mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING DESTINATIONS INN
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-4-25

our country has been built upon a bedrock of guiding principles which has molded the character of many Americans. Hard work, risk-taking, and perseverance are some of the characteristics that have helped so many of our Nation's citizens achieve the American Dream. Continually on the cutting edge of innovation, America's entrepreneurs share an inspiring creative spirit. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize one such entrepreneur, Larry Fisher, and his small business, Destinations Inn, as the Senate Small Business of the Month for April 2017. prgtoken With a lifelong understanding of business, Mr. Fisher has built many successful businesses, including the critically acclaimed Black Swan Inn. Acquired in 1997, Mr. Fisher transformed the unique 1933 English Tudor into a luxury themed suite lodging facility catering to couples, tourists, and business travelers who are looking for a unique experience. prgtoken After the success of the Black Swan Inn, the Fishers purchased and opened a sister hotel located in Idaho Falls in 2010, the Destinations Inn. The building was built in 1905 and has served as host to a number of businesses since that time, including the O.P. Skaggs Grocery Store and Ferrell's Clothing. In 2006, the Destinations Inn reopened as a premier luxury hotel and began to host guests from all over the world. When the Fishers acquired the building in 2010, they used their skills in artistry and contracting to transform the hotel into a world-class themed suite lodging facility. Each of the 14 suites within the Destinations Inn is creatively tailored to encapsulate an imaginative atmosphere. Combining their talents and vision, Larry and Debbie Fisher have created a business environment where creativity and ideas thrive. The Fishers exemplify professionalism and entrepreneurial passion through the success of the Destinations Inn. prgtoken Born and raised in Pocatello, ID, Mr. Fisher has been a mainstay in his community since his early years. Mr. Fisher currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Pocatello Development Authority, Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship. Recognized for his commitment to the community, Mr. prgtoken Fisher was a recipient of a number of awards, including Parade of Homes Best Show, Builder of the Year, Bridge Builder Award from the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America, voted as best lodging property several years by the community, TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award for 5 years of certificates of excellence, and the Community Black Belt Volunteer Award. Mr. Fisher has dedicated his life to serving his customers and the community. It is my honor to recognize Larry and Debbie Fisher and the employees of Destinations Inn who have done so much for their community. You make our State proud, and I look forward to watch
Reforming Finance for Local Economies Act (Executive Calendar)
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to discuss my bill, the Reforming Finance for Local Economies Act, which I introduced earlier this week. This bill is very simple and straightforward. It would exempt community banks and credit unions with assets of less than $10 billion from complying with the loan-killing, anti-jobs disaster that we commonly refer to as Dodd-Frank. Every reasonable person with a passing knowledge of our banking system knows the destabilizing effect that Dodd-Frank has had on local economies, community banks, and the Nation's credit unions. prgtoken Just last week, President turned to the problems wrought by Dodd-Frank by signing two Presidential memorandums to take a look at the Orderly Liquidation Authority and the systemic risk designation process at the Financial Stability Oversight Council. I applaud the President's efforts in that regard. I believe they are desperately needed. Reforming this flawed law is crucial to the future success of the American economy. prgtoken Some of my colleagues were here when Dodd-Frank was passed in 2010. As we all know, it was intended to prevent another 2008-like banking crisis by strengthening Federal Government regulation of financial services. But in the process, as so often happens, Congress actually crippled America's small community banks and credit unions that played absolutely no role--none, zero, nada--in instigating the 2008 meltdown. And that is not just my opinion. Our Federal Reserve Chair, Dr. Janet Yellen, appeared before the Senate Banking Committee earlier this year--actually, February 14. When it was my turn to ask her questions, I asked her the following simple question: ``What did community banks do wrong in 2008?'' prgtoken This was the Chairwoman's answer: ``Well, community banks were not the reason for the financial crisis. It was larger institutions that took risks and risks that developed outside the banking system.'' prgtoken Let me read that first sentence again. Chair Yellen: ``Well, community banks were not the reason for the financial crisis.'' prgtoken I believe she is right. The fact is that our smaller banks and our credit unions are smothering under the weight of Dodd-Frank. I will give you an example of what I am talking about. The Truth in Lending Act passed by Congress is actually 22 pages long. The Federal Reserve Act, setting up our Federal Reserve System, is 32 pages long. Glass- Steagall, about which we heard a great deal, was 37 pages long. Dodd- Frank is a breathtaking 2,300 pages with 22,000 pages of regulations. You can stand on the thing and paint the ceiling. prgtoken That is why so many community banks no longer exist. Those that have managed to survive have seen their costs go up, their profits go down, and their ability to make small business and consumer loans curtailed-- all as a result of the unnecessary, heavy hand of government. In fact, since Dodd-Frank was passed in 2010, this country has lost 1,700 sm
RELATING TO EFFORTS TO RESPOND TO THE FAMINE IN SOUTH SUDAN
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , in July of 2011, all of us here celebrated the establishment of the world's newest nation. Finally, South Sudan had emerged after more than 20 years of brutal suppression by the government in Khartoum and a war that saw some of the worst human rights atrocities of our time. They emerged out of that. prgtoken Tragically, though, the celebration was short-lived. By December of 2013, a long-simmering rivalry between two leaders--South Sudan's ethnic Dinka President and ethnic Nuer Vice President--exploded in violence, and South Sudan became embroiled in yet another deadly civil conflict. prgtoken Today, over 100,000 people are starving to death; 5.5 million people--half of the population--are at risk of starving by July; and 3.6 million people have been displaced by conflict and famine with 7,000 newly displaced South Sudanese crossing the Ugandan border each and every week. prgtoken In February, famine was declared in two of the areas that have experienced the heaviest fighting. prgtoken Let's be clear: the famine unfolding across South Sudan is completely