mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , these are the faces of innocent and wonderful women like Dakota and Chenoa, who indicate that, if they did not have Planned Parenthood, they would not be able to be where they are today, or Chenoa, who indicated, without Planned Parenthood and the Affordable Care Act, they wouldn't have access to health care. prgtoken That is what H.R. 7 intends to do, to deny these young, beautiful women an opportunity. But more importantly, my colleagues on the other side want to suggest they only--they only--have religion and faith. But as a mother, let me say that every child I have loved and every woman who has had a decision to make I have loved and respected for her choice of a faith, her God, and her doctor. prgtoken Rather than having this war on women by s, we need to be dealing with the voting rights law. Rather than prohibiting individuals from receiving a refundable tax credit on cost-sharing reductions for purchasing a qualified health plan that encourages coverage for abortions or denying the District of Columbia their rights, we should be standing for rights. This is a constitutional right. It is also a choice by a woman of her God, her doctor, and her family. prgtoken Vote against H.R. 7. It is violence against women. It is not helping women or the unborn child. prgtoken Madam , I rise again in strong opposition to H.R. 7, the so- called ``No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.'' prgtoken I oppose this bill because it is unnecessary, puts the lives of women at risk, interferes with women's constitutionally guaranteed right of privacy, and diverts our attention from the real problems facing the American people. prgtoken A more accurate short title for this bill would be the ``Violating the Rights of Women Act of 2017.'' prgtoken Instead of resuming their annual War on Women, our colleagues across the aisle should be working with to build upon the ``Middle- Class Economics'' championed by the Administration that have succeeded in ending the economic meltdown it inherited in 2009 and revived the economy to the point where today we have the highest rate of growth and lowest rate of unemployment since the boom years of the Clinton Administration. prgtoken We could and should instead be voting to raise the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour so that people who work hard and play by the rules do not have to raise their families in poverty. prgtoken A far better use of our time would be to provide help to unemployed job-hunters by making access to community college affordable to every person looking to make a new start in life. prgtoken Instead of voting to abridge the constitutional rights of women for the umpteenth time, we should bring to the floor for a first vote comprehensive immigration reform legislation or legislations repairing the harm to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder. prgtoken Madam , the one thing we should not be doing is de
HONORING CLARKE BLODGETT
John P. Sarbanes (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today to recognize the extraordinary events surrounding the SS Exodus 1947, to which a historic memorial will be dedicated in the Port of Haifa in Israel this coming July. prgtoken The SS Exodus 1947, originally known as the President Warfield, was a passenger ship operating on the ``Old Bay Line'' between Baltimore, MD and Norfolk, VA. The ship served in that role for nearly 15 years before being repurposed during World War II, when it served both the Royal Navy and the United States Navy. Following the war, the ship returned to the U.S. and was placed in the Naval Reserve Fleet in Virginia, where it was to be sold for scrap. prgtoken Before the ship could be scrapped it was sold to the Haganah, the precursor to the Israel Defense Forces. The Haganah intended to use it, amongst 9 other ships, to evacuate displaced Jews from Europe to what was then Palestine, at the time under British Control. Before undertaking this mission the ship was towed to Baltimore, where it was refitted and crewed, primarily by volunteer Jewish-American ex- soldiers. prgtoken Once in Europe, the ship originally designed for 400 passengers was loaded with 4,454 Holocaust survivors and departed from the French Port of Sete. The ship was intercepted in international waters by a task force of eight British Naval vessels and was boarded by Royal Marines. While the unarmed crew and passengers fought back with whatever could be turned into weapons, they were eventually overwhelmed and taken back to France and then to displaced persons camps in Germany on British prison ships. prgtoken The events on the Exodus garnered international media attention and are considered by historians to have played a role in the passage of United Nations Resolution 181, which established the State of Israel. The mayor of Haifa in 1950 dubbed the Exodus the ``Ship that Launched a Nation.'' prgtoken Memorials and historical markers for the Exodus have been placed in the Baltimore Harbor, as well as France and Germany. I am proud of the small role that Baltimore played in these historic events and also commend the work of my constituent, Dr. Barry S. Lever, with the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation to dedicate a memorial to the Exodus in Israel, and I congratulate them on their successful efforts.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ACT
