mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HEALTHCARE
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-8-3

. Good afternoon, . It is good to see the Presiding Officer and to hear my colleague Senator Perdue, as he prepares to probably head for home for the next several weeks. prgtoken A number of our Senators are heading for their home States this afternoon and tomorrow to begin what is traditionally called the August recess. I am fortunate to live in Delaware, and I can go home every night. Some people see it as a blessing, others as a curse. I see it as a blessing to go home and stay a while. I am looking forward to that. prgtoken We have three Senate office buildings here on Capitol Hill that Senators share and where they have their office space. The oldest is Russell. The next oldest is Dirksen. The newest is a building they call the Hart Senate Office Building. For 16 or 17 years, my staff and I have been in the Hart Building--and by choice. Every 2 years we can change offices, but we always want to stay in the same office, which is sort of unusual when you have been here for 16 or 17 years. prgtoken Sometimes a lot of people say the names Russell or Dirksen or Hart. Russell and Dirksen are pretty famous folks, even now. Hart is less well known. I will not take a lot of time to give a deep history of who Philip Hart was, but he was a Senator from Michigan and he was a . His time here preceded my time. prgtoken I was elected State treasurer for Delaware in 1976, a Congressman in 1982, and Governor in 1992. Then, I came to the Senate in 2001. But for Philip Hart and me, as far as I know, our service never crossed. If we did, I am not aware. prgtoken I don't know a lot of the things he was famous for. There are some of his famous quotes, but one of my all-time favorite quotations are the words I believe he said when he left this place. He left the Senate and retired. Some say he left too soon, but when he retired, he said these words: ``I leave as I arrived, understanding clearly the complexity of the world into which we were born and optimistic that if we give it our best shot, we will come close to achieving the goals set for us 200 years ago.'' prgtoken That is what he said. Aren't those wonderful words? At a time when we could actually use a little bit of encouragement, I hope that, maybe, his words provide at least a small measure. For me, they always provided a large measure. prgtoken If you go back to the beginning of this Congress, January 3, and the inauguration of the President on January 20 of this year, there were high hopes prgtoken on both sides to immediately get to work on comprehensive tax reform; on transportation and infrastructure policy for roads, highways, bridges, rails, ports, broadband, and maybe our electric grid. There was the idea of doing something for our friends to repeal the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken As it turns out, we have in some cases disappointed, and in other cases we probably have pleased the folks who elected us to serve them, in developing and
IN RECOGNITION OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY CIVIL WAR MUSEUM
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise to bring to your and our colleagues' attention an important ribbon-cutting ceremony in Winchester, Virginia, on Friday, August 4, 2017, officially announcing the renaming of the former Old Court House Civil War Museum to the ``Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum''. prgtoken The ceremony was also an opportunity to honor a great civic leader of the Shenandoah Valley, Jim Wilkins, Jr with the presentation of the Graves Family Philanthropic Leadership Award, in recognition of Mr. Wilkins' leadership on behalf of civil war battlefield preservation and other worthy causes, including the Frederick County/Winchester Law Enforcement Foundation, which he helped establish. prgtoken This name change signals a continuation of the energetic expansion of the preservation and enhancement of civil war sites by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, on whose Board of Directors Mr. Wilkins is an active member. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Keven Walker, the new name of the museum, coupled with new and renovated exhibits that will include youth activities and interactive learning tools, will make the museum a compelling attraction for Civil War enthusiasts and their families. The foundation will be able to tell the broader story of the Civil War in the entire Shenandoah Valley that will include Union, Confederate, civilian and African-American perspectives. prgtoken These initiatives of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and its partners have had a significantly positive economic impact on my Valley constituents. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District is an important driver of the regional economy, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually and sustaining thousands of jobs. prgtoken , I ask you and our colleagues to join me in thanking CEO Keven Walker, Jim Wilkins, Jr. and the Board of Directors and staff of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation for the extraordinary energy and commitment they have brought to preserving the vitally important story of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley, including the newly named Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum which promises to become a driver of the regional economy as it emerges as an important center of the history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley.
