mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO KEITH BOWAR
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-10-30

I wish to congratulate Keith Bowar of Gillette, WY, on finishing his fourth term as president of the Wyoming Conference of Building Officials Chapter of the International Code Council. This is a great milestone, an instant replay memory Mr. Bowar will cherish and remember for a long time to come. prgtoken I commend Mr. Bowar for all that he has been able to accomplish over the years both in the Wyoming Conference of Building Officials and as a building code professional. For 23 years, he has dedicated himself to furthering public safety, beginning in 1994 as a building inspector for the city of Gillette and advancing to the position of chief building official for Campbell County in 2011. prgtoken Mr. Bowar's elevation to president of the Wyoming Conference of Building Officials was a recognition by his peers of his dedication and effectiveness, and he used the position to improve building and fire safety throughout Wyoming. The challenges Mr. Bowar faced and the changes that he helped to bring to the world around him reflect the way he uses his skills and knowledge to make a difference in so many ways. prgtoken I send my best wishes to Mr. Bower on completing his tenure as president of the Wyoming Conference of Building Officials and for his service to Wyoming. prgtoken Thank you.
RECOGNIZING OUR LADY OF PEACE POST 1947
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-10-30

today I wish to honor the Catholic War Veterans of America's Our Lady of Peace Post 1947 in Las Vegas, NV, and Dennis DeGree, Post 1947 first vice commander and Vegas native. prgtoken Post 1947 exemplifies their motto of ``For God, country, and home.'' The group works tirelessly to help veterans, their families, homeless veterans, and active duty personnel. I am deeply appreciative of these veteran members' sacrifices and service, as well as the group's efforts to support Nevadans who have answered our Nation's call. prgtoken Founded in 2006, Post 1947 is Nevada's first Catholic War Veterans of America post and one of 215 posts across the country. The organization offers a number of critical initiatives to the veteran and Las Vegas communities. prgtoken The group's youth programs include poster and essay contests, letter writing and get-well cards for hospitalized veterans, and the Eugene T. Roark Memorial Junior ROTC Scholarship Program. Additionally, Post 1947 maintains and operates a food pantry, participates in homeless stand- downs, and educates and assists veterans, their families, widows, and orphans in obtaining VA medical care and benefits. prgtoken At the 82nd Annual Convention of the Catholic War Veterans held in St. Louis, MO, Post 1947 of Las Vegas was awarded Most Outstanding Post of 2017 out of 215 posts. This award was given to the post by the national department for best overall programs provided to all veterans regardless of religious ethnicity. Our Lady of Peace Post 1947 has won this award 8 of the past 10 years. prgtoken Post 1947 was recognized because of a successful veteran service organization program they implemented called the National Veterans Service Office. Since opening in 2013, the National Veterans Service Office has been successful in obtaining over $10 million in awards to veterans. Remarkably, Our Lady of Peace Post 1947 has been named the Most Outstanding Welfare Program 9 of the past 10 years by the national department. prgtoken Post 1947's major achievements do not end there. Dennis DeGree, first vice commander of the group, was deservedly named Most Outstanding Catholic War Veteran of 2017 by the National Catholic War Veterans. Mr. DeGree received the award ``for being the individual who, in the opinion of the National Department, has contributed most to the betterment of the CWV.'' prgtoken It is clear that Post 1947's contributions have made Las Vegas a better place for Nevada's warriors and their families. As a lifelong Nevadan and the senior U.S. Senator for the Silver State, I am honored to recognize both Post 1947 and Dennis DeGree for lending a hand to those who have made sacrifices in the name of this great country.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-10-30

