mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-3-8

in recognition of International Women's Day, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of two women from Cincinnati. prgtoken Long ago, Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote ``Uncle Tom's Cabin'' in Cincinnati. When she later met Abraham Lincoln in the White House, he reportedly said: ``So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.'' prgtoken More recently, Elina Govil, a high school student from Indian Hill, is fighting to provide at-risk girls in conflict zones with access to a proper education. prgtoken To assist Elina in her efforts, as a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I introduced the Protecting Girls' Access to Education Act, bipartisan legislation that could help millions of young girls across the globe. prgtoken Children who are denied an education, because they live in an area that is torn by chaos and war, have little chance of ever attaining a stable existence. Girls, in particular, are subject to exploitation and the pitfalls of human trafficking, violence, and poverty. prgtoken Thank you, Elina, for helping girls everywhere to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
RETIREMENT RECOGNITION FOR ROBERT HOLDEN
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-3-8

I rise today to recognize and applaud Robert Holden, a member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribes, who joined the staff of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in 1984 and retired last December after 33 years of dedicated service to NCAI and to the millions of Native people that were foremost in his mind every day of his life. prgtoken Many of you know that NCAI was begun in 1944 at the peak of the Federal government's ``Termination Policy,'' which sought to dissolve Indian tribal governments and to assimilate Indian people into the mainstream of America. Today, NCAI is the oldest, largest and most representative tribal organization in the country, with more than 300 member tribes. prgtoken When people in Congress or in public want to gauge the views of Indian Country on matters of health care, housing, cultural issues, economic development or sovereignty, they turn to NCAI. prgtoken For more than three decades, these people have often talked to Robert who spent most of his career at NCAI when salaries were low, there was no proper retirement program or health care, and with few staff. This meant long days, evenings and weekends, travel away from home and family, and often-frustrating times getting the attention of decision- makers in Congress and Federal agencies. prgtoken Working under the leadership of at least 6 Executive Directors, Robert became, over time, the institutional and collective memory of the NCAI organization as well as the source of continuity that is so important to a membership organization like NCAI. prgtoken None of these challenges could prevent Robert from persisting in his life's work and his absolute dedication to the cause of tribal sovereignty and improving the lives of Indian people. prgtoken Robert's leadership and commitment to the mission of NCAI stabilized the organization through many internal changes and external challenges. prgtoken Robert's work for NCAI over the years has been varied and compelling. prgtoken In the 1990's he managed the Nuclear Waste Policy Committee for NCAI on a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, which anchored the organization's finances during a very difficult period. By identifying other contract and grant opportunities, Robert generated millions of dollars to NCAI, making possible the good work of the organization over the years. prgtoken Robert had great success on policy issues--particularly emergency response and tribal-friendly amendments to the Stafford Act, which he labored on for more than two decades. His efforts bore fruit when a window of opportunity opened after Hurricane Sandy and, as was typical of his work ethic, Robert jumped in with both feet. This is a prime example of Robert's patient but steady vision and how his long-term commitment has benefitted not just NCAI but tribal communities across the United States. prgtoken Robert is also leaving a legacy from his work with Native Veterans: his accomplishments includ
HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREERS OF TOMMY AARON, TONY HERDENER AND BEN LANCASTER
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-3-8

I rise today to recognize three northeast Georgians whom neighbors recently honored at the 2018 Gainesville American Values Dinner: Tommy Aaron, Tony Herdener, and Ben Lancaster. prgtoken Tommy Aaron graduated from Gainesville High School, where he won the 1955 state title in golf. After joining the Professional Golfers' Association Tour, he won the Master's Tournament in 1973. prgtoken Tony Herdener has served the people of northeast Georgia as the Chief Financial Officer of Northeast Georgia Health System for 23 years. In his position, Herdener grew the organization into one of the largest health systems in Georgia. prgtoken Ben Lancaster serves as an officer at Crystal Farms. Members of AgriTrust of Georgia appointed him to their Board of Trustees, where he has helped steward a workers' compensation insurance program to assist agribusinesses across the state. prgtoken These three men have inspired their neighbors through their leadership, and I'm thankful for their example.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-3-8

