mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
General Leave
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-12-6

I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) very much for yielding, and I very much appreciate his work on this issue. prgtoken , I also thank the Foreign Affairs Committee staff and Ranking Member McCaul for their tireless defense of Israel. prgtoken Furthermore, I want to state that I have a long history of working in a bipartisan fashion with my dear friend, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel. That is why it pains me to be here today debating a partisan resolution, a resolution that purports to defend a negotiated two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but that is simply not what this resolution is about. If it were, it would be bipartisan. prgtoken This is a partisan resolution because it makes pointed criticisms of the Israeli Government on delicate, divisive, internal issues. It does so at a time when our Israeli counterparts struggle through the democratic process of forming a new government. prgtoken House would only move this unconstructive resolution to the floor if it achieved aims of radical leftists in scoring points against the administration. prgtoken But, , I ask this majority, at what cost? At what cost are we voting on this? prgtoken Moving forward to this vote risks the bipartisan support that a negotiated settlement leading to a sustainable two-state solution has enjoyed for decades. prgtoken That is why I offered an alternative resolution at the Rules Committee, one that would support the peace process without alienating our major strategic partner and ally of the United States, the nation of Israel. prgtoken If there is any imperative for Congress, it should be to hold the Palestinian Authority to account for its efforts to bypass negotiations and unilaterally declare a Palestinian state. prgtoken For decades, the Palestinian Authority has undermined the peace process by appealing to the United Nations and other international organizations to impose its own solution and impose parameters for negotiations with Israel. prgtoken In 2000, Israel offered them full statehood on territory that included roughly 92 percent of the West Bank and all of Gaza, along with a capital in Jerusalem. The Palestinian Authority rejected it. prgtoken If there is any story that deserves more attention from this Congress, it is that Israel has made numerous concessions in the pursuit of peace while seeking only the right to exist, and this despite the continued efforts by Palestinian leadership to evade direct negotiations for peace. prgtoken That is the story this House should be telling, and that is why I oppose this partisan resolution that politicizes and, therefore, jeopardizes the sacred issue of Congress' support for Israel. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
PARTISAN IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , even before President was elected, have been scraping for any excuse, threatening impeachment to overturn the election results. It is shameful that House are wasting time and money, over $30 million dollars, on this Impeachment Hoax instead of fixing trade deals, funding our military, and addressing issues that create jobs. prgtoken House Nancy Pelosi continues to move forward with these warrantless attacks which undermine the results of the last election, nullifying 63 million votes. House should stop misleading the American public and work for those who put them in office. This partisan witch hunt diverts attention from the President's successes. prgtoken The lives of Americans have truly changed for the better under President . The unemployment rate has it record lows, wages have continued to increase, and there is record job creation, showing that President keeps his promises. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.
HONORING ROGER E. HEDGEPETH
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I offer these remarks in honor of Roger E. Hedgepeth, one of the longest-serving mayors of Blacksburg, Virginia and a professor at Virginia Tech in that town, who died on November 12, 2019 at the age of 89. prgtoken Born in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 17, 1930, Roger E. Hedgepeth went to Maury High School and then graduated from Virginia Tech, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. Following graduation, Mr. Hedgepeth served in the Armed Forces during the Korean War. Mr. Hedgepeth returned to Virginia Tech after serving his country and received a master's degree in mechanical engineering. prgtoken He married Jenny in 1956. They would remain happily married for 55 years until her death. prgtoken Mr. Hedgepeth used the education from his two degrees in mechanical engineering to teach students at Virginia Tech for 38 years. prgtoken As a resident of Blacksburg while teaching at Virginia Tech, he was active in his community and decided to make the leap to elected office. After two years of serving on the Blacksburg Town Council, Mr. Hedgepeth became mayor. Mr. Hedgepeth served in that position for 24 years, the second-longest tenure in Blacksburg's history. prgtoken As mayor, Mr. Hedgepeth was respected by his colleagues in government as well as his constituents. The relationship between Blacksburg and Virginia Tech during his tenure was so cordial that representatives from other college towns around the country would come to study their success. prgtoken Virginia Tech and the town of Blacksburg were fortunate to have this leader and educator in the community. Mr. Hedgepeth is survived by his children Natalie and Michael and grandchildren, Taylor and Austin of Bristol, Virginia, and Risher and Azat of Blacksburg. I offer my condolences to the Hedgepeth family on their loss.
