mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO GARRY J. AUGUSTINE
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-11-14

today I am proud to recognize in the Record, Disabled American Veterans, DAV, executive director Garry J. Augustine, who has a long record of service to our Nation's veterans. prgtoken Mr. Augustine has not only dedicated his life to serving veterans, he is a veteran himself. He served in the U.S. Army, enlisting after high school graduation in 1969. Mr. Augustine served as a member of the 198th Infantry Brigade in South Vietnam, where he was seriously injured by a land mine explosion. After spending 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from his injuries, Mr. Augustine was medically discharged from the U.S. Army in 1972. prgtoken Mr. Augustine has been a member of DAV for 46 years, and he has worked for DAV for the past 30 years. His first job with DAV was in 1988 as a hospital service coordinator for the Department of Ohio at the Cleveland Wade Park U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, Hospital. Mr. Augustine has held numerous positions working on behalf of veterans during his three decades with DAV. He has served as executive director since 2013. prgtoken Under Mr. Augustine's leadership, DAV has been a partner with Congress, including with the committee I have the honor of chairing, the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, in accomplishing significant reforms for veterans. This includes overhauling VA's system of providing decisions to veterans on their disability claims appeals and improving VA's ability to provide community care. The John S. McCain III, Daniel K Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018, enacted in June 2018, strengthened healthcare for veterans and expanded VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to include veterans of all eras. DAV's initiatives, led by Mr. Augustine, have raised awareness for important issues such as caregiver support, care and benefits specifically related to women veterans, and advance appropriations for VA accounts. prgtoken Today, I pay tribute to Mr. Augustine for his service to our country and his steadfast commitment to veterans throughout his career. Congratulations to Mr. Augustine on his retirement and a career in which he has left a lasting legacy of advocacy for veterans.
Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill (Executive Calendar)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-11-14

I want to echo what my colleague from Tennessee just mentioned about a lot of bipartisan accomplishments on the Senate floor over the last several weeks. They are really important ones. prgtoken He led the charge on the opioid bill which is going to help our entire country and so many others. They don't always get reported in the press, but it is important to make sure our fellow Americans, our constituents, know that is happening. prgtoken This afternoon, I want to talk about another one that is a really important accomplishment that we were able to achieve on the Senate floor a couple of hours ago; that is, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. prgtoken A number of Senators have already been down on the floor to talk about this: John Thune, the chairman of the Commerce Committee, which is where the oversight and responsibility of the Coast Guard lies; Senator Wicker from Mississippi; Senator Carper--so many Senators contributed to this important piece of legislation that we just passed today by almost a vote of over 90 Senators. prgtoken It is a very bipartisan piece of legislation that we were able to get through the Senate floor today. As you know, this has taken some time. For almost 2 years, we have been working on the Coast Guard bill. A number of us put a lot of time and effort into it. prgtoken I do want to do a shout out to my staff: Eric Elam, my legislative director; Tom Mansour, a Coast Guard fellow in my office; and Scott Leathard. All of them worked literally for the last year and a half, night and day, on this bill. prgtoken Again, it is important for America and certainly important for my great State of Alaska. It raises a broader issue. We just celebrated Veterans Day. Our country was rightfully focused on our veterans. There was a lot of focus on the centennial of the Armistice of World War I, the ending of World War I. Often when there is a focus on the armed services, it focuses on the armed services at the Pentagon--Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines--and sometimes the brave men and women in the Coast Guard can be overlooked. They shouldn't be. We all know that. prgtoken One of the things I tried to focus on in my time in the Senate is making sure they are not. Prior to 9/11, the Coast Guard was probably the only service in the entire U.S. military--because they are a member of the services of the U.S. military--whose members were risking their lives every single day on the job. Post-9/11, with the national security challenges we have, every member of our military--all the services--are risking their lives every day, but the Coast Guard does it day in and day out. prgtoken Pre-9/11 and post-9/11, men and women in that wonderful service undertake a heroic mission with actions that we see saving American lives and defending our national security. prgtoken What do they focus on and what does this bill focus on? Well, the bottom line is, this bill is focused on making sure the
Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-11-14

I know the perception out there is often that bipartisanship is dead, but the bill we passed this afternoon, the Coast Guard Authorization Act, is a good reminder that we can still come together and get things done for the American people. prgtoken The bill we just passed overwhelmingly, which is headed to the President's desk, has been negotiated for almost 2 years. Portions of this bill have been discussed for over a decade. It is good to see Senators and Representatives of both parties come together in compromise on such an important piece of legislation. prgtoken We celebrated Veterans Day earlier this week. As always, it was a powerful reminder of everything we owe to the men and women who keep us safe, like the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. This key branch of the military is responsible for defending our Nation's waters. The men and women of the Coast Guard stand on the frontlines preventing dangerous drugs, weapons, and individuals from entering our country by sea. When disaster strikes in the form of storms and hurricanes, the Coast Guard is on the scene conducting search and rescue and carrying people to safety. We owe the men and women of the Coast Guard a tremendous debt of gratitude. We owe it to the American people to ensure that our Nation's coastguardsmen have the tools and resources they need to carry out their mission. prgtoken This bill will improve maritime safety, security, and stewardship. It gives the Coast Guard the authority it needs to conduct its military and law enforcement missions and authorizes the equipment it needs to react to national emergencies. prgtoken The bill also creates uniform national ballast water and discharge standards for commercial vehicles that give industry certainty while ensuring the protection of our environment. It also reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's hydrographic services. prgtoken As chairman of the Commerce Committee, I have been honored to work with dedicated committee members of both parties. I would like to personally thank the members of our committee for all their hard work this Congress. prgtoken Special thanks on this bill go to Senator Nelson, the committee's ranking member; Senators Sullivan and Baldwin, the chairman and ranking member of our Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee; and to Senators Fischer and Peters, chairman and ranking member of our Surface Transportation Subcommittee. prgtoken I would also like to thank Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper from the Environment and Public Works Committee and Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. They have been great partners. I appreciate everything they have done to help get this bill across the finish line. prgtoken Finally, I would like to thank all the staff from both Chambers who worked tirelessly--including
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. WAYNE R. REYNOLDS
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to recognize Wayne R. Reynolds of Washington, D.C. Mr. Reynolds served as Chairman of the Ford's Theatre Society Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2012. I would like to acknowledge Mr. Reynolds for his dedication to expanding the Society's educational programming and for transforming Ford's Theatre into a center for learning dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. prgtoken Wayne R. Reynolds attended the University of California, Los Angeles for his undergraduate education, receiving a degree in economics in 1977 then continuing at Pepperdine Law School, where he earned his J.D. in 1981. prgtoken Mr. Reynolds serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Achievement. Through his hard work and vision, the Academy has expanded to include the Museum of the American Dream, the Achievement Television Network, and the annual International Achievement Summit. These organizations bring together leaders and scholars from diverse disciplines to share their experience with graduate students from across the globe. prgtoken The American Academy of Achievement's Salute to Excellence program has provided over 10,000 students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Many students who participated in the program have received scholarships through the Academy's sponsorship. prgtoken Wayne R. Reynolds is highly regarded among his peers and has received numerous awards, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, the National Geographic Evening of Exploration Award, and the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Founding Chairs Award. His dedication to promoting leadership and his devotion to President Lincoln's legacy have made him worthy of the high esteem that accompanies each of these awards. It is my distinct honor to recognize Mr. Wayne R. Reynolds' dedication to Ford's Theatre Society Board of Trustees and his commitment to creating a better future.