I rise to pay tribute to a great public servant who passed away last night, former Member of Congress and Nebraska Governor Charley Thone. prgtoken I think the Omaha World-Herald summed up his outlook well: Official biographies list Thone's first name as Charles. But Nebraskans knew him better as Charley, the unpretentious farm boy who adopted ``Accentuate the Positive'' as his personal theme song. prgtoken Governor Thone was born near Hartington, NE. He served our country in the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II. While serving in the House of Representatives, then-Congressman Thone fought on behalf of farmers and ranchers as a member of the House Agriculture Committee. When tragedy struck with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, he served on the Warren Commission to investigate the death of our President. prgtoken As Governor of Nebraska, his love of our State was always evident during his time in office. He guided Nebraska during a tough farm economy in the 1970s, but he always looked ahead and supported others. Governor Thone led by example, and he empowered and encouraged others. He was a mentor to a Nebraska woman named Kay Orr, who became his chief of staff and then went on to be the first woman Governor of Nebraska. Governor Orr, herself, has said she would not have been Governor had it not been for the opportunities Governor Thone had given her along the way. prgtoken The legacy of service and the mark Governor Thone left on Nebraska will never be forgotten. The motto that he held so dear, ``accentuate the positive,'' was a good one. It reminds us to find the good in every person and every moment. His positivity made Nebraska a better place both while he served and afterward as he worked in his community. Governor Thone served the State of Nebraska with dignity. He was an exemplary public servant and a dear friend to my father and to me. prgtoken I join all Nebraskans in praying for his wife, Ruth, and the entire Thone family. prgtoken I thank the Presiding Officer. prgtoken . prgtoken .
HONORING DR. GEORGE NIELD
Jim Bridenstine (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-3-8

I rise today to honor my friend, Dr. George Nield, on the occasion of his retirement as the FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation. prgtoken Dr. Nield has been a tireless advocate for a commercial space industry that is more robust than ever and has been a great partner for those of us on the Hill who have worked to create an environment where the commercial space industry can thrive. prgtoken Dr. Nield is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and his time in the Air Force included assignments as an engineer at the Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force Test Center, and as an assistant professor at the Air Force Academy. prgtoken He later held many roles at NASA, managing the Flight Integration Office for the Space Shuttle program, and later working on the International Space Station program. Prior to coming to the FAA, Dr. Nield was a senior scientist in the advance programs group of Orbital Sciences Corporation, now Orbital ATK. prgtoken George Nield has long understood the important role space plays in our country and dedicated his career to ensuring that the United States is the world's preeminent spacefaring nation. For the past 10 years, he has devoted himself to an industry that helps the United States Government complete its missions, grow our economy, and improve the quality of life for all Americans and those around the world. Our country is losing an important advocate for space. I wish him well in his retirement.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-3-8

first, this morning, I would like to recognize a remarkable Senate career that is drawing to a close. prgtoken Gary Endicott has served in the Office of the Legislative Counsel for 37 years. Since his appointment as the legislative counsel of the Senate in 2015, he has directed that office and has done so with distinction. Now he is embarking on a well-earned retirement. After nearly four decades of service to this body, tomorrow is Gary's last day. prgtoken Much has changed during the time Gary has been with us. Over the years, Senators and staff have asked more and more of the legislative counsel's office, but thanks in large part to Gary's hard work and then to his leadership, we can always rely on his team for meticulous professionalism and expertise. prgtoken I understand Gary is headed back to his native Midwest. He departs with our gratitude and our best wishes for him and for his family. prgtoken , on another matter, the Dodd-Frank law became effective in 2010. It ostensibly targeted banks that were deemed too big to fail, but 7\1/2\ years later, Dodd-Frank has proven to be far too blunt an instrument. For one thing, it has imposed a crushing regulatory burden on small community banks and credit unions. Rather than fixing too big to fail, Dodd-Frank has threatened to make many of these Main Street mainstays too small to succeed. prgtoken This is especially problematic because of the central role local financial institutions play in each of their communities. Local lenders provide a majority of small business loans and nearly three-quarters of agricultural loans, and in low-income communities, when a local bank closes, research suggests that loans to nearby small businesses plummet by 40 percent. prgtoken With farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and vulnerable communities, Americans need community banks, and they need credit unions, but Dodd- Frank is making it harder for these institutions to survive. Millions of Americans, from rural areas to inner cities, now find themselves in what researchers call banking deserts. Fortunately, help is on the way. prgtoken Thanks to the leadership of Senator Crapo, and s prgtoken have joined together to cosponsor a modest but important bill that would streamline the obstacles that are tripping up these smaller institutions. It is a commonsense, compromise measure, and Senators do not need to resolve all of our differences on Dodd-Frank in order to unite behind it. I look forward to voting to pass these reforms very soon. Tax Reform prgtoken , on a final matter, as I have discussed, a number of America's largest employers are already reinvesting their tax reform savings in bonuses, pay raises, and new benefits for their employees. Higher take-home pay and lower tax rates are helping families cover today's expenses and save for the future. prgtoken In Nebraska, the Lincoln Journal
PAYING TRIBUTE TO BOONE COUNTY DEPUTY JACOB PICKETT
Todd Rokita (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-3-8

