mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE STOUT THEATRE COMPANY AND ITS PRODUCTION OF ALADDIN JR.
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to recognize the Stout Theatre Company on the opening date of its production of Aladdin Jr. For the past three years, the Stout Theatre has provided entertainment and enrichment activities for Dearborn youth through its production and showcasing of musical theatre. prgtoken Founded in 2014, the Stout Theatre Company is a student-led enterprise that provides opportunities for personal expression, growth and creativity through its production of plays and community events. STC began at Stout Middle School in Dearborn, Michigan, but has since expanded and now works with youth in surrounding elementary and middle schools to stage musical and dramatic productions. In addition to performing the musical Aladdin Jr past STC productions have included Hairspray and a musical adaptation of the film Stand and Deliver. The success of these productions has established STC as an important pillar of the community. prgtoken STC has not only provided entertainment to the greater Dearborn community, but its productions help provide opportunities for leadership, growth and personal development for Dearborn area students. The months of rehearsals in preparation for the production are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff involved, and the creativity and dedication of all involved in this undertaking have been key to making the play a success. The STC continues to distinguish itself through its elaborate production and strong performances of the featured students, and it is my hope that the STC will continue to build on the success of previous productions while providing students with the opportunity to gain teamwork and valuable life skills in the years ahead. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Stout Theatre Company for its record of success on the date of its premiere of Aladdin Jr. The students and staff involved in these and other productions have continued to demonstrate their talent and commitment. prgtoken The House met at 4 p.m. and was called to order by the pro tempore (Mr. Thomas J. Rooney of Florida).
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF ROBERT F. GLOCKNER
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Robert F. Glockner by including in the Record the Memorial Tribute prepared by his loving family. Bob Glockner died peacefully on March 26, 2017, surrounded by his family. A vibrant man, Bob will be remembered for his warmth and generosity, commitment to his family and community, and his boundless energy. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1938, he was the third child of Paul and Stephanie Glockner. He moved with his family to Oakland, California, in 1947. In 1956 Bob graduated from St. Elizabeth High School, where he enjoyed drama and sports. He served in the U.S. Army and later in the Army reserves. He attended San Francisco State, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies. San Francisco is also where he met his wife of 54 years, Ginger Alfs. Together, they had four daughters. Bob began his career as a salesman for Modernfold of Northern California. In 1970 he became a partner in Partition Specialties, Inc serving as president before striking out on his own to found WestFour Construction and Whitney Investment Company in 1983. He did not retire but more transitioned to the role of ``Volunteer Project Manager,'' helping his family as well as organizations that were close to his heart. Bob always had a project, and many knew him as the person you would turn to when you needed to get something done. A dedicated and active member of his community, he was a member of the Board of Trustees for Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, as well as a member of Sharon Heights Country Club, the Vineyard Club, and the Peninsula Investors Club. He was quick to offer his time or his counsel to assist a worthy cause. Bob loved travel, art and music. He was an avid sports fan, skier, golfer, and lover of the outdoors. Later in life, he tried his hand at growing grapes and winemaking, and enjoyed producing wine under his own ``Four Sisters Vineyard'' label. Above all, Bob loved and was loved by his family. He will be remembered by his wife, Ginger; his daughters and sons-in-law Jennifer and John Whitcomb, Ellen and Fred Eder, Julie Morris, and Whitney and Peter Glockner Black; his 10 grandchildren, Stan, Mackenzie and Brooke Whitcomb, Elizabeth and Fred Eder, Kyle and Hannah Morris, and Axel, Jasper, and Hugo Black; as well as his sisters, Audrey Glockner and Mary Akey; his sister-in-law, Diane Orsellini, and their families. I had the privilege of knowing Bob Glockner for decades. He was a gentleman and a man of great faith. He loved his family and was devoted to his church, his community and his country. It was an honor to have known him and call him my friend. Because of all he did in living a worthy life, our country has been bettered immeasurably I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in expressing our collective sympathy to the great love of his life, Ginger, their children, grandchildren,
TRIBUTE TO NETTY CARR--28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my congressional district. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Netty Carr of Atwater Village, a unique neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Netty Carr was born in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, and has been a resident of Atwater Village for many years. A successful small business owner, Ms. Carr founded Netty's Restaurant in 1987 in Silver Lake, serving comfort food to customers until 2007. Over the years, Ms. Carr has dedicated her time and efforts to better her community. She is an avid supporter of green space, the environment, and historic preservation. Most notably, in 1999, Netty spearheaded the Coalition to Save the Van de Kamp's bakery building on Fletcher Drive, because a developer had plans to demolish the building to build a ``big box'' store. Through the hard work and commitment of Ms. Carr and the Coalition, which was comprised of 23 community groups, they succeeded in saving this historical building. Ms. Carr co-founded Friends of Atwater Village, a non-profit organization, where volunteers work together with the common goal of improving Atwater Village, and promoting and preserving the local history. From neighborhood clean-ups to mural projects, two of which Netty personally funded, Netty's dedication to improve the community through beautification projects is nothing short of extraordinary. I ask all Members to join me in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Netty Carr.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JAMES ``JIMMY'' LANZA
Joseph Crowley (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-4-20

