mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING MS. JO ANN FLIRT
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-3-1

I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Ms. Jo Ann Flirt. Jo Ann was a vibrant member of the Mobile community. To me, Jo Ann was a dear and trusted friend. prgtoken Jo Ann attended both undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Alabama, where she went on to teach journalism and public relations. Upon returning to Mobile, she was a founding member and former president of the Press Club of Mobile and a founding member of the Mississippi-Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Society of Alabama. prgtoken Jo Ann was known for her immeasurable work ethic. She started two businesses in Mobile, the Public Relations Counsel Inc an advertising and public relations firm, and the Mobile Record, a daily legal publication with real estate and other civil business news. She also founded a group called Alabamians Behind Local Education with the purpose of peacefully integrating schools in Alabama. prgtoken Jo Ann was also a passionate advocate and champion for historic Blakeley State Park, where she served as director for almost fifteen years. It would not be a surprise to see Jo Ann out working on various projects at Blakeley, in addition to her administrative tasks. As a true testament to her character, Jo Ann was regularly called upon to serve in her community and was well known for her determined, caring spirit. prgtoken Sadly, Jo Ann passed away on February 2, 2018 at the age of 85. So, to her family and friends who will miss her dearly, I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences. May they take comfort in the warm memories of Jo Ann and the lasting impact she had on so many.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-3-1

I have 11 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Lieutenant General Paul M. Nakasone, USA, to be general and Director, National Security Agency/ Chief, Central Security Service/Commander, United States Cyber Command, Department of Defense, and Brent K. Park, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, and Anne Marie White, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary (Environmental Management), both of the Department of Energy. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Semiannual monetary policy report to the Congress.'' Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10:15 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Implementation of Positive Train Control.'' Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Administration's Framework for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America.'' Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Robert Frank , of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, and Trevor D. Traina, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, both of the Department of State, and Judy Lynn Shelton, of Virginia, to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10 a
Texas Independence Day (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-1

this morning, I would like to start off speaking about a very important day in the history of my State, a day that inspires pride in the hearts of all those who were born in Texas. I am here to commemorate Texas Independence Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow. prgtoken On March 2, 1836, Texas adopted its Declaration of Independence from Mexico. It is worth reading, and I would recommend it to anyone. This happened in the context of a struggle that is perhaps best remembered by the Battle of the Alamo, which laid some of the groundwork for Texans' eventual victory. prgtoken On February 24 of that year, with his position under siege, an important figure named William Barret Travis wrote a letter, which I would like to read. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Texas Army, and during the battle, his fellow soldiers were outnumbered nearly 10 to 1 by the forces of the Mexican dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Here in the Senate, both s and have had the honor of reading the fabled Travis letter since 1961, when then-Texas Senator John Tower started that tradition. The letter was addressed ``To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World.'' Travis wrote: I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country--Victory or Death. prgtoken Signed, ``William Barret Travis.'' prgtoken What a letter it is. It is a reminder for all of us that the 189 defenders of the Alamo lost their lives, but they did not die in vain. In fact, Texans wouldn't be around today if it weren't for them. prgtoken The Battle of the Alamo bought precious time for the Texas revolutionaries, allowing General Sam Houston to maneuver his army into a position for the decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. I would just note that I am honored to occupy the same Senate seat first occupied by Sam Houston when he became a U.S. Senator after Texas became annexed to the United States in 1845. prgtoken With that victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, Texas became a sovereign nation--the Republic of Texas--for 9 years. For 9 years, it thrived as a separate
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-3-1

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
RECOGNIZING MR. TRENTON ``TRENT'' JEROME McCLUSKEY
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-3-1

