mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INSISTING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMPLY WITH REQUESTS AND SUBPOENAS
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2018-6-28

today, I rise in opposition to this prgtoken resolution, which is a attempt to delay and derail the Mueller investigation. prgtoken , what we have today is a President who is under criminal investigation. We have a -led House of Representatives that is doing its best as a cult following for the President to help him thwart the investigation, help him stop the investigation. prgtoken So what this is all about today is to pass a resolution that would result in the Justice Department, which is conducting the investigation of the President, to turn over documents that go to the heart of the investigation. prgtoken Now, why do they want the Department of Justice to turn that documentation over to them? Well, so that it can be leaked, leaked to FOX News, get back to the President, and then the President will be in a much better position to do what he does when it comes to being investigated criminally. And what it all adds up to, ladies and gentlemen, is politics trumping justice. prgtoken You never investigate an investigation that is ongoing. You wait until that investigation is over, then you judge the investigation as to whether or not it was fair. prgtoken So everything that the s are doing here today is against justice; it is against the rule of law; it is against the Constitution; and it is against the America that we all hold dear. prgtoken This is a stretching, a warping of the power of the legislative branch. They are seeking to use their power to put their heavy thumb and hand on the scale of justice. prgtoken I heard one of my colleagues say that justice should be blind, and, yes, Lady Justice does have a blindfold on so that she cannot see. What these s are trying to do today, ladies and gentlemen, is to remove the blindfold on Lady Justice to let Lady Justice reveal an injustice, to let this President use Lady Justice, as he has used women in the past, to take away the sanctity of this Nation. prgtoken , this is hurtful to our Nation. I would ask my colleagues on the other side to please think about what they are doing.
CHILDREN ON THE BORDER
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-6-28

I include in the Record this article by Ms. Phyllis Beren concerning children separated from their parents at the southern border. Children on the Border (By Phyllis Beren) As I thought about the honor of separating young children from their families at the U.S. border, what came to mind was the London bombings during World War II, when many children were evacuated to the country to stay with foster families. I recalled the war nurseries of the Hampstead Clinic in London and the work of Anna Freud and Dorothy Burlingham, who ran these nurseries and observed the children who were separated from their mothers during the war. One of their observations that has stayed with me for more than forty years of practice as a psychoanalyst and child therapist was the traumatic effect of separation from their mothers. ``The war acquires comparatively little significance for children so long as it only threatens their lives, disturbs their material comfort or cuts their food rations. It becomes enormously significant the moment it breaks up family ties and uproots the first emotional attachments of the child within the family group. London children, therefore, were on the whole much less upset by bombing than by evacuation to the country as a protection against it.'' (p. 37 War and Children, by Anna Freud and Dorothy T. Burlingham) I don't believe it is an exaggeration to say that our country is now engaged in a war--a war to overthrow our democracy, a war on our constitution and legal system, a war on our principles, and a war on being human. Usually the first to suffer are the most vulnerable and defenseless, as we are now witnessing in the treatment of young children at our border. We are giving no thought to the child abuse we are inflicting on these children--in fact, we are doing the opposite; we are turning a blind eye, which is the main characteristic of child abuse. Child abuse takes many forms, not only visible, external bruises. The wrenching separation that these young children are experiencing every minute they are apart from their families is a trauma inflicted that will remain an open wound. Daily, we are reading about the visible distress these children show--terror, severe separation anxiety, sleeplessness, nightmares, crying, begging for their parents. Why is zero tolerance an acceptable policy? ``Zero tolerance'' implies a police state where torture or murder is necessary if one crosses the border illegally. Zero tolerance gives permission to commit child abuse by separating the children from their parents. All child experts agree that such separation is a form of child abuse that can leave the children with
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--Continued
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-28

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 2880, a bill to establish a pilot program for long-term rental assistance for families affected by major disasters, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
