mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to celebrate Bloomfield College located in the Township of Bloomfield, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary. prgtoken For 150 years, Bloomfield College has been helping students write their own stories. With its beginnings as the German Theological School founded by the Presbytery of Newark in 1868, the College has evolved to become one of New Jersey's best private colleges, serving a diverse population and preparing students for success in a multicultural and global society. prgtoken Originally located on the grounds of First German Presbyterian Church in Newark, New Jersey, the school moved to the former Bloomfield Academy on Franklin Street in Bloomfield in 1872, which was renamed Seibert Hall in honor of the school's first president, Reverend George Seibert. The hall served as a dormitory, classrooms, faculty housing, and library. prgtoken In 1909, the New Jersey Legislature authorized the school to grant the Bachelor of Arts degree in addition to a Bachelor of Divinity. In 1913, the German Theological Seminary changed its name to Bloomfield Theological Seminary. prgtoken Over the years, as the local population began to reflect greater diversity, students came to the college not only to study theology, but to gain a solid liberal arts education. In post-World War I years, the college received approval for a four-year program and the school's name was again changed to Bloomfield College and Seminary. In 1961, the school simply became known as Bloomfield College. prgtoken Today, Bloomfield College is on the cutting edge of innovation in higher education, offering over 60 majors and concentrations in seven academic divisions. Bloomfield is an institution where over 2,000 bold and courageous students from all corners of the globe can come to find themselves. prgtoken , I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating Bloomfield College, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.
CHINESE CHRISTIANS DECLARE WITH ONE VOICE OPPOSITION TO RELIGIOUS OPPRESSION
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-10-26

