mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING DR. GENNARO R. PIRAINO, JR.
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-16

today I would like to congratulate Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr for his selection as the 2019 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year. prgtoken A Western Pennsylvania native, Gennaro earned his Doctor of Education in Administrative and Policy Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the Franklin Regional School District. prgtoken A leader in both the educational and local communities, Gennaro has served on Pennsylvania's School Safety and Security Committee since June of 2018 and has been a major advocate in sculpting a well-rounded academic environment for students to flourish. prgtoken He is also an active member on various boards of local leadership groups, including but not limited to, the Board of Directors for the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, the Tri-State Study Council's Executive Board, and the Fanklin Regional Panther Foundation. prgtoken At the same time, Gennaro's focus on building strong, dynamic young leaders is unmatched. Recognizing that a student's success extends beyond the classroom, Gennaro has been instrumental in promoting students' personal and professional development by creating and expanding educational programs and partnerships. prgtoken The Superintendent of the Year award is given to those who exemplify leadership in learning, professionalism, communications skills, and involvement in the community. The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators could not have chosen a better beneficiary. Gennaro's commitment to improving opportunities for students, empowering them to dream big and encouraging them to pursue excellence in all aspects of life, rightfully deserves this award. Congratulations again, Gennaro, on receiving this prestigious award. prgtoken You have made the people of Western Pennsylvania incredibly proud.
HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER JARED WILLIAM FRANKS
Mark Walker (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-11-16

it has been said, ``The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of prgtoken what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.'' prgtoken These words embodied the life of Officer Jared William Franks of the Greensboro Police Department. Officer Franks was killed in the line of duty after bravely engaging in the pursuit of a suspect. prgtoken Only 24 years old, Officer Franks dedicated his life to public service and creating a safer community for us all. He is the first Greensboro officer to die in the line of duty in 17 years, reminding us of the bravery and strength members of law enforcement show our communities every single day. prgtoken We must never forget and always be thankful for their courage and dedication. Please keep his family; his dad, Officer Captain Franks; and fellow officers in your prayers as we remember Officer Franks' life and legacy.
RECOGNIZING ORAN YEARGAN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today to recognize Oran Yeargan, a student at Glynn County Middle School in Brunswick, Georgia. prgtoken A student with a disability, Oran has been the water boy for the Hurricane's football team for the past 3 years. This October, the coach called him off the bench and Oran ran the ball for the last touchdown of the game against Needwood Middle School. prgtoken He stood by the team with utmost dedication all year, and this touchdown was not only really deserved, but an important lesson to us all about commitment and overcoming life's obstacles. prgtoken Oran, we are proud of you. Congratulations.
IN RECOGNITION OF HELENA CHASE BIRDWELL'S SERVICE TO THE SECOND DISTRICT
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today to thank Helena Chase Birdwell of Barren County, Kentucky, who is moving on from my congressional office after almost seven years serving Kentucky's Second District. Helena has spent her entire career serving others. After graduating from Glasgow High School and Eastern Kentucky University, she worked for the Barren River Area Development District, where she helped people find training and work opportunities. In 2012, she joined my office as a Constituent Services Representative. In this role, she has helped countless Second District residents navigate the bureaucracy of the federal government. Whether it's someone who needs a last-minute passport or someone trying to get Social Security benefits, Helena will make it happen. She will be missed not only by the many people she has helped, but also by the people at the federal agencies who love to work with her. I want to congratulate Helena as she embarks on her new role as Barren County Clerk. I wish her the best of luck in this new endeavor.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-16

