mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-12-17

on December 12, 2018, I was recovering from an eye surgery and was therefore unable to be present for the votes on the motion on ordering the previous question on the Rule providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, the rule providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, and agreeing to the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. prgtoken Had I been present for Roll Call No. 431, on the motion on ordering the previous question on the Rule providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, I would have voted NO. prgtoken Had I been present for Roll Call No. 432, on the rule providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, I would have voted NO. prgtoken Had I been present for Roll Call No. 434, on agreeing to the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, I would have voted YEA.
PASSAGE OF H.R. 6964, THE JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM ACT OF 2018
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-12-17

today is a great day for our nation's youth and their communities. I would like to take a moment and reflect on the passage of H.R. 6964 as amended by the Senate, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018, a comprehensive reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA), which is now headed to the President's desk for his signature. prgtoken Last authorized in 2002, JJDPA sets the federal guardrails that protect children in the custody of our state juvenile justice systems. JJDPA contains four core protections for youth in state juvenile justice systems: prgtoken Jail Removal: Children in the system cannot be housed in the same facility as adult offenders, except under limited circumstances. prgtoken Sight and Sound Separation: In the limited circumstances that children are housed in the same facility as adult offenders, they must have sight and sound separation. prgtoken Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO): Children who have committed status offenses--infractions based solely on their age (e.g underage drinking, truancy--cannot be placed in secure detention, except under limited circumstances. prgtoken Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC): State systems must detertmine if their system has disproportionate contact with minority offenders. prgtoken These protections were created and refined over time through Congressional reauthorizations that built upon the evidence-based best practices of states. I'm proud to say that H.R. 6964 makes strides to improve each of the four core protections. The bill improves the `Jail Removal' and `Sight and Sound Separation' core protections by simplifying the definition of contact and phasing in sight and sound separation for youth under the age of 18 being held pretrial in adult criminal court. prgtoken It strengthens the DSO core protection by increasing the oversight required when a state uses one of the limited circumstances available in the law--the valid court order (VCO)--to detain a status offender. And the bill refines the DMC core protection to ensure that states must collect and report data on decision points in the juvenile justice system to identify where disparities occur. This is a contravention of harmful proposals offered by the current Administrator of the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). prgtoken While enactment of H.R. 6964 is a good first step, I join my House colleagues who championed this bill in expressing regret that the legislation in its final form does not go far enough to improve the core protections. Specifically, I am disappointed that H.R. 6964 does not eliminate the VCO exception to DSO. prgtoken The VCO exception was added to JJDPA in the 1980's after a push by juvenile court judges. It is used by judges to detain repeat status offenders and juveniles who fail to appear in court. But the research suggests that the VCO exception has not been eff
RECOGNIZING SCHILLING BEER CO.
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-12-17

last month, as fires raged across northern California, a New Hampshire family business stepped up to help. For their efforts, I am proud to recognize Dr. Bruce Cozzens, his sons Jeff, Stuart, and Matt; long-time friend John Lenzini, as well as head brewer Chris Deapo of Schilling Beer Co. as December 2018's Granite Staters of the Month. prgtoken Schilling Beer Co. was founded in 2013 by friends and family who are deeply committed to their community, and one of their core values as a business is looking out for others. As CEO Jeff Cozzens put it, ``part of living this value means that we help others whenever it is within our power do so.'' prgtoken As the Camp Fire blazed, Schilling Beer Co. agreed to be part of a national ``Resilience'' fundraiser spearheaded by Sierra Nevada Brewing. As part of the initiative, Schilling Beer Co. will join breweries across the country to help brew the Resilience Butte Country Proud IPA, of which all of the proceeds will go to relief efforts in Butte County, CA. Schilling Beer Co. also played an important role by lending their trademarked name of ``Resilience,'' their American ale project, to the cause. prgtoken In Jeff's words, ``Butte County residents have suffered a tragedy of unspeakable proportions,'' and the brewery was honored to be able to play a role in assisting them. prgtoken I am extremely grateful for their generosity and efforts to help the victims of the California wildfires, and I am proud to recognize the Cozzens and Lenzini families of Schilling Beer Co as well as head brewer Chris Deapo, as the December Granite Staters of the Month.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DAKARAI FAGORALA
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-17

