mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GROW OUR OWN DIRECTIVE: PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION ACT OF 2017
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-7-28

for years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has seen many of its medical personnel leave to pursue opportunities outside of the VA healthcare system, resulting in fewer healthcare providers and, ultimately, less access to care for our veterans. In the First District of Michigan, which I represent, we are largely a rural district, and our district and our veterans have suffered more than most on this. prgtoken The GOOD Act utilizes a two-pronged approach to address VA's continuing struggles in recruiting and retaining their physician assistant workforce. This bill creates a pilot program to provide that pathway for veterans to receive the education necessary to become a PA while, simultaneously, requiring the VA to establish a national strategic plan to recruit and retain a robust and long-term medical staff. prgtoken Our veterans have given so much for our country at exceptional costs, and they deserve access to timely and high-quality healthcare from skilled professionals. I am proud to join Ranking Member Kuster from our Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee in supporting this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our Nation's veterans. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill, H.R. 3262.
HONORING FALLEN CLINTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today with a heavy heart as flags throughout the Commonwealth are lowered to half-staff in honor of Clinton County Sheriff's Deputy Sheriff Stephen Herrold who died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 20. prgtoken Stephen was 30 years old and had served as a sheriff's deputy for the last year and a prgtoken half. He and his wife, Kelly, had just welcomed Brock--their first child 10 days before his death. prgtoken On Wednesday, more than 100 members of law enforcement from near and far lined the auditorium at Central Mountain High School to say goodbye to Stephen. prgtoken Clinton County Sheriff Kerry Stover said Stephen was the first deputy he'd hired after being elected sheriff. At Stephen's service, he said: He was outstanding. He took his job seriously. . . He served his community. He helped people. He confided in people. He was polite and courteous. He projected law enforcement in a positive way. . . He trusted his heart and he did it right. prgtoken , Stephen's sendoff was awe-inspiring, which was a fitting goodbye for a man who served his community with distinction and honor. Stephen will be missed, but his memory will live on forever.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Devin Nunes (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-7-28

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I want to thank both the majority and minority members of our committee for working in a bipartisan manner this year to complete this bill, which I believe is a really good product and will support the men and women doing very difficult work to protect the American people. prgtoken I do want to thank the staff not only from the minority side, but also from the majority side, specifically: Shannon Stuart, Nick Ciarlante, Scott Glabe, Bill Flanigan, Allen Souza, Lisa Major, Jacqueline Tame, Mark Stewart, Chelsey Campbell, Andrew House, Marissa Skaggs, Angel Smith, Kash Patel, Doug Presley, Steve Keith, George Pappas, and Jack Langer for helping craft this bill with the minority; as well as the committee-shared staff of Brandon Smith, Kim Kerr, and Kristin Jepson. prgtoken I would also like to take another moment, as Mr. Schiff just did, our ranking member, and thank our fellow who prgtoken will be leaving us this year, who has been here a couple of years, Mr. Phil Tubesing, who will be going back and ending his congressional fellowship. We thank him for all of his work. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to pass this bill and send an overwhelming message to the men and women who protect this country that this Congress stands ready to support them. prgtoken .
