mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CAMP NELSON HERITAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT ACT
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-6-5

I rise today in support of H.R. 5655, the Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument Act, which would establish the Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument in Jessamine County, Kentucky, as a unit of the National Park Service system. prgtoken I would like to especially thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop), chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, for his support of this legislation and for guiding us through this process and bringing it to the House floor. prgtoken Throughout my time in Congress, , I fought to bring national attention and recognition to Camp Nelson, a site that has the ability to unite our Nation and inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for Civil War history, African American history, and a compelling story of the struggle for freedom. prgtoken Camp Nelson was founded in 1863 as a Union Army supply depot, training center, and hospital for the Federal Armies in Kentucky and Tennessee. The camp, located in southern Jessamine County, Kentucky, covered 4,000 acres, with over 300 buildings and fortifications. It housed 2,000 to 8,000 troops, over 1,000 civilian employees, and, after 1864, over 3,000 African American refugees. The existing site contains several important Civil War resources that demonstrate the cultural and historical themes prominent at the time. prgtoken The most significant aspect of Camp Nelson's history was its role as the third largest recruitment and training center for U.S. Colored Troops and home to many of their families. Because of its proximity to the Confederate States, African American men fled to Camp Nelson to enlist and escape slavery. Because the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to Kentucky, a slaveholding border State not part of the Confederacy, Camp Nelson represented for a time the only avenue for Kentucky slaves to achieve emancipation. prgtoken By the time the 13th Amendment was ratified and ended slavery in 1865, 70 percent of Kentucky slaves had already been emancipated, largely in part because of the efforts made at Camp Nelson. Today, the site at Camp Nelson retains rich archeological evidence, including several earthen fortifications and other original landscape features dating back to the Civil War encampment. prgtoken Camp Nelson is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a key requirement in the process of being included as a unit of the National Park System. It is also part of the Civil War Discovery Trail and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. prgtoken Additionally, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has recommended that this site become a national monument. I want to thank Secretary Zinke for his personal attention to this effort and for his support and recommending to the President designating Camp Nelson as part of the National Park Service. prgtoken Camp Nelson has proven its ability to unite the people not just of Jessamine County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but of the Nation as a who
RECOGNIZING SAVE DURING PRIDE MONTH
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-5

as we celebrate Pride Month, I would like to congratulate SAVE, S-A-V-E, an organization in my congressional district that works around the clock to promote, protect, and defend LGBTQ equality. prgtoken For many years, I have been proud to partner with SAVE to create much-needed public understanding of gender identity and, hence, foster an even more inclusive south Florida community. prgtoken This Friday, June 8, this wonderful organization will host its 25th anniversary gala, where it will honor the 2018 equality champions: Miami Beach Police Chief Daniel Oates and the head of business operations of our very own Miami Heat, Eric Woolworth. prgtoken It is because of groups like SAVE, champions like Daniel and Eric, and committed individuals throughout our communities that we will guarantee that our American values of freedom and opportunity are shared by all. prgtoken So, thank you, Daniel and Eric; and thank you to my pal and SAVE's Executive Director, Tony Lima, and to the entire SAVE team for all that you do to promote LGBTQ inclusion and make our slice of paradise in south Florida an even better place in which to live.
MICHAEL CAMELO, JR.
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-5

I rise today to honor Michael Camelo, Jr. Camelo, a second-generation Cape Coral firefighter, who passed away on May 29th at the age of 37. prgtoken Engineer Camelo joined the department in 2006 and served honorably in several critically important positions including paramedic, hazardous materials technician, public safety boat operator, and as member of the Firefighter Survival and Rapid Intervention team. prgtoken Mr. Camelo is survived by his two children, Anna, 5, and Michael Camelo III, 3. Both of these young children will forever be a part of the Cape Coral firefighter family that Michael cared about so deeply throughout his entire life. prgtoken I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Michael Camelo, Jr. This is an immense loss to the Cape Coral Fire Department and to the city. Although short in years, Michael's life was filled with great accomplishment and a spirit of service to others--he and his family will be in my prayers, and the prayers of our community.
FIGHTING ALZHEIMER'S
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-6-5

