mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GWYNITH (GWYN) GREEN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-9-20

I rise today to recognize and honor Gwynith (Gwyn) Green, a great Coloradan and wife, mother and grandmother. prgtoken Gwyn Green was born on November 21, 1938 in New Orleans, LA. She died peacefully in her home September 12, 2018 after a long battle with ALS. She was married to her husband Daniel for 56 years and had four children, Laura, Kevin (Barb), Mark (Mary Ann), and Benjamin (Julie), 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. prgtoken In 1961, Gwyn graduated from St. Mary's College in South Bend, Indiana. She went on to receive her Master's in Social Work from the University of Denver in 1984. For more than 40 years, she served numerous populations of people in Colorado through her social work. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters, particularly with sustainability and children's issues. Gwyn was very active with the National Association of Social Workers and the Alliance for Retired Americans, working with these organizations for many decades. Her dedication and passion for social justice issues throughout her time as a social worker was inspiring. prgtoken Gwyn was also very active in public service in Colorado, serving on the Golden City Council for three years. In 2004, she ran for State Representative in House District 23 and won her seat. She served in the State legislator from 2004 to 2009 before stepping down to spend more time with her family. During her time at the State Capitol, she quickly became prgtoken known as the ``Fighting Granny'' for her fierce advocacy for children, the poor and for the City of Golden. For her service as a State Legislator, she was awarded several awards including the Award for Excelling, Distinguished Legislator of the Year, and was appointed Honorary Police Officer in the City of Golden. prgtoken I was privileged to know Gwyn for many years and I appreciate her tireless work ethic and service to the people of Colorado. Her passion for social injustice, her good nature and sense of humor was a true delight. On behalf of the people of Colorado, I extend my deepest appreciation to Gwyn Green for her dedication to her community and to the people of the State of Colorado.
RECOGNIZING THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-9-24

for 25 years the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, ``the Center,'' of Southern Nevada has served as a vital resource for the LGBTQ community and their allies in and around Las Vegas. The Center offers essential services such as comprehensive sex education and college and career readiness, all while fighting to end discrimination against and further the well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. prgtoken In 1993, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada purchased a building and opened its doors, becoming the first safe public space in Las Vegas for LGBTQ people. That year, the Nevada Legislature repealed sodomy laws and the Center hosted its first LGBTQ rights celebration. prgtoken Since then, the Center has continued to grow with the city and has hosted many more events, including to celebrate the Supreme Court decision instituting marriage equality nationwide. The Center also celebrated the opening of a new building in 2013 named after Las Vegas philanthropist Robert Forbuss. The Center has increased its services, outreach, and membership throughout the years and has formed valuable community partnerships with government entities, private companies, and other nonprofits in order to maintain its no-cost community programming. prgtoken For two and a half decades, the Center has been unwavering in its commitment to the people of southern Nevada. The Center will continue to be on the leading edge of advocacy for the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada for its dedication to ensuring all Nevadans are treated equally and for its service to the community over the past 25 years.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA FOR 27 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FROM THE SOVIET UNION
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-9-24

as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I congratulate Prime Minister Pashinyan and the people of the Republic of Armenia on 27 years of independence from the Soviet Union. Since this day 27 years ago, the Armenian people have lived up to their pledge to create a free and independent nation, built on strong democratic principles and a market economy. prgtoken Earlier this year, Armenia saw incredible and unprecedented change in its government as a result of the Velvet Revolution. The peaceful transition of power after the revolution is a clear indication of the will of the Armenian people, strongly demonstrating a commitment to a fairer and more democratic state. Since my first visit in 1997, I continue to be struck by the incredible progress Armenia has made towards bolstering its government transparency, strengthening its democratic institutions, and empowering its civil society. I believe it is critical for the United States to continue to deepen its ties with our regional partner at every level of government to ensure this transformation continues. prgtoken The Republic of Armenia has also consistently championed the right to self-determination of its neighbors in the Republic of Artsakh. This is a right that Artsakh continues to fight for in its steadfast pursuit of regional security and stability despite a tenuous cease fire. The United States must continue to support a negotiated end to hostilities with Azerbaijan along the lines of the Royce-Engel peace proposals, and take further action to ensure that all parties of the conflict are included. prgtoken I join with the Armenian people and the Armenian-American community in celebrating 27 years of independence. I send my best wishes on this important day and pledge my continued commitment to a strong United States-Armenia partnership.
MOURNING THE LOSS OF KALLE KONKKOLA AND CELEBRATING HIS LIFE
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-9-24

