mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF LORI S. LIU
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-15

I rise to honor Lori Liu who is leaving public service after four years on the Brisbane City Council, the last year as Mayor of this storied town near San Francisco Bay. Lori's deep commitment to public service is evident from her accomplishments and contributions to her community. She is a champion of education, children, the arts, recreation, economic development and the environment. prgtoken Lori was first elected to the council in 2013. While on the council, she served on, or as representative to, a number of organizations, including the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors, the County Library JPA, the council's Economic Development Subcommittee, the Health and Safety Subcommittee, the League of California Cities, the liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Airport Community Roundtable, the Planning Commission, the liaison to the Open Space and Ecology Committee, the Community Choice Energy Advisory Committee and many others. You may justifiably surmise from this lengthy list that Lori is well-versed in a variety of issues affecting the residents of Brisbane and the region. prgtoken Her leadership is notable as she tackled one of the most longstanding opportunities and challenges in the community: the Baylands Project. Lori was indefatigable as she conducted council meetings and listened closely to the community through hours of discussions involving possible offices, open space, housing, environmental cleanup and restoration, and the overall concept of a sustainable community. She carefully weighed the impacts of this project on Brisbane and our region. prgtoken She was instrumental in laying the groundwork to build a new library which will be constructed starting next year. Libraries are community spaces that connect generations and nurture life-long learning. The Brisbane Library will include a Maker's Space to spark the creativity of the next generation of innovators, spaces for children and teens, a quiet study area, an outdoor garden, a community center, and the first public arts project triggered by a city ordinance. prgtoken Lori has a long track record of working on environmental issues. In fact, when she moved to Brisbane in 2004, her very first volunteer activity was to attend an Earth Day clean up event. While on the council, she helped to secure a grant to renovate Crocker Park Trail. This funding will make the trail more usable for bicyclists, joggers and parents with strollers. It will also establish a safe pedestrian and bike-friendly connection between residential development at the Ridge and Lipman Middle School. Due in part to Lori's outstanding work, Brisbane received the Platinum level Spotlight Award from the Institute for Local Government for environmental leadership and best practices. With her support, the city signed up to have all municipal electric accounts serviced by 100 percent renewable energy. prgtoken Lori und
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLES GILBERT SLEPIAN
James B. Renacci (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-12-15

I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Charles Gilbert Slepian. A veteran of the United States Army, Charles dedicated his life to protecting and serving his country. prgtoken Charles ``Chic'' Slepian was born and raised in the South Bronx in New York, New York. Charles was a loving husband to his wife Patricia Murray, dedicated father to his children Jon and Keri from his marriage with Nita Koval, and to Jenny and James from his marriage to Jeanette Slepian. He was a caring grandfather to his many grandchildren and proud uncle to Michael and Mark Slepian, and Lori Mulick. prgtoken A graduate of the City College of New York and Fordham Law School, Charles had a rich career as an educator and attorney. He served as Deputy Commissioner to New York City Mayor John Lindsay. Additionally, he founded the Foreseeable Risk Analysis Center to consult on various security protocols. As a security consultant, Slepian was frequently called upon by national media outlets to offer his expert analysis on the improvement of security practices. prgtoken , it is my honor to recognize a life so fully lived. Charles shared his energy with those whom he worked and instilled his values of sacrifice and service in his loved ones. His son, James Slepian, served not only as my chief of staff, but my confidant and friend. I am grateful for the Slepian family's service to our country and ask my colleagues in the House to join me in paying tribute to a valued soldier and citizen, Charles Gilbert Slepian.
TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JAMES WILLIAM LAWYER
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-12-15

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of James William Lawyer, a friend to many in Taylorville and Christian County, who passed away on December 6, 2017. Jim Lawyer is another tragic victim of Alzheimer's disease. prgtoken A beloved member of the Taylorville community, Jim was a valued volunteer in many local organizations, which included serving as coach of the original Taylorville Junior Football League team, the Bears. prgtoken Jim served as one of my football coaches during my freshman and sophomore years at Taylorville High School, and was an invaluable mentor and teacher. Years later, I was blessed with the opportunity to coach his grandsons in the local JFL league and pass on many of the lessons and guidance that Jim gave to me. prgtoken Throughout his life, Jim impacted a countless number of lives, mine included. Please keep his wife, Janet, and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers.
HONORING U.S. NATIONAL GUARD'S 381ST BIRTHDAY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-12-15

