mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Children's Health Insurance Program (Executive Session)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2017-12-13

all the nearly 50,000 children who are on West Virginia CHIP want this Christmas is to have their healthcare. That is not a lot to ask for from a child. prgtoken As a legislative body, we were elected to serve the needs of all of our constituents, and that includes protecting our most vulnerable--our children. How many times do you hear us give speeches, whether it is in this body or whether it is back home--it is all about our children. The future of our country is about our children. The future of our State is about our children. Our future generation--whatever we do, the promise of the world--is about our children. And all they are asking for is to have their healthcare. prgtoken It seems as though we are so consumed with partisan gridlock and posturing that we would allow the expiration of health insurance for children. It is almost unconscionable for us to be in this situation, and the children have no control of their own healthcare coverage, and their parents can't really afford basic healthcare. They are the working people who are above the poverty guidelines and doing everything they can to put bread on the table and take care of their families, and their children have no access to healthcare without CHIP. prgtoken On September 30, Congress not only failed to reauthorize a bipartisan, noncontroversial program for children, we failed the 9 million children in this country who rely on the program to stay healthy. There are 9 million children who are depending on CHIP, the funding of CHIP, and the basic priorities we should have for our most vulnerable, and we have done nothing. Our No. 1 job as Senators, as parents, and as human beings is to care for and protect our children, but this body cannot even find the humanity to do that. prgtoken In West Virginia alone, almost 50,000 children use CHIP over the course of the year, and more than 20,000 children who are currently on the program are going to lose it in February when the money runs out. Through CHIP, these children have access to basic medical care, which includes prescriptions, immunizations, dental coverage, vision, and mental health coverage. For more than 2 months, their healthcare has been hanging in the balance because of the negligence of the body, our dysfunction, playing and at a higher level of our party than our purpose of being here, which is to do our job. prgtoken Millions of families are in a state of uncertainty, worrying about how to pay for their child's basic healthcare needs or, for many families, lifesaving services. I believe it is our duty to ensure that our children are taken care of, for they are truly our country's future and legacy. I believe that no matter how much your family makes or where you come from, the most important thing you have is healthcare for your children so that they have a healthy start. prgtoken There are five promises every adult should make to a child. This was star
REMEMBERING CAPTAIN ERIC BALLIET
Joe Donnelly (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-12-13

today I wish to recognize and honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Captain Eric Balliet of the Fort Wayne Fire Department. Service to his community and compassion were qualities that defined Eric's life. prgtoken Eric was a 19-year veteran with the Fort Wayne Fire Department who devoted his life to the Fort Wayne community. A compassionate and devout father, husband, friend, and leader, Eric was someone whom everyone knew and loved in the community. He will be remembered as a hero. prgtoken On September 27, 2017, Eric was leading a training exercise. After performing the physically demanding drill, Eric suffered a heart attack and passed away. He led the fire department as a captain, and Fire Chief Eric Lahey called Eric's passing ``a great loss for the Fort Wayne fire department.'' Lahey also said, ``He was a good firefighter. A good man. We're going to miss him.'' At the time of his passing, Eric was eligible and scheduled for promotion to the rank of battalion chief and was promoted posthumously to that rank. He put his life on the line so that Hoosiers could have the chance to live in peace and safety, and we are eternally grateful. prgtoken Eric was born and raised in Fort Wayne. He graduated from Northrop High School in 1994 and earned an associate's degree from Ivy Tech. He not only served his community as a firefighter but also as a paramedic with Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, a deputy coroner with the Allen County Coroner's Office, captain of traffic division in the Allen County Sheriff Reserves, and dean of campers at the Great Lake Burn Camp. prgtoken Eric was a member of Pathway Christian Church. He adored his two children and loved spending time with them. He was known for his ability to make anyone laugh and for his genuine care for everyone he came across. He is remembered for his service and sacrifice. prgtoken He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Alicia, and their twin children, Lucas and Alyssa; father, Gail; mother, Deborah; brother, Aaron; sister, Tina; grandparents, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his fellow firefighters. He loved his job as a Fort Wayne firefighter, and no amount of gratitude can repay Eric or his loved ones for his sacrifice. prgtoken Through his compassion and his dedication to his community, Eric exemplified Hoosier values. His memory will not soon be forgotten. May God welcome Eric home and give comfort to his family and friends.
America's Global Diplomacy and the State Department (Executive Session)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-12-13

