mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Farm Bill (Executive Calendar)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-11-29

I first wanted to comment on the importance of an agreement on the farm bill. This is something that has been long in coming. I want to thank Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for their work, as well as the Members in the House, including my colleague from Minnesota, leader Collin Peterson. He will be taking over the Ag Committee in the House next year. This is a bill that is so important to rural America and in my State. prgtoken We have seen low commodity prices for too long. As a member of the Ag Committee, I know the last farm bill--the one we are operating under currently--has some things for a strong safety net, but this farm bill--the new tentative agreement--will allow us to make some changes to the way the data is collected, which will be helpful for our farmers with crop insurance. We have some improvements in dairy. We have some good work that is going on with regard to conservation and some changes there. prgtoken As you know, our Senate bill got 86 votes. We don't even get that for a volleyball resolution around here. It was a bipartisan bill, and much of that bill, I know, will be contained in this tentative agreement. ``Tentative'' is with a small ``t,'' and the only reason we are saying that is because we have to get the printed version out, and my hope is, we can get this done in the next week. We do not want to go into next year without a farm bill, with what we are seeing with the tailwinds from these tariffs, with what we are seeing with diseases lurking out there. In Minnesota and in other States in the Midwest, we just got through avian flu a few years back, and every so often we have seen some outbreaks of that. We lived through H1N1. We have a really good provision in here that I authored with Senator Cornyn for a vaccine bank. prgtoken So there is a lot of important, steady policy in the farm bill to show rural America we have their backs and really to show the world that at a time of great global competitiveness and with issues for our farmers with everything from weather to prices, to global competition, we want to make sure America stands by our farmers, and this farm bill is a sure way to do it. prgtoken I am very excited, as a member of the Ag Committee, that we are close to releasing some language here and look forward to getting this done immediately. prgtoken We have all litigated these issues over the last year. It is not like some new idea had been airlifted into this bill. Literally, every single issue--from the nutrition discussions to the conservation issues, to what we have seen on the farm programs, to rural economic development, to rural broadband--has been discussed at length, and we are ready to go. Let's get this bill done.
MAJOR HOMER L. PEASE POST OFFICE
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-11-30

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my support for H.R. 6621, a bill to designate the post office at 530 East Main Street in Johnson City, Tennessee, as the ``Major Homer L. Pease Post Office.'' prgtoken A native of Johnson City, Major Homer Pease lived one of the most interesting lives I've ever seen. Major Pease first tried to join the Marine Corps in 1942 at age 13 but was turned away; so, he convinced a stranger to act as his father at the Army recruiting office instead. prgtoken After he successfully joined the Army, he then completed basic training and became a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, landing at Normandy on D-Day. He was wounded shortly after but later rejoined his unit fighting in the Ardennes Forest, the Battle of the Bulge and Berchtesgaden. When he was wounded again, the Army discovered how old he was and sent him home at 15. prgtoken He was awarded a bronze star and a Purple Heart for his service and returned home to complete high school. However, on his 16th birthday, he was again called to serve, making it as far as Fort Bragg before the Army sent him home once more. But his commitment to his country wasn't done there. He served in ROTC in high school, and at ETSU, before receiving his commission in the National Guard after college. prgtoken Even then, he still felt a calling to serve his country and later became a U.S. Army Ranger at age 36, arriving in Vietnam in March 1966. Unfortunately, on November 19 of that year, while leading a ground combat operation, Homer Pease fell on the battlefield. For the bravery he displayed, he was awarded the Silver Star, another Purple Heart and was promoted to Major. prgtoken A picture of heroism, we can all recognize Major Pease's contributions to our country and naming this Post Office in honor of his patriotism is one way to ensure his legacy endures. I urge support for this legislation.
