mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO SABRA FIELD
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-7-30

over a storied 50-year career, Sabra Field has established herself as a great Vermont artist. Her works have made hers a unique and highly sought-after brand, one which beautifully depicts Vermont's landscape. Her prints, made by hand using woodblocks, are a premier example of how Vermonters harbor a deep commitment to creating and providing high-quality goods, made with passion. Her work has promoted Vermont, and I could not be more proud to recognize this acclaimed artist. prgtoken Sabra enrolled at Middlebury College in 1953, where she was inspired by Piero della Francesca's painting ``The Flagellation of Christ.'' One of her instructors instilled a belief within her that, in her words, made art ``seem like a noble calling.'' Sabra has followed this calling over the last 50-years, creating beautiful works of art that portray Vermont's landscapes. Born in Oklahoma and raised in neighboring New York, Sabra believes that her professional career began when she moved to Vermont. She recalled in a Vermont Digger article that ``Vermont was beautiful and Vermonters unpretentious, generous, and understood `home occupation.' I was free to be me.'' This environment made Vermont an ideal work and home location for Sabra. prgtoken Sabra's achievements are impressive. Her work has been featured on the cover of Vermont Life magazine. It is showcased in a stained glass window at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. It has been printed on 250,000 UNICEF Cards. And Sabra's work was featured on 60 million postage stamps commemorating Vermont's 1991 bicentennial. Sabra's work has gained popularity far and wide over the last five decades. Marcelle and I have several of her prints in our home as well. prgtoken I am proud to recognize the contribution and achievements that Sabra has made over her 50 years in Vermont. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a Vermont Digger article titled ``Sabra Field marks 50th year making Vermont Art.'' It describes the hard work that goes into making each piece of art and highlights Field's commitment to capturing Vermont's picturesque landscape.
IN RECOGNITION OF PENNYTOWN'S 148TH ANNIVERSARY
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , it brings me great joy to rise today to commemorate the 148th anniversary of Pennytown, Missouri. Founded by former slaves, this historic town stands as a declaration of what people can accomplish in the face of adversity. Today, their descendants gather to honor the memory of a remarkable chapter of Missouri's history. prgtoken Joseph Penny, the founder and visionary of Pennytown, was a former slave from Kentucky. Mr. Penny, like many, joined the Great Migration north, hoping for a better and more prosperous life. Penny started as a tenant farmer in the late 1860s, but his life changed in March of 1871 when he paid $160 for eight acres of land in Saline County, Missouri. The purchase of this land marked the birth of Pennytown. During a time when black Americans were not allowed to own land in many parts of the country, Pennytown became a haven. By 1879, eleven land acquisitions had been made. This town became a testament to the residents' commitment to maintaining autonomy while helping former slaves in reconstruction. At its peak, approximately 1,000 freed slaves and their descendants lived in Pennytown, forming the largest concentration of black-owned land in Saline County. prgtoken At first sight, Pennytown did not appear to be much. The town only consisted of two churches, a school and a store. However, this small collection of farms and buildings made up a mighty microeconomy. Pennytown was a vibrant community, strongly intertwined and loyal. The men would venture from house to house during the holidays to chop wood for every family, and the women gathered weekly to create goods that could be sold, using the proceeds to create a communal emergency fund. The descendants of Pennytown help the legacy of the community live on for younger generations through stories of the origins and efforts it took to create such a town. prgtoken Today, the Pennytown Freewill Baptist Church provides a tangible reminder of rural life for African Americans in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, while preserving the integrity of location, design, and feeling. Much like today, churches in the past served as much more than just places of worship, and the Pennytown church was no different. With its Baptist gatherings, social events, and communal celebrations, the church was a testament to the perseverance of a community who had, just six years earlier, witnessed the abolition of slavery. This community lasted a few decades, but the unpredictability of time has removed most visible reminders of its existence. The Pennytown Freewill Baptist Church is the last reminder of what this town once was. The Pennytown descendants who own the church gather together the first Sunday of every August to celebrate and honor their rich history and to remind all of us that the past is truly present in our world today. prgtoken Madam , please join me and the entirety of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in honori
HONORING ALFREDO PEDROZA
