mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF THREATS IN AMERICA ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2019-10-1

I include in the Record a letter endorsing H.R. 3106 from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Washington, DC, September 26, 2019. Dear Representative: On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 national organizations committed to promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States, we urge you to support the Domestic and International Terrorism Act (DATA Act) (H.R.3106). Congress should use its oversight and appropriations power to demand that federal agencies make public how it is using its resources to fight white supremacist violence. Congress must pass pertinent legislation like the DATA Act to strengthen laws related to hate violence in this country.The DATA Act will provide Congress information about the federal government's approach to counterterrorism, including data on investigations and prosecutions. We support the DATA Act because it promotes increased oversight of federal counterterrorism activities without creating enhanced authorities or resources like new offices. The most recent data from FBI documented that hate crimes against African Americans, Latinos, the LGBTQ community, Native Americans, Jews, and Muslims all increased in 2017. Through the DATA Act, Congress has devised ways to improve federal and state responses to hate violence, including how to address FBI Hate Crime Statistics Act underreporting. The DATA Act comes at a crucial time, when too many people in this country feel unwelcome, unsafe, and marginalized due to acts of terror. There is little question that violence committed against individuals because of their race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation remains a serious problem in America. The DATA Act will study these current trends with the intention of combatting hate. The Leadership Conference applauds Chairman Thompson for placing this key legislation on the suspension calendar for a House vote. The DATA Act will assist Congress in its efforts to elevate the fight against white supremacy and end a climate in which individual perpetrators feel emboldened to act. Sincerely, Vanita Gupta, President & CEO.
HONORING QUAKER SPRINGS METHODIST CHURCH ON THEIR 175TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor Quaker Springs Methodist Church on their 175th Anniversary. prgtoken This historic church has been a cornerstone of the Quaker Springs community for generations. While the exact date that the original church was constructed is unknown, the incorporation of the Methodist Church in Quaker Springs occurred in November of 1843. The trustees of the church began constructing a new church shortly thereafter, nearby the original, on land purchased in 1842 for fifty dollars. Even today, the great, great grandchildren of some of the original congregation still worship there regularly. The deeply historic and tightly woven fabric of our communities is what makes the North Country so unique and special. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate the trustees and congregation of Quaker Springs Methodist Church for reaching another historic milestone. I wish them well and look forward to their continued success.
CONGRATULATING PASTOR JIM GRAFF AND TAMARA GRAFF ON FAITH FAMILY CHURCH'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Pastor Jim and Tamara Graff for their over 30 years of serving Faith Family Church. prgtoken Faith Family Church began with humble origins as a home Bible Study. In 1989--after favor and growth from the Lord--Faith Family Church called Pastor Jim and Tamara Graff to prgtoken the Pastorate with a vision to build a Luke 14 church where people could find help, hope, and a family. On Easter Sunday 1998, Faith Family Church dedicated a new sanctuary and ministry campus with a vision to be: ``A Church with a heart for all people'' that would ``Not see through people but help see people through.'' prgtoken Faith Family Church has provided Christ-centered education to equip people for a better life through Faith Academy, Destiny Bible Institute, Celebrate Recovery and hundreds of classes, workshops, and community small groups weekly. Their vision to encourage, empower, and equip overlooked churches in overlooked places has led to the development of the Significant Church Network. Their heart to further the reach of the Gospel led them to open campuses in Hallettsville and Gonzales, Texas. prgtoken The people of Faith Family provide help and assistance to the surrounding community through efforts including: Passion Week projects, Backpack outreach, Toys for Tots, Sidewalk Sunday School, Adopt-a- block, and Prison Ministry. Faith Family served as a temporary shelter in 2005 for those fleeing Hurricane Katrina and, in 2017, was a central point to coordinate relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken Their commitment to underserved and unreached populations across the world has built 19 Bible Schools, planted 526 churches, supported orphanages in Guatemala, and delivered aid to other parts of the world. Constructed in India, The House of Psalms 1 & 2 rescues girls from sex- trafficking, giving them an education and a new way of life. prgtoken President George Washington acknowledged that ``religion and morality are indispensable supports'' of our nation. For 30 years, Pastor Jim has committed himself to the study and sharing of Scripture, the building up of believers, and the leadership, guidance, and ministry to the staff and people of Faith Family Church. The fruit of his labor has strengthened the moral fabric here in our community and in communities around the world. prgtoken I would like to personally congratulate Pastors Jim and Tamara Graff and the people of Faith Family Church for 30 years of faithful ministry together sharing the love of Christ with their community, our nation, and the world.
