mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-3

I was unable to be present during roll call vote numbers 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312 and 313 on June 28, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted: on roll call vote no. 306 I would have voted NO; on roll call vote no. 307 I would have voted NO; on roll call vote no. 308 I would have voted NO; on roll call vote no. 309 I would have voted YES; on roll call vote no. 310 I would have voted YES; on roll call vote no. 311 I would have voted NO; on roll call vote no. 312 I would have voted YES; and on roll call vote no. 313 I would have voted NO.
RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF CONCORD
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-3

I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the City of Concord, California. prgtoken The history of Concord begins with the Miwok people, Californian Native Americans who inhabited areas of North-Central California. Originally founded as the community of Todos Santos by Salvio Pacheco, the name was soon changed to Concord by the city's residents. During its early years, Concord thrived as an agricultural community, first having many vineyards which gave way to walnut orchards as a result of prohibition. prgtoken One of Concord's most significant drivers has been the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS), a military base established in 1942. The station functioned as a World War II armament storage depot, supplying ships at Port Chicago. CNWS continued to support war efforts during the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, processing and shipping thousands of tons of materiel out across the Pacific Ocean. prgtoken A portion of CNWS has since been closed and is scheduled to be transferred to the City for a residential and commercial development while reserving approximately two-thirds for open-space and parks projects. The site is also home to the GoMentum Station proving groups, which is used to test self-driving cars. CNWS is helping to keep Concord evolving and an attractive location for Bay Area residents. prgtoken Today, Concord's classic old downtown has a multi-story skyline and it is now the largest city in Contra Costa County. prgtoken As a longtime resident of Concord and someone who has represented it in the city, county, state, and federal government, I am grateful to represent such a diverse city and extend my congratulations on its 150th anniversary.
REMEMBERING LEE ADRIAN
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to honor the life of one of my constituents, Lee Adrian. prgtoken Lee was an active member of our community, serving as Block Captain for the Strathern Neighborhood Watch in North Hollywood, where he worked tirelessly with law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens to reduce crime and improve our community. He was also involved with the Community Police Advisory Board for the Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Division that supports the Neighborhood Watch. prgtoken A proud patriot, Lee was known for displaying an American flag outside his home for pedestrians to admire. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force. His love for country translated to Lee's involvement with community advocates, faith leaders, and government officials to make our community a better place for everyone. prgtoken He and his wife worked relentlessly on the Whitsett Avenue ``VINTAGE NORTH HOLLYWOOD'' mural until its dedication in 2014, with a drought- resistant garden on both sides of the mural. The large mural was a community effort, which can now be enjoyed by motorists traveling on Whitsett Avenue and on the 170 Freeway, north of Sherman Way. prgtoken I hope Mr. Adrian's legacy is never forgotten, and that his passion of giving back to the community inspires others to follow his lead.
HONORING IVAN DRACH
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-7-6

I am pleased to join my colleague and fellow co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, to honor the dignified and illustrious life of Ukrainian democratic leader, Ivan Drach. A poet, author, politician, and lover of liberty for Ukraine, Ivan was a true leader who brought forward the edge of freedom for his nation. On June 19, Ivan passed away in Kyiv at the age of 81. prgtoken He first gained prominence with his poem, ``Knife in the Sun,'' and then later in 1988 helped found and led the ``Popular Movement for Ukraine,'' popularly known as Rukh. After his election to the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada in 1990, he worked tirelessly to shine a light on wicked crimes of Russian- prgtoken imposed communism, as well as to find commonality between all of Ukraine's ethnicities. prgtoken It is during these times that we look to his example of humble, yet powerful leadership. May we remember his sacrifice, and find inspiration in his unflagging commitment to a free and open Ukraine, and his pursuit for liberty. Ivan Drach--Giant of Ukraine's Independence Ivan Drach, a giant in Ukraine's movement to independence, died June 19 in a Kyiv hospital at the age of 81. Drach, a long-time member of the Writer's Union of Ukraine, was a respected and award-winning poet and screenwriter. With his poem ``Knife in the Sun,'' he first came into national prominence during ``The Thaw''--a brief period of political and cultural liberalization under then Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Twenty years later, Drach again came to national and international prominence as a political activist during the Soviet Union's Perestroika period in the late 1980s and then during the early years of Ukraine's independence. The