mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BARBARA AND RON DUOTT NAMED CITIZENS OF THE YEAR BY THE LAKE ARROWHEAD COMMUNITIES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate Barbara and Ron Duott for being named Citizens of the Year by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Barbara and her husband Ron have been residents of the Lake Arrowhead area for many years, where they have gone out of their way to volunteer in the community and support local organizations. Barbara has worked with the Mountain Community Hospital on their Foundation Board, as well as served on the board for the Mountain Communities Scholarship Society. She is also a member of the Soroptimist International Rim of the World chapter and coordinated their Every Girl Counts program. Ron has been involved with the Rim of the World Historical Society for more than a decade, where he has served as president and treasurer. He has also been a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead and the Boys and Girls Club of the Mountain Communities. prgtoken Barbara and Ron Duott are the epitome of citizenship and community involvement, and I sincerely thank them for their dedication and support of so many in our mountain communities. They are truly deserving of being named the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce 2018 Citizens of the Year.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-4-1

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, April 2; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. Res. 50, with the time until 12:30 p.m. equally divided between the two leaders or their designees; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHNNY KEITH WALLACE
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-1

I rise today to honor the memory of Johnny Keith Wallace, who passed away on March 30, 2019. prgtoken Johnny Wallace was born on July 7, 1950, in Farmersville, Texas, and married his true love, Linda Ann Roland, on May 4, 1973. He valiantly served his country in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. prgtoken He returned to Texas and served 26 years as a member of the McKinney Fire Department, ultimately reaching the position of captain. prgtoken While I never had the privilege of knowing Johnny, his loved ones remember his commitment to his country, involvement in his community, and dedication to his family. prgtoken , I ask that the House spend a brief moment of silence in memory of Johnny Keith Wallace and that my colleagues keep his family and loved ones in their prayers during this difficult time.
CONGRATULATING CASEY DITTRICH
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-4-1

I rise to highlight the efforts of Casey Dittrich, road superintendent of Antelope County, Nebraska, to repair the many roads damaged by the storms and flooding that battered our State and much of the Midwest last month. prgtoken Even before the floodwaters had crested, Casey was actively formulating plans to repair the roads, having contracted outside employees and a large fleet of equipment to commence repairs as soon as possible. prgtoken Through his efforts, Antelope County has made steps toward reopening its more than 1,000 miles of gravel roads and 180 miles of paved roads for students to attend schools and livestock producers to continue their daily business, as well as many others. prgtoken In his 3 years working for Antelope County, Casey's efforts have garnered respect from his coworkers, and his work throughout this flood has greatly prgtoken helped the county along its long way to recovery. prgtoken Please join me in thanking Casey Dittrich for his proactive and diligent service to Antelope County, Nebraska.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Resumed
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-4-1

. I want to follow the distinguished Senator from Georgia. I also reserve the right to object here, and in the proper time, I will object. prgtoken If my colleagues are interested in supporting legislation here today that helps the people who are impacted by the 2019 storms and legislation that can actually be signed into law, then, I would say they should vote to invoke cloture on my amendment No. 201 today. prgtoken I am afraid they are not going to do that, but I will speak on my amendment in greater detail shortly, if I am permitted to. prgtoken At the moment, I object to the unanimous consent request offered by the distinguished Senator from Vermont.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Resumed
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-4-1

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Lee), the Senator from Arizona (Ms. McSally), the Senator from Alaska (Mr. Sullivan), and the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from Utah (Mr. Lee) would have voted ``nay.''
H.R. 268
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-4-1

