mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF WILLIAM KELLY JOYCE
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-11-13

on this, the 243rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps, it is my honor to recognize the life and service of William Kelly Joyce. As a decorated Veteran of the Korean War and a valued member of his community, William is an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken The Continental Marines were formed by decree of the Second Continental Congress on November 10, 1775. Since the Revolutionary War, Marines served with the American Expeditionary Force on the Western Front of WWI, island hopped in the Pacific, landed on the beaches of North Korea, fought to protect the Republic of Vietnam, and defended Americans from the threat of global terrorism. prgtoken While serving as a Platoon Commander during the Korean War, Second Lieutenant Joyce earned the Silver Star for acts of gallantry and intrepidity. When his squad came under intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage while preparing to relieve a forward outpost, he quickly called down supporting arms, combined forces with the unit he was relieving, and established a perimeter of defense on the reverse slope. Despite an immense number of determined enemy troops assaulting the perimeter, Joyce's leadership allowed his unit to successfully drive back the attackers. Even while seriously wounded, he refused medical aid until all other wounded had been attended. His aggressive fighting spirit, courageous leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty inspired all who saw him and exemplified the spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken We owe William and his brothers in arms an enormous debt of gratitude. The celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day weekend gave those in Michigan's First District an opportunity to show their thanks for the sacrifices demanded of William and all of our servicemen and women. He has served our nation willingly, honorably, and without bias. prgtoken , it's my honor today to acknowledge the extraordinary life of William Kelly Joyce. I ask that you join with me and the people of Michigan's First District in thanking him for his unwavering commitment to our nation and its people.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE KEVIN HERN TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-11-13

my colleagues, it is a tremendous pleasure today to introduce our newest colleague from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the great First District of Oklahoma. prgtoken Having been a special election baby myself a long time ago, the pressure, the significance of our colleagues when they stand before you in the unique way that they are sworn in is tremendous. So the advice that I have given Congressman Hern I will try and practice myself: brevity. prgtoken Born on an Air Force base, worked all of his life, earned a degree in engineering and an MBA degree. The thing I love the most, perhaps, is a hog farmer at one point in his career and a very successful restaurateur. prgtoken Kevin is an individual who is a reflection of the great First District of Tulsa. He is a reflection, I think, of what we need and want in a Member of this United States House of Representatives. prgtoken With that, , I yield to our newest colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern).
TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE ``KAY'' BJORKLUND
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise today in celebration of Kay Bjorklund, Wyoming AARP's 2018 Andrus Award honoree. prgtoken Since 2001, the Wyoming chapter of AARP continues to make a positive difference in the lives of senior citizens prgtoken and their communities, serving out their vision of ``a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose, and fulfill their goals and dreams.'' The Andrus Award, named after AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, is awarded each year to one person or couple in every State. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who share their experience, talents, and skills to enrich the lives of others. prgtoken On November 8, 2018, the AARP of Wyoming hosted its Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet in Casper, honoring Kay Bjorklund of Thermopolis. Kay is an ideal choice for this award. She dedicates her life to serving her family, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County. prgtoken Kay grew up in Newcastle, WY, where she met her husband, Guy Bjorklund. Before they could marry, Guy left to serve our country in WWII as a U.S. marine. Kay eagerly waited for Guy's return. Once Guy was home, the two moved to Billings, MT, to marry and start a family. Guy began a career at JC Penney, and in 1955, a company transfer took the family to Thermopolis. Kay had the demanding job of full-time mother to their three children. Gary and Kay were active members of the Community Church where Kay continues to serve on the visitation committee. prgtoken Once her children started school, Kay worked in banking and became more involved in service to others. Kay raised her family with the strong principal of giving back to the community. Through her own example, she taught her family to put others first, to ask what they might do to help their friends and neighbors. prgtoken Guy continued to work for JC Penney until he was presented with the opportunity to open the Thermopolis Hardware store. Guy and Kay successfully ran the store until retirement in 1986. They sold Thermopolis Hardware to their daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Dennis Sinclair, who continue to run the business today. Retirement in 1986 allowed Guy and Kay to do what they enjoyed doing together: serving others. prgtoken Kay will tell you how important it is to stay active if you want to be healthy and happy. Taking her own advice to heart, Kay is an active member of the Kiwanis club and chamber of commerce. Every Wednesday, she volunteers at the hospital gift shop. Kay turns 95 next month and drives for Meals on Wheels, delivering dozens of meals and hugs to community seniors. Kay volunteers at the Pioneer Home, an assisted living facility and also plays bridge. She is the highest selling fundraiser for the PEO chapter in Thermopolis. prgtoken Kay Bjorklund truly represents the Wyoming values of generosity and selflessness. She is a devoted volunteer, loving mother, and generous friend to all. Kay and her l
TRIBUTE TO DR. RAY STOWERS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-11-13

