mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WELCOME TO THE 82ND TEXAS NAACP STATE CONFERENCE CONVENTION IN SAN ANGELO, TEXAS
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise to welcome the 82nd Texas NAACP State Conference Convention to San Angelo, Texas, as they meet from October 3-6, 2019. Since its founding, the NAACP has worked to secure equal rights and eliminate race-based discrimination to ensure the health and well-being of all persons. I congratulate the San Angelo Chapter as they have the opportunity to host the state convention for the first time since their founding in 1946. Over the course of the conference, attendees will be exposed to San Angelo's meaningful history by touring the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark and Stables. The NAACP will also be serving the community through a Health Drive and annual NAACP Bike Ride. I look forward to a successful convention and thank all of those who have worked tirelessly to plan and execute this event. Welcome to San Angelo.
HONORING CMSGT DARYL COOK ON HIS 32 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor Chief Master Sergeant Daryl Cook on his 32 years of military service. prgtoken Over the years, CMSgt Cook has made immeasurable contributions to our great nation and continues to personify the core North Carolina National Guard values of integrity, selfless service, and honor. He started his career in 1987 as a Fire Protection Specialist with the U.S. Air Force and retires as the Installation Fire Chief, 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina National Guard located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. prgtoken During his career, CMSgt Cook has served as Airport Fire Fighter, Driver/Engineer, Fire Inspector, Hazardous Material Technician, and Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) Federal Trainer. Immediately following the September 11th terrorist attacks that devastated our nation, CMSgt was requested through the Army National Guard Readiness Center to staff the Civil Support Team Cell. Exemplary of CMSgt Cook's devotion to service, he helped manage response and readiness in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Cook has served as DOD HazMat Trainer, an instructor for the On-Scene Commanders Course and through the Department of Defense instructs first responders in NBC type events. CMSgt Cook has been instrumental in the development of the NC Emergency Training Center project at the Stanly County Airport. prgtoken I am proud to represent a district with one of the largest military and veteran populations, and I know I speak for our entire community when I say we are truly grateful for CMSgt Cook's extraordinary service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring Chief Master Sergeant Daryl Cook on his 32 years of military service.
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-9-27

this is just one more example of the attacking the President instead of trying to solve the problem. prgtoken We all know how serious the problem was. We have known it for months and months and months. For months, we said there was a crisis on the southern border, and the said: No, no, no, not really a crisis. It is manufactured. It is not real. prgtoken Even though there were 144 apprehensions in the month of May alone, they said: Oh, no, no--manufactured. prgtoken Finally, the real crisis got so extreme, even the had to say: You know what? That money the President is asking for, we are going to have to give him a little money. We are going to have to do something here. prgtoken They put all kinds of strings on it, but they finally admitted there was a real crisis on the border. But they limited what the President could do. prgtoken In the broader context, never forget what they have said. They said: Abolish ICE. Members of the United States Congress: Abolish ICE. prgtoken We had a Member from the majority say to abolish the whole Department. We had the of the House, even though she has a wall in her own State, say walls are immoral. prgtoken The majority says they are okay with noncitizens voting. This is the perspective they offer, and now they bring this bill? prgtoken Of course we should vote against this thing. Of course we should vote against this thing.
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-9-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , this has nothing to do with the Coast Guard. This has everything to do with politics. prgtoken , when they get up and have this faux outrage over this, it is about this President and their opposition to a secure border. prgtoken Now, I would point out to the gentleman opposite, when President requested $3.7 billion in emergency funding, there was not a peep from the other side of the aisle, and all of a sudden, there is this outrage. The gentleman knows all too well, , that this is not even going to cut the funding. prgtoken I see over there that we have the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee. She knows that this President, under his leadership, is funding the military and our Coast Guard at levels that we have never seen. prgtoken For my friend opposite to suggest that this is all about the Coast Guard, this is all about politics, making sure that there is an open border. prgtoken When he had the chance, , to vote to make sure that we limit any of these funds going to this, what did he do? He looked the other way. He voted for a CR just the other day. He voted to allow this money to continue to flow. prgtoken This is a show vote, . This has nothing to do with really legislating. prgtoken If they want to legislate, let's figure out how we work on those separations at the border. Let's look at the Flores decision. Let's make sure that we are constructive. prgtoken I have had, , conversations with some on the other side of the aisle. I am willing. But what we are seeing today is nothing more than political theater. prgtoken , .