next week, we will kick off the holiday season with Thanksgiving and reflect on all that we are thankful for in our lives. It also marks the start of the very busy holiday shopping season. prgtoken In an effort to support local shops that make our communities strong, Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. On this day, we celebrate and support small businesses and all that they do for our local communities. prgtoken There are more than 30 million small businesses in the United States that have created 8.4 million jobs in the last two decades. prgtoken , small, locally owned businesses employ our neighbors and contribute to the fabric of our local communities. prgtoken The Shop Small movement truly is about supporting our mom-and-pop shops. Whether it is a cup of coffee from a local spot or a unique gift for a loved one, everyone has an opportunity to join in and support independent business owners on Small Business Saturday.
MANAGE OUR WOLVES ACT
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6784 as this act will block vital protection for gray wolves across the entire Nation, protections that were implemented under the Endangered Species Act. prgtoken H.R. 6784 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue a rule removing the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act list, which would preclude judicial review of agency decisions on wolf delisting and deny citizens the right to hold the Government accountable for its actions. prgtoken There is no mystery about the negative impact that passing this legislation would have on the gray wolf, because we have already seen it. In 2011, Congress used an appropriations rider to delist wolves in Idaho and in Montana. And since 2011, over 2,500 wolves have been killed in these two States where the management practices included shooting wolves lured by bait, chasing wolves with packs of hounds, using steel-jawed legholds, and using wire snare traps. prgtoken Given these concerns, , I oppose this legislation. Endangered Species Act decisions must be made with caution. We should also be extremely bipartisan in these approaches. And if there is legitimate dispute over delisting, then delisting is premature and ill- advised. That is why I oppose this legislation.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MAUREEN SHEEDY
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today to honor the life of Maureen Sheedy, a beloved member of the Camillus community and life-long Central New Yorker. Known for her kindness and compassion for others, Maureen was highly active in many Central New York community service initiatives throughout her life. Maureen Sheedy was born on December 5th, 1943 in Syracuse, New York. She graduated from the Most Holy Rosary School and enrolled in classes at Nazareth College in Rochester. Upon completing her college education, she returned to Central New York and settled in Camillus to start her family. Additionally, Maureen made vast contributions to the community by working to improve local parks through employment with Camillus Parks and Recreation. prgtoken Maureen will be remembered most for her strong efforts to help those in need, as well as her commitment to her family and community. She spent much time volunteering with the Funeral Guild by preparing meals for mourners, and helping to deliver food to seniors through Meals on Wheels. Maureen was also very devoted to her church, Holy Family, where she worshipped for over 50 years and belonged to the Alter Rosary Society. prgtoken As a mother, she selflessly raised her five children and opened her home to children outside her family. Along with her husband Jim, Maureen organized a neighborhood block party for over 35 years to strengthen the bond of her local community. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in remembering the remarkable life of Maureen Sheedy. She always strived to improve her local community and understood the importance of family values. The dedication to service and kindness she displayed throughout her life is exemplary of the high standard Americans should live by. She will be dearly missed by her family and the Central New York community.
MANAGE OUR WOLVES ACT
Sean P. Duffy (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-11-16

I want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas for his support in coming down and managing our time. prgtoken , this is a bill that is bipartisan in a time where I don't think we see a lot of bipartisanship. I think the reason you see and s coming together and, actually, the House and the Senate coming together on this bill is because, if you live in the northern part of the United States in the Great Lakes and West, you understand that the wolves are a huge problem. That is why you have seen ic Senators from this region, ic Congressmen from this region, and s standing together to say: Hey, listen, we have to manage these wolves. prgtoken If you live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C it is not a problem. If you live in Madison, Wisconsin, it is not really a problem. You can make the argument that the pretty little puppy of the wolf, it is so pretty and beautiful and we have to protect it. Well, we did protect it. We put it on the endangered species list. prgtoken Like a lot of government programs, this one worked. We have protected them and allowed them to recover. We have three times as many gray wolves as was projected to be necessary to take them off the endangered species list. prgtoken We are coming to a hunting season in Wisconsin right now, so a lot of Wisconsinites put on their blaze orange and get their guns, and they go out to the woods and hunt deer. prgtoken , I have never seen a picture of in blaze orange and with his rifle going out to hunt deer. He is not a great outdoorsman, I don't think, but 's administration was the one that first took the gray wolf off the endangered species list. And , too, agrees. and agreeing on an issue? They do on gray wolves. prgtoken You can say: I love the gray wolf. Protect it. prgtoken Does anybody like Bambi? Does anyone like Little Bear? Does anyone like your little pet--dogs? cats? cattle? prgtoken In our communities, here is a picture of one of our gray wolves. It is hard to tell on this picture, but that is a bear, and the bear is dead, by the way, because the wolf killed it. prgtoken Here is a picture from one of my farmers that shows one of his cattle that was attacked by a gray wolf. So what we are saying here is why can't we come together, acknowledge the success of a program, that the gray wolf has recovered, and then acknowledge that we should allow our States then to manage the gray wolf? prgtoken Some States might say: I want to allow the population to continue to grow. Other States might say: We want to manage it. So if you live in California, you might say: In California, we have a small population. We are going to let that little population thrive and grow. But if you live in Wisconsin, especially northern Wisconsin, you might say: It is necessary for us to actually manage this population because it is good for the environment; it is good for
DRUG PRICES
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-11-16

