mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-3-22

I come to the floor to talk about H.R. 4851, legislation that just recently passed the Senate in the last hour or so. Hopefully it is on its way to final reconciliation with the House and hopefully will become law later today. prgtoken Before I talk about that, I want to take a second to recognize some provisions that are in the omnibus that we also are going to be voting on in the next few hours, two provisions that are very important to the Pacific Northwest--one, finally a fix on fire borrowing, which is so important to the entire Northwest but particularly in the State of Washington, which has seen the great impact of forest fires in the last several years. This will end the fire borrowing that we have seen that has prevented us from doing the kind of fuel reduction that we would like to see to protect our communities, and it will help us better manage with stewardship contracts and release the funds that should be going to recreation management within our forests. prgtoken This fire funding fix has been long in the making. s, Senators Wyden, Risch, and Crapo, for their hard work, and I thank Bryan Petit from my office, who has worked tirelessly on this as well. We are starting a new day in how we treat our forests and hopefully one that will reduce the risks to many communities. prgtoken I thank our colleagues for working so diligently on including a provision on prgtoken affordable housing. This is the first affordable housing increase in a decade. I want to thank specifically Senator Schumer and Senator McConnell and Senator Hatch, my cosponsor on this legislation, for helping us get this done. This is not everything we would like to see in affordable housing, but certainly it is starting to point in the right direction. prgtoken I also thank Anna Taylor, Artie Mandel, Lara Muldoon, and Jay Khosla for working so diligently on trying to make the housing crisis something that we have to deal with here in the U.S. Senate. For us in the Pacific Northwest, the homelessness crisis, our returning veterans, our aging population, and workforce housing have become the No. 1 issue. For Seattle and the whole Northwest, starting to put more resources on the table to build affordable housing is the right direction, and we need it desperately now, and this legislation will help us. Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site Bill prgtoken Now, , I come with my colleague Senator Young--and I know Senator Donnelly wishes he could join us--to talk about the legislation that Representative Andre Carson has sent to the Senate and we just recently passed back to the House. This bill designates the Landmark for Peace Memorial, which is located in the Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Indianapolis, and it designates it as the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site. prgtoken This legislation provides that this commemorative site shall be part of the African American Ci
RECOGNIZING THE INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE, MS. FAY ROPELLA, IN HONOR OF HER RETIREMENT
Gregg Harper (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-3-23

I rise today to congratulate Ms. Fay Ropella, Inspector General for the United States Capitol Police (USCP) Department, on her upcoming retirement, and to thank her for her many years of public service. prgtoken Ms. Ropella was sworn in as the second Inspector General for the USCP in November 2013, and has diligently served this institution with honor and integrity. prgtoken During her more than 20 years working in the Inspector General community, Ms. Ropella has served in numerous capacities on teams which recovered tens of millions of dollars as a result of audits and investigations into areas such as labor cost mischarging, contract and grant fraud, and misuse of federal funds. prgtoken As Inspector General for the USCP, Ms. Ropella has led an office responsible for identifying and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department. Over her past years of service, Ms. Ropella's priorities were to serve as an independent and trusted contributor to the USCP's mission and operations and to improve the management and financial integrity of the Department's programs. Before her appointment to Inspector General, she was serving as Assistant Inspector General for Audits, performing the duties of Deputy Inspector General for the USCP and helping establish the office from the ground- up. One of her earliest accomplishments in this role was to assist the USCP in completing its first set of financial statements, resulting in a clean opinion. In her work, Ms. Ropella has distinguished herself by promoting positive change within the USCP and has earned the respect of her colleagues in the process. prgtoken Before joining the USCP, Ms. Ropella served for more than 10 years with the Office of Inspector General for the Department of State. Among her many senior leadership positions, she was the chief financial advisor to the Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, managing appropriations in excess of $1.5 billion. Before joining the Department of State, Ms. Ropella worked at the U.S. Information Agency and the Department of Defense. prgtoken Ms. Ropella graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Leo College with a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy. Ms. Ropella is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner, and she has been active in the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency, Federal Audit Executive Council, as well as the Legislative Inspector General quarterly meetings. prgtoken Ms. Ropella will retire on March 30, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, transparency, accountability, and cooperation. She has been a true public servant, and we are grateful for her unwavering dedication to this institution. We wish Ms. Ropella success and happiness in her retirement and offer our congratulations to her and her family.
RECOGNIZING THE 80th BIRTHDAY OF MR. HUBERT HOWARD COKER
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-3-23

