mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING MR. ALPHONSO B. DEAL
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to celebrate and commemorate Mr. Alphonso B. Deal on the 30th anniversary of his passing, which was earlier this year, on July 7th. prgtoken From his lifetime commitment in the Harlem community, Alphonso B. Deal will be remembered for his significant efforts to increase access and participation for diverse communities. This included organizing a house crawl on Saturday afternoons to encourage people to live in Harlem all while showcasing the beauty in Harlem's history and architecture. He was a staunch believer in expanding opportunities for the wider community. To expand access for Latinos, Asians, and African Americans to take the New York State Court Officer's examination, Mr. Deal also asked the Tribune Society to hold a free test preparation course. prgtoken Alphonso B. Deal was a dedicated public servant who served as a New York State court officer for decades until he was tragically murdered on July 7, 1988--heroically pursuing a ruthless criminal who robbed one man at gun point and shot two others. prgtoken Aside from his work for the New York State Supreme Court, Alphonso B. Deal was a lifelong member of the NAACP, an active member of the Tribune Society, and a founding member of the New York State Commission on Minorities. ``E Pluribus Unum'' is our motto in the United States. The Latin term which translates to ``Out of many, one'' is center to the values we hold dear as a nation. Alphonso B. Deal understood that diversity is this country's strength and fought to bring about impactful change in his field. We all come from different backgrounds but come together as one beautiful American people--regardless of our race or ethnicity. prgtoken It is my pleasure and distinct honor to celebrate the life of Mr. Alphonso B. Deal, whose tremendous work left a lasting impact on his community.
AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today on behalf of the constituents of New York's 25th Congressional District to voice my strong opposition to a senseless and entirely avoidable government shutdown that would hurt my community and millions of people across the country. prgtoken What is particularly alarming is that this looming shutdown has been triggered over a potential border wall that is not only ill-conceived, but would squander our limited resources, and fail to address the most pressing challenges facing our Nation. prgtoken In my district, what we want instead is to take a unified approach to ensuring quality, affordable healthcare; protecting Social Security and Medicare; create more good-paying job opportunities; and addressing the gun violence epidemic that is devastating our communities. prgtoken Over the coming days, I implore all parties to come together in a spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation to focus on what is more important to the American people and avoid a needless government shutdown that would impair those priorities.
FAILED TAX POLICY IS COMING TO AN END
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-11-30

no wonder s are afraid to even debate their latest tax bill. As their 8-year grip on tax policy comes to an end, it is a story of failure, missed opportunities, and making a broken tax system worse. prgtoken The Tax Code under the s was made more complex and more unfair every year they were in charge. They showered more tax breaks on the wealthy and corporations, and enhanced income inequality. prgtoken They had an iron grip on the average taxpayer, denying even basic customer service through the IRS. They exploded the deficits--a trillion dollars a year for as far as the eye can see--and refused to enforce the Tax Code on people who cheat, leaving hundreds of billions of uncollected tax dollars unavailable to reduce the deficit or fund government service. prgtoken For 8 years, they even refused to listen to the vast array of infrastructure stakeholders on how to rebuild and renew America, a sorry legacy I am confident we will improve upon as . We couldn't do any worse.
THE RULE OF LAW
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-11-30

it is important for this body to adhere to the rule of law. There are several points that I want to make this morning that define adhering to the rule of law. prgtoken First of all, we know that Mr. Cohen pled guilty yesterday on questions of truth or falsity to the United States Congress. With all due respect, we must investigate the rule of law. prgtoken In addition, it is important that we put forward a bill that addresses the question of the killing in Yemen and our continued support for the bloodshed created by the war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The rule of law, peace or war, determination by this Congress. prgtoken Finally, I encourage my colleagues to seek and look into their districts because of the increasing number of gangs--not MS-13, but gangs in our high schools and middle schools. We must begin to address directly more resources to intervene in children's lives to steer them away from the violence of gangs. Rule of law, doing our job. prgtoken I hope that we start doing it, and doing it soon. I know we will do it in the 116th Congress.
CONGRESSMAN ED PASTOR TRIBUTE
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-30