I rise today to pay tribute to the life and service of James ``Jimmy'' Lanza. Jimmy passed on April 6 of this year, surrounded by his family, friends, and beloved brothers from the Fire Department of New York City, after a noble battle with brain cancer. An esteemed member of the Woodside community, Jimmy's life was characterized by a tireless dedication to others in keeping with the highest tradition of service to our country. Jimmy gave perennially of himself, serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, where he was a member of a crew of flying airborne early warning and control systems. After his tenure in the Navy, Jimmy went on to serve as a firefighter, devoting three decades to the FDNY with Engine 53, Ladder 43, in East Harlem as part of ``El Barrio's Bravest.'' prgtoken During his time with the FDNY, Jimmy devoted countless hours to the search and recovery mission at the World Trade Center in the aftermath of September 11. After Hurricane Katrina, he traveled to New Orleans with his FDNY comrades to assist in their rescue, search, and recovery mission. As a volunteer with the Red Cross, he stood ever-ready to lend a hand to suffering communities in the aftermath of devastation. Jimmy also served on the executive board of the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, an organization devoted to providing care and comfort to the families of firefighters during times of great need or bereavement. Jimmy was also deeply involved with charitable work on behalf of wounded veterans and their families. He made numerous trips to Washington, D.C. to visit veterans in military hospitals, and assisted in many sponsored events for vets and their families. A lifetime member of the American Legion, Jimmy served as the Commander of Post 1836, at the Boulevard Gardens in Woodside, Queens. In that role, he helped to educate the community on the profound sacrifices made by those who choose to serve our country in the armed forces. prgtoken A lifelong Woodside resident, Jimmy devoted his time after retirement from the FDNY to improving his local community. He served as the President of the Boulevard Gardens Co-op Board for 15 years, the longest anyone had ever held the position. During his tenure, he worked to improve communication between the local precinct, the community board, and the Co-op board in order to assure that issues were dealt with in a timely manner. Jimmy was also instrumental in the fight to bring fair assessment to property values for co-ops across New York City. Over his tenure as President, the Boulevard Gardens community saw a marked increase in the quality of life and overall safety, as well as the financial standing of the co-op. prgtoken Jimmy Lanza lived his entire life in service of others. His was the highest ideal of a life devoted to one's community and country, and should serve as an example for us all to aspire to. He was a truly great man, and also a dear friend of mine. He was a d
EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-4-20

