mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE FEDERAL COLUMBIA RIVER POWER SYSTEM
Rob Bishop (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-4-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am very happy to be here to present this particular bill, or at least sum up on this, especially as our good friend Mr. Todd Ungerecht has done so much for this particular bill and it is going to be his last time on the floor with us. So I appreciate all of his help on this. He is returning back to his native State of Washington where he clearly realizes how important this bill is. prgtoken , this bill has support via policy from Washington, total support for the bill from Idaho and Montana, as well as eight other Tribes that live in this area, as well as the National Association of Counties, the American Farm Bureau Federation, United Power Trades Organization, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, National Electrical Contractors Association, Public Power Council, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and scores of other individuals. prgtoken I include in the Record a complete list of organizations that support this bill as well as letters that support this legislation. Support for H.R. 3144 National Water Resources Association, National Associations of Counties, United Power Trades Organization, National Association of Wheat Growers, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Public Power Association, National Electrical Contractors Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association, Americans for Limited Government, Arizona Farm Bureau, Arizona Liberty, Arizona Pork Council, Asotin County Public Utility District, Association of Washington Business, Benton Public Utility District, Blachly- Lane Electric Co-op, Clatskanie People's Utility District. Clearwater Power, Concerned Citizens for America (Sedona), Cowlitz Public Utility District, Douglas County Public Utility District, Franklin Public Utility District, Grant County Public Utility District, Idaho Water Users Association, Inland Ports and Navigation Group, Kittitas County Public Utility District, Lewis County Public Utility District, Mason County Public Utility District, New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association, New Mexico Wool Growers Inc Northern Lights, Northwest River Partners, Pend Oreille Public Utility District, Port Clarkston, Port of Morrow. Port of Pasco, Port of Whitman County, Public Power Council, Salmon River Electric CoOp, Stevens County Commissioners, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Tidewater Transportation & Terminals, Tri-City Development Council, United Electric, Wahkiakum County Public Utility District, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Public Utility Districts Association, Washington State Potato Commission, Yuvapai County Supervisor Thomas Thurman, Your Touch
PRATT AND WHITNEY COLUMBUS NAMED GEORGIA LARGE MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-4-25

I rise today to congratulate Pratt & Whitney in Columbus, Georgia for being named the Large Manufacturer of the Year by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Technical College System of Georgia. With a longstanding presence in Muscogee County, Pratt & Whitney employs nearly 2,000 workers engaged in overhauling aircraft engines and forging jet engine parts and is currently investing more than $450 million to grow its facility and create 500 new jobs in Columbus. prgtoken Additionally, the company has partnered with Columbus Technical College and Georgia Quick Start to provide world-class advanced training to meet the growing needs of the Geared Turbofan and F-135 production lines. As a corporate citizen, Pratt & Whitney has actively engaged in supporting the community by donating over $500,000 annually to support STEM labs for local schools and build scholarship and internship programs. I commend Pratt & Whitney for this distinguished honor and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their success.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-4-25

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m Thursday, April 26; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed. Finally, I ask that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Pompeo nomination, with the time until 12 noon tomorrow equally divided between the two leaders or their designees.
PROVIDING FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE FEDERAL COLUMBIA RIVER POWER SYSTEM
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-4-25

I thank the gentleman from Utah for his leadership. prgtoken , H.R. 3144, introduced by Mrs. McMorris Rodgers of Washington, was considered by the subcommittee I chair, Water, Power, and Oceans. It looks to provide certainty and reliability to the Federal Columbia River Power System in the Pacific Northwest. This system includes four large dams in the lower Snake River in Washington State that provide the region with a number of benefits, including renewable emission-free hydropower. prgtoken Despite all of these benefits, the power system has been mired in third-party litigation for decades. Some litigious groups have focused their efforts on removing the four dams in the Lower Snake under the false assumption that it will improve endangered species. In reality, however, these dams already have survival rates for salmon in the upper 90th percentile. prgtoken Most recently, a Federal court ordered round-the-clock spillover of the Columbia and Snake River dams that went into effect last week. These additional spills will do little to help the fish species, and in reality, do nothing more than leave the region's ratepayers to foot a spill surcharge estimated to cost up to $40 million per year. prgtoken This bill ensures that the power system is operated in accordance with the current operations plans until certain reasonable targets are met. It was found to be legally and scientifically sound by the administration, and has resounding support among stakeholders in the region. prgtoken We need to ensure that science is guiding the operations of the power system and not judicial orders and special interest ideologies. We need a consensus approach by local stakeholders, not a mandate imposed by judicial fiat. prgtoken This bipartisan bill is supported by trade unions, the Farm Bureau, regional stakeholders, and a number of public utility districts. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this good piece of legislation.
MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-4-25