I include in the Record a statement by Greg Stanton, Former Phoenix Mayor, Congressman-Elect. Arizona lost one of its greatest servant leaders with the passing of Congressman Ed Pastor. His humble nature, gentle style and beautiful sense of humor belied a brilliant tactician. His tremendous success in public service is directly related to his understanding of human nature: treat everyone, regardless of station in life or political party, with sincere dignity, respect and love. And he delivered overwhelmingly for the people of Arizona. Millions of people's lives were helped because of ``the big guy.'' Without Congressman Pastor's leadership, in Arizona, there would be no light rail, no bus service improvements, no Rio Salado riparian habitat development, no Sky Harbor Airport upgrades, thousands of students would not have been able to afford college. The list is virtually endless. The impact on our state due to his strategic action is unsurpassed. But he never once bragged about his success. He was a true ``workhorse'' not a ``showhorse''. But his legacy goes way beyond physical improvements to our state. In an era of such partisan tribalism, Congressman Pastor showed by his actions a wiser path: he was a partner to both and s in this Congress. Members of both parties, and all wings within those parties, liked him and trusted him. We can all learn much from how he went about his business. And he loved everyone right back. Its why he took the time to mentor thousands of people looking to make a difference in our community through politics and policy: myself included. He taught all of us to lift up the next generation. That's his most important legacy which will pay the most long-term dividends for our state. Nicole and I loved Ed Pastor. He passed on his passion for public service to his family, all of whom are great leaders in our community. I had the good fortune to work closely with City Councilwoman Laura Pastor. We offer Verma, Laura, and Yvonne our sympathies . . . but mostly we give them our thanks for sharing this great leader with the people of Arizona.
MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING THE LIFE OF ED PASTOR
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-30

it is with much regret that I and my colleagues from Arizona ask for a moment of silence for our dearly departed former colleague, Ed Pastor, who retired after more than two decades of service to this House. prgtoken Our sincere condolences to his beloved wife, Verma; his daughters, Yvonne and Laura; his grandkids; and his mom, whom he cherished and spoke about often. prgtoken A Member's Member is how Ed was described. He respected this institution. He treated his colleagues with good humor and with honesty. prgtoken His advice and calmness will be missed, but in Arizona, as elsewhere, he will be memorialized as a giant in the history of our State. prgtoken Ed Pastor will be missed. He contributed much, he gave much, and he respected the people whom he worked with and this institution that he loved. prgtoken With much regret, a moment of silence for our departed colleague, Ed Pastor.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CALIFORNIA SENATOR ROBERT PRESLEY
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to honor the life of California State Senator Robert Presley. His life's work represents some of the best of what Riverside can produce. prgtoken He was a war hero and was awarded the Bronze Star in World War II. He was an honorable law enforcement officer, and earned the reputation of being a fair truth seeker, even during times of unrest in Riverside. He was an honest public servant. He accomplished great things for Riverside, and moved our State forward as a California State Senator. prgtoken When I was in my twenties, Bob gave me a chance. He named me as his alternate to the Central Committee of the Riverside County ic Party, which allowed me to follow my passion for public service, and for that, I will always be grateful. prgtoken Bob will be dearly missed, but his name, his work, his ic spirit, and the legacy he left behind will be cherished by our community forever.
WE NEED TO MODERNIZE OUR INDUSTRIAL POLICY
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today as the Congressman from the General Motors Lordstown plant. We had some bad news this week that we are going to lose 1,600 jobs in Lordstown. When you factor in the supply chain, four, five, six times the amount of that in our community--seat manufacturer, logistics company, trucking, and all the rest. Many communities in the last week have been dealt a pretty bad hand. I think this speaks, , to the broken economic system that we have in the United States. prgtoken This company, many years ago, got a rescue package from the taxpayers in the United States. When many years later, last year, they got $157 million in a tax cut that we were told was going to be spent for workers, factories, and jobs in the heartland, and turned around and cut 14,000 jobs and their stock price goes up 6 percent, that is a broken economic system that we have in the United States of America. prgtoken We need an industrial policy in this country where the government, the agencies, the departments, the Tax Code, and the investments in infrastructure and education are all moving in the same direction that will create manufacturing jobs here in the United States. We have to have policies that move venture capital out of the three main States, California, New York, and Massachusetts, which is 80 percent of all venture capital. prgtoken I am not sure, , that the people on Wall Street or the people in the high-tech centers of our country fully appreciate what is happening in communities all over the United States of America. They are being hollowed out and disinvested in. prgtoken We need this government to begin to modernize itself and to look at the world as it is, and to recognize that globalization may yield great benefits and great wealth but that those benefits aren't shared everywhere in the United States of America. prgtoken They are not shared in the industrial Midwest. Wages have been stagnant for 30 years. People work hard, play by the rules, and still get to their retirement, and they lose their pension or their pension is cut in half. prgtoken This is not working. This is not working, , and the American people are fed up. prgtoken How much can the worker take? How much can their families take? prgtoken Year in and year out for 40 years, this has been going on in this country. People who have money continue to make money. The top 1 percent continues to do well. I don't hate anybody because they are rich. But my goodness gracious, when everyone else is suffering, when communities in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Minnesota that have done so much for so long, whether there is a war or manufacturing, it has been these communities who have responded. Now they have been cut loose, and the stock price goes up. prgtoken It is time for us to reclaim the American Dream for these communities and these workers who have done nothing wrong. They have done everything right. They support their church
NEW FUNDS FOR FAMILY UNIFICATION PROGRAM
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority for receiving a nearly $500,000 federal grant for housing vouchers under HUD's Family Unification Program. prgtoken These funds will help young people from Central Ohio who are at-risk of homelessness obtain affordable housing. prgtoken Last year, I was proud to spearhead the bipartisan effort calling on my colleagues to include $20 million for the Family Unification Program in the transportation and housing appropriations bill, which was ultimately included in the government funding bill Congress passed earlier this year. prgtoken Throughout my time in Congress, I have fought for the housing needs of our Nation's most vulnerable populations, especially those transitioning from foster-care into adulthood and I am pleased to see federal funds designated to end youth homelessness being put to use in the Third Congressional District of Ohio.
REMEMBERING GILES PERKINS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-3