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza as Napa County Farm Bureau's 2019 Friend of Agriculture. prgtoken Mr. Pedroza, a native of Napa County, is the son of a farmworker and currently serves as the Supervisor for District Four of Napa County. Mr. Pedroza attended Sonoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor of prgtoken Science in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. Mr. Pedroza began his career working in the financial services industry. He worked with credit unions and community banks for over a decade, where he gained valuable financial expertise he has used to help our local business community improve, manage, and sustain their financial growth. In 2012, Mr. Pedroza was elected to the Napa City Council. He became both the first Latino member and the youngest city councilmember ever elected to the Napa City Council. Governor Jerry Brown appointed Mr. Pedroza to serve the Fourth District on the Napa County Board of Supervisors in December of 2014. Mr. Pedroza went on to win a full, four-year term on the Board of Supervisors in the 2016 primary election. prgtoken Mr. Pedroza's deep ties to Napa County and commitment to public service drive him to serve our community, including the agricultural sector. He is dedicated to enacting sound agricultural policy. He has worked tirelessly on agricultural issues that have come before the Board of Supervisors. His passion for serving the community extends beyond his career, as Mr. Pedroza is active in a local service clubs and nonprofits. Through his work on the Board of Supervisors and with nonprofit organizations, Mr. Pedroza hopes to realize a Napa County that will allow future generations of Napa residents to start businesses, raise families, and live fulfilling lives. prgtoken Madam , Alfredo Pedroza has an unrelenting dedication to our agricultural community and to serving the people of Napa County and is deserving of being named Napa County Farm Bureau's 2019 Friend of Agriculture. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the service of Alfredo Pedroza here today.
BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF 2019
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-7-30

last week the helped secure a strong bipartisan budget agreement that includes suspending the debt limit until July 31, 2021. prgtoken The measure ensures that we will avoid a default on the full faith and credit of the United States and can follow through on our financial obligations. prgtoken All of us were elected to help America's working-class families. This agreement is another tool to help them. In particular, it sets the stage for responsible budgeting and ends sequestration. It also includes funding for an accurate census, veterans, Child Care Development Block Grants, tools to address the opioid epidemic, and increases in NIH funding. prgtoken Extending the debt limit keeps our nation's finances on stable ground--unlike what the s did in 2011, 2013 and 2015. I applaud the and all our colleagues involved in crafting this measure, and I encourage everyone to support it. A `yes' vote is responsible, provides certainty to our nation's markets, and delivers stability to Americans' retirement savings as well as our nation's economy.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to congratulate Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, as the congregation joins together in celebration of the church's 100th anniversary. The parishioners along with Mount Zion's pastor, Reverend William R. Collins, will be commemorating this momentous occasion with a celebratory banquet on Friday, August 2, 2019, at the Chateau Banquet Center in Merrillville, Indiana. prgtoken In 1919, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church became the first African American Baptist church to be established in the city of Hammond. Throughout the years, numerous remarkable pastors helped to build the church's leadership and expand its congregation, along with the services and programs offered to the community. In 1945, Reverend A.R. Burns became pastor of Mount Zion, a position he held for an astonishing fifty-three years. Pastor Burns accomplished many great things during his tenure at Mount Zion, and he was determined and passionate about his service. Under Pastor Burns' leadership, in 1949, the current church structure was completed at 1047 Kenwood Street, and it became known as ``The Friendly Place of Worship.'' Pastor Burns worked to secure safe housing for the elderly and was able to accomplish the construction of the Reverend A.R. Burns Mount Zion Pleasant View Plaza, with the first tenants moving in by 1983. In addition, Pastor Burns marched for civil rights with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and he supported the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Pastor Burns passed away in 1999, but he will be forever remembered for his faithfulness to his congregation. prgtoken In 1998, Reverend William R. Collins became the leader of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Under Pastor Collins' outstanding direction, Mount Zion has become a cornerstone of the community, providing a food pantry and outreach program, offering vacation bible school, summer camp ministry, and various religious retreats, and being heavily involved in the Interfaith Federation. Under Pastor Collins' leadership, the church has also undergone numerous cosmetic improvements, and the membership has increased exponentially. Reverend Collins and the congregation of Mount Zion have been a true blessing to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana, on its 100th anniversary. The members and church leaders have dedicated themselves to serving others, especially to those most in need, and they are an inspiration to us all.
