mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise today to discuss President 's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch. prgtoken As you know, the vacancy exists because last year Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died suddenly at the age of 79, leaving an unexpected vacancy on our Nation's highest Court. prgtoken As I said at the time of his passing, replacing Justice Scalia, one of the Court's strongest defenders of our Constitution, would be extremely difficult. For nearly three decades, with his brilliant legal mind and animated character, Justice Scalia fiercely fought against judicial activism and legislating from the bench. To say our next Justice has big shoes to fill would be an incredible understatement. That is why the decision was made early on by Leader McConnell and others to give the American people a voice in this process, by waiting to confirm the next Justice until the 45th President was in office and able to nominate someone him or herself. We held that belief, even when it looked like our party would not win the Presidency. prgtoken As we have been reminded before, elections have consequences. The American people chose to elect President , who throughout his campaign said that he would nominate someone in the mold of the late Justice Scalia. With his pick of Judge Gorsuch, President made an excellent choice in fulfilling that promise. We believe Judge Gorsuch espouses the same approach to constitutional interpretation as Justice Scalia and has a strong understanding of federalism upon which our country is built. prgtoken Because the current makeup of the Court is evenly split between conservative- and liberal-leaning Justices, this ninth spot is as important as it has ever been. The next Justice has the potential to hold incredible influence over the ideological direction of the Court for a generation to come. The Supreme Court is the final authority for interpreting Federal laws and the Constitution. It is one of the most important responsibilities found within our federalism. prgtoken Since our very first Supreme Court--Justice James Wilson took the oath of office in October of 1789--there have been just 112 Justices to serve on the Court. These lifetime appointments are established under article III in the Constitution and are the ultimate authority over all of the Federal courts and State court cases involving Federal law. prgtoken Since it was established, the decisions the Supreme Court has made have guided and altered the course of our Nation. The decisions it makes often have long-lasting ramifications, that in one vote can dramatically alter the course of our country. Based on what I know of Judge Gorsuch, I believe he has the aptitude for this lifetime appointment. He is greatly respected on both sides of the aisle. In fact, he was previously confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit unanimously, and not a single or ic Member of the Senate dis
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-2-2

. and chairman of the Banking Committee, I appreciate the time and the recognition. As the chairman knows, I am a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and a former chairman of the African Subcommittee, and I have traveled to both of those continents for many years. I have seen resource-rich and poverty-poor countries where they have a natural resource investment and wealth, but they never reinvest in their people. prgtoken I think transparency is important in seeing to it that the resources they receive for selling those natural resources are made available to their people so that the resources go to the benefit of the people and not the government. prgtoken Are you also aware that I am not a big supporter of the Dodd-Frank disclosure bill, but I also have concerns that simply vacating the rule implementing the Lugar-Cardin amendment without providing for a replacement would create a setback for U.S. leadership in anti- corruption efforts around the world? prgtoken Because of what we have done in transparency and anti-corruption, countries like the United Kingdom, the EU, Norway, and Canada have followed our lead, and I do not want to lose that. Therefore, I wish to ask the chairman of the Banking Committee a couple of questions to ease my fears about this question. prgtoken First, I would like to direct a couple of questions to the chairman. It is my understanding that this joint resolution does not--underscore not--repeal section 1504 of Dodd-Frank law; is that correct?
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-2-2

today we are going to be voting on the first of what will be many resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to roll back the avalanche of Federal regulations that the administration placed on the U.S. economy and, most importantly, the working men and women of this great country. prgtoken Nowhere have these regulations been more of a burden than on the energy industry of America, which employs millions, millions of Americans--, s, good, hard-working Americans, and thousands of hard-working Alaskans, my constituents. So I am particularly pleased that the first of these actions--and we are going to be using the Congressional Review Act a lot because the economy and families in America need relief--in the Senate is to nullify the so- called stream buffer rule of the Department of Interior. prgtoken My colleague and friend, the senior Senator from Alaska, Ms. Murkowski, was down on the floor a little bit about ago. She described just how sweeping this rule was in scope and how despite the Federal law called SMACRA, which requires cooperative Federalism, working closely with the States, the administration did not give the States any input--certainly not my State. prgtoken But what I wanted to talk about on this rule in particular and why it is so important to have not just s but --and I am going to encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to please support this resolution of disapproval--why it so important we vote for this resolution of disapproval today is because of the coal miners in America--the coal miners in America, who have been under incredible strain and their families. prgtoken The vote we take today is going to offer them the first signs of relief in years. Now, there were projections by the Department of Interior's own contractors--as my colleague, Senator Murkowski, mentioned a little bit ago--that thousands of coal miners would lose their jobs because of this rule--thousands. prgtoken A study showed that estimates would be one-third of coal miners, coal-mining jobs in the country were at risk because of this rule. That is a big deal. That is a big deal. One-third. Studies are showing that by the Department of Interior's own contractor. But not to worry, the administration issued the rule anyway. Again, as my colleague Senator Murkowski mentioned, there were concerns--very legitimate concerns in my State--that this rule could literally kill every coal- mining job in Alaska, at the Usibelli coal mine in interior Alaska. prgtoken So what was the so-called stream buffer rule really about? What was it? Well, I think we all know. It was the last salvo in the administration's arsenal in the war on coal miners, a war that has left thousands of hard-working Americans out of work, injured, in despair in its wake. That is what happened. Just look at what happened. Look at our own Federal Government go
TRIBUTE TO ALLY MARTIN
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-2-2