numbers of young men from Ukraine lost in the Soviet Union's war in Afghanistan and the handling of the Chornobyl explosion led to Ukraine's civil society becoming restless with directives from what was euphemistically known as ``the center'' (Moscow) and were increasingly distrustful of leaders in the Kremlin. In what began in late 1988 as an initiative of the Writer's Union of Ukraine, a year later had become a national movement. In September 1989, at the founding congress of the ``Popular Movement of Ukraine'' (Narodniy Rukh Ukrainy), a grassroots opposition movement known worldwide simply as ``Rukh,'' Drach was elected chairman and an Mykhailo Horyn, a political dissident who had survived the Soviet Gulag, was elected head of Rukh's secretariat. The pair combined focused vision with determined leadership and guided the organization, and civil society, through a tumultuous period in history. As Rukh's membership grew throughout Ukraine other prominent dissidents, as well as representatives of maj
HONORING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2018 LITERACY COUNCIL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA RECOGNITION EVENT
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise to recognize the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) and to congratulate the volunteers, instructors, students, community partners, and others who will be recognized at the 2018 LCNV Recognition Celebration. prgtoken The mission of LCNV is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities and in society as a whole. LCNV serves low-literacy and limited English language proficient adults with a selection of low-cost, moderately intensive courses to help them transition into the workforce or other educational opportunities. LCNV provides the crucial first steps of language and literacy proficiency for workplace, citizenship, and community integration to help adults make measurable improvements in their lives. prgtoken Each year LCNV recognizes students and members of the community who have contributed their time, energy, and resources to achieving the mission of LCNV. LCNV will also recognize the recipient of the Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship. It is my great honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2018 LCNV honorees and scholarship recipient: Community Partnership Awards prgtoken Cox Charities. prgtoken Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships. prgtoken Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington. Volunteers of the Year prgtoken Douglas `Kim' Lutz. prgtoken Teaching Team of Margaret Breen and Laura Schell. prgtoken Library Team of Sally Eckard and Bruce Miller. Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship Recipient prgtoken Faustine Coulibaly. prgtoken I also want to recognize those volunteers who are celebrating service anniversaries with LCNV. Volunteers are being recognized for service milestones of 5, 10 and 15 years respectively. Volunteer Service Anniversaries prgtoken 15 years: Kathleen Nebhut, Dianne Rankin, Judith Sapienza. prgtoken 10 years: Rob Abbot, Renee Dexter, Kristen Landry, Jeffrey Randorf, Lynne Sprung. prgtoken 5 years: Michael Carpenter, Liz Castillo, Eleftheria Frances, Alyse Goldman, Donna Kooperstein, Bruce Miller, Dahlia Orleans-Pobee, Fran Perros, Paul Schoen, Nancy Simmons, Robert Sutter, Gary Voegele. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Literary Council of Northern Virginia and in thanking and congratulating each of the honorees of the 2018 LCNV Recognition Celebration. l wish all of them great success in their future endeavors.
WISHING MICHAEL McHUGH A SPEEDY AND COMPLETE VICTORY IN HIS BATTLE AGAINST CANCER
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to extend my best wishes, prayers, and hopes for a speedy and complete victory to Michael McHugh in his battle against cancer. prgtoken Michael McHugh previously worked in my Houston Office as an intern where he made significant contributions to our efforts to serve the residents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. prgtoken Raised in Friendswood, Texas and educated at the University of Houston, Michael McHugh earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and played an active role in several civic organizations and volunteer groups in the Houston area. prgtoken Those of us who know Michael well know his dedication to democratic ideals and his commitment to fighting injustice. prgtoken That dedication and commitment will serve Michael well during this most challenging and difficult chapter in his life. prgtoken Michael McHugh lives the quote of Margaret Mead: ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.'' prgtoken As a breast cancer survivor, I know how shocking, overwhelming, and unexpected a cancer diagnosis can be. prgtoken I know how easy it is for anxiety, anger, and depression to creep in as you adjust to life after the diagnosis. prgtoken However, as Lance Armstrong said ``we have two options, medically and emotionally: give up or fight like hell.'' prgtoken Michael is a fighter. prgtoken As a Congresswoman who is also a survivor, I have and will continue to support funding medical research designed to cure cancer. prgtoken It is my hope that Michael McHugh will win his fight against cancer and will enjoy many more years with his loving family and friends and continue his history of service to our community and nation. prgtoken It is my prayer that Michael's battle against cancer will one day be a footnote in the book of his life, just another battle that he fought and won. prgtoken As the later ESPN broadcaster, Stuart Scott, stated, ``you beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.''