my heart is also heavy today at another loss: Giles Perkins, who was one of the top lawyers in Birmingham, AL, and the former head of the Alabama ic Party. He died of cancer over the weekend. prgtoken He was a close friend and mentor of one of our friends here in the Senate, Mr. Doug Jones, who called him the ``Yoda'' of his campaign. prgtoken I talked to Giles frequently--in fact, just a few days ago--and he was always filled with a desire to do good, a desire that the right thing be done, and a desire to help his friends--Doug Jones at the top of the list. prgtoken Giles was a booster of many things Alabama, and he will sorely be missed by his family, his dear friend, the junior Senator from Alabama, the State he loved, and by me. prgtoken .
COMMEMORATING THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF POLAND'S INDEPENDENCE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-12-3

earlier this month on November 11, 2018, the Polish people celebrated 100 years of regained independence for their nation. I am delighted to rise along with my fellow Congressional Poland Caucus Co-chairs to introduce a bipartisan resolution to commemorate this historic event as well as the democratic values the United States and Poland have shared since the 1700s. prgtoken As a proud Polish American, I join thousands of members in the Polish diaspora across our nation and in the world to acknowledge this very auspicious achievement. prgtoken Indeed, the United States-Polish friendship precedes the birth of the United States, where Polish Generals Taddeus Kosciuszko and Casmir Pulaski bravely fought for independence and freedoms for both the United States and Poland. prgtoken In the late 1700s, Poland adopted its first constitution in Europe, inspired by ours, based on the ideas of liberty and constitutional monarchy, which paved the way for future democratic reforms. Tragically just four years later, Poland was invaded and succumbed to the third partition between the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Hapsburg Monarchy, and as a result lost its sovereignty for the next 123 years. prgtoken Then in 1918, following World War I, with the support of President Woodrow Wilson, Poland was restored to the map of Europe and resumed its persistent climb to freedom. Heroic Polish resistance fighters and soldiers fought in World War II against tyranny on all fronts and at home only to find that liberation from the Nazis became domination by the Soviet Union. Yet, Poland refused to surrender. prgtoken Poland's Solidarity movement, the largest European resistance movement, led to the ultimate defeat of communism and the fall of the Soviet Empire. In 1989, after 43 years of increasing resistance to occupation, Poland's fierce love of liberty spilled over into a massive electoral victory won by Solidarnosc. prgtoken Poland's accomplishments in the generation of freedom which followed are nothing short of remarkable. Today we celebrate Poland's membership in the NATO Alliance and the European Union as a sign of its continued commitment to liberal democratic values, rule of law, human rights, and freedom of the press. prgtoken Let this 100th anniversary year of Poland's rebirth serve as an occasion to honor the prgtoken courage and sacrifice of the people of Poland, who never lost their determination to advance the cause of Polish independence. Let us come together to wish the Polish people one hundred years more of close friendship between our nations and the democratic values that bind us.
CONGRATULATING TOM CONNAUGHTON ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM A DISTINGUISHED CAREER
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-12-3

