mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
2018 WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HONORING PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN
Claire McCaskill (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2018-2-15

I wish to ask the Senate to join me today in recognizing, celebrating, and highlighting the upcoming presentation of the 2018 White House Historical Association Ornament that honors Missouri native and 33rd U.S. President, Harry S. Truman. prgtoken The 2018 White House Historical Association Christmas Ornament will be presented this President's Day in President Truman's hometown, Independence, MO, at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. The ornament is designed to highlight the positive changes President Truman made to the White House while in office. prgtoken The front side of the ornament features the Truman balcony added in 1947-48 to the south portico that allowed his family outdoor access from their upstairs living area and is still a popular location for First Families and their guests. The back side features the renovated Blue Room, home to the official White House Christmas Tree. President Truman's White House alterations and restorations were the most work done since President George Washington built the Executive mansion and Presidents James Madison and James Monroe restored it after it was damaged by fire in the War of 1812. prgtoken The Presidential Seal, located at the top of the ornament, was implemented by President Truman in 1945. Originally, the American eagle looked left towards its talons that held a cluster of spears, representing weapons of war. President Truman redesigned the seal so the American eagle faced towards its right talons, which hold the olive branches of peace. prgtoken I am so proud to hold the seat that Senator Truman held for 10 years. prgtoken President Truman lived in Missouri his entire life, with exception to his years in government service. His strong work ethic and taste for politics developed early, working as a clerk for his father who was an election judge and participating in farming, bank clerking, and timekeeping. His strong sense of patriotism led him to join the Missouri Army National Guard in 1905 and later return to Active Duty when World War I began in 1917, where he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army field artillery. After the war, he married Bess and was elected county judge of the eastern district of Jackson County. In 1934, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and reelected by large margins in 1940. prgtoken In 1944, then-Senator Truman was chosen to be the Vice Presidential candidate to President Franklin Roosevelt after a successful career in Congress revealing fraud in government wartime spending. Few Presidents after President Truman have faced the hardships he had awaiting him following the death of President Roosevelt and his succession to the Presidency in the spring of 1945. prgtoken President Truman ended the largest and most devastating war in world history and began to rebuild the defeated Axis Powers shortly after. Rebuilding war-torn countries of former enemies had never been completed; however, Preside
RECOGNIZING ILDEFONSO GUAJARDO VILLARREAL
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-2-15

I rise today to recognize the Secretary of the Economy of Mexico, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal. Mr. Guajardo has been chosen as Mexico's honoree for the prestigious League of United Latin American Citizens Council No. 12 (LULAC) Senor Internacional award. prgtoken Mr. Guajardo, a Mexican economist and public servant, was born April 19, 1957 in Monterey, Nuevo Leon. He received his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon. Subsequently, Mr. Guajardo pursued graduate studies in Economics at Arizona State University and the University of Pennsylvania. prgtoken Mr. Guajardo began his long and successful career in the 1980s. He would hold several important positions, including Economist at the International Monetary Fund, Director of the North American Free Trade Agreement Affairs Office, and Chief Clerk at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. He would later serve in Nuevo Leon as head of the Governor's Executive Office and soon after, Mr. Guajardo would be elected as a congressman. In 2012, Mr. Guajardo assumed the office of Secretary of the Economy of Mexico, appointed by President Enrique Pena Nieto. He is currently negotiating the ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. prgtoken , I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mr. Guajardo's accomplishments and tireless service to Mexico. I congratulate him on receiving the prestigious LULAC No. 12 Senor Internacional award. His dedication to others has had a very significant impact on the lives of many citizens in Mexico and the United States.
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Mr. Chair, the Americans with Disabilities Act is landmark civil rights legislation. Americans with disabilities face real challenges every day. We should strive to support them every way we can. prgtoken When Congress passes a law, we have an obligation to make sure that legislation is working and see if improvements can be made. Under the ADA, business owners are responsible to make sure their business is fully accessible to those with disabilities. However, in some cases, business owners are unaware they are in violation of the ADA. prgtoken Most Americans can agree: rather than immediately face lawsuits for violations, business owners should be given time to actually fix what is wrong. This solution advances our shared goal of improved access for all members of the community. But in listening to my constituents in Sacramento County, many are concerned that the timeframe for fixing these violations was too long. And I agree. prgtoken In response, my amendment would cut the time businesses have to fix violations in half. This means, after the notification period, a business has 60 days to fix violations, instead of 120 days in the current bill. prgtoken In some cases, these barriers can and should be immediately addressed. But in a State like California, which is prone to earthquakes, construction permits can take time. Small businesses should be given a reasonable amount of time to make changes and better serve their customers. prgtoken Having heard both sides of this debate, I believe we can, and should, find a compromise that works for both. I have seen how hard Sacramento small businesses work and how important they are for growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs. As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the challenges of those with disabilities. This amendment seeks the middle ground and is a commonsense improvement. prgtoken Americans with disabilities deserve to live full, healthy lives, unafraid of barriers that restrict their movement. prgtoken Now, let me be clear: if a business does not make the modifications to obstructions once notified, they should be held accountable and there should be consequences. prgtoken When we work across the aisle, Washington can get things done for the American people. This amendment is a commonsense fix that makes the bill better. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge support of my amendment, and .
TRIBUTE TO CECILE RICHARDS
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-2-15