REDISCOVERING THE DECLARATION
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-30

since the House of Representatives moved into this very Chamber in 1857, the people's Representatives have debated the great issues of the day. The 's rostrum behind me was redesigned after World War II and words were added to the bottom level that speak to noble aspirations of our Nation: union, justice, tolerance, liberty, and peace. prgtoken These words are not the fundamental principles upon which our Nation was founded, but are, I suggest, the fruits of those principles. Consequently, if our founding principles are eroded, these fruits will be eroded as well. prgtoken Over recent decades, our Nation has endured a great and ongoing debate that, at its heart, goes to the continuing relevance of our Nation's founding principles. And what are those principles? They are in our Declaration of Independence. ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.'' ``The consent of the governed.'' These five words recognize that our Nation's sovereignty is in her people--not the government, not the legislative branch, not the judicial branch, not the executive branch or the Federal bureaucracy, but in the people. prgtoken Sovereignty in the people was, indeed, revolutionary in 1776, and it is at the heart of the notion of self-government. This sovereignty in the people, however, is not absolute. It is restrained by a higher law that acknowledges that certain of our rights come from our Creator and are inalienable, among them, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. prgtoken These rights do not come from or depend on government, or what a majority of people electing the government decide. They require, however, that the government protect them. Sovereignty is further restrained by the higher law that we are created equal. prgtoken Our laws should not favor one person over another. All are to be equal before the law, and there must be a fair playing field where all are given the opportunity to develop their God-given gifts and talents. prgtoken These concepts, , are not just founding principles. These are truths, self-evident truths. There are many today who challenge the notion of truth and claim everything is relative. But the Founders recognized the self-evident truths of the Declaration in establishing this country. prgtoken Our Founders built on these principles when they adopted our Constitution and Bill of Rights which limited the power of the Federal Government. The Founders understood that the bigger government became, the more it would infringe on the principles in our Declaration. prgtoken It was appealing to our founding principles that our Nation was able to correct the defect in our Constitution
TRIBUTE TO MARTIN EPELDI
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to honor Martin Epeldi, better known as Marty, for his 23 years of service as a United States Postal Service letter carrier. prgtoken Marty was born and raised in our state's capital city, Boise, Idaho. Martin graduated from Boise High School and then Boise State University. He is also a proud member of Boise's Basque community. For over two decades, Marty has served our community as a letter carrier, delivering the mail `neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of prgtoken their appointed rounds' and Marty is no exception. prgtoken Marty has delivered mail to my Boise office for almost twenty years. In addition to providing trusted and timely delivery of the daily mail, he is a welcome and celebrated visitor to my Boise office. Members of my staff always look forward to his friendly conversation and entertaining stories. Marty's contagious smile and laugh and his outgoing disposition will certainly be missed by the residents and business people of downtown Boise. prgtoken It is an honor to congratulate Martin Epeldi on his remarkable dedication and service to the citizens of Boise. I wish him an enjoyment retirement and much pleasure spending time with family and friends.
FRAN AND PEG
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to recognize two outstanding members of our community and my dear friends: Peg Roberts, a retired teacher, and Fran Henry, a retired nurse. prgtoken Peg and Fran embody the American patriotic spirit through their musical talent. The two sisters were inspired by the famous duo, Diamond and Silk. They refer to themselves as Ruby and Lace. Some of us in the country affectionately refer to them as Coal and Flannel. These darling songstresses, retirees, have also been known by the moniker, ``the two Hotties.'' prgtoken It is a true honor to represent such determined and patriotic people I hope you and all my colleagues can laugh a little and enjoy the humorous lyrics of our upstate Hotties, affectionately known as Ruby and Lace, or as I like to call them, Coal and Flannel.
RECOGNIZING DR. ABRAHAM LIEBERMAN
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise to honor Dr. Abraham Lieberman, who just recently announced his retirement. Dr. Lieberman has been a practicing neurologist for over 50 years, working at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, for much of his career. prgtoken Dr. Lieberman dedicated his life to the treatment and eradication of Parkinson's disease, treating over 40,000 patients, including Muhammad Ali. He wrote six books on Parkinson's, including ``100 Questions & Answers About Parkinson's Disease,'' the best-selling book on that disease. prgtoken His work has done an immeasurable amount of good in furthering the treatment of Parkinson's and to help create a much greater quality of life for those who have the dreaded disease. prgtoken I am pleased that the Barrow Institute has created a way that people can honor Dr. Lieberman by setting up the Lieberman Legacy Fund so individuals can donate money towards Parkinson's research and treatment. prgtoken I wish Dr. Lieberman a long and happy retirement with his wife of 50 years, Ina, his 4 children, and 10 grandchildren. prgtoken Dr. Lieberman's pursuit to conquer Parkinson's has endeared him to his patients, with his personalized touch to each and every one of them. He has become an iconic pillar of excellence in medicine. prgtoken Your patients are so grateful. Thank you, Dr. Lieberman.