2019 CONGRESSIONAL FOOTBALL GAME
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-9-27

I want to say thank you to everybody standing up here. They came to practices in the mornings, they braved serious injuries. prgtoken , a special shout-out to our colleague, Rick Crawford, who is not here, who broke a fibula trying to play for this game. We missed him. prgtoken , another shout-out goes to Bob Dole and Jeff Denham, former Members who have played, but certainly our pros that helped coach us, John Booty and Ken Harvey. All of them deserve thanks. prgtoken , I ask all Members, whenever they see these great Capitol Police officers, thank them for what they do each and every day for us and for the millions of visitors that come to this institution. But remind them that the charities are the winners, and make sure they know that the Members are the victors.
FRUITLESS INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise to reflect on what could have been accomplished in the past 9 months on this House floor. prgtoken The list is staggering: border security and illegal immigration reform; lower drug costs and lower premiums and deductibles for families; correcting surprise billing; making the middle class tax cut permanent; passing a robust infrastructure transportation bill; promoting free, fair, and reciprocal trade globally; and passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and other America-first, but not- America-alone, trade agreements, which will grow our domestic industry and agricultural exports. prgtoken leadership has, however, wasted the last 9 months focused on prgtoken fruitless investigations aimed at relitigating the 2016 Presidential election. Every one of these investigations has produced the same result: nothing. prgtoken The majority party has wasted its own time and, much more seriously, the time of the people who sent us here. prgtoken House are now grasping at one last desperate effort: an impeachment inquiry over a baseless, secondhand account. This farce, which chooses to push a presumption of guilt where evidence is nonexistent, is nothing short of a constitutional embarrassment for our country. prgtoken May God continue to bless the United States of America.
CONGRATULATING SWEET CHEEKS DIAPER BANK
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-9-27

I rise today to congratulate Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank for opening their newest warehouse location in Lower Price Hill. prgtoken Since they opened their doors in 2015, these wonderful people have been a lifeline for women and children in the greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area. prgtoken Over the span of 4 years, they have donated over a million diapers that have, without doubt, changed the quality of life for so many infants. prgtoken Last month alone, Sweet Cheeks distributed over 135,000 diapers through 43 community partners. They also delivered health aid kits to women and schoolgirls who otherwise couldn't afford them. prgtoken This tremendous organization gives back so much to our community and, most importantly, gives so many women and children in my district a sense of dignity. prgtoken , I want to congratulate Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank on their newest warehouse location in Lower Price Hill and sincerely thank them for all they do for women and children in the greater Cincinnati area.
TAIWAN NATIONAL DAY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , on October 10, 2019, Taiwan will celebrate its 108th National Day--also known as Double Ten Day. I am grateful for the opportunity to offer my best wishes to the people of Taiwan in advance of this occasion. prgtoken Taiwan is a friend, an ally, and an important economic and security partner of the United States. Trade ties between the U.S. and Taiwan have grown rapidly over the years, and Taiwan is now the United States' 11th largest trading partner and South Carolina's 10th largest trading partner worldwide. We appreciate the enormous investment of Nan Ya Plastics Corporation in Lake City as a subsidiary of Formosa Plastics Group, creating jobs. prgtoken The U.S.-Taiwan relations are broader than just trade. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. In the years since the Act's adoption, Taiwan has blossomed into a thriving full- fledged democracy. With its respect for the rule of law, human rights, open market economy and a robust civil society, Taiwan has served as a beacon of freedom and an indispensable strategic partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific. My lifelong appreciation of the people of Chinese heritage was inspired by my father, 1st Lt. Hugh deV. Wilson, U.S. Army Air Corps, 14th Air Force, with the Flying Tigers. He developed an affection for the people of China as he served in 1944 in Chengdu, Xi'an, and Kunming to protect Chinese citizens from aggressors. prgtoken I am pleased that the United States and Taiwan remain close allies, and I would like to again wish the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.