I would like to take a moment to recognize the inspiring and dedicated work of Cecile Richards, who has recently announced she is stepping down as president of Planned Parenthood after 12 years. prgtoken Throughout her tenure as president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile has been a passionate advocate for healthcare for women and men across the country. Despite the constant attacks leveled at Planned Parenthood in recent years, the organization managed to grow stronger with Cecile at the helm. Today Planned Parenthood has more volunteers, supporters, and donors than it ever has had before. None of that would have been possible without Cecile's exemplary leadership. prgtoken Millions of Americans depend on Planned Parenthood for their healthcare, and for many, Planned Parenthood is their only source of care. As president, Cecile maintained Planned Parenthood's mission, and she never stopped fighting for the millions of American women and men-- including tens of thousands of Vermonters--that have trusted and depended on Planned Parenthood for their basic healthcare needs, including annual health exams, cervical and breast cancer tests, and HIV screenings. Because of her dedication to helping low-income women, she worked to ensure free birth control coverage was included in the Affordable Care Act. Cecile is leaving as president when the teen pregnancy rate is at a historical low and unintended pregnancies overall are at a 30-year low. None of that would have been possible without Cecile's relentless determination to her mission of helping those that do not have the resources to help themselves. prgtoken The true measurement of Cecile's work at Planned Parenthood goes beyond the statistics, however, for she understood that the organization's strength comes from the voices of those who believe access to healthcare for all women is a right. Those who up until recently believed that there was nothing they could do or say that would make a difference. Those who simply went on with their lives as if they had no other options. It is those same people who have taken to the streets--in Washington, in Vermont, and across the world--to let their voices be heard. Cecile's unwavering passion and commitment to advocating for these voices is one of her greatest strengths as a leader. prgtoken While Planned Parenthood is stronger than ever, Cecile leaves a legacy that will be hard to follow. Her ability to lead with grace and courage has given hope to those who need it most. She has truly been inspiration to us all. prgtoken Marcelle and I wish Cecile Richards all the best as she moves into the next chapter.
ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE
Carol Shea-Porter (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Madam , children and families across the country rely on their leaders in Congress for much more than thoughts and prayers. They need us to take action to keep them safe. prgtoken Gun violence in this country is a horrifying epidemic. There have been 18 school shootings in the past 7\1/2\ weeks. It is even hard to talk about this. prgtoken It is difficult to argue, though, with people who are looking at Congress and wondering whether too many Members in Congress are too close to the NRA and the gun manufacturers. Congress actually passed a law to prevent the CDC from even studying gun violence. prgtoken In difficult times, I, too, seek thoughts and prayers from friends, clergy, and family, but this is not stopping the slaughter. I agree with police officers across the country who say: Get the AR-15s out of the hands of dangerous people now. Our children are being massacred in their schools. prgtoken Madam , Ryan must put bills on the floor to address gun violence or his party will go down in history as the party that blocked solutions to this crisis.
CALLING FOR SENSIBLE GUN REFORM
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-2-15