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dakarai Fagorala, who passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018. Dakarai was only 17 years old and just shy of his 18th birthday when he passed as a result of injuries sustained from a fatal car accident. prgtoken Dakarai recently graduated with honors from Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California, where he also played on the basketball team. He was an exceptional young man, working a part-time job to save money for college and help his family during his school years. prgtoken He participated in the 2016 National Youth Leadership Forum for National Security-Diplomacy and competed in the 2016 Amateur Athletic Union's ``Jam on It'' Tournament. prgtoken Dakarai took great pride in his community and looked for ways to give back. He was a Junior Deacon at Fellowship Church in Antioch and regularly volunteered at homeless shelters in Contra Costa County, cooking and serving meals to veterans and seniors. prgtoken Dakarai was a shining light who touched the lives of everyone he met. Our community mourns the loss of Dakarai Fagorala, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
HONORING ROBERT E. MOORE
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2018-12-17

I rise today to honor Mr. Robert E. Moore, a pillar in the Mississippi Delta. prgtoken In the year of 1945, Robert was born on the 21st day of April. Raised in Greenwood, Mississippi, Robert received his undergraduate degree from Jackson State University and a graduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. prgtoken Moore was a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He served in Vietnam and was a Purple Heart Recipient. prgtoken Robert was best known for his persistent leadership while fighting for the underprivileged citizens of Leflore County. Robert served as President of the Leflore County Board of Supervisors for more than fifteen years. He recently retired from Mississippi Valley State University after 27\1/2\ years serving as the Director of the University Center for Economic Development. prgtoken Mr. Moore has served as Director of the Mid-Delta One Stop Capital Shop, the National Center for Excellence, Director of Historical Black Colleges and Universities, Urban Development Home Ownership Rehabilitation Program, and Department Head of the Social Work Program. He also participated in the Lower Mississippi Delta Commission, the Empowerment Zone, along with the Delta Individual Investment Corporation, Mississippi Blues Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority. prgtoken His years of hard work and dedication are worthy of many celebratory remarks. As a profound advocate for economic development, Moore is highly remembered for his leadership and guidance in the construction of the Three Rivers Community Development Corporation, Leflore County Micro Loan Program, Leflore County Business Manufacturing Center, Leflore County Home Ownership Program, and the Mid-Delta Individual Investment Corporation. prgtoken Robert was a lifelong resident of the Browning Community. He was indeed a great inspiration and took great pride in the betterment of the quality of his district. He had a vision for a community-owned business which provided opportunities for its people. He saw an expansion of the Browning Well as a Community Heritage Project. prgtoken Moore transitioned on Friday, November 11, 2018. He is survived by his three children: Latanya Moore Wallace, Reginald Moore, and Robert Andre Moore. prgtoken , I honor the life of Mr. Robert E. Moore for his many years of service and efforts he has put forth in the Mississippi Delta as well as the United States of America.
KATHRYN WIRKUS
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-12-17

I rise today to recognize and honor Kathryn Wirkus for her hard work and dedication to the people of the 7th Congressional District. prgtoken Since I met Kathryn in 2012, she has become a friend and an instrumental member of my team. For more than seven years, she has worked in my congressional office as part of the constituent services team and handled the issues of military and Veterans affairs and aerospace. Her time as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force brought a wealth of knowledge on Veteran's issues and a shared experience she that she was able to relate to with the Veterans she helped. She has been a tremendous asset to our team and to the constituents we serve. Her relationships with liaisons at federal agencies and within the community helped ensure she was always able to help answer questions, direct folks to the appropriate resources, secure long-deserved medals and recognition for Veterans, and even secure money or benefits that were owed to Veterans in the district. prgtoken Prior to serving in my congressional office, Kathryn worked on behalf of Veterans across the state in the Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior to that, she served in the United States Air Force for 27 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her dedication, particularly to women Veterans, is commendable and is shown through her work in forming the Colorado Women's Veterans organization, which she is the current Vice President. prgtoken Kathryn has a true gift for working with Veterans and understanding the issues and challenges they face. Her good nature and sense of humor always help make Veterans and constituents feel comfortable and welcome. I extend my deepest appreciation to Kathryn Wirkus for the difference she made in the lives of many people in our community and for her service to our country. I will be forever grateful for her service to our team, the district, and the United States of America. I wish her all the best in her next chapter.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN KELLY
Jon Kyl (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-12-18

