mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Welcoming A New Day In The Country (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-1-23

I rise today to support Congressman Mike Pompeo for the CIA. He isn't somebody I just met in my office to be able to talk with; he isn't just somebody I served with in the House. I know him personally. For 6 years, he served on the House Intelligence Committee. He struggled through the legal issues of what it means to be in the CIA and also have good oversight, understanding those difficulties that keep America safe but also making sure we protect the privacy rights of Americans. prgtoken Mike Pompeo was a Harvard law grad at the top of his class. He gets this information. He understands the constitutional implications. He is also a top graduate of West Point, serving in the Army as well. He knows what it means to be able to defend this country. He is one of the most qualified people out there to possibly serve in this role, understanding the legal implications, having 6 years of service on the House Intelligence Committee, understanding the background, what it means to seek real oversight and to be able to struggle through these issues. prgtoken He is a person of great integrity, and he is a person who will passionately help protect the Nation. He is a person who holds tremendous respect for the people serving in our intelligence community--people who most of us will never, ever meet but work every single day to be able to keep our Nation secure. These are individuals who are also passionate about not only keeping our Nation secure but also maintaining the constitutional protections we have always had as a nation. prgtoken I heard a lot of the debate today, and I have been astounded at some of the conversations coming out. Let me just recap a couple of these things that I have heard because it was surprising to me. On the issue of advice and consent from the Senate, it seems that some people have not actually read the written testimony and the questions for the record that Mike Pompeo has put out there or listened to his actual testimony or maybe seen his voting record when he was in the House of Representatives. For instance, there is this conversation sitting out there about torture--that he is going to somehow promote torture. He has stated over and over again that he would abide by the law and the Army Field Manual. That is what every candidate would say on that. That is the actual law. He has been very clear on that; he doesn't promote torture. I don't know what else he would have to say. Yet it continues to come up that somehow the head of the CIA is going to promote torture. prgtoken I have also heard that he wants to keep Gitmo open. Well, I would stand in line with him on that one. For those of us who have actually been to Guantanamo Bay and have seen it, it is a modern prison facility. It is not some dog cage out there that is holding people out in the weather. Neither is it a place that is doing torture. Guantanamo Bay is a place where the worst of the worst terrorists are being
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR VICTIMS OF TORNADOES IN GEORGIA AND MISSISSIPPI
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-23

you have, I am sure, seen the devastation from the tornadoes on the TV. My district, Cook County, is the heart of ground zero. We had seven deaths in Cook County; two in Brooks County; two in Berrien County; four in my colleague's, Mr. Bishop's district in Dougherty County; and four in Mississippi. prgtoken I want to say thank you to the many volunteers and first responders who have been there to provide aid. I want to say thank you to the Americans who have provided prayers. prgtoken When I spoke earlier, we had five people unaccounted for. Four of the five are accounted for and alive today. We are thankful for that. We are still trying to account for one additional person. prgtoken Recovery efforts are still going on. I ask that you continue to keep these families who have lost so much and the first responders in your prayers. prgtoken I would like to say thank you to Governor Deal for his speedy response and President and his administration for their quick response to the tragedy. prgtoken , from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo).
SECURING ACCESS TO NETWORKS IN DISASTERS ACT
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-1-23

again, I thank Mr. Pallone for his diligence in solving this problem not only for his constituents there in New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy, but many of my family were down in south Mississippi and we know what happened in Katrina with those in the Gulf region around New Orleans and over in south Mississippi and the loss of communications that were there. prgtoken This week we are seeing it in Mr. Carter's district in Georgia, again, the impact that a storm has when people cannot reach their loved ones and when they cannot get in contact to let people know the services that they needed or the injury that they are experiencing. So we are fortunate to be able to bring this bill forward. We extend our condolences and concerns to Mr. Carter for what is going on in his district. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter) to speak on the bill.
ANOTHER BETRAYAL OF ISRAEL BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-23