last month, nearly 300 Chinese Christian pastors publicly signed ``A Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith.'' In so doing, they have risked severe persecution, imprisonment, and even death in China's vast network of horrifying re- education and forced-labor camps. These courageous champions for Jesus Christ, the Christian faith, and religious freedom have shocked and shamed China's communist regime before the world. prgtoken I regret to inform the people of the United States that a terrifying new round of attacks on Christians has been taking place in China. And earlier this year, President Xi Jinping introduced a five-year plan to ``Sinicize'' all that country 's religions by blending them with ``Chinese characteristics'' such as loyalty to the Communist Party. prgtoken Over the past several months, the government has taken violent steps to fulfill this plan by closing and razing hundreds of Christian churches and seizing Bibles. Under the new crackdown, children and Communist Party members are banned from churches in some areas, and Party officials have forced Christians to replace posters of Jesus with portraits of President Xi Jinping. Reports have also confirmed that numerous Chinese Christians were sentenced to up to 13 years in jail for involvement in the so-called ``cult'' known as Christianity. prgtoken President is standing for freedom and doing what is right rather than kowtowing to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is demanding that China end its appalling persecution of Christians and other religious minorities--and I am proud to be shoulder-to-shoulder with him in the fight to stop this infamous case of communist terror. prgtoken The American people are outraged by President Xi's depraved behavior toward Christians. It must stop now. We should make that part of any future discussions. China is ruled by a brutal dictatorship. In fact, the so-called People's Republic of China doesn't have any democratic institutions. We must tell President Xi that the people and government of the United States will not give China trade benefits until the anti- Christian attacks stop. prgtoken The people of communist China want freedom. There are millions of Christians in that country-but its atheist dictatorship rules over people with an iron fist. We the people of the United States condemn the Chinese Communist Party for their bloody attacks on their own citizens. President Xi must end this inhuman and cruel persecution of Christians and allow religious freedom before the world will accept China as a civilized country. prgtoken Chinese state media falsely claim that its citizens enjoy freedom of religion. In fact, their constitution states: ``No state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion.'' prgtoken Ever since Xi Jinping became presid
HONORING KIWANIS GOVERNOR JOHN ``HANK'' BAKER AND FIRST LADY BONNIE BAKER
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today in recognition of Kiwanis Governor John ``Hank'' Baker and his wife, First Lady Bonnie Baker. During their leadership tenures, Governor and First Lady Baker have upheld Kiwanis International's mission of improving the lives of underserved children and adults throughout New York state. prgtoken Kiwanis International is an organization committed to serving underprivileged children and adults throughout the world. As they conduct their service projects, Kiwanis focuses on fighting hunger, teaching verbal and written communication, and setting children on a path to success. Governor and First Lady Baker have spearheaded many such initiatives during their Kiwanis careers. prgtoken As Governor, Mr. Baker has championed the participation of military children at Kamp Kiawanis in Taberg, NY. At Kamp Kiawanis, children are presented the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities, as well as learn the qualities of leadership and fairness. Additionally, Governor Baker has opened two Aktion Clubs, which aim to teach individuals with disabilities the skills necessary to succeed. prgtoken During her current tenure as First Lady, Ms. Baker has established a supply drive called Krafts for Kamp. Under the First Lady's leadership, volunteers will be working with all New York Kiwanis districts to secure the supplies needed to support Kamp Kiawanis arts and crafts activities next year. First Lady Baker has long been active in Kiwanis, serving as Lieutenant Governor of the Niagara Frontier division prior to becoming First Lady. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing John and Bonnie Baker's contributions to the New York District of Kiawanis. Their commitment to serving individuals in need and passion for philanthropy is a standard all should look up to. I applaud their efforts in New York, as well as the work of Kiwanis International throughout the world.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF MR. ROBERT HEVEY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today in recognition of the service of Mr. Robert Hevey prgtoken who passed away Monday, September 24, 2018. Robert Hevey honored his country with a long career of service, first as a United States Marine, and then for over 30 years as an electronic technician for the federal government. His life was an example of commitment, love and service from which all of us would be wise to learn. prgtoken Robert was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on May 10, 1930. One of six children, Robert enlisted with the Marine Corps when he was 17 years old in 1947, requiring his parents' approval. He served with the 1st Marine Corps Division, 1st Weapon Battalion as 81mm Mortar Platoon Squad Leader. Stationed at numerous locations from Guam to Quantico, Virginia, Robert served in the Marine Corps for four years before being honorably discharged in 1951. prgtoken In 1953, he married Miriam Freedman, who preceded him in death in February 2012, and they raised four daughters together: Karen, Carol, Beverly, and Andrea. He went on to have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Robert was a model for all of us not only in his work, but in his personal life. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Hevey and in thanking the Hevey family for their incredible sacrifices, devotion, and service to our nation; words cannot express our gratitude. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.
CELEBRATING THE MILITARY SERVICE OF BILL ANTONE
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to thank a great man for his military service, William D. ``Bill'' Antone. Mr. Antone is a one hundred year old World War II veteran of the United States Army. prgtoken Bill Antone was born on August 23, 1918, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, two and a half months before the end of World War I. Bill is the last remaining of his four siblings. Bill moved to Houston in 1929 where he attended Elementary on Broadway at Manchester, Deedee Junior High School, and Sam Houston High School. During the depression in 1932, the family moved to Bryan, Texas where Bill graduated in May, 1935. Bill married Ammye Boggs on April 29, 1939. On October 29, 1937, Bill applied and was hired by Shell Refinery in Deer Park. prgtoken In April 1944 Mr. Antone was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Infantry. He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Fannin in Tyler, Texas and was assigned as company clerk of Company A 59, 12th Regiment. Eventually, the Army sent Bill to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. After returning to Camp Fannin, the war ended and Camp Fannin was shut down. Bill was transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas where he was discharged from the Army in May 1946. prgtoken Following his discharge from the Army in May 1946, Mr. Antone returned to Shell Deer Park where he worked for over thirty-eight years. Bill and Ammye are parents to three children, five grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Ammye went to be with the Lord on September 10, 2004. Bill was later blessed with eleven years of marriage to Jocelyn M. Williams-Antone who passed in 2017. prgtoken , I thank Mr. Antone for his selfless military service to this great nation.
GIRL SCOUTS ARE TODAY'S LEADERS--SUSAN SOH
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-10-26