RECOGNIZING DOROTHY HUKILL
Michael Waltz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , 1 year ago, on October 2, Volusia County, Florida, lost one of its greatest public servants, Dorothy Hukill. prgtoken Dorothy Hukill was a servant leader who dedicated more than two decades of her life serving our community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of residents in our area. prgtoken She served as a councilwoman of Ponce Inlet before becoming the mayor of Port Orange. She then headed to the Florida House of Representatives. It was there that she fought for education and financial literacy, encouraging high school students to take courses on money management. prgtoken Dorothy didn't care about the spotlight. She preferred to be quiet, yet effective. She was always on her A game, and she truly cared about her constituents. Dorothy didn't see people as s, , or Independents. She understood the need to work with everyone, and she truly cared about her community and the people she represented. prgtoken Dorothy would put up welcome signs for people in our community who often planned months in advance to travel to Florida's capitol in Tallahassee. prgtoken Madam , she was a true example of a servant leader. She sought to inspire others to make her community a better place, and she is missed dearly. It is my honor to recognize her on the floor of the House of Representatives today.
RECOGNIZING TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY IN TALLADEGA, ALABAMA
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , today I ask for the House's attention to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Talladega 500 Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. prgtoken In the mid-1960s, NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr envisioned a bigger and faster track on the NASCAR circuit. After meeting with local race car driver and fan Bill Ward of Anniston, Alabama, the location was selected for the track, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Alabama International Motor Speedway--today known as the Talladega Superspeedway--took place on May 23, 1968. prgtoken The first race, the Talladega 500, was held on September 14, 1969, with Richard Brickhouse winning that race. I had the good fortune to be in attendance that day with my dad. The race played a major role in NASCAR's history, as many of the top stars of the sport walked out the day before the race due to concerns over tire wear on the 200-mile-per- hour track. Mr. France said the race would go on and recruited drivers from the smaller NASCAR Touring Series, the Bama 400, the day before to replace them. prgtoken The Talladega Superspeedway is the most competitive racetrack on the NASCAR schedule, the highest banked, and the longest, as well as the most fan friendly. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing the anniversary of the Talladega Superspeedway.
TERMINATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-9-27

I rise today to speak in opposition to the resolution on the floor. prgtoken Yesterday, we had one of the most important hearings in this Congress, where we learned about innovations in energy efficiency and carbon capture. These real solutions will allow us to provide affordable, clean, and reliable energy to continue to give America and the world the security and prosperity that we enjoy. prgtoken It took us 9 months to have that hearing. Unfortunately, not every hearing we have provides solutions. prgtoken For the past 9 months, instead of prioritizing our Nation's infrastructure, solving the opioid epidemic, or ending the crisis--yes, crisis--on our southern border, my colleagues across the aisle have spent countless hours exploiting important committee meetings, searching for something, anything, that would impugn our duly-elected President. prgtoken We need to stop wasting time on these political games. The President has already vetoed this ridiculous resolution, and he has promised to veto it again. prgtoken We must secure our southern border. The President has taken action, while this House has tried to undermine his efforts at every step. prgtoken We must put aside our political differences to save the thousands of lives we lose every year to fentanyl and the opioid epidemic and to save the lives of the young boys and girls who are being trafficked across the border against their will. prgtoken I was sent to Congress to create jobs, fix our infrastructure, and innovate the energy industry, not to bicker over prgtoken partisan squabbles. I strongly oppose this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
VETERAN OF THE MONTH WILLIAM CALDWELL
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise to honor the First District of Oklahoma's September Veteran of the Month, Lieutenant William Caldwell. prgtoken A B-17 Pilot in the United States Air Force, Lieutenant Caldwell honorably served our nation during World War II. A member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Caldwell began his military service in 1936 at the age of 14 when he joined the National Guard. When the United States entered World War II, William and his four brothers, Wayne, George, James, and Floyd, like so many others, courageously answered their nation's call. All five Caldwell brothers served abroad and returned safely home to Oklahoma. prgtoken As our nation has recently paused to remember our POWs and MIAs through POW/MIA Recognition Day, it is important that we honor veterans like Lieutenant Caldwell who continued to honorably serve their country while being held captive by enemy forces. On his 22nd and final bombing mission, Lieutenant Caldwell and his crew were shot down over Germany. They were taken captive by German forces and held in prison camps until they were liberated in 1945. prgtoken Lieutenant Caldwell has lived a life of unmatched dedication, sacrifice, and service to our great nation. He answered the call to defend freedom across the globe and sacrificed whatever was necessary in the name of that noble cause. It is my honor to recognize Lieutenant William Caldwell as the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma's September Veteran of the Month.
