mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAY YES SYRACUSE
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Syracuse Chapter of Say Yes to Education. Throughout its history in Central New York, Say Yes Syracuse has mentored thousands of public-school students and helped them successfully graduate high school. Additionally, Say Yes Syracuse financially supports select students after their high school graduation as they pursue postsecondary education. prgtoken Say Yes Syracuse offers a variety of services to aspiring Central New York students. These services include summer education programs, SAT study classes, and pre-college preparation seminars. As a result of Say Yes Syracuse's efforts, 9th-grade dropout rates have declined and over 4,000 Say Yes Syracuse students have enrolled in two- or four-year colleges. prgtoken In order to fulfill its commitment to local students, Say Yes Syracuse has developed strong relationships with many Central New York institutions and leaders. Syracuse University, Onondaga County Community College, the Syracuse City School District, the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga County all contribute to Say Yes Syracuse's goal of helping all Syracuse-area students reach their full academic potential. These public-private partnerships strengthen the Central New York's community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating Say Yes Syracuse's 10th anniversary. Since opening its Syracuse chapter, Say Yes to Education has positively impacted the Central New York community and provided new education opportunities to underserved students. Under the leadership of Ahmeed Turner, I am confident Say Yes Syracuse will continue to thrive in Central New York.
COMMENTS ON YOHO AMENDMENT 25 TO H.R. 3055
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , last week I had amendment number 25 accepted as part of the Commerce Justice Science appropriations package. This amendment increased and decreased the NASA science and research fund by $1,000,000 in order to highlight the importance of funding research to better understand human development in space in order to promote future space colonies. However, I would like to clarify that while I think these embryology experiments are of the utmost importance, I do not believe they should be done using human embryos or babies. The intent of this amendment was strictly to highlight the importance of non-human embryology experiments.
IN HONOR OF MRS. NANCY DOOLEY
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Nancy Dooley, cherished wife, sister, mother, grandmother, niece, aunt, and friend. Nancy was a longtime resident of Colorado Springs and passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019. prgtoken Nancy was born in 1942 in Berlin, Wisconsin. Her father was an officer in the army, and throughout her childhood, she moved with her family all over the United States and to Japan, Turkey, Germany, and Korea. prgtoken Nancy loved school and became a member of the National Honor Society when she graduated from Washington & Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, in 1960. She had a warm, vibrant, and kind personality, and built numerous friendships throughout her life. prgtoken In 1962, Nancy married U.S. Army Captain Richard T. Lynch. She was expecting their second child when her husband was killed in action in Vietnam in September 1964. The loss was devastating, but with characteristic determination, she raised her children alone for the next several years. Nancy remarried U.S. Army Captain Thomas F. Dooley in 1968, a West Point graduate, who would later retire as a Lt. Colonel. prgtoken Nancy loved to travel and particularly enjoyed visiting France where she frequented Paris, The Paris Air Show, Southern France, Monte Carlo and most notably Omaha Beach, the site of the Normandy Invasion. prgtoken After she and her family moved to Colorado Springs, Nancy sold real estate, excelling at building relationships with her clients and different brokers. She was active in many military clubs, such as the Officer Spouse's Club. Nancy served for over fifteen years as an officer of the Cheyenne Mountain Forum of El Paso County, Colorado, where she was known for her faithful spirit and diet-breaking cheesecake. One of Nancy's great loves and talents was cooking. She was also a devoted volunteer and leader in many local conservative groups and the Catholic church. prgtoken Nancy is survived by her husband (of fifty-one years) Tom, daughter Julie (John) Kummer, son Richard Lynch, II, brother Bill (Kathy) Blakefield, granddaughter Annelise Kummer, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Nancy will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-7-2