HONORING DR. ROBERT (BOB) SHILLMAN
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise to honor Dr. Robert (Bob) Shillman. I have been a friend of Dr. Bob's for many years. I prgtoken have nothing but admiration and respect for his success story and his efforts to promote America's free-enterprise system. prgtoken Dr. Bob received his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University, and his master's degree and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT. He founded Cognex in 1981, which is the world's leading provider of machine vision sensors and systems. The company grew out some work he did as a fellow with the National Science Foundation in the late 1970s, which concerned programming computers to recognize handwriting. prgtoken Dr. Bob has a passion for philanthropy. He contributes to organizations that he believes are working to make the world a better place. He also promotes the advancement of education to ensure that there are generations of engineers and entrepreneurs. prgtoken He no longer takes a salary for his work at Cognex, and at his request, each year the company donates that amount, along with any bonus that he may have the right to receive, to a public charity. He tells everyone that his Ph.D. no longer stands for Doctor of Philosophy, but for Doctor of Philanthropy. prgtoken Dr. Bob is a strong supporter of the fight for freedom and democracy around the world, and of Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. He also shares our commitment to keeping America safe and strong. prgtoken I am proud to recognize all the contributions he has made to defend the Constitution and the freedoms it provides. As Dr. Bob has reminded us, he is one who has benefitted from these freedoms, and he would like to see that future generations of Americans have the same opportunities that have been afforded him. prgtoken I thank Dr. Bob for his generosity, commitment and patriotism.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF U.S. ARMY SERGEANT JONATHON MICHAEL HUNTER
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise today to honor the life and service of U.S. Army Sergeant Jonathon Michael Hunter, who was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, in Afghanistan. prgtoken Jonathon graduated from Columbus East High School in 2011 and went on to study music at Indiana State University on an ROTC scholarship. After a year at Indiana State, Jonathon returned home to work and decided to follow his family's military tradition by joining the U.S. Army on April 8, 2014. Jonathon was in the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was deployed to Afghanistan on July I, 2017. He earned his Expert Infantryman Badge and was recently promoted to sergeant. prgtoken Jonathon is survived by his wife, Whitney Michelle Hunter, and parents, Mark Hunter, Kimberly Thompson and step-father Brian Thompson, to whom I extend my deepest sympathies. prgtoken On behalf of all Hoosiers, I thank Sergeant Hunter for his service and sacrifice to our nation. He represented his community, state, and country, with honor and dignity. We continue to pray for his family, friends, and all who knew Jonathon. Our hearts are with you. His service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
RECOGNIZING TROY FERGUSON
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise today to recognize Troy Ferguson, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, a caring and compassionate servant to the people of Oregon's 2nd District, a leader amongst Team Walden, and a man that I am honored to call a friend. prgtoken Troy first served his country as a Marine, where he excelled in the high standards of the Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Troy's southern upbringing and faithful Marine Corps service made him a gentleman, through and through. Troy always demonstrated the bearing of a leader, and had the character to back it up. prgtoken Troy joined my staff in 2001 as a part time worker manning the front desk. In a very short period of time, it became apparent that he had a natural talent for this business and helping constituents. prgtoken In his 16 years he did just about all the jobs that make up a district office: receptionist, constituent services representative, constituent services manager, constituent services director, field representative, legislative advisor, and regional director. Troy has been a jack-of-all-trades on my team, acquiring expertise in a wide array of issues, policy, and casework, and he mastered each area quickly. prgtoken In particular, Troy's 11 years of service in the Marine Corps equipped him with an unmatched ability to help veterans in need throughout my district. Troy played an integral role in our effort to save ``The Dom''--the local VA facility in Southern Oregon--when the VA shortsightedly made an attempt to close that facility. Now renamed as the Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, this facility continues to provide critical services to thousands of veterans each year. prgtoken Over the years, thousands of individual constituents received personal guidance and assistance from Troy. He was the guru of constituent services, not only on Team Walden but also in the Oregon delegation. Whether it was casework involving the IRS, veterans and military service members, or Social Security and Medicare, Troy became a recognized expert at identifying the problem and promptly finding a solution. When the delegation constituent services folks got together, Troy was looked to by all as the most knowledgeable person in the room when it carne to taking care of constituents and ensuring that the agencies had the opportunity to make things right. prgtoken On top of that, when most people struggled to master the skills of proficient writing required of congressional staffers, Troy stood out as a naturally gifted writer. He has that rare ability of organizing complex concepts and putting them on paper so that they can be easily understood by anyone. Troy was a born communicator who could deliver bad news to a constituent with compassion and good news with enthusiasm. prgtoken His ability to communicate, breadth of knowledge, and natural leadership made him a key part of welcoming new members to the team. Eager to show new staff
A TRIBUTE TO ELLEEN WHEATLEY
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise today to honor a great Iowan and American, Elleen Wheatley. Elleen has the unique distinction of being the oldest living woman Marine in the State of Iowa. And on August 26, 2017, Elleen will be celebrating her 100th Birthday with family and friends at the American Legion Memorial Building in Atlantic, Iowa. Elleen joined the Marines at the age of twenty-five while her husband and twin brother were in the Army serving overseas in World War II. In her years since her service to our country, she spent much time in the air with her husband Lester, who was a pilot, and enjoyed the farm that she and Lester purchased and planted 60 evergreen trees. Her favorite chore on the farm was mowing the yard on her Dixon mower. Before her 99th Birthday Elleen was quoted by a local newspaper saying, ``I've had a good life. Every day has been good. As I say, the Lord's been good to me.'' , I join all Iowans and Americans to honor Elleen Wheatley, to thank her for her service to this great nation and to wish her a very happy 100th Birthday.