EXPANSION OF 529 EDUCATION PLANS
Jim Hagedorn (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , for our economy to continue growing, workers need technical skills, the right training, and education funding. prgtoken Workforce development is a bipartisan goal, strongly supported by both employers and employees. Small businesses, manufacturers, trade unions, and industry groups are concerned about the shortage of skilled trade workers. prgtoken Sadly, many seeking technical training are precluded from using qualified 529 education savings plans, and many apprenticeships are not eligible for 529 plans as well. prgtoken To solve this problem, I am proud to have introduced H.R. 4469, the American Workforce Employment Act, and I would like to offer special thanks to my colleagues, Representatives Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey, Ron Estes from Kansas, and Paul Mitchell from Michigan, for coauthoring this legislation. prgtoken Our bipartisan bill expands the application of 529 savings plans to include expenses leading to postsecondary credentials, certain apprenticeships, and the purchase of tools and equipment, which is very important. prgtoken These programs have been identified as critical by trade unions and manufacturers. Empowering men and women to utilize their own pretax dollars will increase the number of highly trained individuals pursuing high-wage vocations and filling workforce gaps in agriculture, manufacturing, and skilled labor sectors. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to support our bipartisan legislation so that Americans can receive education and technical training to pursue their dreams and expand our economy.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF IRA LIPMAN
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the remarkable and extraordinary life of Ira Lipman. prgtoken Ira was not only a loyal friend, but he was a humanitarian, a successful businessman, and a widely respected leader by all. Ira was committed to the city of Memphis and inspired others to make his hometown a better place to live. prgtoken He founded his company, Guardsmark, in the city of Memphis, which grew into the Nation's largest privately held security company. He was recognized as a national leader on all security matters. prgtoken Ira also championed the creation of the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission, which, for more than 20 years, has brought together leaders in business, government, and law enforcement to address the city's crime issues. prgtoken Ira's generosity, his wisdom, and his courage were unparalleled, and I am lucky to have been able to call him a friend. Frankly, the world was a better place with Ira in it. prgtoken Ira leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Barbara, as well as three sons. prgtoken Indeed, Ira may have rested his head at night on his pillow in New York City, but his heart and his soul lived in Memphis.
NATIONAL CLEAN ENERGY WEEK
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-27

I rise today to recognize National Clean Energy Week, September 23 through September 27. prgtoken Clean energy throughout our world is critical in fighting climate change and making our world greener and more efficient. prgtoken Currently, only a small portion of our total energy consumption in the U.S. comes from clean energy, and we are going to need more innovation and a booming economy to continue raising the statistics for clean energy. prgtoken In this regard, Georgia has largely been leading the way. Over the past 5 years, we have been one of the top ten States in solar power, all without State tax credits or mandates. 175,000 homes are powered by solar, an increase of 13-fold over the last 5 years. prgtoken I am proud of the State of Georgia's work and hope the rest of the Nation will follow our lead. However, while we boost our clean energy, we cannot forget the importance of a consistent, reliable energy supply, as well as the importance of energy independence to our homeland security. prgtoken While I personally subscribe to an all-of-the-above energy strategy, I encourage all of my colleagues during this National Clean Energy Week to honestly discuss these issues in a bipartisan fashion.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-27

. Madam , I rise to recognize September as National Recovery Month and to celebrate the millions of Americans who are recovering from substance abuse. prgtoken Madam , I would like to thank my colleagues Representatives Trone, Riggleman, Kuster, and Fitzpatrick for leading this initiative. prgtoken Like so many communities across America, my district in east Tennessee has been affected by the ongoing opioid crisis. I am proud to work with my fellow Members in the Freshman Working Group on Addiction to bring attention to the severity of overdoses and how we can support those in recovery. prgtoken Almost 70,000 Americans overdose on drugs each year, and some 23 million Americans are recovering from substance abuse. prgtoken Friends, family, local organizations, and healthcare providers must do everything they can to combat this horrible addiction, and Congress also needs to play its part. prgtoken I sponsored the Effective Drug Control Strategy Act to improve federally funded drug demand reduction programs and prevent addiction before it begins. Madam , the House should seriously consider this legislation and the positive impacts it would have on preventing drug addiction.