mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-12-11

agriculture has always been of outsized importance to my home State of Idaho. Dairy farming has always had a presence in the State and has grown considerably over the past several years, and agricultural co-ops play a vital role in making sure our State's agricultural products make it to market. As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my distinct privilege to recognize High Desert Milk as the Small Business of the Month for December 2018. High Desert Milk is committed to building longlasting relationships and providing opportunities for dairy farmers across, southern Idaho. prgtoken Located on the banks of the Snake River in Burley, ID, High Desert Milk is a cooperative partnership, committed to serving its farmer- owners while also remaining flexible in a competitive market. Founded in 2001, High Desert sought to create a more efficient dairy market for local farmers. In 2008, High Desert opened a purpose-built milk dehydration plant which is capable of processing up to 2.2 million pounds of milk per day. In 2013, the company was able to expand its operations and began producing butter to meet increased demand in the United States. From an initial team of 30 employees, High Desert Milk has grown into a multimillion-dollar operation with over 150 full-time employees. In 17 short years, High Desert Milk has become a fixture in the community by providing reliable milk pickup services and professional milk marketing. prgtoken Presently, High Desert Milk works with 23 family-owned dairies across 70,000 acres of southern Idaho farmland. The company's operations support more than 1,000 related dairy jobs in the area. Annually, the company produces almost 60 million pounds of powdered milk, more than 40 million pounds of butter, and 4 million pounds of buttermilk powder. High Desert Milk's products are shipped all across the country and all over the world. The company has a reputation for meeting and even exceeding U.S. Department of Agriculture and customer standards due to careful technician monitoring during processing. High Desert Milk has been named one of the top 100 dairy operations in the United States due to its cleanliness, high quality control standards, and good relationships with its members. prgtoken Despite its worldwide presence, High Desert Milk is still a local Idaho company with close ties to Burley and rural southern Idaho. High Desert Milk has a positive presence in the area and takes an active role in its community. The company hosts several annual charity fundraisers, including an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The company also supports local 4-H and Future Farmers of America clubs and even sponsors an annual high school-age rodeo. These community-building practices aim to encourage youth to take an interest in their local communities and to encourage them to seek careers in Idaho's vibrant agricultural industr
TRIBUTE TO JOHN OSCAR ``JOHNNY'' JONES
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-12-11

I am pleased to commend Mr. John Oscar ``Johnny'' Jones, who is retiring from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development after 37 consecutive years of service to the Nation. prgtoken Raised in Coffeeville, MS, Johnny joined USDA in 1980 as a student trainee in the Coffeeville Farmers Home Administration Office. In pursuing a career with USDA, Johnny followed in the footsteps of his father, William Woodrow Jones, and brother, William Woodrow ``Woody'' Jones, Jr who both made significant contributions to American agriculture and rural economies throughout Mississippi as lifelong USDA employees. prgtoken Following his graduation from Mississippi State University in 1982, Johnny was promoted to the position of assistant county supervisor, ACS, for Webster County in Eupora, MS, with responsibility for Webster and Choctaw Counties. In 1985, he was promoted to county supervisor for Attala County. In 1990, Johnny was selected to serve as a rural housing specialist in the State Farmers Home Administration Office in Jackson. Seven years later, Johnny became the State program director for Single Family Housing for Rural Development in Mississippi, a position he has ably held for 21 years. prgtoken Working his way up from the Farmers Home Administration Office in his hometown to the State office in Jackson, Johnny not only gained exceptional knowledge and expertise, but he also contributed unique perspective to his work. Johnny understood the needs prgtoken of rural Americans, as well as the challenges rural communities must overcome to gain accessibility to the quality of life standards afforded to urban America. Applying his knowledge, expertise, and competence, Johnny devoted himself to making a positive difference in the lives of Mississippians. prgtoken Johnny's contributions to the people of Mississippi have been notably remarkable. Throughout his tenure as program director of the Single Family Housing program in Mississippi, he assisted nearly 50,000 families in achieving the American dream of home ownership. Whether a family needed a home or an impoverished elder required emergency home repairs, Johnny effectively managed USDA home loan and repair programs to assure the well-being of people he served, and in the process, he helped them improve themselves and their families. prgtoken Johnny Jones made the mission of his profession to selflessly and honorably serve others. He has directly contributed to improving the quality of life of literally tens of thousands of Mississippians. Few individuals have the opportunity through their careers to hold such distinction. On the occasion of his retirement, it is an honor to recognize Johnny Jones for his dedicated service to his State and to the country.
ADVANCED NUCLEAR FUEL AVAILABILITY ACT
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-11