manmade. The leaders who have unleashed this horror upon the citizens that they are meant to represent--Salva Kiir and Riek Machar--have plundered billions of dollars in oil revenues and donor investment, manipulated ethnic tensions, and armed proxy militias. They have, as we can share with you, recruited child soldiers, killed U.N. peacekeeping forces, and forcibly displaced millions of their citizens--civilians who have been run from their homes. prgtoken Lifesaving humanitarian supplies have been looted by the government and by the opposition. The government has blocked humanitarian access through bureaucratic manipulation and through sheer brute force. Humanitarian workers have been deliberately targeted. They have been abused, raped, and murdered with impunity. Yes, humanitarian workers. South Sudan is now the most dangerous place in the world for humanitarians. prgtoken It is also the most dangerous place for their own citizens because they are treated the same way by these two so-called leaders. And those South Sudan leaders have, in effect, become exactly prgtoken like the government in Khartoum that their people fought against for decades. prgtoken This is appalling. This is unconscionable. It cannot stand. Congress, working with our Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, and many other concerned countries, must make sure those who bear responsibility for this calamity are held to account through sanctions and other tools. prgtoken , I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the ranking member of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, for introducing this timely and important resolution, which seeks to bring attention to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in South Sudan, because in South Sudan it gets worse by the day. I
RECOGNIZING BRET MANLEY
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to recognize Bret Manley and thank him for his years of dedicated service. prgtoken Born and raised in San Dimas, California, Bret went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley Walter A. Haas School of Business. At the University, he served as the President of the Berkeley College s, was a member of Phi Delta Theta, Order of Omega, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Associated Students of the University of California. Bret began his career in public service as an intern in Representative Gary Miller's office, where he was hired shortly after. Always a hard worker, Bret quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a legislative assistant and then a financial services policy advisor for Representative Miller. Prior to leaving Representative Miller's office, Bret was recognized as one of Capitol Hill's 50 Most Beautiful in 2010. prgtoken For the last six years, Bret has been a guiding figure in my office as Legislative Director. He has helped introduce 43 individual pieces of legislation, five of which were ushered into law. Thanks to Bret, you can now ride with your pet on AMTRAK and the federal government can more easily sell excess properties, relieving American taxpayers of government waste. He was instrumental in orchestrating the first Congressional hearing at the Old Post Office, which led to a long term lease of the building, eventually becoming the International Hotel. prgtoken A champion of conservative values, he's also led the fight to keep the California High Speed Rail project transparent and accountable, while also managing a diverse portfolio of issues including financial services, immigration, economics, and transportation and infrastructure. He has worked tirelessly in his role as my chief advisor during my tenure as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He was instrumental with policy formulations and the eventual passage of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act, Positive Train Control, and the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act, among many others. In addition, Bret also served as manager and coach at the biennial Congressional Football Game for Charity. prgtoken Although it is clear Bret doesn't mind the grueling pace of Capitol Hill, he can often be found on the golf course or singing lead vocals and playing guitar for his band, Full Fifth, self-described as ``the most fun you'll have in public.'' In addition to work and his seemingly endless list of hobbies, Bret is also a Lieutenant in the US Navy Reserves and has proudly served our country for the last six years. prgtoken His departure signifies a great change within my office. As my chief policy advisor, Bret was integral to all aspects of our day-to-day operations, from managing the legislative team to coordinating with the communications staff. Although we will miss him greatly, Team Denham w
CONGRATULATING WESLEY SO ON HIS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to recognize Wesley So of Minnetonka, Minnesota, who earlier this month became the United States chess champion. At 23 years of age, Wesley is already one of the world's top chess grandmasters. prgtoken In St. Louis, for the U.S. Chess Championship, Wesley So and his opponent went into a playoff after a two-way tie for first place. In the two-game playoff, So won the first game handily and was able to force a draw in the second game with a perpetual check with his knight. He extended his no-loss streak to 67 games, one of the longest runs in the game's history. prgtoken , Wesley So has quickly made a name for himself in the world of chess since coming to America from the Philippines 5 years ago. He is now the world's number two ranked player and is in prime position to play the world's top player, Norway's Magnus Carlsen. prgtoken Congratulations to Wesley So on an impressive run of dominance. We will be cheering for him as he continues to work on becoming the first American chess grandmaster in more than 40 years.
CELEBRATING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF CAROLANN GARAFOLA
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to celebrate the public service of Carolann Garafola, mayor of Warren Township, New Jersey, as she is honored by the Somerset County Federation of Women as the recipient of the Millicent Fenwick Award for Outstanding Public Service. prgtoken Carolann's service as a public official began on the Warren Township planning board 30 years ago. She then became the township committeewoman for that township, a post she has held for 20 consecutive years, 6 as mayor. prgtoken Carolann began her professional career working with special needs children in Glen Rock, New Jersey public schools, and is currently in her fifth year as executive director of Mt. Bethel Village in Warren, an apartment community for adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. prgtoken The Millicent Fenwick Award for Outstanding Public Service is awarded to a woman who serves in the tradition of the late Congresswoman Fenwick, one with a strong work ethic, high integrity, and a willingness to assist those in need. prgtoken I congratulate Mayor Garafola on this well-deserved recognition.
Honoring Nebraska's Soldiers Who Lost their Lives in Combat (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-4-25