I would like to recognize and honor Mr. Trenton ``Trent'' Jerome McCluskey on the occasion of his retirement as the Jail Administrator for Walker County, Alabama back on February 1, 2018. I am proud to recognize Mr. McCluskey for his many years of public service to our area. He is truly a man who embodies the American principles of hard work and devotion to one's community, state and nation. prgtoken Mr. Trent McCluskey is a native of Jasper, Alabama and a graduate of Walker High School. After graduating high school, he attended Walker State Technical College and then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from International Bible College in 1985. He received a Criminal Justice Certificate from the University of Alabama in 1997 and his Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law in 2000. prgtoken Trent began his career in corrections in 1991 working for the State of Alabama Department of Corrections. His career could have ended prematurely in 1993 when he was stabbed by an inmate and thrown from the second tier of the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility. However, after an 18-month recovery period, he returned to work at the Walker County Jail in 1995. In 1999, one year after the completion of the new jail, he was named as the Jail Administrator where he served until January, 2018. As Administrator, he supervised the daily operations including up to 290 inmates, 43 full-time employees and a $2.5 million dollar budget. prgtoken Trent was also very active in his community and received a certificate of appreciation in 1997 from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was also named Volunteer of the Year in 1994 from the Daybreak Spousal Abuse Shelter and received their Community Service Award in 1996. He was very active in the Jasper Chapter of the Lions Club International, serving as president from 2001 to 2002, Zone Chairman for District 34-L from 2002 to 2003 and District Governor for District 34-L from 2004 to 2005. prgtoken Trent has one daughter, Terina Michelle Preston, and four grandchildren, Peyton, Conner, Grayson and Ryland. He is highly respected by the people of Walker County for his honesty, hard work and dedication, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with him over the years. prgtoken , it is a great privilege to recognize and honor Trenton ``Trent'' Jerome McCluskey on his many accomplishments and for his enduring impact on his community. I join his family, friends and colleagues in wishing him God's richest blessings in the next chapter of his life in retirement.
HONORING IAN McDONALD
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-3-1

I proudly pause to recognize Ian McDonald. Ian 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 255, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. prgtoken Ian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ian 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, Ian has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ian built and delivered a dozen wooden duck houses to the Missouri Department of conservation for distribution and installation on both public and private waters in western Missouri. prgtoken , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ian for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
PINECREST, PALMETTO BAY, AND CUTLER BAY RELAY FOR LIFE
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-5

I rise today in support of the upcoming 2018 Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay Relay for Life. prgtoken On March 17, friends, families, neighbors, and community leaders from my congressional district will gather together to remember lost loved ones, to honor survivors, and to raise money for a cause that has affected too many in our community and around the Nation. prgtoken Sadly, in 2018 alone, over 1.7 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 600,000 individuals will lose the battle against this dreadful disease. prgtoken That is why, , Relay for Life is such an important event to raise awareness and funds to help cancer patients and their families in my area of south Florida. prgtoken , I would like to thank the countless volunteers and local sponsors who are going to make this wonderful day possible, a day filled with activities, games, and fun. prgtoken Let us all join together to make a difference in the fight against cancer and make this year's Relay for Life the best one yet.
Introductory Statement on S. 2495
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-3-5

1 week ago today I stood here and urged my colleagues on both the left and the right to lay aside their differences and work together to prevent future tragedies like that in Parkland, FL. prgtoken It has been nearly 3 weeks since the murder of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. While time will continue to march on, our resolve to do something about school violence must grow only stronger. prgtoken Over the past 3 weeks my colleagues have put forth a number of legislative proposals. Some are recycled versions of earlier proposals, while others propose creative new ideas. Some enjoy broad bipartisan support, while others have not been widely embraced. We have seen much discussion and debate but little legislative progress. To break the impasse, we must unite on the issues where we agree. prgtoken Let today be the day that we come together to take a meaningful step toward legislation that has the potential to prevent school gun violence, save lives, and restore the sense of peace and security that all children should enjoy when they walk through the doors of their respective schools. prgtoken Today I come together with my partners on both sides of the aisle to introduce the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act, or STOP School Violence Act. As I outlined on the Senate floor last week, the bill will make Department of Justice grants available to fund four initiatives. Last week I outlined those four initiatives, and today I would like to describe them in even greater detail. prgtoken First, the bill will provide grants to be used for evidence-based training to prevent student violence against others and self, including training for local law enforcement officers, school personnel, and students. prgtoken One kind of training this bill would fund could prevent many incidents of school violence. Over the last 25 years, research has revealed that in 7 out of 10 acts of gun violence, a friend or someone else was told that an act of violence would be committed before it happened. In one study, it was reported that in four out of five school shootings, the attacker had told people of his plans ahead of time. prgtoken We must ensure that everyone in the school ecosystem is educated to recognize the signs of a potential threat and likewise--students, teachers, and administrators--take action and follow up when they see warning signs. By building a culture in which students and teachers understand the importance of reporting possible threats of violence, this bill will save lives and help keep our communities safe. prgtoken Second, the bill will fund evidence-based technology and equipment to improve school security and prevent school violence. prgtoken After the shooting at Columbine High School nearly 19 years ago, I authored legislation that made Department of Justice grant funds available for metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures
IN HONOR OF THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF RONNIE AND RHONDA BROOKS
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-3-5