the balance of my time. prgtoken , it is simple. H.R. 6140 will set the stage for powering electricity in the future in a green manner by allowing for the development of those new-generation reactors, but we have to have the fuel to do it. This bill, by working with my good friend Mr. McNerney from California, does that. prgtoken This bill passed the subcommittee in the Committee on Energy and Commerce by a unanimous voice vote. It also passed the full committee by a voice vote. It is a bipartisan solution to address a real need to generate electricity, always-on, baseload electricity, in a zero- emissions manner. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this important piece of legislation, and .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-12-11

I, too, rise to recognize my distinguished colleague, Joe Donnelly, for his years of dedicated service to the State of Indiana. I also want to commend his family for their dedication. I know this is a team effort in public life to work on behalf of our country and our States and our constituents. They have been all in for the people of Indiana, and I just want to rise them up during this important time as they turn to a new chapter in their lives. prgtoken Joe Donnelly has a heart for service, clearly, from his service on the school board, to serving as a Member of Congress--our terms overlapped--to the last 6 years he has spent in the U.S. Senate. I have to say it has been a real privilege to have Joe as my partner in the Senate over the last couple of years. prgtoken Back home, he describes himself as the hired help. Throughout his time in public life, Joe has never forgotten whom he works for. That is because he genuinely likes people--not in the abstract; he likes individual Hoosiers and individual Americans and servicemembers and veterans and our seniors and young children. That is why he has such a magnetic personality. That is why he is beloved by colleagues on the right and the left, who represent red States and blue States. That is why I have enjoyed working with Joe as well. Hired help. prgtoken Joe touched on the casework and the challenges he has been able to resolve on behalf of the people of Indiana, individual problems people have had with this vast government maze that sometimes we have to navigate. He does have a reputation for having done very well on that front. I think that is a reputation he is rightly proud of. He has also been able to get some important legislative initiatives done on behalf of the people of Indiana, and I would like to emphasize a couple on which we had an opportunity to work together--again, consistent with his bipartisan nature. prgtoken Joe and I worked together to ensure that our brave law enforcement officers have greater access to mental health services. Actually, truth be told, Joe was really the champion of that effort. That is certainly one of his legacies during his time in the Senate. I can think of no more important legacy as I look at his record of achievements. prgtoken We worked to make sure that we properly commemorated the Landmark for Peace Memorial in Indianapolis, where Robert F. Kennedy delivered some stirring words the evening of Martin Luther King's assassination. It was a moving moment for all present, Black and White and people of modest means and wealthier means. They all came together that evening because of that stirring speech. Joe and I worked together to make sure that memorial park is tastefully recognized from here into the future. It is a nice piece of legacy, and it wouldn't have happened but for the efforts of Joe Donnelly. prgtoken Joe and I worked on a resolution to designate August 3, 2018, as National Ernie Pyle
IMPROVING MEDICAID PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise in support of H.R. 7217, the IMPROVE Act, which includes several important Medicaid provisions, including the ACE Kids Act. I have been a cosponsor of the ACE Kids Act since its first introduction. prgtoken , in the Tampa area, we have St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. They run a Chronic-Complex Clinic for children. This medical home is a great model that the ACE Kids Act is trying to build on. prgtoken This integrated care model, where the care is built around the needs of the patient, has made a huge difference in the lives of so many children. I am excited that, finally, we have reached the finish line on the ACE Kids Act. prgtoken I thank former full committee chairman and also, I guess--well, I am not sure, but he is a great guy. Yes, he is vice chairman of the committee. I thank him for all of his hard work on the ACE Kids and the IMPROVE Acts. I also thank my colleague Kathy Castor for being relentless. The two of them are relentless on behalf of our children. prgtoken I thank all the children that came up and advocated for this bill as well. prgtoken So, in any case, we are going to get this done. We couldn't do it without these two, so thank you very much.
CONGRATULATING THE McCOMB HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise today to congratulate the McComb High School football team for winning the Ohio State Division VII Championship. The Panthers won their second title in school history with a 28-3 victory over Glouster Trimble. prgtoken McComb showed great fortitude in reeling off eight straight wins on their way to the title. Including freshmen, the Panthers dressed 27 players, about half the number of most of their opponents. prgtoken The Panthers' success can be tied to their stout defense which didn't surrender a single touchdown in the championship game. These student athletes gave it their all and had the backing of the entire school district. They exemplified the best of Ohio small-town football. prgtoken I know what the title means to McComb, as my dad played for McComb in the late 1930s. It is great to see the fans rally around these players. prgtoken Once again, congratulations to Coach Kris Alge and the rest of the McComb High School football team on a job well done.
CONGRATULATING JOHN NICHOLAS ``NICKY'' SMITH
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-12-11

