mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-3-22

I, too, would like to start by thanking my good friend, Senator Thad Cochran, for the tireless dedication and public service he has brought forth here throughout some 40-something years--45 years. prgtoken As has been said, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives over 45 years ago, and he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978. As all of us know, Thad was a practicing attorney in Jackson, MS, and a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. He also studied abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, where we visited one time. prgtoken We have served together in the U.S. Senate for over 30 years. He has been an excellent colleague, and I have been honored to have worked with him. We represent neighboring States, Mississippi and Alabama, and we have both worked on some of the same priorities. But, mainly, he has served Mississippi with the utmost dignity and respect. prgtoken He has an excellent staff. We are all grateful for their hard work, their help, and their coordination with all of us. prgtoken As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, he has been a remarkable negotiator. As the majority leader will tell you--he is one himself--we need those traits at this point in time. prgtoken Thad has provided critical funding for various Mississippi priorities over the years. He hasn't forgotten where he is from. Right here, with a lot of help, he led the restoration of the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina. As I have understood them, his major priorities have always been the defense of this Nation; education, as Senator Leahy talked about; agriculture, where he served as the chairman of the Ag Committee for a long time; rural issues, not only in Mississippi but all over America. Thad also spent many years serving on the Rules Committee, where I now chair. prgtoken I believe history will reflect Thad Cochran's long legacy of strong leadership, and I, myself, believe that he has made an extraordinary impact here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Thad, as we all know, is very courteous, well-mannered, and has a low-key demeanor most of the time. He is quiet, he is patient, and he has built seniority through power and perseverance. prgtoken Some people say that Thad Cochran is the last true southern gentleman, and I think there is a lot of truth to that. Some people say that he represents the lost art of being nice; we all need to work on that. He always has been and will be a hero both here and back home in Mississippi. prgtoken Thad, I wish you and your wonderful wife, Kay, well. I think all of us should strive to continue on the wise path that you have paved for us here in the Senate. prgtoken I believe we are all grateful for his service to Mississippi and our Nation. We wish him God's speed.
APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-3-22

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the upcoming adjournment of prgtoken the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President pro tempore, and the majority and minority leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards, conferences or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE AUSTIN BOMBER
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-22

over this last month, my hometown of Austin, Texas, was terrorized by a serial bomber, a serial killer fortunately, this nightmare that my hometown of Austin has lived through has come to an end, and now is the time to heal the wounds for the victims and their families. prgtoken I want to thank the 500 Federal agents who descended upon my hometown of Austin for their great work and magnificent job working with my Texas Department of Public Safety and my Austin Police Department--many of whom I have worked with when I was in the U.S. Attorney's Office down there--for their incredible work bringing this killer to his final justice. prgtoken , I now ask for a moment of silence for the victims and their families of this horrible tragedy.
CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH DON LUCIA
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-3-22

I rise today to recognize an outstanding person and a friend. prgtoken Don Lucia started playing hockey on outdoor rinks in northern Minnesota as a boy. After playing the game through high school and college, he became one of the most successful college hockey coaches in the country. Recently, Coach Lucia announced he will retire from coaching the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey team after 19 seasons. prgtoken During his tenure at Minnesota, Don's teams regularly finished at the top of the WCHA and, more recently, won the Big Ten Conference 4 out of the past 5 years. His teams also made the NCAA playoffs 13 times and won two national titles. prgtoken As a player growing up in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Don was a leader. He was disciplined, and he made everyone around him better. As a coach, he not only built winning teams, he developed young men. prgtoken Don is retiring as a true ambassador for the game. While he will no longer be coaching our Minnesota Gophers, I hope Don continues to be a leader for the game of hockey and for our State for years to come. prgtoken Don, thank you for leading our Gophers to victory time and time again. Good luck to you; your wonderful wife, Joyce; and the rest of the Lucia family as you start the next chapter.
PROTECTING SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON COMMUTERS
Jaime Herrera Beutler (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-3-22