Friday morning, as the 45th President was about to be sworn in, administration officials packed up their desks and prepared to ride off into the sunset, but not before quietly slipping in a last-minute surprise snub to Israel on their way out of town by shipping off $221 million to the Palestinian Authority. prgtoken , this move is sadly not surprising, but wildly inappropriately insulting. The final days of the White House were filled with unapologetic, downright hostility to our friend Israel. Just last month the United States betrayed our friends by allowing the U.N. Security Council to vote attacking Israel. prgtoken Now in the shadow of that vote, in a last act of defiance, the old group sent millions of dollars to fill the coffers of Israel's enemy. Thankfully, there is a new man in charge in Washington. President has pledged to support Israel, not betray them. He says he will move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move I support if the Israelis support that. prgtoken Israel is our greatest friend and should never question where we stand. The White House seems to understand that. Good riddance to those who did not understand it. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-1-23

today I have the privilege, with Senator Collins, to introduce a replacement bill for Care, with her experience as an insurance commissioner and mine as a physician caring for the insured and the underinsured. Let me also give due credit to Pete Sessions in the House, who has introduced a very similar bill to come up with something that we think works not just for the people we represent but for the entire country. That is our goal. prgtoken I wish to speak on the Patient Freedom Act of 2017. Our goal, if you will--I tell my staff to imagine a woman who voted for and doesn't like Care, but she has breast cancer. Her coverage has a $6,000 deductible, but she has coverage. On the other hand, she wants to see something different. If we just view our efforts through the prism of her care, I think we will do right by the American people. prgtoken Let me say something else. Again, our goal is not to come up with a plan; it is not to come up with an anti-Care plan; our goal is to come up with an American patient plan where, whoever she or he is, they can feel comfortable that, as a Senate, we are trying to do right by the American people. prgtoken Let's go to first principles. First principles is, we in the Party think that if you like your insurance, you should be able to keep it. I will come to that later. President was rightly criticized because he pledged that, and it turns out it wasn't true. That is one of our first principles, and we mean it. prgtoken Secondly, we think the States should have the power, not the Federal Government. When you speak to Americans, they want their State capital to be the kind of principal force behind how their insurance is administered, not our Nation's Capital, so we return power to both the States and to patients. prgtoken Lastly, I will say that we are truly reaching out to . One of the criticisms of Care is that it was rammed through on a partisan vote with hardly a consideration given of s. Senator Collins and I are absolutely open to working with for this solution. prgtoken How do we begin? prgtoken We first begin by repealing the Care mandates and penalties. The American people do not like Washington telling them how to live their lives. We take those mandates and penalties from both the individual and the employer and we take them off. prgtoken Secondly, we work to make health care truly affordable. We do this by giving States a choice to put in what we call the State alternative. I think we are going to begin calling it the better choice. In the better choice, we would use tax credits which would go to those who are eligible and which would go into an account. If the patient did nothing, she would have a prgtoken health savings account, which will be pre funded. The money would go in, actually put money into the account--catastrophic coverage and a pharmacy benefit. <|
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
John McCain (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-1-23

today I wish to honor an American hero, Navy Seal Charles Keating IV, who died in service to his country. prgtoken On January 13, 2017, the Navy awarded its highest honor, the Navy Cross, to CPO Charles Keating IV for heroism demonstrated in combat against the Islamic State in northern Iraq. Our Nation lost a great patriot and American hero in Charles, who was only 31 when he succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack on his team. Charles, a Navy SEAL special warfare operator chief petty officer, was part of a quick reaction force that was called upon to aid U.S. military forces and Kurdish Peshmerga allies when they came under heavy fire by a large force of Islamic State fighters north of Mosul. Tragically, we lost Charles on May 3, 2016. prgtoken Charles enlisted in the Navy in 2007, leaving Indiana University where he was a long-distance runner. He went on to graduate from the basic underwater demolition/SEAL training in 2008, joining an elite group. He served one tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken Previously awarded the Silver Star for his actions in the line of duty, Chief Keating was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his demonstration of extraordinary heroism and valor when he was the decisive repellant of an overwhelming enemy force, assuring the lives of his team and coalition counterparts. According to his award citation: Keating's courageous leadership, tactical acumen, and physical courage were the key factors in defeating an assault on friendly lines by more than 100 enemy fighters. He continually exposed himself to enemy automatic weapon, mortar, and rocket propelled grenade fire as he diligently maneuvered between fighting positions to stop enemy advances. The enemy then attempted to flank his position with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. At great personal risk, Chief Keating led a team into the open to intercept and neutralize the rapidly closing VBIED threat with precise sniper and rocket fire. His personal bravery throughout the engagement inspired his comrades to vigorously defend their position and repel the enemy's assault. prgtoken Nowadays, the words ``hero'' and ``heroism'' are used so often that they tend to lose some of their meaning. For this reason, it is so very important that we identify heroism and honor heroes when they truly present themselves. There can be no greater hero among us than those like Chief Keating, who gave their lives for their fellow man in support of ideals greater than their own self-interest. With this in mind, I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer Charles Keating IV and his legacy, who will stand forever in our memory as an illustrious example of each and every man and woman
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION PROCESS REFORM ACT OF 2017
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2017-1-23