I rise today to honor the men and women of the National Guard for their 381 years of dedicated service and sacrifice to the defense of our nation. prgtoken On December 13, 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts. prgtoken From deploying overseas in theaters of war, to being activated by our nation's governors in times of natural disaster, the Guard has been a critical component of our national security strategy, and an integral part of America's military supremacy. prgtoken I extend my thanks to Arkansas's Adjutant General, Mark Berry, for his dedication and leadership of Arkansas's Guard. prgtoken Thank you to those Guardsmen who are currently deployed overseas, including the Arkansas Guardsmen currently deployed around the world in Kosovo and Kuwait. prgtoken But most of all, thank you to those National Guardsmen who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation
CONGRESS NEEDS TO VOTE ON A SOLUTION FOR DREAMERS
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-12-18

there are very few legislative days left this calendar year, and the House has yet to debate and vote on the Dream Act or any legislative proposal that would shield our DREAMers from deportation. prgtoken The administration created an arbitrary deadline of March 5 before the DACA program begins to phase out. However, , we cannot, we should not, and we must not wait until the very last minute to take action. prgtoken Every day that goes by, DREAMers are losing protections; they can't get that job they so desperately need; and they can't apply to the school that they want. Simply put, their lives have been put on hold. prgtoken , Members have seen me come to the floor time after time to advocate for these hardworking, young Americans because I wholeheartedly believe that we need to get this done rapidly. The American people agree, and many of our colleagues from both sides of the aisle agree. prgtoken So I urge each one of my colleagues to look at the ideals of compassion and opportunity that have long characterized our generous and great country and allow a vote to help our DREAMers. The time for Congress to take action is now.
UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL SPACE COOPERATION ACT
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-12-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the United States and Israel Space Cooperation Act deserves prgtoken our support. The peaceful use of outer space and cooperation with our friends and allies lie at the very heart of NASA's mission. prgtoken The United States has been a partner and a friend to the Israeli space program since its creation three decades ago. Our voyages have brought us closer together as nations, as partners, and as friends. Our shared quests for peace, knowledge, and friendship echo our experiences together on Earth. prgtoken But sadness and sorrow have tested that relationship. Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, flew to space for the first time on the ill- fated Space Shuttle Columbia. Even though that accident tragically ended the life of Ilan and six U.S. crew members, the U.S. and Israel turned that tragedy into hope, working together even more closely. prgtoken In 2015, the U.S. and Israel again renewed their partnership with another 10-year commitment to peaceful cooperation in space. That mutual commitment to the peaceful exploration of outer space has grown even stronger with the passage of this act under consideration today. prgtoken Peaceful space exploration offers all humanity a common, noble goal, extending our collective reach further into the heavens. Reaching farther and broadening our understanding of the universe is one of the most important and honorable challenges that we can face together. I believe that working together with our allies and partners on the peaceful exploration of space is an essential part of what makes NASA a vital national asset. This bill strengthens NASA's ability to do this important work. prgtoken I am also pleased that the bill includes a recognition that sensitive and proprietary information should be protected. prgtoken , I invite all of my colleagues to join me in support of the United States and Israel Space Cooperation Act. prgtoken , .
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-12-18

I thank the gentleman from Peoria, Illinois, for hosting this Special Order on the State's bicentennial year. prgtoken You know, Illinois is a State of threes. You know, we had three State capitals: Kaskaskia, Vandalia, and Springfield. We have three State seals. A lot of people don't know that. prgtoken If you know Illinois well, you know that there is three distinct parts of Illinois involved. Whether you are in politics or business, it is always referred to as Cook County, the Collar counties, and southern Illinois. In southern Illinois, we like to capitalize the ``S'' on ``southern.'' prgtoken There is one other thing that is in threes. If you listen to the Illinois song, three people are mentioned: Lincoln, Grant, and Logan. prgtoken Now, the reason why I bring those up is because, tied with southern Illinois and Illinois' 12th Congressional District--the district that is the most southern and most western of the State of Illinois, which I am proud to represent--actually was and had the first State capital. Also, it has John A. Logan in that mentioning of those three names. prgtoken John A. Logan, if you heard that name before, if you are in D.C there are many things that are named after Logan, including ``Logan Circle.'' Logan was actually the gentleman who was laid in state--the eighth person laid in state here in this Capitol, and that was because he had established himself from deep southern Illinois. As a matter of fact, his hometown was--my hometown was his farm, which was subdivided to make that hometown. prgtoken As a matter of fact, the deed in abstract of the home that I was born and raised in and the house that I later bought from my parents and raised my children for the first 10 years of my marriage in that home, my great-grandmother actually bought that property from his father. prgtoken John Logan established himself, which is really wild, and he actually was such a large part of Illinois history. He first ran as a ; he was a district attorney. He then became a State representative, then a State senator, then went on to be a Member of the U.S. Congress and later a U.S. Senator. prgtoken It was during the time of the Civil War, when the Civil War broke out, that there were questions on what would happen, because deep southern Illinois was split during the war, though stayed united as a State. prgtoken John Logan came back and led troops for the North. What is really wild is after becoming a field grade general and a decorated war general, he came back to southern Illinois, then went back into politics as a , and stayed a U.S. Senator but as a and was part of the reconstructionists. prgtoken The amazing thing about John Logan is that he actually ran for vice president. They lost, he and Blaine. He then was running for president and gave a long speech, actually, in the gentleman's hometown who is hosting this tonight, for about 8 hours in the rain, got on a train,
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-12-18

