mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF COACH GEORGE CURRY, ON HIS INDUCTION TO THE PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise today to honor the late coach George Curry, who was inducted to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on November 3, 2018. Curry was among those honored during the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame held in Plains, PA. prgtoken Coach George Curry served as a high school football coach for 46 years, during which his teams amassed 455 victories and six Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 3A championships. During his time at Berwick Area High School, Curry's teams won three mythical high school national championships based on their team record during the season. During his tenure he was twice named USA Today High School Football Coach of the Year. prgtoken Curry began his coaching career in 1967 at Lake Lehman High School in Lehman, PA. His teams achieved a winning record during his four years tenure. In 1971 he moved to Berwick, where he served until stepping down at the end of the 2005 season. It was while at Berwick that Curry's teams became a force to be reckoned with, earning six state football championships. He coached three more seasons at Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth, PA retiring in December 2008. Coming out of retirement he returned to Berwick Area High School as an interim head coach. He passed away on April 1, 2016. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize George's achievements and his storied career in Pennsylvania sports history and it is fitting that he should be inducted as a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. I join with the members of the Hall of Fame in recognizing the life of George Curry and in celebrating his impact on two generations of Pennsylvania's athletes.
CONGRESSMAN LESTER WOLFF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-11-13

I want to thank the gentlewoman from Hawaii and the gentleman from Colorado for recognizing me to support H.R. 6064, which will rename the Oyster Bay Wildlife Refuge as the Congressman Lester Wolff National Wildlife Refuge. prgtoken As Congressman Lamborn pointed out, Congressman Wolff is the oldest living former Member of Congress, and he will be celebrating his 100th birthday on January 4, 2019. prgtoken The Congressman, back in the 1960s, got into a big battle with a very well-known figure in New York in government and politics at the time, and really known throughout the Nation as the Power Broker, Robert Moses. prgtoken They wanted to build a bridge across the Long Island Sound from Connecticut to Oyster Bay, and Congressman Wolff, who was a freshman Congressman at the time, recognized the importance of preserving this important natural resource and created the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the most important areas for natural refuge anywhere on the north shore of Long Island today and home to many types of waterfowl, such as black ducks; greater scaups; bufflehead, canvasback, and long-tail ducks; as well as great herons; and, now, osprey and red-tailed hawks. prgtoken This was a major battle when the environmental movement was very nascent at the time in the United States of America, and it took tremendous courage on the part of Congressman Wolff to stand up to Robert Moses at the time and the Governor of New York State, then- Governor Nelson Rockefeller, to preserve this important piece of property, as well as to block the bridge that would have gone across the Long Island Sound, an 8.5-mile bridge across the Long Island Sound from Connecticut to Long Island. prgtoken So this is a great, fitting tribute for a wonderful man who we hope will be able to enjoy his 100th birthday celebrating the naming of the Congressman Lester Wolff National Wildlife Refuge.
AFFIRMING UNITED STATES-AUSTRALIA COOPERATION ON SPACE RESEARCH, EXPLORATION, AND UTILIZATION
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-11-13

I thank Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Royce for all of their help on this piece of legislation. prgtoken I would also like to thank my colleague from New York, Elise Stefanik, for introducing this resolution with me, which honors the U.S.-Australia space cooperation. prgtoken This year marks 100 years of close cooperation between the United States and Australia. Dating back to World War I, our nations have cooperated diplomatically, culturally, militarily, and economically. Just as we come together on other concrete issues, we must also come together to better understand what lies beyond our own universe. prgtoken This July, Australia set up its national space agency. With this creation, Australia joined a chorus of nations seeking to understand our place in the universe. prgtoken This isn't the first time our nations have cooperated on space. The first images of Neil Armstrong on the surface of the Moon were transmitted to the world through radio stations in Australia. prgtoken We have also cooperated on securing our people's futures through defense cooperation in space. The establishment of Australia's first space agency is an opportunity to expand on this cooperation towards a more complete understanding of all of these issues. This includes manned and unmanned exploration, research across our universities on astrophysics and other issues, and the development of commercial options to access space. prgtoken This resolution recognizes the importance of this new space agency and the value of U.S. cooperation with Australia on space exploration. It also encourages our State Department to facilitate international cooperation on this issue through diplomatic channels. In doing so, we will strengthen our partnerships in the region and internationally.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE MARY GAY SCANLON TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-11-13