RECOGNIZING BUFFY SMITH OF HELENA
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Buffy Smith of Helena for encouraging female students to study computer science and for emphasizing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Buffy grew up in and graduated high school in Gardiner. She then went to Carroll College where she majored in English and minored in Computer Science. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned a secondary high school teaching endorsement in computer science. It was there she found her call to teach. As an educator for 27 years, Buffy is breaking down barriers, paving the way for female and minority students to find their way into computer science. This year, Buffy received the National Educator Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology. The award honors educators who encourage underrepresented students to participate in computer science. Buffy won statewide awards in 2014, 2015, and 2017. When Buffy began teaching, she thought she would focus mostly on academics. Years later, she came to believe the relationships developed in the classroom are as critical. With her commitment to her students and her knowledge of computer science, Buffy has created an all-inclusive approach to the subject. She prioritizes encouraging students to work with others who have different views and thus enhance the outcome of a project. Buffy mentors' girls in her class and encourages them to explore computer science and technology careers. She says, as with her classroom, computer science and other STEM fields can only improve with greater diversification. Madam , for her dedication to educating Montana students and for encouraging more young people, particularly young women, to study computer science and other STEM fields, I recognize Buffy Smith of Helena for her Spirit of Montana.
IN MEMORY OF DR. ROY LAWRENCE WILSON
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Roy Lawrence Wilson who passed away recently. He had a distinguished military career, retiring from the U.S. Army in 1997 at the rank of Colonel. Between 1967 through 1971, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was decorated with multiple awards and citations including a Bronze Star Medal with an oak leaf cluster and an Army Commendation Medal with an oak leaf cluster. Subsequently, he was recalled to active service for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. prgtoken Dr. Wilson had a private practice in Richardson, Texas as a dentist and oral surgeon and was a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Dental Association. After twenty years in private practice, he devoted his time during retirement to train students as a clinical advisor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Roy Wilson's notable service in the military and medical field. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be sorely missed by his family and friends to whom I extend my sincere condolences.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I have been reminded again this week in conversations with some friends across the aisle that there are some people in here with whom I have extremely different views. But I know them, they have got good hearts, and they want to do the right thing; we just disagree on what that is. prgtoken There was a lot said today in the debate over the Voting Rights Act change. Some have tried to say and have just been mistaken--I don't think they were intentionally trying to misrepresent anything--but what we voted on today was not a reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act has been in effect, and it is still in effect. prgtoken But going back to the previous reauthorization that came through the Judiciary Committee I am on, it became clear that between the and leaders in Judiciary, there was an agreement, and they weren't going to allow changes to their agreement. I pointed out to both of them back at the time: You have a provision in here that is reauthorized that will punish States for sins committed by grandparents--in some cases great-grandparents--that happened decades before, in many cases decades before some were born who were there. This is not supposed to be a country where we intentionally punish the children and grandchildren of somebody who committed an offense. prgtoken It was wrongdoing in preventing people from voting, and the Voting Rights Act addressed that. But it was reauthorized more than once, continuing to punish the same States that have been found to be lacking, and the data we had at the previous reauthorization showed clearly there were places in some districts, in places like New York, Wisconsin, and California, where the voting disparity and racial disparity was worse than in the States that were still being punished. prgtoken I know some say: Well, it is not a punishment for the Federal Government to say you are not trustworthy and so you don't get to be in charge of your elections; we have to approve every single thing you do. prgtoken That is an extraordinary and basically unconstitutional action by the Federal Government that has been deemed to be constitutional, but only until such time as the States that were offending have corrected the situation. prgtoken I know there was one newspaper in my district that reported I was against the voting rights reauthorization. When I provided them a copy of my transcript from the reporters, the stenographers here, exactly as it was and they read what I actually said, instead of taking talking points from the left-wing alt-left media, the editor at the time--I know from things she had said, she apparently was a --but she was an honorable person, and they printed a correction and corrected what they had said. prgtoken I was in favor of the voting rights reauthorization, but not to continue to punish States that were not in violation and hadn't been for decades. So, in fact, my amendment would h
CONGRATULATING REV. JESSE TURNER IN RECOGNITION OF HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Rev. Jesse Turner of Pine Bluff on his recent selection to receive the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of the 400 Years of African American History Commission. This award is given to those who have made a lasting commitment to community service and work to commemorate the contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. Rev. Turner easily fits this description and is well deserving of this honor by the commission due to the profound impact he has had in his community. As the pastor of the historic Elm Grove Baptist Church, Rev. Turner's commitment to service has touched the lives of individuals across the country. The City of Pine Bluff issued a proclamation in his honor, highlighting his decades of work promoting African American history in the State of Arkansas and the impacts it has had on the people in his community. I'm proud to know of men like Rev. Jesse Turner and the commitment he has demonstrated to public service over his lifetime. His is a life well lived and truly is part of ``The Distinguished 400.''