TRIBUTE TO TEX WILLIAMS
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2018-6-28

today I wish to honor a Mountain State coaching legend from Raleigh County, Tex Williams. He is as legendary and as influential in West Virginia as two of his best friends, Jerry West and Logan High School Coaching legend Willie Akers. prgtoken Good coaches are able to show you what it takes to succeed in the game. Special coaches are able to put that human touch to it and go a step beyond to have a positive impact on your life. Tex was able to capture both. He was the longtime coach at St. Albans and also served as coach at Vinson High School, Nitro High School, the University of Charleston, Alderson-Broaddus, and the Charleston Gunners of the CBA. He was a star athlete in all sports, and has coached on every level-- high school, college, and pro basketball--and won more than 500 games in his career. prgtoken In 2014, I had the privilege of congratulating Tex upon the opening of the Tex Williams Museum in Artie, WV. There, the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame member for both baseball and basketball and acclaimed coach's legacy is on display, housing 40,000 photos he collected throughout his long career. Making it even more special, the Tex Williams Museum is housed in the old post office building his father helped build and where his mother worked for 43 years. prgtoken Tex learned early on that sports can make you into so much more than a successful athlete if you have the right attitude. There is no greater achievement than to be in a position to give back to the community that helped shape who you are, and that is what we are celebrating today by honoring Tex. He started the Hoops Classic high school basketball tournament, which is played every year at the Charleston Civic Center. So many student-athletes have been inspired by Tex and have gone forward to build successful careers for themselves in our home State. Tex started the West Virginia Legends Sports Banquet 9 years ago, which reunites former players and coaches who once starred in West Virginia high school and college athletics. Tex has not only influenced and inspired student athletes for decades, but he has passed his knowledge and tradition of coaching excellence to his son, Adam, who also holds a strong legacy as a player and coach. prgtoken Tex is a perfect example of what makes West Virginia so very unique and special. Our people have this can-do spirit, a neighborly love that is unrelenting, and we are all grounded by the same core principle: to help others be the best they can be and to never forget where you came from. As I always say, if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings, and Tex has embodied that sentiment beautifully. prgtoken Again, it is an honor to recognize the outstanding achievements of Tex Williams and all he has done for countless student athletes across our home State.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF DR. ROBERT BROWNING'S RETIREMENT
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to congratulate my friend and trusted spiritual advisor, Dr. Robert ``Bob'' Browning, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, upon his retirement after dedicating his life to nearly 50 years of faithful ministry. prgtoken My bride, Cynthia, and I were honored to have Dr. Browning officiate our wedding in 1999. He blessed the beginning of our marriage with an eloquent ceremony about the unmatched value of love, devotion and thanksgiving. We have held his words close to our hearts each day and uphold Dr. Browning with the highest esteem. prgtoken He was also my beloved Pastor at the Somerset First Baptist Church, where he served our community for 16 years. Dr. Browning shared the Word of God with great boldness, discipling young Christians and shepherding his flock with enduring wisdom. I have always been inspired by his passion to serve and share the Gospel of Jesus. Just as the Bible instructs us to do, Dr. Browning has cared for the widows and the poor, visited the sick, mourned with the broken-hearted, and rejoiced with those in times of celebration. prgtoken Dr. Browning was licensed and ordained to the Gospel Ministry by the First Baptist Church of Greenville after diligently studying at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. While most of his ministry was dedicated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, he also ministered in Atlanta, Georgia for 13 years. From 1994 to 1995, he served as President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. prgtoken As noted in his biography, ``Dr. Browning is proud of his Baptist heritage and works with other Baptists through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship to spread the Gospel, build bridges of goodwill and understanding among all people, promote the cause of justice and meet the needs of those who are struggling.'' prgtoken He and his wife, Jackie, have been a tremendous blessing to families and individuals across Kentucky, and I extend my deepest gratitude for their friendship and counsel over the years. As they enter into retirement, Cynthia and I pray the years ahead are filled with exceeding peace and joy along with their three children and five grandchildren.
