mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--Authority for Committee to Meet (Executive Session)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-5-10

I have a request for the Indians Affairs Committee to meet today at 2:30 p.m. prgtoken First, we have a markup in the Indian Affairs Committee. The two bills we are marking up are -sponsored bills. The first one is Senator Tester's bill, from the State of Montana, which would provide support for Native languages. I guess the summary is that it would support the education of Indian children. I believe it relates to Native languages in that educational capacity. So that is one of the bills, Senator Tester's bill. prgtoken The other bill we are marking up is Senator Tim Kaine's bill, also a -sponsored bill. The short narrative I have is this: To extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Chicahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahonnock Tribe, the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe. prgtoken The reason that is significant, that is something that both Senator Kaine and Senator Warner--both Senators from Virginia--have been working on for some time. The reason it is timely is that they have Pocahontas's birthday celebration coming up, which I think is going to be a large celebration in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They were hoping to have these Tribes recognized before this birthday celebration for Pocahontas. It is a timely issue. prgtoken Obviously, we can't advance the bill to the Senate floor unless we mark it up. At the request of those two ic Senators from the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are scheduled to mark up those bills and get them to the floor and try to do it in a timely way because of the celebration they are trying to get prepared for. Everybody knows the story of Pocahontas and why that would be a big celebration and certainly a big deal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. prgtoken Again, as we debate this on the Senate floor, I think Senator Daines made some strong points, and I would certainly appeal to our colleagues across the aisle to consider what I just described as far as those markups. prgtoken In addition to those markups, we also have a hearing on several bills. The first one is a McCain bill, and it is to amend the PROTECT Act to make Indian Tribes eligible for AMBER Alert grants. prgtoken Everybody knows what the AMBER Alert Program is and how important that program is to protect our young people when they get abducted. The reason Senator McCain, from Arizona, is bringing this bill forward is because there was an abduction in Arizona, and the AMBER Alert went out late. I prgtoken think the AMBER Alert went out a day late. prgtoken Senator McCain has this PROTECT Act so we can make sure the AMBER Alert is working in Indian Country, and you certainly can understand how important it is that we do that. We have to have a hearing on the bill again so we can advance the bill to the Senate floor for consideration. prgtoken The final bill that we would have a hearing on in committee, i
HONORING THE JOHNSTOWN ROTARY CLUB'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-5-11

I rise today in recognition of the Johnstown Rotary Club's 100th Anniversary. Since its founding in May 1917, the Johnstown Rotary Club has aided many community organizations such as scouting, child relief agencies, arts and theater organizations, police and fire departments and health and service organizations. It has also sponsored Interact Clubs at local high schools and awarded scholarships to outstanding high school students. In addition to providing dictionaries to every third grader in the Johnstown area, Johnstown Rotarians are also involved in various literacy initiatives such as the One Book, One Community Program. The Johnstown Rotary Club has also been actively involved in international service initiatives such as supporting clean water projects in developing nations. They have been very involved in hosting high school exchange students from numerous countries including Spain, France, Slovakia, Turkey, Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic and Japan. Since 1968, when Rotary International first took on the challenge of eradicating polio, the Johnstown Rotary Club has participated in various projects, which helped to bring the number of countries experiencing the polio endemic from 122 down to two. I thank the Johnstown Rotarians for their dedication to improving both the Johnstown community and the international community through their commitment to supporting education, providing clean water, promoting peace, saving mothers and children, growing local economies and fighting disease. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Johnstown on its 100th Anniversary.
HONORING THE KILGORE HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS, 2017 CLASS 4A STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONS
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-11

it is with enormous pride that I recognize and congratulate the Kilgore High School Bulldogs on achieving the title of 2017 Texas State Soccer Champions. This is the third straight appearance for the Bulldogs in the state soccer showdown, but this is Kilgore High School's first state team title since 2004. prgtoken Despite losing their team captain to injury during the state semifinals, the Bulldogs pulled together and made their way to the state final against the Bridgeport Bulls. After the end of grueling regulation play, the match was tied 2-2, and went to penalty kicks. Two brilliant saves by keeper and championship MVP Kaleb Jett, on back-to- back shots, brought the Bulldogs a hard-earned 4-2 victory on penalties. prgtoken Congratulations should be extended to team members Kaleb Jett, Yonatan Contreras, Jesus Gonzalez, Jovany Gonzalez, Noe Zavaleta, Raul Cedillo, Jamie Veloz, Elian Torres, Mateo Meraz, Brandon Espinoza, Daniel Sifford, Tucker Konczak, Jordi Contreras, Diego Huerta, Wayne McIntyre, Jose Gonzalez, David Garcia, Jose Arrendondo, Jackson Hatcher. prgtoken This recognition of their accomplishment is extended to all of the athletic staff including Coaches: Austin Walker, Mark Roskos; Trainers/ Managers: Head Trainer, Darrell ``Red'' Ganus; Student Trainer, Brandon Mayers; Manager, Carlos Godoy; Videographer, Josue Reyes. The staff and faculty who led and inspired the Bulldogs in pursuit of the state crown include Superintendent Cara Cooke; Principal Greg Brown; Athletic Director Michael Wood; Assistant Athletic Director Doug Duke. prgtoken The faculty, staff and friends of Kilgore Independent School District and the entire community of Kilgore have devoted countless hours to support and encourage these outstanding young athletes in the pursuit of their dreams. prgtoken It is my most esteemed honor to congratulate everyone involved with this endeavor. May God continue to bless these students, their families and friends, and all those individuals who call Kilgore, Texas their home. Congratulations to the 2017 Class 4A State Soccer Champions, the Kilgore Bulldogs, as their championship legacy is now recorded and will endure as long as there is a United States of America.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-11