Members of the 115th Congress, I am honored to have this opportunity to serve our country. prgtoken , I chose tonight to be sworn in on our Constitution, a document that begins with our uniquely American creed, ``We the people,'' a charge and a challenge to faithfully represent the people of my district and the entire country, a charge I promise to honor every day with all of my might. prgtoken I am particularly honored to serve as the advance guard not just for Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, and Susan Wild, who will soon join me and our brethren in the Pennsylvania delegation, but also as an advance guard for the army of new Members who will join us for the 116th Congress, a Congress that may look substantially different than the one we see today. prgtoken I am eager to continue doing the work that we, the people, entrust to the equal branches of this government: prgtoken To ensure that fairness, civility, and opportunity are available to all and to right the wrongs that hold far too many back; prgtoken To make sure that the people get a fair shake, whether in their jobs, in our classrooms, in the courts, or in the voting booth; prgtoken To treat others with civility, particularly here in our Nation's capital, as we work in service to the people of this great country; prgtoken To ensure opportunity and safeguard the world we pass on to the next generation. prgtoken I promise to continue fighting for the underserved, for children and families, for seniors and veterans--to bend the arc of justice for those in need; for students like those on my mock trial team from Constitution High School in Philadelphia, who are the next generation of civic leaders; for veterans like Bob in Media or Pixie in Philadelphia, who want assurance that their benefits will not be treated as simply a line item in our budgets; for families like Malcolm's in Chester, whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence; and for my friend Hawa Salah, a human rights activist from Darfur who was forced to flee her homeland after her advocacy for oppressed people led to her kidnapping and torture by her own government. prgtoken I am eager to continue this work right here with all of you. prgtoken Finally, I am grateful to the voters, to my friends and family, and particularly my husband, Mark, for believing in me, and I hope that I make him proud.
TRANS-SAHARA COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 2018
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-11-13

I thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership, for their bipartisan spirit, for everything that they are doing to bring our Congress together. We need more of them around here. I thank them for bringing Mr. McCaul's bill to the floor today. I thank my esteemed Foreign Affairs Committee colleague, Michael McCaul, for his authorship of this important bill. prgtoken The Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Act codifies an important program, the program after which the bill is named, and helps build partner capacity in a critical region of the world. prgtoken Thanks to Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, I recently had the privilege of leading a delegation to one of those partner countries, Morocco, where I met with the Moroccan equivalent of the FBI. On the front lines of terrorism in north Africa and the Sahel, Morocco has successfully thwarted plot after plot that was threatening U.S. interests, and is positioned to play an even bigger role in our joint counterterrorism efforts. prgtoken Programs like the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership help bring law enforcement services in places like Morocco even closer together, allowing us to share information about terrorist groups like ISIS, al-Qaida, Hezbollah, and helps to protect our homeland. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support Mr. McCaul's important bill, and I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) for yielding me time.
HONORING DAVID AND RUTH NUTTY
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-11-13

I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize David and Ruth Nutty for their contributions to our state and Fayette County. prgtoken David and Ruth have made a positive and lasting impact in Fayette County through public and community service. Our state is better off today because of their extraordinary leadership and service. prgtoken On a personal note, the Nuttys were among my earliest and most vocal supporters. They are loyal friends and wise advisers. I want to thank David and Ruth for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.
ESTABLISHING A PROCEDURE FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN FEDERAL PROPERTY AROUND THE DICKINSON RESERVOIR
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-11-13