HONORING GRACE LEARNING CENTER ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to recognize the Grace Learning Center in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for 20 years of service to the community. prgtoken Grace Learning Center is an after-school program dedicated to providing children with a safe, fun, and educational environment each school day. prgtoken In the late 1990s, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church began exploring the possibility of offering a free after-school program for families in need. They were licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and opened their doors in 1999. prgtoken At Grace, children have the opportunity to expand their intellectual and creative abilities, while gaining an appreciation for their families and community. prgtoken Grace Learning Center maintains close ties with the local schools in order to encourage scholastic achievement in all areas. Grace welcomes children of all socioeconomic levels and gives special regard to children in need. prgtoken Grace provides a loving, caring, and secure environment where children are taught to make wise and responsible choices. prgtoken , I commend Grace Learning Center on 20 years of providing a safe after-school environment for elementary school students and helping them reach their full potential.
HONORING KIM BENNETT
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise to recognize a former member of my staff, Kim Bennett, for her work in my office and her service to our state. prgtoken Kim worked in our Muncie office for two years during my first term in Congress, serving as our Constituent Services Director. Kim has had a long career serving the people of Indiana's 6th Congressional District, as she previously worked for my predecessor and our current Vice President, and for former Congressman David McIntosh. Kim has helped thousands of individuals navigate the complex federal bureaucracy and receive the help they need and she managed our Muncie job fair. prgtoken On a personal note, I have known Kim for more than two decades. I want to thank Kim for her friendship and her hard work in our office. I wish her continued success in all that God has planned for her and her family.
CELEBRATING THE BEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to celebrate the achievements of the Bedford High School girls soccer team of Bedford, Pennsylvania. prgtoken The Lady Bisons capped off an unbeaten season by bringing home the PIAA Class AA State championship on Saturday, November 17. prgtoken This is a monumental accomplishment for the school. It is Bedford High School's first State championship in any sport. It is the first school from District 5 or 6 to win a State championship in their history. prgtoken The Lady Bisons defeated the Lewisburg Green Dragons in overtime 1-0, finishing their season with a perfect record of 22-0. prgtoken The Lady Bisons, coached by Jeff Thomas, were led to victory by their five seniors--Jenna Brown, Bailey Donaldson, Brooke Lankey, Hallie Sisk, and Amber Thomas--who scored the winning goal on a penalty kick just 52 seconds into overtime at Hersheypark Stadium. prgtoken , I am honored to congratulate the players, the coaches, and the families of the Bedford High School girls soccer team on their Pennsylvania State championship. prgtoken The passion, commitment, and teamwork shown by these young women will surely follow them in their future endeavors as well as inspire the Bedford community for years to come.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CARRIE JOHNSON
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Carrie Johnson, a Lincolnville icon who, sadly, passed away earlier this week in St. Augustine, Florida. prgtoken Depending on whom you talked to, Ms. Johnson had many different names. To some, she was ``St. Augustine's Sweetheart'' or the ``Voice of Lincolnville.'' To others, she was simply ``Miss Carrie.'' But to all of us, she will always be remembered as an irreplaceable piece of our northeast Florida community who truly lived to serve others. prgtoken Born out of her life's creed, ``A mission of love, a message of hope,'' she began a foundation for homeless students in St. Johns County. She organized annual Christmas caroling to nursing homes, and she was even considered an honorary officer by the local police, who loved her and who often came to her for guidance. prgtoken She could be seen on any given day riding her ``Lamborghini'' tricycle around town, spreading kindness and hope to everyone she met. prgtoken Her passing will leave a hole that can only be filled with the countless stories of the people whom she touched. prgtoken I am thankful for her dedication to making the world a better place for those around her and grateful that her memory lives on forever. She was a mission of love and a message of hope.
HONORING THE LATE KEN GNADT, FORMER MAYOR OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today in memory of Ken Gnadt of Grand Island, Nebraska, who passed away in September after many years of faithful service to his community. prgtoken Along with his extensive and lifelong volunteer involvement, Ken served as mayor of Grand Island from 1994 to 2002, a member of Rotary International for over five decades, and a Charter Board Member of Grand Island's internationally-attended annual farm show, Husker Harvest Days. prgtoken Born in Alma, Kansas, Ken's work in agribusiness included stints in Texas, Iowa, and nearly seven years in Taiwan where he worked to strengthen Nebraska's valuable economic partnership with Taiwan. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in Animal Science from Kansas State University and a graduate degree in banking from the University of Wisconsin. prgtoken I offer my condolences to Ken's five children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren who survive him. He was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and left a legacy that touched and improved many facets of life in Grand Island and greater Hall County from tourism to education and healthcare. prgtoken Ken was named a Distinguished NEBRASKAlander by the NEBRASKAland Foundation in 2012 for his lifetime contributions to agribusiness and neighborly service to the state of Nebraska and the Grand Island community. Ken joined the Grand Island Community Foundation Board of Trustees in 2014. prgtoken On behalf of Nebraska's Third District, I thank Ken Gnadt for his remarkable leadership and commitment to community service. He will prgtoken be remembered with the gratitude and admiration of many.
