mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE, DEDICATION, AND SACRIFICE OF SERGEANT CHEEXENG LEE
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-6-6

. Madam , today I rise to welcome home Sergeant Cheexeng Lee from his service in the United States Marine Corps. prgtoken Sgt Lee enlisted into the Marine Corps in May 2009. Upon graduating from Appleton West High School in June 2010, he went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Pvt Lee was stationed at Camp Pendleton north of San Diego, and after additional training, checked into his first unit, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. He was reassigned from his original role as Rifleman to Machine Gunner under Weapons Platoon, India Company 3/1. He later deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from November 2011 to June 2012. prgtoken While on the MEU, Lance Corporal Lee served in Malaysia, Singapore, Djibouti, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Hong Kong. After this deployment, he attended Advanced Machine Gunners Course and was selected to join 3/1's elite Scout Sniper Platoon. From October 2013 to April 2014, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan. He was then stationed in Thailand to participate in Operation Cobra Gold, a major multinational military exercise. prgtoken After completing his second deployment, Corporal Lee attended Scout Sniper Course (SSC), completing the grueling course in April 2015. Afterwards, he deployed with the 15th MEU from May 2015 to December 2015, where he served in Hong Kong, Bahrain, Dubai, and Kuwait. prgtoken After his third deployment, he was transferred to Division School Pre-Scout Sniper Course at Camp Pendleton from March 2016 to June 2018. During that time, he trained hundreds of Marines from various units to better prepare them for SSC. Sgt Lee also trained Japanese Snipers from the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF). He travelled to Washington, D.C. to provide subject matter expertise as the Marine Corps tested a new sniper rifle, a model that is now currently in use by Marine Snipers deployed around the world. prgtoken Words cannot adequately thank Sgt Lee for his years of service to our country. May his service, dedication, and sacrifice be remembered by a grateful nation. It is truly an honor to welcome him home.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. SID STAFFORD
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize World War II veteran Sid Stafford, in celebration of his 100th birthday and for his service to the United States of America. prgtoken Mr. Stafford was born and raised in South Texas before joining the U.S. Army in 1941. His military service took him across the world to serve his country in the European Campaign during World War II. Mr. Stafford was in a tank platoon where he worked as a mechanic. Across much of North Africa and Europe, he courageously fought for the safety of Americans and people around the globe against the Nazi regime. prgtoken After being honorably discharged from the military in September of 1945, Mr. Stafford settled down on his farm in Hallsville, Texas, where he met his wife, Mrs. Nitalene Waldron. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters in East Texas. Mrs. Stafford passed away on March 15th of this year, and they would have celebrated their 68th anniversary yesterday, June 4th. Throughout his life, Mr. Stafford has made a positive impact on his East Texas community and it is an honor to call him my friend. No matter what life has in store for him, he has always made one thing clear: the importance of trusting in the Lord with all of your heart. prgtoken Madam , it is because of the sacrifices made by men and women like Mr. Sid Stafford that we are able to enjoy the freedoms which we all hold so dear. Let us not forget this great generation. We thank Mr. Stafford for the contribution he has made in preserving our liberty and we wish him a very happy 100th birthday.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND MILITARY SERVICE OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN, JOSEPH LEON MERRITT
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-6-6