HONORING MARIAH COLLINS AND HANNAH McJESSY FOR THEIR LIFE-SAVING EFFORTS
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise to honor and thank University of Cincinnati nursing students Mariah Collins and Hannah McJessy for their life-saving assistance to the victim of a tragic drive-by shooting on Short Vine Street in April. prgtoken Mariah and Hannah were walking on Short Vine Street when the shooting occurred. After witnessing a man fall to the ground, they leapt into action and used a belt from a bystander as a tourniquet to slow the victim's bleeding until he was able to be transported to UC Medical Center for care. prgtoken Mariah and Hannah are heroes. I am proud to see them recognized for their extraordinary courage and actions. I can think of no two recipients more deserving of the certificate of merit from the American Red Cross than these two outstanding women and future nurses. prgtoken I wish them both the best of luck in their medical careers.
HONORING HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY SANDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL
Dan Crenshaw (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of County Sheriff Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was tragically and senselessly murdered in the line of duty while serving the Houston community. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal's life was devoted to service--to his family, his community, and the residents of County. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal helped coordinate disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey. He worked with at-risk youth to improve their lives. He recently expressed a desire to start a free food bus to help feed the homeless, because he could not imagine people in his community going hungry. In the days before his passing, he expressed his dream of creating a fund for first responders and fallen heroes, which UNITED SIKHS will carry on in his name. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal's service extended beyond his own community. He recently returned from volunteering in Puerto Rico, where he assisted in the recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria. He also recently visited his ancestral village in Punjab to deliver water and other necessities to farmers during a drought. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal was the first Sikh deputy in the County Sheriff's Department's history to wear the Sikh articles of faith, including his dastaar (turban), kesh (unshorn hair), and kara (steel bracelet) on duty, breaking down the barrier between religious observance and uniformed service. He was proud--and his community was proud of him--for receiving his historic religious accommodation to serve. He was a role model for Sikh Americans nationwide who are interested in a career of service to our nation. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal was known for his warm and welcoming personality. He was always willing to go out of his way to make the person with whom he was speaking feel respected. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal was especially warm with children. Since the day of his final patrol, many parents have posted videos of Deputy Dhaliwal interacting with their children. They all ended with a warm hug. prgtoken As a Houstonian, I am heartbroken over the loss of Deputy Dhaliwal, but as with every tragedy in my hometown, I am proud to see the community come together in the face of adversity. While this display of compassion does not come close to replacing the husband, father, and son his family lost, it is a small way of showing how much Houston appreciates Deputy Dhaliwal and his contributions to our community and the inspiration he created for Sikhs who want to serve our nation. He was a trailblazer and a hero. prgtoken I urge all who hear and read this to take a moment to remember the life of Deputy Dhaliwal. The world would be a better place if we all lived by the example Deputy Dhaliwal set.
IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL SCOTT McFARLANE'S DEDICATED SERVICE IN THE U.S. ARMY
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the career and dedicated service of Door County Veteran Service Officer, Colonel Scott A. McFarlane. prgtoken Colonel McFarlane spent 30 years in the U.S. Army in both active and reserve service. While enlisted, he attended numerous specialized military schools, expanding his ability to prgtoken further serve our nation. His first deployment was in support of Operation Desert Storm as the Commander of Eagle Troop, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Colonel McFarlane was later deployed as a reservist to Iraq in 2005. prgtoken In addition to his deployments abroad, he served as Brigade Commander of Future Combat Systems at Fort Knox, Kentucky and as Deputy Commander for Mobilization at Fort McCoy. Colonel McFarlane's service earned him the Bronze Star with ``V'' device, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. prgtoken In 2006, Colonel McFarlane was named the Door County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO). Prior to being named CVSO, Colonel McFarlane assisted veterans as the Regional Coordinator for the State of Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs and at King Veterans Home. His dedication to country, service, and his fellow veterans consistently shows throughout his career. During his 30-year career in the U.S. Army, Colonel McFarlane served as CVSO for 13 years, serving 6 of those years during multiple deployments. prgtoken As we pause to look back on the impact Colonel McFarlane left on the those he served, it is without a doubt that his commitment to those he served, his devotion to his fellow veterans, and his love for his country left a lasting impression. Upon retiring as CVSO, he will enjoy spending more time with his wife Cori, his children, and his grandchildren. prgtoken Colonel Scott McFarlane's service to this country and to his fellow veterans is unparalleled. Madam , I urge all my colleagues to join me in thanking Colonel McFarlane for his service to this great nation and his commitment to supporting countless veterans in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District
RECOGNIZING ALLEN AND LINDA ERICKSON OF KALISPELL
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor Allen and Linda Erickson of Kalispell for their commitment to local veterans, and their families, through the North West Montana Veterans Service Center. prgtoken The nonprofit organization was born from Allen's vision to serve Montana veterans. He organized and executed a two-day event, Stand Down, to provide supplies and services to homeless veterans. The now annual Stand Down event led to the creation of the Veterans Service Center, which Allen founded and leads as president. The service center includes a food pantry, a thrift store, and medical equipment loans-- all tailored to serve veterans. prgtoken Allen and Linda opened the Food Pantry in 2002 and have helped organize the community to provide over 156,000 pounds of food to those in need. They have helped provide food to over 2,000 veteran households and over 500 children. prgtoken The Veterans Thrift Store provides services such as ``move in'' assistance, basic furniture, and seasonal clothing. The service center also includes access to shower and laundry facilities for homeless veterans in the community. prgtoken In addition to the Stand Downs and the North West Montana Veterans Service Center, the Ericksons have been working on creating Camp Ponderosa Veterans Retreat. The live-in treatment facility will provide veterans with counseling and group therapy. Similar to the Stand Downs, the facility will offer a community for veterans battling homelessness to learn job skills and apply for jobs. prgtoken The Ericksons have spent so much of their time dedicated to making this vision become a reality. With the help of countless volunteers and a generous anonymous donor, the camp will become a place for veterans to heal, recover, and rebuild. prgtoken Madam , for their selfless work to provide greater opportunity for our veterans, I recognize Allen and Linda Erickson of Kalispell for their spirit of Montana.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I was on official business in my district (LA-03). Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 541; nay on Roll Call No. 542; nay on Roll Call No. 543; yea on Roll Call No. 544; yea on Roll Call No. 545; nay on Roll Call No. 546; nay on Roll Call No. 547; yea on Roll Call No. 548; nay on Roll Call No. 549; nay on Roll Call No. 550; yea on Roll Call No. 551; nay on Roll Call No. 552; nay on Roll Call No. 553; yea on Roll Call No. 554; and nay on Roll Call No. 555.
HONORING THE PASSING OF PATRICIA GEIB
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-10-1

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Patricia Geib of Palmyra, Pennsylvania who sadly passed away this week after her third battle with cancer. prgtoken Patricia was an incredible spirit whose life touched countless others. She was a devoted employee of the H.B. Reese Candy Co. for many years and would keep working at the Hotel Hershey even after her retirement. She was a dedicated community member whose spirit could never be broken. Patricia faced three bouts with cancer with her characteristic courage and optimism. She never stopped inspiring and caring for the people she loved. prgtoken Her life was filled with joy from family, friends, and faith and she will surely be missed by all who knew her. Patricia is survived by a loving family including her husband, Daniel W. Geib of Palmyra; daughter, Danielle Geib, brother, David Burke, stepsons, Andrew (Amy) and Geoff Geib; her grandchildren, Alyssa, Alexis, Aiden and Ashton Geib and her nephew Michael Barley. I ask that the House of Representatives, on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth District, join me and her family in remembering the life of Patricia Geib