as an outsider to this political process, it is easy to be frustrated with how slowly the Senate moves. It is easy to find fault with colleagues. As an outsider here, it is very easy to think we are not focused on getting results. I usually try to temper that with some rational thought about, well, this is the way things work, et cetera, et cetera, but I didn't see that tonight, and I am very frustrated with the vote. What we just witnessed on the floor of the U.S. Senate was nothing but pure partisan politics. prgtoken Our colleagues across the aisle blocked our disaster relief bill because they said it didn't include enough for Puerto Rico. That was one of several reasons. To date, $40 billion in Federal disaster relief aid has already been allocated for Puerto Rico, and it is eligible for another $50 billion-plus, potentially, which has already been allocated. prgtoken How much aid did the farmers in the Southeast receive after Hurricane Michael just 6 months ago? Not one dime. Now, why is that critical? You say: Well, OK. It takes time. Yes, it takes time. These farmers lost their livelihoods, and it hit them at the very time when their harvests were coming due last fall, October 10. It has been 6 months now. They have not received a dime from the Federal Government. The State has moved in with minor help, but these bridge loans these farmers have been using are running out; therefore, we were hoping this bill tonight would have given them some direct relief. prgtoken Let's put this in perspective. prgtoken Congress appropriated $136 billion for 2017's natural disasters across our country. That was for Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Harvey, and the California wildfires--in 2017, $136 billion. Before then, in 2013, $50.5 billion was appropriated for Hurricane Sandy, mostly for New Jersey. prgtoken In this bill from tonight, we were only talking about $13.45 billion for unprecedented hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires over the last year. Listen to the number of States we were talking about: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. That is right. This $13.45 billion included only $3 billion for farmers across five States in the Southeast. prgtoken President visited that damage, and Vice President visited that damage. I was personally privileged, as was Johnny Isakson, to travel with him that day to see this damage. You only have to see it to understand how ravaging this was to the businesses that have been built up over generations with regard to these family farmers. prgtoken President has done his part. He has been very reasonable in this negotiation. He stepped up and did the right thing with regard to Puerto Rico. He agreed that because the nutrition benefits were running out under the prior allocations that we just mentioned, he stepped up and said, yes, he would
IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER VERONICA G. WORMLY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the retirement of Chief Warrant Officer Veronica G. Wormly. As a member of the United States Military and current resident of Toano, Virginia, Veronica Wormly plans her summer 2019 retirement after a total of 34 years of service. prgtoken Born in Texas, educated in the Midwest, and now residing in our First District, Veronica Wormly's career has taken her across this nation. After enlisting in the United States Army on February 29, 1984, Ms. Wormly quickly rose through the ranks. Beginning as a private in that same year, she soon became sergeant just four years later while remaining a Personnel Administrative Specialist in Oklahoma City. After a brief time as a Drill Sergeant in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Ms. Wormly began work for the 388th Medical Battalion in Kansas. In 1997 she was commissioned as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves after 13 years of active duty service and received a Liberal Arts degree at Fort Hays State University in 1998. Two years later she would also finish a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from that same university. prgtoken With her degrees in hand, now-Chief Warrant Officer Wormly became a Military Personnel Technician for the 89th Regional Support Command until 2005, then moved to Germany as a Human Resource Technician. She then served as a Senior Leader Development Officer for both the 4th and 5th Command Chief Warrant Officers of the Army in Crystal City and Fort Belvoir. Today, Ms. Wormly is the Senior Warrant Officer Advisor to the TRADOC Deputy Commanding General at Fort Eustis, Virginia. prgtoken As an active and reserve member of the U.S. Army, Ms. Wormly received multiple decorations, service medals, and badges. These include the Kuwait Liberation Medal in 1991, the Army Reserves Overseas Training Ribbon in 1997, and the Meritorious Service Medal w/5 Oak Leaf Cluster in 2012. Along with her two degrees, Ms. Wormly has completed numerous officer training courses pertaining to our national security, and the wealth of information she has gained over the years is invaluable. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the bounty of Veronica G. Wormly's accomplishments as she enters retirement, as her family also rejoices in the recognition of her lifetime of dutiful service.
CELEBRATING ROBERT MILTON'S 70 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE JORDAN FIRE DEPARTMENT
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-4-1

