mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JASON SEAMAN
Joe Donnelly (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-7-9

today, I rise to recognize and honor the extraordinary courage of Noblesville West Middle School teacher Jason Seaman. Jason's actions on May 25 to protect his classroom of students during a shooting at the school in Noblesville, IN, exemplified his selflessness, dedication to his job, and the deep commitment he has to his students, the school, and the entire community. prgtoken Jason graduated in 2007 from Mahomet-Seymour High School in Mahomet, IL, where he was a star athlete. He went on to play college football at Southern Illinois University and earned a degree in elementary education. Prior to teaching at Noblesville West, Jason was an instructional assistant at on Parkway Elementary School in Fishers, IN. In 2014, he was hired at Noblesville West, where he currently teaches science to seventh graders and coaches football and track. Jason is described by his fellow teachers as a devoted colleague. prgtoken On the morning of Friday, May 25, just after 9 A.M an armed student entered Jason's classroom and opened prgtoken fire. Jason intervened, distracting the assailant with a basketball and tackling him. In the process, Jason was injured. According to news reports, he was shot three times: in the abdomen, hip, and forearm. Jason underwent surgery and was released a day later from the hospital. In the aftermath of the shooting, instead of seeking attention, Jason focused on others; he thanked first responders for their actions, his students for their support, and turned his attention to the other victim, encouraging others to help the family of student Ella Whistler, who was critically injured, by donating to help cover her medical expenses. In addressing the shooting, Jason revealed a lot about his character in the way he talked about it. In brief public remarks, he said, in part, ``I want to make it clear that my actions on that day in my mind were the only acceptable actions I could have done given the circumstances. I deeply care for our students and their well-being. That is why I did what I did that day.'' prgtoken Because of Jason's heroic actions, witnesses say that more students were not hurt, and he helped to save an unknown number of students' lives. Jason's courage and commitment to his students represent the very best of Hoosier values. prgtoken Jason set an example for others and has been rightfully recognized as the hero he truly is. Let us strive to emulate the example this man has set for us and honor his dedication to his students and community. On behalf of Hoosiers, we all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to this exceptional man.
Algae Blooms in Florida (Executive Session)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-7-9

. Just last week, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that additional money, the $514 million in disaster supplemental funding for the Herbert Hoover Dike, and that will complete that project earlier than 2025, accelerating completion to 2022, as Senator Rubio and I had requested. This funding is on top of what we have already spent over a decade and a half--$1 billion shoring up the dike. This didn't happen just yesterday. This happened 15, 20 years ago, and we have already spent $1 billion. prgtoken We are going to get it accelerated all the way to 2022. That is coming in time. While getting that additional funding to speed up work on the dike is certainly good news, it is important to remember that fixing the dike is important for public safety, to protect the communities that are living around Lake Okeechobee. It is not the solution to ending the discharges, and it is not solving the algae crisis. It is one step on the road to try to stop all of this algae bloom that occurs every year. prgtoken Once that dike is fully repaired, the Army Corps then expects to be able to store about 6 more inches of water. In a big lake like that, that is a lot of water. That is good news because that flexibility helps, especially during the algae bloom breakouts, because you can hold more water back in the lake and you don't have to dump it into the St. Lucie or the Caloosahatchee. The only way to end those damaging discharges is to move ahead with Everglades restoration projects north of the lake, as well as the projects designed to take water from the lake, clean it, and send it south, as Mother Nature initially intended it to go. prgtoken That is why we need to get critical projects like the Central Everglades Planning Project and the new reservoir in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of the lake moving as fast as we can. To do that, we need more than the small amount the President has requested for next year. In fact, we need upward of $200 million a year to really start making progress in restoring the Everglades. prgtoken Voters in Florida overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the documentary stamp tax to land acquisition for environmental projects. Florida is sensitive to the environment, and that is why the voters voted an increase in the documentary stamp tax for themselves. What happened is that the government of the State of Florida hasn't been using that money for what the people intended when they voted in a referendum. Instead of using that money as it was intended, the State of Florida is trying to divert it to other purposes, such as filling in budget shortages or employees' salaries or other items unrelated to environmental expenses, and now we have suits that have tied all that up in litigation. It is further distracting from the overall goal of restoring the Everglades. prgtoken The Federal Government should take the lead and do what is right. We should move fo
TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2018
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-7-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5729, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Accountability Act of 2018. prgtoken Since 2002, when Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act, problems have beset the Transportation Worker Identification Credential card, or TWIC card, as it is called, a maritime security credential. prgtoken Since its inception, concerns and questions about the reliability of background check information, the efficacy of fraud detection capabilities, and the relatively high cost of the credential have been persistent shortfalls that the Department of Homeland Security has never gotten right. prgtoken As explained by the bill's sponsor, the Coast Guard issued a flawed final rule in 2016 for the use of TWIC card biometric readers at high- risk maritime facilities. The Coast Guard issued this rule despite Congress directing the Department of Homeland Security in 2016 to conduct a ``top-to-bottom'' review of the effectiveness of the entire TWIC program. prgtoken If there was ever an example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing, the issuance of this reader rule was it. Considering the history and pattern of mismanagement of TWIC credentials, I agree with the purpose of this legislation. It makes prudent sense to put a hold on any new TWIC rulemaking until such time that the Department of Homeland Security completes its effectiveness review as required by Congress. prgtoken Ensuring the security of high-risk maritime facilities remains a vitally important homeland security priority. If the TWIC card is not up to the task, it is best for Congress to understand why and how the deficiencies might best be resolved. prgtoken On the other hand, if it is determined that the best course of action is to abandon the TWIC card, we need to evaluate alternative security measures that might fill the gap immediately. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me and support this noncontroversial legislation. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF PEOPLE OF INDIAN ORIGIN AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-7-10