I come to the floor today to share my deep concern over the current state of America's global diplomacy. A multitude of decisions made by this administration in the last year have caused me to pause and repeatedly ask why, but in no area have I been more perplexed than the actions that have taken place at the State Department. prgtoken Ever since the Secretary of State took the helm, there has been a slow, unexplained erosion of the Department and, along with it, the values that it promotes and the vital role it plays around the world. By now, many are familiar with the list of concerns that seasoned diplomats, national security officials, and Members of this body have been raising with increasing alarm over the last weeks and months. prgtoken More than 30 key ambassadorships remain without named nominees. Dozens of important senior-level posts remain vacant. Career officials are being cut out of important policy decisions or overruled by leadership, including, sometimes, even on legal issues. The Foreign Service is being hollowed out, with a significantly lower number in the incoming classes, putting at risk the next generation of leaders. Opportunities for midlevel employees are extremely limited, with a freeze on most transfers and promotions. Our most experienced officials--the Department's equivalent of 2-, 3-, and 4-star generals-- have been departing or, effectively, forced out and not replaced at the same rate. prgtoken I honor the experienced career officials who are stepping in to fill vacancies and are carrying out the Department's important work, but there are limits to what officials can accomplish in an acting role. It is now December. We cannot afford to have a Department that remains hamstrung because of rudderless stagnation at the top. prgtoken Let's be clear. This is not just about numbers or unfilled positions. The numbers do not tell the full story. While the employees at the State Department and USAID can and have been carrying on, it is not an easy task when employees feel that the message they receive from the top is that they and their work are not valued. Understandably, this has an impact on morale, which is now devastatingly low. prgtoken In embarking on what has been dubbed a ``redesign'' of the Department, the leadership at State has regrettably left the men and women who so capably and loyally serve it behind. I have heard from many employees who are not just concerned about their own future or careers but who are concerned about the direction of the Department itself and the viability of its legacy. The State Department's leadership has had more than enough time to assess what can be improved. It is beyond time to show the men and women serving at State and USAID that they are not only a valued but a vital part of our national diplomacy and national security strategy. prgtoken For weeks, Secretary Tillerson has promised to announce significant progress on his plan
TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER TIMOTHY (TIM) BRADFORD
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-12-13

Tim Bradford graduated from Richard T. Crane High School on the Westside of Chicago where he was an outstanding athlete and well-liked student. He secured a job at Western Electric before obtaining and rising to a senior level position at Quaker Oats where he worked for more than twenty-five years. He later became a successful entrepreneur and owned a dock fish feed franchise and had an interest in a St. Louis based Miller Beer distributor-ship. Tim was passionate about life, civic engagement and politics. He served as commissioner and President of the Olympia Fields Park District and Administrator of Rich Township. Tim's greatest legacy will be his service to the community and helping those in need is his passion, his mission. He was a well-respected pillar of the community who made sure that the south suburban community of Cook County was never overlooked. prgtoken To say that he was immersed in politics would be an understatement. Tim worked around the clock and became known as the Godfather of south suburban politics. He served as vice chair for Cook County , a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, RichTownship Committeeman, Rich Township Administrator, Matteson Rotary Club, Olympia Fields Police Board and countless other civic organizations, boards and commissions. Notwithstanding all of his external activities and affiliations, Tim was totally devoted to his wife of 51 years, Mary-Ann and all other members of the Bradford clan, his mother, his brothers, his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Timothy (Tim) Bradford was an extraordinary man filled with boundless energy, a great mind and a heart filled with love for his family and anyone that he might meet. prgtoken Love is patient, love is kind, love is generous, love is Commissioner Timothy (Tim) Bradford.
HONORING THE LIFE OF LOWELL HAWTHORNE
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-12-13