. Madam , If present on June 20th and 21st, I would have voted on amendments to H.R. 3055, the Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2020, in the following way: NAY on the Rutherford Amendment (Roll Call No. 368); YEA on the King Amendment (Roll Call No. 369); YEA on the Blumenauer Amendment (Roll Call No. 370); YEA on the Banks Amendment (Roll Call No. 371); NAY on the Golden Amendment (Roll Call No. 372); YEA on the Stevens Amendment (Roll Call No. 373); NAY on the Underwood Amendment (Roll Call No. 374); YEA on the Banks Amendment (Roll Call No. 375); YEA on the Amendment (Roll Call No. 376); YEA on the Spanberger Amendment (Roll Call No. 377); NAY on the Wasserman Schultz Amendment (Roll Call No. 378); NAY on the Pallone Amendment (Roll Call No. 379); NAY on the Buchanan Amendment (Roll Call No. 380); YEA on the Duncan Amendment (Roll Call No. 381); NAY on the Blumenauer Amendment (Roll Call No. 382); YEA on the Gosar Amendment (Roll Call No. 383); YEA on the Duncan Amendment (Roll Call No. 384); YEA on the Mullin Amendment (Roll Call No. 385); YEA on the Mullin Amendment (Roll Call No. 386); YEA on the Graves Amendment (Roll Call No. 387); YEA on the Hice Amendment (Roll Call No. 388); YEA on the Banks Amendment (Roll Call No. 389); YEA on the Biggs Amendment (Roll Call No. 390); NAY on the Cunningham Amendment (Roll Call No. 391); YEA on the Cunningham Amendment (Roll Call No. 392); NAY on the Carbajal Amendment (Roll Call No. 393); NAY on the Hill Amendment (Roll Call No. 394); NAY on the Schrier Amendment (Roll Call No. 395); YEA on the Bost Amendment (Roll Call No. 396); YEA on the Golden Amendment (Roll Call No. 397); and voted YEA on the McAdams Amendment (Roll Call No. 398).
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. GERALD V. CAMMACK
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-7-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Gerald V. ``Jerry'' Cammack, a United States Air Force Veteran, long- time dentist, and integral member of the Southeast Texas community. Jerry passed away on June 26, 2019 at the age of 79. prgtoken Dr. Cammack was born in Jasper, Texas and lived most of his life in Pineland, Texas. In high school, Jerry graduated as the valedictorian of his class at Pineland High School in 1958. After graduation, he received a basketball scholarship from Lamar University. After finishing his undergraduate degree, Jerry moved to Houston, Texas to attend the University of Texas Dental Branch. prgtoken While a dental student, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Glenda Sanders. After completing his degree, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a Captain from 1967 to 1969. When his tour of duty was over, he moved back to Jasper, Texas to start both his dental practice and a family. After 39 years of dedicated service to his clients, Dr. Cammack turned the business over to his son and enjoyed a life of retirement doing the things he loved, like spending time with his family. Dr. Cammack is survived by his wife, Glenda Cammack, their two sons, Dr. Van Cammack and Decker Cammack, and four grandchildren. prgtoken Dr. Cammack leaves a special legacy of service to his neighbors through his dentistry and his friendship to all in the community. He was a great friend to me, and I will miss him dearly. prgtoken Madam , my prayers and condolences are with the family, friends, and community of Dr. Gerald V. Cammack.
CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CYBER DEFENSE TEAM
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-7-5

. Madam , congratulations to the University of Virginia Cyber Defense Team on their national championship victory at the 2019 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Championship. prgtoken The students won the Alamo Cup by defeating 139 other teams over the course of the competition. The NCCDC is a competition built to simulate the defense of cyber security networks. Each student team assumes administrative and protective duties for an existing ``commercial'' network and is responsible for protecting the network and responding to outside threats. I am proud that these UVa students are taking the lead to protect our economy and keep our nation safe and I look forward to what they will accomplish in their blossoming careers. prgtoken These future leaders showcased their determination, ingenuity, and teamwork to bring home their second national title in as many years. Congratulations to the University of Virginia students for their continued leadership.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EAST ST. LOUIS AMERICAN LEGION POST 53
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-7-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of East St. Louis American Legion Post 53. During the last century, this post has provided countless local veterans with services, support, and fellowship. Such commitment to our heroes has helped the American Legion become one of the largest non-profit organizations in the United States. prgtoken After World War I ended with the signing of the Armistice in November 1918, veterans came back to America wanting to remain a close-knit community. After Congress chartered the American Legion later that year, Post 53 in East St. Louis became a pillar of the national organization. As a Marine and the father of a Marine, I am so grateful for all of the work the American Legion at Post 53 has done over the years to bring our heroes together and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing this momentous occasion and commend the East St. Louis American Legion Post 53 for the great achievements they have achieved over the last 100 years.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DAVID MARCUS
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-7-5