today I recognize a family-owned and operated company celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 21, 2017. prgtoken When it comes to trends that will keep America competitive in the global economy for generations to come, we think of innovation, entrepreneurship, environmentally friendly businesses, and manufacturing. I was sent to Congress by my constituents to look for innovative ways to bring these trends together, and today I am reminded that a shining example resides right here in my district in Addison, Illinois. prgtoken The founding of Earth Friendly Products (ECOS) is a story that rivals any other. The founder, Van Vlahakis, immigrated from Greece to the United States with $22 in his pocket in 1953 to escape poverty after World War II. First living in homeless shelters and speaking little English, he went on to study chemistry at Roosevelt University while working the night shift at a cleaning products company. During his work, he was exposed to harsh chemicals that gave him headaches and caused co-workers to suffer from rashes and other irritations. Remembering that his mother in Greece used natural substances such as water, vinegar and olive oil for cleaning, Vlahakis decided to start his own business to make better cleaning products. In 1967, he created in his home's garage what would become Earth Friendly Products. ECOS now sells more than 200 environmentally friendly cleaning products in more than 60 countries and has been recognized with safety awards by the Environmental Protection Agency. prgtoken We all know we need to make more things in America again. ECOS is a great example of using clean technology to do that while still creating jobs for Illinois working families. Transforming Illinois into a center for science, technology, and innovation is the kind of opportunity that many of us envision for our state. This 50th anniversary for ECOS is an opportunity to remind the country that we can continue to use clean products that protect the environment while creating good-paying jobs at the same time. For ECOS, that means a $17 per hour companywide minimum wage started by the company in 2014. prgtoken , I am proud to have Earth Friendly Products in my district, and I look forward to the company continuing to create jobs for my constituents for the next 50 years. I celebrate the 50th anniversary of ECOS and the impact the company has had throughout the country.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-4-24

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until Tuesday, April 25; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume executive session to consider the nomination of Rod Rosenstein, with the time until 12:30 p.m. equally divided in the usual form; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during adjournment, recess, morning business, and leader remarks count postcloture on the Rosenstein nomination.
RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES NAVY CAPTAIN MIKE STEFFEN
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-24

I rise today to recognize United States Navy Captain Mike Steffen and his leadership as the 11th Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, which is located in the 12th District of Texas that I represent. prgtoken Over his naval career, Captain Steffen has served numerous deployments overseas--including two combat tours conducting special operations forward deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and earned a number of decorations for his service. prgtoken In August 2015, I was pleased to speak at the ceremony when he assumed command of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas. Captain Steffen has since worked tirelessly to grow the base and ensure it fully supports the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps commands to help them prepare for deployment around the world in these dangerous times. He has also done an excellent job of fostering a spirit of collaboration to make sure the base and the communities surrounding it grow and thrive. prgtoken Fort Worth is proud of our nation's military and proud of our base. It's in our genes since the city started as a fort. Like Captain Steffen says whenever the roar of a fighter jet is heard overhead, ``Texans love the sound of freedom.'' prgtoken Captain Steffen will be turning over command of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base this month on new orders. He will leave the base well-positioned for the future. On behalf of the people of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, I wish him and his family fair winds and following seas.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF TRENTON ON THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-4-24

I rise today to recognize the Exchange Club of Trenton on the 90th anniversary of its founding. The club has provided outstanding support to service projects and community initiatives since its establishment. prgtoken Founded in 1927, the Exchange Club of Trenton began as a professional gathering of prominent businessmen in the Trenton area and has since evolved into a community organization that provides funding and support to a variety of different causes active in the city. The organization raises money through an annual spaghetti dinner, as well as other events like a 5K run and comedy night. Using these funds, the Exchange Club assists a multitude of initiatives to improve the Trenton area. These include supporting child abuse prevention services, as well as activities including an Adopt-a-Highway cleanup program on Fort Street and helping organize the Memorial Day and Christmas parades in the city. Additionally, the Exchange Club also works with Boy Scout Troop 1721 to provide community service and leadership opportunities for troop members. prgtoken The Exchange Club of Trenton has been instrumental in helping the Trenton community grow and develop over the past 90 years. By bringing together local leaders and concerned citizens, the Exchange Club has not only provided an important forum to discuss solutions to issues facing the Trenton area, but also helped drive action to make the city a better place to live and work. The Exchange Club of Trenton's longevity and record of success are testaments to the great work that it has done, prgtoken and it is my hope that the organization continues to build on these achievements in the years ahead. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Exchange Club of Trenton on its 90th anniversary. The Exchange Club has successfully supported important local initiatives in Trenton since its founding.
Bears Ears National Monument (Executive Session)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-4-24

