mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
OUR WORK ON HEALTH CARE IS UNDONE
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-4-6

Congress is leaving for Easter break with work undone. For 7 years, we have told the American people that we would repeal Care and replace it with something better, and we have legislation that provides that opportunity. It is not a perfect bill--no bill is. But President has said this is our best and only chance to get this done. prgtoken The bill cuts taxes by hundreds of billions of dollars and reduces government by hundreds of billions, too. It keeps preexisting condition prohibitions and lets 26-year-olds stay on their parents' health care. But most importantly, it unshackles American families from government- forced mandates costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Simply put, it is an enormous improvement over the status quo. prgtoken My hope is we will be back next week before Easter. I know many of my colleagues are ready for the holidays, but we need to do what we said we would do: repeal Care and replace it with something better.
SUPPORTING AMERICA'S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-6

I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McHenry) for the work that he has done on H.R. 1219, the Supporting America's Innovators Act, and the entire Financial Services Committee for their work on this important topic. prgtoken As chairman of the House Small Business Committee--and I would note that you have here not only the chair, but we just heard speak the ranking member of the Small Business Committee, Ms. Velazquez; both in support of this legislation. It is bipartisan, which, as Patrick McHenry mentioned, doesn't happen around here often enough, but it did in this case. prgtoken I often hear from entrepreneurs and small-business folks that the process to obtain capital is too rigid for them to expand and create jobs. Access to capital is a major issue that we need to address, and that is what we are doing here. prgtoken When it comes to helping small businesses get off the ground, no effort we can make is too small. The Supporting America's Innovators Act could make all the difference for an entrepreneur, and that is why, again, we are here to support it. prgtoken Commonsense reforms like this one, which raises the cap on the number of people who can invest in a venture fund, can go a long way for the Nation's entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. With 28 small businesses in the United States and nearly half of all private sector workers employed by one, the Nation's economic future lies squarely with this Nation's smallest companies and firms. prgtoken Those who risk everything and sacrifice much to take a shot at building the next great American company should be operating in a business environment that is free from overly burdensome rules and regulations. They should be able to concentrate on expanding their companies, gaining more customers, and job creation, not compliance issues and outdated capital formation rules that prevent the largest pool of investors from investing in these companies. prgtoken As this economic recovery continues to take shape, let's stand with our small businesses and create an environment for growth. This bill is another important step in that direction. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this very good legislation.
HONORING SUSAN K. WRIGHT AFTER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO WRIGHT CITY HIGH SCHOOL
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Mrs. Susan K. Wright, who will be retiring on May 17, 2017 after 40 years teaching biology and coaching track and field at Wright City High School. Mrs. Wright was influenced by several teachers throughout her childhood that positively affected her decision to dedicate her life to educating America's youth. For example, her 1st grade teacher taught her the importance of caring, her high school biology teacher introduced her to an interest in the sciences, and a college professor showed her that everyone can become great even without being the best. The enthusiasm Mrs. Wright has shown over the past four decades has been appreciated by her colleagues and students. She has truly made the classroom and track field a fun learning environment. While growing up in St. Louis County, Mrs. Wright attended Webster Groves High School. After spending her youth in such a big district, she was instilled with the desire to spend her teaching years in a smaller school. After receiving her bachelor's degree in education from Missouri State University, she began her teaching career at Wright City High School. Mrs. Wright started the track and field program at Wright City High School and the track now bears her name. Throughout the years, she has been a motivational mentor to numerous students and has always been willing to give a few extra moments to those who might need a listening ear. Mrs. Wright is involved with the National Science Teachers Association and is active in her local community. She is passionate about volunteering and teaching her students to have that same giving spirit. Mrs. Wright has contributed many hours to the Blue and Gold Scholarship Dinner, the Christmas celebration Strassenbash, and the local Easter egg hunt. The love Mrs. Wright has for teaching and coaching has never waned over the years. As Mrs. Wright puts it, ``to be a great teacher is to know your subject matter and be willing to grow as education grows, to care about those that you work with and especially the students you teach, to set your goals high and work diligently to reach each goal.'' Her understanding, passion and mentality are something that all teachers should strive to attain. I ask you to join me in recognizing Mrs. Susan Wright on her retirement after 40 years of improving the lives of all who walk the halls at Wright City High School.
COMMENDING DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF JOHN SCHOTT
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of Deputy Fire Chief John Schott, from the Carlinville, Illinois, Fire Department. Deputy Schott has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his efforts to assist the neighboring Morrisonville, Illinois, Fire Department. prgtoken On October 22, Deputy Schott was one of the first witnesses to a two- vehicle crash and applied first aid to one of the drivers involved in the accident. While on the scene, Schott could not help but notice that the emergency services from the Morrisonville-Palmer Fire Protection District lacked the proper hydraulic extraction tools, more commonly known as the Jaws of Life. prgtoken Deputy Schott's efforts did not end that day. After the crash, he began his mission to equip the Morrisonville firefighters with the suitable tools they would need for any future emergencies. By making several phone calls, Schott was able to locate a set of the Jaws of Life and communicate the Morrisonville firefighters' need to a generous contact who gladly donated the tool. prgtoken Firefighters from Morrisonville are currently training with the equipment as a need for their use, thankfully, has not yet presented itself since the donation. prgtoken Deputy Chief Schott's dedication to the betterment of a department other than his own is commendable. prgtoken Thank you, Deputy Schott, for your service, and may God bless our first responders.
HONORING JONATHAN SHUFFIELD
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to recognize an individual who has served the people of Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District with dedication during the last two and a half years. My legislative director, Jonathan Shuffield, has led my legislative team since I took office in January 2015, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of federal lands, forestry, and how to navigate the legislative process in the House. prgtoken Prior to serving the people of Arkansas, Jonathan worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman Steve Pearce of New Mexico beginning in January 2011 and the Congressional Western Caucus, where he served as executive director until December 2014. prgtoken While I am disappointed to lose a valuable member of my office's senior leadership, I know Jonathan will continue to make an impact on the important issues in the years ahead. I thank him for his work on behalf of the people of Arkansas and wish him well as he moves forward in his career.
SUPPORTING AMERICA'S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-6