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , this is landmark legislation that has been decades in coming. We have not had a significant review of our music licensing and copyright laws in many, many, many years. prgtoken There are many people to be thanked, including the staff of the Judiciary Committee on both sides of the aisle. I particularly want to recognize Joe Keeley, who is the chief counsel of the Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee. prgtoken I also want to thank the leadership of the committee who have worked for many, many years on intellectual property issues: Shelley Husband, the chief of staff and general counsel; and Branden Ritchie, the chief counsel of the committee. prgtoken Time doesn't allow me to recognize everyone, but I especially want to recognize the Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee vice chairman, Doug Collins. He and his staff have put literally hundreds and hundreds of hours into aspects of this legislation, and I want to personally thank him for that work as well. prgtoken This legislation has very strong, bipartisan support. It is supported by groups that look at intellectual property issues across the ideological spectrum, and it is nearly universally supported by the music industry, the technology companies, and others that provide the platforms on which that music is performed. prgtoken It is going to more fairly treat so many sectors of the music industry that it would be a shame not to see this legislation pass the House with a very strong, bipartisan vote, go to the Senate, pass there, and then on to the President's desk, where I have every confidence it will be signed into law. prgtoken During the course of many years of review of our copyright laws, we learned that our music licensing laws were no longer working as intended for songwriters, artists, and creators, people behind the scenes for the companies that deliver the music in innovative ways to our consumers. prgtoken The Music Modernization Act, a product of the Judiciary Committee's comprehensive copyright review, is a bipartisan bill. I urge my colleagues to join together and pass it and send it to the Senate. prgtoken , .
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-4-25

I have 7 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on commerce, science, and transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 9:45 a.m. to conduct a hearing. committee on homeland security and governmental affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 3 p.m. to conduct a hearing. committee on indian affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. committee on the judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Andrew S. Oldham, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, Alan D. Albright, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, Thomas S. Kleeh, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia, Peter J. Phipps, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Michael J. Truncale, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. committee on rules and administration prgtoken The Committee on Rules and Administration is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. committee on small business entrepreneurship prgtoken The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. subcommittee on oceans, atmosphere, fisheries, and coast guard prgtoken The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing entitled, ``Enhancing the Marine Mammal Protection Act.''
RECOGNIZING SMITTY'S PANCAKE AND STEAK HOUSE
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-4-25

