mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DARK MONEY
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-4-23

I thank the majority leader for allowing Senator Whitehouse and myself to conclude today's session. prgtoken I want first to salute my colleague, Senator Whitehouse, who will be on the floor momentarily. He has come to the floor many times to talk about issues relative to climate change and global warming. He has come on so many occasions that I have lost track, but it shows his dedication to this issue. prgtoken He has also been outspoken on the issue of campaign financing and what is happening in America today. We all know that it takes big money to run big campaigns, and we all know that many people are put off by politicians who are waiting on wealthy donors to give them the money to make it across the finish line. That is a fact. prgtoken I have always said that in this business of politics, there are two categories. There are multimillionaires and mere mortals, and I am in the second category, never having enough money to finance my own campaign, prevailing on my friends to help. It is too bad that politics has reached the level where campaigns are so long and so expensive. prgtoken Tonight Senator Whitehouse and I will highlight one aspect of that issue that is particularly worrisome and really should be front and center; that is, the so-called secret contributions, the dark money-- money that is being spent on political campaigns with no fingerprints. It is a growing phenomenon, and it is troublesome to think that our democracy has reached that point. prgtoken I am going to speak about one aspect of it, and Senator Whitehouse will follow me on the topic. I thank him for initiating this opportunity this evening. prgtoken Let me tell my colleagues what my topic is about. It is one aspect of it. We know that the United States leads the world in medical research. Because of the U.S. scientific community, HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence, polio has been eradicated in this country, people survive cancer and heart attacks in record number, and a child born today will likely live to be 78 years of age--nearly three decades longer than a baby born in 1900. prgtoken Thanks to the U.S. scientific community, we know the true dangers of tobacco. Now we are learning about the dangers related to e-cigarettes. But it was not always the case that the dangers of cigarette smoking were commonly accepted knowledge. For years, the tobacco industry claimed to be interested in rigorous, independent science. They wanted to sell less harmful products, and they wanted to support scientific research. Evidence has now been disclosed which unequivocally demonstrates that tobacco companies, by funding alternate research and funneling money into front organizations to do their bidding, have literally corrupted the science on this issue. They produced products they knew were no less hazardous and sought to influence elections to ensure the friendliest voices supporting tobacco were elected to office at Federal, Sta
103RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-4-23

this week we solemnly observe the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide. prgtoken Over a century ago, one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century began when the Young Turk leaders of the Ottoman Empire executed more than 200 prominent Armenians. What followed was an 8-year systematic campaign of oppression and massacre. By 1923, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed, and over a half a million survivors were exiled. prgtoken These atrocities affected the lives of every Armenian living in Asia Minor and, indeed, across the globe. The U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during this dark time, Henry Morgenthau, Sr unsuccessfully pleaded with President Wilson to take action and later remembered the events of the genocide, saying, ``I am confident that the whole history of the human race contains no such horrible episode as this. The great massacres and persecutions of the past seem almost insignificant when compared to the sufferings of the Armenian race in 1915.'' Clearly, the suffering of the Armenian people must never be forgotten. prgtoken The survivors of the Armenian genocide, however, persevered due to their unbreakable spirit and steadfast resolve and went on to greatly contribute to the lands in which they found new homes and communities, including the United States. That is why we not only commemorate this grave tragedy each year, but we also take this moment to celebrate the traditions, the contributions, as well as the bright future of the Armenian people. Indeed, my home State of Rhode Island continues to be enriched by our strong and vibrant Armenian-American community. prgtoken This genocide has been denied for far too long. To honor the memory of this tragedy, I have joined with several of my colleagues on resolutions over the years to encourage the U.S. to officially recognize the Armenian genocide. prgtoken As we remember the past, we remain committed to forging a brighter future. We must continue to guard against hatred and oppression so that we can prevent such crimes against humanity. prgtoken As ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I remain committed to supporting assistance to Armenia to strengthen security, promote economic growth, and foster democratic reforms and development. prgtoken We must find a way to come together to recognize the truth of what happened and to provide unwavering support and assistance to those facing persecution today.
CELEBRATING DEAN DONALD ELDRED ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-4-23

