mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE SACRAMENTO JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise today to recognize this year's Sacramento Japanese American Citizens League's (JACL) high school scholarship recipients. As the members of the Sacramento JACL, the student's and their families gather to celebrate, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing these deserving young men and women. prgtoken Each year, the JACL provides scholarships to a select group of high school students who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and achievement, as well as community service and a desire to pursue higher education. This year, five outstanding students will receive scholarships provided by dedicated members of JACL, VFW Post 8985, and the community. This year, Kiyomi A. Sun is receiving the Harry and Kinu Masaki Memorial Scholarship and the Nisei VFW Post 8985 Scholarship. Allie T. Umemoto is receiving the Kiyoto and Rika Kawakami Memorial Scholarship, and the Noboru and Akiko May Shirai Memorial Scholarship. Kyle W. W. Kawakami is receiving the Fumio Jesse and Kiyoko Miyao Memorial Scholarship and The Nikkei Singles Club Scholarship. Cody M. Kurahara the Harry and Kinu Masaki Memorial Scholarship and the Nisei VFW Post 8985 Scholarship. And last but not least, Nozomi M. Schmoock is receiving the Sacramento JACL Chapter Scholarship. prgtoken The Sacramento Japanese American Citizens League is dedicated to protecting communities affected by bigotry and injustice as well as advancing the civil rights of all Americans. It also helps to guide the Japanese American community to further social and economic equality. I trust that the students being recognized will carry this tradition forward to protect and help fight for the civil rights of all of our citizens and remain engaged in their communities. prgtoken , as these students are being honored by the Japanese American Citizens League members, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them success in their future endeavors.
L. RAFAEL REIF AND THE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM
Michael E. Capuano (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise today to share the powerful words of L. Rafael Reif, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, on DACA, ``Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.'' Mr. Reif notes MIT's commitment to intellectual excellence, merit, and national service in support of DACA. He is himself a proud naturalized citizen of the United States. [From the Boston Globe, Aug. 31, 2017] Should Not Repeal DACA (By L. Rafael Reif) President is reportedly considering a repeal of ``DACA,'' the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The immediate pressure: a threat of legal action by a number of states to end the program, which sets a Sept. 5 deadline for the White House to act. As the president of one of America's leading technical universities--an institution built on intellectual excellence, a meritocratic openness to talent, and a long tradition of national service--I believe repealing DACA would be a mistake. Repeal would be no more than a rejection of a policy and of thousands of human beings. Repeal is not, however, a solution for the country or for the young people directly involved. I strongly urge the president and Congress to find a path that better serves us all. Created in 2012 by executive action, DACA addresses the problem of young people brought to this country without documentation when they were under 16, a group sometimes known as Dreamers. DACA invites them to declare themselves openly to the government. In return, provided that they meet strict criteria, such as having earned a high school diploma, being enrolled in higher education or engaged in the military, and having committed no serious crime, DACA allows them a Social Security number, a driver's license, authorization to work--and perhaps above all, relief from the fear of being deported. DACA is not a path to permanent citizenship; it grants a temporary but renewable opportunity for a normal life. And it applies only to the fixed pool of those who were brought to the US as children before June 2007. Repeal would run counter to our national interest in at least two ways. First, it would remove productive workers from our economy, while costing the US government tens of billions in lost future tax revenues and the direct costs of deportation. And because Dreamers are, by definition, products of the US education system, driving them out would be throwing away a tremendous national investment. We should treat these educated, English-speaking strivers not as a burden, but as a resource. Repeal also strikes me as a violation of deep American principles. The plight of the Dreamers presents a profound question of fairness. Often starting
CONGRATULATING THE JEFFERSON CITY JAYS' BASEBALL TEAM
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Jefferson City Jays' Baseball Team on their first place win in the 2017 Missouri Class 5 Baseball State Championship. This team and their coaches should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. prgtoken The team members include senior players Cole Ahrens, Kade Franks, Hayden prgtoken Hirschvogel, Gaven Strobel, Gunnar See, Jacob Weirich, Brandon Williams, and Grant Wood. The junior players include Nolan Binkley, Tyler Bise, Payton Bodenstab, Cade Galbraith, Mason Hansen, Reece Neighbors, Michael Skinner, Ryan Sturm, Joseph Travis, and Chad Volmert. The sophomore players include Landon Dunlap, Tucker Schwartz, Jack Shinkle, Blake Terry, and Justin Wood. The coaches that led this team to victory are Head Coach Brian Ash and Assistant Coaches J.R. Simmons, Kyle Lasley, Jim Womack, Steve Lochhead, and Brett Skinner. prgtoken Throughout this winning year, the Jays had a record of 31 wins and 2 losses. Additionally, they received a ranking of No. 1 in Missouri and No. 18 in the nation by Baseball America Sports Writers. This state championship win was the first Jays baseball state title in 28 years. prgtoken The team and the Jefferson City community are particularly proud of Head Coach Brian Ash and Assistant Coach J.R. Simmons. Coach Ash has been honored as the USA Today Missouri Coach of the Year as well as the National High School Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Assistant Coach J.R. Simmons has been honored as the Regional Assistant Coach of the Year by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association. These awards are a testament to the dedication these coaches have to their team and their sport. prgtoken I ask you to join me in recognizing the Jefferson City Jays' Baseball Team for a job well done.