I would like to congratulate John Nicholas ``Nicky'' Smith, Mayor of Albany in the 1st District of Kentucky, on his retirement from public office and offer my best wishes as he focuses on doing what he enjoys most--spending time with his loved ones. prgtoken As a staunch advocate for the citizens of Albany throughout his tenure, Mayor Smith secured over $27 million in grants and loans to improve the livelihood of each of his neighbors through improvements to downtown infrastructure and the expansion of vital community services. His leadership on Area Development District Boards of Directors and his chairmanship and involvement with multiple community boards and committees during his career are a testament to his fervent spirit and lifelong commitment to bettering those around him. prgtoken I join with his family and friends as well as all those who have benefited from his efforts to wish him the best in this new chapter of his life. I am grateful for his steadfast leadership and profound influence on countless residents of the 1st District of Kentucky.
TRIBUTE TO RANDY RECORD
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend Randy Record. At the end of the year, Randy will be stepping down after serving four years as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Metropolitan is a regional wholesaler and the largest distributor of treated drinking water in the United States. prgtoken As a Riverside County native, Randy has been active in the San Jacinto farming community for over three decades. In addition, Randy currently owns and operates a wine grape vineyard in the Central Coast with his wife and two daughters. Randy is currently an executive committee member of the Southern California Leadership Council, as well as a member of the Riverside County Farm Bureau, the California Association of Winegrape Growers, the Monday Morning Group of Western Riverside County, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. prgtoken In 2001, Randy was elected to serve on the Eastern Municipal Water District's Board of Directors. Just two years later, Randy was chosen to represent Eastern on Metropolitan's Board. Randy's path followed in the footsteps of his father, Clayton A. Record, Jr who served as Eastern's representative to Metropolitan's Board from June 1999 to January 2001. As both a past president of the Association of California Water Agencies and, more recently, as Chairman of Metropolitan's Board, Randy has demonstrated tremendous leadership in addressing California's unending list of water challenges. The proposed California WaterFix project is one of the most ambitious water infrastructure projects in the history of our state, if not the nation. The project's goal of providing a reliable and affordable source of water to tens of millions of California families and businesses will play a major role in shaping the future of our state. Randy's leadership on this project has been instrumental in moving the project forward. prgtoken Without Randy's tireless advocacy and the strong relationships he's developed over the years throughout the state, projects like the WaterFix and Metropolitan's other policy objectives simply would not be possible. As Randy's friend and as his colleague in the water policy arena, I am incredibly proud of the many accomplishments he's achieved during his tenure as Metropolitan's Chairman. Randy will continue to serve on the Board for both Eastern and Metropolitan, and I look forward to our continued work together to provide California with water solutions.
HONORING DALE BUWALDA
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise to recognize a longtime member of my staff, Dale Buwalda, for his work in my office and his service to our state. prgtoken Dale has been on our team for nearly four years now, serving as our Field Director in Indiana. Over the years, he has represented our office at hundreds of events around Indiana, helped organize and plan the Muncie and Lawrenceburg job fairs, and has helped numerous individuals navigate the federal bureaucracy and receive the help they need. prgtoken On a personal note, I've known Dale for almost twenty years. He is one of my favorite people in Indiana politics. I admire Dale's loyalty, intellect, and positive spirit. Dale is the kind of leader who strengthens any team. prgtoken I want to thank Dale for his friendship and his hard work in our office. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for Dale and his family.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-12-11