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION REFORM
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-30

I was hoping we would be able to get more accomplished this week that would help the American workers. It is amazing a party that calls itself the friend of the working class in America has spent much of the last 10, 12 years doing everything they can to encourage people to come into the United States illegally so that they can take the jobs from those hardworking Americans and those who wanted to work. It has clearly driven down wages for many years now. prgtoken I think that had a lot to do with President 's getting a higher percentage of African Americans and Hispanics than was ever predicted or that other s have done. I have African American friends in different places who say that it is pretty clear the party that counts on getting 90 percent of our vote or so, most places, they haven't done us any good. prgtoken Under 8 years of the administration, especially after the early part of the administration when the had the House, the Senate, and the White House, they got anything they wanted done. prgtoken Did they want to fix immigration or the border? No. It was not a priority at all. prgtoken They are more interested in driving us into socialized medicine, which has made record profits for the big pharmaceuticals, made record profits for the big insurance companies, and driven the little guys out of the market. prgtoken So we also know, and we have seen in this last election, the part that the multimillionaires, the megamillionaires, and the billionaires have played as they poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the election to try to drive into office people who call themselves Socialists, Communists, and progressives. prgtoken It doesn't take a lot of research to figure out why they would do that. We saw the policies of the administration and the ic Party have a profound effect on the economy. President himself--you can find it on video--he finally had to admit that, for the first time in American history--it was on his watch; it was under his policies--95 percent of all the income made in America went to the top 1 percent. prgtoken So we can talk about the party that cares deeply about the working class, but let's look at whom they pandered to in order to get hundreds of millions of dollars to help in races where we had Members of Congress who were outspent 10-to-1, 20-to-1, and 30-to-1. It was dramatic. prgtoken Talking to Ted Cruz, he said that they had 18 full-time employees, which is understandable you would have a lot, because it is the big State of Texas. You need more than two or three. He had 18 full-time employees at the time of the election. He said that then he learned that his opponent, Robert Francis O'Rourke, had over 800 full-time employees. prgtoken What you normally use full-time employees in your campaign for, you don't have them necessarily go out and do the door knocking and do the calls, but usually it is your full-
JUSTICE FOR DIANE RWIGARA
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-11-30

on December 6, a Rwandan court will decide the fate of human rights activist Diane prgtoken Rwigara, who faces up to 22 years in prison for speaking out against President Paul Kagame's government, and for running against him to be president. prgtoken The politically motivated charges against Diane seek to quash any criticism of the ruling party, which has gone largely unchallenged for more than 23 years. prgtoken Americans know that freedom of speech is essential to democracy. They know that we must protect our right to question our leaders and, importantly, encourage that freedom around the world. prgtoken I am sponsoring Diane's case as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission's Defending Freedoms Project, because as Diane faces a prolonged jail sentence, she is still calling on fellow Rwandans to resist fear and speak for their country, prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in calling for justice for Diane.
WORLD AIDS DAY
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-30

I rise today in observation of World AIDS Day which is celebrated tomorrow, actually, in the United States and around the world. Thanks to bipartisan investments in programs like PEPFAR, we have made significant strides in the fight against HIV and AIDS. prgtoken In the 15 years since PEPFAR was passed, over 2.4 million babies have been born HIV free, and over 14.6 million people have been supported with antiretroviral treatment. But we cannot let these numbers lull us into complacency. prgtoken The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is ``Know Your Status.'' More than 9.4 million people living with HIV around the world do not know their status. In the United States, more than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV; 14 percent, mind you, of whom do not know their status. prgtoken We know that tens of millions of people in the United States and around the world will require sustained access to treatment for decades to come. Without robust investments and a strong recommitment to programs like PEPFAR, Ryan White, and the Minority AIDS Initiative, we could see a backslide in the important gains that we have made in the fight against HIV. prgtoken We can't afford to let that happen, so I invite you to join me in commemorating World AIDS Day and recommitting to achieving an AIDS-free generation.