IN HONOR OF THE FALLEN HEROES OF OPERATION RED WINGS
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-29

today, I rise to honor the memory and sacrifice of the nineteen heroes who gave their lives thirteen years ago in Operation Red Wings. prgtoken On June 28, 2005, four members of Navy SEAL Team 10--Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and Michael P. Murphy--were tasked with killing or capturing the high-ranking Taliban official, Ahmad Shah, in the Hindu-Kush Mountains of Afghanistan. prgtoken Shortly after encountering a small group of Afghani goat herders, hostile Taliban forces discovered the SEALs' presence and began converging on their position. An intense firefight ensued, in which three of the four SEALs tragically lost their lives. prgtoken Responding to the battle, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter and the 160th Special Operations Aviation's Regiment ``Nightstalkers'' were dispatched to rescue the team--only to be shot down by Taliban forces armed with an RPG. As a result, all sixteen men on board the Chinook-- Chris J. Scherkenbach, Corey J. Goodnature, Daniel R. Healy, Erik S. Kristensen, Jacques J. Fontan, James E. Suh, James W. Ponder III, Jeffery A. Lucas, Jeffrey S. Taylor, Kip A. Jacoby, Marcus V. Muralles, Michael L. Russell, Michael M. McGreevy, Jr Shamus O. Goare, Shane E. Patton, Stephen C. Reich--were killed. The lone survivor of the mission, Marcus Luttrell, lives on to share the amazing story of the mission and the heroic actions that took place. prgtoken Tragically, nineteen brave heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country during Operation Red Wings. They selflessly fulfilled their duty and defended our Nation in a time of war, and it is our responsibility to preserve the memory of their sacrifice. Their steadfast service, dedication to country, and the honorable sacrifices they made will never be forgotten. They stood where duty required them to stand, and we are forever grateful for their selflessness. prgtoken These men continue to inspire their friends, families, loved ones, and the millions of people around the world who hear the story of their heroic actions. I am privileged to recognize and honor the service of these American heroes who laid down their lives for our great Nation.
CONGRATULATING GERHARDT PERRY ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to honor and congratulate Agent Gerhardt Perry on his retirement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. prgtoken For the past 20 years, Agent Perry has served our country as an Air Interdiction Agent prgtoken in the Plattsburgh Air Unit, where his duties included patrolling the northern border from above and supporting officers on the ground. He has participated in countless successful missions, including the manhunt for the Dannemora prison escapees in 2015. In addition to his patrol duties, Agent Perry gave back to his unit by serving as an instructor pilot, passing on his skills and expertise to the next generation of pilots. A true public servant, Agent Perry served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years before his career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He has given so much to this country, and his lifelong service is truly admirable. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank Agent Perry for his years of hard work. He has shown true dedication to his community and country, and I wish him all the best in the years ahead.
RECOGNIZING COLONEL MARK BENNETT, UNITED STATES ARMY
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to acknowledge the service of Colonel Mark Bennett who is coming to the end of his assignment as the Chief of the Congressional Budget Liaison for the Secretary of the Army. prgtoken Mark is a native of Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from John Carroll University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the National Defense University. prgtoken Over the last year, Mark has made meaningful, significant and enduring contributions while liaising with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to provide critical resources for Army Warfighters. Mark and his liaison team worked closely with Members and Staff from every appropriation office in Congress; ensuring accountability to Congress and our Nation's taxpayers. prgtoken Through 26 years of active duty, Mark has served in a variety of tactical, operational, and strategic assignments. In 1990, Colonel Bennett was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned into the Army as a Field Artillery Officer. He began his operational assignments with the 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery in Korea and also served as the Task Force Finance Officer for 4th Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, for a Multi-national Force and Observers rotation to Sinai, Egypt. He had two company command experiences with the 82nd Finance Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and the 177th Finance Battalion in Korea. Following completion of graduate school at Syracuse University, he served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Resource Management, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Shortly after arriving to the Pentagon, he supported the Army and Nation's response to the 9-11 attacks before attending Command and General Staff College. prgtoken Colonel Bennett returned to the 82nd Airborne Division as the Division Finance Support Operations Officer at Fort Bragg and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then served as the Executive Officer to the Director of Army Budget, as a Program Examiner at the Office of Management and Budget, and as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller. He commanded the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York for 31 months including a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Mark returned to the Headquarters Department of the Army as the Executive Officer to the Military Deputy for Budget and Chief of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System Integration for the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller. Colonel Bennett also served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G8, for two years at Headquarters, I C