CELEBRATING THE ROBINSON WESTBROOKS FAMILY 109TH FAMILY REUNION
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Robinson Westbrooks family who will be celebrating their 109th family reunion in Los Angeles, California on August 16-18, 2019. Each year, the Robinson Westbrooks family gets together for the oldest ongoing registered family reunion in the United States. prgtoken It all started with Mr. John Bolin Robinson, Mrs. Dora Anne Westbrooks Robinson, and their youngest child, Leonard Wilbert Robinson, who all share a birthday of August 16. prgtoken Their coinciding birthdays led to the tradition of getting the family together every third Sunday in August to celebrate family unity and the blessings of God. The first official Robinson Westbrooks Family Reunion was held on August 16, 1910 in Eclectic, Alabama, making this year the 109th celebration. prgtoken The Robinson Westbrooks family makes the most out of their annual family gatherings throughout the United States. They are registered at the United States Library of Congress. prgtoken This year the family celebrates their oldest family members, Mrs. Queenie Elizabeth Thompson-Hunter, age 93, of Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Clara Dora Thompson-Smith, age 92, of Detroit, Michigan, and Mr. Charlie Anderson Brown, age 96, of Eclectic, Alabama. prgtoken On behalf of the 7th Congressional District of Alabama, I extend best wishes to the Westbrooks family. I hope this tradition continues for many years to come.
INTRODUCTION OF THE ARPA-E REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , today I am very pleased to introduce the ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of 2019 with my colleague, Mr. Lamb, who is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy. prgtoken Even though the agency is still relatively young, ARPA-E has already demonstrated incredible success in advancing high-risk, high-reward energy technology solutions that neither the public nor the private sector had been willing or able to support in the past. Industry leaders like Bill Gates and Norm Augustine have repeatedly called for tripling this agency's budget given the unique role that it is now playing in our energy innovation pipeline. prgtoken ARPA-E's impressive track record now includes over $2.9 billion in private sector follow-on funding for a group of 145 ARPA-E projects since the agency's founding in 2009. Equally notable, 76 projects have formed new companies and 131 projects have shown enough promise to result in partnerships with other government agencies for further development. Moreover, as of March 2019, ARPA-E projects have helped advance scientific understanding and technological innovation through 2,489 peer-reviewed journal articles and 346 patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. prgtoken Yet to date, ARPA-E has only been able to support about 1 percent of the proposals submitted for its open funding opportunities, and 12 percent of the proposals submitted for its focused programs, even though the number of promising, high quality proposals that the agency has received is many times higher. prgtoken This is why the ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of 2019 authorizes substantial growth in funding for the agency over the next five years. This growth is consistent with the original recommendations of the National Academies for establishing and supporting ARPA-E in its seminal Rising Above the Gathering Storm report, as well as more recent strong recommendations from well-respected bipartisan prgtoken and nonpartisan institutions such as the Bipartisan Policy Center's American Energy Innovation Council, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and the Energy Futures Initiative. prgtoken I'd also note that in its review of the program released in June 2017, the National Academies found that a substantial increase in funding would be necessary for ARPA-E to be able to sufficiently support the scale-up of particularly promising technologies, such as advanced technologies for energy storage and power electronics, that were previously supported by the agency. But many of these new approaches are still too risky to be supported by the private sector alone, and too often, other DOE programs remain ill-suited to steward them. prgtoken So by authorizing these resources, this bill ensures that ARPA-Eis able to fully pursue the development and eventual commercialization of truly transformational clean energy technologies, just as DARPA, the agency that ARPA-E is modeled, has been able to demonstrate time a
CLOTURE MOTION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-7-30

. I announce that the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Bennet), the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Booker), the Senator from New York (Mrs. Gillibrand), the Senator from California (Ms. ), the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Kaine), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar), the Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), the Senator from Vermont (Mr. Sanders), the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Warner), and the Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. Warren) are necessarily absent.