I rise today to recognize Dean Donald Eldred who is celebrating his 90th birthday. Dean Eldred has become a pillar in the Jacksonville community through his years of service to Illinois College. prgtoken Donald R. Eldred earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dubuque and a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University before coming to Illinois College in 1961. He retired from the College in 1993 with the emeritus titles of Dean of Students and Professor of English/Communications. Following his retirement, he taught one or two classes at IC on a part-time basis for 12 years. prgtoken Eldred's achievements at Illinois College also include the founding of the Sturtevant Leadership awards for outstanding seniors; founding of the silver cup for outstanding literary work by the men's literary societies; enrolling in coursework at Oxford University; being the first to design and direct a BreakAway for students throughout the British Isles, England, Scotland and Ireland; and serving in director roles for the College's 150th and 160th anniversary celebrations. During Eldred's affiliation with the Hilltop campus, he has worked in some capacity with eight generations of students. prgtoken In 2004 Illinois College conferred upon Eldred the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. He was recognized as a Friend of the College by the Illinois College Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2013. prgtoken , I would like to again formally celebrate Dean Donald R. Eldred on his 90th birthday.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-4-23

on April 18, 2018, I was attending the funeral of fallen Officer Sean Gannon of the Yarmouth Police Department who was killed in the line of duty. I was therefore unable to be present for the vote on the motion on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 831, the rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 5444 and H.R. 5445. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 143, I would have voted ``NAY.'' prgtoken I was also unable to be present for the vote on passage of H. Res. 831, the rule providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 5444 Taxpayer First Act, and providing for consideration of the H.R. 5445 21st Century IRS Act. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 144, I would have voted ``NAY.'' prgtoken I was also unable to be present for the vote on passage of H.R. 5445, the 21st Century IRS Act, offered by Mr. Bishop of Michigan. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 145, I would have voted ``AYE.'' prgtoken I was also unable to be present for the vote on passage of H.R. 5444, the Taxpayer First Act, offered by Mr. Jenkins of Kansas. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 146, I would have voted ``AYE.'' prgtoken I was also unable to be present for the vote on passage of H.R. 2905, the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018, as amended, offered by Mr. Young of Iowa. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 147, I would have voted ``AYE.''
IN HONOR OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF ALFONSON L. CAMPBELL
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-4-23

today I rise to recognize Alfonson L. Campbell. prgtoken Mr. C, as his family and friends affectionately call him, is celebrating his 100th birthday. He was born on the Theo Baker Dairy Farm in Culpepper, Virginia on April 20, 1918. His father, who was white, and his mother who was black, raised 5 children in a two-room farmhouse. prgtoken At a very young age, Mr. Campbell helped his father on the farm by shoveling hay, milking cows and feeding chickens. He also spent his childhood gathering wood for the stove, storing milk in the well to keep cool, stuffing bedding with hay to use as mattresses, and breaking ice that formed on a nearby lake to store meat and hunted opossum. Mr. Campbell walked over a mile to attend a one-room school, where the teacher was also his preacher. prgtoken His father took care of the farm to pay his debts to the property owner and left the farm after the debt was paid. A few years later, Mr. Campbell also left the farm at 16 years old to begin a new life in Washington, DC. prgtoken Mr. Campbell joined the Army and served seven years in the Army National Guard. During his time of service, he participated in the Korean War Conflict. After leaving the military, he followed his childhood dream of becoming an automobile mechanic. He was the favorite amongst his co-workers, always teaching them the `tricks of the trade.' His intelligence, mechanical skills and his ethics were so impressive that his boss rewarded him with $100.00 when the business closed. His love for cars secured him an auto-mechanic job with the District of Columbia Government for 45 years. Upon retiring from the DC government, Mr. Campbell went on to operate a successful lawn service business for 16 years. prgtoken Mr. Campbell credits his longevity to his faith in Jesus Christ and love of life. He enjoys fishing, tinkering with cars, eating the three C's (cabbage, collard greens and cornbread), and enjoyed travels with his late wife to various destinations such as Africa, Acapulco, Aruba, Germany and Hawaii. His greatest loves now are his son, daughter, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and Jesus Christ. prgtoken Mr. Alfonson L. Campbell turned 100 years old on April 20, 2018. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our warmest birthday greetings to him and wishing him many more healthy and happy years.
HONORING CAROLYN C. JUDD AND CLEMENTINE M. ZAKER ON THEIR 80TH BIRTHDAYS
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-4-23

