mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING AMERICA'S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-4-6

it is an honor to be here today, the day after the fifth anniversary of the JOBS Act. prgtoken Five years ago, yesterday, in a bipartisan way, this divided House, this divided government that got next to nothing done, in a bipartisan way, was able to achieve a huge bipartisan victory to help small businesses raise capital. In light of that and in that history, in that spirit, we have reached across the aisle, and Representative Velazquez and Ranking Member Waters worked with me to craft a very good bill here today. prgtoken This bill is targeted at small businesses across the rest of the country. We know that 78 percent of venture capital goes to just three States. If you are in Austin, Boston, or the Silicon Valley, you have capital flowing to you; you have funds for your idea. The rest of the country, whether you are in an urban area or rural area, is starved for capital. prgtoken In light of that problem, we are trying to work for a solution for those small businesses, those innovators with good ideas that maybe don't have the best access to capital. We raised the cap on angel investing, thereby allowing more people to participate at a lower threshold dollar amount while still including important investor protection. prgtoken Today is a great victory for small-business folks that need access, that need capital to take their idea to market I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN SOLDIER ARMY CORPORAL (CPL) TYLER JOE DICKENS
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-4-6

today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Corporal (CPL) Tyler Joe Dickens who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on April 12, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. CPL Dickens died from injuries he sustained when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his guard tower in Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq. CPL Dickens was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California. prgtoken CPL Dickens entered active service in June 2002. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Joseph Dickens, who also served in the Army. CPL Dickens served as a sniper team leader at the time of his death. prgtoken During CPL Dickens's memorial service, a letter from a superior, Captain Gary Mills, was read aloud. Mills described how proud Dickens was of his family and that he enjoyed sharing stories with his unit and pictures of his wife, Elisha, and newborn son, Austin. ``The platoon was proud when [his] son was born,'' Mills wrote. ``We would like to thank his entire family. None of us will ever forget Tyler J. Dickens.'' prgtoken CPL Dickens was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. prgtoken CPL Dickens's sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy will not be forgotten.
NULLIFY RULE PROMULGATED BY FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to help set the record straight on the vote last week to roll back the Federal Communications Commission's flawed internet service provider rules. prgtoken Since the internet was created, the Federal Trade Commission has been in charge of online privacy and has been largely successful in this mission. However, last year, the Federal Communications Commission overreached its authority by creating its own set of privacy rules that applied to a small group of internet service providers like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T. prgtoken This is why I joined my colleagues in the House to approve the Congressional Review Act to nullify this redundant rule promulgated by the FCC. The FCC claimed these rules would provide customers with strong security protections, but, in reality, the FCC's rules created confusion, an additional layer of bureaucratic red tape, and a false sense of privacy that did not exist. prgtoken In fact, the head of both the FCC and FTC penned a joint op-ed recently supporting Congress' decision. In their own words, we cleared the way to reinstate a rational and effective system for protecting consumer privacy.
HONORING MICHIGAN FARMERS HELPING THOSE AFFECTED BY WILDFIRES IN AMERICAN HEARTLAND
John R. Moolenaar (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-4-6

today another farm convoy left Michigan and headed south to help those suffering in America's heartland, where wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres in four States. prgtoken This convoy, and those like it in days gone by and the days to come, is the work of the amazing farming community in my district and across the State of Michigan. prgtoken They have donated trucks, trailers, and time to drive supplies to the affected areas. They have donated food and fencing to help farmers recover and rebuild. They have donated care packages with candy and cards to care for the hurting souls. prgtoken Many volunteers are staying and helping in the devastated communities. In fact, tomorrow, two young men from Ogemaw County, Brady and Keaton, are scheduled to travel with 4-H kids from Michigan's Thumb area to volunteer their skills and help build fencing in Kansas. prgtoken The overwhelmingly and generous efforts of the Michigan farming community, in response to this tragedy, represent the best of America. I pray for God's blessing on all those involved as they help with this crisis.
NATIONAL LAWN CARE MONTH
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2017-4-6