SUPPORT FOR ABILITY ONE PROGRAM
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to commend the outstanding work of the AbilityOne Program, which empowers Americans with disabilities and helps bring them into the workforce. The AbilityOne Program promotes exemplary public-private partnerships to employ Americans with significant disabilities, including veterans and the blind. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities is more than double the rate for those without disabilities. To address this disparity, the AbilityOne Program creates high-quality employment opportunities for disabled Americans and empowers them to fully participate in the workforce and their communities. AbilityOne helps employ more than 45,000 disabled Americans, helping them develop the skills and work experience they need to access public and private sector jobs, achieve greater independence, and lead productive, fulfilling lives. And the program helps the federal government support these individuals and empower them through employment. prgtoken Last March, I had the opportunity to see the success of AbilityOne Program firsthand in my district when I visited TRI Industries in Vernon Hills, Illinois. TRI is a non-profit that remanufactures ink and toner cartridges for the federal government. TRI provides education, training, and jobs to individuals with disabilities in my district. Touring their facility and speaking with the staff, I saw the great opportunities AbilityOne provides and the impact this program can have on the lives of Americans with disabilities. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents with disabilities, I rise to salute the significant contributions of the AbilityOne Program, and I support all persons committed to developing and advancing employment opportunities for the blind and Americans with other significant disabilities.
VENEZUELA
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-30

on one last subject, after I conclude my remarks, I will yield to my friend, colleague, and former roommate from Illinois, who will ask this body to take up and pass what I believe is a very important measure, temporary protected status for Venezuelans currently residing in the United States. prgtoken Last week, the House passed bipartisan legislation that would grant these protections--a lifeline to families who are facing a forced return to unstable and dangerous situations in their country. prgtoken Few nations, outside wartime, have endured the economic, humanitarian, and political devastation that Venezuela endures today. Hospitals and pharmacies lack basic medicines. The rate of violent crime has risen sharply, and 300,000 children are at risk of dying from malnutrition. Venezuela clearly meets the standard for temporary protected status. The situation is too dire and too dangerous for Venezuelan nationals to return to the country. prgtoken So I am glad the House has taken action to pass these temporary protections on a bipartisan basis, and the Senate should follow suit. The President could have acted on his own to help Venezuelans living in America, but he has repeatedly denied congressional requests to extend TPS relief for them during this critical time of transition from the despotic regime of Nicolas Maduro. President 's inaction has compelled Congress to act. prgtoken So I salute my friend, Senator Durbin, as well as Senator Menendez, our two leaders on this issue, as they ask the Senate to take up the House-passed TPS bill. I hope, earnestly, that our friends on the other side will let it go through. prgtoken for a moment so I might confer with the Senator from Illinois.
CONGRATULATING THE SALT BAY CHAMBERFEST ON THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Salt Bay Chamberfest on their 25th Anniversary Season. prgtoken Founded in 1994 by cellist Wilhelmina Smith, the festival has grown to international recognition. Giving voice to contemporary composers, the Chamberfest commissions and premieres new works as well as standard chamber music. Their mission to ``produce chamber music of the top artistic quality'' draws world-class talent to the unique setting of Darrows Barn at Round Top Farm. prgtoken I am proud of Salt Bay Chamberfest's commitment to Maine's Midcoast community through their education programs--from open rehearsals to the public and the Family Concert aimed at introducing classical music to future generations, to Pre-Concert Talks and OffTopic! lectures and demonstrations by individual musicians. Chamberfest strives to make music accessible to all ages and ``broadens the horizons of its audience and the community.'' prgtoken The arts are essential and play a vital role in our state's quality of life. As our creative economy grows and receives national attention, I am pleased to recognize Salt Bay Chamberfest as an exceptional example of how the arts can enliven and inspire a community. prgtoken Bravo.
RECOGNIZING CHIEF ANDREW LAVOIE
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Andrew Lavoie, Chief of the Nashua Police Department, for his service and leadership to the Department for 32 years, the last four and a half years as Chief. prgtoken Over the span of Chief Lavoie's career, he has taken on numerous roles within the Nashua Police Department, whether it was attacking the opioid crisis from the law enforcement perspective by making many arrests or standing with his community to protect and serve. Chief Lavoie has been a leading and respected voice in the Granite State advocating for the Safe Station Program and forming the Nashua Community Conversations on Race and Justice, which have enhanced relationships between police and Nashua's diverse population amongst other accomplishments. I commend Chief Lavoie on his retirement after three decades of work in public service. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to Chief Andrew Lavoie for a well-deserved retirement. I thank him for his service and wish him the very best in the years to come.