5.7 million Americans cope with Alzheimer's every day. Every 65 seconds, another American contracts the disease. It is the sixth leading cause of death in our country, and two-thirds of its victim are women. prgtoken Alzheimer's is a very progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. prgtoken We don't yet have a cure for Alzheimer's, but we're helping provide the resources now to find that cure. The recent budget that we just passed includes a $414 million increase in funding for research into Alzheimer's, for a total of $1.8 billion. prgtoken I am also proud to be a cosponsor of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, a bipartisan bill which dedicates new resources to the fight against Alzheimer's, because it is time, , we put an end to a disease that is costing Americans $277 billion every year.
AFFORDABLE POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-5

the Federal Government became heavily involved in the Nation's postsecondary education system when Congress passed the Higher Education Act of 1965. prgtoken Over time, well-intentioned but misdirected policies and requirements have put special interests ahead of students' interests. It is time to develop a system designed to support students in completing an affordable postsecondary education that will prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills they need for lifelong success. prgtoken The Education and the Workforce Committee is moving us in that direction, , by passing last December the PROSPER Act. The PROSPER Act, the word ``PROSPER'' stands for: Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform. prgtoken It is a really apt title for what it is that the committee is proposing. I emphasize this is a work of the Education and the Workforce Committee and the 23 Members who are on that committee. prgtoken What the PROSPER Act does is it expands student access to higher education in many different ways: prgtoken It allows students to use Federal student aid, including Pell grants, for shorter term programs that will help students get into the workforce more quickly. prgtoken It expands the availability of industry-led earn-and-learn programs that lead to high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. prgtoken It improves early awareness of postsecondary Federal financial aid options for students in high school. prgtoken It makes the application for Federal student aid easier for middle class families by streamlining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, making the FAFSA available on a mobile application and ensuring both the app and the online form are consumer tested, clear, and easy to use. We hear from parents all the time about how difficult the FAFSA is to complete. prgtoken It repeals unfair requirements that limit low-income students' access to career-focused institutions. prgtoken It supports at-risk and minority students by reforming the TRIO programs to better evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, expand access to these programs for students, and encourage institutions to create programs using evidence-based innovations like P4Success. prgtoken The PROSPER Act improves student aid in the following ways: simplifying student aid into one grant program, one loan program, and one workstudy program to ease confusion for students who are deciding the best options available to pay for their college educations. prgtoken Let me give you an example, , of the complications of the loan programs as they currently exist. There are six different loan programs, nine repayment options, and 32 deferment and forbearance options. What has that gotten us? It has gotten students $1.4 trillion into debt. We find that unacceptable, and PROSPER will help change that. prgtoken We give a Pell grant bonus to recipients who enroll in the number of credits ne
HONORING HARPER CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOR THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-6-5

I rise today to honor Harper Chapel United Methodist Church in Osage Beach, Missouri. On Sunday, September 23, 2018, the congregation will be celebrating the church's 150th Anniversary. This historical accomplishment is even more impressive when considering Missouri was not quite 50 years a state when Harper Chapel UMC was established near the Grand Glaize and Osage Rivers. In 1868, Mr. Thomas Ezard and Mr. Thomas Harper began a Methodist class that would set the groundwork for Harper Chapel UMC. During the years this class met in various homes and the local log school house. The Southern Methodist Bishop appointed the Circuit Riders who led the class. Then in 1880, the community welcomed their first ``regular preacher'', Tom Rodgers. A new era was ushered in on April 20, 1911 when Asa and Ethel Farmer and E.P. Wade generously donated one acre of land in trust to the Methodist Episcopal Church. This land is the present site of Harper Chapel UMC. On January 12, 1912, the original church building was dedicated and to this day it is still used for weddings and other activities. Thanks to the handiwork of Charles Harper and Carl Knight, the original pulpit is still used in the original church. 87 years after the Methodist class started meeting, under the leadership of Reverend M.A. Thomas, a building program was started to build a parsonage, repair the current sanctuary, and begin plans for a new sanctuary. Due to the success of the building program on October 28, 1956 the new parsonage was dedicated, and on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1963 the new sanctuary was dedicated. The positive impact on the parishioners and surrounding community has been steadfast throughout the years. Vacation Bible School began in 1945 and continues to improve the lives of children and families in the area to this day. The vision of Harper Chapel UMC to--``Intentionally Connect People with Christ and Each Other''--is an inspiration and will be a guiding light for future generations. I ask you to join me in recognizing Harper Chapel United Methodist Church on their 150th Anniversary. This milestone is a great testament to the commitment this church has shown to the Lord, their parishioners, and the entire community.
RECOGNIZING HIGHLANDS BAR & GRILL
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-6-5

