mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMENDING THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE WATER RIGHTS QUANTIFICATION ACT OF 2010
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-11-13

I will just start out by saying it is good to see you. It is good to be back. I hope you had a good break. prgtoken We have business to do--serious business to do. Before we took our recess around election time, we closed off by passing, I think, a 99- to-1 vote here and a unanimous vote over in the House. It is a major water infrastructure bill that Senator Barrasso and I and our staffs have worked on with a number of our colleagues. We are back here today to do some more good work. I am grateful to everyone who has had a part in that. prgtoken I rise in support of the Coast Guard reauthorizing bill and to urge our colleagues to vote yes on the pending cloture motion and on final passage of this legislation tomorrow. Ensuring that our Coast Guard, comprised of nearly 90,000 men and women across our country, has the resources to do its important work is incredibly important. prgtoken The Coast Guard was established at the behest of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, who is known more recently for the musical, but he was actually behind the establishment of the Coast Guard all those years ago. This is one of his greatest hits, if you will. He played a crucial role in our country, and so has the Coast Guard--including in my State of Delaware--from the very birth of our Nation, and my guess is also in Wisconsin, where our Presiding Officer is from. prgtoken Today, we ask this branch of our military to track pollution at sea, to combat illicit trafficking and smuggling, and to protect maritime operations that are expanding throughout our Arctic waters, while still keeping our waters safe for recreational and cargo vessels sailing in places like the Delaware Bay. prgtoken The bill before us today will increase resources for the Coast Guard by about 10 percent so they are equipped to continue this important and oftentimes lifesaving work. This legislation also allows for multiyear funding in order to procure future national security cutters, which will reduce costs, increase predictability, and stabilize workforces. It is like a win-win-win. prgtoken For a State like mine, which is serious about its recreational boating, the bill would increase safety by implementing engine cut-off switches and alternate signaling devices. prgtoken For the Coast Guard contingent based at the Indian River Inlet in Delaware, about halfway between Rehoboth Beach and the Maryland line in Ocean City, this bill means an increase in operational and maintenance funding for personnel and boats, easier access to healthcare for crews and their families, better quality of the life through updated leave policies, extra funding for shoreside infrastructure improvements, and clarity on inspections and enforcement procedures for vessel boardings. prgtoken The impacts of this reauthorization bill are real. They will be felt in the Coast Guard contingents across our country. This bill also includes a major win with regard to our shared
IN RECOGNITION OF R. BURNETT MILLER
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-13

it is with profound sadness that I rise to honor the life of my good friend, the Honorable R. Burnett Miller, who passed away on October 14, 2018. Burnett was not just my dear and close friend, but a larger than life figure and leader in Sacramento. As his wife, Mimi, and his children Jim, Fitzgerald, Powell, Simone, Mary and Margot gather to remember his life and legacy, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in his memory. prgtoken Burnett was born on September 2, 1923 to Delma Burnett and Leroy Miller, a respected family with deep roots in Sacramento. As a young adult, his education at Santa Clara University was cut short when he enlisted into the army during World War II. Burnett was a brave man and his efforts in the war and in the Battle of the Bulge earned him a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. During his harrowing service, he was injured, but returned to his battalion and helped liberate Mauthausen concentration camp in 1945. He served our country with immense honor and remained a true patriot all his life. After his service, Burnett traveled in Europe and graduated from Georgetown University, but he could not leave Sacramento behind for too long. prgtoken Burnett returned to Sacramento and joined the family business, now Burnett & Sons Lumber and Millwork, a century old institution of Sacramento. From then on, he dedicated much of his life and work to Sacramento. For years, Burnett was a treasured city councilman. In 1982 he was chosen, with great pride, to serve as interim mayor. prgtoken Burnett and his wife, Mimi, supported Sacramento in a way that went beyond local politics and they had a knack for tapping into our sense of community. As advocates for local arts and culture, they were dedicated patrons of the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento History Center, and Sacramento Poetry Center, among others. As was Burnett's style, he brought the community together and opened his home to friends and strangers alike in support of local artists, organizations and causes. The soul of Sacramento would not exist as I know it if it were not for Burnett Miller. prgtoken , today we honor the marvelous life of R. Burnett Miller; a husband, father, adventurer, intellectual and beloved public servant. Burnett Miller is a true Sacramento treasure and a giant in our community. I will remember him for his spirit, kindness, and wisdom.
AMENDING THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE WATER RIGHTS QUANTIFICATION ACT OF 2010
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-13