s on both sides of the aisle on the Energy and Commerce Committee and our new chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Mrs. Blackburn, and the new ranking member on the committee, Mr. Doyle. prgtoken I believe by the end of today, , the House Energy and Commerce Committee will have produced close to 20 pieces of legislation already this Congress for consideration by the House, and I think all of them have been bipartisan. That is the kind of work this great committee is known for and we hope to continue to do. s on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken I think we agreed that the FCC was in need of process reform. This is the people's business that they are conducting. It needs to be done in an open and transparent and predictable way so that all of those involved in the public's business can see what is happening. prgtoken The Federal Communications Commission regulates an incredibly dynamic and innovative sector of the American economy. The communications technology sector directly impacts the lives of consumers in meaningful ways. Consumers are able to map their ways to new places, find information and enriching content, and reach their loved ones who might live in the most remote places, literally, of the globe. prgtoken Communications technology also enables other industries to reach their audiences in new and life-changing ways: health care, finance, manufacturing, agriculture. All of these industries are leveraging communications technologies in ways to better serve the American consumer. prgtoken It is essential that we do as much as we can to protect and promote innovation in this sector of the economy. We can't afford to allow this fundamental sector of the economy to languish or fail under outdated regulations or faulty regulatory processes. That is why Committee on Energy and Commerce has focused on improving the processes at the FCC, so that it operates in an effective and transparent manner. prgtoken This bill represents the fourth time, as you have heard, that we have brought a measure to this House floor that seeks to improve the way the FCC conducts its business. Last Congress, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, process reform was a priority and it still is. I am committed to continuing the reform effort by supporting this legislation once again. prgtoken Over the years, we have worked closely across the aisle to formulate a bipartisan compromise piece of legislation that addresses many of the concerns that we all share. Whether it is creating certainty for regulated industries by requiring shot clocks and deadlines, protecting consumers by prohibiting data dumps at the eleventh hour, or empowering all Commissioners by creating a tool for bipartisan majority to bring an item up for a vote at the FCC, this legislation is intended to improve the way the FCC does its business all across the board. prgtoken One o
EPS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2017
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-1-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise certainly in support of H.R. 518. prgtoken Regulations are based on the state of technology at the time that they are developed and may have the unintended consequences of hindering new advances in products. Such has been the case with the Department of Energy's efficiency standards for external power suppliers, EPS. As the regs on the books now stand, it is not legally possible to make certain types of light -emitting diode--LED--devices, as well as some kinds of ceiling fans. prgtoken So this bill, H.R. 518, the EPS Improvement Act, provides a carefully tailored solution to the problem. And I want to thank two Members, and , Mr. Guthrie and Ms. DeGette, for their good work on behalf of both the manufacturers, as well as the users, of these products. prgtoken The bill carves out an exception for these devices while giving DOE the option of setting separate efficiency standards that are more suited to them. prgtoken This bill has been thoroughly vetted--yes, it has. It was included in last year's energy package. And although that bill didn't make it to the finish line for unrelated reasons, language virtually identical to that in H.R. 518 enjoyed very strong bipartisan and certain bicameral support. prgtoken In addition, the bill passed the House on suspension last year as well, but failed to make it on the Senate calendar. prgtoken For the sake of the manufacturing jobs that are associated with these products as well as the consumers and small businesses that rely on them, I would urge all of my colleagues to support and vote for H.R. 518. prgtoken .
REMEMBERING JAMES H. ``JIM'' SKAGGS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-1-23