today I wish to recognize and congratulate Dr. Ray E. Stowers, the recipient of the prestigious American Osteopathic Foundation, AOF, Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor is awarded to outstanding osteopathic doctors who have made substantial contributions to the profession and exemplified a lifetime of commitment to the practice. Receiving the award at the AOF honors gala, Dr. Stowers humbly said, ``Professionally, there's always a sense of appreciation for being recognized by your profession and for that I'm very grateful.'' prgtoken I am grateful for Dr. Stowers' passion for improving community health and his achievements on this front. prgtoken Following the completion of his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, Dr. Stowers served rural Kansas and Oklahoma for 25 years, establishing five rural health clinics and acting as the only physician for a 300-mile radius. With his passion for rural medicine, he went on to establish the Oklahoma Rural Health Policy and Research Center to promote clinical training and telemedicine. This kind of dedication and innovative thinking demonstrates Dr. Stowers' expertise and desire to help those in underserved areas. prgtoken Dr. Stowers, the proud father of four children and nine grandchildren, has been named Family Physician of the Year by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Physician of the Year by the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Certificate by the American Osteopathic Association. prgtoken His educational outreach is inspiring. Dr. Stowers founded the Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, and its auditorium has been named in his honor. Additionally, he acted as the associate dean for rural health at Oklahoma State University and now serves as the dean of osteopathic medicine and vice president at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, the first and only private institution devoted exclusively to healthcare and wellness. prgtoken When speaking of his incredible leadership accomplishments as, president of the American Osteopathic Association and Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, Dr. Stowers said, ``I was just getting into a position to make a difference with the way things are. The thing that's driven me the most is looking where I could make the biggest difference.'' The world needs more men of the caliber and character of Dr. Stowers. He is a transformative, influential leader in the field of osteopathic prgtoken medicine. His continued efforts ``serving the underserved and promoting a healthier Arkansas'' will help improve countless lives and communities. prgtoken I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Stowers on this honor and thank him for dedicating his career to providing outstanding care and service to all patients. We can be tremendously proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his further contributions and leadership.
CONDEMNING THE ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACK ON THE BUILDING HOUSING THREE CONGREGATIONS, TREE OF LIFE, DOR HADASH, AND NEW LIGHT, HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ATTACK, AND OFFERING CONDOLENCES...
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-11-13

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1138) condemning the anti- Semitic attack on the building housing three congregations, Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light, honoring the memory of the victims of the attack, and offering condolences to and expressing support for their families, friends, and community, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
REMEMBERING REVEREND BERTHA L. GIVENS
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-11-13