since the first time I heard about Oregon's scheme to impose tolls on the I-205 and I-5 bridges at the State line with Washington without providing any benefit to my constituents, I have fought to protect southwest Washington commuters. prgtoken This is nothing but a money grab by Oregon to improve its infrastructure projects that would rarely, if ever, be used by the vast majority of the folks paying the tolls, those from southwest Washington. prgtoken This was certainly a creative and politically expedient funding source dreamed up by Oregon, but it is a raw deal for hardworking Washingtonians whose jobs happen to be located across the river. This does nothing to fix the I-5 bridge. In fact, it actually makes that task harder. prgtoken That is why I secured an amendment in this Chamber to prohibit these tolls until Oregon goes back to the drawing board and comes up with a plan that doesn't use Washingtonians as a piggy bank. However, through the negotiations of the omnibus spending package, my amendment lacked support from the United States Senate. Without that support, my amendment to protect southwest Washington commuters did not move forward. prgtoken It is a disappointment, but I am not going to give up on this issue. In fact, it is critical that Oregon come to a solution with Washington that benefits both sides of the river without unfairly targeting just one side. Until we get that result, , I am not done fighting on this issue.
TARGETED REWARDS FOR THE GLOBAL ERADICATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-3-22

I rise today in strong support of the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act. prgtoken This agreement continues the subcommittee's critical work addressing wildland fire, domestic energy production, and the needs of our national parks. It makes significant investments in healthcare, law enforcement, and educational programs, honoring our longstanding commitments to American Indians and Alaska Natives. prgtoken The agreement includes a package of significant forest management and fire budgeting reforms that will provide budget certainty for Forest Service programs and activities, reduce litigation, and, most importantly, improve the health of our national forests. This is the culmination of a years-long effort to improve the way we budget for wildland fires and the way our national forests are managed. I want to congratulate Mike Simpson for his leadership on the issue. prgtoken This agreement provides additional moneys to the National Park Service, including an increase of $185 million to address deferred maintenance and construction needs. The Payments in Lieu of Taxes program is fully funded. prgtoken This legislation makes sizeable investments in water infrastructure, providing $2.9 billion through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds, as well as $63 million for the WIFIA program, which will finance over $6 billion in infrastructure programs. prgtoken Before I close, I want to thank the ranking member, Betty McCollum from Minnesota. She has been a partner and a friend as we worked through our hearings, wrote the bill, and moved it through the legislative process. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his support of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, and for his leadership of the full committee. Congratulations to the chairman for bringing this bill and this process to a successful conclusion. prgtoken Finally, I would like to thank the staff, who worked so hard on this bill: Darren Benjamin, Betsy Bina, Jackie Kilroy, Kristin Richmond, Dave LesStrang. On my own staff: Ian Foley, Rebecca Keightley, Tricia Evans, and Dave Kennett. prgtoken I also want to thank the leadership staff, especially Kiel Weaver from the 's office, for their hard work. prgtoken , I urge an ``aye'' vote.
TRIBUTE TO LOYD RENNAKER
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-3-22

this week I have the honor of recognizing prgtoken Darby Superintendent Loyd Rennaker for his 24 years of service to the Darby School District. prgtoken After graduating from Darby himself, Loyd furthered his education at the University of Montana Western. With degrees to teach high school math and chemistry, Loyd first taught for 1 year in Malta before returning to Darby. Since then, he has served the school district in a number of roles, including as high school math and science teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal, athletic director, coach, and superintendent. prgtoken As superintendent, Loyd helped bring high-speed internet to the town of Darby, providing more opportunity to students and teachers, as well as the whole Darby community. prgtoken Loyd Rennaker is a wonderful example of Montana's rich heritage of deep community ties. He has had a great career at Darby schools and has loved teaching and watching students grow into successful citizens. After 25 years of investing in the next generation, Loyd will retire from the Darby School District in June. prgtoken Thank you, Loyd, for all your hard work and service.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-3-22

I have 7 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on armed services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing. committee on banking, housing, and urban affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of HUD.'' committee on energy and natural resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Theodore J. Garrish, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary (International Affairs), and James Edward Campos, of Nevada, to be Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, both of the Department of Energy, and James Reilly, of Colorado, to be Director of the United States Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine S. 2539, to amend the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, to reauthorize certain projects to increase Colorado River System water, S. 2560, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to facilitate the transfer to non-Federal ownership of appropriate reclamation projects or facilities, and S. 2563, to improve the water supply and drought resilience of the United States. committee on energy and natural resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``2018 Western Water Supply Outlook.'' committee on finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled, ``The President's 2018 Trade Policy Agenda.'' committee on the judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: John B. Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, Kari A. Dooley, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, Dominic W. Lanza, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, Jill Aiko Otake, to be United States District Judge
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-3-22