HONORING KATHLYN CARD-BECKLES, ESQ.
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise to honor an attorney whose distinguished career and accomplishments both personally and professionally have earned her great esteem, Ms. Kathlyn Card-Beckles. prgtoken Kathy, as she is best known, serves as the General Counsel for Card Services at JPMorgan Chase, which issues one of the largest credit card portfolios in the world. She leads teams responsible for all legal issues relating to credit cards, payments, digital and Chase merchant services. Prior to this, she led the global intellectual property team that oversaw patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets as they relate to JPMorgan. prgtoken Kathy holds a law degree from George Washington University, where she graduated with honors, in addition to a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Delaware. In fact, before beginning her legal career, she held positions in analytical chemistry at Cytec Engineered Materials and process engineering at Frito Lay. prgtoken Upon deciding to pursue the field of law full-time, she joined the law firm of Kenyon & Kenyon, followed by stints at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Chambers of the Hon. Edward Darnich of the Court of Federal Claims. Kathy has also previously served as counsel for Tech for Social Good, a technology based philanthropy group. prgtoken In her personal life, Kathy is a board member and co-founder of the TEHEKA scholarship, which supports women studying engineering, and is a past board member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, a steering committee member of the JPMC Corporate Sector Women's group, a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and even finds time to teach Sunday School at Abyssinian Baptist Church. In 2014, Kathy was awarded the Trailblazer Under 40 Award by the National Bar Association; in 2015 she was honored as a Black Achiever in Industry by the Harlem YMCA; and in 2016 she was honored with the Metropolitan Black Bar Association's Corporate Counsel of the Year Award. prgtoken Of course for all of her tremendous success, Kathy's true passion is family. She and her husband live with their 3 wonderful and energetic children together in Harlem. They are the apple of her eye. prgtoken This year, the Westchester Black Bar Association is honoring Kathy at their 2017 Spring Gala. They have chosen an excellent honoree for the occasion. Congratulations to Kathy on receiving this well-deserved recognition.
SUPPORTING INVESTMENT IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE CURE RESEARCH
Ro Khanna (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise today to express my support for increased investment in research to combat Alzheimer's disease. Over five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's and more than fifteen million Americans are acting as a caregiver to a family member or friend with Alzheimer's. The disease is projected to afflict thirteen million Americans by the year 2050 unless we achieve significant advances in treatment. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. prgtoken Investing in Alzheimer's research is the right thing to do and good policy. The cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's disease to Medicaid and Medicare is 175 billion dollars. That makes up nineteen percent of the total Medicare budget. By 2050 that cost could grow to 758 billion dollars. Medicare for an individual with Alzheimer's or dementia costs nearly four times more than it does for a person without Alzheimer's or dementia. prgtoken As a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I am especially concerned with the number of our Veterans that suffer from dementia. Traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder have been linked to an increased risk for Alzheimer's and dementia. I am glad the military has recognized the importance of Alzheimer's research. Programs like the Peer Reviewed Alzheimer's Disease Program are essential to address the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join with me to support and increase in funding to combat Alzheimer's. We owe it to all Americans, especially those who have served, to find a way to prevent and treat this disease.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MS. NELLIE CROWSTON
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Nellie Crowston and her tireless work on behalf of students, teachers, and our entire community in Torrington, Connecticut. Nellie passed away on July 30, 2017, at the age of 79, but her contributions and legacy will live on in Torrington for many years to come. prgtoken Many in Torrington knew Nellie for her decades of work as a public school teacher. She represented the best of what it means to be an educator. Nellie's students remember her for her caring and encouraging nature. Nellie also possessed an astounding memory and regularly recognized her students around town years after they had left her classroom. Even after retiring, Nellie loved to return to the classroom as a substitute teacher and work with children. She was an inspiration to both her students and her fellow teachers. prgtoken Outside of her teaching career, Nellie was an active member of our community and contributed to a number of causes close to her heart. Her work was instrumental in saving and expanding the Torrington Alpha Delta Kappa chapter, a society for women educators. She boosted the group's membership and organized fundraisers and events that expanded its presence in our city. Her work allowed Alpha Delta Kappa to provide grants to local teachers and scholarships to high school students. Nellie's dedication to service should be a model for public servants everywhere. prgtoken , Nellie Crowston was a dedicated teacher and community leader who inspired countless students and made Torrington a better place to live. It is fitting and proper that we honor her legacy here today. All those who knew her will cherish her memory.