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JUDGE HELEN SHORES LEE
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Judge Helen Shores Lee, who passed away on July 2, 2018, at the age of 77. Judge Lee was the first black woman to serve as a judge on the Jefferson County Circuit Court, and was a daughter of the prominent civil rights attorney Authur Shores. Throughout her life, Judge Lee put her family and her community first. Her contributions as a public servant and advocate for equal justice will not be forgotten. prgtoken On May 3, 1941, Judge Lee was born in Birmingham, Alabama, a city which would become the beating heart of the civil rights movement. Born to parents Arthur Shores and Theodora Warren Shores, Judge Lee grew up with her younger sister Barbara in Birmingham's historic Smithfield neighborhood, an area that was at the forefront of Birmingham's struggle for equal rights. Home to black leaders including A.G. Gaston and Peter Hall, Smithfield became known as ``dynamite hill'' because houses in the neighborhood were bombed so frequently by the Klu Klux Klan. prgtoken Judge Lee's home was no exception. Because of her father's role as a prominent attorney in the civil rights movement, Judge Lee's family was regularly targeted. During one two-week period during the summer of 1963, her home was bombed twice, injuring Judge Lee's mother and killing their pet. prgtoken But Judge Lee's father refused to give up on his fight for equality. As an attorney, he worked for Autherine Lucy in her effort to desegregate the University of Alabama. Later he helped secure admission for Vivian Malone and James Hood, who successfully desegregated the school. prgtoken Despite violent threats against her home, her family, and her neighborhood, Judge Lee pursued her education. Judge Lee graduated from A.H. Parker High School and then attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Judge Lee then went on to earn her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California. prgtoken After graduating from Fisk University, Judge Lee married the love of her life, Robert Lee, Sr and started a family with her new husband in California. For 55 years, until Judge Lee's passing, the couple remained happily married. prgtoken Judge Lee practiced as a clinical psychologist for several years before following in her father's footsteps and becoming an attorney. With a law degree from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Judge Lee joined her father's firm in 1988. prgtoken From 1996 to 2000, Judge Lee served as a member of the Alabama State Ethics Commission. During her last two years on the Commission she served as the Commission's chairwoman. prgtoken After 16 years of working with her father's firm, Judge Lee was appointed Circuit Judge of the Tenth Judicial Court of Alabama by Governor Don Siegelman. Assuming the bench in 2003, Judge Lee became the first black woman to serve in the Civil Division of the C
CONGRATULATING DANIEL JOSEPHSON ON WINNING THE 2018 CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to honor and congratulate Daniel Josephson on winning the 2018 Conservationist of the Year award. prgtoken The Adirondack Council's Conservationist of the Year award recognizes an individual for contributions to the Council's mission of ensuring ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. This year, Daniel Josephson is recognized for his dedication to research and advocacy on behalf of lakes, ponds, and the Honnedaga brook trout in the Adirondack Park. prgtoken For more than 30 years, Daniel has advocated for conservation efforts in the Adirondacks by working with Cornell University's Adirondack Fishery Research Team. He used his strong research and knowledge on the impacts of acid rain on lakes and ponds to aid advocates in influencing Congress, resulting in legislation that would increase cuts to air pollution. Through his passion for communicating scientific knowledge to help conservationists promote policy change, Daniel played an instrumental role in conserving the beauty and ecological value of the Adirondacks. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Daniel on his well-deserved award, and thank him for his continued commitment to protecting the Adirondack Park, its natural resources, and its native species.
