mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DOUGLAS ``PAT'' GORMAN NAMED SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-5-11

I rise today to congratulate Douglas ``Pat'' Gorman on his recognition as the 2018 City of Katy Senior Citizen of the Year. prgtoken Gorman volunteers weekly at the Katy Prairie Conservancy and at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He also helps elderly and handicapped residents through the Katy Area AARP and Katy Home Savers Association. When he and his wife Francesca, ``Fran,'' aren't spending time with family or traveling around the world, Pat can be found working outdoors: either building flower beds, fixing stairs or ensuring tools are in tip top shape. Thanks to his immeasurable contributions to the Katy community over the past decade, Gorman was the City of Katy Social Services Advisory Board's sole nominee for this award. In 2015, he was also named the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Pat Gorman on this wonderful recognition. I thank him for his dedication to our Katy community.
HONORING THE DEFENSE DISTRIBUTION CENTER SUSQUEHANNA, NEW CUMBERLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-5-11

today I'd like to honor the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna, located in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, on its 100th Anniversary of supporting our Nation's warfighting and peacekeeping forces. prgtoken In 1817, the United States government purchased 832 acres of farmland and began the construction of the Marsh Run Storage Depot, located in a small town just outside of burg, Pennsylvania. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the depot in November of 1918. During that first year, the installation served as a receiving point for supplies returning from overseas. prgtoken The next few years, the depot provided engineer and chemical warfare support and then from 1921 to 1941, the base was a quartermaster, ordnance, signal and medical inactive storage area. From 1941 to 1946, the depot served as a WWII reception center and recruit processing center. Then from 1945 to 1949, it was a German and Italian prisoner of war camp. From 1955 through 1985, Chinook helicopters were repaired and maintained on the depot. The depot provided an air maintenance mission from 1958 through 1983. During that timeframe, in 1962, the name changed to New Cumberland Army Depot, or NCAD. In 1991, as a result of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions, the depot became part of the Defense Logistics Agency and is now known as the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna. Since 1991, the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna, the largest distribution center within the Department of Defense, has provided military and commercial repair parts, medical supplies and industrial and electronic components to the Department of Defense in support of the warfighter. prgtoken From the beginning of its humble history, the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna has provided unwavering support to our military-- providing critical supplies needed to perform their mission. As someone who has served in several combat theaters, the world-class support to the Warfighter provided by the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna was greatly appreciated by my brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. The men and women of this installation, past and present, should be justifiably proud of their role in sustaining our Nation's military readiness. prgtoken It's with great pride, on behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, that I congratulate the men and women of the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna for 100 years of dedicated service to the United States of America.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-5-14

as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, I ask my colleagues to join me in marking a special day. Exactly 70 years ago today, the State of Israel was established. On the same day, the United States was the first country to recognize Israel's statehood. I applaud President 's decision to commemorate this historic anniversary with the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. prgtoken In the 70 years since its founding, Israel has shared an unbreakable bond with the United States. I am pleased to be a friend of Israel's and to have played an integral role in strengthening relations between our two countries. prgtoken It is difficult for me to express the profound reverence I have for the Jewish people. As a symbol of my respect, I wear a mezuzah around my neck and have done so every day for almost four decades--I think, actually, for more than four decades. The mezuzah reminds me of the affinity I, as a member of the Mormon faith, hold for the Jewish people and their history. Both Israel and Utah were settled by religious minorities who sought refuge from persecution--a shared history that deepens our devotion to democracy and our love of freedom. prgtoken Although my schedule does not allow me to be in Israel today, perhaps it is even more appropriate that I make these remarks here rather than in Jerusalem, where I would like to be. After all, today should be seen as an American holiday just as it is an Israeli one. America's interests, prosperity, and security have benefited immeasurably from our deep friendship with the State of Israel. Indeed, the world is a much better place because of Israel, and it is high time the country received its fair treatment on the world stage. That is why, last week, I joined Senator Booker in introducing legislation that calls for the fair treatment of Israel and urges other nations to foster diplomatic ties with the country and recognize its sovereignty. prgtoken Israel desperately needs allies. Indeed, the events of last week are a stark reminder that Israel has many enemies that seek its destruction. The Iranian Government directed missile strikes into the Golan Heights in the early hours of the morning last Thursday. Just hours before, the Iranian Government announced it may explore enriching uranium toward acquiring nuclear weapons. I know the Golan Heights. I have been there. I have looked over the Golan Heights. prgtoken We stand at a historic crossroads. Whatever your ideas about the Iran deal, whether you were for it or against it, we should remember the goals and ideas of the Iranian Government have not changed. They are, as they have been for the last several decades, aimed at the destruction of Israel. prgtoken Our Israeli friends need our help. So my message today is to the American people, to their Representatives in both Chambers of Congress, and to all the nations of the world. Now is not the time for partisanship or political games. No
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-5-14