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Ms. Ally Martin of Wheatland County, a tough ranch hand with a very bright future. This young lady has flat out excelled in her community. The superintendent of Harlowton Public Schools said of Ally, ``I have known Ally for her whole life and she has yet to disappoint me.'' prgtoken Ally is the oldest of four siblings on a working sheep and cattle ranch not too far from the Musselshell River in central Montana. Anyone who knows the amount dedication and perseverance it takes to keep this type of family business running knows that Ally's achievements in sports, school, and 4-H are remarkable. Ally gets her grit from her family. Her parents would drive 25 miles to take Ally to her part-time job washing dishes and waiting tables at the Crazy Mountain Inn in Martinsdale. prgtoken From 2013-2015, Ally was recognized as the Wheatland County 4-H ``Grand Champion'' for her sheep project. Ally meticulously cross-bred Suffolk sheep into her family's Targhee flock, making noticeable gains to weaning weight. Some of her 4-H peers even started using her lambs in 4-H as well. Ally has been able to shoulder the demands of the ranch while ranking first in her class academically, earning all-State athletic honors in basketball and track, and participating in student government. Ally commits to whatever she sets her mind to, from ranching to school to sports. prgtoken Ally broke new ground as the first person from Harlowton High School appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The number of cadets at West Point will be nearly double the population of Wheatland County. Ally won't flinch at this. She is not one to seek out comfort, make excuses, or look for shortcuts. She will do what she has always done--wake up when almost everyone else is still sleeping, focus on the tasks at hand, and simply get the job done. Her exemplary hardwork and leadership will serve our Nation well in the military. Good luck, and Godspeed, Ally; the people of Montana support you.
HONORING DR. CAROL MITCHELL
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise this morning to commemorate African American History Month by honoring one of the exceptional Americans who resides in our district in Omaha. prgtoken Dr. Carol Mitchell's career of public service and her dedication to education has made her a true hero and an inspiration to us all. prgtoken Dr. Mitchell was born and raised in, what was at the time, a segregated Port Arthur, Texas. Her identical twin sister, Bishop Sarah Davis, graduated as covaledictorians from Lincoln High School in Port Arthur. After graduation, she attended North Texas State University in Denton. North Texas State University afforded Dr. Mitchell her first educational experience with an integrated school. prgtoken During this time, Carol had the fortune of studying chemistry and geology at Morris Brown College and at Emory University through summer education programs. prgtoken Dr. Mitchell and her sister, who also attended North Texas State University, were the first African Americans initiated into the North Texas Green Jackets, a student community service organization further cultivating Dr. Mitchell's love for public service and education. prgtoken In 1970, after graduating from North Texas State University with a bachelor of science in secondary education, Dr. Mitchell married her husband, Glenn Mitchell, and moved to Omaha, Nebraska. In Omaha, she continued her work in public service, teaching science and chemistry for 15 years at Omaha Burke High School, culminating as the supervisor of all science education for the entire Omaha public school system. prgtoken In 1991, Dr. Mitchell took an instructor position at the University of Nebraska Omaha, and for the next 22 years, Dr. Mitchell educated future science teachers in the college of education. It was during this time that Dr. Mitchell earned her doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. prgtoken Dr. Mitchell's public service went far beyond just the Omaha and Midwestern region, to include work and study abroad. Among her many postdoctoral accomplishments, she twice had the honor of working at Oxford University in England and through her service with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and she conducted Summer Science Institute courses in chemistry and biology for students and teachers and countries across Southern Africa. prgtoken Since 1991, she has received 21 awards, including the STEM Legacy Award from the Empowerment Network earlier this year, and the UNO Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award in 2009. prgtoken Dr. Mitchell has led a vibrant and inspiring life of public service in education and has worked to enrich the lives of all of her students and coworkers through her love of science and education. prgtoken Her many accolades and awards throughout her life as a student, educator, and public servant attest to the legacy she has left. prgtoken Though starting life with the challenges of a segregated community, she has persevered to obtain the epitome of succ
NEW MEMBERS WORKING TOWARD A COMMON GOAL
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-2-2