today I wish to congratulate Highlands Bar & Grill for winning the 2018 James Beard Foundation Award for outstanding restaurant on May 7, 2018. prgtoken After being a finalist for 9 consecutive years, the Highlands Bar & Grill has finally won this prestigious award. The James Beard Foundation annually presents awards for culinary excellence, and I cannot think of a more deserving restaurant. prgtoken Ever since the restaurant's opening in 1982, executive chef and owner Frank Stitt from Cullman, AL, and his wife, Pardis, from Birmingham, AL, have provided a memorable and hospitable culinary experience. Their commitment to providing high-quality food and service have been the foundation for their nationally recognized success. prgtoken Contributing to the triumph of the restaurant is pastry chef Dolester Miles, who this year won the 2018 James Beard Foundation Award for outstanding pastry chef. One of the original employees of Highlands Bar & Grill, Dolester's 36-year career is certainly impressive and unparalleled. prgtoken Frank Stitt's mentorship and guidance have influenced many other chefs in the Birmingham area and beyond. His ever-changing and inspirational menu has elevated the standard for fine Southern cuisine. prgtoken I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Highlands Bar & Grill. This restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the United States and is an ambassador to the world of fine Southern cuisine. prgtoken Please join me in congratulating Highlands Bar & Grill for winning this award and for the restaurant's nearly four decades of success. I have no doubt that it will continue this path of excellence.
RECOGNIZING FRANK EMOND
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-5

today I rise to recognize and pay tribute to a local hero and national treasure who has dedicated his life to humble service; service to his country and service to others. Mr. Emond is a Pearl Harbor survivor and recently celebrated his 100th birthday on May 21, 2018. prgtoken The history of the life and work of Frank Emond is nothing short of astounding. Francis ``Frank'' Emond, originally from Rhode Island, played the French horn in his high school band. After graduating and working for three years, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1938, leaving his home in Rhode Island to serve as a musician. prgtoken In the summer of 1941, Mr. Emond was assigned to Pearl Harbor, aboard the battle ship USS Pennsylvania with Admiral Kimmel, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. prgtoken On the night of Saturday, December 6, 1941, bands from the Pennsylvania, the California, and the Arizona held a dance band contest on the docks; bragging rights for the winner and great entertainment for the troops and civilians. Mr. Emond's band won the trophy, which they later donated in memory of all 21 Arizona band members and 1,100 hands that went down with them. prgtoken On the morning of December 7, 1941, ``a date'', in the words of President Roosevelt, ``which will live in infamy'', Mr. Emond was playing the French horn with his band mates as they were preparing to play for the morning flag raising. prgtoken The ceremony was horrifically interrupted by hundreds of Japanese aircraft dropping bombs and riddling the harbor's battleships with machine gun fire. prgtoken The Pennsylvania was struck by a bomb, killing 15 and launching men, including Mr. Emond, into a rescue operation. Mr. Emond was trained as a stretcher-bearer and began retrieving the injured and the dead. prgtoken Mr. Emond retired from the Navy in 1968 and spent a decade working as a civilian employee at Pensacola Naval Air Station. prgtoken To this day, Mr. Emond continues to serve his country and his community. He has been a Red Cross volunteer at Pensacola Naval Hospital for the last 15 years. He works at the hospital's front desk where he frequently brightens the day of many visitors as he greets them and works the switchboard. prgtoken Mr. Emond expresses that ``time is one of the easiest gifts to give, and is an important one that could change the outcome of somebody's day or maybe even their life.'' Mr. Emond has certainly given generously of his time and has, no doubt, positively impacted the lives of countless people who are blessed to know and work with him. prgtoken Frank Emond's presence and service has been, and will continue to be, an invaluable asset to Northwest Florida. We are proud that he calls our area home and honored that he chooses to spend his time volunteering here. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled and privileged to recognize and honor Frank Emond for his countless contributions and service. I'd like to extend my gratitud
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2018-6-5