this afternoon, I wish to talk about the brave men and women in law enforcement who are protecting us every single day. I am from Ohio. We are proud of our Ohio law enforcement. We are proud of the leadership that many Ohio law enforcement have had at a national level over the years. In fact, right now, the vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police is an officer from Marion, OH. prgtoken Unfortunately, in Ohio we have had some tragic incidences over the past several years of law enforcement officials doing their job and coming into a dangerous situation--injuries, shootings, and even the loss of the lives of several officers earlier this year. prgtoken This week is called Police Week. It is the week in which we take a moment to stop and remember those officers and talk about them. prgtoken Today, I join my colleagues here in the Senate in cosponsoring legislation that is a resolution that commemorates this week as Police Week. Although every single day we should be grateful to those police officers who are out there in the Buckeye State--my home State--and others, this week is the time to really focus on them, to focus on the sacrifices and reflect on their bravery, what they do every day in committing themselves to protecting our communities, often risking their own safety to protect others. Sometimes we talk about this as the thin blue line, which is that thin blue line between chaos and order. They are those police officers on that thin blue line--the men and women in blue--who are out there, protecting us from that chaos. prgtoken Police officers are driven by a dedication to justice and a sense of duty to protect those in need. The police officers whom I know have big hearts. They are compassionate. I sometimes tell them they are as much social workers as police officers because of the work they do. This is particularly true with the opioid crisis and the number of police officers who are engaged in that issue--in trying to get people into treatment, in trying to deal with the problem that, in my State, is out of control. prgtoken The No. 1 cause of crime in our communities is the opioid crisis. Typically, it is somebody who is committing a crime--whether it is a burglary or fraud or shoplifting--to pay for a drug habit. Police officers are often in a position in which they need to step in and provide law enforcement but also to aid in getting people the help they need. prgtoken Let me give a specific example of what I mean when I say that police officers put themselves on the line for us constantly. Over the weekend, I received a call--or an email--on Saturday about a police officer in Ohio who was injured in the line of duty. He is a Franklin County deputy. I am not going to use his name tonight because, for privacy purposes, his name is not out there, but he is a good example of what happens virtually every day in communities around the country. prgtoken He was pulling somebody ov
National Police Week (Executive Session)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-5-14

this is National Police Week, a time for recognizing the men and women in law enforcement who serve and protect our Nation. National Police Week is a solemn occasion to honor those who tragically lost their lives while serving in the line of duty. The names of those men and women are carved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. prgtoken Each year during this week, families and colleagues of the fallen travel to our Nation's Capital for this special commemoration. This year, 360 names will be added, including four officers who served the citizens of Arkansas. We remember Arkansans whose names are newly etched onto the walls of this treasured memorial. I would like to recognize these heroes. prgtoken Drew County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Braden gave his life while serving and protecting the citizens of Arkansas. Deputy Braden, unfortunately, passed away in a car crash after attempting to stop a vehicle whose driver had refused to stop, leading him on a high-speed chase. prgtoken Deputy Braden had recently joined the Drew County Sheriff's Office after serving 3 years at the McGehee Police Department. His commitment to enforcing the law, helping those in need, and protecting the community touched the lives of those with whom he served. They will remember him as a kind and hard-working officer who performed his job with a positive attitude. prgtoken Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford of the Newport Police Department had responded to a call of a vehicle break-in when he was fatally shot. He had proudly served in law enforcement for 15 years. Throughout his time in uniform, he continued to pursue opportunities to better serve the community. He was a 2016 graduate of the FBI National Academy and was working toward a master's degree in criminal justice. prgtoken I would also like to honor the dedication and service of Kevin Mainhart, a Yell County Sheriff's deputy. He was responding to a domestic disturbance call and initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle connected to the situation when he was fatally shot. Deputy Mainhart had spent more than 20 years serving and protecting Arkansas communities in law enforcement and was a veteran of the Air Force. prgtoken The selfless service of Keith Bradford, Sr Turrell police chief, is also worthy of recognition. The chief is one of 231 members of the law enforcement community who died in a previous year, but his sacrifice will be documented on the memorial this year. prgtoken Chief Bradford helped launch the law enforcement agency in 2012. In 2014, he responded to a call to assist officers from another local jurisdiction with a high-speed chase. He checked the safety of the officers, but according to a police report, Chief Bradford was left shaken. Hours later, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Chief Bradford had dedicated more than 20 years of his life to law enforcement. prgtoken Each of these officers demonstrated courage and determination in
Well Wishes for Harry Reid and First Lady Melania Trump (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-5-14