I just want to thank my colleague, the majority leader, for his comments about me. prgtoken He asked if there were differences between the time that I served before and this most recent time, and I must say that the thing that I have noticed most is the kindness with which I have been treated by my colleagues and by staff--I am talking about colleagues and staff on both sides of the aisle--and by other people who work here at the Capitol, including, most especially, the Capitol Police. prgtoken I never expected to be welcomed back with that degree of kindness, and I have commented that it might be a nice thing if we could extend that same degree of kindness to each other every day, rather than to just those who come back after a long absence. prgtoken But I do very much appreciate your comments, Mr. Leader, and most especially your leadership and friendship over the years. Thank you very much.
REMEMBERING BURL BOWEN
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-12-18

earlier this year the Knott County, KY, community lost a beloved member with the passing of Burl Bowen at the age of 98. prgtoken Born in Wheelwright, Burl grew up in southeastern Kentucky and later joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to plant trees in the region. Like so many of his generation, Burl earned his place in the ``greatest generation'' by serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He carried his patriotism and love for his country throughout the rest of his career and his life, inspiring those around him. Burl spent a number of years in Detroit, working in a steel mill and operating a barber shop. He returned to Kentucky upon his retirement with his wife Anita. prgtoken Later in his life, Burl made a particularly large impact on the young men of the Knott County Central High School's basketball team. Known as the team's No. 1 fan, Burl could always be found in the front row of the stands cheering on his team. He was 95 when the team won the 14th region championship, and Burl proudly climbed the ladder to help cut down the net. At his funeral, the players paid their respects by serving as Burl's pallbearers. prgtoken Along with the Knott County community, Elaine and I send our condolences to Anita, their family, and all prgtoken who loved Burl. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in paying tribute to such a remarkable Kentuckian.
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-12-18

. I thank the Presiding Officer and Chairman Grassley. After much debate, disagreement, and compromise, this week the Senate is going to be taking up a bill that he has worked very hard to see through to this day, a criminal justice reform package. prgtoken The package that is on the floor today that we are debating and talking about amending shows the American people that bipartisanship remains alive in the U.S. Senate. Leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as the White House, should be commended for their admirable and persistent cooperation and determination on this legislation. prgtoken I believe the package's goals are noble. It is right to help those who have paid their debt to reenter society with the best possible chance to be productive contributors. It is right to take steps to ensure that sentences are fair and appropriately tailored to the defendant. It is right to calibrate the way we treat those in custody based on the risk they pose to society. prgtoken But being from Colorado, it is hard to think about Federal criminal justice reform without thinking about the biggest problem the Federal law creates for Colorado--the refusal to respect the will of Coloradans when it comes to their decision on marijuana. That is exactly what I am trying to do, is to create a debate so that we can address the conflict between State and Federal law. prgtoken Every day, Coloradans of good faith follow Colorado law to a T. Yet they are still criminals in the eyes of the Federal Government. Cancer patients who are using medical marijuana to control their pain and veterans who are using marijuana to alleviate the post-traumatic stress they suffer because they served their country--Federal law says they are criminals, even though they are perfectly legal within their rights under State law. The attempt we are making today is to fix the inconsistency between Federal and State law, to begin the debate, because the people don't think that they are criminals when they follow the law in Colorado. So we should change Federal law. prgtoken This disconnect doesn't affect just the industry's patrons or even the growers or retailers, for that matter; it also makes criminals of those outside of the industry. As we are talking about criminal sentencing reform, we should be thinking about plumbers, electricians, bankers, landlords, real estate service providers, employment and advertising agencies, insurance companies, and HR services. All of the everyday businesses that interact with the marijuana industry--like they do any other part of our economy--are affected by Federal law too. That is because when they take money from a marijuana business, Federal law considers them money launderers, putting them at risk for both criminal liability and civil asset forfeiture. prgtoken That means the mother who moved to Colorado to treat her child who has epileptic conditions--severe epilepsy, thousands of seizures a month--moved to Color
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-12-18