I rise today to recognize Tom Connaughton, who is retiring from Cook Medical Group in Canton, Illinois. Mr. Connaughton served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Cook Medical Group for 15 years, and has had a stellar career in public service. prgtoken Mr. Connaughton served as a staff member for Senator Birch Bayh for many years. He began working for Sen. Bayh in 1969, and in 1970, was called to active duty in Vietnam as a captain in military intelligence, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. He returned to Sen. Bayh's staff in 1974, where he served as Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He then served as Issues Director for Sen. Bayh's reelection campaign in 1974 and presidential campaign in 1976. Mr. Connaughton moved to Sen. Bayh's personal staff in 1978 taking on the position of Legislative Director, and later becoming an Administrative Director from 1979 to 1980. After leaving Sen. Bayh's staff, Mr. Connaughton became a founding partner and managing partner of Bayh, Connaughton, and Stewart. From 2000 to 2003 Mr. Connaughton was the President of the American Association for Homecare, and from 2003 to 2018 he served as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Cook Group. I commend Mr. Connaughton on an outstanding career of public service and wish him the best as he begins to enjoy a well-earned retirement. prgtoken It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Tom Connaughton that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th District I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Tom Connaughton for an exceptional career and thank him for all of his contributions and service to the community of Canton.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING EQUITY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-12-3

today, I introduce a bill, the Federal Government Advertising Equity Accountability Act, to require all federal agencies to include in their annual budget requests to Congress the amount they spend on advertising contracts with small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) and businesses owned by minorities and women. Federal agencies would be required to provide prior, current, and projected total expenditures for advertising contracts. prgtoken In 2007, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined spending on advertising contracts with minority-owned businesses by five agencies--the Department of Defense, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of the Interior, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration--and found that only five percent of the $4.3 billion available for advertising contracts went to minority businesses. In light of these concerning figures, several of my colleagues and I sent a letter to the GAO in April 2016 requesting updated information on the amount of federal advertising dollars spent with SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women. That GAO report, released in July of this year, showed that in fiscal year 2017, only 16 percent of the federal government's advertising contract obligations went to SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women. prgtoken The federal government is the largest advertiser in the United States, and it has an obligation to ensure fair access to its contracts for SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women. The GAO's findings make it clear that there is still much progress to be made. prgtoken The regular collection of information on federal advertising contract obligations to SDBs and businesses owned by women and minorities, along with the provision of this information to legislators and stakeholders, is essential to bridging the divide between current statistics and a more inclusive advertising landscape. My bill would achieve these goals while also promoting transparency and encouraging federal agencies to strive to reach minorities, who often receive their daily news from smaller media outlets that serve communities of color. The requirement that agencies submit prior, current, and projected information regarding the amount of advertising dollars spent with SDBs and businesses owned by minorities and women will allow federal agencies to evaluate their progress over time. The regular collection of this information will also demonstrate that the promotion of equity in advertising, and in all areas of government, should be a continuous effort that is central to the mission of every agency. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. GLORIA BLANCHE TAYLOR GORRELL
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2018-12-3

I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Gloria Blanche Taylor Gorrell affectionately known as ``Bo'' or ``Bo Peep.'' Mrs. Gorrell passed away Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the age of 87. prgtoken Mrs. Gorrell was born on September 10, 1931 to the late Blanche Taylor Williams and William Taylor in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a devoted Christian, choir member and active in many ministries within the church. prgtoken Mrs. Gorrell was educated in the Orleans Parish Public Schools. She attended Albert Wicker Elementary, Booker T. Washington High School and McDonough No. 35 High School. She was an active student. As a majorette in high school she entertained many with her baton twirling and high stepping dance moves. After graduation she enrolled at Leland College near Baker, Louisiana. prgtoken In 1995, Mrs. Gorrell retired from Charity Hospital and began a new chapter in her life. Retirement afforded her time to travel with family and friends. She immensely enjoyed her bus trips, Women's Conferences and family vacations. She was an avid reader, but more content when talking to her friends, sharing thoughts and prayers. prgtoken Mrs. Gorrell loved the city and the people of New Orleans. Her legacy will forever be a part of the city and her dedication to community embodies the spirit of New Orleans. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Mrs. Gorrell, but surely, we can try to match her sense of service. We cannot match her courage, but we can strive to match her devotion. prgtoken Mrs. Gorrell's survivors include her sons, Rudy Gorrell, Jr. and Kevin Gorrell; daughter Karen Gorrell Johnson; son in law, Harry E. Johnson, Sr.; beloved sister, Joyce Chambers and devoted brother in law Lawrence Chambers. Granddaughters: Jennifer Johnson, Damonica Gorrell, Brideisha Harness. Grandsons: Tyeast Robinson, Damien Gorrell, Sr Harry Johnson, Jr. (Angela), Nicholas Johnson, Tyris Dauphin, Kevin Harness. Great-Granddaughters: Eriel Gorrell, Kennedi Parker, Kaelyn Dauphin. Great-Grandsons: Isaiah Gorrell, Damien Gorrell, Jr Elijah Gorrell, Erin Gorrell, Johnathan Gorrell, Ian Gorrell, Chase Dauphin. prgtoken , I celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Gloria Blanche Taylor Gorrell.