first, I recently heard that my dear friend Harry Reid has just gotten out of an operation to treat pancreatic cancer. I have spoken to his family, and it seems that everything went very well with the operation. The doctors say pancreatic cancer is not a great thing, but given that the operation couldn't have gone much better, we are all praying for Harry's speedy recovery. Harry is a fighter literally and figuratively. I know he is going to approach his recovery with the same energy and tenacity and resolve that defined his public life. We all send our prayers to him. We also wish a speedy recovery to the First Lady, who underwent a medical procedure today as well.
RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE 2018 GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-5-14

I want to bring to the attention of all Senators the winners of the 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize, the world's largest and most prestigious award for grassroots environmental activism. prgtoken Richard N. Goldman, 1920-2010, and his wife Rhoda H. Goldman, 1924- 1996, established the prize in 1989. They had devoted much of their lives to environmental protection, and they conceived of the prize in order to recognize ordinary individuals working at the grassroots level who protect and enhance the Earth's environment. prgtoken As the Goldman Prize website states, ``It views `grassroots' leaders as those involved in local efforts, where positive change is created through community or citizen participation in the issues that affect them. Through recognizing these individual leaders, the Prize seeks to inspire other ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the natural world.'' The award ceremony, held annually in both San Francisco and Washington, DC, is one of the year's most inspiring events. prgtoken Since Richard and Rhoda Goldman passed away, their three children have continued the prize. In doing so, they have honored courageous individuals from Africa, Asia, Europe, islands and island nations, North America, and South and Central America who have struggled for years, often against overwhelming odds, to protect endangered ecosystems and species, combat destructive development projects, promote sustainable environmental and energy policies, and obtain environmental justice. prgtoken Recipients of the prize are often from isolated rural communities or impoverished urban neighborhoods who have in common a lack of prior experience in activism, politics, or the law, but what they also share is that, when the forests, farmland, water, and air that their children, families, and communities depend on for their health and survival were faced with potentially existential threats, they took great personal risks to challenge those responsible, whether private industry, criminal networks, governments, or a combination of all three. prgtoken Their struggles, beginning with one or a handful of concerned individuals, grew to encompass whole communities and in some instances ignited national movements. What first seemed like tilting at windmills was eventually, through dogged and brave perseverance, shown to be possible, often after exposing lies, unbridled greed, and corruption on the part of large corporations and their accomplices at the highest levels of government. prgtoken By doing so, they have reminded us of the grave perils our planet faces today, that a single individual--regardless of his or her station in life--when moved to act can transform cynicism and despair into activism and change and that each of us has a responsibility to follow their example. prgtoken This year's prize winners, who deserve our admiration and thanks, are as follows: Europe, Claire Nouvian of France; South
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-5-14

today, during National Police Week, I wish to honor the thousands of uniformed Montanans who put their lives on the line to guarantee the safety and well-being of our families and the communities they call home. prgtoken Day in and day out, they keep out drugs, provide justice for families shattered by crime, and ensure parents are secure tucking in their kids at night. prgtoken These law enforcement officers are well-trained, committed, and they deserve our deepest gratitude. prgtoken When others run from danger, they courageously face it head on. They bravely stand up to threats, and in the most tragic of circumstances, some make the ultimate sacrifice. prgtoken Last year, Montanans lost Deputy Mason Moore of the Broadwater County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Deputy Moore was a beloved son, husband, father, and brother. He had a strong faith and a deep commitment to Montana and this Nation. His legacy lives on in his family, his fellow law enforcement officers, his community, and our State. Montana will never forget his dedication to service and his promise to keep all Montanans safe. prgtoken Tragic moments like this make us all stop and remember how thankful we are for the men and women who serve and protect our communities. prgtoken This National Police Week we add Deputy Moore's name to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, to respectfully document his sacrifice and to preserve his legacy. prgtoken In addition to honoring the life and service of Deputy Moore, we recognize six outstanding Montana law enforcement officers who also responded on May 16, 2017. prgtoken Deputy Austin Micu of Powell County Sheriff's Department, Troopers Thomas Gill and Timothy R. Wyckoff of Montana Highway Patrol, and Sergeant Tim Berger, Lieutenant John O'Brien, and Officer Rich O'Brien of Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department all went above and beyond the call of duty, and we honor them today as ``Top Cops.'' prgtoken During this week and every week, we thank you for putting your lives on the line to make Montana a safer place. prgtoken God bless you, and God bless your families, and God bless America.
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-5-15