today I rise to recognize the 80th birthday of Mr. Hubert Howard Coker. Mr. Coker is an outstanding citizen who demonstrates a deep devotion to God, our nation, and to his family. Mr. Coker is known for his commitment to helping his fellow man through his many roles in life, including public service. prgtoken Mr. Coker was born on March 30, 1938, to Homer and Luna Coker. He was the eighth of ten children born on the family farm in the Ryan's Well community in Itawamba County. During his early years, he demonstrated the meaning of hard work by dividing his time in the fields with school work. At the age of 15, Mr. Coker traveled to Florida, where he took a job harvesting trees from swamps to help support his family. Mr. Coker eventually returned to Itawamba County and continued his education at Itawamba Agricultural High School. In 1957, Mr. Coker married Lula Faye Newell. In 1958, Mr. Coker earned his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). He attended Northwest Alabama Junior College in Phil Campbell, Alabama, where he studied electronics. prgtoken In 1959, Mr. Coker and his family moved to Wisconsin, where he began working for the American Motors Corporation (AMC). After a brief stay, Mr. Coker and his family moved back to Itawamba County, there he began working at the True Temper Corporation in Amory, Mississippi. He would later become an employee at Mueller Brass Industries, Inc where he embarked on a long-term mission to make sure his fellow workers received better pay and opportunities for advancement. Mr. Coker assisted in the forming of the United Steel Workers Union at Mueller Brass Industries, Inc. He later served as president of the union. Mr. Coker also established other unions throughout the south to improve wages and working conditions. From 1982-1992, Mr. Coker served as the administrator of the Industrial Union Department. He also served as a national organizer for the International Woodworkers of America (IWA). prgtoken Mr. Coker has long been a champion of civil rights. In 1968, he took part in the Poor People's March on Washington, D.C where participants called for a federal solution to widespread unemployment and poverty in America. Mr. Coker continued to push for civil rights reforms as a member of the NAACP and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. prgtoken Mr. Coker's desire to help others inspired him to run for public office. In 1976, he was elected to serve as an Itawamba County Justice Court Judge. He was also elected to serve as chairman of the Itawamba County ic Executive Committee from 1980-1984. Mr. Coker served on the Mississippi ic State Executive Committee from 1984-1990. One of Mr. Coker's proudest achievements was being chosen as a Mississippi delegate to the 1984 ic National Convention (DNC) in California, supporting presidential candidate, Walter Mondale, and the first female nominee for vice president, Geraldine Ferraro. prgtoken Mr. Coker and his w
TRIBUTE TO ED WHITING
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-3-23

I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of our community, Mr. Ed Whiting, on his retirement as Chief of Police and for his tireless and dedicated service to the City of Taft, California. prgtoken For well over thirty years, Ed has dedicated his life to ensuring that the citizens of California's 23rd Congressional District remain safe and informed. Having graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1976, Ed has long served as an instrumental member of California's Central Valley community. Upon graduation from high school, Ed enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist, where he learned how to effectively enforce rules and maintain order. Ed's successful career with the Air Force is marked by the accolades that he received--including a Good Conduct Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Operation Red, White and Blue during the 1980 Cuban Refugee Resettlement in Florida. He retired from the Air Force after achieving the rank of Sergeant. prgtoken Following his military service, Ed joined the Kern County Sheriff's Office before attending the Police Academy in Bakersfield. Ed went on to serve in Bakersfield, McFarland and eventually Taft in a myriad of roles--from Police Officer to Detective to Sergeant. His down-to-earth demeanor and larger-than-life personality have made Ed a joy to work with. prgtoken With an extensive background in law enforcement and a passion for serving others, Ed was the ideal candidate to take on the role of Taft Police Chief in 2012--serving proudly with diligence and grace. Perhaps one of the most telling events of Ed's success as police chief was the smooth and orderly manner in which he handled the 2013 shooting at Taft Union High School. Ed's effective rapid response strategies became a trademark of his career, and I truly believe that Ed's leadership greatly enhanced the Taft community's safety. prgtoken On behalf of California's 23rd Congressional District and the United States Congress, I am grateful for Ed's service to our community, as I know the Taft community is as well. I have always appreciated his friendship and advice, and I know that many others join me in celebrating his successful career. I wish Ed, his wife of 29 years, Robin, and his two children, Melissa and John, happiness in Ed's retirement.
TRIBUTE TO 98-YEAR-OLD VETERAN VIRGINIA HENDERSON GRANGER
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2018-3-23

