mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PAYING TRIBUTE TO AGENTS AND OFFICERS OF U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , the mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is broad and diverse. The men and women of CBP protect our borders at and between ports of entry. They protect the American people against terrorists and the instruments of terror. They enforce the laws of the United States while fostering our Nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel. CBP employees provide selfless service to their nation and they do so with honor and distinction under an ever-present threat. prgtoken As a former judge, I know firsthand the essential role law enforcement officers play in maintaining law and order and the risks they face every time they report for duty. I would like to pay tribute to the agents and officers who lost their lives in the service of our Nation. While their watches have ended, the legacy and the commitment of all who wear the badge live on. prgtoken Lawrence B. Pierce, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol, Chula Vista, California, End of Watch: August 17, 1995. prgtoken James P. Epling, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma, Arizona, End of Watch: December 16, 2003. prgtoken Travis W. Attaway, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Harlingen, Texas, End of Watch: September 19, 2004. prgtoken Jeremy M. Wilson, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Harlingen, Texas, End of Watch: September 19, 2004. prgtoken George B. Debates, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Casa Grande, Arizona, End of Watch: December 19, 2004. prgtoken Nicholas D. Greenig, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Tucson, Arizona, End of Watch, March 14, 2006. prgtoken David N. Webb, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ajo, Arizona, End of Watch: November 3, 2006. prgtoken Ramon Nevarez, Jr Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lordsburg, New Mexico, End of Watch: March 15, 2007. prgtoken David J. Tourscher, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lordsburg, New Mexico, End of Watch: March 16, 2007. prgtoken Clinton B. Thrasher, Air Interdiction Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, McAllen, Texas, End of Watch: April 25, 2007. prgtoken Richard Goldstein, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Indio, California, End of Watch: May 11, 2007. prgtoken Robert F. Smith, Air Interdiction Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: May 22, 2007. prgtoken Eric N. Cabral, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boulevard, California, End of Watch: July 26, 2007. prgtoken Julio E. Baray, Air Interdiction Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: September 24, 2007. prgtoken Luis A. Aguilar, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma, Arizona, End of Watch: January 19, 2008. prgtoken Jarod C. Dittman, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border P
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-5-30

I am standing in a House chamber that is virtually empty. Nearly all of my 431 colleagues are absent as the of the House seeks to pass a $19 billion spending bill. prgtoken Our Nation is $22 trillion in debt. Trying to pass nearly $20 billion in new spending while the majority of Congress is not even in Washington reflects another act of irresponsible big government. prgtoken This is absolutely, without a doubt, wrong. It is no surprise that public confidence in Congress is at historic lows. prgtoken Every single Member could board a plane today, and this issue could be voted on in the next 12 hours. prgtoken We are each accountable to the American people, who entrusted us with their votes and sent us here to work on their behalf. I am accountable to the people of Tennessee, and I can say with confidence: Tennesseans deserve better than what is being attempted here today. prgtoken I never expected, when I came to Washington, that I would be asked to stay home while $19 billion is spent without my vote. prgtoken I urge the of the House, who is also not here today, to return to her prgtoken post and call Congress back to Washington to do the people's work, and I object.
HONORING RONALD EDWARD HOLLOWAY
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing one of the District of Columbia's great professional musicians, Ronald Edward Holloway. prgtoken Holloway, a native Washingtonian and product of D.C. Public Schools, began playing saxophone at a young age. Early on in his career, he periodically played with the historic El Corols Band and Show of Washington, D.C. The first band that Holloway played with was a Top 40 band called The Speculations based out of Takoma Park, MD. prgtoken Holloway launched his professional career in 1975 at the age of 21. He is described by top jazz critics such as Stanley Crouch and Ira Gitler as a ``hard bearing down-hard-hopper who can blow authentic jazz, R&B and can croon a ballad with warm blue feeling, funk and rock.'' prgtoken Holloway played tenor saxophone with the great Gil Scott Heron for 14 years and was a member of the world-renowned Dizzy Gillespie Quintet. He was also a guest saxophonist with Sonny Rollins, the Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule Band, Tedeschi Truck Band, Little Feat Band, and Taj Mahal. Currently, he is the director and saxophonist for his own band, The Ron Holloway Band. prgtoken Holloway, a member of the D.C. Legendary Musicians Inc is the recipient of 42 music awards, including several Wammie awards for Musician of the Year. prgtoken I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing and honoring Ronald Edward Holloway for his steadfast dedication to promoting and preserving music in Washington, D.C.