I rise today to honor Carolyn C. Judd and Clementine M. Zaker, twin sisters who will be celebrating their 80th birthdays on May 2nd. prgtoken Carolyn and Clementine were born on May 2, 1938, to Theodore and Clementine Price in Chicago, Illinois, where they lived until moving a short distance to Burbank. From a young age, the sisters were an inseparable pair and their bond remains strong. Carolyn and Clementine have four and three children, respectively, and watching their grandchildren grow up has brought the sisters plenty of joy. To this day, the sisters live less than 15 minutes away from each other, with Carolyn in Hickory Hills and Clementine in Burbank. prgtoken Chicagoland has always been home to Carolyn and Clementine, and they have been active in their communities throughout their lives. Carolyn spent her career with Nabisco before retiring from her position as a secretary to the general manager at the Chicago plant. She remains involved in the community through her work as the Secretary ofthe Justice Chamber of Commerce. Clementine is a dedicated wife and mother, having raised her three children with her husband, Ronald Zaker. She is very committed to her Catholic faith and helped bring the Eucharist to those in the community who were unable to attend Mass. Until recently, the sisters greatly enjoyed going to local craft shows where they would sell items including ornaments, jewelry, and embroidered pillows. They continue to enjoy each other's company in sharing meals and taking vacations together. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Carolyn and Clementine on this special occasion. It is not often that twin sisters are able to celebrate their 80th birthday together, and I am inspired learning about these remarkable women and their lifelong companionship. May Carolyn and Clementine live long and healthy lives with family and loved ones, while continuing to contribute to their communities.
JUDGE PAUL W. DANAHY, JR.'S 90TH BIRTHDAY
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-4-23

I rise today to honor Judge Paul W. Danahy, Jr.'s 90th birthday, a member of my hometown of Tampa and the state of Florida's Greatest Generation. He may wish to be remembered as much for working his way through college at the legendary Valencia Gardens restaurant as the only Anglo member of the Spanish Waiters than for being one of the longest-serving members on Florida's Second District Court of Appeals. Wherever Judge Danahy served he earned a reputation for working tirelessly and for gaining the respect of all with whom he worked. prgtoken Born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Judge Danahy was drawn to Tampa to play basketball at the University of Tampa. In Tampa he found both a new hometown and the love of his life, Georgia Reed. Judge Danahy enlisted in the army during the Korean War and has a very unique military record including three honorable discharges from two branches of the military: the Marine Reserves, the U.S, Army Infantry, and finally from service in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps, a precursor to the CIA. Upon return from military service he found his true calling and earned his law degree from the University of Florida in 1957. prgtoken Judge Danahy became an influential member of the Florida House of Representatives serving from 1966 to 1974. True to form, Judge Danahy played a significant role as part of what many believe to be Tampa's greatest state legislative delegations during the late 60s and early 70s. There, amongst other progressive policies, he drafted and championed the very first enactment of our state's Ethics Law, which continues in force to this day, and is now firmly ensconced within Florida's Constitution. The Florida we know and love today would not be possible without the contributions of Judge Danahy and his partners in Florida's Greatest Generation. prgtoken After leaving the legislature Judge Danahy's service was only beginning. He was appointed to the Second District Court of Appeals in 1977 and sat on the bench a record shattering thirty-three years, serving as Chief Judge from 1986 to 1988. In his 30th year at the court, Judge Danahy received a fitting recognition--the largest conference room at the Tampa branch of the 2nd DCA was named the Judge Paul W. Danahy, Jr Conference Room. This recognition not only honored his record setting time on the bench but also his legislative prowess-- he was largely responsible for obtaining legislative funding to bring the branch to Tampa. prgtoken , it gives me great pride to honor and send many wishes to a great Tampanian, Judge Paul W. Danahy, Jr on his 90th birthday. His legacy continues as the patriarch of an ever-growing family to which he imparts his wisdom, and through whom his lessons and beliefs will surely echo in the years to come.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-4-23

I was unavoidably detained and so I missed Roll Call vote number 143 regarding the ``Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of the Taxpayer First Act and the 21st Century IRS Act.'' Had I been present, I would have voted No. prgtoken , I was unavoidably detained and so I missed Roll Call vote number 144 regarding the ``Rule providing for consideration of the Taxpayer First Act and the ``21st Century IRS Act.'' Had I been present, I would have voted No. prgtoken , I was unavoidably detained and so I missed Roll Call vote number 145 regarding the ``21st Century IRS Act.'' Had I been present, I would have voted Yes. prgtoken , I was unavoidably detained and so I missed Roll Call vote number 146 regarding the ``Taxpayer First Act.'' Had I been present, I would have voted Yes. prgtoken , I was unavoidably detained and so I missed Roll Call vote number 147 regarding the ``Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act.'' Had I been present, I would have voted Yes.
REMEMBERING DORIS WARD
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-4-23