I rise today to pay special tribute to my Memphis constituent Virginia Henderson Granger, a veteran overseas U.S. Army nurse during World War II, who turned 98 last month. Mrs. Granger was born on February 21, 1920, in Johnson City, Illinois. She graduated from West Frankfort Community High School in 1937 and went to nursing school at Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis, Illinois, earning her R.N. in 1942. Later, after her service in the Army, Mrs. Granger went to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. prgtoken Mrs. Granger volunteered for the Army Nurse Corps in 1943 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. At Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, Mrs. Granger received her basic training and then worked at the Station Hospital for six weeks while awaiting further orders. prgtoken She traveled by troop train to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, which was the port of embarkation for the European Theatre of Operations. Mrs. Granger was sent to Barnstaple, England, as a platoon nurse caring for troops. She returned to the U.S. to take up her permanent assignment after a passenger/cargo ship, the USS Munargo, was converted into the 206th U.S. Army Hospital Ship Thistle. She served on the Thistle for most of two years, rising in rank to First Lieutenant. prgtoken The home ports for the Thistle were New York City and Charleston, South Carolina, while its overseas port was Naples, Italy. As a hospital ship, it was considered neutral under the Geneva Convention and bore a large red cross on the upper decks. While aboard the Thistle, Mrs. Granger made 12 round trips across the Atlantic Ocean bringing sick and wounded troops home from the European Theater. While in the Mediterranean Sea, the ship shuttled sick and wounded troops from Oran, Algeria and Southern France. Mrs. Granger and the rest of the crew of the Thistle participated in the Southern France Invasion in August 1944. At the end of the war in Europe, the Thistle and Mrs. Granger were sent to the Philippine Islands to evacuate the remaining sick and wounded. After three years of service, Mrs. Granger returned via Long Beach, California, and was discharged in Des Moines, Iowa. prgtoken Mrs. Granger was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the EAME (Eastern, American, Mediterranean) Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the American Pacific Campaign Medal, and three overseas bars. prgtoken Mrs. Granger, a widow, was married to John W. Granger, an Army veteran of the war, for thirty years. prgtoken After leaving the Army, she worked as a nurse at the John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Memphis Veterans Hospital. She worked a total of thirty years at the two hospitals and served in almost all of the departments within the hospitals. For several years she was the supervisor of the Spinal Cord Injury, Post Surgical Unit, and Psychiatric Departments of the hospita
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-3-23

on March 22, 2018, I was unavoidably detained and missed recorded vote No. 123. Had I been present, on Roll Call No. 123, On Ordering the Previous Question: H. Res. 796: Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1625) to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include severe forms of trafficking in persons within the definition of transnational organized crime, I would have voted NO.
HONORING THE POWER OF STUDENT VOICES AT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-3-23

I rise today to honor The Power of Student Voices at Central High School, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. prgtoken The Power of Student Voices at Central High School was created in the fall of 2005 to create a more informed citizenry that can actively participate and investigate the unique culture of the American political landscape. In May 2008, Central High School was awarded the AARP Ethel Percy Award for Civic Engagement. Additionally, the students participated in the Presidential inaugural activities in 2009 and 2017 and of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in January 2015. Last year, the students participated in an in-depth study of the 2016 Presidential Election. prgtoken Now, Central High School's seniors have the opportunity to explore our nation's capitol as they visit historical landmarks and meet with political actors. This unique experience will give them the opportunity to meet with political professionals, conduct interviews, write news articles and blogs (to be displayed on a student-made website), and explore the historical and political landscape of the political process. Students will develop a direct sense prgtoken of political efficacy and interact with key decision-makers to affect the policy making process. prgtoken The 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to The Power of Student Voices at Central High School for their hard work and commitment to civic engagement.
TRIBUTE TO MORTON ``MORT'' KIMMEL
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-3-26