HONORING NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise in honor of National Foster Care Month, which has been observed in May for more than thirty years, and to speak about an issue that affects foster children and families across America. prgtoken Too many children dream of a stable, loving, family. Many adults want to open their homes and their hearts, but they face barriers because the system says that they practice the wrong religion, love the wrong person, or are not married. prgtoken My friends, this is discrimination. It is not right, not fair, and not just. prgtoken I am proud to sponsor the Every Child Deserves a Family Act to change that. This bill is the right thing to do, and quite frankly, it is long overdue. prgtoken It does not matter whether we are gay or straight, married or single, Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. It does not matter whether we practice all religions or no religion. It does not matter whether we are African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, or white. prgtoken We are all one people, one country. prgtoken And we must each do our part to ensure that every young person and aspiring parent is able to enjoy the dream of a loving, stable family. prgtoken I look forward to reintroducing the Every Child Deserves a Family Act next week.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF COACH OTIS WASHINGTON
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Coach Otis Washington. A native of Selma, Alabama, Coach Washington was a legendary football and Louisiana Hall of Famer, who instilled in his players his winning spirit, stalwart character and quest for excellence. He led St. Augustine High School to three state championships before moving on to coach at LSU and Southern University. Sadly, Coach Washington passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the age of 80. prgtoken Coach Washington was born on February 12, 1939 in Selma, Alabama to Sadie and Otis Washington, Sr. He graduated from R.B. Hudson High School in 1957 where he was class president and a star athlete. He then graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans, where he was the captain of the football team and an All-Conference guard and linebacker. A stellar all-around athlete, Coach Washington also made Xavier's All-Conference team in baseball. prgtoken Coach Washington was a devout Catholic and devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His devotion to his faith began as a young boy in Selma, Alabama, where he was a member of the Don Bosco Catholic Boy's Club founded by Father Nelson Ziter in 1947. prgtoken Coach Washington's resume speaks for itself. He led St. Augustine to state championships in 1975, 1978 and 1979, and in his 11 seasons there, he garnered a 113-17-1 record and guided the Purple Knights to 11 consecutive winning seasons and seven district titles in their ultra-competitive league. prgtoken In 1979, Coach Washington became the first African American football coach at LSU when he joined the staff as an offensive line coach. In 1981, Coach Washington was hired as the head football coach at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he led the Jaguars for six seasons, until 1986. prgtoken His achievements on the football field led to his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and the St. Augustine Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also inducted into several additional halls of fame, including: The New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame--Outstanding Prep Coach (1979); New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (1994); Louisiana High School Athletic Association Sports Hall of Fame (2012); Southern University Sports Hall of Fame (2016); and Xavier University Hall of Fame (2017). prgtoken His success on the football field was matched by his many efforts in the community to promote fairness, equity and justice. ``Coach Wash,'' as he was known by most, was a key figure in the integration of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). Three years before Coach Washington took over at St. Augustine, a lawsuit allowed the school to compete in the LHSAA, rather than the all-black Louisiana Interscholastic Athletic and Literary Organization. St. Augustine, led by Coach Washington, often found itself caught in the middle of a changing, difficult social environment, and on
HONORING MARIO CARTAYA
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Cartaya and Associates Architects on their 40th anniversary in South Florida. prgtoken Mario Cartaya and his firm Cartaya and Associates Architects have helped shape the look and architectural landscape of South Florida for our many visitors to enjoy. prgtoken Mr. Cartaya is a visionary whose work can be seen throughout Broward County, from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and several municipal centers, to public libraries and performing arts centers, and even in our police headquarters and fire stations. prgtoken Cartaya and Associates has also designed several additions and renovations for many hospitals and health care facilities in the area. prgtoken Mario Cartaya has also dedicated himself to giving back to our community. He served as chairman of Broward College's Board of Trustees, as a member of former Senator Bob Graham's Air Force and Naval Academy Selection Committees, and as a member of the Broward County Cultural Arts Council. He also served as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University's School of Architecture. prgtoken His life has been dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in his professional career and the improvement of the community in which he lives. prgtoken Mario Cartaya is a selfless, compassionate, and thoughtful citizen, one whom I am proud to call my friend. I applaud his work and wish him continued success.