there are three important traits that leaders young and old should have: courage, confidence, and character. The three C's is a good name for them. These traits are the foundation of what the 2.6 million Girl Scouts worldwide use to make a difference. Out of the 2.6 million girls and adults, there are 1.8 million girls, and thousands are chosen every year as Gold Award Girl Scouts for their dedication to improving the communities that they serve. Out of these thousands of girls, only ten young leaders are chosen as National Gold Award Girl Scouts. This honorable distinction is reserved for those girls who have taken an idea and turned into concrete results that will have effects on the local, national, and global levels. prgtoken Well , part of the district I represent in Houston, Texas happens to be home to a recently awarded National Gold Award Girl Scout, Susan Soh. Susan is helping to change the lives of others around the world with her Gold Award project, Leer a Mi (Read to Me). Susan learned of children in Guatemala who spoke only their local Mayan dialect, and not the official language of Spanish. Because of the language barrier, children were struggling with literacy in upon entering primary school. After recognizing this was a serious issue, Susan answered the call to action. prgtoken Life changing effects have been made for children in Guatemala thanks to Susan's efforts and her partnership with Guatemala SANA. By bringing in Spanish speakers to record audiobooks, building a library, and creating language programs, almost no stone has been left unturned to help the local children excel in their schooling. Real results have been made in the community. prgtoken Over 400 children visit the library every month and are scoring above their reading levels when they enter primary school. Because of the success of this idea turned to actionable plan, Susan has made sure the results continue for years to come. prgtoken Susan, along with the other National Gold Award Girl Scouts, were recognized this month at the United Nations in New York City. I applaud her for answering the call to action. She has demonstrated true leadership with the three C's at the forefront of her efforts: courage, confidence, and character. Her work as a Girls Scout shows that she is a leader in our city, state, country, and around the globe. prgtoken And that's just the way it is.
HONORING THE 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION BOARD
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to honor the individuals who served on our 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board. prgtoken As a Member of Congress, I have the honor of nominating young Hoosiers from Indiana's 6th Congressional District to the United States Military Service Academies. Each Member of Congress may nominate up to ten candidates for each available vacancy to the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. prgtoken Each year, the members of the 6th Congressional District Military Service Academy Nomination Board work with my staff and I to evaluate the applications of young men and women from our District who are seeking admittance to a military academy. During my time in Congress, we have nominated more than 90 young men and women to these academies. Many of them have since graduated and are currently serving our country. prgtoken I want to thank all of the members of the Nomination Board, including, Nate LaMar, Jan Frazier, Robert Morrow, David Martin, and Kelly Poltrack for their service. The Board's insight and experience has always been helpful to me and my staff. prgtoken I appreciate their service on the Committee and their dedication to our country. I wish all of them continued success in whatever God has in store for them and their families.
HONORING THE LAO VETERANS OF AMERICA
Sean P. Duffy (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-10-30

I proudly rise today to honor the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc. (WLVA), an organization founded in 1991 to serve the Lao Veteran community in Wisconsin by advancing the opportunities and recognition for those who fought in the CIA's secret war in Laos. prgtoken This organization has been instrumental in helping the Hmong-Lao veterans to adjust to life in the United States, and has shaped their experience here in Wisconsin through assistance in assimilation, recognition, and societal advancement. prgtoken WLVA was founded in 1991 by General Yang Pao, who was the commander of the ``Secret Army'' which was conscripted by the CIA to fight against the People's Army of Vietnam. He was the only ethnic Hmong to be elevated to the position of General in the Royal Lao Army. prgtoken Currently, Captain Nao Shoua Xiong of Wausau, WI leads the WLVA as their president, and has been at the forefront of assisting the Hmong community in all aspects of life in Wisconsin. prgtoken On behalf of the residents of Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, I would like to thank the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America for their service to our country and our community.
RECOGNIZING SGT. PHILLIP WAYNE BELL
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-10-30

I ran into my longtime friend Wayne Bell at Barnes Barber Shop in Knoxville recently and decided that I wanted my colleagues and others to learn of his great service to our City, State, and Nation. prgtoken Sgt. Phillip Wayne Bell is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. While the importance of his military service cannot be downplayed, he is especially known for his 53 1/2 years of service to the Knoxville Police Department. In fact, he is the longest serving officer in the City of Knoxville and the State of Tennessee. prgtoken Wayne began as a patrol officer and moved to supervising the parking ticket division before moving to the court under the honorable Judge Rosson. He also supervised all of the crossing guards for the city of Knoxville for decades. prgtoken The average person can go through life not knowing many police officers, but in Knoxville over the past several decades, the one police officer, who was probably the most known to the general public, other than maybe the Chief of Police, was Sgt. Wayne Bell in his role as the original ``Eye in the Sky.'' prgtoken The Eye in the Sky program in which Sgt. Bell delivered traffic reports from a helicopter was an innovative joint effort between the Knoxville Police Department and radio stations WNOX and WIVK. This type of collaboration between a private business and government was a novelty when it started and remains a rarity today. prgtoken Sgt. Bell earned numerous proclamations and awards for his traffic reports but he is also credited with unraveling traffic snarls, catching criminals and assisting in the betterment of our community. In one especially notable instance, he even landed the copter in the middle of the interstate to stop a chase and saved countless lives in the process. prgtoken Knoxville is located at the junction of two of the longest Interstates in the Nation, I-75/I-40. Unfortunately, the original I-75/ I-40 interchange at one time was also the biggest traffic bottleneck in the region. It was Sgt. Wayne Bell in his traffic reports who bestowed the nickname ``Malfunction Junction'' on this interchange. prgtoken The interchange and the traffic jams it created are so legendary that there was even a song called ``Malfunction Junction'' that frequently played on local radio in the 1980s. Even though this interchange has since been reconstructed and improved in recent decades, most people in the Knoxville area still refer to it as ``Malfunction Junction.'' prgtoken Sgt. Bell entertained radio listeners for years and he was especially good at cutting up with then-WIVK morning OJ ``Claude the Cat'' and his cast of characters. Although the radio station eventually changed from a helicopter to a plane, Sgt. Bell continued for a total of over 20 years with the station. prgtoken Sgt. Bell's service to the community extends well beyond his professional life. He is a life member and past master of Burlington Masonic Lodge. He is a member of th
CONGRATULATING THE UPPER PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY FOR RECEIVING LAND TRUST ACCREDITATION
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-10-30