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today to support H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which I am very pleased to co-sponsor. prgtoken This bill comprises a significant set of provisions that resulted from constructive negotiations with our Majority and with the Senate as part of the energy conference last year. I am also proud to note that many of these provisions were actually first proposed in the version of the American Competes Reauthorization Act that was sponsored by every ic Member of the Committee in the last Congress. prgtoken The bill includes what would be the first comprehensive authorization of the DOE Office of Science, which is the largest supporter of physical sciences research in the country. This is a nearly $6 billion office that manages 10 of our national laboratories, often called the crown jewels of our national research infrastructure. Yet thus far, unlike NSF, NASA, and nearly every other major scientific research agency stewarded by the federal government, the Office of Science has not received the statutory guidance and support that its capabilities and mission warrant. So passing this portion of the bill into law alone would be a big step in the right direction. prgtoken The bill also includes a number of important technology transfer provisions that previously passed the House as part of a bipartisan bill that I and many of my colleagues on the Committee co-sponsored. In addition, it would provide the first authorization of the promising Innovation Hub model for energy research, and it would enable greater private sector engagement with ARPA-E. Finally, this bill includes an updated and improved version of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which I was happy to co-sponsor with my friend Mr. Weber in the last Congress. prgtoken I would like to thank Chairman Smith and his staff for working closely with us and our Senate counterparts to move beyond what began as, frankly, a rather contentious process to find common ground on a wide range of areas that will be critical to ensuring our nation's competitiveness and our clean energy future. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-1-24

by 2020, it is estimated that 65 percent of all jobs will require at least some form of postsecondary education and training. The National Skills Coalition estimates that nearly half of all job openings between now and 2022 will be middle skill jobs that require education beyond high school, but not a four-year degree. While the number of students pursing postsecondary education is growing, the supply of skilled workers still falls short of industry demand. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 5.5 million U.S. jobs are currently vacant, in part, because of a shortage of qualified workers. prgtoken Our current Federal higher education policy must be improved to help solve this problem. Pell Grants, needs-based grants for low-income and working students, can only be awarded towards programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length. These grants cannot be used to support many of the short-term occupational training programs at community and technical colleges and other institutions that provide skills and credentials employers need and recognize. When it comes to higher education, Federal policies need to support the demands of the changing labor market and support career pathways that align with industry demand. According the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, shorter-term educational investments pay off--the average postsecondary certificate holder has 20 percent higher lifetime earnings than individuals with only a high school diploma. prgtoken Today, I am pleased to introduce with my colleague, Senator Portman, the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students or JOBS Act. The JOBS Act would close the ``skills gap'' by expanding Pell Grant eligibility to cover high-quality and rigorous short-term job training programs so workers can afford the skills training and credentials that are in high-demand in today's job market. Since job training programs are shorter and less costly, Pell Grant awards would be half of the current discretionary Pell amount. The legislation defines eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution that provides at least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least 8 weeks and that provides training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce. These programs must also provide students with licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered. prgtoken The JOBS Act also ensures that students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, are recognized by employers, industry, or sector partnerships, and align with the skill needs of industries in the States or local economies. In Virginia, the Vi
PRESIDENT TRUMP'S CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today to urge our new President to drain the swamp, to address his own myriad conflicts of interest. President 's financial disclosure stated he had a holding of at least $15,000 in Energy Transfer Partners, the lead developer on the Dakota Access Pipeline. We also know he has at least $100,000 invested in Phillips 66, which has a 25 percent stake in the same project. His spokesperson claims he has sold his stake, but how do we know? We still don't have his tax returns. prgtoken Additionally, news stories indicate he has a holding in TransCanada, the developer of the Keystone XL pipeline. With the White House's action to push these pipelines forward, I fear that today we have the first of many indications of impropriety and conflict of interest. Without disclosure of his tax returns, Mr. 's personal financial interests are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. They appear to compromise honorable governance with insider deals. prgtoken The President should know the American people are watching, and they do care. The peaceful protests he saw on Saturday are only the beginning if he cannot live up to the ethical requirements of his new office and the legitimate expectations of the American people.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2017
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , I want to answer his question with a question. prgtoken Do you care about the 4 million children today that live off of less than $2 a day and live in extreme poverty and they are alive? No, you don't. prgtoken Let me quote our Founding Father Samuel Adams. ``. . . freedom of thought and the right of private judgement in matters of conscience direct their course to this happy country. . . .'' prgtoken The First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, the 14th Amendment, all sort of convene to this notion of rights of privacy in this country, except when it comes to women and their bodies. prgtoken s continue to wreak havoc for women's health, operating as if they have some sort of moral imperative to tell us. Get your laws off our bodies.