I intend to object to any unanimous consent request at the present time relating to the nomination of Courtney Elwood of Virginia to be the general counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency. prgtoken I will object because the CIA has still not responded to my letters from April 14, 2014; and April 5, 2017, requesting declassification of two congressional notifications, CNs, about whistleblower communications. In 2014, the inspector general of the Intelligence Community issued two CNs about whistleblower communications. The first, sent on March 28, 2014, had the unclassified subject line ``Whistleblower Communications.'' The second, sent on March 31, 2014, had the unclassified subject line ``Whistleblower Communications-- Clarification.'' Both documents were classified Secret/NOFORN. I requested that the CNs be declassified as soon as possible. More than 3 years have passed since my initial request, and I still have not received declassified versions of the documents or an explanation of why the documents have not been declassified. prgtoken The information contained in the two CNs raises serious policy implications, as well as potential Constitutional separation-of-powers issues. The CNs do not appear to contain any information about sources or methods, and there is a strong public interest in their content. As a matter of respect, for a coequal branch of government, my declassification request should have been processed in a timely manner. Moreover, under the executive branch's own regulations, there are time limits that apply to processing declassification requests and classification challenges that the CIA has failed to meet. prgtoken In addition, I have requested copies of the CIA's PPD-19 procedures and policies which allow CIA whistleblowers to seek relief from reprisal, but the CIA has refused, stating that the documents are classified and for CIA's internal use only. PPD-19 was largely codified by the Intelligence Authorization Act, and so the CIA is also required by law to implement such a policy. It is now at issue in a Federal lawsuit challenging the CIA's failure to adhere to its own procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act. prgtoken My objection is not intended to question the credentials of Ms. Elwood in any way. However, the CIA must recognize that it has an ongoing obligation to respond to Congressional inquiries in a timely and reasonable manner.
HONORING THE PERMIAN BASIN HONOR FLIGHT--MAY 2017
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-11

I rise to recognize the 88 veterans from West Texas who will be visiting Washington, D.C. this week, sponsored by the Permian Basin Honor Flight. On behalf of a grateful state and nation, we welcome these heroes to the nation's capital. The veterans on this Honor Flight are Clint Adams, Larry Allen, Robert Barbee, William Bourbon, Johnny Bragg, Patrido Brijalba, James Brooks, Randall Brooks, Jack Brookshire, Norval Brown, Leo Carr, Garry Clark, Edmundo Cobos, Edward Comacho, Jose Contreras, Guadalupe Cruz, Marvin Crain, Michael Crain, Ernest Davis, MJ Dinkins, Richard Dolan, Jose Duarte, Michael Dyess, Rayburn Favre, Carlton Fite, Richard Foncannon, John Foreman, Richard Galloway, Bobby Gann, Jerry Giles, Gonzalo Guzman, Barry Handlin, Donald Hawke, John Hayes, Harry Hemmenway, Cary Holt, John Hood, Earl Jackson, Joe Jackson, Marvin Jennings, Albert Johnson, Thomas Johnston, Velton Jones, William Jones, James Langston, Robert Lathrop, Robert Love, Lee Maston, Mark Martin, Robert Martin, Walter Mason, Donald McSparran, Miguel Medina, Donald Merritt, Dory Miles, Kenneth Moore, Donnie Murray, Michael Norman, John Palmer, Jerry Partridge, Charles Pounds, Robert Patterson, Robert Price, Daniel Ramirez, Donald Ritchey, Joe Robledo, Jesus Rodriguez, Gary Roe, Monica Schwab, Dennis Sever, Larry Sisk, William Smartt, Larry Stowe, Oscar Taylor, Gustavo Tijerina, Bernaro Tucker, Joe Turner, Lewis VanZant, Sandra VanZant, Joe Villalva, Mark Webb, Donnie White, Eddy Willmon, Leo Wilson, Willie Woods I am humbled to have the opportunity to meet these brave men and women who exemplify the best of our country. Their sacrifice and commitment to the duty to our nation can never be fully repaid, and I hope that when they visit our nation's monuments in Washington, D.C the gratitude and respect we have for them will truly be reflected. prgtoken Colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and their families for their exemplary dedication and service to this great nation. I would also like to extend a special thank you to the local communities, all of the volunteers, and Ms. Teresa Galloway and Mr. John West for their extensive work in organizing this Honor Flight. This trip would not have been possible without all the financial and emotional support of the people who have put in so much hard work and personal time to make sure this trip could be possible.
IN HONOR OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE GREAT FALLS LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-5-11