I rise today to honor a Hoosier hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Deputy Jacob Pickett of the Boone County Sheriff's Office was killed in the line of duty on March 2, 2018. prgtoken Jacob was a 5-year veteran in law enforcement and served as the leader in the department's K-9 unit. He held the ranking of sheriff deputy in Boone County. prgtoken One of Indiana's finest, Jacob is a hero and acted selflessly on the day that took an unexpected and fatal turn. But he died doing what he was trained to do: protecting the thin blue line and keeping the community he loved safe from harm's grasp, and he did that that day. prgtoken Boone County citizens and all Hoosiers mourn over the loss of Jacob, who was known as a man of integrity and compassion. prgtoken Jacob leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, two young children, and his K-9 partner, Brik, to carry on his legacy of service to fellow Hoosiers. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. prgtoken As the Gospel of Matthew says: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. prgtoken Rest in peace, Deputy Pickett.
HONORING MR. TOM COLE OF THE EAST KINGSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-3-8

it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize Mr. Tom Cole who has served as a member of the East Kingston Fire Department for fifty years. prgtoken A broad thinker and steward of the Ulster County community, I admire Mr. Cole's curiosity. Even though he has many years of experience, having served as Fire Chief and responded to many unique situations, Mr. Cole is an eager student, always willing to improve his skills and expand his knowledge. prgtoken Members of our local fire service play an important role in our Upstate communities, selflessly responding to emergency situations and safeguarding our neighborhoods. The commitment of Mr. Cole to our state through his fifty years with the East Kingston Fire Department is a milestone very few have reached I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Cole for his lifetime of hard work and dedicated service.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-8

I enjoyed listening to the comments of my friend from Ohio. I think you guys are going to like the amendment I am getting ready to offer. prgtoken Today I rise to offer an amendment to S. 2155--the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act--of which I am a cosponsor. prgtoken My amendment is a simple correction that would clarify the intent of this original bill as it relates to custodial banks. prgtoken As originally introduced, section 402 was intended to provide better tailored capital requirements for true custodial banks. However, there have been concerns raised that the current definition of this section, following revisions during the committee consideration, could open this provision to a wider group of financial institutions. prgtoken I know that was not the intent of my colleagues, and this technical correction amendment makes clear that section 402 applies only when the primary focus of the banking organization is custodial activities. prgtoken Section 402 is not intended to provide relief to an organization engaged in consumer banking, investment banking, or other businesses, and that also happens to have some custodial business or a banking subsidiary that engages in custodial activities. prgtoken In conclusion, section 402 was intended as a very narrowly tailored provision, focused on true custodial banks. This technical correction amendment would clarify the scope of 402. prgtoken I am requesting a vote and urge my colleagues to support adoption of this amendment. prgtoken . prgtoken .
HONORING MR. RICK ROVEGNO
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-3-8