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Robert E. Milton's 70 years of active service with the Jordan Fire Department. Robert has dedicated his life to serving his country and community, and Central New York has benefitted tremendously from his efforts. Robert Milton first gained service experience in the United States Navy, where he received fire training and was inspired to further protect his community. Upon leaving the Navy in 1950, he started with the Jordan Fire Department as an officer. Robert quickly became a leader within the department and reached the rank of fire chief in 1959. Robert diligently led the Jordan Fire Department during his time as fire chief, overseeing key initiatives and was at the forefront of several important events. The department hosted two O.C.V.F.A. Conventions under his leadership, one in 1960 and the other in 1970. These were the first conventions hosted by the department since 1937. Additionally, Robert oversaw the building of a new firehouse in 1964 and an expansion to the new structure in 1967 during his tenure as fire chief. Robert stepped down as fire chief in 1977 but has served on the Jordan Fire Department board of directors since 1984. He has continued to respond to fires ever since stepping down as fire chief, and answered 93 alarms in 2018. Madam , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the remarkable firefighting career of Robert E. Milton. He has risked his life to protect Central New Yorkers from fire threats throughout his life and the Jordan Fire Department thrived under his leadership as fire chief. First responders like Robert are essential in communities around the country and I thank Robert for his long history of service.
IN RECOGNITION OF DICK WILLIAMS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-4-1

I rise today to recognize Mr. Dick Williams, who retired last month from Fox 5's ``The Georgia Gang'' in Atlanta. prgtoken The brother of Representative Roger Williams of Texas, Mr. Dick Williams is truly one of the stalwarts of news in the State of Georgia. He has worked for 53 total years across various types of journalism, including TV, radio, and print. For the last 25 years, he has been the moderator of ``The Georgia Gang,'' Georgia's longest running public affairs broadcast. prgtoken Mr. Williams and ``The Georgia Gang'' covered seemingly every topic imaginable, ranging from local politics, the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, scandals at city hall, missing children, and so much more. prgtoken The final taping of ``The Georgia Gang'' was March 5, but Mr. Williams will always be remembered as one of the most trusted figures in Georgia journalism. prgtoken Thank you, Mr. Williams, for your work in keeping our State informed.
IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT PARADY
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-4-1

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the retirement of Robert Parady, who has served as the town moderator of Bourne for eighteen years. prgtoken Mr. Parady has devoted his life to improving the quality of life in the Town of Bourne. He has held numerous posts in town and has always remained dedicated to participating in local government and making our community a better place to live. His first job was working as a lifeguard for the town, and he later held his first elected position on the town's Planning Board. prgtoken After graduating from Bourne High School, Mr. Parady received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He then attended Suffolk Law School and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association. prgtoken Back in Bourne, Mr. Parady served as a Selectman for nearly two decades, starting in 1977. During his time in office, he always strived to solve problems that would have practical and positive impacts on his community. One project he and the Board of Selectmen were particularly keen on fixing was improving Main Street. Step by step they tackled the issue, first removing a sign blocking the view of the bridge. They then worked to secure the land to build Buzzards Bay park and were given a grant to build Taylor's Point Marina. Beyond Main Street, Mr. Parady worked diligently to complete numerous public works projects, such as expanding the police station and renovating the Town Hall. prgtoken In 2001, Mr. Parady was elected to serve as town moderator, to run the town meetings he attended starting in high school. He is remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated public servant who unrelentingly worked to improve the town he loved. After serving for over four decades in numerous capacities, Mr. Parady's legacy will continue to have a positive impact in Bourne. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor Robert Parady and his commitment to improving the lives of all who lived in the town of Bourne. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his hard work and dedication as he celebrates his retirement.
TRIBUTE TO ANDY SILINS
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-4-1

I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr. Andy Silins as he retires from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, where he has served as the general secretary treasurer since 2000. He began his distinguished career in the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably during the Vietnam war. He furthered his commitment to service through his decades of work in the labor movement, fighting to ensure all of our workers get a fair shot at economic opportunity and respect, dignity, and a voice on the job. He joined the Carpenters Union Local 67 in 1968, and in 1979, the Boston District Council of Carpenters elected him as the general agent and executive secretary. He was elected the council's president in 1989 before moving on to work with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. His dedication to the labor movement helped the Carpenters secure good jobs, fair wages, and strong safety standards for its members. In addition to his labor efforts, he was one of the founders of First Trade Union Savings Bank and also served as a board member of the Massachusetts Housing Authority. I once again offer my gratitude to Andy Silins for his lifelong commitment to America's working families, for all he has done for workers across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and for his tireless fight to strengthen our labor unions. I congratulate him on his retirement and wish him the best of luck in the next chapter.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Resumed
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-1