first, let me say that all of our hearts go out to everyone affected by the terrible wildfires in California and, once again, express how grateful we are to the first responders and firefighters, those brave people on the scene. We continue to monitor the situation, and the Senate will do everything it can to help. prgtoken Now, let me welcome everybody back after the midterm elections. prgtoken Last week, Americans voted in record numbers to deliver an unambiguous message: They wanted a change. People across the country were disappointed in what 2 years of one-party rule had delivered: rising healthcare costs and declining quality, a massive giveaway of public resources to multinational corporations and to the wealthiest few, and a Congress that failed to provide a check and balance on the President. So the American people voted for a change. They voted for a check on President and a Congress that would stop trying to take away their healthcare. prgtoken After 2 long years, that is what they will get. plans to rip healthcare away from Americans has been stymied. prgtoken won the House of Representatives decisively. flipped several Governors and State legislatures. Here in the Senate, ic candidates did extraordinarily well with a very difficult map. Overall, last Tuesday night was a very good night for . But more importantly, it was a very good night for America and for beginning to restore some normalcy to our Nation's governance. prgtoken This afternoon, let me welcome the new Senators and the two new ic Senators, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona--the women of the West--with whom I met this morning. Both are highly accomplished. Both are tough and incredibly bright and principled but also pragmatic. I assure you that they will both make excellent, effective Senators. I could not be more pleased to welcome them to this Chamber. prgtoken But now that the hard-fought midterm campaign is over, we must turn the page and see what and s can accomplish together for the American people. In the lameduck session, we will consider legislation dealing with the Coast Guard and wrap up the appropriations process. Then, in January, the House and Senate will come back with new legislators and new priorities. prgtoken One item can't wait, though, until January. Last week, President asked for the resignation of his once best friend, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and announced that Matthew Whitaker, the Chief of Staff to the Attorney General, would become the Acting Attorney General. Even though Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, already confirmed by the Senate, was next in line for the title of Acting Attorney General under the Department of Justice's succession statute, President took the highly unusual step of naming another person to the job, Mr. Whitaker, who has not b
TRIBUTE TO GENO MARTINI
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-11-13

I come forward today to recognize the mayor of the city of Sparks, Geno Martini, who, after years of dedicated service, announced his retirement this year. prgtoken Mayor Martini was born on January 19, 1946, in Reno. Three days later, he returned to his family's home in Sparks and has never left the city since. Every day during his childhood, he would walk to school down an old dirt road and even played Little League baseball where Sparks City Hall now stands. He was student body president and graduated from Sparks High School and the University of Nevada, going on to work in the banking industry for three decades. prgtoken Both Mayor Martini and Sparks have come a long way since his childhood days. That old dusty road he walked down is now Prater Way, one of the main routes connecting Sparks' established neighborhoods with new shopping, entertainment, and business opportunities on the east side of the city. Downtown Sparks is benefitting from private investment and revitalization that is also helping address the region's housing shortage. The success of these projects and the benefits they bring to the city of Sparks are due in no small part to the hard work and leadership of Mayor Martini. prgtoken In 1998, Martini left the banking industry to serve on the Sparks City Council until 2005. He was then elected mayor serving full terms in 2006, 2010, and 2014, making him the longest serving mayor of Sparks in the city's history. He has gone above and beyond his mayoral duties and served on the Truckee Meadows Water Authority Board of Directors, the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities, the Board of Directors Regional Planning Governing Board, the Western Regional Water Commission, and the City of Sparks Legislative Team. prgtoken Mayor Martini's commitment to the city of Sparks extended to all of its residents. He performed community service in underserved communities and passed out Thanksgiving turkeys to those in need. At the same time, he helped bring opportunity to northern Nevada by paving the way for new businesses and development around the Sparks Marina, Legends Mall, and Victorian Avenue. Mayor Martini has guided the city of Sparks through both tumultuous economic times and the area's highest growth periods. During his tenure, Sparks has seen an additional 1 million square feet of retail space open for business. prgtoken It is no wonder that Mayor Martini has been repeatedly recognized for his leadership, receiving the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award from the Reno Gazette Journal, the 2016 Public Official of the Year from the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities, the Citizen of the Year Award and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sparks Chamber, and was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, as well as numerous other accolades that recognize his commitment to serving the people of Sparks. prgtoken In 2012, Mayor Martini was diagnosed with Parkinson's dise
INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOME RULE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-11-13