I want to thank Chairman Lamborn, Chairman Bishop, and the ranking member for their cooperation and for helping me move this important legislation that was sponsored, as Chairman Lamborn said, by Senator Hoeven, and for working on my companion bills that were introduced in the House earlier this year. I appreciate the hearings that the Natural Resources Committee held and for favorably reporting the bills out of the committee. prgtoken These two bills to convey BOR property to local park entities are very important to many of my constituents. In July, two of those constituents, Tom Fisher and Craig Headland, came to Washington to testify in support of these bills. Combined, they represented over 100 families with homes on these reclamation properties who wished to cast aside the uncertainties of residing on Federal land and carry out their dreams of home ownership by purchasing the lands they maintain. prgtoken Certainty, not only for them, of course, but for financial lenders, will generate greater investment in these properties to improve the lifestyle and the local economy, while maintaining the integrity of the use of the reservoirs. prgtoken The land, beyond those residents, which makes up the vast majority of the acreage, will continue to be open to the public for recreation and other uses to the benefit of our people. As a firm believer in land use decisionmaking authority being as local as possible, I believe these bills will allow for better management and improved opportunities for the citizens of North Dakota and for our visitors. prgtoken Lastly, I want to thank the administration for working on these bills with Senator Hoeven and me. I am grateful that the administration is willing to work on issues such as these that have carried on for years, and sometimes decades, with indecision and delay. prgtoken So I urge support by my colleagues and, again, thank the chairman, the ranking member, and the committee for their good work.
REMEMBERING PRIVATE FIRST CLASS MATTHEW A. COX
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-11-13

today I wish to pay tribute to a fallen soldier from Iowa, PFC Matthew A. Cox. Private Cox, of Leon, joined the Iowa National Guard in October 2017 after completing home-schooling. He was a member of the Iowa National Guard's 186th Military Police Company and had deployed to Cuba to support the joint military task force at Guantanamo Bay. Matthew Cox enjoyed participating in the children's ministry at 1st Baptist Church in Urbandale. He was inspired to join the National Guard by his grandfather and enjoyed farming with his grandparents. His family and friends describe him as an outstanding young man, always willing to help others. While in the National Guard, Matthew Cox was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He died at the age of 19 in a swimming accident. prgtoken My prayers are with his parents, Jason and Beth Cox, as well as his brother Mark Cox and his grandparents Fred and Linda Cox. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to Matthew Cox and all those who make the choice to serve a cause greater than themselves. His service to our State of Iowa and to the Nation will always be remembered.
HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF OXFORD LUMBER
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-11-13

I ask for the House's attention to recognize the 60th Anniversary of Oxford Lumber. prgtoken In February of 1958, Charles W. and Mildred L. Newman founded Oxford Lumber as a business supply company at 4th and Barry Streets in Oxford, Alabama. prgtoken Mr. Newman moved to Piedmont from Kentucky and then to Oxford in 1958. He took his savings and started the company and had his wife, who was a Registered Nurse, join the business soon after. To this day, Mrs. Newman is still an active part of the business and serves as Secretary/ Treasurer of the company. prgtoken In 1988, Oxford Lumber moved into its present facility at 1400 Barry Street on the corner of Highway 78 West. prgtoken In 1963, they joined Ace Hardware Corporation and put in a full line of hardware, paint, plumbing, electrical and tools. Since then, they founded three other home centers: Roanoke Home Center in 1973, Talladega Home Center in 1998 and Jacksonville Home Center in 2007. prgtoken This year, as we celebrate Mildred's 95th birthday, we also celebrate Oxford Lumber's 60th Anniversary. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the 60th Anniversary of Oxford Lumber and congratulating them on years of success.
AFFIRMING STRONG UNITED STATES-LIBERIA TIES AND SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , in closing, s. I thank Representatives Dan Donovan and Hank Johnson for their work on this legislation, as well as Chris Smith, Eliot Engel, and Karen Bass for their support. prgtoken The U.S. stands by the Liberian people, those living in Liberia, and the diaspora in their continued efforts for a more prosperous and a more democratic Liberia. prgtoken Reconciliation from the atrocities of the past is an important step in this process and will ensure peace, and it will ensure that the stability remains. The U.S. must continue to support civil society, rule of law, and good governance to strengthen democratic institutions. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important measure, and .
MORNING BUSINESS
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-11-13