today I would like to take a moment to recognize and honor the life of Rev. Bertha L. Givens, a great South Carolinian, who departed this life on September 22, 2018. Reverend Givens was a well-respected and universally loved leader of her local Green Pond community, as well as Colleton County as a whole. prgtoken Reverend Givens served as a supportive and devoted matriarch not only to her husband of 48 years, her children, and extended family, but also to dozens of foster children and children in the community over the years. Additionally, Reverend Givens was known to provide counsel and comfort to each and every member of the community who came to her, and countless individuals benefitted from her wisdom, gentle voice, and unfaltering faith. prgtoken As a reverend, she lived a life of impeccable integrity in ministry. She served for many years as a class leader and associate pastor at Mt. Olive A.M.E. in Green Pond, worked in prison outreach ministry, and took on many other positions of church leadership. She also founded the major community outreach program, Harvest Day, which gives away produce and preserves, as well as teaches God's word to members of the community. She did this for over 30 years, desiring no fanfare or recognition, which only highlights her strong Christian devotion and conviction. prgtoken Reverend Givens will surely be missed by all of those that had the pleasure to know her and in the Green Pond community especially. Her life and legacy provide an example of true Christian selflessness and spirit to all.
AMENDING THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE WATER RIGHTS QUANTIFICATION ACT OF 2010
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise this evening to pay tribute to a longtime member of my staff. Will Ruder has served Kansans for 11 years and counting, including the last 2 years as legislative director in our office here in Washington. It is always difficult to say goodbye to our staff, but for many reasons, it will be uniquely difficult to replace Will. prgtoken Will grew up in a small, Western Kansas town called Plainville. If that sounds familiar to any of the folks back home, it is because Plainville is my home town as well. prgtoken Eleven years ago, I weighed two strong applicants for an internship opening in my office. As I recall, the first candidate had attended an east coast private school and was recommended by multiple individuals. The second was a young man from Plainville, whose parents ran a gas station and who was immediately approachable, down-to-earth, and eager to serve Kansans. Perhaps it goes without saying that in choosing Will 11 years ago, I made a right decision. prgtoken Will's Plainville roots and the values instilled by his family, hometown neighbors, and friends kept him grounded during his service in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken My ability to work on behalf of Kansans is greatly enhanced when dedicated individuals who care about our home State are there by my side. prgtoken I have often told my staff that I am an enabler. I enable them to do more for our State. I can think of no staffer who better epitomizes and articulates the reason I am here today as a U.S. Senator, working to preserve the rural way of life and the American dream for the next generation, than Will Ruder. prgtoken Just last week, this resonated with me in a powerful way. A short bus ride north from Hays is Plainville. My staff and I were in Hays on our staff retreat, and we made a surprise pit stop to Ruder Oil Company to visit Will's parents, John and Karla. It was a special moment for our staff to pay tribute to the Ruder family and to Will, the oldest of six Ruder children. prgtoken As a light rain fell, Will shared what it meant to come full circle back to his roots and why the work that we do in our Nation's Capital is so important to ensuring that rural America remains alive and well, particularly at a time when the American dream is seemingly becoming harder and harder to achieve. prgtoken As a policy adviser and legislative director, Will has accomplished a great deal on behalf of Kansans. A few weeks after I was sworn in as a Senator, it was Will who drafted the resolution honoring Kansas's 150th birthday. prgtoken In response to a devastating gas explosion in Hutchinson, KS, which took the lives of two Kansans and destroyed half a block of downtown businesses, prgtoken Will spent years working to pass legislation to allow Kansans to restore safety inspections of underground gas storage facilities. prgtoken Will was intimately involved in numerous banking, energy and water infrastructure victories for Kansans and alm
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MERLE NELL
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor firefighters from across our community. They recently traveled to Albany to honor the life and legacy of Merle Nell, a fire police captain and former chief of the Vernon Fire Department in upstate New York. Family, friends, and fellow firefighters watched as Merle's name was inscribed in the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial. prgtoken Merle passed away in November 2016 while on the scene of a fire in Vernon Center, New York. His name is now etched on a wall with 2,551 other fallen firefighters from our great State who have given their lives in the line of duty. prgtoken Affectionately known as ``Skippy'' to his family and friends, Merle's legacy of service lives on through his sons and grandsons. Merle's sons, Scott and Mark, serve as fire chiefs in both Verona and Vernon; and his grandsons, Adam and Matthew, are active firefighters in Vernon, and Zachary is a junior firefighter in Verona. prgtoken A marine, a father, a postal worker, and a firefighter, Merle's life of service is a true inspiration to everyone in our community. His memory will live on in the hearts of our grateful community both in central New York and in New York State.
Tennessee Valley Authority (Executive Calendar)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-11-14