THE CONSTITUTION TRUMPS THE PRESIDENT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-8-4

on January 20, 2017, with his right hand placed on the historic Lincoln Bible, uttered the most important sentence of his life: ``I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'' prgtoken These 35 words--spoken verbatim by every U.S. President at their inauguration--have achieved a hallowed status in our nation's collective memory and psyche. prgtoken These 35 words have immense symbolic meaning, but they also possess real power. prgtoken They are enshrined in Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, the blueprint for our democratic system of government and the founding document upon which our society is built. prgtoken They bind their speaker in an oath to uphold the Chief Office of the Executive Branch of the United States. prgtoken These 35 words state, in the starkest of terms, the two fundamental duties of the President: to ``take care that the laws be faithfully executed'' and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. prgtoken Before January 20, 2017, every President, from George Washington to , had served in elected office or the military, held a government position, or been a member of the bar prior to entering the Oval Office. prgtoken Before January 20, 2017, had never been elected to public office, nor served in the military, nor held a position in the government, nor been admitted to practice law before the bar. prgtoken This is noteworthy because it means that in his 70 years of living, had never taken a public oath to uphold the Constitution before January 20, 2017. prgtoken During his campaign, often touted his lack of political experience as a strength. prgtoken Since January 20, however, it has become increasingly obvious that 's career as a real estate mogul, television personality, and owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant has left him wholly unequipped to grasp the full weight, scope, meaning of--and the obligations he assumed in taking--the Presidential Oath of Office. prgtoken It is the solemn duty of the President to exercise his authority consistent with the Constitution and in a manner that supports and strengthens the rule of law. prgtoken The Constitution imposes on the Congress the responsibility to hold the Chief Executive accountable if he abuses his powers. prgtoken Such is the genius of the Framers who created the system of separated powers and checks and balances that are the hallmark of our Constitution. prgtoken Congress, especially the House of Representatives, is the political branch of the government closest to the people; therefore, if the President is called upon to answer for abuses of power, he answers to the Congress acting on behalf of the American people. prgtoken As a senior member of Congress and the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland
IN RECOGNITION OF MS. MARGE PRESTON FOR HER DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-8-4

I rise today to recognize Ms. Marge Preston for her outstanding career in higher education. Ms. Preston has served the State of Michigan and its young people well through her work with Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University. prgtoken Ms. Preston began her career with Central Michigan University, where she spent 27 years serving in a variety of positions, including Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Coordinator of the University's Career Resource Center. In 2003, she joined Eastern Michigan University and has served the EMU community with distinction during her tenure. She began as the university's Executive Secretary to the Vice President for University Relations, and ultimately held several positions, including Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Government and Community Relations. In this capacity, Ms. Preston managed all aspects of the GCR office, including assisting the University's legal counsel with inquiries, serving as a liaison for state and federal officials and coordinating special events and projects on behalf of the EMU Vice President. prgtoken Ms. Preston has been a tireless advocate on behalf of EMU and the Ypsilanti community at large through her service to the university. As a result of her efforts, EMU has been an effective policy advocate whose work with the state and federal government has benefitted both students and educators. Ms. Preston also received recognition throughout her career, including receiving the Central Michigan University Staff Excellence Award. She was also a co-chair for EMU's United Way Campus Wide Drive, helping raise over $100,000, and served on the EMU Planning Committee for Michigan Women's American Council on Education's annual meeting. She has had a tremendous impact on the direction of higher education in Michigan, and her hard work and expertise will be missed. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Marge Preston for her distinguished career in higher education. Ms. Preston has effectively served the State of Michigan and its students through her work with the state's public universities.