IN RECOGNITION OF MARJORIE BENBOW AND HER APPOINTMENT TO THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise today to recognize Marjorie ``Margie'' Benbow on her recent appointment to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges and the North Carolina Community College Board of Trustees. prgtoken I've known Margie for many years, and believe she will make an excellent addition to these boards. Educated in North Carolina, Ms. Benbow graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and went on to receive both her Juris Doctor and Masters of Business Administration from Wake Forest University. Since finishing school, she has applied her education to community service and helping those who need it most. prgtoken Over the years, Ms. Benbow has dedicated her life to furthering the state of North Carolina. Currently practicing law at Moretz & Skufca, Ms. Benbow focuses on technology transfer, licensing, corporate matters and distillery & brewery law while simultaneously serving on the Rowan- Cabarrus College Board of Trustees. Prior to her legal work, she served as Science and Technology Officer for the state's fourth-largest hospital system and as the Executive Director for the region's North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Ms. Benbow has served in nearly every leadership role imaginable. She served on the boards of the NC School of Science and Math, NC Sustainable Energy Association, Charlotte Ventureprise, NC Motorsports Foundation, Institute of Political Leadership, Charlotte Area Science Network and Leadership North Carolina. prgtoken Ms. Benbow is an excellent nomination to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. Her dedication to North Carolina earned her a spot as one of Charlotte's 50 Most Influential Women and one of Charlotte USA's 20 Most Dynamic Women. I am extremely grateful for Ms. Benbow's service to our community and I wish her continued success. prgtoken , please join me today in congratulating Marjorie Benbow on her appointment to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges and the North Carolina Community College Board of Trustees.
HONORING SOPHIA BOQUIST
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise today to recognize Sophia Boquist for earning her Congressional Award Silver Medal. These awards are given to outstanding young individuals who meet specific standards for voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Sophia volunteered in a community award ceremony, cleaned a park trail, volunteered at the Travis Manion Foundation Heroes' Run and worked as a volunteer aide at the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Additionally, Sophia spent time developing her ability as a pianist and her skill as a diver. As a final step, Sophia showed great leadership in planning and executing a two-day canoe trip down the Delaware River. Sophia's commitment to public service and motivation to better herself should serve as an example to all of us.
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, SARAH BARTON MURPHY CHAPTER
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise today to honor the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter, as they celebrate their 62nd Anniversary in Farmington, Missouri. The chapter is an incredible asset to the community, especially as they commemorate the 230th Anniversary of U.S. Constitution Week, September 17 through 23, 2017. prgtoken To help preserve our American heritage through this national observance, the Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter encourages 5th grade students in St. Francois County to participate in ``Ring Bells for Freedom.'' They promote displays in six libraries in three counties and books on Colonial founders to help residents retrace the American story. prgtoken The Chapter asks all residents of St. Francois County to study our nation's birth through the events that led to the drafting of the Constitution and its signing on September 17, 1787. prgtoken The Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution works tirelessly to keep their communities aware of America's amazing heritage. I am honored to recognize the chapter today before the United States House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING WHITE OAKS MALL'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-9-1

I would like to recognize the White Oaks Mall on celebrating their 40th Anniversary. For forty years, White Oaks Mall has provided Springfield area shoppers with a wide range of options. prgtoken In 1977, when White Oaks Mall first opened their doors, it was the largest retail shopping space outside of Chicago, covering nearly one million square feet. Currently, the mall features a wide variety of stores for consumers to choose ranging from fashion, sporting goods, electronics, home decor, dining and more. The mall also features entertainment for parents and children as they can enjoy a round of glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. prgtoken The White Oaks Mall has been and continues to be an institution for the greater Springfield area. Congratulations on a prosperous forty years, and I wish them many more years of success.