WOMEN'S RIGHT TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT HEALTH
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , I rise today in support of every woman's right to make her own informed decisions about her health, including access to family planning and reproductive health care. prgtoken While the rest of the world moves forward, we are turning the tide clock back to the era of ``Mad Men.'' However, unlike President and my colleagues, I have heard the voices of hundreds of thousands of people I marched with last Saturday. prgtoken I accept the overwhelming research opposing the outrageous policies that President and the s in Congress have placed at the center of their agenda, policies like the global gag rule and H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. These dangerous and irresponsible policies are a disgraceful attack on women's rights domestically and throughout the world. prgtoken Let's get this straight, Madam . What this is about is keeping low-income women from accessing the health care they so rightfully deserve.
HONORING DEPUTY SHERIFF COLT EUGENE ALLERY
Heidi Heitkamp (Democrat, ND) \u2014 2017-1-24

I come here again today on what is a sad day and really a sad week for law enforcement in North Dakota, for the community of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and certainly for the family of Colt Eugene Allery. prgtoken Colt was a deputy in the Rolette County Sheriff's Office who tragically lost his life in the line of duty last Wednesday night near Belcourt, ND. Colt joined in a high-speed chase with several fellow officers Wednesday evening after a report and identification of a stolen vehicle. As the stolen vehicle was coming to a forced stop, shots were fired, and the call came over the radio that shakes all of North Dakota law enforcement and our entire State to the core: ``Officer down.'' prgtoken Colt never got back up that evening, succumbing to his injuries not very far from the small community where he grew up. He leaves behind five beautiful young children, including a stepdaughter; his fiance, Alexandria; his grandparents, Gene and Rita Allery, who raised him; his family, his friends, and a community that will miss his constant smile and playful attitude. prgtoken He also leaves behind his fellow deputies and colleagues in the Rolette County Sheriff's Office. I know this is an incredibly tough time right now for Rolette County Sheriff Medrud and his deputies as well. I know that the people across the State of North Dakota and I have your back during this difficult time. prgtoken This is now the second time in less than a year that I have come to the floor of the U.S. Senate to talk about the heroism and service of one of North Dakota's peace officers--one of those peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. prgtoken It is heartbreaking to have to stand here yet again to make one of these speeches in recognition of a North Dakota peace officer. In fact, during my 8 years as North Dakota's attorney general, I saw two deaths, two violent deaths of peace officers in my State. In less than a year, we have two. prgtoken Talking to many of my friends in law enforcement in my State, they will tell you that the business of law enforcement and the work of law enforcement in our State have become more and more dangerous and more and more challenging. As I have said many times--and I will say it again here today--North Dakota has the finest peace officers in the entire country. Colt Allery personified that dedication of our peace officers to protect and serve their communities. prgtoken Losing an officer in the line of duty is always devastating, but in States like North Dakota, where we often say we know everyone, Colt's loss is being felt in communities across the State. Colt and his family will know that the entire State mourns his loss and that we had his back in this life and we will have theirs as they struggle with this incredible and unimaginable loss. prgtoken Growing up in St. John, ND, and as an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ACT
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I thank the chairman and the ranking member, Eddie Bernice Johnson, for bringing this bill to the floor today. It has been a long time in coming. prgtoken I rise in support of H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act. This bill would authorize important research and development at the Department of Energy to push the frontiers of science and find new ways to innovate and power our economy. prgtoken This bill would authorize comprehensive policy guidance for the DOE's Office of Science for the first time in its history. The Office of Science manages a portfolio, including research in supercomputing, materials science, nuclear physics, advanced biofuels, fusion energy, climate modeling, high energy physics, and a number of other areas across the spectrum of fundamental and applied research. prgtoken Additionally, the Office of Science is home to world-class user facilities used by private industry to collaborate with our national laboratories and provide our scientists with access to tools and resources to test the most pressing research questions in a variety of fields. The neutron sources, particle accelerators, and light sources, among many other Office of Science user facilities, are home to some of the most important