TRIBUTE TO JOHN HALL ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to honor my friend, beloved and iconic member of the Hoosier community, John Hall, who is retiring as the Indianapolis Field Office Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Indiana (HUD). During his time at HUD, John worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions, neighborhoods, and quality of life for residents across the State of Indiana. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for John's contributions to our Hoosier community, and it is my privilege to honor him today. prgtoken A native Hoosier, John was raised in Indianapolis where he attended Shortridge High School and later graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's of Social Science. After earning his undergraduate degree, John pursued graduate studies at both Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and DePauw University. He then began his career teaching history and government at Arsenal Technical High School. Passionate about community youth, John coached freshman track and was the trainer for the Arsenal Tech sports program. Dedicated to making a difference through education, John directed the Minority Engineering Advancement Program (MEAP) and later became an administrator at the Purdue University School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. prgtoken In addition to his career in education, John served as a senior aide to Senator Richard Lugar for 15 years. Under Senator Lugar, he managed a vast portfolio of issues, including education, economic development, small business, and special projects. As Assistant State Director, John worked with key Indiana staff members on domestic and international issues, specifically focusing on African affairs. He later served as Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis for three years under Mayor Stephen Goldsmith. Under his leadership, John helped facilitate the Mayor's education forums, the Front Porch Alliance, faith-based initiative, welfare-to-work initiative, small and minority business development, affordable housing, and inner city retail and race relations issues. During my time as Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis, I had the unique opportunity to work side by side with John to help lead our city. A true public servant, John then became the Director of Neighborhood Relations for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County in 2000. prgtoken In 2002 John became the first African-American Indianapolis Field Office Director in the history of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As Field Office Director, John met with various mayors, housing authority executives, and community development professionals throughout the State of Indiana. His communication skills and deep experience were instrumental in gaining a better understanding of the strengths and challenges presented in communities across the state of Indiana. Personal knowledge of neighborhood issues allowed him to understand the
HONORING VIETNAM WAR VETERANS FROM CORNING PAINTED POST EAST AND WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to honor the Vietnam War veterans from the Corning Painted Post East and West High School Class of 1968. Nine million Americans, approximately 7.2 million living today, served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the United States involvement in Vietnam between November 1, 1955 and May 7, 1975. When they returned home, our soldiers faced a hostile political climate and received less than a welcome home. These men and women deserve the recognition due for being among the 1.3% of veterans who have served their country honorably in time of war. prgtoken Between Painted Post East High School and Painted Post West High School, more than sixty brave men from the graduating class of 1968 served in our military during the Vietnam War. These men answered the call to duty and served their country honorably, yet when they returned home they received little for a welcome home. As the Corning Painted Post East and West High School Class of 1968 gathers after more than forty-five years to officially welcome these men home, I would like to recognize them for their service to our nation. prgtoken Serving in the Army: Robert Brooder, Kent DeCamp, Bill Kane, Francis Killigrew, Michael Wilcox, Patrick Boland, Tom Bosket, Nicholas Cavallaro, Larry Cleveland, Herman DeMonstoy, Ron Faulisi, Joseph Ferratella, Mark Howell, Joseph Kosty, Joseph Maglioca, Fred Panyard, Philip Spart, Joseph Stamilio, Charles Stebbins, Lew Tyler, and Alan Van Etten. prgtoken Serving in the Navy: Donald Twist, Walter Delap, Robert Kent, Larry Ketchum, Alan Lambert, Gary Moshier, David Scott, and Preston Perry. prgtoken Serving in the Air Force: George Audinwood, Ford Butler, Craig Burrell, Ray Copp, Jessie Glosser, Daniel Henyan, and Bobby Preset. prgtoken Serving in the Marines: Dana Eckel, Michael Horvat, and Kent Rawcliffe. prgtoken Serving the Department of Defense: Douglas Taft. prgtoken Also serving in our military: Gerald Cleveland, Dale French, Michael Hoyt, Randy Little, David Pierce, Gary Rosa, Bobby Winslow, Mike Wray, Ken Byington, Melvin Calkins, Steven Duvall, Martin Geyer, Bill Hager, Steven Kenyon, Alan Mullikan, David Peris, James Pierson, John Poland, Lon Reid, Teny Snyder, and Donald Wead. prgtoken We thank you for your sacrifice and service. Welcome home. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this legislative body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor these men who bravely served our country.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-6-29

on Thursday, June 14, and Friday, June 15, 2018, I was not present for recorded votes because I needed to travel home to attend my daughter's high school graduation. I would have voted: ``YES'' on roll call vote No. 265 (on passage of H.R. 5788), ``NO'' on roll call vote No. 266 (on passage of H.R. 5735), ``NO'' on roll call vote No. 267 (on agreeing to the Thornberry Amendment to H.R. 2851), and ``NO'' on roll call vote No. 268 (on passage of H.R. 2851).