RECOGNIZING SARAH GOODRICH OF SALT
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-7-6

it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of Ms. Sarah W. Goodrich on the occasion of her retirement from Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) Development. Since 2012, Ms. Goodrich has remarkably served as the Executive Director of SALT, a non-profit group in Schoharie County, New York that works to promote sustainable community development, natural disaster recovery, and emergency preparedness. prgtoken In 2011, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding and devastation throughout Schoharie County. Ms. Goodrich spearheaded volunteer efforts in the wake of these natural disasters to assist friends, neighbors, and strangers rebuild their homes and communities. Throughout these difficult times, Ms. Goodrich became a cornerstone of disaster recovery within the Schoharie region, and it was her commitment to disaster recovery in the region that directly led to the creation of SALT. prgtoken The genuine care and concern she has for her community knows no bounds. In addition to her many years cultivating SALT and making it into a beacon of community development, she has also been an active member of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Extension of Schoharie County. In recognition and honor of her outstanding commitment to the community, Ms. Goodrich has also received countless awards and accolades. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Goodrich on her much-deserved retirement from SALT. Through her ardent and humble leadership, Ms. Goodrich has been an unfaltering steward and passionate advocate for the community. Her lifetime of hard work is inspirational, and I am grateful for her many and unparalleled contributions to SALT, to Schoharie County, and to New York State.
IN HONOR OF MICHAEL ROLING
Rod Blum (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to congratulate Michael Roling of Dyersville, Iowa. The highest honor in the Boy Scouts is achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Only 4 percent of all scouts meet the requirements to earn the Eagle Scout Award. A Scout, such as Michael, requires tremendous dedication and hard work to rise through the ranks. prgtoken In earning this title, Michael spent over 100 hours building a beautiful archery shelter, on display for his community to enjoy. He deserves special recognition for this important accomplishment. The challenges he faced earning this rank will serve him well in his mission of greater service to his family and community. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO JOYCE AND LARRY NEWMAN
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to recognize and honor Joyce and Larry Newman of Clarinda, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 3, 2018. prgtoken Joyce and Larry's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. May their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken , I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
HONORING CORPORAL ALEX NEUBE
Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-7-6

I rise today to recognize the service of Corporal Alex Neube. prgtoken After joining the United States Army in 1951, Mr. Neube was deployed to Korea, where he fought courageously and quickly ascended to the rank of Corporal. During his tour of duty in the Korean War, he was involved in an intense firefight with opposing forces in which he was injured. Yet after recovering in a military hospital, Corporal Neube would return to the battlefield to complete the valiant effort of liberating our ally and defending democracy. prgtoken After the completion of his tour in 1953, he returned to the United States, and was placed in the ready reserves where he remained until honorably discharged in 1957. Upon his exit from the military, he married Estelle Mangin. Together, they would raise six children. Growing through adolescence with the values of his father, their youngest, Brian, was inspired to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he would remain until 2014, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. prgtoken Corporal Neube is the perfect example of an ideal soldier. Honor. Duty. Sacrifice. These values embody everything Corporal Neube stands for. Without the courage of Americans like him, we would have no one to uphold our values and defend our freedoms so that our democratic ideals may exist in peace. prgtoken , I am honored to recognize such a deserving man, Corporal Alex Neube. I thank him for his patriotism, and I salute him for everything he has done for this great nation.
Stress Tests for Banks (Executive Session)
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-7-9

I rise today to express my opposition to the nomination of Mark Bennett to be a circuit judge for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Mr. Bennett has had a long legal career and has served as the attorney general of Hawaii. My concerns lie not in his resume, but in his public history of opposing constitutionally protected freedoms essential to our way of life. prgtoken I have been and always will be a defender of the right of people to keep and bear arms. Wyoming is a State full of law-abiding gun owners who grow up learning to respect firearms and how to use them responsibly. Folks use them for a variety of purposes, everything from self-defense to hunting to work. prgtoken As Hawaii's attorney general, Mr. Bennet joined four other State attorneys general in an amicus curie brief on behalf of the District of Columbia in the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller. The brief argued that the Second Amendment protects no individual right to bear arms. This position worries me that he would not uphold Supreme Court precedent on the Second Amendment. prgtoken At a time when so many critical issues are being litigated in our courts, I cannot vote to confirm a nominee with a background of opposing fundamental constitutional rights. Therefore, I must oppose the nomination of Mr. Bennett. prgtoken Thank you. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.