IN HONOR OF GERTIE WILKERSON'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mrs. Gertie Wilkerson and wish her a very happy 100th birthday. prgtoken Gertie was born on December 7, 1919, to Everett and Gracie Cline Carter. Throughout her life she has developed the reputation of living a life full of purpose, commitment and keenness in acknowledging blessings from God. prgtoken Gertie and her family moved to Annapolis in the 1920's where she began a 30 year career prgtoken at Cannon Mills, which at the time was the world's largest producer of sheets and towels. She married her husband Henry R.C. Wilkerson, a United States Army veteran who fought in World War II. They spent 59 years together and raised three children, who later blessed them with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. prgtoken In her free time, Gertie has led a full life. She was a passionate bowler who played regularly until she was 98 years old. In addition to being a fervent bowler, she has been a faithful member of Central Baptist Church for the last 63 years. Gertie has earned the esteemed reputation of being a funny, dedicated and compassionate individual, who possesses the true principles and morals to which we all aspire. I know all of you will agree with me when I say, she is a blessing to all who know her and a treasured part of this community. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in wishing Mrs. Gertie Wilkerson a very happy 100th birthday.
DECEMBER VETERAN OF THE MONTH
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise to honor the American heroes who nobly defended our nation, and those who lost their lives in the name of that cause, during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. prgtoken With the 78th anniversary of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor approaching, I cannot think of a better time to take pause and to remember those Americans who courageously jumped into action upon seeing enemy airplanes overhead. In what would remain the deadliest foreign attack on American soil for 60 years until the devastating events of September 11, 2001, 2,335 American servicemen were killed that day and an additional 1,143 were wounded. In an effort to cripple America's naval might, the Japanese destroyed or damaged 19 United States Navy ships, including eight battleships during the attack. In spite of their best efforts, the Japanese could not defeat American resolve and although our nation was wounded, as the world would later learn, the Japanese had simply awoken a sleeping giant. prgtoken As time marches on and we lose more and more members of America's Greatest Generation, I am proud to recognize Arles Cole. Quartermaster Cole was aboard the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941, and heroically defended his ship and its crew at all costs. Quartermaster Cole is one of the few survivors of Pearl Harbor still with us and I am proud that he is my constituent in Oklahoma's First Congressional District. I am honored to recognize Quartermaster Arles Cole not only for his venerable service on December 7th and throughout World War II, but also for his continued commitment to his community. prgtoken Every American should take heed of the example set by those brave servicemembers who fought and those who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In the face of overwhelming odds, they remained committed to their mission and to their country even if it meant sacrificing their life. I am proud to recognize them today and to remember and honor their service and sacrifice everyday as we enjoy the freedoms that they so gallantly defended.