scientific work conducted in America and represent some of the best partnerships our labs have with private industry. These activities and capabilities have never been given the proper statutory authority by this Congress, so this bill represents a landmark bipartisan effort. prgtoken H.R. 589 also includes the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which I cosponsored again this year. By providing the tools and resources to nuclear scientists and engineers, this bill lays the groundwork for a future where reliable, clean nuclear energy is a major source of our electricity generation. This research could lead to advanced and safer nuclear reactors with the potential to use less nuclear fuel and produce far less waste. prgtoken H.R. 589 is not only bipartisan, but, as the chairman said, it represents a bicameral agreement that was reached last year during conference negotiations with the Senate on the comprehensive energy package. Given the urgent challenge of climate change and the growing competition around the world in many of these key research areas, we must keep working together with the Senate to get this bill signed into law this year. prgtoken I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson for working together to get this bipartisan legislation before us today, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken Madam , .
HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR THE WORKING AND MIDDLE CLASS
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-1-24

for millions of Americans, homeownership stands as a source of personal and economic security and is a defining part of the middle class life. prgtoken Earlier this month, under President , the Federal Housing Administration announced a plan to make mortgages more affordable for nearly 1 million working and middle class families who are buying their first homes. In his first hours in office, President reversed President 's plan with an executive action that will cost Americans an average of $500 more per year to get a mortgage. Experts project that 40,000 families who would have bought homes will no longer be able to do so. prgtoken The administration's order to make mortgages more expensive will not strengthen our economy; it will not create jobs; it will not make America great again--but it will make life harder for working families.
NOMINATION OF BETSY DeVOS
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today to speak on the nomination of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. prgtoken Public education is deeply personal for me. I am proud to have attended Michigan public schools, and I have three children who did so as well. I know firsthand the importance of a strong public education system. My father Herb was a proud teacher and taught English for 32 years in Rochester, MI, where I grew up. prgtoken My father was part of the ``greatest generation.'' He fought for our country in World War II and returned home to help build America's middle class. Our Nation owes these men and women a debt of gratitude for building a country where anyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules can find opportunity. prgtoken But too many families today feel that the American dream remains just out of reach. It seems that they can hardly get by, much less get ahead. At a time of growing income inequality, public schools can and do provide a ladder of opportunity in communities across the Nation-- urban, rural, and suburban alike. Strong public schools are vital to our economy, our democracy, and to our Nation's global competitiveness. prgtoken I think we can all agree that a child's chance to succeed should not be dictated by his or her ZIP Code. While many crucial education decisions are made at the State and at the local levels, the Federal Government also has a role to play in providing the necessary educational tools and proper protections for all of our children to flourish. prgtoken We need a Secretary of Education who is dedicated to improving access to quality public education based on sound evidence and ensuring the proper implementation of Federal laws designed to protect and to help all of our children. That is why I am deeply troubled by President 's nomination prgtoken of Betsy DeVos of Michigan to serve as the Secretary of Education. prgtoken Mrs. DeVos, like so many recent graduates, is effectively applying for a job. And like any employer, the American people should look at her resume, her interview, and her past performance. prgtoken Mrs. DeVos's resume contains no experience in public education at any level--not as a teacher, not as an administrator, not as a student or a parent, not as a school board member, and not even as a borrower of public loans for college. prgtoken Her only experience in education is her work lobbying for the transfer of taxpayer money to private schools and the rapid expansion of charter schools without sufficient accountability to parents and to students. prgtoken So let's look at her interview. Her appearance before the Senate HELP Committee last week raised many more questions and did not provide answers. During her confirmation hearing, Mrs. DeVos showed herself to be unfamiliar with some basic educational concepts, like the debate over whether we should measure students' success by growth or proficiency. If Mrs. DeVos doesn't know how to measure