I am honored to join with my colleagues in honoring the men and women of law enforcement during National Police Week. prgtoken This year, it was our colleague Mr. Blunt, the Senator from Missouri and the leader of our Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, who arranged an opportunity for us to speak on the floor, and I thank him for that. prgtoken I wish to commend my colleagues Senators Grassley and Feinstein for putting together the National Police Week Resolution. As of yesterday afternoon, there were 75 cosponsors to this resolution, which is more than we have had previously. prgtoken In 2017, the law enforcement community lost 199 of its bravest to line-of-duty incidents. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports that 53 officers have given their lives in 2018; 28 of those killed by firearms. This is a 56-percent increase over the same period in 2017. prgtoken I am very grateful that in Alaska we have not lost an officer in 2018. We are praying that continues and that we don't see any moving forward, but we know, like every other State out there, we are living on borrowed time. prgtoken Law enforcement families live on borrowed time. The job is inherently dangerous, and we pray and wish and hope that loved ones return home at the end of his or her shift. Really, we know there are no guarantees, and there never will be. prgtoken The last Alaska officer to give his life to protect ours was Sergeant Allen Brandt. He was with the Fairbanks Police Department. His end of watch was October 28, 2016. Sergeant Brandt was shot multiple times just a couple of weeks before his death. Everyone thought he would survive his injuries. I had an opportunity to speak with him while he was in the hospital with his wife and his best friend. He was released from the hospital. Eight days after the shooting, Allen felt strong enough to actually appear before the Fairbanks City Council in person to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support and the unconditional love they had offered him and his family in the wake of this tragedy. He was very thankful to the community, most certainly, but he also went on to admonish the community. He said: We need your support, not just when bad things happen. The officers do a hard job and most of the time it's thankless. prgtoken Those were truly his famous last words. He went to Anchorage for a second surgery a few days later, and he died on the operating table. prgtoken Officer Allen is clearly not forgotten in the Fairbanks community. He lived a hero's life, and his words before the Fairbanks City Council will be long remembered: ``We need your support, not just when bad things happen.'' That has to be the reminder to all of us all of the time--to be there for those who are serving us, to be there to support them. prgtoken In an editorial published this morning, the Fairbanks Daily News- Miner offers the following: With police receiv
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-5-15

today, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, I would like to honor the service and sacrifice of Colt Eugene Allery, a sheriff's deputy in Rolette County, ND, who was killed in the line of duty in January of 2017. prgtoken Deputy Allery was only 29 years old, but he spent much of his young life serving in law enforcement. His loved ones said that he was happiest when he was doing for others, which is why he chose law enforcement as his career. In his life and service, Deputy Allery exemplified courage and a willingness to do whatever had to be done, regardless of the circumstances. prgtoken Deputy Allery's name was inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial earlier this week--a lasting tribute to his bravery and dedication to serving his community. His name joins 51 other North Dakota law enforcement officers who have paid the prgtoken ultimate price. We honor their legacy, along with police officers across the country who have died in the line of duty. prgtoken Here in the Senate, we are also paying tribute to our men and women in blue. I am proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring a Senate resolution that pays tribute to Deputy Allery and the 128 other law enforcement officers killed on duty in 2017. Their dedication to community and the rule of law is characteristic of so many of our policemen and policewomen, without whose efforts our communities would not be the same. In recognition of such efforts, our resolution also honors the service of all law enforcement officers by designating this week, May 13 through 19, as National Police Week. prgtoken We want to thank our men and women in blue--those who leave their homes and loved ones each day to protect our communities and heed the call to serve. While we pay special tribute to their service during National Police Week, we are always grateful for their sacrifices on our behalf. We honor them and thank them for heeding the call to serve. prgtoken . prgtoken .