General Leave
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

I thank the gentleman from New York for his leadership on this issue. prgtoken , I would remind the body that, 2 years ago today, President said this in the Diplomatic Room in the White House: ``Today, we finally acknowledge the obvious: that Jerusalem is Israel's capital. This is nothing more, or less, than a recognition of reality. It is also the right thing to do. It's something that has to be done.'' prgtoken Since that time, the Embassy was moved. I was privileged to join many of my colleagues to visit the new Embassy in Jerusalem this past August. prgtoken There, we stood, and s, this August, looking at a border with Lebanon where Hezbollah has 150,000 rockets pointing at Jerusalem and at Tel Aviv. prgtoken We went near, but not too near, to Gaza, where rockets are being fired at Israel and balloons are being sent over to burn fields, despite Israel's good faith voluntary withdrawal from there in 2005. prgtoken But thank the Lord that America stands with Israel. Standing with Israel yields results for our national security and for the benefit of the great people of Israel, a true ally and democracy in which Jews, Muslims, and Christians live together with rights protected, and they live peaceably. prgtoken Following our example, Guatemala has moved its Embassy to Jerusalem. Honduras announced recognition of Jerusalem just a few months ago. prgtoken Just this week. prgtoken For the first time, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Brazil, and Colombia voted against the annual resolution supporting the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat, which oversees the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. These countries previously abstained on the vote. prgtoken We are changing the world and recognizing Israel because we stand with Israel, and standing with Israel works. prgtoken But rather than standing with Israel on a bipartisan basis, today, our colleagues are pushing H. Res. 326. This is a liberal, progressive retreat from standing with Israel and a move to have our Nation tell Israel what to do. prgtoken This resolution spells out specific Palestinian Authority demands without listing critical Israeli preconditions, such as acknowledging Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state with an undivided Jerusalem as Israel's capital and providing assurances for Israel's safety and security through a demilitarized zone. prgtoken The resolution chooses to reference President 's policy announced after the November 2016 election, while intentionally leaving out the administration's policy, designing the resolution to be hyperpartisan. prgtoken This resolution is a politically motivated exercise designed to undermine the policy of the administration, the right policy, announced in November, that settlements in Judea and Samaria not be considere
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I guess the gentleman is acknowledging it is a foregone conclusion that they are going to pass impeachment of the President by saying it is going to go to the Senate. prgtoken But let's keep in mind, when you talk about three out of the four witnesses from this week, all four of them, first of all, acknowledged that they had absolutely no firsthand knowledge of anything that happened, so they were giving their opinions. prgtoken All four of them acknowledged not one of them voted for President , which is their prerogative, but some of them actually testified under oath that they have given money to ic candidates for President who were running against President . prgtoken They are actively engaged in defeating President , and then we are supposed to expect that they are giving some impartial scholarly assessment of evidence that they have seen, acknowledging they have no firsthand knowledge themselves. prgtoken They are incredibly biased because they are campaigning against the President, but you brought them in to try to make it look like they are objective witnesses. I think that came out very clearly, their political bias. I am glad that, at least under oath, they acknowledged that they had a political bias. But even one of the witnesses, all of whom said they voted against the President, said it would be abuse of power of this committee, of your majority, to impeach a President based on him exercising his rights and, frankly, following the law. Part of the law, which the gentleman from Maryland, the chairman of the committee, and even the of the House voted for, requires a President of the United States, prior to sending hard-earned taxpayer money to a foreign country, to ensure that they are rooting out corruption, the platform on which President Zelensky ran. prgtoken But the old Reagan doctrine of ``trust but verify'' was in process, where they were verifying that President Zelensky was, in fact, the real deal. We determined that, and we have high confidence that President Zelensky is following through on rooting out corruption. prgtoken The money was released prior to the deadline for the money being released. There was no investigation, no announcements, and all these other things. prgtoken Let's keep in mind the bias of those witnesses. Ultimately, the people of this country, I think, are deciding this already. But the people of the country are the ones next year who should select the President of the United States, not some people who have said since 2016 that they didn't like that election so they are going to try to impeach the President regardless of facts. prgtoken Madam , if he had anything else.
SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS DURING DEPLOYMENT AND WHEN THEY RETURN HOME
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-12-6

I am proud to rise to support H.R. 5314, the Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act, with my colleague, Congresswoman Katherine Clark. prgtoken Our Nation's veterans deserve our support while they are deployed and when they return home, and one of the best ways to do that is to prepare them for the workforce outside of the military. prgtoken Our servicemembers have attained incredible skills during their service. Sadly, when they return to civilian life, finding a good- paying, family-sustaining job may be difficult. prgtoken H.R. 5314 helps streamline the process of attaining apprenticeships and reduces roadblocks for our veterans. The bill does four major things: prgtoken H.R. 5314 ensures programs are equipped to complete the expedited VA process for registered apprenticeships. prgtoken It clarifies that veterans are eligible for advanced placement and commensurate wage increases; prgtoken The bill instructs apprenticeship programs to account for a participant's competencies and prior experiences, including those gained during military service; and prgtoken H.R. 5314 aims to improve coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.