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
300TH ANNIVERSARY OF FALMOUTH, MAINE
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-11-13

today I wish to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the town of Falmouth, ME. As one of the oldest communities in Maine, Falmouth holds a very special place in our State's history and one that exemplifies the determination and resiliency of our people. prgtoken While this landmark anniversary marks Falmouth's incorporation, the year 1718 was but one milestone in a long journey of progress. It is a journey that began thousands of years earlier with Native American villages on the shores of Casco Bay. In 1623, just 3 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Christopher Levett established a settlement on an island in the Bay and became friends with the Presumpscot Tribe. During the decades that followed, a robust settlement of farms, fishing boats, and sawmills developed and thrived. Due to the abundance of tall white pine trees, Falmouth became a leading manufacturer of ship masts for the British navy. prgtoken Falmouth is a town defined by hard work and a love of freedom. In 1775, the townspeople rose up in protest of colonial rule, and British forces retaliated by burning Falmouth to the ground. Undaunted, Falmouth rebuilt and sent a company of patriots to join the fight for American independence. During the Civil War, more than 100 of Falmouth's young men fought, and many died, so that all might live in freedom. The new Falmouth Veterans Memorial, made possible by widespread community support, honors all who have served our country. prgtoken Today, Falmouth is a place of thriving commerce, quiet neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery. Its schools are among the best in our State, providing opportunity to its young people. At the same time, Falmouth is home to an active and engaged senior community. prgtoken This anniversary is not just about something that is measured in calendar years. It is a celebration of people who for more than three centuries have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community that is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. Thanks to those who came before, Falmouth has a wonderful history. Thanks to those who are here today, it has a bright future.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-11-13

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 2 p.m Wednesday, November 14; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany S. 140 and vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment with a further amendment, as modified.
RABBI MICHOEL BER WEISSMANDL CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2017
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-13

Rabbi Weissmandl's life story is uplifting and his actions are inspiring. This Gold Medal is an overdue honor and is supported by 296 Members of the House. prgtoken , I urge its immediate passage, and I want to thank Chairman Hensarling, Ranking Member Waters, Representative Velazquez, and Representative Mast for their leadership on this important legislation. prgtoken , .
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE LAND EXCHANGE ACT OF 2017
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 2615, introduced by Congressman Steven Palazzo of Mississippi, authorizes the National Park Service to convey to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699 1.54 acres located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Jackson County, Mississippi, in exchange for a 2.16-acre parcel of land owned by the VFW Post. prgtoken This bill benefits both the VFW Post and the Park Service. It provides the VFW Post with permanent access to their building via a long driveway currently owned by the Park Service, while also adding land to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. prgtoken , I urge adoption of this measure, and .
WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-13

I would like to begin by recognizing the brave fire and rescue personnel who are working around the clock to stop the spread of fires in California. I know all of our colleagues join me in remembering the more than 40 people who have lost their lives to the blaze, in sympathy for their families and in prayer for all of those whose homes, lives, and livelihoods have been thrown into chaos by this disaster. prgtoken As these communities begin the task of rebuilding, Americans everywhere will stand with them.
HONORING HORACE HAMILTON, JR.
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-13

I'm proud to join the City of Leander and its Historical Preservation Commission as they honor Horace Hamilton, Jr. for his service to our great nation. A survivor of one of America's darkest days, he embodies the fighting spirit and patriotism that speaks to the best of our shared Texas values. prgtoken Shortly after joining the U.S. Navy, Hamilton boarded the USS Phoenix which came to port at Pearl Harbor in early December 1941. A few days later, on an early Sunday morning, the Japanese launched a devastating surprise attack that propelled America into WWII. Hamilton and his crew reacted quickly and began pulling survivors from the water. They worked tirelessly, disregarding their own safety in waters covered in burning oil, only focusing on getting their fellow sailors out of danger. prgtoken History rarely gives us turning points as stark as December 7, 1941. The sneak attack at Pearl Harbor ushered in a nation so powerful and generous that nearly every country on earth looks to America for our leadership, our vision, and our altruistic pursuit of liberty and freedom for all. prgtoken Hamilton went on to bravely serve throughout WWII, participating in major naval conflicts including the Battle of Surigao Strait, hailed as one of the greatest battles of the Pacific Theater. One of his last duties aboard the Phoenix was to pick up survivors of the Battan Death March and deliver them to hospitals to recover from their ordeal. prgtoken Horace Hamilton, Jr along with his brothers and sisters of the Greatest Generation, helped lay the foundation for lasting peace across the globe and put the world on notice that America will forever stand against tyranny. I salute his service and join his family and friends in wishing him nothing but the best for the years ahead.