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, December 19; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak prgtoken therein for up to 10 minutes each until 12 noon; and that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the Newstead nomination, under the previous order; finally, that following the disposition of the Newstead nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-12-18

I rise today as a cosponsor and supporter of the bipartisan Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act, which provides better care for patients who are suffering from end-stage renal disease, also known as kidney failure. prgtoken Currently, there are about 9,000 Minnesotans who suffer from end- stage renal disease. Many of these patients spend hours and hours enduring multiple hospital visits each and every week to treat this disease; and, on top of that, they oftentimes also have to travel to a different location to get treatment for other health conditions they may have as well. prgtoken This legislation will allow dialysis centers to provide integrated care for patients by bringing in providers so that people can receive comprehensive treatments all in the same place. These patients will also be able to see additional benefits, like transportation services, dental care, and vision care. prgtoken , let's pass this bill so we can improve the quality of life for this vulnerable patient population by coordinating the care system and making it easier for them to receive their treatments.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Bill (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-18

listening to my friend, the ic leader, leads me to conclude that he and his party have given up on the American dream. They want to settle for the status quo, which is stagnant growth of our economy and jobs where people haven't seen an increase in their wages for years. They even seem to be rooting for failure. That seems to be the attitude of our missing-in-action congressional on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken We, on the other hand, think American families need more take-home pay, higher wages, more jobs, and a competitive economy, and we believe they shouldn't have to settle for less. I will come back to that in a moment. prgtoken I do want to talk about tax reform and make the perhaps obvious statement that tax reform is hard. That is the reason it hasn't been done since 1986. It is even harder when we have a political party that is determined to fight against every single proposal we have made in our tax cut and tax reform bill, including ones they themselves have championed in the past. prgtoken I have heard the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Wyden, talk about corporate giveaways, and the ic leader just alluded to the same thing. Yet we are embracing the same sort of approach they took in previous proposals and that President advocated for in his State of the Union Address in 2011, when he asked s and alike to work together to lower the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world because he knew it was chasing jobs overseas, and he knew it was important to bring that investment and those jobs back to the United States. That is exactly what our bill does. prgtoken My friend Kevin Brady, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, called tax reform a Rubik's Cube. He is right, but now, thankfully, we have figured out how to solve that Rubik's Cube. prgtoken We confess that this legislation is not perfect, but it is good, and it is much better than the status quo, which our ic colleagues seem to have settled for. Last week, the conference committee met between the House and the Senate, and members, including myself, had many difficult conversations about how to reconcile the differences between the two bills. Those discussions were necessary, they were prudent, and they were productive. We now have a consensus about how to get this bill across the finish line and to the President's desk before Christmas. prgtoken We will vote on this final bill after the House does tomorrow-- hopefully by tomorrow night. Perhaps it will carry over into Wednesday morning, but we will get it on the President's desk for him to sign into law before Christmas, as we pledged. prgtoken I want to talk for just a few moments about why I am so excited at the prospect--and so are so many other people across the country-- because oftentimes their words get lost in the chatter, some of which is designed to mislead a
CARROLL DANIEL CONSTRUCTION BREAKING GROUND IN DOWNTOWN GAINESVILLE
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-12-18