it is good to be back on the floor. We have had a productive week so far. Things are moving along. We are doing exactly what we promised the American people, and that is removing regulatory burden, that is beginning to move toward an economy that looks after the needs of our communities--our moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and grandkids. They come together to know we are working toward a common goal, and that is looking ahead and making sure that what we do is in the best interests of our neighbors and our communities. prgtoken Today, I want to continue in what we started, , just a week or so ago. We are introducing the folks that the country has sent from our side to be Members here, to join myself and others, to take this fight from the majority not only from their streets in the campaigns, but now onto the floor of the House. prgtoken So this afternoon, we are going to start off with one of our new Members from New York's 19th Congressional District, John Faso. I found out as I was looking through his background that John comes from the same hometown as President Martin Van Buren and also our former colleague Chris Gibson, who was here for a while. prgtoken I think if there is anything that sums up what I have heard from John's heart, it is the economic condition that we are in and the fact that our debts cannot continue to be sustained, and we have to put in good practices that not only take into account his district--which is a wonderful part of New York State--and the growing application there, but how we can take that all over the country. prgtoken So with great pride, it is my privilege to introduce the newest Congressman from New York's 19th Congressional District, John Faso, to tell us a little bit about why he is here and his vision for what we have. prgtoken , from New York (Mr. Faso).
VICTIMS OF SEX TRAFFICKING
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-2-2

we all know that human trafficking is a major problem right here in the United States. It is happening in every one of our communities. prgtoken This week, as millions of Americans gather to watch the Super Bowl, I would like to shine a light on another troubling fact, and that is that there is an increase in the human trafficking and sex trafficking in the days surrounding the Super Bowl. prgtoken Last year, in a few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl event, the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office identified 42 potential victims of sex trafficking during a series of stings and cited 30 additional men for soliciting prostitution. prgtoken The good news is, , we are drawing attention to this fact and working hard to end this heinous practice. Next year, my home State of Minnesota will be hosting the Super Bowl, and our host committee is already working hard in collaboration with Federal and local law enforcement, with government agencies, with advocacy groups and victims' service organizations to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan to address the issue. That is because, , over the next year, we will continue to end the practice of human trafficking, working tirelessly, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how we can have freedom from the ugliness of trafficking.
CONGRATULATING CAPTAIN BILL PFISTER ON HIS RETIREMENT
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise today to congratulate Captain William ``Bill'' Pfister on his retirement and honor him for his over fifty years of service to our country as a member of the U.S. Navy and a key leader in our nation's shipbuilding industry. Bill Pfister graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1962, and he went on to serve in the Navy for 27 years. Among his many honors, he is a recipient of the U.S. Navy Legion of Merit Award and several Meritorious Service Medals. He retired from the Navy in 1989 and continued to support the Navy through his work on various shipbuilding projects. He was ``employee negative one'' for Austal USA and helped select the Mobile, Alabama site. During his years at Austal, he has overseen the impressive construction and expansion of a first-class shipbuilding operation. To put it simply: Bill took a green field and built it into the Austal of today. Austal USA is now the largest private sector employer in Alabama's First Congressional District, employing over 4,000 people. Much of the success and growth at Austal is because of Bill Pfister's hard work, vision, dedication, and leadership. Bill has also taken an active role in our local community through involvement in civic clubs and organizations including the Partners for Environmental Progress, the local Navy League chapter, Mobile Baykeeper, Propeller Club, and the Military Officers Association of America. Like a true sailor, Bill also enjoys spending time boating on Mobile Bay Bill Pfister has poured his heart and soul into the success of Austal USA and the overall mission of the United States Navy. So, on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, I wish Bill and his wife, Sally, all the best upon his retirement. Our nation will be forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-2-2