I rise today to honor the life of Morton Kimmel, or Mort to those who knew him. As a lifelong Delawarean, Mort was a great husband, father, grandfather, lawyer and philanthropist. He founded several non-profits and charities and devoted his life to serving others throughout Delaware. prgtoken After graduating from law school, he began practicing in the Wilmington area, eventually becoming a founding partner of Kimmel, Carter, Roman, Peltz and O'Neill PA. An attorney by trade, Mort tried more than 100 cases while simultaneously working on the charities that were the center of his life. prgtoken After Mort's son, Larry Kimmel, participated in the 1997 Blue-Gold Senior All-Star Games, Mort saw an opportunity to enhance the annual event as a fundraiser for local non-profits and charities to rally community support around the games. Today, because of Mort's work, the Blue-Gold Games are now played at the University of Delaware's Bob Carpenter Center and have become a statewide affair attracting people from all over. Proceeds from the game directly benefit Best Buddies Delaware, a non-profit providing aid to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. prgtoken Mort's love of Delaware and philanthropic efforts extended beyond the Blue-Gold Games. He founded the First State Police Foundation, a non- profit organization that funds public safety initiatives with private sector donations. He also led the Kimmel-Spiller Charitable Foundation and served on the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House and Cancer Care Connection. In recognition of his generous spirit and life of service to Delaware, Mort was awarded the Order of the First State by then-Governor Jack Markell in 2017. Fittingly, he was inducted into the Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this Year. prgtoken It is with heavy hearts that we grieve the loss of our dear friend. Mort's selflessness touched the lives of Delawareans from all backgrounds, including the most vulnerable citizens, and I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities, services and care he provided to so many. It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life to call Mort my friend, and there is no doubt in my mind that Mort Kimmel's impact will be felt in Delaware for decades to come.
HONORING REAR ADMIRAL LAWRENCE CLEVELAND ``LARRY'' CHAMBERS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-3-26

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Rear Admiral Lawrence Cleveland ``Larry'' Chambers, USNA '52, USN (Ret.), who the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation honored at an event for its 2018 Distinguished Graduate Award recipients. prgtoken RADM Chambers and I share a common alma mater, Dunbar High School, where he graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1948 and as commander of the JROTC corps of cadets. In 1952, RADM Chambers became the second African American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. prgtoken In 1954, RADM Chambers became a Naval Aviator and in 1959, Stanford University awarded him a Bachelor's degree in Aero Engineering. During his time in the U.S. Navy, RADM Chambers became the first African American to achieve: prgtoken Officer in Charge of a Fighter Detachment--VA-22 Det R, the ``Fighting Redcocks,'' USS Princeton (CVS-37); prgtoken Commanding Officer of an Attack Squadron, VA-15, the ``Valions,'' USS Roosevelt CV-42; prgtoken Air Officer, ``Air Boss,'' USS Oriskany (CV-34); prgtoken Commanding Officer of a Combat Stores Ship, USS White Plains (AFS-4), ``The Orient Express;'' prgtoken Commanding Officer of an Aircraft Carrier, USS Midway (CV-41), ``Midway Magic;'' prgtoken Commander of a Carrier Battle Group (CarGru3); prgtoken Commander of a second Carrier Battle Group (Interim Commander CarGru4); prgtoken Vice Commander Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR); and prgtoken Flag rank as a U.S. Naval Academy graduate. prgtoken In 1975, a month into his command of the USS Midway and during ``Operation Frequent Wind,'' the final helicopter evacuation of Saigon, then-Captain Chambers performed a notable act of valor. During the mission's 18 hours of ``controlled chaos,'' the USS Midway received 3,073 of the nearly 7,000 evacuees while helicopters covered her flight deck. Major Buang-Ly of the South Vietnamese Air Force crammed his wife and five children into the two-person cabin of a Cessna O-1 ``Bird Dog.'' Maj. Buang-Ly took off and followed the helicopters out to sea. He found the USS Midway, and after three attempts, dropped this note on the deck, ``Can you move the helicopters to the other side? I can land on your runway. I can fly one hour more. Please rescue me.--Maj. Buang- Ly, wife, and children.'' prgtoken The admiral commanding the Midway's Carrier Battle Group ordered CAPT Chambers to tell the pilot to ditch the airplane. However, CAPT Chambers saw through his binoculars that a woman and children were on the aircraft. As a naval aviator, he knew when the Cessna's fixed landing gear hit the sea, the light land plane would flip and sink with its passengers on board. prgtoken CAPT Chambers called all personnel not on watch to report to the flight deck. More than 3,000 of the 4,300 compliments came topside to carry out CAPT Chambers' order, ``clear the deck!'' The sailors heaved the helicopters blocking the USS Midway's landing area overboard