I rise to recognize the commemoration of the Great Falls Library Community Room in honor of Marge Gersic and also to recognize her tremendous contributions to not only the Great Falls Community Library, but the entire 10th District of Virginia over the course of her 20 years of public service. prgtoken Growing up as the child of two German immigrants in Queens, New York, Ms. Gersic often found herself in her local library, reading books written in English. There she not only gained an appreciation for books, but she also learned about the impact libraries can have on a community. Ms. Gersic began her work in the Great Falls community after moving to the area in 1971 with her husband and then newborn son. As both a member of the Library Board and as President of the Great Falls Citizens Association, she was instrumental in placing a library in Great Falls and also in preserving it throughout the years. prgtoken In both 1989 and 1996, as a skilled and dedicated public organizer, Ms. Gersic led community movements to keep the Great Falls mini-library open amidst budget cuts that would have eliminated numerous mini- libraries across Fairfax County. By organizing drives, collecting signatures, and leading these movements, she was able to keep the local mini-library open. In fact, during the 1996 budget cuts, four mini- libraries across Fairfax closed, but due to her initiatives the Great Falls library remained open. In addition to her efforts to preserve the library throughout the years, as a member of the Fairfax County Library Board, Gersic was also integral in the funding and the eventual expansion of the library to its current location, which opened in October of 2000. prgtoken Honoring the life of Ms. Gersic with a room in the library, which she worked so hard to maintain and expand is only fitting, and I am thankful for the Great Falls Citizens Association's dedication to preserving her legacy I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Marge Gersic and the commemoration of the Great Falls Library Community Room, which will serve as a permanent reminder of all her contributions to both the library and the community at large.
RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION AND NATIONAL ROOFING WEEK
Randy Hultgren (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-5-11

I rise today to recognize the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and its efforts to designate the week of June 4-10, 2017 as National Roofing Week. prgtoken The roof is one of the most important components of any home or business. It is the first line of defense against natural elements, such as rain, snow or wind, and yet it is often taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. National Roofing Week honors the thousands of roofing contractors and roofing-related businesses across the country and the industry's commitment to public service. National Roofing Week is a valuable reminder of the significance quality roofing has on every home and business in the United States. prgtoken Established in 1886, NRCA is one of the nation's oldest trade associations and the voice of professional roofing contractors worldwide. Today, the NRCA has more than 3,800 members located across all 50 states and represents a variety of industry stakeholders, including roofing, roof deck, and water proofing contractors. Using its vast network of roofing contractors and industry-related members, NRCA is responsible for the installation of a majority of new construction and replacement roof systems on commercial and residential structures in America. Most of its members are small, privately-held businesses that provide high-paying jobs for thousands of hard-working families and individuals that are the backbone of our economy. prgtoken Professional roofing contractors provide vital services to their communities, both on and off the clock, in all 50 states. NRCA members will recognize National Roofing Week on June 4-10 by supporting numerous charitable community service roofing projects throughout the nation. I commend the NRCA and the vital role the organization and its members play in every community and I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging their contributions during National Roofing Week.
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-5-11