today, I introduced the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This bill is necessary to prohibit the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) from exercising authority over non-federal property in the District of Columbia. prgtoken Under presidential executive orders (EOs) and federal law, the CFA has review authority for D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as certain private land in D.C. Under the relevant EOs, CFA has review authority for the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in the District ``adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major importance,'' such as Rock Creek Park and the Potomac riverfront. Under the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as ``Old Georgetown'' in the act. The members of the CFA are appointed by the President. prgtoken The federal government, including the CFA, has no business in local land-use policies and decisions. Not only is the federal government's authority over D.C. buildings and private property anti-democratic, it also delays and increases the cost of public and private development in the District. prgtoken This is an important step to increase home rule for the District, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DECEMBER 15, 2018
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise to encourage every citizen to sign up for health insurance coverage during open enrollment, which ends on December 15. You still have several weeks. prgtoken For details about available plans, please visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. prgtoken Health insurance is a vital protection that ensures Americans won't be forced to put off a checkup or worry about going broke if they or a family member gets sick. prgtoken As many in Ohio know, the average cost for 3 days in the hospital is $30,000. The majority of personal bankruptcies in our country result from healthcare expenditures. prgtoken There are many affordable health plans on the exchange. In many cases, financial help is even available. In fact, 8 in 10 people qualify for financial help, with most getting a plan for $75 a month or less. prgtoken Health insurance can provide you and your family with health security and peace of mind, and health insurance pays medical costs when you or a loved one really needs medical care. prgtoken The marketplace provides access to quality and affordable health coverage. In order to get in touch with someone local to learn more, go to localhelp.healthcare.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596. Find out how much you can save while signing up for good health insurance. You have until December 15.
TRIBUTE TO DR. NANCY L. SPRUILL
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-11-13