I wish to recognize the long and proud history of University of Arkansas collegiate athletes who have made us proud to cheer on the Razorbacks. Arkansas has achieved tremendous levels of success throughout the history of its athletic program. You cannot discuss Razorback sports history without discussing its time in the Southwest Conference. The Southwest Conference was highly competitive, and its teams produced many of our Nation's greatest athletes, including many from Arkansas. As we reflect on the rich history of the conference, I am proud to recognize the Razorbacks selected as class of 2017 inductees for the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame. prgtoken I congratulate Razorback football greats Jim Benton, Ronnie Caveness, Joe Ferguson, Steve Little, Fred Marshall, Wear Schoonover, Billy Ray Smith, Sr and Dennis ``Dirt'' Winston; former Razorback basketball players, Ron Brewer, Amber Shirey, and Darrell Walker; and track stars Edrick Floreal and Cynthia Moore on their induction today. prgtoken I would like to congratulate the late Orville Henry on his induction to the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame. Mr. Henry is an iconic Arkansas sports writer who covered the Razorbacks for six decades. His work, professionalism, and legacy live on to this day. prgtoken Earlier this month, former Razorback All-American football player Dick Bumpas was also inducted into the Hall of Fame along with eight other former Southwest Conference legends. prgtoken The Razorback nominees to the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame Class of 2017 have certainly earned this honor. I applaud these former Razorbacks for their contribution to not just the legacy of the Southwest Conference but also for their contribution to the legacy of Arkansas athletics.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-10-30

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, October 31; 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; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Barrett nomination postcloture; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during morning business, recess, adjournment, and leader remarks count postcloture on the Barrett nomination.
TRIBUTE TO TOM TROXEL
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-10-30

today I wish to recognize Tom Troxel for the many years of his career that he has dedicated to improving the ecological health of our national forests and for his service to the timber industry, which has strengthened the economic health of local communities. prgtoken Tom has spent more than 40 years in the forestry industry, and he has mastered the art of promoting environmentally sound forest management practices while strongly supporting the timber industry. Tom has been a trusted source of reliable and accurate information throughout his career. prgtoken He received his bachelor of science in forestry from the University of Montana in 1973. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho, Montana, and California, starting as a summer job in 1970 during college and continuing until 1989. prgtoken Since 1989, Tom has been the executive director for the Intermountain Forest Association based in Rapid City, SD. During that time, he has worked with forest products companies in Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming and has played a critically important role in addressing issues related to national forest timber programs, including forest planning, project analyses, timber sale contracts, and legislative affairs. prgtoken Tom has served as the executive director of the Black Hills Forest Resource Association, the executive director of the Colorado Timber Industry Association, and a member of the Forest Service's Forest Planning Advisory Committee. He has also served as the executive secretary of the Black Hills Regional Multiple Use Coalition for 25 years and as a member of the board of directors for the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Those of us who have had the privilege of working with Tom over the years will miss the knowledge and expertise he has shared with us. Our forest landscapes and communities are better because of his work. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Tom for his work on behalf of our forests, the timber industry, and local communities. As he retires from his very successful career, I wish him continued success and happiness in the years to come.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-10-30

I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 253, on the nomination of Trevor McFadden to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia. Had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 254, on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Amy Barrett to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.
JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-10-30

. On judges, , this week the majority leader has scheduled votes on four circuit court nominations. It is the first time, in my memory, that the Senate is being asked to process four circuit court judges in a single week. The circuit courts have an immense influence on our country, adjudicating some of the thorniest of legal issues. Only the rarest and most vexing circuit court decisions are appealed to and taken up by the Supreme Court. For this reason, we typically don't sandwich circuit court nominees back to back to back to back only a week--only a week--after they have emerged from committee because Members who are not on the Judiciary Committee usually need time--always need time to review these candidates for such important, powerful, and far-reaching positions. prgtoken Why has the majority leader departed from this practice? Well, one can argue it is because the agenda has been such a failure in this Congress, the leader has chosen to try and accomplish through the courts what s have been unable to achieve through the legislative process. The agenda has been so unpopular with the American people that it has stalled at every juncture so now they have made a brazen move to pack the courts with activist judges and remake them in their conservative, ideological image. prgtoken Why has the majority leader done it? The hard right, frustrated by the failure of repeal and replace, has, for months, been pressuring Senator McConnell to do something aggressive. Senator McConnell, once again, despite his desire to make the Senate work--and I believe that is sincere--is bending to the hard right of his party by jamming through these judges, breaking the norms and traditions of the Senate in the process. I intend to oppose these extremist nominees.
MONTANA'S WOMEN VETERANS OF WWI
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2017-10-30