CELEBRATING THE SALEM COURTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to honor and recognize the Salem Courthouse Community Center for its outstanding service to New York's 21st District. prgtoken Founded by a group of dedicated local citizens, the Salem Courthouse Community Center provides a place for people of all ages to come together. Cognizant of its historic location in the Old Washington County Courthouse, the Center seeks to preserve our region's history while creating opportunities for individuals to enjoy and strengthen our community in the present. prgtoken In service of this mission, the Center offers a wide variety of programs that foster artistic expression and community growth. The Center's many facilities, including a community garden, pottery studio, and public kitchen, host instructive and enriching programs for both children and adults. This summer, the Center has hosted nearly 150 local children in their Lunch, Learn & Play program which provides active and educational fun for its participants. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank the Salem Courthouse Community Center for its dedication to bringing our community together. We commend its incredible service, and look forward to its future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUBURN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to recognize the 200th Anniversary of the Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, NY. The Auburn Correctional Facility has served Central New York diligently and without fail--never ceasing to operate 24 hours a day for seven days a week--for 200 years. The Auburn Correctional Facility has been an economic driver in Auburn and Central New York, creating jobs and boosting the local economy over the past two centuries. I commend the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for keeping the Auburn Correctional Facility operational for the last 200 years, and I wish the Auburn Correctional Facility continued success in the years to come.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERTA ``BOBBIE'' BISHOP
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to celebrate the life of the beloved Roberta Bishop, or to those who knew her, ``Bobbie.'' prgtoken Bobbie was a model citizen who dedicated her life to giving back to those in need. Not only did she have a kind spirit and a big heart, she also empowered herself to make a real difference by creating Midwest Service Dogs, a non-profit in South Bend, Indiana, that helps train and place service dogs and companion dogs. prgtoken The combination of her love of animals and her desire to give back fueled her participation in multiple charities as well as her work at a local animal clinic. Bobbie strived to make our community a better place, and from her loving family to the many friends she made along the way, her strength in character and compassion for others were hard to miss. prgtoken Bobbie lived a meaningful life full of love, happiness, and generosity of spirit. I am grateful that her wonderful legacy is sure to live on in the cherished life lessons she taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. prgtoken , I'm personally thankful for our decades-long friendship and the impact she had on my life. Our country lost a great human being, and I wish her two sons and extended family all the best
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-7-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 95, as amended, the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act. This bill would make the Department of Veterans Affairs' successful pilot program to provide childcare assistance to veterans seeking mental or other intensive healthcare services through the VA healthcare system permanent. prgtoken I have been a ``Doctor Dad'' myself, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to manage childcare responsibilities on top of everything else. prgtoken We know that the lack of childcare is a barrier to care for many patients and that assisting veteran parents, grandparents, and guardians in finding childcare opportunities while they are attending VA appointments will relieve a major stress point and increase access to care. prgtoken I am grateful to Congresswoman Julia Brownley, the ranking member of our Subcommittee on Health, for her leadership in sponsoring the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act. prgtoken I am proud to support this bill and urge my colleagues to do so as well. prgtoken , .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3180, INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018; WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS...
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-7-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken My colleague from Florida, with whom I have had the privilege of spending many hours in the Rules Committee debating this and a range of other issues, raised a number of points I think that are important to clarify. prgtoken First of all on the issue of minority recruitment, last night, in the Rules Committee, in open session, Chairman Nunes was asked about this, and he testified very clearly and directly that diversity is very important, that it is mission-critical for the reasons that my colleague from Florida stated. prgtoken I can report that there are several provisions in the classified annex--I won't go into the details about them--with which my colleague may or may not be familiar that support the whole notion of Centers of Academic Excellence, which are particularly focused on recruiting young people, recruiting minorities and young people across the board for service in the intelligence community. prgtoken We tend, in these rule discussions, , to have a lot of arguments and criticism of procedure. The this morning seem to be particularly concerned about our same-day authority. But I would just note, , I am certainly confident that my constituents who are watching this--and, I would say, probably most Americans watching--would understand the importance of the House of Representatives getting its work done in a timely manner. And certainly, when it comes to healthcare, the arguments and the criticism from the other side of the aisle lose a little bit of their credibility when they simultaneously attack the s for