representing a rural district in which many small towns rely on just one pharmacy to access lifesaving drugs has made me a believer in the value of community pharmacists. I also believe in free markets and competition, but a healthy market requires transparency and a level playing field. prgtoken Unfortunately, based upon my recent visits to community pharmacists in towns like Golconda, Rosiclare, and Carmi, pharmacy benefit managers, PBMs, are threatening the solvency of these community institutions by using complicated formularies that often result in local pharmacies being reimbursed less per prescription than their higher volume, big box peers, and direct and indirect remuneration, or DIR, fees, which create uncertainty and can impose a serious cash flow squeeze that too many times forces independent pharmacists to close their doors or sell their businesses. prgtoken Drug prices are a big issue. We can help bring down costs by reducing barriers to drug development and delivery while increasing competition through transparency that allows everyone to compete on a level playing field.
HONORING JAMES V. HANSEN
Rob Bishop (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-11-16

this week, my State lost a friend and a statesman. James V. Hansen, Utah's longest serving Member of this body, passed away on Wednesday. My condolences go out to his wife, Ann, as well as the rest of the Hansen family. prgtoken During his 22 years of service in the House, Jim became the first Utahn in history to assume the responsibilities of a full committee chairman. In 1997, Jim was chosen to be chair of the infamous Ethics Committee, where former Leader Armey said: ``It is one of the most extraordinary trusts that a body could put in another person.'' In 2001, Jim was named chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. prgtoken He was a trailblazer, not just for Utah, but for me. I followed him into the State legislature; as of the House in Utah; as a Member of this body; also as a chairman of the Western Caucus, which Jim founded; and, finally, as chairman of the Resources Committee. prgtoken I will be forever grateful for the time he took to mentor me in each and every one of these roles. His impact on my life and many others cannot be overstated. prgtoken As chairman of the Resources Committee, Jim prioritized wise use of public lands while developing sound energy policies and passing numerous conservation bills. prgtoken As a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, he defended Hill Air Force Base, as well as the importance of U.S. military needs. prgtoken Jim accomplished much without ever succumbing to arrogance. He was a good man, a fine leader, and a cherished man. He will be missed.
BEVERLY LOWRY RETIRES FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MOJAVE WATER AGENCY
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today to recognize and honor Beverly Lowry for her service on the Board of Directors of the Mojave Water Agency in Apple Valley California. Bev, as she is affectionately known by most, began her distinguished career in the water industry serving her first term with the Mojave Water Agency through 1976, and later was re-elected in 1989, serving continuously since that time. Bev has held the position of President of the Board of Directors in 1993 and from 1996 through 1999, and again from 2014 through 2016. prgtoken Bev has been a Barstow area resident for more than 50 years. She and her late husband Al settled in Barstow in 1966 where she has lived since with her two sons and two grandsons close by. She has led a lengthy and distinguished career in public service, including her current term as a Director at Mojave Water District representing Division 6, which encompasses the greater Barstow area. prgtoken During her tenure with Mojave, Bev has seen the agency transform as the desert communities have grown. As an advocate for water rights and integrated planning Bev worked to secure community participation in the Agency's first Integrated Regional Water Management Plan in 2004, as well as subsequent updates of the plan. Bev also oversaw the completion of multiple other projects and initiatives that would ultimately aid the region in continuing to supply water as the state of California faced extreme drought conditions. prgtoken Her passion and service extend throughout the community serving in several roles where she worked on behalf of the larger region. While I have enjoyed working with Bev, I also asked former Congressman Jerry Lewis to join me in thanking her for her service. Congressman Lewis said, ``Bev's dedication to the Mojave Water Agency is to be commended. It was a privilege to work with her while I was a Member of Congress. In addition to calling her a great public servant, it is a privilege to call her my friend.'' prgtoken Marking her 34 years of well-respected service, , I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing Bev well in her retirement. Her decades of service to the Mojave Water Agency is inspirational, and I am grateful for her contributions to the community and state of California.
THE RULING CLASS
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-16