it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize April as National Lawn Care Month. The landscape industry employs nearly 1 million workers and contributes annual revenue of $78 billion to our nation's economy. From the National Mall to an opening day outfield and even in our own front and back yards, images of beautiful lawns are often iconic depictions of American culture and the American dream. prgtoken As we recognize these images, we must also recognize the work that goes into the upkeep of such lawns. Landscape and lawn care professionals play a vital role in ensuring that lawns are not only maintained but also healthy as healthy grass and turf deliver essential benefits to families, communities, and the environment. prgtoken Healthy lawns offer protection against disease carrying insects. They provide oxygen, protect our waterways, and clean the air. They are the backdrop for important life memories such as first steps, athletic accomplishments, and gatherings for friends and families. Healthy lawns are important parts of our communities.
REMEMBERING WORLD WAR I
Steve Russell (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-4-6

today, exactly 100 years ago, on this very floor, the United States declared war on Imperial Germany and entered the First World War on the side of the Allies. The decisions that led to that monumental declaration forever changed America's destiny, economy, military, foreign policy, and culture. prgtoken Today also marks the beginning of our National Centennial remembrance of America's service in World War I for the sacrifices made by all Americans and for the more than one-quarter of a million American casualties, including over 100,000 dead, most of whom were lost in a mere 6-month period from May to November 1918. prgtoken By the war's end, my great-grandfather and his three brothers would all serve. My great-grandfather's brother, my great-uncle, Frank Chamberlain, was killed in action. This is his pipe that he was carrying when he was killed in France, his dog tags, and his uniform insignia that I was able to inherit from my great-grandfather. prgtoken He lays peacefully in France under a white marble military gravestone, a scant, faceless hint of the man who was once filled with laughter and humor, who held dreams, hopes, and goals for the future. Frank was 19 years old. prgtoken On April 6, 1917, our country was forever changed, and it began right here on this very floor. It is only fitting, , that we give remembrance to its beginning here today. I am indeed indebted to the fine work of Dr. Eric B. Setzekorn of the United States Army's Center of Military History for his material from ``Joining the Great War,'' which forms the basis for today's remembrance. After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on the 28th of June 1914, which led to the military mobilization across Europe and declarations of war by early August, most Americans took solace that the Atlantic Ocean shielded the United States from the conflict. The Chicago Herald summed up the popular support for isolation from Europe's strife in its article that said: ``Peace-loving citizens of this country will now rise up and tender a hearty vote of thanks to Columbus for having discovered America.'' Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium brought Great Britain into the war and divided Europe into two great camps. Britain joined France and Russia to form the Triple Entente, more commonly referred to as the Allied Powers. Opposed to them were Germany and Austria-Hungary, making up the Central Powers. President Woodrow Wilson believed that the immoral nature of European politics created entangling alliances that transformed a regional conflict into a global war that threatened world peace. The President delivered a Declaration of Neutrality to this very Congress on the 19th of August 1914, calling on all citizens to remain ``impartial in thought, as well as in action.'' However, between late 1914 and early
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF DR. WATTS
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to recognize Dr. W. David Watts on his distinguished tenure at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. prgtoken For the past fifteen years, Dr. Watts has served as the President of UTPB. Under his leadership, UTPB has seen an unprecedented growth and the university's reputation has grown exponentially. Since 2001, the university enrollment increased from 2,200 to 6,315 students and the availability of student housing has increased from just six buildings with 96 beds to 37 buildings with 1,197. These additions have significantly impacted the local economy and transformed UTPB to an established university community. Early into his presidency, Dr. Watts made a commitment to expand educational opportunities by investing in online programs to allow students to earn a degree from a distance and allow for the development of career opportunities throughout the region. These efforts have led UTPB to be recognized by numerous outlets, such as BestColleges.com and U.S. News and World Report, as one of the most affordable online programs in the nation. In addition, Dr. Watts' vision of expanding access to quality education has also led to the creation of Texas' first entirely virtual Early College High School network. This network allows universities and colleges to partner with local school districts to offer at risk high school students to earn a high school diploma and up to sixty college credits at no cost. These accelerated courses reduce the barriers to college access and increased college readiness with these students. This program has allowed thousands of students to set out on their path to achieve their professional goals. Dr. Watts' commitment to quality education has allowed UTPB to be the first school in Texas to offer a $10,000 bachelor's degree in select majors and is recognized as the least expensive Texas public, four-year institution. Under his leadership, UTPB has received national accreditation in Art, Business, Education, Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, Social Work, Music, Nursing, and Athletic Training Education. These initiatives have allowed UTPB to leave its imprint on the workforce, and it could not have been accomplished without Dr. Watt's leadership. Over the last few years, Dr. Watts spearheaded efforts to write a new chapter in UTPB's history by bringing college football to the university. Prior to this, UTPB was the only public university west of I-35 that did not participate in football. Now UTPB is in a more competitive position to attract new students to the Permian Basin. Last year, the Falcons kicked off the inaugural season and set the foundation for the program. The team looks to build off of that progress as they begin to prepare for next season. Dr. Watts' contributions to UTPB will always be remembered and his impact will surely be felt by generations to come. As he and his wife Denise embark on a new chapter in their life
FUND THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-4-6