today I wish to remember the life of James H. ``Jim'' Skaggs, a Louisville resident, who passed away in December at the age of 94. To his family, his church community, and to those who knew him, Jim was a man known for his kindness, patience, and compassion. As a member of this Nation's Greatest Generation, he was an example of commitment and devotion. prgtoken Like so many other brave men and women, Jim answered his country's call in the Second World War. Kentucky has a proud history of military service, and Jim is a fine model of that tradition. As a staff sergeant in the 755th Railway Battalion, U.S. Army Transportation Corps in England, France, and Belgium, Jim showed the deep passion he held for his country. prgtoken Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and family. His daughter Debbie is my personal friend and archivist. If it is possible to measure a father by his daughter, Jim will surpass all standards. She is impressive in her own right, and she is surely a reflection of him. He will be remembered fondly. Elaine and I send our deepest condolences to Jim's family and friends.
KARI'S LAW ACT OF 2017
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-1-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken At our subcommittee hearing last April, we heard the very moving testimony of Mr. Hank Hunt. Hank told us the story of how his daughter Kari was brutally murdered in a Texas motel bathroom in December 2013. As emotional as his story was, Hank continued with the gut wrenching details of how Kari's daughter frantically tried and failed to reach first responders. prgtoken The little girl had done as she was always taught, dial 911 for help. Tragically, as it turns out, that was her mistake. Due to the configuration of the phone installed in the motel room, she needed to dial 9 before dialing an outside number. Time after time she tried, but the call never went through. The first responders who could have attempted to save Kari's life were not reached in time. prgtoken , I rise today in support of this commonsense bill that has the ability to save lives. Unfortunately, it prgtoken cost the life of Kari Hunt before the call for action was recognized. prgtoken Multiline telephone systems, like the one in that Texas motel room, are everywhere. Many businesses, including hotels, offices, and schools, use MLTS at their facilities across the country. They serve a very practical purpose and make connecting to other onsite users much easier. Unfortunately, many of these phones do not preset with the ability directly to dial 911. prgtoken It may be routine for someone who works in an office to know to dial 9 before dialing out, but would the instinct seem so natural during an emergency? Incidentally, I have telephones in offices here and in several district locations in New Jersey, and in some of those offices you dial 9 and in some you don't. prgtoken Moreover, our children should not have to be taught that sometimes they need to dial an extra number. 911 should mean 911. Those three numbers are one of the earliest things many parents teach their children. Kari's Law would require multiline telephone systems to be configured with the ability directly to dial 911 without any additional prefix. prgtoken The law would also require that multiline phone systems be configured to notify a central location within the system's facility when someone initiates a call to 911. This provision will help ensure first responders have the information needed to better locate and assist the caller. prgtoken There are some businesses, including a number of hotel chains, who have shown initiative and applied these changes in their facilities already. I commend them, but there is more work to be done. These simple fixes should be adopted and implemented nationwide. When dialing to reach emergency responders, it needs to go through, period. prgtoken I thank Hank Hunt, Kari's father, who has been a tireless advocate for this legislation. He has brought this important issue to our attention. Kari's Law passed without objection twice last Congress, and I urge all of my colleagues to support Repres
RECOGNIZING NICHOLAS AND ALISON ST. CLAIR
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-23

I rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication put forth by Nicholas and Alison St. Clair, the owners of Antebellum, a restaurant located in Flowery Branch, Georgia. As a testament to their diligence and culinary talent, Antebellum was recently named one of the top 100 restaurants in America by Opentable.com--an honor that has been bestowed upon the restaurant for two out of the last three years. prgtoken Combining the savory tastes of traditional Southern cooking with classic American food, Antebellum has been a go-to for the residents of Hall County for the five years its doors have been open. Having had the opportunity to eat there myself, I can attest to their supreme service and re-imagined Southern fare--especially their take on country fried steak. Starting a business can be a daunting decision, but the St. Clairs' entrepreneurial spirit and passion for culinary excellence has given rise to a dining experience that all residents of the Ninth District of Georgia can enjoy. prgtoken Nicholas St. Clair has worked as a chef for almost 20 years and credits his education and creativity with the success of Antebellum. Northeast Georgia is lucky to have business owners like the St. Clairs, who invest in their products in order to serve their clients. prgtoken , I am honored to recognize the St. Clairs' commitment to their craft and to congratulate them on the outstanding success of Antebellum. I am looking forward to my next visit to their restaurant to see what's new on the menu, and wish the St. Clair family continued success in Flowery Branch and beyond.