I rise to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of Ronnie and Rhonda Brooks on August 10, 2018. prgtoken Ronnie and Rhonda met on June 9, 1968 and were married that same year. prgtoken Ronnie graduated from MacArthur Technical College and joined the Navy. He was assigned to a brand new Naval Boot Camp Facility in Orlando, Florida. prgtoken Rhonda Fore Brooks graduated in May of 1968 from Kinston High School in Kinston, Alabama. She had just moved back from Tacoma, Washington, where her father was stationed in the Air Force. prgtoken Their first child, Scotty Zane, was born in the Great Lakes Naval Training Center on Mother's Day, May 11, 1969. Their second child, Sandra Elaine, was born on February 1, 1972, in Charleston, South Carolina, where Ronnie was stationed on the USS Howard W. Gilmore AS- 16. prgtoken Ronnie graduated from Troy State University in 1977 and the University of Alabama in 1982. He taught and was principal at Coosa Christian Elementary School in Gadsden, Alabama. Rhonda went to MacArthur Technical School. prgtoken In 1984, they moved to Piedmont, Alabama. Ronnie was Human Resources Manager for SCT Yarns, Inc. and Rhonda went to Jacksonville State University. They again moved to Opp, in 1991 and Ronnie became Personnel and Safety Manager with Opp & Micolas Mills and Rhonda owned the Opp Christian Bookstore for the next 10 years before moving to Phenix City, Alabama, as part of Ronnie's job promotion. prgtoken Their children are married now: Scotty married Tammy Bryan and Sandie married James Manscill, Jr. They have four grandchildren: Justin Brooks (married to Anna Frederick), Hannah Brooks, Erika Manscill and Danielle Manscill. prgtoken Being retired now, Ronnie and Rhonda are still active in the community, active members of Epworth United Methodist Church and members of the International Gideon's Association in the Russell County Camp. They both give the success of their marriage and family to the Lord Jesus Christ. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the 50th wedding anniversary of Ronnie and Rhonda Brooks.
U.S. NAVY SEAMAN DAKOTA KYLE RIGSBY POST OFFICE
Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-3-5

I thank the gentleman from Alabama for yielding and the gentleman from Missouri. prgtoken The Bible says: Greater love hath no man than this, to lay down his life for his brothers and sisters. prgtoken On September 12, 1997, a little boy was born to a hardworking couple and named Dakota Kyle Rigsby. prgtoken Dakota's father served in the military, and this would influence Dakota's decision to one day follow in his father's footsteps and also serve this great Nation. prgtoken Every young man and woman, and every parent who kisses a child good- bye, understands that the potential price for such a decision is to make the ultimate sacrifice for something that is bigger and greater than yourself, and on June 17, 2017, Dakota Kyle Rigsby did just that, along with six colleagues: Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass; Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc Truong Huynh; Gunners Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez; Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan; Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin; and Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm, Jr. prgtoken I often joke that the United States is the worst country in the world except for all the others. prgtoken When a slave owner named Jefferson articulated an idea for the world that all people were created equal, it harkens to the preamble to the Constitution that gives us not a perfect union, but asks us to work towards a more perfect union, which means that there is always work to be done. prgtoken , this work is invariably done in most instances by women and men whose names we will never know. So we carry this bill so that one of those heroes upon the backs of whom our Nation is built will be remembered, even if only in a small place in a small way, for sacrificing every single one of his tomorrows to help us continue to be free. prgtoken He joins the legion of Americans numbered in the millions who have given the ultimate sacrifice. We know the name of Abraham Lincoln. We know the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We need to remember the names of people, heroes like Dakota Rigsby. prgtoken So this young man, devoted to service, demonstrated this from his time in high school as a volunteer firefighter to that eventful night when he executed his duties and went to bed for the day on the USS Fitzgerald. prgtoken I understand that there is a lot that we still need to do in this country, but please understand that we are where we are because better people than us have given all of their tomorrows for us to be here. prgtoken I would submit that when you hear that national anthem, while I would defend to my last breath your right not to stand, that you do stand. Stand up for Dakota Kyle Rigsby because, by God, he stood up for us.
FIRST SERGEANT P. ANDREW McKENNA JR. POST OFFICE
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-3-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 4685, introduced by the gentleman from Rhode Island, Representative David Cicilline. prgtoken , H.R. 4685 names the U.S. Post Office at 515 Hope Street in Bristol, Rhode Island, after U.S. Army First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna, Jr. prgtoken First Sergeant McKenna served 15 years in the Army, most recently as a Green Beret, and then as the first sergeant for the Special Operations Joint Task Forces--Afghanistan. prgtoken In August 2015, First Sergeant McKenna was killed in action while defending Camp Integrity in Kabul, Afghanistan, against insurgents. For his bravery and leadership during the attack, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. prgtoken This bill would honor his service to the Nation, and I urge my colleagues to support it. prgtoken , .