as you may know, small businesses make up a significant portion of the retail and food services economy, both in my home State of Idaho and around the country. In Idaho, small businesses employ 67 percent of workers in the food services sector. As chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am proud to recognize Smitty's Pancake and Steak House as the Small Business of the Month for April 2018. Located in Idaho Falls, Smitty's Pancake and Steak House has provided exceptional service and quality food in a welcoming environment for decades. prgtoken Like many small restaurants, Smitty's began as just one location within a larger franchise network. However, in 1971, Leo and Cleo Werner left their jobs to buy the franchise license, thus changing the structure of the restaurant. Right away, the Werners knew that, in order to build a successful restaurant and leave a positive legacy, they would need to build customer loyalty by emphasizing customer service and creating an environment that makes their customers feel at home. When the Smitty's chain rebranded, Mr. and Mrs. Werner decided to strike out on their own as independent owners. The Werners decided that they should continue focusing on the values at the center of their business, rather than sacrifice their restaurant's charm for the relative stability of being part of a chain. These values live on in the restaurant today, as the business is led by Mr. and Mrs. Werner's granddaughters, Katrina Lott and Amanda Rosenberg. They have kept the restaurant in the family, taking over when their mother, the Werner's daughter Darlene, retired. prgtoken The Werners were eager to lead their team of employees by example, taking up any task that needed to get done around the restaurant, no matter how big or small. Their attention to customer service created strong loyalty among their customers, which is one of the many reasons people return. The Werners know that their customers are coming back in part for the family atmosphere cultivated by their friendly staff. Smitty's is known for serving a high volume of people at all times of the day, with some people lining up before 6 in the morning in order to get a taste of their hand-cut steaks and buttermilk pancakes. They have truly lived up to their motto of ``everybody's favorite.'' prgtoken The restaurant enjoys strong customer loyalty not only because of the superb service, but also because of the tasty breakfast and dinner offerings, which remain largely unchanged from when Leo and Cleo Werner took control of the restaurant over 46 years ago. Whether you are looking for a traditional American breakfast or a homestyle steak-and- potatoes dinner, visitors and native Idahoans alike know they can find it at Smitty's. prgtoken Smitty's Pancake and Steak House has become a landmark in the Idaho Falls community by having the friendliest service in town and maintaining a menu of favorite ite
NOMINATION OF MIKE POMPEO
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-4-25

I rise in strong support of the nomination of Mike Pompeo, our current CIA Director, to be the next Secretary of State. I must say, I watched with interest the proceedings the day before yesterday in the Foreign Relations Committee. The debate was interesting on both sides. I appreciate the fact that accommodations were made so Mike Pompeo's nomination could be presented to the full Senate with a positive vote. prgtoken I am disappointed that so many of my ic colleagues have stated they will oppose this nomination. I heed the admonition of one of the Members of the ic Party at the confirmation vote before the committee when this Member asked that Senators not question the motives of anyone who takes a position one way or the other with regard to the nomination of Mr. Pompeo. I will heed that admonition and not question the motivation of any Senator who votes either yes or no on this nomination. prgtoken I will simply observe this: Mike Pompeo is a highly qualified nominee, a distinguished former Member of the House of Representatives. He served with accomplishment and great dignity and ability as Director of the CIA. He graduated first in his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and went on to graduate with distinction at the Harvard Law School and served as editor-in-chief of the Harvard Law Review. prgtoken This is a man of great intellect, a man of great ability and great accomplishment. Without impugning the motives of anyone who would vote no, I simply observe they will be voting against a highly accomplished and qualified nominee. prgtoken When the shoe was on the other foot during the administration, I--along with almost a unanimous majority of Members of my caucus-- voted yes, in favor of the confirmation of Hillary Clinton to be Secretary of State. I voted yes--again, a virtually unanimous vote on both sides of the aisle--for the nomination of our colleague John Kerry to be the successor to Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. prgtoken I will simply note to my doubting friends, who are standing on their rights on the other side of the aisle, that the overwhelming weight of public opinion from the news media has come down on the side of Mr. Pompeo. The Wall Street Journal headline says we need a Secretary of State and that Mike Pompeo should be confirmed. The Chicago Tribune, in an editorial, states why the Senate should confirm Mike Pompeo. The Washington Post headline on the editorial page proclaims: ``Confirm Mike Pompeo.'' The New York Daily News says: ``Confirm Mike Pompeo: President Needs a Secretary of State.'' prgtoken I will add, this country needs a Secretary of State. The cause of international diplomacy needs a Secretary of State. The cause of human rights around the world needs a Secretary of State. prgtoken USA Today: ``Confirm Mike Pompeo to Fill the Void at State.'' prgtoken I will not question the motives of any of my colleagues,
DACA (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-4-25