I rise to recognize the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and to congratulate the recipients of its Annual Awards of Excellence. Founded in 1989, the mission of GOPIO was battling human rights violations committed against persons of Indian origin. Today, while that mission continues, GOPIO has also broadened its mission to include pooling resources of persons of Indian origin for the benefit of not only themselves and their Indian homeland, but also the communities they currently reside in. prgtoken Indian-Americans have made countless contributions to the United States in the fields of business, education, medicine, science, technology, and public service while preserving and sharing their culture in a manner that promotes tolerance and mutual understanding. prgtoken Many of our awardees tonight have been at the forefront of those efforts. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the following individuals: prgtoken Dr. Ravi Chaudary--Science and Technology prgtoken Dr. Ram Reddy--Entrepreneur prgtoken Dr. Prashanth N. Bharadwaj--Education prgtoken Mr. Jay Mandal--Journalism prgtoken Dr. Rajesh Mehra--Medicine prgtoken Ms. Swati Sharma--Arts and Culture prgtoken Northern Virginia, which I am proud to represent in Congress, is blessed by its diversity. We are home to more than 40,000 people of Indian descent and (one of) the largest number of Asian-American, including Indian-American owned small businesses and tech firms in the nation. This diversity enriches our entire community and contributes to our region being considered one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, raise a family, and start a business. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the recipients of the GOPIO Awards of Excellence on their accomplishments. I commend them for their service to their communities and to our nation, and I wish them success in all their future endeavors
NATO (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-7-10

I want to start by thanking my colleagues who will be joining me shortly on the floor to voice their support for the NATO alliance. Once again, we find ourselves facing a crisis of President 's own creation. prgtoken For nearly 70 years, NATO has served as a pillar of stability and security for the United States and our democratic allies across Europe. It was there as Europe rebuilt after World War II. It was there to win the Cold War. It was there to defend the United States after September 11. Yet today, for the first prgtoken time since World War II, an American President has given our closest allies in Europe reason to question the trustworthiness of the United States and our reliability as a NATO partner. prgtoken President 's slapdash approach to foreign policy, borne out of heated campaign rallies instead of thoughtful Cabinet meetings, has real implications for our national security. Such reckless behavior by President has weakened the United States on the global stage and has created a more dangerous world for our citizens and our troops serving abroad. prgtoken Today the President is on his way to Europe, and his intentions are clear. President will use every opportunity that comes his way to admonish our allies, alienate our closest friends, and degrade the post-World War II international order in the hopes of winning favor with the dictator from Moscow. prgtoken In fact, this morning the President said his easiest meeting during this trip would probably be with Vladimir Putin. Is it easy because they share common values? Is it easy because he wants to be Putin's friend? Is it easy because would rather deal with an autocrat than negotiate with democratically elected leaders? prgtoken Let's be clear. Meeting with a thug intent on undermining American democratic values should not be easy, and it should not be chummy. Yet as National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster reportedly said in the past: The president thinks he can be friends with Putin. I don't know why, or why he would want to be. prgtoken I agree with those comments of the former National Security Advisor, General McMaster. It makes no sense. Attacking American democracy is not exactly an act of friendship. prgtoken We know the circumstances are dire. The leaders of our intelligence community and the entire Senate Intelligence Committee, on a bipartisan basis, have concluded that Russia not only attacked the United States in 2016 through its cyber efforts but continues to sow discord and destabilize institutions that are at the very heart of American democracy. prgtoken Yet to this day, President continues to take Putin at his word. With his warm embrace of the Russian dictator, many of us find ourselves questioning the President's true loyalties, and it is no surprise that our allies in Europe are questioning the loyalty and commitment of the United States to the post-World War II inter
HONORING THE LIFE OF LAURA SHIPP
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-7-10