I will be speaking about rules changes in a minute, but I heard my friend from Tennessee when he said we will be faced with a terrible choice. prgtoken I would simply say that that choice is being foisted on us by Leader McConnell and none other. You can't brag about passing more judges than ever before and then say the process is broken, and we have to change the rules. There is a total, total--there is a word that begins with ``h'' that I will not quite say. It ends in ``y.''
SERGEANT EDWARD BROWN
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor United States Army Veteran, Sergeant First Class Edward I. Brown of Winslow Township in New Jersey's First Congressional District. On February 1, 1954, Sergeant Brown began basic training at Fort Dix, currently Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Sergeant Brown left Fort Dix for Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he went through Airborne Training to learn how to be a paratrooper. While serving as a paratrooper from 1954 to 1968, Sergeant Brown attended Jump Master School where he became a Jump Master. After Jump Master School, Sergeant Brown received a Compassionate Reassignment to Fort Dix where he became a Drill Sergeant for ten years. In 1968, Sergeant Brown received orders to report to Panama for jungle training in preparation for Vietnam. Upon returning home for seven days, Sergeant Brown was flown out to Oakland, California. It was in Oakland where Sergeant Brown changed from his military gear to his jungle fatigue gear in preparation for Vietnam. From 1968 to 1969, Sergeant Brown's service in Vietnam consisted of twenty-nine-day patrols followed by three days in base. Sergeant Brown continued this cycle for eleven months. For his combat bravery in Vietnam, Sergeant Brown received the Air Medal, the Bronze Star, the Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Following his service in the Vietnam, Sergeant Brown returned home and began working at the NCO Academy at Fort Campbell until his retirement at Fort Dix on January 31, 1979. Commendably, Sergeant Brown's military career spanned a total of twenty-five years. Madam , I ask you to join me in celebrating and recognizing the valiant service Sergeant First Class Edward I. Brown dedicated to his country.
COORDINATING AND LEVERAGING ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOL SECURITY ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2019-4-1

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 1593, the Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for School Security Act. prgtoken , school violence continues to devastate communities and take the lives of so many young people. In 2018, we saw a record number of school shootings across the country. In response, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr introduced H.R. 1593, the Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for School Security Act, known as the CLASS Act. prgtoken H.R. 1593 seeks to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security organizes itself to help bolster school security. Specifically, the CLASS Act establishes a standing body within DHS to coordinate the Department's school security initiatives, activities, plans, and policies. Additionally, to help ensure that DHS gives school security adequate attention, H.R. 1593 requires the Department to report to Congress on the work of the council. prgtoken , this is an important bill. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1593, and .
RECOGNIZING TREASURE COUNTY
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2019-4-1

today I wish to recognize one of Montana's smallest but greatest counties. prgtoken Treasure County in southcentral Montana celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. ``Montana's Hidden Treasure,'' Treasure County is bordered by the Yellowstone River and contains rolling hills, pastures, and sugar beet farms. prgtoken It is also home to some of Montana's most unique buildings, including the Yucca Theatre in Hysham, a 1931 Spanish Mission-style beauty that David and Jim Manning built to give residents hope during the Great Depression. prgtoken The folks in Treasure County are used to fighting for recognition. At the time of its inception, neighboring counties thought the citizens were trying to syphon tax revenue from larger counties surrounding it. prgtoken But the residents of Treasure County were adamant their county be recognized, and in 1919, Hysham was named the county seat. prgtoken Since, Treasure County has been home to thousands of farmers, ranchers, Montana's longest serving legislator, and even NASA astronaut Frank Borman, as well as the deer, antelope, pheasants, geese, turkeys, grouse, sage hens, and ducks that have called this area home for millennia and that add to the natural splendor of this beautiful place. prgtoken I wish to honor Treasure County and all its people, to congratulate them on 100 great years. I know the next 100 will be even better.