I appreciate the opportunity to express my deep gratitude for the honor given to me by the people of Mississippi to represent them in Washington. prgtoken I leave the Senate with confidence that our enduring Constitution guards our country from human error, empowers our citizens to achieve greatness, and shines as a beacon of freedom and liberty for the world. prgtoken I am optimistic about the future of our great Nation and in the U.S. Senate's role in determining that future. prgtoken While in Congress, I have served with nine Presidents during times of conflict and peace. We have debated policies from trade to taxes to terrorism. We have engaged in heated arguments. But even in full disagreement, I believe all our motivations begin at the same point: the sincere desire to serve our States and country. prgtoken No one remains in the House or Senate who was here when I first took office in January 1973, but I am particularly thankful for the friendship and leadership of the senior Senator from Vermont, Mr. Leahy. He and I have fought side by side with each other and sometimes face to face against each other, always with friendship and respect. prgtoken I am also grateful to have served with honorable Senators from my State. My colleague, Senator Wicker, has been a friend and a strong and effective advocate for our State. We have worked together not only in the Senate, but also when he served as a U.S. Representative. Former Majority Leader Trent Lott continues to be a voice in our national conversation. And the late John C. Stennis provided a witness to integrity when I first joined this body. His signature is above my signature at this desk. prgtoken It is a tradition in the Senate, like schoolchildren used to do, to sign the drawers of our desks. Senator Stennis signed this desk drawer. He noted the beginning of his service in 1947 and added a dash. He never filled in the date signifying the end of his Senate service in 1989. Perhaps there is symbolism there, that our service does not end when we depart this Chamber. prgtoken I have been honored by this body to serve as chairman both of the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees. I am thankful to my colleagues, past and present, and to the committee staff for assisting in crafting responsible funding priorities for our country and for developing strategic agriculture policy to ensure the best use of our natural resources to provide affordable and healthy food for our citizens and people around the world. prgtoken I thank my talented and dedicated staff, many of whom have worked for many years in service to our country. All of us in this body know we could not achieve our priorities without exceptional staff. I have staff members who have served the Senate since my first term. I have one staff member, Doris Wagley, who was already in the office working the very first day I showed up for work in the House of Representatives in 1973. Whether t
TARGETED REWARDS FOR THE GLOBAL ERADICATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Kevin Yoder (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-3-22

I thank the chairman for his work and leadership on this bill, and I thank Ranking Member Lowey for her good stewardship. prgtoken This is the culmination of efforts over the last year, hundreds of meetings, oversight hearings. We have a strong final product, and we are proud of what we have accomplished. prgtoken In my committee's Legislative Branch bill, we focused on conservative priorities such as security, responsibility, and transparency. This legislation, once again, rejects pay increases for Members of Congress, which we have done every year since 2010; and further, the funding of the House of Representatives remains 12 percent below 2010, spending less than we spent 8 years ago. prgtoken After the vicious attack on Steve Scalise and other Members of this body, we have enhanced Capital security with new support for Members, staff, constituents, and visitors, with enhancements for Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms. prgtoken We have expanded Wounded Warrior fellowships, creating an additional 31 spots, and we have added support for family issues like the House Child Care Center and additional support for the Library of Congress Visitor Experience, which is an exciting new product. prgtoken Lastly, in a strike for transparency, for the first time, all Congressional Research Service reports will be open to prgtoken the public, making government more transparent and a win for our constituents. prgtoken I want to thank my ranking member, Mr. Ryan, who is a gentleman and a scholar, and the collaboration of all the committee members and staff for putting this product together.
CONGRATULATIONS AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-3-22