I rise to pay tribute to Kalle Konkkola, an international disability rights advocate and former member of the Finnish Parliament. prgtoken Mr. Konkkola passed away on September 11, 2018. He served from 1983 to 1987 as the first member of the Finnish Parliament with a disability, developing key pieces of legislation on disability inclusion and independent living. Konkkola was a fervent advocate for the ratification of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Finland. prgtoken Konkkola also helped to strengthen relationships between Finland and the U.S. in the area of disability policy. This relationship resulted in collaborative activities with the State Department's Special Advisor on International Disability Rights and our Embassy in Finland, including training on our Americans with Disabilities Act, joint efforts with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to advance the inclusion of disability, and discussions on conditions of disabled people in refugee camps. prgtoken Konkkola worked tirelessly for disability inclusion worldwide. He was active in global partnerships for disability and development, and his work emphasized the need for a robust human rights framework in disability policy. Konkkola was instrumental in the negotiations that led to the creation of the European Disability Forum in 1996, and he founded the Abilis Foundation, an organization that promotes human rights, equal opportunities, and independent living through grantmaking to disabled people's organizations in low income countries, in 1998. prgtoken Konkkola was a member of the Expert Group on Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Office for ic Institutions and Human Rights. He brought a unique perspective to the working group, having firsthand experience of many aspects of political life, including running as a candidate, serving in elected office, and advocating with policymakers. prgtoken Here in the U.S. Congress, we can honor Konkkola's life by continuing his work to empower the one billion people in the world who have a disability, especially in political and public life. In partnership with the diverse disability community, we must remove barriers that prohibit the full participation of persons with disabilities as voters and candidates. When barriers are removed, voters with disabilities are afforded their full rights as citizens. prgtoken Today, in memory of Mr. Konkkola, I reaffirm my commitment to supporting persons with disabilities in their pursuit of equal rights. I stand with you today, and for all the days to come.
TRIBUTE TO PHIL NEUENFELDT
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-9-24

today I wish to honor Phil Neuenfeldt, president of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, prgtoken on his retirement. Throughout his long and remarkable career, Phil has been a passionate champion of fair wages and safe work environments for hard-working Wisconsinites. prgtoken After serving our country in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1971, Phil began his career on the shop floor of a manufacturing company. He joined International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Local 1916 in 1973 and quickly became indispensable in the union's fight for fair contracts and improved working conditions. In his 32 years at the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Phil's responsibilities grew from legislative director to secretary-treasurer and finally to president in 2010. prgtoken Phil Neuenfeldt has long been one of Wisconsin's strongest voices for the middle class and greatest protectors of fundamental freedoms for working people. Phil believes unequivocally in the dignity of work and the responsibility of employers to pay wages that can support a family, and he believes with every fiber of his being that workers deserve a seat at the bargaining table. prgtoken Of his many accomplishments, Phil is perhaps best known for the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership and Worker Centered Learning, which are programs he helped initiate that have become national models for job creation and training. He was also instrumental in defending the Family and Medical Leave Act, ensuring workers and families are protected when life circumstances required them to take care of loved ones. Phil is also known for pushing legislation to require public schools to teach the history of the labor movement, ensuring that generations to come would know the celebrated history of organized labor. prgtoken Phil deserves to be proud of his outstanding leadership during some of labor's most tumultuous times in State history. Facing unprecedented attacks on worker protections and the right to bargain collectively in 2011, he steered the Wisconsin labor movement through rough waters while the Nation looked on. Thanks to his leadership and perseverance, the Wisconsin labor movement is back on the rise, once again building a stronger middle class and restoring faith in the American dream. prgtoken Today, as Phil retires as president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, I know he will never give up the fight that has made him the voice of those who work hard for a living. His engagement, his activism and his efforts to organize for change are a true reflection of Wisconsin's progressive traditions. I will be forever grateful for Phil's passionate and loyal advocacy on behalf of Wisconsin workers and forever honored to call him my friend.
TRIBUTE TO LAURA LANDERMAN-GARBER
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-9-24