today I wish to honor the hundreds of Montana women who honorably served our country during World War I. prgtoken They braved the German u-boats to serve on the frontlines. Women cared for the wounded and connected calls to the battlefield offices of GEN John Pershing. Without them, the American forces serving in Europe could have faced catastrophe. Without them, the course of the war could have been much different. prgtoken We shouldn't be surprised. Montana women have been breaking down barriers for generations. prgtoken Merle Egan Anderson pressured the U.S. Government for 60 years to get the women who worked the Army's telephone switchboards the status of ``veteran.'' Montanans like Merle Egan Anderson and Lena Roy volunteered to be a part of the Army Signal Corps without promise of pay, benefits, or recognition of their service. The Signal Corps women, nicknamed the ``Hello Girls,'' proved their worth immediately. Merle, Lena, and their peers' speed and precision allowed officers to communicate across battlefields, enemy lines, and war-torn terrain. They served at the frontlines and quickly garnered the respect of the men with whom they served. They braved enemy fire and suffered casualties among their ranks. Despite their outstanding service, they returned to an indifferent government who denied them veteran status, including healthcare and burial rights. prgtoken Merle Egan Anderson took on the government, and 60 years later, she won. When the government granted the ``Hello Girls'' veteran status, only 18 of the 223 women were still alive. prgtoken Nearly 200 Montana nurses entered military service, 86 of whom braved enemy submarine-patrolled waters to care for troops on the frontline. They came from 56 cities, towns, and forgotten railroad stops across the Big Sky State. prgtoken Nurses Elizabeth Sandelius from Cokedale and Harriett O'Day from Billings were cited for heroism under fire for their service in France. Cora Craig from Glasgow, MT, received a Silver Medal from the King of Siam for her care of soldiers from present-day Thailand. Eula Butzerin braved the carnage of post-war France to find the battlefield grave of her brother Roy, marked only with a stick and his dog tags. prgtoken Thirteen Montana women enlisted in the Navy and served stateside. Gertrude Zerr from Chinook achieved the rank of chief yeoman, directing fellow yeoman in the naval headquarters. prgtoken During the war, these women proved to their fellow Americans and the world that women were an asset in battle. Their service defied gender stereotypes and helped changed the tide of public opinion that culminated in the 19th Amendment of our Constitution, granting women the right to vote at long last. They helped pave the way for women to take on combat roles in World War II and beyond. prgtoken After the war, Montana's World War I women veterans faded into history. Their service remains largely unknown. These women gave vo
NORTH KOREA
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-10-30

a few weeks ago, I traveled to South Korea to better understand the threat posed by North Korea. I would like to share my impressions from the trip and how I believe we should be positioning ourselves to better deal with this current crisis. prgtoken I want to recommend to my colleagues and the administration that the time for debate on this issue is now, before the crisis comes to a head. We need to have a clear strategy and increased cooperation with South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia to contain and to deter the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. I have significant concerns that we are not doing everything we can right now to improve our bargaining position with North Korea. I am convinced we must try to find a diplomatic solution to this problem because the alternatives are extraordinarily costly. While we should always remain prepared to go to war and never take that option off the table, I believe as long as there is a possible diplomatic solution to this crisis, we must make every effort to make it a reality. prgtoken I would like to spend some time talking about the threat posed by North Korea and then review the history of our diplomatic negotiations since the early nineties. prgtoken North Korea voluntarily joined the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, NPT, in 1985. It was clear only a few years later that it was in violation of the NPT. prgtoken Our first crisis occurred when Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of the current leader, refused inspections required under the treaty in 1993. Since then, North Korea has engaged in the illegal production of fissile material and nuclear devices, and has conducted six nuclear weapons tests. The latest test occurred just last month on September 3. prgtoken The threat we face from North Korea is not just a nuclear weapon aimed at New York City or Washington, DC. This regime has proven over and over again that it will not hesitate to proliferate weapons of mass destruction for financial gain. The proliferation threat is a global one. We can all imagine the consequences of a nuclear weapon in the hands of al-Qaida or ISIS that can be deployed anywhere in the world. prgtoken North Korea poses not only a nuclear threat to the globe but also a conventional one. In 2010, the regime torpedoed and sank a South Korean warship, and 46 South Korean sailors lost their lives. Later that year, the regime killed four South Korean citizens when it shelled Yeonpyeong Island. Once this regime achieves its goal of developing a nuclear weapon that can hit the continental United States, we may see increased kinetic attacks against South Korea and Japan and possibly other countries in the region. prgtoken North Korea has repeatedly engaged in cyber attacks over the last decade and uses them as an asymmetric weapon against companies and governments alike. It has been attributed with sweeping attacks against the financial industry's Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial
Russia Investigation (Executive Session)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-10-30