REMEMBERING JOSEPH CALABRIA
Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-9-1

I rise in memory of Staten Island's Joseph Calabria, who passed away on July 28, 2017, at the age of 86. prgtoken A lifelong New Yorker, Joseph grew up in Brooklyn where he met his childhood sweetheart Josephine at a dance hall on Coney Island, whom he married in 1957. He nobly fought for his country during the Korean War. After joining the Army in October 1951, Joseph was responsible for delivering supplies and munitions to his fellow soldiers. When the war ended, he served his country further by tirelessly advocating for veterans. prgtoken As the former Commander of the local Korean War Veterans chapter, Joseph never stopped fighting for his brothers who wore the uniform. He was instrumental in changing the name of the Richmond Parkway to the Korean War Veterans Parkway. Moreover, he was influential in renaming P.S. 6 after Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan. These were no small feats, but Joseph never grew tired of fighting for those who put their life on the line for their country. prgtoken Joseph was also proud of his blue-collar roots. Working as a longshoreman for over forty years, he showed his compassion for the fellow working man by supporting them as a delegate for Local 856. Furthermore, Joseph was also a loving father to four wonderful children and a devoted grandfather to two. prgtoken , Joseph Calabria has spent his life in service to veterans, community, and country. I am saddened that he is no longer with us, but I know his compassion and patriotism will live on. He led a selfless life and for that, I salute him.
Hurricane Harvey and the American Spirit (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-9-5

today I am pleased to support the nomination of Tim Kelly to be a judge on the DC district court. Tim serves as my chief counsel for national security, senior crime counsel, and majority staff director for the Caucus on International Narcotics Control. That is quite a professional title, isn't it? And he has done an excellent job serving not only this chairman of the Judiciary Committee but all of the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken Tim's career boasts a wide range of legal experience. After Tim graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1997, he served as a law clerk to Judge Buckwalter of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He worked as an associate at Arnold & Porter, and he dedicated 6 months of his career to work for the Legal Aid Society. Tim spent a significant portion of his career serving as a Federal prosecutor, including several years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, where he prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases in the very court for which he is being considered today. He also served as trial attorney in the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice, where he prosecuted public corruption cases. He has tried approximately 30 cases during his career, as well as negotiated dozens of guilty pleas. prgtoken Tim is a very talented attorney and is well liked by everyone--by staff and Members on both sides of the aisle. His collegiality and ability to get along with folks will serve him well on the bench. I know he will show proper respect to the litigants and attorneys who appear before him, as well as the staff who will serve his court. prgtoken Tim's counsel and advice have served the members of the Judiciary Committee well. Just to point to one example of his work on behalf of this committee, I would note he was the lead Senate Judiciary staffer on prgtoken the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of last year, which happened to be signed into law by President . This bill will help countless numbers of folks struggling with drug addiction. prgtoken Tim's vast legal experiences and his thoughtful approach to his work will help him be an excellent Federal judge. I believe he has the temperament to hear any case that will come before him with a fair mind, seeking to do justice for all. prgtoken Of course, others have recognized Tim's merits as well. The American Bar Association gave him a unanimous ``well qualified'' rating, which is the highest rating the ABA gives, and he has received awards for his work from the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. prgtoken Tim will make an excellent judge, and I am honored to support his nomination today. I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of his nomination. prgtoken , . prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL FREDRICK B. ``BEN'' HODGES
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-9-5