we are living in interesting times. As Dickens said, it is the best of times and the worst of times. prgtoken There has never been a country in the history of the world with the amount of opportunity and freedom for individuals that has been found in the United States. Even in Solomon's Israel--great wealth there-- there was not the opportunity and the individual assets that we have here in the United States of America. prgtoken It is incredible that even for the Nation's poor, obesity is a major health issue. That is just unheard of in world history. prgtoken It is deeply grieving to hear that so many of our Nation's college students and college graduates have been indoctrinated with the notion that socialism is so much better. Communism, really, is what we are talking about. They call it progressivism and socialism, what they are proposing, that that would be a superior form of government to what we have. What those students have not been taught--and it is an enormous gap prgtoken in education; it is an enormous area of ignorance for those students-- is that you can't have socialism or communism without giving up a tremendous amount freedom. prgtoken That was one of the things that scared some people in the Soviet Union, when the Soviet Union came to exist no more. They had given up so much liberty, the idea that they were now free to find whatever job they wanted, and they didn't have to just take what the government told them to take. They could find whatever job they wanted. They could be entrepreneurs. prgtoken I talked to some. They were scared because with liberty and with freedom comes uncertainty. prgtoken But the Founders felt that government had always been a threat to people's freedom, to their liberty. They felt liberty, freedom, was far superior to security. It is often attributed to Franklin that those who would give up liberty for security or safety deserve neither. prgtoken When you really break down a socialist, communist system, you don't have a middle class. You have a ruling class, and you have a ruled class. That is what we are headed for. prgtoken I believe we saw the beginnings of that in this last election when billionaires poured hundreds of millions of dollars into this election like never before, because unlike many of our college students now, they know what happens in a socialist, communist system. You have the ruling class, and you have the ruled class. prgtoken Yes, it is true. It is so wonderful that the ruled class basically has the same amount of money. They get paid similar amounts. But I kind of like the idea of physicians being paid more than most people, because that means you draw the best and brightest into that profession. I found that not to be the case as an exchange student in the Soviet Union back when it was the Soviet Union. I got a glimpse of their socialized medicine, and thanked God, literally, that I lived in the United States and didn't have to be part of a soci
DISASTER RELIEF
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today to call on the House, the Senate, and the administration to adopt a disaster relief bill before December 7. prgtoken In recent months, we have witnessed catastrophes that have struck our Nation coast to coast, from wildfires across California, flooding in the Carolinas, and the incredible loss of agriculture in my home State of Georgia from Hurricane Michael. prgtoken Agriculture is the largest and oldest economic driver in the State of Georgia. The past few years, farmers have faced low commodity prices, unfair trade practices from foreign countries, labor shortages, and low crop yields that have created a strain on their businesses. They have also hurt the surrounding rural economies. Hurricane Michael made all of these past losses pale in comparison. prgtoken Following the storm, the likes of which Georgia has not seen in over a century, President and Vice President visited my district and heard firsthand from farmers about how they went from having the best crops to no crops in a matter of hours. This disaster has been heartbreaking, and without additional Federal assistance, it will break the back of Georgia's rural economy. prgtoken , this is not a partisan issue; this is an American issue. I call on this Chamber to act now to help these farmers and others across our great Nation who are struggling with the aftermath of these disasters.
THANKING VETERANS
Kevin Yoder (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-11-16

I rise today to express a heartfelt thank you to all the veterans across Kansas and throughout the United States. prgtoken This week we celebrate Veterans Day and we recognize and honor the service and sacrifice each and every veteran has made to ensure the preservation of the freedom and liberty we take for granted every day. prgtoken One of my greatest responsibilities in Congress has been to support the men and women of our military and fulfill the promise that we make to them in exchange for their service. prgtoken Over the last 2 years, Congress has worked with this administration to provide a record amount of funding for health programs at the VA, and we have increased accountability measures to make sure no one falls through the cracks. We have paid special attention to improving the mental health services and opioid abuse prevention among our veterans. prgtoken We owe these veterans a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay, but the best way to try to do that is to ensure they are cared for as promised when they come home. prgtoken , may we continue to honor our veterans this week and always.