REMEMBERING JAMAL KHASHOGGI, RESPECTED AND HEROIC JOURNALIST, LOVING FATHER, AND RELENTLESS PURSUER OF TRUTH
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Jamal Khashoggi, an American national and resilient journalist who was murdered by members of the Saudi Arabian government on October 2, 2018. prgtoken The First Amendment of the United States Constitution grants freedom of speech and freedom of the press. prgtoken I would like to note that the press is the only commercial enterprise enshrined in the Constitution, giving Americans an independent press. prgtoken This is something that is often taken for granted, freedom of the press is not given to citizens in many parts of the world. prgtoken Jamal Khashoggi was born on October 13, 1958, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. prgtoken Jamal Khashoggi attended Indiana State University and received his BA in business administration in 1983. prgtoken Jamal Khashoggi did not dream of becoming a Saudi Arabian dissident, he did not want to be forced into a self-imposed exile; however, it was what he had to do to continue to live. prgtoken As a journalist, Jamal Khashoggi wanted to report on the facts and truths, not to dismiss the injustice that occurred, especially in his home nation. prgtoken Jamal Khashoggi wrote for and edited newspapers in Saudi Arabia and served as an aide in Saudi embassies in Washington and London. prgtoken After leaving Saudi Arabia, Jamal Khashoggi published his first op-ed in the Washington Post in September 2017, explaining why he and others had gone into self-imposed exile out of fear of being arrested in Saudi Arabia. prgtoken For the next year, Jamal Khashoggi continued writing articles criticizing Saudi Arabian involvement in the war in Yemen, the imprisonment of women who campaigned for women's rights, and revealed the strict control of the Saudi Arabian government on news and social media. prgtoken On October 2, 2018, Jamal Khashoggi was enticed into entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul for an appointment to obtain a document he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. prgtoken Knowing Jamal Khashoggi was scheduled to arrive at the consulate, 15 Saudi agents who had flown in hours earlier met him, killed, dismembered, and disposed of his body which has yet to be found. prgtoken Journalists must be protected, the right to a free press must be protected. prgtoken However, and his allies have blocked attempts in Congress to hold the Saudi Arabian regime accountable for their actions. prgtoken The United States House of Representatives passed H. Res. 2037 for which I voted, condemning the Saudi Arabian government for the murder and execution, but the current administration continues to steer clear of assigning blame and bringing the killers to justice. prgtoken The impotent reaction from our Administration signals to strongmen everywhere that they can terrorize their people--and mock the United States--with impunity. prgtoken The citizens of the world have not forgotten what happened to Jamal Khashoggi, and they will never forget. prgtoken Jamal Khashoggi was a lovi
HONORING PAULETTE LYNCH
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Paulette Lynch for her 30 years of leadership to Monterey County's creative sector and to congratulate her on her retirement after 15 years as executive director of the Arts Council for Monterey County. The 20th District of California appreciates Paulette Lynch's dedication to the community and the great progress she has made over the past three decades. prgtoken Paulette Lynch spearheaded First Night Monterey in 1992 and successfully led the organization for ten years before becoming Executive Director of the Arts Council for Monterey County in 2004. She also reshaped the Arts Council's mission, creating a greater equity in funding for the arts throughout the county, developing award-winning programs, and providing unifying leadership in the creative sector on the central coast of California. Further, Paulette restored county funding, diversified the Arts Council revenues, and created the annual Champion of the Arts Gala, an event which honors seven arts nonprofit organizations and individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions throughout Monterey County. prgtoken Paulette Lynch has been guided by the phrase ``the Arts are the Answer,'' and demonstrated the transformational benefits of arts in the classroom, community, the juvenile justice systems, and health systems. 35 school districts and 20,000 students, as well as numerous communities, benefited from her dedication. Paulette was previously recognized for her work to improve the quality of life within California's 20th District. She has won several awards and honors throughout her tenure, including the 2008 Monterey County Weekly Editor's Pick for Community Leadership Best pf Monterey County, the 2009 City of Seaside 25th Anniversary Award for Lifetime Support of Youth in the Arts, the 2013 Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women Outstanding Woman of Monterey County, the 2013 Monterey County Weekly Top 25 Game-Changing Leaders of Monterey County, and the 2015 National Association of Counties Award for Innovation program Art as Healing Intervention for incarcerated youth at the Monterey County Probation Department Youth Center. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Paulette Lynch for her 30 years of service and leadership to Monterey County. Her tireless commitment to improving the lives of everyone in California's 20th District through the arts will not be forgotten, and her legacy in the community will certainly be long lasting. On behalf of Central Coast residents, I thank Ms. Lynch for her contribution to our community and wishing her a long and healthy retirement.