moving too slowly and then also for moving too quickly. prgtoken What I can tell you is we are debating hugely important issues and hugely important topics. We are absolutely committed to repealing and replacing Care. It is a system that is collapsing. It is a system that has devastated the lives of people across this country. It is a system that has driven premiums and deductibles through the roof. It has absolutely limited people's choice in terms of insurance plans, in terms of healthcare providers. It is a system that is failing. prgtoken We have seen the ' fundamental approach was a government mandate and their attempt to force people across this Nation to buy health insurance. They thought that, through a government mandate, they would be able to force young people into these insurance pools and, therefore, drive the cost down. That is not what happened. It didn't work. prgtoken We know we have got to put in place a system that will be able to provide people the kind of care that they need, access, as well as lowering the cost and increasing availability. So there are a whole range of very important substantive efforts going on. prgtoken I think that it is clear that the folks on the other side of the aisle don't support the direction we are going in, may prgtoken not support the policy, but the people
IN MEMORY OF DR. FRANK S. MOORE
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-7-28

today, July 28, 2017, a Celebration of Life was conducted for Dr. Frank S. Moore at New Covenant Presbyterian Church with services by Pastor Drew Kornreich. A resident of Aiken, South Carolina, for 25 years, Dr. Moore was a dedicated family man, beloved member of the community, and respected nuclear physicist. He will be greatly missed. prgtoken The following thoughtful obituary was appropriately published in the Aiken Standard on June 20, 2017: Frank S. Moore Jr Ph.D passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 at his residence at the age of 81. Dr. Moore was born July 25, 1935 in Norfolk, VA to the late Frank S. Moore Sr. and the late Margaret Moore. He received his undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney College, his Master's degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and his Doctorate from the University of Georgia. He has been a resident of Aiken for the past twenty-five years. Dr. Moore retired as a Nuclear Physicist at the age of 70 from Westinghouse at the Savannah River Site. He was an avid marksman and runner all his life. In addition to his parents, Dr. Moore was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Mac Moore. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Moore; two daughters, Elizabeth Corneluis (David) and Martha Ruthven (KT.); two sons, Christopher Moore and Matthew Musolf (Michelle); and four grandchildren, Allison Corneluis; Michael Corneluis, Dylan Crowell, and Jacob Crowell. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, July 28, 2017 at New Covenant Presbyterian Church with Pastor Drew Kornreich officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Elmer Wilhite, Don Drinkwater, John Cook, Ken Odell, Jim , and Claude O'Donovan. The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Can Hope Foundation, PO Box 3694, Aiken, SC 29802.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF RON VAN GUNDY
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to honor the life of a respected constituent of mine, Ron Van Gundy. prgtoken Since 1968, Ron devoted his time and energy to the Roza Irrigation District in the Yakima Basin. His collaborative efforts throughout the years have guided the district through several major droughts, enhanced water quality, and improved conservation efforts. prgtoken In Central Washington, water is often times a luxury, and it takes an intelligent, visionary mind to navigate the unique irrigation challenges that face our farmers. Ron exhibited an unmatched sense of leadership and cultivated strong relationships throughout the region and state-wide. He did all of this to gain support for one of Washington's most important and vulnerable agricultural districts. prgtoken Ron will be missed by many, and I am proud to have worked with him. We can honor his legacy by continuing his work and demonstrating the passion he had for water solutions in Washington's 4th District. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to please join me in remembering Ron Van Gundy.
HONORING BRIAN ROSS LUCAS
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-7-28

I proudly pause to recognize Brian Ross Lucas. Brian is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 222, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brian has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Brian has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brian completed a landscaping project around a sign he also erected for Eagleville United Methodist Church in Eagleville, Missouri I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian Ross Lucas for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
TRIBUTE TO BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 533
Todd Rokita (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to honor an important Hoosier institution, the Boy Scouts of America Troop 533 from Munster, Indiana, which is celebrating its ninetieth anniversary this year. prgtoken Boy Scout Troop 533 was organized in 1927 by Mr. Maury Kraay, an eighth grader attending Munster Public Schools. He gathered classmates, local boys, and a retired school principal to form Munster's Boy Scout Troop. Troop 533 was present on June 14, 1927 when President Calvin Coolidge dedicated Wicker Park in Highland, Indiana. The Troop was also heavily involved in the World War II effort by organizing parades and rallies for war bonds, planting and maintaining gardens for local consumption, practicing blackout drills, carrying warden messages and reports to sector headquarters, and participating in wartime recycling programs. prgtoken More recently, Troop 533 organized Cub Scout Packs in Munster elementary schools in the 1960s. In 1982, the Troop presented the colors during the dedication of the first Munster Town Council meeting in the town's newly constructed municipal complex, and began leading the Independence Park Fourth of July Parade a year later--an honor it still holds today. During the Little Calumet River flooding in 2008, Troop 533 assisted with filling sandbags to protect public and private property and later helped with yard clean-up, raking, moving dirt, and re-graveling driveways after the flood waters subsided. prgtoken Troop 533 has positively influenced countless Munster families by leading many boys to success, including producing over 100 Eagle Scouts. The scouts and their adult leaders have long served the community in which they live and love. They have lived by the Boy Scout Oath and Motto, and my hometown of Munster is better for having Troop 533 a part of the community. prgtoken , as a proud father of a young Cub Scout, I am honored to congratulate Munster Boy Scout Troop 533, on its ninetieth anniversary and look forward to their continued service to fellow Hoosiers and our nation.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MR. CHARLES WILSON