I support the nomination of George Sonny Perdue to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. While I have reservations about some of his record and views, particularly about climate change, Governor Perdue has expressed the collaborative spirit that I believe will make him an effective Secretary and partner to Congress in our effort to support America's farmers and rural communities. prgtoken During his confirmation hearing, Governor Perdue committed to support issues of great importance to Maryland: the Chesapeake Bay, conservation programs, agricultural research, and rural development. Governor Perdue recognized the Chesapeake Bay as a national priority. He acknowledged that it is essential for USDA to work with State and local governments, as well as landowners, on conservation and bay protection. He agreed to work with Congress and the States to dedicate appropriate resources to nutrient reduction and water quality improvements in the bay. I also encouraged him to work with me to support small- and medium-sized farms and to keep our 1,890 Historically Black Colleges and Universities strong, and he committed to do so. prgtoken Governor Perdue voiced support for the critical Federal assistance that the Department's rural development agency provides to rural communities in Maryland and the Nation as a whole. He also committed to working with Congress to improve broadband and telecommunications infrastructure in rural America. prgtoken Governor Perdue faces a budget that cuts the Department 21 percent, completely eliminates the Water and wastewater loan program and reduces staffing at USDA service center agencies. The budget's $17.9 billion cut would harm those the Department serves and the people who work there. I expect Governor Perdue to keep his word to be a forceful advocate for his Department. prgtoken I have concerns about ethics controversies during Mr. Perdue's tenure as Governor of Georgia and his climate change skepticism. If the Senate confirms Governor Perdue, I will pay close attention to his actions as Secretary. Governor Perdue has made a number of commitments to support agriculture and environmental conservation in Maryland, and I intend to hold him to them.
RESOLUTIONS DISCHARGED
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-4-25

today I wish to ask my Senate colleagues to join me in designating April 2017 as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, also known as CDH, is a birth defect that occurs when the fetal diaphragm fails to fully develop, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. When the lungs do not develop properly during pregnancy, it can be difficult for the baby to breathe after birth, or the baby is unable to take in enough oxygen to stay healthy. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect that occurs in 1 out of every 2,500 live births worldwide. Only about 50 percent of CDH cases are diagnosed in utero. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, estimates that CDH affects 1,600 babies in the U.S. each year. Every 10 minutes, a baby is born with CDH, adding up to more than 700,000 babies with CDH since 2000. According to the CDC, babies born with CDH experience a high mortality rate ranging from 20 to 60 percent, depending on the severity of the defect and the treatments available at delivery; yet most people have never heard of CDH. prgtoken Researchers are making great progress to determine the cause of this birth defect and to identify optimal treatment methods. In fiscal year 2017, the National Institutes of Health funded approximately $4 million in CDH research, an increase of $700,000 from fiscal year 2015. There is still much progress to be made, however. The cause of CDH remains unknown, and there currently is no cure. CDH survivors often endure long-term complications, such as congenital heart defects and developmental delays, and the average CDH survivor will face postnatal care of more than $100,000. prgtoken Last month, members from the Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support, also known as CHERUBS, visited my office. Among them were David and Allison Finger and their daughter Vivienne from Hyattsville, MD. Vivienne was born with CDH and had to spend 60 days in the newborn intensive care unit after birth and had to have surgery to repair the hernia when she was only 3 weeks old. On March 18, 2017, Vivienne celebrated her second birthday and is doing very well. Babies like Vivienne, born with CDH, today have a better chance of survival due to early detection and research on treatment options. prgtoken For these reasons, I am proud my colleague the junior Senator from Alabama, Mr. Strange, has joined me in submitting a resolution designating April 2017 as National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month. In previous years, I was pleased to work with his predecessor, Senator Sessions, on this resolution. Designating this month in this fashion provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about CDH; promote quality prenatal care and ultrasounds to detect CDH in utero; and support finding for the research necessary to improve screeni