this week, Southern Living Magazine named Aiken, South Carolina, as the Best Small Town in the South. Mayor Riek Osborn unveiled the magazine cover Wednesday, where Aiken was also recognized as the South's friendliest town. prgtoken According to Southern Living, and my own experience, Aiken is ``an authentic South Carolina Equestrian community, rich in historic charm and tradition.'' prgtoken From the ``iconic archway of live oaks along South Boundary Avenue'' to ``Aiken's 2,100-acre urban forest,'' Aiken has gorgeous greenery. The extraordinary landscaped medians are highlighted with huge ten feet high azaleas. prgtoken Aiken has a multitude of great lodging and dining opportunities, where ``Downtown Aiken, especially Laurens Street, is loaded with a variety of eclectic eateries, galleries, and shops.'' prgtoken I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Aiken County in Congress, where my grandfather Wilson was born in 1888 and great- grandfather Wilson was born in 1860. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.
TARGETED REWARDS FOR THE GLOBAL ERADICATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-22

today we will vote on a bill that rebuilds our military. It supports our troops and protects the American people. prgtoken Major credit for this great achievement goes to the man that I am so proud to call my chairman, Rodney Frelinghuysen. Chairman Frelinghuysen has been a public servant since the days that he served in Vietnam as an enlisted soldier, and that service continues to this day with this bill, which includes the most significant support for our women and men in uniform since the beginning of the war on terrorism. prgtoken Let me tell you two other things that are in this bill for the American people due to the chairman's leadership. prgtoken The bill includes over $10 billion in new transportation and housing infrastructure, without adding to the Federal bureaucracy. The chairman fought for major funding for key areas of our economy, yes, including the Northeast. This is a major investment in our Nation's infrastructure. prgtoken Both Congress and the administration, as you know, have been talking about this for such a long time. Well, here you have it in this bill. This bill delivers on that promise of infrastructure. prgtoken Finally, the chairman has been a tireless advocate for two decades for prgtoken housing for the disabled in our country. This bill delivers a major humanitarian victory for the disabled community, with 40,000 new vouchers for the disabled. These Frelinghuysen vouchers will change the lives of countless families across our entire Nation, and I am particularly proud of this achievement by our chairman and his committee. prgtoken Finally, I would like to thank the of the House for standing up and winning on some huge priorities for the House. prgtoken And I would be remiss if I did not mention the staff of the Appropriations Committee, who worked long and hard--yes, very long and hard--on this bill. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this fine bill. I thank the chairman for the time.
TARGETED REWARDS FOR THE GLOBAL ERADICATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-22

Congress' number one responsibility is to provide for the defense of this Nation, and this agreement enables us to fulfill that most fundamental constitutional duty. prgtoken This bill reflects the needs of our defense and intelligence experts so that they have the resources needed to combat the threats of today and in the future. In order to do this, this bill focuses on readiness, modernization, and innovation. With these funds, our military can begin to rebuild after 16 years of war. The needs are great. prgtoken We also include a 2.4 percent pay raise authorized for our troops with our appreciation for what they do. prgtoken For procurement, the bill increases investment in ground vehicles, aircraft, ships, munitions, and other equipment. Secretary Mattis has said he never wants our enemies to face a fair fight, and this bill ensures our enemies will face a strong and ready U.S. military. prgtoken It makes investments in vital aircraft, including Joint Strike Fighters, Super Hornets, Apaches, Chinooks, Lakotas, V-22 Ospreys, Black Hawks, and C-130s. For the Navy, it funds 14 Navy ships, including one carrier replacement, three littoral combat ships, two guided missiles destroyers, two attack submarines, and funding to continue the Ohio Replacement Submarine program. prgtoken The National Guard is critical to our national security. This agreement provides six C-130 aircraft, 20 Black Hawk helicopters, and funding for the Army National Guard for support on the southwest border, additional funding for Army National Guard cyber protection teams, and $1.3 billion for the National Guard and Reserve equipment account. prgtoken Our military must be ready for future threats. The Department of Defense must look 5, 10, and 20 years ahead to make sure we have the weapons systems we need. That is why this agreement also prioritizes research and development, including next generation space systems and future ballistic missile defense programs. prgtoken Last, after talking with Secretary Mattis, we included new flexibility for DOD to ensure that their funds were able to be spent in the smartest way possible while still maintaining stringent congressional oversight.