it is an honor to recognize Mr. Rick Rovegno who is receiving the Exchange Club of Carlisle's prestigious Molly Pitcher Award. I know I will neither be the first, nor the last, to applaud Mr. Rovegno upon his receipt of this well-deserved honor. prgtoken Chartered by the National Exchange Club in 1949, the Exchange Club of Carlisle gives individuals the opportunity to use their time and talents to benefit their local communities and the country as a whole. The Molly Pitcher Award, which has annually honored citizens for their outstanding service to the Carlisle community since 1969, is named after the revolutionary war heroine who risked her life to bring water to artillerymen under fire. As evidenced by receiving this honor, Mr. Rovegno's charitable endeavors have made a significant impact and improved the lives of many in central Pennsylvania. prgtoken Throughout his successful career in business and local government, Mr. Rovegno served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Helen H. Stevens Community Mental Health Center, the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center, in addition to serving as an advisor to the Boy Scouts of America's Explorer Post 189. Mr. Rovegno's devotion to bettering his community is also underscored by his participation in local preservation and renovation efforts, such as maintaining the Carlisle Theatre. Furthermore, Mr. Rovegno and his wife of 36 years established the Rick and Karen Rovegno Trust, which supports local initiatives in education, the arts, libraries, and the environment. Needless to say, Mr. Rovegno's devotion to the betterment of his community continues to improve lives and inspire individuals across the Commonwealth. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing Mr. Rovegno for all he has done and continues to do for the Carlisle community and congratulate him on receiving the Molly Pitcher Award.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-3-8

this week I have the honor of recognizing a hard-working Montana rancher for his contributions to the community in Meagher County. Bill Galt is a third-generation Montana rancher; he has been ranching all his life. His dedication to White Sulphur and the surrounding community, however, extends far beyond his work in agriculture. prgtoken Bill has rescued numerous folks from plane crashes and accidents on the Smith River as part of his volunteer search and rescue work. He has served on the White Sulphur Springs Airport Board, the Meagher County DUI Task Force, the Conservation District Board, and the Mountainview Medical Center Foundation, just to name a few. prgtoken Bill has been a volunteer firefighter and has volunteered with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and 4H. I would be remiss to not include his service in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps during Vietnam as well. prgtoken Bill is humble and civic-minded in all he does, and his service to Meagher has not gone unnoticed. prgtoken Thank you, Bill, for exemplifying what it means to be an active member of a Montana community.
RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF MOUNT CLEMENS, MICHIGAN
Sander M. Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-3-8

I rise today to recognize the City of Mount Clemens, Michigan, as it celebrates its 200th Anniversary of its founding and designation as the county seat of Macomb County. I have been proud to represent this vibrant community for more than 25 years. prgtoken In 1818, Governor of the Michigan Territory, Lewis Cass, established the County of Macomb, and designated Mount Clemens, which had been settled by explorer Christian Clemens, as the county seat. When Michigan became the 26th state admitted to the Union in 1837, Clemens's settlement was incorporated as a village and then later voted to become a city. prgtoken In the 1870's mineral water wells were discovered throughout Mount Clemens and soon people from all over the world were traveling there to experience the healing waters, including Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Mae West, and sports icons Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey. Mount Clemens became known as ``Bath City'' and the bath industry thrived in this community. prgtoken The ``Capital of Macomb'', Mount Clemens, has a lot to offer its residents and the surrounding communities. Not only is it the hub of county government and services, but Mount Clemens is also the center of many cultural and recreational activities. It is home to vibrant institutions, including the Anton Art Center and the Crocker House Museum, along with several other historical museums. From its parks and riverfront to its growing downtown, the city offers many community concerts, festivals, and a weekly Farmers Market. And every Fourth of July, residents gather together for a bike parade through the neighborhood to celebrate the holiday. prgtoken Oakland University has a campus in downtown Mount Clemens, and the city is home to two strong hospital systems, McLaren Macomb and Henry Ford Macomb, and a community health center, MyCare. A favorite gathering place in the community is the Mount Clemens Public Library, one of the two oldest public libraries in Michigan. prgtoken Over the years, I have been especially grateful to be able to spend time with the students in Mount Clemens. Whether it's been playing basketball with them at the Jermaine Jackson Community Center or talking to the students at the High School about the civil rights marches in Selma and the passing of the Voting Rights Act, I have seen firsthand their passion and thoughtfulness about the community and about important issues. My office has also worked closely with the community to support and grow the Mount Clemens Community Coalition for Youth and Families, a community anti-drug coalition leading the way in preventing substance abuse and creating a safe and healthy city for our young people. prgtoken Over the years, I have been proud to work with city leaders and to fight for federal dollars to support this hardworking community. The Recovery Act provided funding for public safety and public housing programs. And through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the city