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual, Mr. Charles E. ``Charlie'' Wilson, of Carlisle, Kentucky, for his distinguished military service during World War II. Mr. Wilson, a part of the greatest generation, served our nation in the United States Army. prgtoken Mr. Wilson was just eighteen years old when he registered for the draft and became a member of the United States Army in 1943, where he served until the end of the war. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division just five days before the D-Day invasion of Normandy. prgtoken After clearing Utah Beach, the 4th Infantry Division was sent to liberate Cherbourg. Mr. Wilson served as a forward observer, keeping the infantry safe. During his second rotation to the front, he was injured badly by German shells. The injury left him paralyzed for fifteen days. To this day, Mr. Wilson suffers from pain from this injury. prgtoken Mr. Wilson returned to his unit and became a tank driver for the rest of the war. On August 25, 1944, Wilson's 19th birthday, he helped liberate the city of Paris. During the battle of Hurtgen Forest, Mr. Wilson was injured again. He was found half-buried, unconscious, and bleeding. He was treated and rejoined the effort. The Army went on to free all of France and kept pushing the Germans until the war was won. As the end of the war neared, in April 1945, Mr. Wilson helped to identify the Dachau Concentration Camp, saving the lives of many Jewish people. prgtoken After the war, Mr. Wilson returned home and became an educator. He served as Principal of Nicholas County Elementary School. He has spoken to numerous school classes about his war experiences. prgtoken Mr. Wilson was invited by the French Government to Normandy in 2014 for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. He returned in 2015 for his third trip to France, where he was awarded the Legion of Honor. Mr. Wilson spoke at the event and his words are recorded in the French archives. prgtoken The bravery of Mr. Wilson and his fellow men and women of the United States Army is heroic. Because of the courage of individuals from Nicholas County and from all across our great nation, our freedoms have been saved for our generation and for future generations. He is truly an outstanding American, a patriot, and a hero to us all,
HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES LOUIS MAXWELL, JR.
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to reflect on the life of the late James Louis Maxwell, Jr a gentleman from a small eastern North Carolina county, whose innovative mind and entrepreneurial spirit helped grow his grandfather's local milling company into a thriving international agribusiness. Louis Maxwell's story is certainly one of commercial and financial success, but it is, more importantly, Mr about a life devoted to family and community. prgtoken On January 9, 1927, in Wayne County, North Carolina, James Louis Maxwell and his wife, Ruth Herring, welcomed the birth of a son, Louis, Jr. He was an active youngster and became involved in Boy Scouts, proudly earning his Eagle Scout badge. He would later say that scouting had a transformational impact on him, and he remained actively involved with the Scouts throughout his life. prgtoken Louis' grandfather, Hugh Maxwell, founded Goldsboro Milling Company in 1916, a family business, which is honored, , to celebrate 101 years of business this year. The company began with the production of various feeds for farm animals, along with milling cornmeal and making grits. prgtoken Young Louis, a graduate of Goldsboro High School, attended Davidson College, but left to serve his country during World War II. After completing his Naval service, Louis enrolled in UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1950 with a degree in commerce. prgtoken Proud of, and loyal to his deep roots in eastern North Carolina, he returned home to Goldsboro and immediately began working in the family business, and he rose quickly through the ranks. prgtoken Louis was always looking at ways to expand the family business, and he began the company's efforts in raising turkeys, hoping that eastern North Carolina would be favorable to growing those large birds. Turkey production grew rapidly, and today, , Louis' vision and hard work have helped his company become the largest producer and processor of turkeys in the world, having acquired Butterball Company some years ago. prgtoken Continuing to grow agribusiness across the United States, Louis expanded his family's ventures, becoming a major swine producer, along with timber and blueberry farming. His visionary acumen has now carried through five generations of the Maxwell family and shows no signs of slowing down. prgtoken Yet, despite all of the many achievements of this good man--and I have really not even touched the surface of those achievements--he is truly a humble person. To Louis Maxwell, helping folks in his communities, by providing good jobs and many opportunities, was one of the most honorable things he thought a man could do to serve his fellow man. He expected much from himself and from those he employed, and he was pleased to reward loyalty and hard work. prgtoken His outlet, when he wasn't working hard, what he liked to do was spend his time outdoors. Louis was the ultimate outdoorsman. If it wasn't hunting season, it was fishing season. His children w