Californians and San Franciscans have lost a fearless advocate for racial and economic equality who became the first African-American president of San Francisco's board of supervisors. Ms. Doris Ward was elected to the board of supervisors and was sworn in on January 8, 1980. In 1991, Ms. Ward became the first Black woman to serve as board president. prgtoken Ms. Ward was a trailblazer from her earliest days. She attended an integrated school from kindergarten through 12th grade. She went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in education at Indiana University. Later she earned a master's degree in counseling from San Francisco State University and a doctorate in education from U.C. Berkeley. Ms. Ward was active in the civil rights movement and participated in sit-ins at bars and other public areas in Indiana. Ms. Ward began her career as a teacher in Gary, IN, her hometown, before joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, in Indianapolis. prgtoken During her time at the NAACP in the late 1960s, Ms. Ward cemented her role as a leader for civil rights and social justice by opposing the Ku Klux Klan and other forms of racism and discrimination before moving to California. prgtoken Ms. Ward started her political career in 1972, after moving to San Francisco, when she became a trustee for the city's community college district prior to joining the board of supervisors. prgtoken Ms. Ward was a friend, mentor, and we will miss her vibrant spirit. The thoughts of San Franciscans and Californians are with Ms. Ward's sister, Debra Floyd, of Washington, DC, her family, city leaders, and the people of San Francisco during this time.
HONORING ST. PETER SCHOOL
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-4-23

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 150th anniversary of St. Peter School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence on Capitol Hill. prgtoken St. Peter School was founded in 1868 with the Sisters of the Holy Cross for the purposes of taking a holistic approach in order to educate the whole child. Specifically, its mission states, ``St. Peter School is a family of learners serving the Capitol Hill parishes and community. The children are provided with an education that is founded on love of God and service to others, characterized by Catholic values and academic excellence, and dedicated to addressing each child's unique talents and abilities.'' prgtoken In addition to its mission statement, St. Peter School is committed to cultivating a dedicated team of faculty and staff in one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic elementary schools in Washington, D.C. St. Peter School seeks to be a place in which faith becomes living, conscious and active through instruction and participation in prayer, worship, sacraments and service. prgtoken The school is committed to fostering an environment that ensures that students of all faiths, races and creeds are challenged through a rigorous academic program and are taught to be considerate, contributing members of a global society. It is also important to note that St. Peter School partners not only engage in charitable works with local organizations to serve those in need in Washington, D.C but it also engages with a sister school in Haiti so that students understand what it means to be a force of good throughout the world. prgtoken I live on Capitol Hill, where St. Peter's is located, and know families who speak fondly of the school. prgtoken Therefore, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 150th anniversary of St. Peter School.
TRIBUTE TO VELVALEA ``VEL'' HORTENSE RODGERS PHILLIPS
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-4-23

I rise today to pay tribute to Vel Phillips a public servant, judge, civil rights activist, mentor, stateswoman and trailblazer. Vel Phillips was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and like me was a graduate of North Division High School. She graduated from Howard University and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-- Madison Law School. Vel Phillips passed away on April 17, 2018 at the age of 95 years. prgtoken Vel Phillips' life has been a series of firsts: the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin--Madison Law School; the first woman and African American to win a seat on the City of Milwaukee's Common Council; the first woman and African American to win statewide election by becoming Secretary of State of Wisconsin; the first woman and African American to become a judge in Milwaukee County. She was the first African American in the country elected to the National Committee of a major political party, and knew three presidents on a first-name basis: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter. Vel realized all of these accomplishments at a time when many African Americans were not allowed to exercise their civil rights. prgtoken Vel ran for elected office to improve the lives of people and in 1956, she won a seat on the City of Milwaukee's Common Council. The heart of Vel's district was known as the Inner Core which consisted of poor housing stock, ill equipped schools, and few jobs. This was further exacerbated by several other facts: city leaders who refused to provide funds to repair roads and schools in the Inner Core; white landlords who would not rent to black people outside of the Inner Core; and Black families who were denied access to buy homes in other parts of the city. Vel knew something had to be done and introduced a Fair Housing Law in 1962 that would make it illegal not to rent to black people. It was not fair to tell people where they could and could not live, work and go to school because of the color of their skin and Vel began marching with Catholic priest, Father James Groppi to bring change. They led people, including me, on 200 consecutive nights of marching from the Inner Core across the 16th Street Viaduct to a destination on the Southside of Milwaukee. Angry white men and women lined the streets and swore and threw rocks and bottles at the marchers. Finally, in 1968, the Fair Housing Law that Vel had written six years earlier passed the city council. prgtoken In addition to the positions previously mentioned, Vel taught at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and was appointed ``Distinguished Professor of Law'' at Marquette University School of Law. In 2006, Phillips founded the Vel Phillips Foundation which supports the work of people who are engaged in projects of social justice and change including opposing voter ID and other attacks on voting rights. prgtoken Vel was the beloved wife for 38 years of the late W. Dale P