today I wish to pay tribute to a great leader and an exceptional Army officer, LTG Federick B. ``Ben'' Hodges who is currently serving as the commanding general of U.S. Army Europe in Wiesbaden, Germany, as he prepares for his transition and retirement from Active Duty. prgtoken LTG Ben Hodges has served our Army and our Nation for more than 35 years. He has been a true professional and a dedicated soldier, leader, and officer. Throughout his career, he has commanded our great soldiers at many levels, he has deployed to combat numerous times in defense of the Nation, and he has been assigned the most critical positions in our Army. Lieutenant General Hodges continues to provide outstanding leadership, advice, and sound professional judgment on numerous critical issues of enduring importance to the Army, Congress, and this Nation. prgtoken A native of Quincy, FL, Lieutenant General Hodges graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in May 1980 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of infantry. After his first assignment in an infantry unit in Germany, he commanded infantry units at the company, battalion, and brigade levels in the 101st Airborne Division and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the initial invasion of Iraq as Bastogne 6, leading the 327th Infantry Regiment. prgtoken Throughout his magnificent career, Lieutenant General Hodges has served in a variety of important positions within the U S Army, proving over and over again his exceptional leadership and staff skills. These positions include service as a tactics Instructor at the Infantry school, aide-de-camp to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and service as both the deputy chief and then chief of legislative, liaison for the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C. prgtoken Lieutenant General Hodges' assignments as a general officer include deputy commander for stability, Regional Command-South, International Security Assistance Force supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from August 2009 until October 2010. Before arriving in Germany, Lieutenant General Hodges also held a leadership position at NATO, serving as the first commander of Allied Land Command, Izmir, Turkey, from November 2012 to October 2014. prgtoken For the past 3 years, Lieutenant General Hodges has been the commanding general of United States U.S. Army Europe. During this period of extraordinary change and challenge in Europe's security environment, Lieutenant General Hodges has improved relationships with NATO allies and European partners. Through his leadership, Lieutenant General Hodges has successfully led his command through some of the most complex issues our Army has faced in recent years with unparalleled results. While increasing the transparency of Army operations within Europe, Lieutenant General Hodges has led his command through the rapid growth in the frequency and complexity of multinational training exercises, thus increasing i
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-9-5

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.
TRIBUTE TO SHANE DOAN
John McCain (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-9-5

I come to the floor today to honor a National Hockey League--NHL--legend, an Olympian, and a point of pride for Arizonans. After 21 seasons, 1,540 games, and 972 points scored, Shane Doan can now retire his skates with pride. A pillar in the Arizona community and a legend to hockey fans worldwide, Shane has left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring future generations of hockey players. prgtoken Shane's career started in 1992 in the Western Hockey League's Kamloops Blazers--during which the team won prgtoken back-to-back Memorial Cups. The 1995 Memorial Cup secured Shane the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy, honoring him as tournament's Most Valuable Player, MVP. Later that year, Shane was picked up by the NHL as a first-round draft pick with the Winnipeg Jets. Shane excelled with the team, who played him in the Stanley Cup, eventually naming him ``Rookie of the Year.'' prgtoken Shane moved with his team to Phoenix, AZ, where he would remain until the end of his career, the 2016-17 season. Throughout his years as an Arizona Coyote, Shane accomplished many personal awards and franchise records, including selection for the 2006 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team, the King Clancy Trophy in 2009-10, the Mark Messer NHL Leadership Award in 2011-12, and selection for the NHL All-Star Team in 2003-04 and again in 2008-09. In December 2015, Shane secured the franchise record for career goals, at 379 goals, and again in February 2016 for franchise points, at 929 points. Upon his retirement, Shane was the longest serving active captain in the NHL, having lead the Coyotes for 14 years. prgtoken As an avid sports fan, I am honored to have had Shane playing for the Arizona Coyotes for 20 years. I have been privileged to get to know Shane over the course of his career and can confidently say that he is a model of leadership and sportsmanship to those around him, both on and off the ice. I join with hockey fans in Arizona and across the world in congratulating Shane on his illustrious career and wish him, his wife, Andrea, and his kids Gracie, Josh, Karys, and Carson all the best as they enter this new chapter of life.