on this Friday, I rise to help usher in new developments that will be added to the Gainesville community. prgtoken As a proud, lifelong resident of this town, I have watched it grow over the years, and welcomed the new businesses and neighbors that have come with that growth. prgtoken Earlier this year, the city of Gainesville moved forward with an ambitious plan to improve our historic square. The investments made to this project will add to the square and surrounding area, which represent a centerpiece of our vibrant downtown. prgtoken As part of this project, I am pleased that Caroll Daniel Construction will break the ground for a wonderful new facility that will begin construction early next year. prgtoken Residents of Gainesville will enjoy this building, which will be located along Jesse Jewel Parkway. The street's namesake, Mr. Jewel himself, was a leader in the poultry industry, and he brought jobs and increased investment in the area during the Great Depression. prgtoken In line with his vision, this addition to the square will serve our community for years to come. I believe that my good friend, Brian Daniel, runs his company according to the values of our Hall County community. prgtoken My family and I look forward to seeing the company's new facility next year as we drive by on Jesse Jewel Parkway.
Compton Nomination (Executive Session)
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-12-18

I rise in support of Paul Compton to serve as HUD's next general counsel. prgtoken Mr. Compton has dedicated his entire legal career to affordable housing and community development and for many years has headed the affordable housing practice of a prominent Alabama law firm. Over his distinguished career, Mr. Compton has played a direct role in over 70 transactions that have led to the creation of more than 5,000 units of affordable housing throughout the Southeastern United States. Among peers, he has come to be recognized as an industry-leading expert on the low-income housing tax credit, the new markets tax credit, public- private partnerships, and the regulatory environment surrounding housing production. prgtoken Mr. Compton's extensive track record, his experience, and his intimate familiarity with HUD programs make him an ideal fit to join the leadership team at HUD. As general counsel, Mr. Compton will not only serve as the principal legal adviser to Secretary Carson, but he will have a hand in nearly every departmental initiative. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Compton to find solutions to our Nation's housing challenges, to eliminate barriers to safe and affordable housing, and to reform our housing finance system. prgtoken This confirmation vote is long overdue and is sorely needed. Following the storms that ravaged through Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and elsewhere, HUD has been deployed on the frontlines, alongside FEMA and other agencies, and has worked to provide emergency and transitional housing to the thousands of families who have been displaced. This work is far from over, and I urge this body to confirm Mr. Compton today, as well as to confirm the various other HUD nominees who are awaiting votes so that they can get to work for the American people. prgtoken Thank you.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-12-18

I rise today to recognize National Wreaths Across America Day, a tribute held annually to honor and remember those servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great Nation. prgtoken Since Congress designated Wreaths Across America a national day of remembrance in 2007, Americans have joined together at Arlington National Cemetery and in their local communities to honor our veterans who have passed on. prgtoken This year, more than 1 million wreaths were laid at over 1,300 cemeteries throughout the country. 245,000 wreaths were placed by thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery. prgtoken On Saturday, in a virtual blizzard, I had the distinct honor of joining the Rome-Utica Chapter of the Military Officers Association; the Navy ROTC students from Proctor High School in Utica, New York; and members of the Marine Corps League at Saint Peter's Church in Rome, New York. prgtoken As we laid wreaths on the graves of our fallen servicemen and -women, we took a moment to say each veteran's name, to remember each individual's life of service, sacrifice, and the families they left behind. prgtoken Divided by distance but not by spirit, on Saturday, millions of Americans came together in a common mission to honor and remember our fallen heroes.
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-12-18

I thank Congresswoman Bustos for her valuable comments and advocacy for the State of Illinois. prgtoken , I yield to a colleague from Taylorville, Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), somebody who serves a district just to the south of me. We share Springfield together. He represents some of the best institutions of higher learning in our State, and I am proud to share many of the Lincoln sites with my friend.
CONGRATULATING SHASTA HIGH SCHOOL WOLVES
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-12-18

I rise tonight to offer a hearty congratulations to the Shasta High School Wolves of Redding, California, for their football championship this year. They won the north section. They won the Northern California Championship and made their first ever visit to the California State Championship, where they played down in southern California over the weekend. prgtoken Though they came up a little bit short, they did have an early lead in that game after all that travel. So, indeed, congratulations to that program at Shasta High School and to the Wolves of Redding, California. prgtoken It is teamwork that really makes this happen, and that is exemplified by the north State's leading rusher, Vince Smith, when he was quoted: ``The thing that was different about this season was that we actually really cared about each other and we were family. Every play, we'd use our hearts and fight for each other.'' prgtoken That is teamwork. That is the spirit. Congratulations, Shasta High School Wolves.