, who is an excellent person to work with. We enjoy each other and enjoy working together. We are getting a lot done, and I appreciate his kind remarks here today. prgtoken I rise today in support of the nomination of Robert Lighthizer to be the next United States Trade Representative. Mr. Lighthizer was reported out of the Finance Committee unanimously-- and s--and I hope he receives a similarly strong bipartisan vote here on the floor. prgtoken By statute, Congress has designated the USTR as the primary official for developing and coordinating U.S. trade policy, advising the President on trade, and leading international trade negotiations. The USTR must also report directly to and consult closely with Congress on a wide range of issues affecting international commerce. The USTR is Congress's first and most important point of contact when it comes to trade policy. Therefore, in order for Congress to have an effective voice in shaping our Nation's trade agenda, we need to have a fully staffed and functional USTR office. prgtoken For that reason, I have been very critical of the pointless and unprecedented delays we have faced in filling this vacancy, in filling this position, due to some unreasonable demands from some of my friends on the other side of the aisle. This delay has served only to weaken Congress's position in trade policy and has hampered our ability to provide the new administration with substantive input. Despite this ill-advised delay, I am pleased that Mr. Lighthizer's nomination has finally been brought to the floor, and s for that. prgtoken Mr. Lighthizer's years of experience in public service, including as staff director for the Senate Finance Committee, as Deputy USTR during the Reagan administration, and in private practice, make him extremely well qualified to serve as our Nation's representative. Mr. Lighthizer's knowledge and experience will be vital to his service in this position and vital to our country. prgtoken Put simply, growing our economy and creating better paying jobs for American workers require increased U.S. trade. Toward that end, I have spoken to Mr. Lighthizer about the importance of removing trade barriers for American businesses, workers, consumers, and, where those barriers have already been removed, maintaining the status quo. prgtoken I know there is quite a bit of discussion going around about potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement. As I told Mr. Lighthizer, there are definitely opportunities to update and improve NAFTA, but it is important that the administration follow the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath: First do no harm. prgtoken Mr. Lighthizer and I have also discussed the importance of protecting U.S. intellectual property rights around the globe through strong enforcement and better rules in trade agreements. I believe he recognizes the importance of this priority
HONORING NEAL A. DeANGELO
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-5-11

it is with great pride that I honor my good friend, Neal DeAngelo, and congratulate him on being named the 2017 Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Greater Hazleton Area Boy Scouts. With years of success with his family business, and his commitment to giving back to Hazleton and the broader community of Pennsylvania's 11th district, it comes as no surprise to me that he has been chosen to receive this honor. prgtoken Neal has been an instrumental figure in the Hazleton community. I can say with certainty that there are few people who have done as much for Hazleton as Neal. He has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the YMCA and United Way. He has also served as the President of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, and is a founding member of the State Association, for which he also served as President. Neal has been a longtime supporter of Scouting in the Greater Hazleton Area. Through his generosity and commitment, Neal has helped make a positive difference in the lives of more than 500 young men throughout our community, providing them with an opportunity to participate in Scouting's character-building and leadership programs. prgtoken Not only is Neal one of the most charitable people I know, he is also a well-respected businessman. Neal co-founded DBI Services with his brother in 1978 and grew the company into an international diversified services enterprise, exceeding $250 million annually with a global network of over 50 locations and 1,800 employees. His hard work made it possible for his company to spur growth in and bring quality service to Hazleton, as well as the rest of the Commonwealth. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing Neal for all he has contributed to the Hazleton community and once again congratulating him on being recognized as the Greater Hazleton Area Boy Scouts' 2017 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LISTER-KNOWLTON VFW POST 9389
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-5-11

the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States traces its roots to 1899, when veterans returning home after the Spanish-American War joined together to support each other and to advance the ideals of our Nation. Nearly a half century later, on May 11, 1947, veterans returning to my hometown after World War II joined together for the same noble causes. Today I wish to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Lister-Knowlton VFW Post 9389 in Caribou, ME. prgtoken The name of Post 9389 signifies a fundamental purpose of the VFW: to honor those who gave their lives for freedom. Private Evan Lister and CPL Edward Knowlton were both born in Caribou, both served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and both made the ultimate sacrifice when they were each just 23 years old. Neither will ever be forgotten. Nor will we ever forget those who returned home but who have since passed into history. It is sobering to note that today there is just one living charter member of the Caribou post, WWII veteran David O. Michaud, and we honor him for his service. prgtoken In 2003, the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery was dedicated in Caribou. This final resting place for our heroes was the result of many years of hard work and determined advocacy by committed citizens, with our VFW post leading the way. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated World War II veteran, was among those who made that enduring tribute possible. prgtoken A defining quality of America's veterans is that they continue to serve long after their service in uniform ends. Members of the Caribou VFW and the auxiliary are part of a vast network that assists the patriots serving today, fellow veterans, and their families. They generously support a wide range of community projects, charitable endeavors, and youth programs. One of the most important contributions made by the VFW is its focus on educating our young people on American values. Each year, more than 175,000 high school and middle school students nationwide join in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay competitions. That wonderful level of participation is always matched by the quality of the submissions. Last year, at the State VFW convention, I was delighted to congratulate the two Maine winners, including Corrine Corbin of Caribou, sponsored by our hometown VFW. prgtoken I am proud to be a life member of the Caribou VFW Post auxiliary, which was also chartered in 1947. Working side by side, the VFW and auxiliary honor America and the men and women who defend us. It is a pleasure to congratulate the Lister-Knowlton VFW Post 9389 on this landmark anniversary.