it's my honor to recognize the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy for receiving Land Trust Accreditation. Through its dedication to wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and its local community, the U.P. Land Conservancy has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken Locally focused land conservation undertaken by community-based land trusts has become increasingly important across the country. Accreditation by the independent Land Trust Accreditation Commission is given to those organizations that have proven to be trusted, strong, and effective in their land conservation efforts. Through its tremendous work in Michigan, the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy has shown that it is more than deserving of this seal. First started in 1999, the organization currently protects more than 6,600 acres of forest and wetlands across the Upper Peninsula. Its work to protect wildlife habitats, water quality, working farms and ranches, and healthy communities has been invaluable for the people of Michigan's First District. Our region is home to some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the country, and I'm grateful for the U.P. Land Conservancy's efforts to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty we so deeply treasure. prgtoken , it's my honor to congratulate the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy for receiving Land Trust Accreditation. Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First District is home to such a trusted organization working to promote land conservation. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the U.P. Land Conservancy all the best in its future endeavors.
HONORING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF EDWARD G. BUNTING, SR.
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-10-30

I include in the Record a proclamation honoring the 100th birthday of Edward G. Bunting, Sr. prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Edward G. Bunting, Sr celebrated his one hundredth birthday on July 2, 2018; prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Bunting valiantly served our country in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1946 and the Air Force Reserves from 1946 to 1950, and embarked on a successful business career at Germantown Savings Bank for thirty-six years; and prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Bunting, his late wife Elizabeth, and children Daniel, David, and Edward, Jr have contributed substantially to our community; now therefore, do I, Congressman Brian K. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, proudly recognize Mr. Edward G. Bunting, Sr on the year of his one hundredth birthday celebration, and honor his remarkable accomplishments.
VIOLENT ATTACK ON JEWISH COMMUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-10-30

on Saturday, October 27, as worshippers gathered to celebrate the naming of a new baby at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, a gunman burst into the temple wielding three handguns and an AR-15 assault rifle shouting ``All Jews Must Die.'' He murdered three women and eight men before he was subdued by the police in what authorities are calling the worst attack on the Jewish community in American history. prgtoken The eleven congregants killed and the six others who were wounded in this act of pure evil were targeted because of one reason only: they were Jews. Peaceful law abiding Americans were killed in a holy place on the Jewish Sabbath simply for being Jews. That this would happen in 2018 is appalling and is a tragic reminder that anti-Semitism is unfortunately alive and well. The Jewish American community dates back to before the founding of our country, as this often persecuted religious community sought shelter in the hope of the American promise. In his 1790 letter to the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, George Washington famously wrote, ``The government of the United States . . . gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitats--while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.'' prgtoken , what happened on Saturday was an assault on the very foundations of America. It was an assault on freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. I always say that the First Amendment is first because it is the most important--it is the very basis of what historically has made this country different than all others. It is because of that amendment that Jews and people of all other faiths have made this country their home. prgtoken This deranged killer sought not only to kill Jews on the Sabbath, he sought to kill America as we know it. His violent and murderous actions should be treated as a hate crime, and he should be brought to justice swiftly. If he is indeed convicted, this man should be meted out the most severe punishment under the law. prgtoken Just days following this heinous attack, the Rabbi of the Tree of Life Synagogue summed up the significance of what occurred well. ``Many just see this as an attack on the Jewish community. It's not. When American citizens cannot freely and safely worship in their house of worship and celebrate the Sabbath, it concerned me because it challenges the safety and security of all Americans in any house of worship. It was an attack on America.'' prgtoken And that's just the way it is.