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II Veteran Joseph Leon Merritt. Mr. Merritt has always placed God and family first in his life, offering friendship and brotherly love to all those who crossed his path. prgtoken Mr. Merritt was born on May 27, 1919, in Sturgis, Mississippi. He spent his early life in ltawamba County with his parents, Frank and Lula Lee Merritt, and his seven siblings. After the war, Mr. Merritt moved to Louisville, Mississippi where he still resides to this day. prgtoken From 1942 to 1946, Mr. Merritt answered the call to serve our great nation in the U.S. Marines. Serving as a driver and bulldozer operator, Mr. Merritt rose to the rank of Corporal and was recognized for participating in actions prgtoken against the enemy in Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. Mr. Merritt founded Merritt Plumbing Company in Louisville and worked there until his retirement in 1983. prgtoken In 1945, Mr. Merritt married Gladys Taylor, and they remained together for almost 70 years. Upon Mr. Merritt's return from military service, the family grew to include two children, Joe Merritt and Carol Higginbotham. Mr. Merritt now has six grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. prgtoken Throughout his life and to this day, Mr. Merritt set an example for his children to follow. Mr. Merritt, a lifelong Christian, was an active member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church, where he served as Music Director for 50 years and was chosen to be a deacon of the church. prgtoken On Memorial Day of 2019, Mr. Merritt celebrated his 100th birthday. Mr. Merritt is an American patriot who served our great nation and continues to set an example for others to follow. We wish him many more years of good health.
2019 AIR FORCE ACADEMY APPOINTEES
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-6-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Brendan Anderson, Benjamin Bi, Eugene Macias, Jr Cameryn McKinnell, Luke Rohlwing, Nathaniel Spidel and Ryan Johnson, Air Force Academy Appointees from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. I believe America's greatest assets are our brave men and women in uniform. These individuals are making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserve our utmost support for their service. It is with great pleasure that I give Brendan, Benjamin, Eugene, Cameryn, Luke, Nathaniel and Ryan my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. prgtoken Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend these young people and their families for their commitment. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado, it is an honor to recognize Brendan Anderson, Benjamin Bi, Eugene Macias, Jr Cameryn McKinnell, Luke Rohlwing, Nathaniel Spidel, and Ryan Johnson as appointees to the United States Air Force Academy for their commitment to protect and serve our nation.
RECOGNIZING VICKI MASSIE OF BILLINGS
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-6-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Vicki Massie of Billings for developing a program to provide computers to students and organizations that need them, and for recently setting up two needed computer labs in a rural Montana school. prgtoken Vicki is the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul in Billings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing personalized service to those in need. Four years ago, as the volunteer coordinator, she developed Project R.E.B.O.O.T or ``Refurbished Electronics Bringing Out Opportunities Together.'' Project REBOOT refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to schools, students, and organizations in need. Since its inception, Project REBOOT has given nearly 100 computers to Montana students. prgtoken This spring, Vicki's project helped fill a tremendous need for students of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. Elementary and high school students at the small, rural school shared one computer lab. Students faced another challenge: the high school curriculum required supplemental work online, and there were only nine laptops for 78 high school students. prgtoken I one day, that changed. prgtoken Through Project REBOOT, Vicki brought 50 computers to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. Vicki and her two sons, who work in information technology at a nearby school district, set up two new computer labs for students at the school. prgtoken With greater resources and access to technology, the students of Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, and all students Vicki has helped through Project REBOOT, can improve their skills and further open the doors of opportunity, be it in higher education or in the workforce. prgtoken Madam , for her vision and dedication to expanding access to technology for Montana students, I recognize Vicki Massie for her spirit of Montana.
TRIBUTE TO RITA MEYER
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-6-10

this week in Wyoming, one of our finest will be recognized by the Wyoming GOP for a lifetime of service and leadership. I am privileged to tell my colleagues about Rita Meyer. prgtoken Rita honorably served our great country for more than 23 years in the U.S. military. She served as an enlisted airwoman before becoming an officer in the Wyoming Air National Guard. Rita is a combat veteran of both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 1995, the Air National Guard brought Rita to D.C. to act as the strategic planning officer for the National Guard Bureau's counterdrug directorate. prgtoken Upon returning to Wyoming, Rita was appointed full-time comptroller for the Wyoming Air National Guard. Although eligible to retire from National Guard service in 2004, Rita answered the call and volunteered for an Active-Duty command in Southwest Asia. She was selected to serve as the 455th Airlift Wing Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. She completed her tour in May 2005. prgtoken Having attained the rank of full colonel, Rita retired from her incredibly distinguished military career in November of 2007. Colonel Meyer was recognized for going above and beyond during her service by being awarded with the Legion of Merit, the Order of the Bayonet, and the Order of St. Barbara. prgtoken Although retired from the service, Rita would continue to give back to the Armed Forces. Colonel Meyer served as a member of my service academy nomination board. She also served as head of former Senator Malcolm Wallop's board. I can attest to how vital volunteers like Rita are to the process of nominating young men and women of Wyoming to West Point and the U.S. Naval, Merchant Marine, and Air Force Academies. prgtoken In addition to an outstanding military career, Rita is an exemplary scholar. Rita earned two degrees from the University of Wyoming: a bachelor of arts in education and a bachelor of science in finance. She later earned a master of business administration in international business from Regis University, as well as a master's in national resource strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, DC. prgtoken Ultimately, the University of Wyoming would recognize Rita as outstanding alumnus in both colleges of business and education. It was also at the University of Wyoming in Laramie that Rita was appointed to the board of trustees. prgtoken Rita's distinguished career continued as chief of staff for Governor Jim Geringer. She was later elected as the State auditor in 2006 and served until 2011. prgtoken Building on her career in the military and State government, Rita took the lead of the largest public utility in Wyoming as vice- president-Wyoming for Rocky Mountain Power. As the company's only executive based in Wyoming, Rita oversees the utility's State business plan, customer service, and community relations. Rita's experience as a statesman
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-6-10