today I rise to remember the life of Laura Shipp. prgtoken Laura attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. prgtoken Laura was a single mother to her son, Corey, who is a Marine Corps reservist. prgtoken Laura and her son had a strong relationship, and she had even moved from California to Las Vegas so she could be closer to him. prgtoken Laura loved the Los Angeles Dodgers and country music. She was protective of those that she loved and had a big heart. prgtoken Laura is remembered as being a smart woman who would always make sure to buy her son and nephew a toy or a snack, even when she didn't have a lot of money. prgtoken , I would like to extend my condolences to Laura Shipp's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.
RECOGNIZING MR. JULIAN BRYSON WILGUS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-7-10

I rise today to recognize Julian Bryson Wilgus on the occasion of his 100th birthday and commend him for his contributions to our community in Guam. prgtoken Julian was born on June 22, 1918 in Proctorville, Ohio, and is the son of Effie Bryson and William on Wilgus. He currently resides in Talofofo, Guam after recently relocating to the island to live with his daughter Janna and her husband, Command Sergeant Major (retired) Martin Manglona. prgtoken Julian married Gleena Gamble on January 14, 1951. They were married for 48 years until Gleena's death in 1999. Julian's wife Gleena was a retired educator who earned nine master degrees. Together they raised two children, Julia Wilgus Mayo, a Regional Supervisor for School Psychologists in Lawrence County Ohio School District, and Dr. Janna Wilgus Manglona, Medical Director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Central Regional Health Center in Mangilao. He has been blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. prgtoken Julian attended Marshall University in West Virgina and and Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. He worked as a Detective in Huntington, West Virginia's Police Department for 23 years, as well as an engineer for the West Virginia State Highways for 21 years. prgtoken Julian is a talented craftsman. Over the years, he has built extraordinary furniture and has restored an entire household of antiques. Julian is also an avid gardener and in summer provided vegetables and canned goods for family and friends for the rest of the year. prgtoken Julian is proud of his family history as his grandfather, Charles on Wilgus, a Veteran of the Civil War and prosperous plantation owner ran an underground railroad that smuggled escaped slaves to safety and freedom through a tunnel under his home leading to the Ohio River. The home became a historical site for his selfless efforts to protect the slaves while placing himself in harm's way. prgtoken I join Julian Bryson Wilgus, all his family and friends, and the people of Guam in celebrating his 100th birthday.
HONORING BRIA CARBO
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2018-7-10

I rise today to honor an athletic young lady, Ms. Bria Carbo of Clinton, Mississippi. prgtoken Bria Carbo is the youngest child of Ron Carbo and Dana Carbo-Bryant. She is one of three siblings to Brent and Jolie Carbo. Currently, Bria is a Junior of Clinton High School in Clinton, MS. prgtoken Bria Carbo is a very outgoing and athletic young lady, who is carrying on a legacy of track athletes in her family. Bria began running track at the age of eight (8), participating on the Amos track team and the Mississippi Track Stars summer track program in the Jackson, MS area. She began her school track career at Byram Middle School, Byram, MS and continued on when she transferred to Clinton Middle School, Clinton, MS. In 8th grade, Bria started varsity cross country with Coach Marett and varsity track in 9th grade with Coach Perkins. She has had the privilege of being a part of the state championship winning Clinton track team, three out of their 5 wins. prgtoken Bria's family history in track is very valuable. Her father, Ron, had a successful varsity and Junior Olympic track career as a native of New Orleans, La. Her older siblings, Brent and Jolie, were sprinters for Terry High School, Terry, MS. Her sister, Jolie, is currently completing her senior year as a member of the track team for the University of Mississippi. All three (3) have participated in the Junior Olympics at some point in their track careers. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Bria Carbo for her hard work and dedication at Clinton High School and I wish her much success as she continues to pursue her track career and carry her family's legacy.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2018-7-10