I rise today to remember another of Nebraska's fallen heroes--those young men and women who have given their lives defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. They all have different stories. Their families all have the same request: Remember their sacrifice. By telling the stories of these heroes here on the Senate floor, we honor the request of these Gold Star families.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-4-25

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, Room SD-423.
HONORING DOCUMENTED ORIGINAL TUSKEGEE AIRMAN WALTER K. ROBINSON, SR.
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2017-4-26

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me prgtoken in honoring the service of Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA) Walter K. Robinson, Sr. Tomorrow, I will welcome Mr. Robinson and his family to my office to celebrate his extraordinary service. prgtoken Walter K. Robinson, Sr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1920, the second son of Dr. John C. Robinson and Mrs. Clara Denning Robinson. In 1941, while attending Howard University in Washington, D.C he volunteered for the Army Air Corps. He was sent to Camp Lee in Virginia, Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi, and finally to Tuskegee Army Air Base in Tuskegee, Alabama. He began training at Tuskegee Institute for Basic Ground School, and after three months, continued in Pre-Flight, Primary, Basic, and Advanced Flight. During Primary Training, he had an accident in which he severed his Achilles tendon and was hospitalized for a year, enduring six operations and extensive physical therapy. When he was eventually able to return to full duty, he completed training, and while there, World War II ended. On November 8, 1945, Mr. Robinson returned to civilian life, a few years after marrying his high school sweetheart, Edmonia Bailey. prgtoken After his honorable discharge from the military, Mr. Robinson and his wife moved to Washington, D.C. in 1959. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired after 35 years of service, rising through the ranks of the Post Office as Clerk, Station Manager and the second black Manager of Delivery and Collection for D.C. The Robinsons had one son, Walter K. Robinson, Jr. Sadly, Mr. Robinson's beloved wife, Edmonia Bailey Robinson, passed away in 2000, after 59 years of marriage. Today, Mr. Robinson still lives in Washington, D.C. and is a very active member of the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen (ECCTAI, Inc.). Members of ECCTAI and the Tuskegee Airmen were well-deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal they collectively received in March 2007. It is an honor to have a Tuskegee Airman still living in the District, and I very much look forward to meeting and welcoming him and his family to my office tomorrow. prgtoken , I ask the House to join me in honoring the service of Walter K. Robinson, Sr. and the extraordinary service and sacrifice also made by his brothers and sisters in World War II.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Claire McCaskill (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2017-4-26