. Madam , I do not rise today for another moment of silence for Parkland, Florida, for the semiautomatic weapon and shooter who wielded it already silenced 17 Floridians and injured countless others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. prgtoken Instead, I rise to make their voices heard. I rise to call for action on sensible gun reform. The Parkland shooter likely got his semiautomatic weapon through a private sale or a gun show without a background check, in spite of a record of mental health issues. prgtoken It is time to close that loophole. The Las Vegas shooter used a bump stock to convert a semiautomatic weapon into an automatic weapon--which is already illegal. Bump stocks should also be illegal. prgtoken Why is nothing happening? In my own home of Orlando, the shooter at the Pulse nightclub was on the FBI watch list. Imagine if we passed no fly, no buy and stopped that from happening. prgtoken Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time for action, and now is time for solutions.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. LOVEY ANNA LEAVELL
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-2-15

I rise today to commemorate the generous, path-breaking life of Mrs. Lovey Anna Leavell of Sandusky, Ohio. Lovey passed from this life on Saturday, January 22, 2018 after a short illness. She will be truly missed by her family and friends. Lovey was indefatigable. prgtoken Lovey's involvement and commitment to her hometown of Sandusky was known by everyone in the area. Her life of service to her community started at the historic Second Baptist Church where she served as Church Secretary, Choir Director, teacher, and Sunday school superintendent. It is also here where she would meet her husband of 60 plus years, Daniel Leavell. prgtoken Once her children became school age and began to attend Sandusky City Schools she became active in the school system as well. When her children were young she worked for the school district as a teacher's aide, bus driver, and served as the Treasurer for the Sandusky Band Parents Association. Her dedication to the Sandusky City schools continued always. Even after her children graduated, she continued her connection to the school by working as a substitute teacher. prgtoken Civil rights was a cause that Lovey was committed to as well. As a lifetime member of the Sandusky NAACP, she worked on a number of committees for her local branch. She would help set up meetings at which local politicians would be able to talk about issues dealing not only with civil rights, but also other important issues that impacted the community. Her commitment to civil rights was one of the main reasons she decided to become a realtor. Throughout her life she saw the damage that was being done to minorities due to the effects of redlining. It was her commitment to civil rights that made her want to become a realtor in order to help people obtain the American dream of home ownership. prgtoken Lovey Leavell was on a first name basis with every elected official that represented the city of Sandusky, from local up through the federal level. It was not uncommon for politicians and candidates to call her and her husband Dan for advice. She was a lifelong , her views on politics were perhaps best described by Sandusky Mayor Dennis Murray when he said this about Lovey, ``She was never about the games of partisanship. She believed totally in people and in the core things that stand for--equality, opportunity and good government.'' prgtoken Later in life when most people would decide to relax and enjoy their retirement years, Lovey decided it was time for her to get a college degree. She received two degrees, associates and then bachelors, both from BGSU Firelands. Her time at Firelands was filled not only with classwork but also with trips to the United Nations in New York, involvement with student government, and several other groups. The students there would come to know her as ``Grandma Lovey''. During her time there she made such an impression on the students, staff, and faculty she
HONORING MR. LERONE BENNET, JR.
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2018-2-15

I rise to honor a remarkable public servant and hometown hero, Mr. Lerone Bennet, Jr. prgtoken Mr. Bennet was a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and was an editor at Ebony Magazine during the time the publication published the photos of Emmett Till. In addition, he was also a journalist, author, and historian. A friend and Morehouse College classmate of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr Mr. Bennet worked tirelessly in the struggle for Civil Rights. In 1994, Mr. Bennet was appointed to President Clinton's Committee on Arts and Humanities. He also served as an early adviser on the development of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. prgtoken During the last years of his life, Mr. Bennet suffered from vascular dementia. Last night, at 89-years-old, he passed away. prgtoken Today, we honor the life of Mr. Lerone Bennet, Jr. and his family.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-2-15