for yielding and for taking up this Special Order to focus on the role of the Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities in American life and the need for us in this body to have some historical perspective and appreciation of that, and to rise to the occasion of the challenge presented by the preliminary budget to make certain that these efforts are appreciated, and, more importantly, that they are funded, that they are supported in this body and in our budget for fiscal 2018. prgtoken I am glad that the gentleman took some time to give us a history lesson. He comes by this advocacy honestly because he is the Representative from Rhode Island. The inspiration behind the Endowments, back in the 1960s, was Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island, a towering figure in the Senate. prgtoken I suppose I am one of the few Members around here who has been around long enough to remember Claiborne Pell. I never served with him, but I was a young staff member in the U.S. Senate when Claiborne Pell was going strong. prgtoken I first got a job as a summer intern and then returned summer after summer. I ended up writing a dissertation out of the Senate office of Senator Bob Bartlett of Alaska who was a friend and collaborator of Claiborne Pell's. prgtoken Pell had many things going. I remember his chairman, Senator Lister Hill of Alabama. When I interviewed him at one point, he remarked on Claiborne and how just Claiborne had everything going. You had to really work to keep up with him. prgtoken But these Endowments were favorite projects of Claiborne Pell and of that uniquely fertile period in the history of this Congress when these efforts were pioneered and established, and, of course, they have enriched our national life ever since. prgtoken As the gentleman from Rhode Island mentioned, I have been honored to co-chair the Congressional Humanities Caucus. I have also been a member for a long time of the Congressional Arts Caucus. prgtoken It is at least in part in that capacity I speak out today in defense of these Endowments, but also as a U.S. citizen, as a former academic who appreciates the role both of these Endowments play in supporting academic life and research into our history, our culture, our national background. prgtoken And not just research at the very top levels of our great universities, although they do some of that, but also the kind of local historical understanding that is developed through local arts councils and through local groups who research history and put on pageants and who educate young people and who do so much to enrich our national life from the bottom up. prgtoken One of the strengths, I think, of both the Arts and the Humanities Endowments, maybe their greatest strength, is their grassroots character--how they work to make history and the arts real and tangible and meaningful to young people coming along and to our local communities. prgtoken That is one reason
HONORING LINDA McGURK'S MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO EDUCATION
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to honor Linda McGurk for her 25 years of service as principal of Ben Milam Elementary School in McAllen, Texas. Linda McGurk received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The University of Texas Pan-American in 1964. That same year, she began teaching first grade. In 1968, while raising a family with her husband James McGurk, Linda McGurk served on the St. Joseph's School Board and volunteered with the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department, the Edinburg Junior Service League. Linda McGurk became principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in 1984. Two years later, she earned her Master's in Educational Administration from The University of Texas Pan-American. In 1992, Linda McGurk was named principal of Ben Milam Elementary School, a position she still holds today. Over the course of her tenure at Ben Milam, she has helped thousands of children embark on an educational journey. In 2006, the University of Texas Pan-American recognized Linda McGurk for her leadership and countless contributions to elementary education in South Texas. And in 2012, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association named her Administrator of the Year. Most recently, the McAllen Education Foundation honored Linda McGurk for her commitment to student success, naming her an ``Outstanding Educator'' this past year. For more than 50 years, Linda McGurk has dedicated her life to expanding educational opportunities for all. She has been a champion of student success and her commitment to parents, teachers, and staff at Ben Milam Elementary School is admirable. As we recognize Linda McGurk's service to the McAllen Independent School District, we also celebrate Ben Milam Elementary School's 50th Anniversary. If walls could talk, the walls of Ben Milam Elementary School would tell an inspirational story spanning half a century. Milam Elementary School has molded numerous generations of McAllen's young minds and given them the tools they need to succeed this week South Texas honors a great educator. It is my privilege to recognize Mrs. Linda McGurk in the U.S. House of Representatives today.
TRIBUTE TO DAVID POMERANTZ
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise to pay tribute to David Pomerantz, the retiring ic Staff Director of the House Appropriations Committee, who reflects the best of public service and the institution of Congress. prgtoken The Appropriations Committee has historically been a body more interested in substance and policy than politics. and s fight strongly for what we believe in, and at the end of the day, we try to work together to produce good legislation that funds prgtoken important services and investments, helps Members of Congress address local challenges, and provides sound guidance to federal agencies as they administer federal law, prgtoken But Members of the Appropriations Committee could not accomplish any of these goals if not for the hard work and support of dedicated staff, like David. prgtoken His retirement is bittersweet. Since 2011, David has led our House ic staff and supported the Members of our Committee with wisdom, calm, and occasionally boisterous laughter. David and I have had more emergency meetings, late night conference calls, and strategy sessions than either of us care to remember. His steady hand has been an asset during some of the most contentious funding debates with which the federal government has ever had to grapple. prgtoken While we already miss his depth of knowledge, expertise, and good humor, we are delighted for him to begin this new chapter in his life. prgtoken Having grown up on the West Coast, the son of a successful professional in the entertainment industry, David's return to his family's roots on the East Coast and his pursuit of a long career in federal service may have seemed counterintuitive. Prior to his distinguished career on Capitol Hill, Dr. Pomerantz was an Assistant Professor of Political Philosophy at SUNY Stony Brook. He began his service to the U.S. House of Representatives with the ic staff of the Rules Committee in 1983. He joined the Appropriations Committee in 2001, where he served as Professional Staff, Clerk of the Commerce, Justice, State Subcommittee, and Director of the nonpartisan Surveys & Investigations staff under Chairman and Ranking Member David Obey and finally as ic Staff Director for Ranking Member Norm Dicks and myself. prgtoken David reflects the best of this institution. He served the Appropriations Committee, the Rules Committee, and the U.S. Congress with integrity and skill. His time and talents were essential in solving some of the greatest challenges before the Congress, particularly in recent years when we faced government shutdowns and gridlock over appropriations and budget matters. In addition to his expertise of agency and program budgets, his knowledge of parliamentary process is unparalleled. His vast institutional knowledge of the House is second to none, and he will be sorely missed. Members of the Committee, staff, and the full ic caucus are deeply indebted for his tireless servic
FUND THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-4-6