CELEBRATING THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILLING HELPERS HOME FOR WOMEN
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor and recognize the Willing Helpers Home for Women on its 110th Anniversary. prgtoken The Willing Helpers Home for Women is a not-for-profit organization located in Johnstown, New York, that offers a comfortable home for women 60 years and older. Since it opened in November 1908 through the help of generous donors in Fulton County, the Willing Helpers Home has provided women with a supportive and compassionate first-class home that advocates security, independence, and comfort. prgtoken At the Willing Helpers Home, residents not only benefit from a number of professional services, such as medical supervision and exercise programs at their convenience, but they also enjoy many recreational activities, like teas and weekly bingo. By offering a full array of services, the Willing Helpers Home creates a holistic support system for the women. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the Willing Helpers Home for Women on its 110th anniversary, and thank its dedicated staff for their commitment to serving women in their community. The Willing Helpers Home has provided an important service to women, and I look forward to seeing its continued success in the years to come.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6784, MANAGE OUR WOLVES ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2018, THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2018
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise to urge support of H.R. 6784. Our Federal wolf policy has gone rabid. From a policy standpoint, we are foaming at the mouth. As chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I have been trying for years now to return some sanity to the way the Fish and Wildlife Service classifies and manages our wolf populations on Federal lands and otherwise. prgtoken Make no mistake, everyone who votes for Mr. Duffy's bill are big supporters of making sure wolf populations are robust, sustainable, and healthy for the next century and more. This bill is about fixing a Federal failure. Wolf populations across the country have made impressive gains and recovered quite nicely despite Federal involvement rather than because of it. prgtoken I have seen this firsthand, whether it comes to specific habitat listing decisions, or the rate at which the government adapts and responds to new situations on the ground. The Federal Government has been sluggish and out of touch when it comes to managing and recovering wolf populations. But the wolf has, nevertheless, persevered. It is now considered recovered by all relevant measures and metrics evaluating its status. prgtoken As a consequence, this bill makes necessary adjustments. It removes the species from the endangered list, as required by the statute for any recovered species, but empowers States to manage their unique habitats and populations in accordance with their storehouse of expertise and local knowledge. prgtoken State management plans developed for wolf populations are the antidote to repeat Federal blunders, both for this species and quite a few others. But for now, we are talking about the wolf and the fact that this bill will put States at ease. prgtoken We need to stop jerking their chain and hand them the reins. If we do, the wolf will have the best chance of continuing to make steady gains range-wide. prgtoken , I urge adoption of H.R. 6784.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6784, MANAGE OUR WOLVES ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2018, THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2018
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-11-14

I thank the gentleman for the time. prgtoken , like many Montanans, I have a deep respect for our environment. I support protecting our rich and diverse wildlife and believe we can support multiple uses of land while conserving species. Unfortunately, we have seen environmental groups use misinformation and litigation to keep species listed that have already recovered. prgtoken In 2013, the administration's Fish and Wildlife Service evaluated the gray wolf populations across the United States. It found that the species no longer warranted protection under the Endangered Species Act. prgtoken Rather than celebrating the recovery, serial litigants and extremists filed lawsuits to stop the process. Montana has been fortunate. Through Federal legislation, the wolf has been delisted in Montana since 2011. Even without ESA protection, the species has continued to recover to a point nearing overpopulation. prgtoken While the focus of this legislation is wolves, a similar issue is playing out in Montana over the grizzly bear in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Just last year, the grizzly bear was delisted there. I celebrate the recovery of the species, but it had recovered more than a decade ago, according to scientists who have spent their lives studying the grizzly. prgtoken Using sound science and reliable data, they found the ecosystem reached maximum carrying capacity of the grizzly bear 16 years ago, but serial litigants have repeatedly thwarted the delisting efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. prgtoken The unnecessary delay in delisting species has created unnecessary stress on the bears and impacted our communities. The overpopulation of the grizzly pushes them into our communities and increases the opportunities for attacks. prgtoken We must address the flaws in the Endangered Species Act to ensure species are delisted when they have recovered, and to prevent the law from being used as a bludgeoning tool for special interest groups to block critical projects. prgtoken , I support H.R. 6784 and the rule that we are considering, the Manage Our Wolves Act, and I urge passage of the bill.
HONORING LARRY MEYER
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Larry Meyer for his contribution to our state and Decatur County. prgtoken Larry served as County Chairman with honor and distinction in my hometown for almost my entire time in Congress. He spent a career leading the Delta Faucet factory in Greensburg. The impact he has made in Decatur County cannot be overstated. Without a doubt, our state is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. prgtoken On a personal note, I've known Larry and his wife, Shirley, since childhood. Their kids went to school with my brother and me, and their family has always been exceptionally kind to us. prgtoken The Meyers were also among my earliest and most vocal supporters. I want to thank them for their friendship and support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for them and their family.
TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF CHISWELL LANGHORNE, JR.