I have 5 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing on Chinese and Russian naval activities. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.'' Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.'' Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nomination of Courtney Dunbar Jones, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.''
2018 FARM BILL
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-12-11

after months of negotiation and conference, I am proud to come to the floor today to say the 2018 farm bill is now a strong, bipartisan bill which works for families, farmers, and communities. prgtoken The bill now avoids disastrous cuts to SNAP, a program which helps put food on the table for 44,000 people in Mecklenburg County alone. It also provides $10 million in funding for urban agriculture research and mandatory funding for programs that support local food systems. prgtoken As co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus, I am particularly proud to have helped secure key resources for 1890 land- grant universities in the bill. It authorizes $50 million to create three centers of excellence at 1890s and ensures equity between land- grants by removing provisions that strip away unspent extension funds for 1890s, and it mandates a report that outlines research and extension funds for all land-grant schools. prgtoken s on the conference committee, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill when it comes to the floor.
ADVANCED NUCLEAR FUEL AVAILABILITY ACT
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-11

I thank Mr. Green. I have had the pleasure of serving with Mr. Green for about 12 years now, and he has been an incredible colleague. One thing I can say about Mr. Green: He is good for his word. When he says he is going to provide something and produce something, he does. So I appreciate the gentleman's friendship and collegiality. prgtoken , today, I rise in support of H.R. 6140, the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Act. Every day, we are seeing the devastating effects of climate change, like the deadly wildfires we just had in California; severe flooding around the world; and our Nation's persistent asthma rates, which continue to threaten public health. prgtoken The Federal Government has the responsibility to address climate change by investing in proactive measures to combat this prevailing threat. We need a diverse--and I repeat, diverse--energy mix, including nuclear power, which already generates 60 percent of our Nation's zero- emissions electricity. prgtoken H.R. 6140 is the future of nuclear technology. It creates a pathway for tomorrow's nuclear reactors so that we will be able to confront the realities of climate change. prgtoken This bill directs the Department of Energy to conduct studies, authorizes the Department of Energy to acquire materials, and requires the DOE to develop a schedule to recover these costs. prgtoken The availability of high-assay low-enriched uranium is critical to these efforts. Federal investments and protocols regarding the transportation, fuel fabrication, and enrichment to effectively bring this fuel to market are encouraging. prgtoken This bill updates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's policies and addresses the development of a robust regulatory regime, the options for requiring this type of uranium, and the preparation of the infrastructure required for this fuel. prgtoken As we look to the future, small modular reactors, or SMRs, as they are referred to, will be useful in a variety of settings, from microgrids to rural areas. And this type of fuel needs to be available by the time SMRs come to the market. prgtoken The consortium that is formed here is the type of partnership that will be useful in kick-starting this technology and then turning it over to let industry take the reins. prgtoken I thank my partners on this bill--Mr. Flores, Mr. Upton, Mr. Walden, and Mr. Pallone--for their leadership on this issue, and I thank our staffs for their work on this critical legislation. prgtoken , finally, I thank my friend and colleague Mr. Green, again, who is retiring this year. He has been a champion for bipartisanship and compromise, and an advocate for sound policy in this Chamber. He will be missed. I will also miss the who is sitting in the Chair right now. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6140.
RECOGNIZING SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAWAII
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-12-11

today I am rising to recognize Special Olympics Hawaii celebrating 50 years of service to our community. Since its founding in 1968, Special Olympics has changed lives and served as an indispensable source of strength and empowerment for so many people. prgtoken Across our State today, it is serving 4,700 participants with the support of nearly 12,000 coaches and volunteers delivering 10 Olympic- type sports and more than 50 competitions throughout the year. prgtoken They have taken on issues like inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. They have had an impact on our entire community and our State. They are combating negative stereotypes, bringing joy and a sense of achievement and creating a culture of respect and inclusion. prgtoken Mahalo to Special Olympics Hawaii and congratulations on reaching this 50th anniversary year.