I rise today in tribute to a great man, a loving husband and father, a visionary entrepreneur, a philanthropist and humanitarian, my beloved and dear friend, Mr. Lowell Hawthorne of the Bronx, New York. prgtoken Lowell Hawthorne immigrated to the United States from the beautiful island nation of Jamaica in 1981 and, like most immigrants to our country, began his pursuit of the American Dream. prgtoken After working his way up the administrative ranks of the New York City Police Department as an accountant handling police pensions, he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and started a home-based business doing tax returns for coworkers and friends on the force. prgtoken Determined to provide for his family a life that he never had, in 1989, inspired by his father and sisters, who were bakers, and with the financial support of his wife and siblings, he would go on to open the first Golden Krust Bakery, on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, New York. His specialties included the Jamaican beef patty, Caribbean baked goods, and other culinary delights. prgtoken From there, his entrepreneurial talents, work ethic, and dogged determination allowed him to soar, methodically expanding his empire to include over 120 stores in nine States across the country. Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill would become the first Caribbean-American- owned business in the United States to be granted a franchise license. Producing more than 50 million beef, chicken, and vegetable patties a year, Golden Krust is also the largest Caribbean-American-owned business in the Nation. prgtoken Lowell has been described by his employees as a nice boss, a wonderful guy, prgtoken a God-fearing man, also, as someone who cared deeply for his staff, his family, his community, and the beloved land of his birth, Jamaica. prgtoken He leaves to cherish his legacy his devoted wife of 34 years, Lorna, and his four children, who all worked for the company: Daren, Omar, Monique, and Haywood. prgtoken I admire Lowell for bringing our shared love of Jamaican culture to life on a larger scale through food and fellowship. His success story is an inspiration to all who continue to dream the American Dream. I personally was honored to have known him. prgtoken As part of a tight-knit Caribbean diaspora and Jamaican community, he was considered a beloved part of my extended family, so much so that my mother adopted him, as mothers often do, and took him under her wing and into her heart. Lowell was more than a friend; he was a brother. prgtoken Today, I honor his life and living legacy. I will miss my friend and will cherish him always. On behalf of the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, the Clarke family, and myself, I wish to express my most deepest, profound condolences to the family and friends of the honorable Lowell Hawthorne.
Net Neutrality (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-12-13

there are a handful of innovations over the years that have redefined the United States and the entire world. The cotton gin, railroads, electricity, and the automobile are just a few examples. However, without question, broadband internet is one of the defining innovations of our time. Broadband internet connects both rural and urban communities to vital services such as telemedicine, educational resources, and international commerce. In fact, broadband internet is absolutely essential for communications in the modern era. It lets us keep in touch with our loved ones no matter where they live, prgtoken and it has boosted productivity across every single industry. Perhaps most importantly, broadband internet revolutionized our economy and has led to millions of new jobs. prgtoken The ability to instantly reach consumers wherever they live has allowed American small businesses and startups to compete with large global corporations in a way that would have been simply unimaginable just a couple of decades ago. prgtoken Michigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses and a growing number of startups. The new ideas and creative solutions they generate put America on the cutting edge of a global and interconnected economy. Michigan small businesses are able to compete and innovate because of the free and open structure of the internet, but, unfortunately, these opportunities are at risk. prgtoken Tomorrow the FCC will vote to eliminate current net neutrality protections that stop large corporations from stifling small businesses and harming the American people. I think the facts are very straightforward, and the FCC is wrong. They should stop what they are doing and keep the current protections in place. prgtoken The current rules that I have consistently supported prevent internet service providers from blocking, slowing, or prioritizing web traffic for their own financial gain at the expense of small businesses and every day internet users. The FCC's actions to roll back these protections could usher in a new era of a two-tiered internet--one for the large corporations that can pay for the fast lane and a slow lane for the rest of us. This will allow internet service providers and multinational corporations to compete unfairly against startups, slowing down their traffic and playing gatekeeper to potential customers. prgtoken Let me be clear. Repealing net neutrality is anti-innovation, repealing net neutrality is anti-competition, and repealing net neutrality is anti-consumer. prgtoken The FCC should not consider this proposal tomorrow to degrade internet service, especially during a time when over 20 million households in rural America, including far too many in my home State of Michigan, still lack access to high-speed broadband internet. prgtoken The FCC has a lot of work to do to close the digital divide, and repealing net neutrality is taking our country backward, not forward. If the intern
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-12-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , continuing, we are faced, as I said earlier, with another government shutdown. The National Flood Insurance Program, which is particularly critical to those of us in coastal States, is set to expire. The Band-Aid to keep the Children's Health Insurance Program funded will run out, leaving millions of children without the healthcare they need. prgtoken The authorization of an important intelligence tool to keep this country safe is set to expire, and millions of Americans in California, Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands desperately wait to find out if they will receive the resources they need to recover from the devastating hurricanes and the wildfires that we have seen this year and that are continuing in California. prgtoken I have said repeatedly that FEMA is not only dealing with hurricanes and floods, they are dealing with tornadoes and with all sorts of matters, and the wildfires manifestly have kept them occupied over the course of time. prgtoken , I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres), my good friend, as I previously noted, to discuss the proposal that I spoke of with reference to the DREAMers.
LETTER SUPPORTING SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT S. MUELLER
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-12-13