I am proud to recognize Laura Landerman-Garber of Hollis, NH, who truly embodies our State's all- hands-on-deck spirit, as September's Granite Stater of the Month. prgtoken One holiday season years ago, Laura read a story about the importance of remembering servicemembers away from home during the holidays. So during a holiday dinner, she set out cards and told her family and guests that she would start serving turkey dinner after they each wrote a card to a servicemember. This tradition continued and grew last year when a family friend was stationed on an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, inspiring Laura to try to send a card to each member of the crew--or 5,000 cards. prgtoken To accomplish this task, Laura mobilized her community. She reached out to churches, synagogues, scout troops, and schools. She also talked to the local media and public officials. Instead of receiving 5,000 cards, Laura received 17,000 cards for members of the Navy in just 6 weeks. prgtoken As Laura says, New Hampshire may be small in size, but we are mighty in heart. She has decided to continue her mission to honor our heroes serving in the Armed Forces and says she draws particular inspiration to carry on her tradition after meeting a Vietnam war veteran who described a card he had framed on the wall of his house, written to him by a boy he has never met. prgtoken This year, Laura has formed a nonprofit organization to help with the postage and has expanded her goals; she aims to collect 5,000 cards for each branch of our military, 25,000 total. Already, Laura has said the outpouring of support from the entire New Hampshire community has been incredible, reinforcing that, from preschoolers to seniors, the people of New Hampshire exhibit a remarkable generosity of heart and spirit. Laura is confident that, this year, she will once again meet her goal. prgtoken For her dedication to our servicemembers and for her work to prgtoken bring Granite Starters together, I am proud of to recognize Laura as our September Granite Stater of the Month.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5895, ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-24

first, let me thank Ranking Member Lowey and all of the Ranking Members of these subcommittees for their leadership and negotiation skills. This bill is truly a testament to ic leadership. prgtoken , as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I rise today to speak on H.R. 5895, the conference report that contains the Fiscal Year 2019 bills for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water, and the Legislative Branch. prgtoken While this is not a perfect bill, I support this bill, which provides $8.8 million in new funding for Members to pay interns. As someone who started as an intern in the office of the late Congressman Ron Dellums, I know how important interns are to ensure that Capitol Hill runs smoothly. prgtoken , as a member of the Military-Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, I am proud that this bill provides a total of $97.1 billion in spending--which is $5.15 billion more than the fiscal year 2018--for our veterans. prgtoken The bill also includes important report language which ensures greater oversight of jointly managed projects between the VA and the Army Corps of Engineers, like the Alameda Point project in my district. prgtoken Finally, while this is a good bill, I worry that this bill is short- sighted and will not address future funding needs for the VA Mission Act. As the daughter of a veteran, I know that our servicemembers and their families make enormous sacrifices to serve our nation. prgtoken Their tireless service more than earns them our commitment to addressing this funding issue. So, I look forward to continuing to work on this and improve quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. prgtoken But I am deeply concerned, , about the $65 million included in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for a new low- yield nuclear weapon. I tried in Committee and on the Floor to cut this funding, but s rejected my amendment. prgtoken , the warhead funded in this bill would set a dangerous precedent--that of arming our submarines with a low-yield ballistic missile--something that has never been done in the many decades of our nuclear deterrence. prgtoken What's worse--funding this warhead lowers the threshold for nuclear weapons use and could put us on a dangerous path to war. prgtoken And frankly our nation shouldn't just rely on building more nuclear weapons. We must ensure that diplomacy is our nation's first pathway to address these global challenges. prgtoken , we are making Americans less safe with this nuclear weapon. I am deeply disturbed with this inclusion and I hope my colleagues will join me in opposition to this funding of a nuclear weapon.
IN TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL (RET.) ROBERT ANDREW COCROFT, UNITED STATES (U.S.) ARMY
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-9-24