everybody in Washington now knows that the special counsel has announced charges against two of President 's former campaign aides in connection with the ongoing investigation into whether Russia interfered with the 2016 election. prgtoken After painstaking investigations in the intelligence community, we now know that, in fact, Russia did interfere in the election. Since they have continued this pattern in other countries' elections, what many of us are concerned about is the fact that they will interfere in the next elections coming up. We have already seen attempts in the special election down in Alabama. They have been trying to increase the number of hits going to a Facebook or Twitter account. So they interfered. prgtoken We also learned this morning that a third former campaign aide has pled guilty to lying to the FBI in January when he was asked about his interactions while he was with the campaign. prgtoken These are very serious charges, and we should be united against any individual who helped further Russia's interference in our elections. Yet, sadly, the response to these indictments has been seemingly split along partisan lines. That doesn't make sense. Defending America isn't a partisan issue. In fact, everyone in the Senate--all of our , s, our two Independents--has sworn an oath to do exactly that, to defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. So charging these individuals shouldn't be seen as a victory for one party or another. It shouldn't be seen as a defeat for a party. These individuals are charged with crimes against the United States, crimes against all of us Americans. prgtoken The fact is that Russian President Vladimir Putin interfered in our election, and in so doing, he has attacked the very foundation of our constitutional democracy. We know that, and we also know that we are not the only country he has attacked. According to the U.S. intelligence community, he will continue this type of behavior unless he is stopped, and that is why we have such a heavy responsibility to defend America from these kinds of attacks and to defend our American constitutional foundations that are built on a process of free and fair and unfetterred elections. prgtoken It doesn't matter whether you are a or a , it should be clear: If you help an enemy of the United States meddle in our democracy, you will be held accountable. prgtoken Here in this Senate and throughout the country as a whole, too often we find ourselves suddenly divided on issues because of party politics. That shouldn't be the case. There should be no disagreement when it comes to protecting America because we should be Americans first--not or s first; we should be Americans first. prgtoken We must continue to be patient with the Mueller investigation and allow it to follow the facts wherever they may lead because findin
TRIBUTE TO DAWNA DIANGELIS
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-10-30

today I wish to honor Ohioan Dawna DiAngelis for 30 years of service to the Canton Repository. prgtoken Unlike many others in the news industry whom I have honored on the Senate floor before, you will not see Dawna's name in a byline or anywhere else in the paper, but make no mistake, the folks in Stark County can count on their news each day because of Dawna and her team in the production room. prgtoken The ``Canton Repository'' has kept Stark County residents informed since 1815, but it wasn't until 172 years later, in 1987, that the paper hired its first woman for the Rep's composing room. Dawna became the first woman in the male-dominated pre-press department, prgtoken the department responsible for the layout and look of every single page of the paper. prgtoken Dawna didn't stop there. She went on to earn the position of department head--again, the first woman to do so in the history of the paper. For the last 30 years, she has served behind the scenes to produce thousands of editions of the Repository. Dawna and her husband, J.D have both served the Canton community--Dawna at the Rep and J.D. at WHBC radio. prgtoken Dawna's work in the composing room has guaranteed that Canton residents get to read their news each day, and while doing her day job, she paved the way for other women in the news industry to follow. prgtoken I join the entire Canton community and Dawna's colleagues at the Rep in congratulating her for her 30-year anniversary at the Repository.