REMEMBERING ROBERT JAMES GLASS
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory and service of Robert James Glass, a 40-year Yuba City resident who embodied the American spirit of enduring dedication to his family and country. prgtoken Born on December 4, 1927, Robert joined the U.S. Merchant Marine at age 16 to fight in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Through his service as a merchant mariner during the war, Robert joined in an effort that proved to be an instrumental asset on an untold number of occasions. prgtoken President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated in 1944 that the Merchant Marine had ``delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult, and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater public understanding of our merchant fleet's record during this war.'' It was in that ultimately victorious cause that Robert volunteered to lend his hand. prgtoken Following the war, Robert served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including deployments across the world. He retired as a Master Sergeant at Beale AFB, California. Through his active engagement in local organizations such as the American Legion he remained a dedicated member of the Yuba City community until his passing. prgtoken He is survived by his three sons, Robert, Richard and Bruce and their families. I know that they, along with the rest of his family and friends, join me in celebrating his life and his memory.
CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Friends of the Chicago River as they celebrate their 40th Anniversary. prgtoken Since its founding in August of 1979, Friends of the Chicago River has promoted and protected the Chicago River system for prgtoken people, plants and animals. They have worked in areas of policy, on- the-ground projects and education on behalf of the river system. Friends has educated more than 400,000 students about science, nature and the environment; received over 200,000 visitors to its McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum and have taken over 20,000 individuals canoeing to build new and future advocates. prgtoken Each year, Friends Centennial Volunteers and River Action Days attract over 6,000 volunteers who participate in restoration activities instream and on adjacent lands. Also, each year, Friends' Chicago River Day attracts about 2,000 people to around 70 locations across the Chicago region for a clean-up effort that removes tons of litter from the waterway. The organization has worked on behalf of the Chicago River system to raise overall water quality, foster healthier wildlife habitat, reduce flooding, and raise public awareness of combined sewer overflows. prgtoken Friends has grown from a handful of people concerned about the neglect of the river system to an organization of 10,000 members, volunteers, and online advocates led by Executive Director, Margaret Frisbie, and Board President, Sally Fletcher. prgtoken Generations of Chicagoans now value the Chicago River system as an invaluable natural resource. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Friends of the Chicago River for a long tradition of advocacy on behalf of the Chicago River system and its 40th Anniversary.
HONORING HECTOR GODINEZ FUNDAMENTAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR THEIR FIRST CIF SOUTHERN SECTION SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-30

. Madam , I wish to recognize the Hector Godinez Fundamental High School softball team who recently won their first CIF Southern Section Championship in school history. prgtoken On Saturday, May 18, the softball team clinched their first ever title, defeating El Segundo High School by a score of 15-1, becoming the CIF Southern Section Division 4 Champions. They won all five of the CIF games by five or more runs, making a dominating run to the championship. prgtoken It has been a truly outstanding season for both Godinez Fundamental High School softball and the City of Santa Ana. Their head coach, Ed Medina, has been the coach since the school opened in 2007 and was named the 2019 Orange County Softball Coach of the Year. His assistant coaches are Clarissa Castellanos, Kevin Pola, and Selene Pola. prgtoken In 2017, they made it to the CIF-SS Semi Finals and in 2018, they made it to the 2nd round of playoffs. This season, they outdid themselves with an overall regular season record of 21-4. They won the Golden West League Championship, with an undefeated record of 10-0 in their first year in the league. This is their fourth league championship in a row, previously winning three Orange Coast League Championships in 2016, 2017, and 2018. prgtoken The Hector Godinez Fundamental High School softball team has truly been a dominating force on the softball field this season, especially during the playoffs. They have six graduating seniors and many more returning, and I am confident they will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2020 High School softball season. The team is truly a special group of young women and I am proud of all their accomplishments. Congratulations again on being the 2019 CIF Southern Section Division 4 softball champions.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILWAUKEE URBAN LEAGUE
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-6-3