I rise today to pay tribute to Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert Andrew Cocroft, U.S. Army veteran who passed away on September 12, 2018. He was born to Willie Tilmon Cocroft and Louise Cocroft (Gee) on November 16, 1946, in Conway, Mississippi. The Cocroft family settled in Milwaukee in 1947. prgtoken Robert received his formal education in the Milwaukee Public School system and was a fellow graduate of North Division High School in 1965. In 1966, while attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on a football scholarship he was drafted into the U.S. Army but opted to attend Officer Candidate School to become an infantry officer. He was a Vietnam-era veteran who served overseas duty in the Republic of Korea. He joined the 84th Division of the Army Reserve in Wisconsin and climbed the chain of command until earning the rank of Brigadier General. At the conclusion of his military career, he was the Assistant Division Commander of Operations for the 98th Division having commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels over his 40 years of active and reserve military service. He officially retired in 2006. prgtoken At the time of his passing, he had served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd. (CVI) for over 14 years. In addition to advocating for the needs of veterans, CVI services include housing for low-income, homeless, minority and women veterans including their families. CVI is distinguished as the largest private provider of transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for veterans in Wisconsin. prgtoken Robert served as Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs from 1994 to 2002. He had the overall responsibility for the Department's day-to-day operations, which included administration and management of 900 full-time employees, departmental administrative services, as well as, coordination and direction of strategic planning and program development. prgtoken Robert was the immediate past National Commander of the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) which was established in 1973, through the combined efforts of Robert Cocroft, Willie Sims, and Thomas Wynn (deceased) to advocate on behalf of its members. NABVETS currently has chapters in 80 cities throughout the United States and is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a claims representative for veterans. prgtoken He was a life-long learner and continued his training/education while working and going to school full-time to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management, Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Officer Candidate School, U.S. Army Paratrooper Airborne School, and the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, P A. prgtoken Robert leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Jacqueline D. Cocroft to mourn his passing. Additionally he leaves a stro
Introductory Statement on S. 3482
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-9-24

today I wish to speak about legislation to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. I want to thank my fellow bill sponsors, Senators Casey and Schatz, for their dedication to improving children's health and for working with me to extend this important program once again. prgtoken I am honored to have helped create the EMSC program with Senator Daniel Inouye in 1984, and I take great pride in the work that I have done since then to reauthorize it over the years. As we near the 35th anniversary of EMSC, we can look back on the great progress we have made. Indeed, we have made significant strides in assuring that emergency medical personnel and systems are trained to effectively treat pediatric patients while in transport to a medical facility. prgtoken As we have said time and time again, children are not just small adults. They have different medical needs, presenting special challenges for emergency and trauma care providers. From smaller-sized medical equipment to different dosage requirements for medicines, pediatric patients have important physical, mental, and developmental differences from adults. It is the EMSC program that ensures state-of- the-art emergency medical care for all sick or injured children and adolescents across the entire spectrum of care. prgtoken My home State of Utah has played such an influential role with EMSC in advancing the level of emergency medical care for children. The University of Utah is home to the EMSC program's National Emergency Medical Services for Children Data Analysis Resource Center, which is critical to helping States to evaluate EMS system effectiveness and pediatric patient care. Also housed at the University of Utah is the Central Data Management Coordinating Center for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. The DCC serves as the central data repository for the PECARN, which conducts high-priority, multi- institutional research on the prevention and management of acute illnesses and injuries in youth of all ages. prgtoken Throughout its history, EMSC has received overwhelming bipartisan support. The program makes a large impact with a relatively small budget, aiding all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories in improving their EMS systems, and developing improved procedures and protocols for treating children. I urge my colleagues to support our reauthorization bill so that the EMSC program will continue to improve emergency medical care for children in the United States.
TRIBUTE TO DAN SULLIVAN
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-24

on one final matter, over the Senate's history, we have welcomed into our ranks many brave men and women who have served in uniform. From the earliest days of our Republic, when veterans of the Revolution laid down their arms to serve as legislators, the Senate has been the home of patriots who know the true meaning of service and sacrifice. Some of our colleagues have even decided to pull double duty--continuing to serve in the Reserves while suffering the slings and arrows here in the Senate. prgtoken We have, today, a unique opportunity to honor one of these colleagues. Earlier this month, the news came that our friend, the junior Senator from Alaska, had attained the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve. Dan Sullivan has spent the last quarter century as a marine, earning the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and serving on Active Duty in Afghanistan. Those of us who serve here with Senator Sullivan are hardly surprised that someone so ``squared away'' has risen to this milestone. prgtoken His promotion is recognized in a special ceremony today here in the Capitol, where, I understand, Senator Sullivan's father will pin on his new rank. prgtoken I know this body will join me in congratulating him and in thanking both Senator Sullivan and Colonel Sullivan for all of his service to the Nation.