a variety of systems to secure our borders, protect our aviation system, safeguard our shores, and shield our cyberspace, among other critical missions. Unfortunately, watchdogs at the Government Accountability Office and the DHS Office of Inspector General have found longstanding problems with how DHS has managed these programs. DHS continues to be on GAO's high-risk list for acquisition management, meaning these programs are susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. prgtoken In addition, the Department has failed to have a strategic vision for its major purposes. The result has been wasted effort and taxpayer money gone, with little to show for it. Look at the TSA puffer machines from a few years ago as a past example. prgtoken Without a comprehensive strategy, industry also does not have the needed information to best support DHS in making smart investments in executing its mission. prgtoken My bill will require DHS to establish this much-needed strategy to ensure taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and frontline operators receive the tools they need to successfully protect Americans. prgtoken My bill will also ensure that DHS works collaboratively with the private sector to fully leverage their innovative solutions. As a former FBI agent, I know how important it is to get critical tools out to the field to help agents and officers secure our Nation. prgtoken I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and .
TSA ADMINISTRATOR MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2017
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-3-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to ask the House to support H.R. 1309, the TSA Administrator Modernization Act of 2017. prgtoken TSA was created within the Department of Transportation in 2001 to address the security vulnerabilities that were exposed in the attacks of 9/11. At that time, the administrator was given a 5-year term. However, when TSA and its functions transferred to the Department of Homeland Security a year later, the 5-year term officially terminated by statute. prgtoken Many of the issues and bureaucratic challenges that TSA faces today stem from a lack of consistent leadership at the top. Since I came to Congress in January 2015, TSA has had no less than five different individual administrators, both as appointees and as acting administrators. This is a staggering number in such a brief period of time. prgtoken A revolving door of leadership has further exacerbated the numerous problems that plague this young agency. It is unacceptable that this has gone on for more than a decade. The American people deserve better, and that is why we are here today with this bill. prgtoken This bill addresses these issues by reestablishing the administrator's position, level, and 5-year term, just as Congress originally intended when it created TSA in the wake of 9/11. Additionally, this bill updates Federal statute to reflect current policy by clarifying TSA's proper role within the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken While this is only one step in addressing the many challenges at TSA, this legislation will provide for more consistent leadership at such a critical security agency. prgtoken Ensuring the effectiveness of Federal agencies and the security of the American people is a bipartisan task, and one of which I am happy to be part of. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to support this bill. This is exactly what the American people expect from us. prgtoken I especially want to thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson for moving this bill swiftly through committee to the floor today. I also thank Congresswoman Rice, who is supporting this bill as well. prgtoken Madam , . Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, March 13, 2017. Hon. Michael T. McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman McCaul: I write concerning H.R. 1309, the ``TSA Administrator Modernization Act of 2017.'' This legislation includes matters that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In order to expedite Floor consideration of H.R. 1309, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo action on this bill. However, this is conditional on our