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, all postcloture time on the Morrison nomination be considered expired; further, that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and that prgtoken the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action. I further ask that following the disposition of the Morrison nomination, the Senate vote on the cloture motions for Calendar Nos. 42, 43, 44, 46, and 49; finally, that if cloture is invoked on those nominations, the confirmation votes on the nominations occur at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the ic leader, on Wednesday, June 12; and that, if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
RECOGNIZING ST. PAUL BLUE POINT LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR ITS 150TH YEAR AS A CONGREGATION
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-6-10

. Madam , I rise to acknowledge St. Paul Blue Point Lutheran Church for its 150th year as a congregation. Built on October 31, 1869 in Altamont, IL, the church became a place of peace and fellowship for all attendees. prgtoken To celebrate this historic occasion, the church held honorary services dedicated to the anniversary on Sunday, June 2. Keynote speakers of the event included Rev. Mark Witte and Rev. David Witte, both of whom are direct descendants from the church's founders. At present, eleven families are of direct descent of the original 31 founders and are still active amongst the congregation. prgtoken I extend my well wishes to the current officers--Rev. David Speers, Todd Wachtel, Corey Guy, Alex Wendling, Doug Kopplin, Doug Hammer and many others who have played a major role in spearheading this event. prgtoken Madam , the St. Paul Blue Point Lutheran Church and the entire congregation should be very proud of their continuing commitment and service over the past 150 years. I am excited to see how the church will continue to grow and make an impact in the years to come.
PREVENTING CHILD MARRIAGE IN DISPLACED POPULATIONS ACT
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-6-10

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2140, the Preventing Child Marriage in Displaced Populations Act, and I thank the chairman, along with the ranking member and all of my colleagues, for supporting this piece of bipartisan legislation through Foreign Affairs. prgtoken Humanitarian crises put women and girls at a much higher risk of violence and exploitation, including child marriage. Nine of the ten countries with the highest rates of child marriage are fragile states where weak institutions, high rates of violence, and stagnant economies make families more likely to resort to child marriage. prgtoken One United Nations study found that child marriage rates were four times higher among displaced Syrian refugees than among Syrians before the crisis. This indicates that displacement, instability, and poverty are driving child marriages. prgtoken Important research conducted by UNICEF revealed that, in 2018, more than 700 million women and girls, worldwide, were married before their 18th birthday; and of these, 250 million were married before their 15th birthday. Madam , these women are more likely to experience domestic violence and have worse educational, economic, and health prospects than their unmarried peers. prgtoken United Nations agencies have acknowledged the dangers of child marriage and taken steps to address it. The U.N. Joint Program on Child Marriage builds the resilience of populations to indirectly prevent child marriage and generates data and evidence on the prevalence of child marriage in humanitarian and fragile settings. prgtoken In Uganda, the U.N. Joint Program on Child Marriage helped 27,000 adolescent girls strengthen critical skills through school clubs and Go Back to School campaigns, as well as life skills and financial literacy training. prgtoken Last year, after the U.N. Joint Program on Child Marriage identified Yemen as one of its focus countries, 65,000 people, of whom 45,000 were adolescents, were reached with awareness-raising activities on the harms of child marriage. As a result, local council representatives, elders, and community leaders from six districts signed a pledge to support advocacy efforts to end child marriage. prgtoken My legislation would direct the United States to lead U.N. efforts to adopt a definition of ``child marriage'' and craft a comprehensive strategy to address child marriages in U.N.-administered refugee settlements. This strategy would include protocols to prevent and monitor child marriages; programs to provide physical, mental, and emotional support for victims; programs offering alternatives for child marriage; and measures to ensure that adults who are participating in illegal child marriages are held accountable. prgtoken Child marriage is a violation of human rights and a form of violence against women and children. I urge my colleagues to support the Preventin
TAXPAYER FIRST ACT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-10

the balance of my time. prgtoken In closing, this bipartisan bill puts an emphasis on the IRS' better serving Americans and makes sure that it is customer focused. It reins in the abuses, requires the IRS to better protect our privacy, creates an independent appeals process, makes sure that taxpayers are put on the same level playing field as the agency, and requires them to bring back a complete restructuring plan to Congress. prgtoken I am so appreciative of the work of our colleagues and Chairman Lewis, especially, coming together again today to support these reforms to the IRS and showing our constituents that we put their interests ahead of Washington. prgtoken Again, , I strongly urge support of H.R. 3151, and .
EXPRESSING CONCERN FOR THE UNITED STATES-TURKEY ALLIANCE
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-10