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me and for her leadership on this very important issue. prgtoken She is standing in the gap because all that we have heard from s and their media advocates is that their intention, of course, is to create a 21st century Saturday night massacre. prgtoken In my questioning of the Deputy Attorney General, that is the exact terminology that I utilized, which is: Was the Deputy Attorney General and the Department of Justice prepared to defend Special Counsel Mueller against a potential Saturday night massacre? prgtoken Of course, that is the Watergate massacre perpetrated by President Nixon in firing the Attorney General, and then requiring and firing the special prosecutor and--getting someone to fire--literally creating a institutional crisis. prgtoken Madam , it is clear, as evidenced by the words of Sean Hannity on December 5, FOX News, who led off his broadcast with the outrageous charge that Mueller is frankly a disgrace by the American justice system and has put the country now on the brink of becoming a banana republic. prgtoken Not surprisingly, disgraced former House Newt Gingrich, who enthusiastically praised the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel as a superb choice to be special counsel because his reputation is impeccable for honesty and integrity, has done a complete 180-degree turn and now declaims falsely that the very top at the Justice Department and the FBI have become corrupt. prgtoken I was pleased to join this letter and to join with Congresswoman Waters, along with my other colleagues, for a very important statement. prgtoken I also believe that this statement must be backed up with legislation, such as H.R. 3654, which I have offered, the Special Counsel Independence Protection Act. prgtoken But basically I think we have a situation where if we do not make this a public announcement of indicating that between the administration, the President, and others, along with s in this House, there is an entrapment being set up for Special Counsel Mueller to be considered biased because of the staffing actions of which, by the way, those individuals have been replaced or they have been transferred to other positions. prgtoken There is no doubt that a man who served in Vietnam, a man who came prgtoken back to the Justice Department as an entry-level employee to be able to serve his country, there is no question that there is no evidence of any corruption. prgtoken Madam , I would conclude my remarks by saying the importance of this legislation and this letter is because Director Mueller is working his way into the White House, and the issues of Russian collusion and the issues dealing with criminality are approaching the front door. We must protect this investigation. prgtoken Madam , in recent days, the shrill but politically-charged attacks on Special Counsel Robert Mueller have reached a deafening roar. prgtoken For exampl
Net Neutrality (Executive Session)
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2017-12-13

this week, the Federal Communications Commission--FCC--is preparing to give a giant, early Christmas present to a few, deep-pocketed telecom companies, as it prepares to repeal critical net neutrality protections. Net neutrality is the simple principle that the internet should be kept free and open by preventing the corporations who control the connections to selectively throttle or block certain content, especially that of competitors. prgtoken Repealing net neutrality rules will benefit just a few powerful corporations--and it will do so at the expense of small businesses, consumers, and hard-working Americans, whose persistent and passionate voices on this issue have been completely ignored by the FCC's majority. prgtoken Despite calling for public hearings when the current net neutrality protections were developed, Chairman Pai has failed to heed his own advice now that he is in charge of the FCC. prgtoken It seems the only people he listens to are those with deep enough pockets to afford high-powered lobbyists. If you are a concerned citizen or small business owner, your voice doesn't matter to this FCC. As someone who held public hearings on this issue in 2014, I can tell you that there is widespread and overwhelming support for net neutrality just about everywhere except at the FCC itself. prgtoken If the Chairman took the time to listen, as I did, he would hear from small business owners like Cabot Orton at the Vermont Country Store, who told me, ``We're not asking for special treatment, incentives, or subsidies. All the small business community asks is simply to preserve and protect Internet commerce as it exists today, which has served all businesses remarkably well.'' prgtoken Just today, we received a letter from businesses in Northern New England, including Vermont's own Ben & Jerry's, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, and King Arthur Flour, discussing the ``crippling effect'' a repeal of net neutrality rules would have on rural businesses. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that a copy of this letter be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks. prgtoken Chairman Pai would hear from libraries, which for some rural communities are the only way to access the internet. prgtoken As Vermont's State librarian, Martha Reid, told me: ``All Americans-- including the most disenfranchised citizens, those who would have no way to access the Internet without the library--need to be able to use Internet resources on an equal footing.'' prgtoken Chairman Pai would also hear from independent content creators whose voices are too often not heard on traditional media. As actress, writer, and producer Ruth Livier told me: ``In the unprecedented world of an open, nondiscriminatory Internet, no longer did low-budgets and no connections mean there was no way in. Never again could we be disregarded by anyone who essentially asks, `Who are you to have your story be told?' '' prgtoken These are