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to pay tribute to the late Chiswell D. Langhorne, Jr in memory of his quiet support of Eastern Kentucky, where he made an invaluable impact in the lives of people living and working in the coalfields. prgtoken Although he was not a native Kentuckian, Mr. Langhorne shared our Appalachian roots from Lynchburg, Virginia. He graduated from the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia Law School. He also attended post graduate programs at Harvard and Sloan School at MIT. He was a trust officer at NS&T Bank for 15 years and maintained a successful law practice. Mr. Langhorne joined Kentucky River Coal Corporation's board in 1965, serving as an active board member, past chairman and as vice chairman, a role he held from 1983 until April 2018. He guided the company and its successor, Kentucky River Properties (KRP) through an expansion into Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia and western Kentucky. Mr. Langhorne had an innate passion for supporting job creation in Central Appalachia through the coal industry and silently invested in opportunities to improve life in the mountains. For example, he consistently insisted KRP contribute to local school systems to emphasize the importance on expanding educational opportunities in Appalachia. prgtoken Refusing personal accolades for his philanthropic spirit, Mr. Langhorne advocated for Kentucky River Properties to invest in our greatest resource--our people. In an unprecedented move from the coal industry in 2010, KRP donated $500,000 to the Operation UNITE Foundation, Eastern Kentucky's first non-profit anti-drug organization, to pay for substance abuse treatment vouchers to be distributed over the course of five years. The vouchers were awarded to low-income individuals in a four-county area in Eastern Kentucky who otherwise could not afford a residential treatment program. Thanks to his support, countless lives have been saved from potential drug overdose deaths and families have been reunited through recovery. prgtoken Mr. Langhorne's commitment to Eastern Kentucky through KRP has helped transform our region and pave a brighter path for future generations. My wife, Cynthia, and I send our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Langhorne's family and friends. We deeply appreciate the compassion he showed for fellow Appalachian families throughout his career.
NOMINATION OF JOHN L. RYDER
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise in response to a unanimous consent request from my good friend, the senior Senator from Tennessee, to consider the nomination of John L. Ryder of Tennessee to be a member of the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority, known as TVA. As I mentioned in Mr. Ryder's confirmation hearing, I have long encouraged TVA to be an industry leader in the power sector, not a laggard, especially when it comes to clean energy and energy efficiency. While I am not prepared to object to Mr. Ryder's nomination at this time, I am quite concerned about TVA's handling of the December 2008 Kingston Fossil Fuel Power Plant coal ash spill clean-up efforts and would like to say a few words about my concerns. prgtoken Last week, a Federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee found that the contractor used by TVA to clean up the coal ash spill, Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc did not adhere to worker safety or health requirements, potentially causing sickness and death. Although TVA was not on trial, there were troubling testimonies from workers that called into question TVA's conduct during and after the clean-up efforts. The court decision allows for the families of the workers affected to seek compensation for medical treatments and damages. To date, reports show that over 30 Jacobs Engineering Group workers have died since working on the Kingston coal ash clean-up efforts and 250 workers are sick. prgtoken In his nomination hearing, I called on Mr. Ryder to commit to ensure TVA is a good actor in regards to the Kingston Fossil Fuel Power Plant coal ash spill and is transparent to the employees and families that are or may be affected by this issue. He promised me he would do so. However, I want Mr. Ryder and my colleagues to be on notice that I will be working on this issue as an oversight matter and will make sure all the members of the TVA board and the entire workforce at TVA are good actors when it comes to this issue. Thank you.
HONORING ALBERTA DANIELS
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor Mrs. Alberta Daniels of East Orange, New Jersey, for her lifetime of service. prgtoken Mrs. Daniels is like a mother to many of us in public life from Essex County, New Jersey. I know that she has helped me learn to be a better public servant. prgtoken Mrs. Daniels spent 25 years at RCA in on, New Jersey. prgtoken In her late forties, Mrs. Daniels started a new chapter as a senior correctional officer. She spent 14 years in corrections working for the State of New Jersey and helping open the first halfway house for women in our State. prgtoken Since retiring from her distinguished life in public safety and corrections, Mrs. Daniels has been an active community servant, and Mrs. Daniels keeps a busy civic schedule as well. prgtoken Last week, I had the honor of speaking at a ceremony to rename a street in East Orange Alberta Evelyn Daniels Court. It was a well- deserved honor that she has received from her community because of her lifetime of achievement and service to that area. prgtoken Mrs. Daniels, it is well deserved, and you are well loved.