those were all our children. Those of us who are parents, you can imagine the parents of those children wondering what else can be done because yesterday a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Northern Broward County, Parkland, FL, walked onto the campus with a gas mask, smoke grenades, carrying an AR-15 assault rifle. He pulled a fire alarm, waited for students to come out into the hallway, and he opened fire. As a result, 17 families are grieving. Their worst fears have become reality. More than a dozen other students who were injured are in the hospital, and some of them are in critical condition. prgtoken At some point, we have to say enough is enough. At some point, we as a society have to come together and put a stop to this. This Senator grew up on a ranch. I have hunted all my life. I have had guns all my life. I still hunt with my son, but an AR-15 is not for hunting; it is for killing. Despite these horrific events that are occurring over and over, these tragedies have led so many of us to come to the floor and beg our colleagues to take commonsense actions that we all know will help protect our children and our fellow citizens from these kinds of tragedies, and we get nowhere. prgtoken When is enough going to be enough? Sandy Hook Elementary, 20 students killed--that wasn't enough. The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, 49 people killed by a terrorist--that wasn't enough. Las Vegas, 58 people killed--that wasn't enough. Just a year ago in the same county as the Parkland murders, Broward County's Fort Lauderdale airport, five people killed--that wasn't enough. Now this high school, 17 were killed. Some were as young as 14 years old. prgtoken When is enough going to be enough? This Senator has spoken to local officials on the ground. I have spoken to the superintendent of the school, who, in his own way, is going through the grieving process; I have spoken to the FBI; and I have spoken to the sheriff's department to make sure they have everything they need. When we are finished with the Dreamer legislation today, I am headed there. When I go to the hospital and see the families and the hospital victims, all I can think is, How many more times are we going to have to go through this? And those families are going to ask me: When is enough enough? prgtoken To those who say now is not the time to talk about gun violence because it is too soon, we don't want to politicize right after a tragedy--that is what is said over and over--I would ask: When is the time? If now is not the right time, when is the right time--after the next shooting or after the one that is going to come after that? Because these are not going to stop unless we change ourselves as a culture. How many more times do we have to do this? How many more folks have to die? When is enough going to be enough? Let's not hide from it. Let's have a conversation about this right now, not just about mental illness--t
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT BADAL
Heidi Heitkamp (Democrat, ND) \u2014 2018-2-15

I wish to congratulate President Robert Badal of the University of Jamestown, formerly known as Jamestown College, in Jamestown, ND, on his outstanding tenure. Since 2002, Dr. Badal's leadership has brought strengthened academic programs, increased enrollment, greater financial strength, and significant expansion and renovation of the campus. These efforts and new offerings of graduate programs led to the change of status from college to university under Dr. Badal, who will be retiring on February 28, 2018. prgtoken In addition to jumpstarting graduate programs, Dr. Badal has also more than doubled the endowment of the university and expanded academic offerings and extracurricular offering, and it currently celebrates a multi-year high enrollment of 1,136 students. Additionally, the university has reached to other parts of North Dakota by establishing a campus in Fargo with three graduate programs. To quote Dr. Badal, he has taken ``a small, but historic institution to a higher level.'' prgtoken The University of Jamestown was truly fortunate to have a president whose unwavering passion and dedication to student success led to extraordinary growth and advancement. While his departure marks a new era for the university, he has left it in a very strong position for the future and for his successor. I thank Dr. Badal for his time and leadership at the University of Jamestown and wish him a very enjoyable retirement.
RECOGNIZING HEATHER PHILLIPS, TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR OKALOOSA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-2-16

today I rise to recognize Heather Phillips, the Teacher of the Year for Okaloosa County School District. For many years, Ms. Phillips has served the Okaloosa County School District with exceptional enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to excellence. prgtoken Ms. Phillips is a fourth-grade teacher at Bluewater Elementary School in Niceville, FL. Even though she has taught for 15 years, she feels like she is just getting started. prgtoken Ms. Phillips finds the greatest inspiration from her faith in God and the support of her family. She loves seeing the world through the eyes of children and allowing their energy to influence her focus on what truly matters. prgtoken Her teaching experiences in Japan and Hong Kong help her appreciate diversity. She is also an active member of her church in Niceville and enjoys being part of the community where she teaches. prgtoken Ms. Phillips believes being an educator is never predictable, and she thrives on the everchanging nature of her profession. prgtoken Ms. Phillips' many skills and wonderful character truly make her an invaluable and greatly appreciated resource. For all these reasons and more, she has been selected as the 2018 Okaloosa County School District Teacher of the Year. prgtoken She is honored to represent Bluewater Elementary and humbled to be considered among such an immensely talented group of educators. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Heather Phillips for her accomplishments and her continued commitment to the Okaloosa County School District. I thank her for her service and wish her all the best for continued success.