today I rise to recognize the Milwaukee Urban League on its 100th anniversary. It gives me great pleasure to honor this remarkable organization and to commemorate this historic milestone. prgtoken The Milwaukee Urban League was established in 1919 as an affiliate of the National Urban League, which grew out of the national quest for freedom and opportunity. During the emergence of the Milwaukee Urban League, millions of African Americans were migrating from the South to Northern States like Wisconsin in search of greater opportunity and a better quality of life. The newcomers soon learned that they had not escaped racial discrimination in jobs, education, and housing. By teaching useful skills and offering an array of resources, the Milwaukee Urban League sought to help African Americans through this difficult transition to urban life and employment in a manufacturing economy. prgtoken Throughout its early years, the Milwaukee Urban League was instrumental in fighting for social justice and equal opportunity for African Americans. The league became a strong and dedicated voice for the poor and underserved by helping them obtain decent housing, acquire workforce training and leadership skills, find health care, and ensure their children had access to education and opportunity. prgtoken Over the past century, the Milwaukee Urban League has made tremendous gains helping African Americans achieve their greatest potential. The league has continued to promote self-sufficiency through a variety of programs that teach professional skills. The Milwaukee Urban League has also demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to education and youth engagement. By supporting initiatives to improve the lives of those who are often left behind, the Milwaukee Urban League has brought about meaningful change in Wisconsin's largest city. prgtoken With the great challenges still facing the African-American community today, Milwaukee continues to need the league's leadership, strength, and resilience. Despite the organization's unflagging efforts, rising tides have not raised all boats equally, and unacceptable disparities continue to exist. Wages, educational outcomes, economic conditions, neighborhood safety, and the opportunity to achieve the American dream still depend to a large degree on a person's ZIP Code or the color of his or her skin. prgtoken By working together, we can ensure that African Americans and all community members are educated, employed, and empowered to succeed. The league's persistent commitment to improving opportunities for those trapped in poverty fosters hope for the next generation of leaders in Milwaukee's communities of color. prgtoken As the Milwaukee Urban League both celebrates its accomplishments and reflects on its future challenges, I will be forever grateful for the league's achievements over the past century, and I look forward to its continued success in the years to come.
WORKING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF AMERICANS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-6-3

. Madam , I was saddened to stand alongside Congresswoman McBath to ask for a moment of silence for yet another innocent group of Americans who died. prgtoken We must gather in this House and demand the Senate to pass our legislation on gun safety, but we must also stand together against making legal access for anyone to have a silencer. We just have to do better as relates to the lives of Americans. prgtoken I stand, as well, to support the passage of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, very important to those of us in Texas. prgtoken As I watched this past week all of the disasters that were happening, it was sad. It was disappointing to know that there were Members on the floor objecting to this bill. prgtoken In particular, Houston, Texas, impacted by Hurricane Harvey, needed this money for its water treatment, its reimbursement, freshwater, and its sewage treatment. prgtoken In addition, the people in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico territories are desperate for resources. Many of us who visited know that they are long overdue. prgtoken Finally, I am supporting the extension of TANF, the very important nutrition legislation that provides for our children. It is expiring on June 30. prgtoken We have to do better. We cannot, in essence, yield to people who believe that these kinds of solutions should be over.
HONORING CYNTHIA MILLER
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-3

. Madam , it is with great pleasure that I recognize a dear friend and former long-time member of my staff, Ms. Cynthia Miller. Every Member of Congress knows they are only as good as the staff that surround them. I was very fortunate to have Cynthia standing with me for many years. prgtoken Cynthia was born in Harlem, New York but was raised in the Bronx. She attended schools in the Bronx and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1971. prgtoken Cynthia's first job came in that same year, 1971, with Metropolitan Life, where she worked for 14 years. In 1973 she married Keith Miller and moved to Mount Vernon, New York. She then moved to Yonkers in 1981 to raise her three children, and she has been living there for the last 38 years. prgtoken I first got to know Cynthia some 24 years ago. She had been volunteering with Mary Gaines at the Nepperhan Community Center, dealing with children in the after-school program. With Mary's influence, I hired Cynthia as an Assistant Aide to help lead my team in Westchester. prgtoken Cynthia's work mainly focused on helping constituents with federal issues and problems. And help she did. Thousands of people over the course of two and a half decades were aided by Cynthia Miller, with problems ranging from immigration to Social Security and everything in between. In addition to her work in my office, Cynthia was also an active member in several community groups, including the Black Women's Political Caucus, Aquehung Women's ic Club and the Focus Group. prgtoken After recently retiring, Cynthia is now enjoying her volunteer work more than ever and loves traveling. This year, the Hudson River Community Association is honoring Cynthia at their annual Spring Dinner. Perhaps I'm a bit partial, but I don't believe they could have found a better honoree. Congratulations to Cynthia, and I thank her for her years of service to the community.