I proudly rise today to recognize and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and its many contributions to youth in Kansas City. As a cornerstone of the community, I am truly honored to have this institution in the Congressional District that I represent. prgtoken Kansas City Public Schools began humbly as the Kansas City Missouri School District in 1867, serving only 2,150 children in the Kansas City area. Since its formation, KCPS has faced and overcome many hurdles, from segregation and racial barriers in the 1960s, to funding and accreditation in the 1980s to the early 2000s. Throughout these challenges, KCPS has exemplified true resilience and shaped the future of education in Kansas City for the better. In its journey to gain full accreditation, KCPS turned times of struggle into opportunities for advancement, exploration, and innovation. The KCPS system launched mentor programs to conscientiously provide students with support and guidance. Recently, it spearheaded the Middle College Program that allows students who have dropped out of school to complete their high school education and prepare for technical school or a two-year degree program at no cost. Moreover, it fostered community partnerships with the public sector, private sector, business leaders, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure the district has resources to meet the needs of every student and their family. KCPS has faced adversity, but never threw in the towel. prgtoken The KCPS system established itself as a source of stability for not only education, but also for families and the community. KCPS preserves its commitment to fostering a rich, diverse, and inclusive environment by providing services for English language learners, homeless students in transition, students with learning disabilities, and many others. This pledge to both student and family outreach demonstrates true assiduity and ensures that education is an equitable opportunity for all. prgtoken Today, the Kansas City Public School system employs 2,300 teachers and educates nearly 16,700 students annually. Of these, nearly 91 percent of students come from marginalized communities, and more than 50 languages are spoken in its 35 schools, centers, and programs. KCPS gives students the tools necessary to be college and career-ready, empowering them to achieve their dreams. prgtoken KCPS sets itself apart as an innovator, advocate, and champion. Undoubtedly, a century and a half of educating youth and serving the community is no easy feat. However, the spirit of the district, dedication of the administrators and teachers, and the commitment to growth is what allows the Kansas City Public School system to continue achieving its vision. prgtoken In our diverse city with students from all walks of life, the importance of having access to a quality public education is critical in ensuring doors of opportunity for the youth of Kansas City continue
SCORE FOR SMALL BUSINESS ACT OF 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-7-10

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1700, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2017. prgtoken H.R. 1700 amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE program (Service Corps of Retired Executives) for FY2018-FY2019. prgtoken The program is renamed as simply the SCORE program. prgtoken The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall award a grant to the SCORE Association (or any successor group) in order to strengthen resources for entrepreneurs. prgtoken By passing this bill, we are ensuring that the program and each of its chapters develop and implement plans and goals to provide services more effectively and efficiently to individuals in rural areas, economically disadvantaged communities, and other traditionally underserved communities. prgtoken Such requirements includes plans for electronic initiatives, web- based initiatives, chapter expansion, partnerships, and the development of new skills by participating volunteers. prgtoken The SBA's SCORE program embodies the power of public-private partnerships and is dedicated to educating and assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners in the formation, growth and expansion of their small businesses. prgtoken I want to thank all the trained volunteers that serve as counselor's advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. prgtoken Further, there are approximately 13,000 volunteer business counselors with 348 chapters across the country. prgtoken Established in 1965, the Houston chapter has more than 130+ volunteers covering the 9-county Greater Houston Area. prgtoken These services are offered at no fee, as a community service. prgtoken According to the SCORE Association, in FY13, SCORE estimates that it served over 400,000 clients, and helped to create more than 40,500 new businesses and more than 67,098 new jobs. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1700 as it is vital that we support.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-7-10

today I wish to recognize and extend my sincerest congratulations and happy birthday wishes to Juliette C. Hamill, who celebrates her 100th birthday on July 10. prgtoken Juliette was born and raised in Manchester, NH, the same city where she resides today. She worked as a legal secretary, as well as a Federal housing authority, before retiring. prgtoken Juliette and her husband, Warren, were married for 45 years before he passed away in 2001. During the course of their marriage, they visited all the continental U.S. State capitals on road trips. While the couple spent most of their years in New Hampshire, they also briefly lived in New York, California, Ohio, and Nebraska. prgtoken Together, Juliette and Warren raised four children: Theresa McKenney, Warren G. Hamill, Catherine Mary Burge, and Gary C. Hamill. Juliette also has 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, whom she loves deeply. prgtoken Today Juliette is an active member of her churches: St. Marie's Catholic Church and St. Catherine's Catholic Church. prgtoken , I hope you join me, Juliette's friends and family, and many people in the city of Manchester and across the Granite State in wishing Juliette C. Hamill a very happy 100th birthday.