first of all, I appreciate the opportunity to get wedged in here. There are a number of very interesting things happening today. One is the CRA that I am very much concerned about. I know that my good friend from Massachusetts did not misrepresent something intentionally; however, this is a little bit more complicated than people think it is. prgtoken I spoke earlier this week on our need to roll back a lot of these regulations that were handed down during the administration. They are all a part of that War on Fossil Fuels, and as you hear, that war is still going on with some of those individuals. However, President is gone, and now we have to look at some of these overregulations. prgtoken For a number of years, I chaired the Environment and Public Works Committee. During that period of time, that particular committee had the jurisdiction over the EPA, which is where most of the bad regulations came from. When I say ``bad regulations,'' I am talking about the overregulations that make it very difficult for our companies to compete with foreign companies that don't have these types of regulations. prgtoken Let me share something that is not very well understood, and that is what a CRA really is. There are a lot of people of the liberal persuasion who would like very much to have everything they could regulated in Washington, DC. For example, one of the fights we had was the WOTUS fight. If you ask any of the farmers and ranchers in America--not just in my State of Oklahoma but Nebraska and many other States--what is the most serious problem they have, they would say it is the overregulation of the EPA. If you ask them, of all the regulations, which ones are the most difficult for the farmers out there trying to scratch a living, they will say it is the regulations on water. prgtoken Historically, the jurisdiction of water is a State jurisdiction. Now, a liberal always wants that jurisdiction to be with the Federal Government in Washington. That is their nature. I don't criticize them for that. They believe that. But if you ask the farmers in my State of Oklahoma, they will say they don't want that to happen. Historically, water has always been the State's jurisdiction, with the exception of navigable water. We understand that navigable water should have a Federal jurisdiction. In fact, I would have to say there was a real effort 6 years ago by a Senator who at that time was representing the State of Wisconsin and a House Member who was representing a district in Minnesota. Those two individuals introduced legislation to take the word ``navigable'' out of water regulations so the Federal Government would have jurisdiction over all of the water in the States as opposed to the State having that jurisdiction. Not only did we defeat the legislation, but both of those Members were defeated in the polls when they came up for reelection on that issue. The people are clearly on our si
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
James B. Renacci (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-2-2

I thank Chairman Sam Johnson of Texas for his work on this important resolution and his many years of service to our country. prgtoken , in the final weeks of President 's final term, the Social Security Administration finalized a rule that flat out discriminates against millions of individuals with disabilities by denying them their Second Amendment rights. prgtoken But it gets worse. Not only does the rule place these innocent individuals' names in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, it does so in a way that strips them of their due process. Specifically, it would subject these people to a very timely appeals process requiring them to prove their own innocence before their name could be removed. prgtoken In other words, this rule turns due process on its head by shifting the burden of proof from the government to the individual to ensure their constitutional right is not stripped away. prgtoken Moreover, as a member of the Social Security subcommittee, I am very concerned that this rule falls way outside the bounds of the Social Security Administration's mission. Instead of using the Social Security administrator's field office staff to help Ohioans manage and understand their benefits, this rule diverts resources away from that core mission toward one that is constitutionally suspect. prgtoken That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Chairman Sam Johnson of Texas' resolution that protects Americans' Second Amendment rights and protects Americans with disabilities, their constitutional right, to due process under the law. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this joint resolution of disapproval.
SUPPORTING JUDGE NEIL GORSUCH'S NOMINATION TO U.S. SUPREME COURT
Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise today to express my support of the President's selection of Neil Gorsuch as nominee to the United States Supreme Court it is my sincerest hope that the Members of this body and our body down at the other end of the building will recognize just what a wonderful selection Mr. has made. prgtoken In fact, candidly, , were it my selection, I probably would not pick someone who had clerked for liberal jurist Byron ``Whizzer'' White or the split vote on the Court, Anthony Kennedy. In fact, I wonder if the habits of the individuals in the Senate--who might have the opportunity to confirm--to resist every single thing that comes across their desks these days might not, in fact, lead to a more conservative nominee should Judge Gorsuch not be nominated. prgtoken I would again commend Mr. for this middle-of-the-road selection. I think he will maintain the balance on the Court that Mr. Kennedy has here today. prgtoken I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are wise enough to understand just what a benevolent and middle-of-the-road selection Mr. Gorsuch is.