today I wish to recognize the retirement of William P. Getty as president of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. Since 1999, Pat has served as president of the foundation, and during his tenure, the region has been blessed with significant opportunities to grow and diversify the economy. prgtoken Established in 1944, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation issues grants primarily in West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. The region served by the foundation is a tribute to the founder Michael Benedum's native home of West Virginia and his strong connection to Pittsburgh, PA, where he built a successful oil and gas exploration business. The foundation administers grants that support education, economic development, health and human services, and community development. prgtoken Pat's leadership as president has focused on regional collaboration to capture economic opportunity. First and foremost, the discovery of the Marcellus, Utica, and Rogersville shale deposits have created tremendous opportunity for West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio to not only explore these natural resources but to also capture more downstream value in affiliated sectors of the economy. Pat's leadership in fostering a regional approach and cooperation between leaders in the three States has been instrumental to creating initiatives like the ``Power of 32'' site development fund and the tristate shale agreement that will help the region maximize the benefit of this opportunity. In addition, he has been an invaluable partner and ambassador for the Appalachian Storage and Trading Hub project, participating in meetings with private sector leaders and government leaders to stress the importance of this project to the region. By working together, we can truly realize the potential for thousands of new jobs and billions in private sector investment. prgtoken Pat's contributions as president extends well beyond the energy sector. Under his leadership, the foundation has been a leader in focusing on the importance of STEM education, advanced manufacturing, and transitioning the region to a more technology based economy. Each of these areas is a significant growth opportunity for the region, while at the same time is a tribute to the region's history as a leader in manufacturing and developing natural resources. Pat has also been instrumental in working with community, State, and Federal leaders to maximize Federal resources and partnerships to spur economic growth. prgtoken I wish Pat the best in his retirement and hope that he enjoys this special time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. I know that he will remain engaged as an ambassador for West Virginia and the region.
Accomplishments of the Republican-Led Congress (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-6-5

the May jobs report came out last Friday, and here are some of the headlines. prgtoken This is from Bloomberg: ``U.S. Payrolls Rise 223,000; Jobless Rate Matches 48-Year Low.'' prgtoken This is from CNN: ``Unemployment rate matches lowest point in half a century.'' prgtoken From the New York Times: ``We Ran Out of Words to Describe How Good the Job Numbers Are.'' prgtoken In other words, the May jobs report was more good news for American workers. The economy created 223,000 jobs in May. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent--the lowest rate since April of 2000. That is right. The last time unemployment was this low, the iPod hadn't even been invented. prgtoken When the -led Senate passed tax reform in December, there were estimates that this historic legislation would create nearly 1 million jobs for the American people. Well, the economy has already created more than 1 million jobs since tax reform was passed and 3.6 million jobs since President was elected. The pro- growth, pro-jobs agenda is working. prgtoken Government cannot create prosperity. It can't create the jobs and opportunities that Americans need for a secure economic future. Only businesses can do that. But government can create the conditions for economic prosperity. It can make sure businesses are free to create jobs and opportunities by making sure they are not weighed down with burdensome taxes and regulations. prgtoken As everyone knows, the economy stagnated during the last administration. Recovery from the recession was historically weak. Wages were stagnant, and opportunities were often few and far between. A big reason for that was the fact that businesses large and small were weighed down by burdensome regulations and an outdated Tax Code. So when President took office, s and President made reversing our economic decline a priority. We rolled back burdensome regulations, and in December, we passed a historic reform of our Tax Code. prgtoken Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Tax Code was not helping businesses grow and create jobs. In fact, it was doing just the opposite, and that had real consequences for American workers. A small business owner struggling to afford the hefty annual tax bill for her business was highly unlikely to be able to hire a new worker or to raise wages. A larger business struggling to stay competitive in the global marketplace, while paying a substantially higher tax rate than its foreign competitors, too often had limited funds to expand or increase investment here in the United States. prgtoken So when it came time for tax reform, we set out to improve the playing field for American workers by improving the playing field for businesses as well. To accomplish that, we lowered tax rates across the board for owners of small- and medium-sized businesses, farms, and ranches. We lowered our Nation's massive corporate tax rate, which up until J
RICHMOND STUDENTS EARN GOLD SEAL AWARDS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-5

I rise today to recognize Favour Umeakuana and Sonali Puri of Richmond, TX for both earning a Gold Seal at the 2018 State Visual Arts Scholastic Event contest. prgtoken The State Visual Arts Scholastic Event, or ``VASE'', is part of the Texas Art Education Association and awards Gold Seals to its most talented high school artists. It is the highest honor a Texas high school art student can obtain. Favour, a freshman at George Ranch High School, and Sonali, a junior at Foster High School, were two of the 150 students awarded a Gold Seal out of over 35,000 entries. These students have demonstrated incredible talent and are thought of by their classmates to be truly unique. Favour and Sonali are in elite artistic company and deserve the recognition this award displays. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Favour and Sonali for receiving Gold Seal awards. We look forward to seeing their future artwork.