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Mr. David Marcus, a larger-than-life personality, passionate supporter of our community, and a great friend to many, who passed away on June 28, 2019 after his seventh battle with cancer. A resident of Bakersfield, California, David will be remembered throughout our community for his contagious positive attitude, his dedicated faith in God, and his ubiquitous presence--he was known locally as ``Mr. Bakersfield.'' prgtoken David was born on December 22, 1958 in Passaic, New Jersey, and later moved to Bakersfield. He developed his job skills working at the Bakersfield Association of Retarded Citizens and quickly found a career working at Albertson's, where he inspired everyone he met. David was often seen cheering on different high school sports teams, like his niece's Centennial Golden Hawks. With his can-do spirit and positive attitude, David quickly became known for being their biggest supporter, cheering on our community's student-athletes as they competed for championships. Despite his cancer diagnosis, David was constantly at games, events, and community celebrations, sharing the power of positivity with everyone he came in contact with. In recognition of this, he was announced as the winner of the 2018 Greatest Community Supporter Award, which was presented to him by the Kern High School District. prgtoken David, a loud supporter of everything Bakersfield, would make friends anywhere he went as he cheered on and championed different events in the community. From welcoming home veterans as they returned from an Honor Flight to cheering on players with disabilities during the League of Dreams to attending our community's annual Relay for Life, David was someone our community united around. In fact, in just a few days, members of the Bakersfield community came together to raise money to ensure that he received a star on the historic Fox Theatre's Walk-of- Fame in downtown Bakersfield. prgtoken For those of us lucky enough to call him a friend, it was not surprising to see that David never lost his vision of the power of positivity and prayer. David prayed for everyone in his family, our community, and even for the members of this legislative body, asking that we be given the wisdom to make the right decisions for our country. Despite battling cancer seven times, David never became angry or bitter. Instead his warm, positive personality shined brighter than ever as the battles got longer and tougher. He will be remembered as a warrior who never gave up and fought valiantly until the end. On behalf of California's 23rd Congressional District, I want to extend my most heartfelt condolences to David's family, including his sister Arlene and husband Virgil; his sister Debbie and husband George; his nieces Bee, Alexandria, and GloriAnn; and his nephews George, Gino, and Guy. prgtoken David's life, actions, and love for his community will undoubtedly cont
HONORING DALE DERR ON HIS RETIREMENT AS DIRECTOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR BERKS COUNTY
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-7-5

. Madam , it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to honor Berks County Director of Veterans Affairs, Dale Derr. After 43 years serving our country and making an impact in our community, Dale is retiring this July. prgtoken Dale's commitment to service is remarkable. Beginning his military service in 1976 in the Marine Corps, Dale would spend 24 years in uniform, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force in 2000. As Director of Veterans Affairs for the last nine years, Dale has earned a reputation for his commitment to community and for getting things done for veterans and their families. He has touched countless lives in this capacity, helping veterans access benefits, supporting families, and organizing the nation's oldest Armed Forces Day Parade. Dale leaves an incredible legacy in Berks County and an unmatched example of public service for our community. prgtoken Dale, his wife, Susan, and their family represent the very best in community service. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Dale Derr for his decades of dedicated service to our country, to our veterans, and for his many contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Berks County. I wish him the best as he enters this next chapter in life.
BORDER SECURITY
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-8

last week, the DHS inspector general released a report detailing horrid conditions at border facilities. This is the President's own DHS inspector general saying how bad conditions were. Then we found reports of a secret Border Patrol workers' Facebook group that revealed a toxic culture at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Everything we had heard anecdotally, everything we feared about the mindset of CBP proved to be true in that Facebook group. prgtoken Over the weekend, the New York Times and then the El Paso Times released the latest account of conditions at the Border Patrol station in Clint, TX. A facility built for 100 adults has become a modern-day internment camp for up to 700 children at a time, many locked up for weeks on end. Some children go without beds to sleep on. There are food shortages and insufficient sanitation. For heaven's sake, we read reports of children suffering from outbreaks of scabies, lice, and even chicken pox. This is cruelty--cruelty--once again. prgtoken These awful conditions show that for too long, the CBP has operated as an agency out of control. It must be reined in immediately, beginning with its leadership. Internal investigations will not suffice because CBP leadership--particularly Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan-- is far too callous in their treatment of children and their families. Too many of the CBP leaders have had this attitude for too long, and it has infested itself down to too many who are the rank and file in that agency. We need untainted professionals to be brought in from outside the CBP structure immediately. prgtoken President turns to his typical tactics of denial, distortion, and distraction. President should be focused on fixing the problems that exist instead of blaming others. The truth, of course, is that we should never have been in this situation in the first place. The suffering imposed on migrant children is the result of the administration's own mishandling of family arrivals through Central America. prgtoken While says he is serious about fixing our immigration challenges, he has done just about everything to make matters worse. prgtoken President , you want to fix the border? Then do what have been asking you to do for a long time--let the asylum seekers apply for asylum in their home countries, increase the number of judges to process the cases, and, for heaven's sake, restore aid to those Central American countries of Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua to help them crack down on gang violence and cartels so people will not flee for fear of their lives from the gangs. prgtoken President , stop finger-pointing at for this mess of your own making. You are the President. As this problem festers and gets worse, the American people realize you are the Chief Executive. It is your problem to solve. prgtoken We will join you, if you have anything reasonable to propose, but
Youngstown Vindicator (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-7-8