I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island. prgtoken , I rise today to express my strong support for the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities. I want to associate myself with the comments of the gentleman from Rhode Island and the gentleman from North Carolina. prgtoken As a former teacher, I have seen firsthand how important the arts and humanities are in educating our kids and bettering society as a whole. prgtoken It has been shown that exposure to the arts stimulates students' learning, their motivation, and their creativity. prgtoken Those students involved in the arts score significantly higher in the SATs than other students. Now, more than ever, the arts often seem to be one of the first programs cut from a school or a government budget. prgtoken In fact, this President has proposed eliminating both the Endowments entirely--the first time any President has proposed such a measure. This has been supported by and s because it is meaningful to the entire Republic. prgtoken The NEA, the National Endowment for the Arts, has already sustained significant budget reductions. The NEA appropriation is 12 percent lower than it was in 2010. It declined to $19.5 million. prgtoken And while I understand, when everything is a priority, nothing is a priority, I understand that this priority affects the spirit of the greatest Nation in the world. prgtoken The importance of arts and humanities is not something we should even forget, even in the face of tough economic times. The arts support 4.7 million full-time United States jobs and, as you have heard, creates billions in economic activity each year. prgtoken In New Jersey, the National Endowment for the Arts last year provided over $1 million in direct grant funding to 13 arts organizations, community groups, schools, and artists, as well as enabled the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to award 171 grant and nongrant services totalling over $13 million. So there are consequences and a ripple effect to the few Federal dollars that are provided and targeted. prgtoken In my hometown of Paterson, New Jersey, the Council for the Humanities has awarded grant funding to the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson in support of their work for the Great Falls National Historical Park. prgtoken Humanities organizations like these enrich the cultural and historical benefits of the Great Falls through programming and community involvement initiatives. That is why it is crucial that we ensure that they receive the funding and the recognition they deserve. prgtoken The budget proposal does damage to Americans across the board. One area taking a massive hit, if I may use a parallel, is health care. This budget would cripple the NIH, the National Institutes of Health, slashing funding by $5.8 billion, equal to 19 percent of the current $30.8 billion discretionary budget. The budget takes aim at vital antipoverty programs that directly impact health care bec