. To my friend from New York, who is he talking about? He knows my record. I worked with him three times when President was there, worked with him directly to make it easier for President to have nominees. prgtoken Let me go through that because I think it is important the people know the efforts we made together. In 2011, working with the Senator from New York, we got rid of secret holds. We permitted waiver of the 72-hour rule that was used to block nominations and delay. We created 272 expedited privilege nominations. In 2012, we eliminated Senate confirmations for 163 positions, all to make it easier for President to make Presidential nominations. In 2013, we created some new rules which said that Executive nominees could only be debated post- cloture for 8 hours and district judges for 2 hours. prgtoken I personally made sure the current chairman of the ic Party, Tom Perez, got cloture so the Senate could vote on him. I voted against him, but I made certain he could come to a vote. prgtoken When President had a vacancy in the Department of Education in his last year, I went to President and said: , I think it is inappropriate for us not to have a confirmed Senate nominee in a principal position like U.S. Secretary of Education. If you will please nominate John King, with whom I disagree, I will make sure he is confirmed, and we confirmed him. That has been my record in terms of dealing with nominees of the President of an opposite party. prgtoken I ask through the Chair, why pick on Tennessee? Why confirm Kentucky nominees, why confirm Alabama nominees, why work with me in three different Congresses to make it easier for President to confirm nominees, why applaud me for allowing the chairman of the ic Party today to be confirmed as Secretary of Labor and then block a nominee for the Tennessee Valley Authority, who is eminently well- qualified, who is supported by the ic members of the committee who have jurisdiction and who is needed on the Board to pick a CEO for the millions of people in the seven-state region? Why pick on Tennessee, I would say to my friend from New York through the Chair.
HONORING POLICE CHIEF MATT DOERING
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor the life of retired Police Chief Matt Doering of Brunswick, Georgia, who passed away on September 4 at 56 years of age after a long battle with cancer. prgtoken Chief Doering dedicated his life to serving his community. He spent 34 years working with the Glynn County Police Department, and for 14 of those years, he served as the chief of police. From directing high- profile investigations to personally patrolling the area during hurricanes, Chief Doering was highly respected throughout Glynn County. prgtoken After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he retired from the police department and began working with the Glynn County school system. prgtoken I am proud and thankful to have had someone with the character of Chief Doering serving his community in the First Congressional District of Georgia.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to recognize November as National Adoption Month. prgtoken During this month, we celebrate and reflect on the life-changing act of adoption. Many parents and families across America open up their homes, and their hearts, to children in search of a stable support system; to children in search of a forever home. Unfortunately, there are so many children in the foster care system who are still waiting to find a permanent home. prgtoken In 2017, more than 442,000 children and teenage youth were in U.S. foster care. More than 59,000 of these children were adopted through the system, and we must always strive to help more children find a home. prgtoken All children deserve a permanent family that can provide them with love, support, and encouragement so they can reach their full potential in life. prgtoken , during National Adoption Month, we recognize the unconditional love and support adoptive parents provide to their children, and we hope that all children will soon be welcomed into a loving family because they deserve no less.
CONFIRMATION OF RYAN NELSON
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-11-14

along with my colleague Senator James E. Risch, I congratulate Judge Ryan Nelson of Idaho Falls on his Senate confirmation to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Throughout his diverse legal career, Ryan Nelson developed the necessary tools to serve the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a sound and principled jurist. Since 2009, Ryan Nelson has served as general counsel of Idaho Falls-based Melaleuca, Inc. Before joining Melaleuca, Mr. Nelson served in the Federal Government as special counsel for Supreme Court nominations to the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; as deputy general counsel to the White House Office of Management and Budget; and as deputy assistant attorney general in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice, DOJ. At the DOJ, Mr. Nelson argued 13 cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals and was division counsel for 50 briefs filed in the Supreme Court. Before joining the DOJ, Mr. Nelson practiced in the Washington, DC, office of Sidley Austin LLP, where he was a member of the firm's appellate, litigation, products liability, and religious liberties practice groups. prgtoken Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Nelson served as a law clerk to Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and to Judges Charles Brower and Richard Mosk of the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague. Mr. Nelson earned his B.A. from Brigham Young University, BYU, and his J.D with honors, from BYU Law School, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as a lead articles editor of the BYU Law Review. prgtoken Ryan has been widely recognized by his colleagues for his judgement and legal expertise and will respect and be a servant of the law. He understands that a judge is responsible for interpreting and applying the Constitution and laws of the land as they are written and not to be a maker of laws from the bench. prgtoken Congratulations, Ryan, on your confirmation, and thank you for bringing your valuable perspective to the court.