earlier today, we heard the French President address a joint meeting of Congress. He reminded us that the French and American people have always fought side by side to defend our common values. France was our original ally during the American Revolution. prgtoken Americans fought and died in France during World War I and World War II. Our alliance has spanned centuries because of diplomats who have cultivated the close relationship that the countries continue with today, and it is a shame we didn't have a Secretary of State of the United States who could have helped us welcome the French President during his visit here. We have a nominee who is eminently qualified-- Mike Pompeo--and s are ready to confirm him right now. We were ready to confirm him last week. We are ready for him to get to work in maintaining and strengthening relationships around the world. prgtoken Under previous administrations, we could have brought the nomination to the floor of the Senate without needing to waste all of the time and the delays, by the , on a cloture vote. That is how we used to treat important national security positions like the Secretary of State but no more, apparently. That is what happened even when Senators disagreed with the administration's foreign policies. prgtoken Consider Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry. The s and agreed that the President deserved to have the team he wanted--the people he wanted--on the ground helping him. We all agreed some of these positions were very important to national security--so important that, in a bipartisan way, we felt that playing political games with them was just wrong. Apparently, that has changed in the eyes of the now that has been elected President of the United States. prgtoken When became President in 2009, the s didn't obstruct his nomination of Hillary Clinton to be Secretary of State. No. She was confirmed by a vote of 94 to 2. Then, when President nominated John Kerry for the job in 2013, the s didn't slow down or block that choice either. He was confirmed by a vote of 94 to 3. The s had serious concerns about President 's foreign policy ideas, his strategies, his approach, but we confirmed the people whom he wanted as his Secretary of State. We did not obstruct these nominations, and we didn't try to tarnish the reputations of the people whom he picked for these important jobs, not at all. prgtoken I think the Senate does have an obligation to carefully evaluate a President's nominees. When those nominees are qualified and capable, then the President has every right to have his team and have his team in place quickly. That was the standard the s applied to these ic nominees for Secretary of State under a ic President. prgtoken What has happened since then? Why has all of this
CAPTAIN TAMMIE JO SHULTS
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-25

New Mexico High School senior Tammie Jo Shults dreamed of becoming a pilot. As a child, she had watched planes from nearby Holloman Air Force Base practice combat maneuvers in the sky above the ranch where she grew up. Her dream motivated her to attend a lecture on her high school's career day put on by a retired military pilot. The only obstacle to fulfilling her dream, however, was not her lack of ability but, rather, her gender. Upon entering the room, the retired colonel asked her if she was lost. When she replied that she was there because she was interested in flying, he informed her that there were no professional pilots. After college, this hurdle manifested itself again and again, as Shults found herself denied from joining the Air Force as a pilot, even though her brother was accepted. She finally broke into the Navy, but as a woman, she was not allowed to fly combat missions. Nevertheless, Shults's persistence paid off, becoming one of the first women to fly the F/A-18 Hornet, the Navy's premier strike aircraft at the time. She rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander before retiring. She helped prepare Naval aviators for Operation Desert Storm by flying training missions as an enemy aircraft. All of these accomplishments and her stellar career as a commercial pilot for Texas-based Southwest Airlines distinguish her as a one of Americas best, but her actions as pilot of Flight 1380 from New York to Dallas have made her a household name. Shortly after takeoff, the engine on the left side of Shults's aircraft exploded, and shrapnel broke through one of the plane's windows, causing the cabin to abruptly depressurize. Panic ensued on board, as one passenger was partially sucked out of the aircraft, but Shults remained cool and collected. She informed air traffic control of the plane's situation, and when asked about the engine, she matter-of-factly replied, ``No it's not on fire, but some of its missing. They said there's a hole, and uh, someone went out.'' , try saying that without trembling. Shults made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, and while one passenger sadly died from the injuries sustained in the accident, the other passengers and crew members exited the aircraft on the ground unharmed Shults and her crew saved 148 lives. Women like Shults are exemplary examples of Americas veterans, always answering the call to duty and service. If there's anyone that we want in the cockpit during a crisis, it's Tammie Jo Shults. And that's just the way it is.