at the end of June, we received news that sickened so many of us. The Youngstown Vindicator, one of Ohio's greatest local newspapers, is closing after 150 years in business. prgtoken It is devastating news for a community that is already reeling from General Motors' abandonment of prgtoken Lordstown--and ``abandonment'' is the right word. General Motors made the decision to shut down production, losing 4,500 jobs in Lordstown, OH. They moved some of their production to Mexico. They took part of their tax cuts and their profits and used that money to buy stock options for their top executives. prgtoken The Vindicator was reporting the story about GM's abandonment of Lordstown before the national media came to town. When GM laid off one shift of workers back in late 2016, after the Presidential election, then a second shift several months later, the Vindicator was there covering what those job losses meant to this community. We know the end of the Vindicator's coverage is another huge blow to Mahoning Valley. prgtoken Our hearts break for the dedicated journalists and support staff losing their jobs. This was a family-owned paper for 132 years. prgtoken This will not just be a loss for those who worked there. When local newspapers close, everyone suffers. Local reporters know their communities better than anyone. David Skolnick, Mark Sweetwood, and the entire Vindicator team have held local officials accountable. They told the stories of how national issues affect real Ohioans, how our trade policy hurts Ohio workers, and how the opioid crisis has devastated the valley. Craig Graziosi and many others have done vital work covering Lordstown. These journalists care about the cities and towns they serve. They hold those in power accountable, whether it is local government or city business leaders. prgtoken NPR reported on what happens when local papers shut down. First of all, investigative reporting suffers. Long investigations are expensive. Usually, when there are no local newspapers to do these stories, no one steps in to fill the void. The investigations don't happen. Corruption increases, the city's financial health suffers, and citizens get hurt. prgtoken Three researchers looked at local newspaper closures over a 19-year period. From 1996 to 2015, 300 papers across the country closed in that time. They found that where papers closed, city borrowing costs went up. Without local journalists, city watchdogs, the city's finances took a hit. It became more costly for taxpayers to fund local schools and other projects. It is just more evidence that journalists are vital to our communities and are necessary for our democracy. prgtoken Too many people in this country already undermine the work that journalists do--or worse. We see reporters restricted, vilified, and even threatened--all for getting up every day and doing their jobs honorably. prgtoken On the anniversary of the shooting at the Capital G
TRIBUTE TO CLYDE TERRY
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-7-8

today I would like to recognize the retirement of Mr. Clyde Terry of Concord, NH. prgtoken Clyde started his career in 1982 as an administrative hearings officer, protecting the rights of individuals who experience disabilities in the State service systems. prgtoken He then worked as the director of policy and planning for the New Hampshire Developmental Disabilities Council. He was promoted to executive director where he assisted in the drafting of and advocated for State and Federal legislation on issues impacting the lives of people who experience disabilities and directed the 5-year State plan. prgtoken In 2010, he was named to the National Council on Disabilities by President and was appointed its chair in 2015. Clyde also served as the chair of the policy development and program evaluation committee, and in both roles, he used his vast knowledge and experience in New Hampshire to guide his work. prgtoken For more than 16 years, Clyde has led Granite State Independent Living, a nonprofit that provides training and support services for people experiencing disabilities. In this role, he aimed to break the historical link between disability and poverty, adding education and employment services to the organization's operations. Under his leadership, Granite State Independent Living grew from three offices to eight and increased staff to more than 850 full-time staff and personal care attendants. This growth has made the organization a statewide resource for seniors and those who experience disabilities, helping them have access to competitive integrated employment and to live safely, comfortably, and independently at home. prgtoken In addition, Clyde has been an incredible advocate for democracy and equality in our elections, leading a national coalition of disability organizations on election reform and election accessibility and coauthoring ``Voters Denied Equal Access at the Polls; A Status Report of the Accessibility of Polling Places in the United States.'' prgtoken Clyde has helped people understand that all of our citizens deserve equality, opportunity, and community participation. More and more people are living lives of self-sufficiency and purpose because of his hard work and commitment, and I have been honored to work with Clyde on building a more inclusive New Hampshire and country. prgtoken I hope you will join me in honoring a dedicated Granite Stater, Clyde Terry.