before we go to the amendments, I want to give a general overview of what it took to get to the point at which we are now. prgtoken The first thing we had to do was show the leader we could produce 60 or more votes for this bill. This is a big bipartisan bill. Senators Durbin, Lee, Graham, Booker, and I--and I suppose I am leaving out some people--had spoken extensively with our colleagues to address their concerns and to gain their support. As we saw last night, more than 80 Senators showed that they were ready for the debate in the culmination of this bill on the Senate floor. prgtoken The next step we had to take was to show the people we had broad bipartisan support. On November 15, the FIRST STEP Act was introduced in the Senate. At that point, we had 12 cosponsors. We now have 38 cosponsors. prgtoken Of course, the question that always comes up is, Will the House of Representatives take any action if we are successful on the floor of the U.S. Senate? Every step of the way, the House was read in on the Senate bill. The leaders in the House of Representatives, who happen to be Representative Collins, Representative Jeffries, and, of course, Chairman Goodlatte of the Judiciary Committee, were all strong partners in this compromise. prgtoken We have reached a point with the House of Representatives at which, when the Senate passes this bill--and hopefully we will-- Ryan will be ready to act on this bill. We don't have problems with the House of Representatives as sometimes come up late in a session like we are in--hopefully, the last week of this Congress. We know what we are spending our time doing will be considered by the House of Representatives. prgtoken About 3 or 4 weeks ago, we had a caucus, and we listened to the concerns our colleagues had. We were asked to show more support within the Congress. So, with several changes that were made in the bill in the last 3 or 4 weeks, we addressed our colleagues' concerns--the same ones that were raised in our caucus. We did this, obviously, because we wanted to gain support for our bill. The concern among s was that the caucus was divided to the point that more of a majority was against the bill than for the bill. I think, with the answers we had from colleagues, as we individually talked to them about their support for the bill, we gained that support. prgtoken We also had to show support from outside the Congress of the United States. I have here, without reading any names, just broad bipartisan support from conservative organizations. At the same time, there are a lot of law enforcement organizations and liberal organizations, and I will just name four or five at this point: The Fraternal Order of Police, the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Conservative Union, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. prgtoken We had to show the colleagues in the Congress that we had broa
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-12-18

today I wish to recognize the career of Edward ``Sandy'' Sanders who is retiring as Mayor of Fort Smith, AR, capping a lifetime of service in the public and private sectors. prgtoken Sandy Sanders received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oklahoma and spent 32 years with Whirlpool Corporation, retiring as the human resources manager in the Fort Smith Division. During his corporate career, Sandy was well known as a volunteer and leader among countless community organizations and events. Locally he served as the chair and president of numerous charitable boards including the Fort Smith Symphony, the Old Fort Days Rodeo, Bost Human Development Center, Leadership Fort Smith Alumni, the Fort Smith Port Authority, and the Fort Smith Park Board. prgtoken His leadership skills were also appreciated at the State level and beyond. He was appointed by the Governor to the Arkansas Aeronautic Association and also served as President of the Arkansas-Louisiana District Exchange Clubs and National President of the Association of Community College Trustees. prgtoken Sandy has always looked for ways to improve opportunities for young people and create a well-educated workforce. His efforts included serving on the Governor's Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee and the Southern States Apprenticeship Committee. He was a member of the board of directors of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and continuously provided a bridge between business and community needs. prgtoken After his retirement from Whirlpool, Sanders was called over and over to fill positions of need in the community. First, as interim director of the Children's Emergency Shelter and then as first executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, which was created to transition former military property into a job-creating asset for the region. This was supposed to be a temporary position, but Sandy stayed for 6 years and laid the groundwork for what we now know as Chaffee Crossing. prgtoken He probably thought he was officially retired when he left that position. However, the community called again, this time to run for public office. Sandy was elected mayor of Fort Smith in 2010. His combination of experience in the private and public sectors made him the ideal person to lead the city, help the area attract new jobs and improve services to the community. During his tenure, the city has seen impressive growth and success in business and the arts. prgtoken I know he is especially proud of the events he led during his last year in office to celebrate Fort Smith's bicentennial. In many ways, his leadership illustrates everything he hoped to highlight about the city. He has a rich history in the area, but has always looked forward. prgtoken Sandy has received many accolades for his work over the years, but I know from our visits that he is more interested in the success of others. His work to promote educat