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Let me just say this: Chairman Engel and I met with the Foreign Minister of Turkey and their Ambassador trying to avoid this impasse, this choice between Russia and the United States. prgtoken And Chairman Engel and I talked about this alliance that we have with them. prgtoken Nearly 70 years ago, NATO and the United States stood with Turkey against growing Soviet aggression. In fact, that is the reason NATO was formed in the first place. That is why we have Incirlik Air Force Base in Turkey. And yet, the idea that Turkey would break from this alliance and choose Russia over the United States, truly, is a defining moment for Turkey. prgtoken I hope they are listening to this debate as we speak right now. They still have time to salvage this, what I consider to be an error in judgment of choosing Russia over NATO and the United States of America. prgtoken That is why this resolution is so important. It sends a very strong message to Erdogan and to Turkey, that we are not going to allow this to happen; and, in fact, it would run afoul of the sanctions that we passed almost overwhelmingly in the House and Senate against Russia. It would sort of violate the Russia sanctions law. prgtoken Madam , I want to thank Chairman Engel for his strong bipartisan support on this issue. We are on the right side of history, and I urge my colleagues to support this. prgtoken Madam , .
Border Security (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-6-10

on Friday, the entire country got some really good news: President and his administration secured an agreement with the Government of Mexico. Our neighbors to the south will be doing more to secure their own borders and to control the flow of people through Mexico. These stepped-up efforts should help relieve some of the extraordinary pressure on the U.S.-Mexico border. prgtoken This was an important step in tackling the unacceptable and unsustainable crisis--the crisis that continues to roil our southern border. Mexico has an important role to play in solving the ongoing security and humanitarian nightmare. prgtoken Americans were also happy to hear the President's announcement that, as a result of this progress, our own families and businesses will not need to absorb the cost of higher tariffs on imports from Mexico. This would have been a step backward for the U.S. economy generally, a new obstacle for many of our manufacturers and small businesses, and a pain that families back home tell me often would hurt them directly. prgtoken At its best, the U.S.-Mexico friendship should combine strong mutual efforts on security with a strong and prosperous trading relationship. I am glad that is the direction we seem to be headed. prgtoken So this was an important step, but as my colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm for months, the magnitude of this border crisis means that more will obviously be necessary. prgtoken Our U.S. processing facilities are badly strained beyond capacity as record numbers of individuals and families continue to pour through. prgtoken The men and women of Customs and Border Protection and our other agencies on the border are juggling too much, making do with too little and having to triage resources away from other important priorities so they can keep up even the most basic security functions and provide even the bare minimum humanitarian assistance. prgtoken The administration is working overtime on this. Now our Mexican friends are stepping up as well. In short, about the only important players who are still refusing to take action are my prgtoken ic friends right here in Congress. prgtoken in the House and the Senate have had no shortage of rhetoric on the subject. They are very focused on sounding concerned about this but thus far have stood in the way of any action. prgtoken It is not rocket science. The agencies on the border that are confronting this unprecedented crush of people need more resources. They have explained that to Congress as clearly as possible. prgtoken There is nothing remotely partisan about this. A few weeks ago, even the New York Times editorial board wrote: As resources are strained and the system buckles, the misery grows. Something needs to be done. Soon. prgtoken That is the New York Times. Just yesterday, they followed up with another piece: ``When Will Congress Get Serious About the Suffering at
DISASTER RELIEF
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-6-10

Iowa continues to flood and in some cases reflood. Since March, Iowa has been inundated with water on both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and their tributaries. In the past several weeks, there have been multiple tornadoes causing havoc as well. prgtoken I am pleased that Congress passed a supplemental bill that will provide some additional funds for recovery. However, I know we have many challenges ahead of us, both for the people living in Iowa and those who represent Iowa. Also, it would not surprise me if, after the final tallies of the disaster that has been done through floods and other natural disasters, we will need additional appropriations before the end of the fiscal year. prgtoken I look forward to continuing to work with individuals, communities, the State of Iowa, and the Federal Government to find ways to help Iowa recover and come back stronger than ever and, of course, that will help not only Iowa but other areas of the country that are likewise hit. prgtoken . prgtoken .