I ask the Senate to join me today in honoring the life of Ina Boon, a beloved member of the St. Louis community. With her passing, Ina has left a powerful legacy of public service that will always be cherished, and St. Louis will not be the same without her. prgtoken In addition to being a wife, a mother, and dear friend to so many, Ina was a prgtoken fighter. Not the kind you see shuffling in rings on television; Ina was a special kind of warrior. Her weapons were her voice, her feet, and, as anyone who knew her would tell you, her tenacious nature. Her cause was one that is dear and relevant to every American--true freedom, equality, and justice for all. For decades, Ina fought on the front lines of the civil rights movement for justice and equality for all citizens in my home State of Missouri and in numerous other States throughout the country. prgtoken For more than 50 years, Ina was the fearless leader who served tirelessly at the helm of the St. Louis NAACP Region IV branch. Whether she was advocating for diversity and inclusion in hiring and housing practices, fighting for equal access and fair treatment in healthcare and education, or helping young people find jobs and urging them to register to vote, Ina's life reveals an inspiring commitment to social change and progress. prgtoken Her half-century record of service provides a clear example of how much good can be accomplished with a steadfast and caring spirit. At the same time, Ina's life shows the selfless and generous heart of a public servant. When times were lean at NAACP, Ina worked hard and faithfully while giving up her pay. Additionally, even though she was committed to large-scale, systemic social changes across the State and country, Ina was equally committed to her family and her neighbors. She nurtured her son, mentored young people, and remained active in her church, serving in various leadership positions. prgtoken Ina recently passed away at the age of 90. She was blessed to live a long life and bear witness to some incredible historic moments in our State's history and our country's history as well. I know that Ina was humbled to play a role in some of these moments. With Ina's passing, we have lost a prolific public servant and a dynamic individual. Ina is survived by her son Gentry, as well as nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family members and friends. prgtoken It may come as small comfort to them, but Ina will forever be a part of St. Louis history. She will always be remembered for her leadership, passion, and activism. Right now, many of my fellow Missourians are justifiably saddened by the loss of one of our local champions, but my hope is that Ina's legacy will inspire current and future generations of leaders to continue the vitally important work of perfecting our vibrant, diverse Union. prgtoken I ask that the Senate join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. I
PRESIDENT TRUMP AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Sander M. Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-4-26

we are seeing President attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, both breaking his own promises and making it worse for American families. prgtoken He promised to protect Americans with preexisting conditions, but any State could allow insurers to raise premiums for Americans with preexisting conditions and make their insurance too expensive to afford. Any State could jeopardize access to mental health, emergency, maternal, and prescription drug coverage. And any State could charge older workers an age tax that would devastate middle class families. prgtoken The proposals will steal $1 trillion from Medicare and Medicaid in exchange for giveaways to the very wealthy and corporations. prgtoken The President and s are turning their backs both on their own rhetoric and the real needs and lives of American families.
BIG TALK AND BROKEN PROMISES
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-4-26

big talk and broken promises, that is what we have seen. prgtoken As 's first 100 days come to a close, we see desperate times are leading to desperate measures. First, there is a push to revive Care. Really? Twenty-four million Americans would be kicked off health insurance in the first year, and there would be 15 to 20 percent increases in premiums according to the Congressional Budget Office. The big change to get a compromise is taking away essential benefits and preexisting conditions, the foundation of making sure Americans have health care. prgtoken Second, we see 's threats to defund the subsidies. This is a blatant violation of law. Seven million Americans would lose health care immediately if that happened. prgtoken Third, we see 's threats to cut Medicaid and Medicare by $1 trillion. Block grants will mean cuts to senior's health care, cuts to children's health care. prgtoken With these 100 days coming to a close, we see as the least popular, least productive President in modern history. prgtoken While is breaking his promises, our constituents are depending on us to keep ours.