I wish to honor my constituent, Dr. Nancy L. Spruill, who will be retiring this year after more than 47 years of service to our country. prgtoken Since 1999, Dr. Spruill has served as Director of Acquisition, Resources and Analysis for the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. In this capacity, she is responsible for all aspects of A&S's participation in the Planning, Programming, and Budgeting and Execution System, the congressional process, and the Defense Acquisition System. prgtoken Dr. Spruill serves as the Executive Secretary to the Defense Acquisition Board and is responsible for the timely submission to Congress of reports for Major Defense Acquisition Programs. She performs systematic analysis to improve acquisition policy and education and leads the Department in developing plans to manage property, plant and equipment, inventory, operating material, supplies/ deferred maintenance, and environmental liabilities. She also manages a broad portfolio of information technology applications and infrastructure supporting the mission of the organization. Dr. Spruill has played a key role in improving the way the Department acquires major automated information systems. A strong advocate of improving the acquisition workforce, she works closely with the Defense Acquisition University and the rest of the Department in leading and training the thousands of personnel performing cost analysis and financial management for acquisition programs to improve acquisition outcomes. prgtoken Dr. Spruill graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland in 1971. She joined the Center for Naval Analyses from 1971-83. In 1975, she earned a master of arts in mathematical statistics from George Washington University, followed by a doctorate in 1980. Dr. Spruill served on the staff of the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1983, first as senior planning, programming, and budget analyst in the Manpower, Reserve Affairs, and Logistics Secretariat, and then as Director of Support and Liaison for the Assistant Secretary for Force Management and Personnel and Senior Operations Research Analyst for the Assistant Secretary for Program Analysis and Evaluation. prgtoken In 1993, Dr. Spruill served as Chief of the Programs and Analysis Division for the Comptroller of the Defense Mapping Agency. She also served as Acting Deputy Comptroller and was a member of the Reinvention Task Force for the Vice President's National Performance Review. prgtoken Dr. Spruill has received many prestigious awards, including the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service, the Hammer Award, the Acker Skill in Communications Award, and numerous awards of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, and the Presidential Rank Award. A member of the Senior Executive Service since 1995, she h
ESTABLISHING A PROCEDURE FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN FEDERAL PROPERTY AROUND THE JAMESTOWN RESERVOIR IN THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
Colleen Hanabusa (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-11-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , S. 2074 authorizes the conveyance of certain public lands owned by the Bureau of Reclamation around Jamestown Reservoir in North Dakota. prgtoken Like S. 440, this bill ensures that taxpayers receive appropriate compensation for transferred lands and also ensures that transferred recreation lands continue to be available to the public for recreational uses. prgtoken For these reasons, , I support the passage of S. 2074, and .
IN RECOGNITION OF MINISTER EDWARD O. DuBOSE
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise today to recognize an exemplary civil rights leader, distinguished counselor, outstanding man of God, and dear friend of longstanding, Minister Edward O. DuBose. Minister DuBose celebrated his 60th birthday with family and friends on November 10, 2018. prgtoken The Atlanta, Georgia native is the third oldest of ten children born to Carnell and Margie DuBose. He received his early education through the Atlanta Public School System and graduated from Harper High School in June 1976. On March 21, 1977, he joined the United States Army where he served honorably for 21 years before retiring on March 21, 1998. prgtoken A man of great knowledge, Minister DuBose earned an Associate's Degree in General Education, Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration, and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. He also completed several certifications to become a Licensed Professional Therapist. In 2008, he decided to use his expertise in counseling by establishing Everlasting Peace Counseling and Support Services, LLC, which provides mental health counseling to at-risk youth and families throughout Georgia and Alabama. Minister DuBose later realized that his calling was to provide counsel for the mind as well as for the soul. He was ordained a Minister of the Gospel on March 18, 2012 at Peaceful Holiness Church where he worships. prgtoken In addition to being an established counselor, Minister DuBose is also a prominent civil rights leader. He served as President of the Columbus, Georgia Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1997 to 2005 and in 2009, he became the first Georgia State Conference NAACP President to be elected to the NAACP National Board of Directors. Under his leadership, he has effectively advocated for clemency, fair voter registration, and combating police misconduct. prgtoken In 2005, he organized and led the largest protest march in the history of Columbus, Georgia--rallying over 15,000 people to call for justice after the death of Kenneth Walker in 2003. He also organized and led the first protest march in Douglas County, Georgia--rallying over 5,000 people which resulted in the ``Douglasville Six'' being freed from prison. In 2006, he led the Georgia State Conference NAACP in securing a settlement from the Georgia Secretary of State regarding voter registration irregularities. prgtoken George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Minister DuBose has gone far in life because he has exemplified these traits with all those to whom he has encountered. Moreover, his love and commitment to Christ is reflected in his compassionate leadership, which makes him a guiding light within the commun
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE JOSEPH D. MORELLE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-13

as co-dean of the New York delegation, along with my colleague Congresswoman Lowey, the New York delegation is pleased to welcome our newest colleague, Joe Morelle, representing New York's 25th District in upstate New York. prgtoken Joe has been elected to the seat of our beloved and departed colleague Louise Slaughter. Joe hails from Irondequoit and, like myself, served in the New York State Assembly. He was elected to that body in 1990 and became majority leader in 2013. prgtoken He graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor's degree in political science and began his political career at age 28 as a Monroe County legislator. Congressman Morelle and his wife, Mary Beth, are well known and well loved, and we are so happy to have Joe Morelle as one of our colleagues. prgtoken Congratulations, Joe. prgtoken , from New York (Mr. Morelle).
THE APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW WHITAKER AS ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise today on the appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General of the United States. prgtoken Mr. Whitaker has repeatedly dismissed the value and seriousness of the Mueller investigation while advising the President on strategies to sabotage it, including through advocating for investigations the DOJ's own professional staff had already determined were unnecessary. prgtoken Mr. Whitaker's broader record on issues of justice is just as disturbing, as the Anti-Defamation League found his opposition to the appointment of non-Christian Federal judges to be ``deeply troubling.'' prgtoken Lastly, Mr. Whitaker's service as Acting Attorney General has been widely recognized by legal experts from across the political spectrum as unconstitutional because of the clear requirement that principal officers, such as the DOJ's Secretary, demand Senate confirmation. prgtoken The United States needs an Attorney General worthy of the office and committed to protecting the efforts of Special Counsel Mueller. But so long as Mr. Whitaker remains in office, he should follow ethical guidelines and recuse himself from the Mueller investigation.