. Madam , first, I want to thank the gentleman from Michigan, not only for yielding but, more importantly, for his leadership in helping improve our capital markets and our economy here. prgtoken I want to thank all of the and cosponsors of H.R. 1219, particularly our vice chairman of the full committee Mr. McHenry of North Carolina, for his leadership and also Ms. Velazquez on the other side of the aisle for her leadership on this issue as well. Both of these colleagues are senior members of the committee which I have the honor of chairing. prgtoken Madam , we know that while optimism and confidence in our economy are up considerably over the last few months, our Nation still has a way to go to experience the robust economic growth the American people have experienced in the past of which they also deserve. prgtoken One obvious reason that the economy continues to limp along is bureaucratic burdens imposed by Washington's top-down regulations on America's small businesses on Main Street. prgtoken I got a message from a gentleman by the name of Larry, a small- business owner in Mabank, Texas, who I have the privilege of representing here in Congress, and he summed it up fairly well. He said: ``So many businesses have to deal with regulations and taxes that didn't exist a few years ago. It is especially hard on smaller businesses. While large companies have their own staff of attorneys and the capital to comply with regulations, small businesses don't.'' prgtoken So, Madam , as my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee know all too well, because we have had countless witnesses before our committee to attest to such, Washington has inflicted upon Main Street America a complex set of burdensome and expensive and confusing regulations. prgtoken Many were written, again, with the largest public companies in mind, but they burden small companies and hurt their ability to access capital. That is exactly what Larry of Mabank, Texas, has told me, and I believe it. prgtoken So, clearly, Congress should work, preferably on a bipartisan basis, to level the playing field while maintaining fair and efficient capital markets, protecting investors, and allowing small companies the chance to succeed. prgtoken We can make progress on these goals today by advancing this bipartisan bill, the Supporting America's Innovators Act. This bill was approved by the Financial Services Committee with the overwhelming support of s and . The vote in committee was 54-2. In addition, a similar bill passed the House last year overwhelmingly on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken Madam , these vote totals demonstrate that just about everyone-- and --agrees that this commonsense legislation will indeed help grow our economy. prgtoken H.R. 1219 specifically increases the limits on the number of individuals from 100 to 250 who invest in certain venture capital funds before those funds are forc
BRIDGES ACADEMY
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-4-6

last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Bridges Academy, a charter school in State Road, North Carolina. The school was celebrating the decision by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction unanimously to renew its charter for an additional 10 years. prgtoken Bridges Academy opened in 1997 as one of the first charter schools in North Carolina. Established by a local community group, it is overseen by a grassroots, local board of directors. It serves a rural population from surrounding systems in Alleghany, Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties, and Elkin city. prgtoken The mission of Bridges Academy is to provide all students with the opportunity to develop an academic foundation that empowers students to reach their full potential. It has focused on students that are struggling in the traditional school setting. prgtoken The school is doing great work, especially in regard to serving students with disabilities who, on average, make up 45 percent of the student body. There is a teacher assistant in each class providing accommodations and modifications to all students. End-of-grade proficiency among the subgroup of students with disabilities is in the top 3 percent of the State. prgtoken Bridges Academy is fairly unique for a charter school in that it provides transportation for students in three counties. When nearly 90 percent of the student population is considered economically disadvantaged, the school offers free breakfast and lunch for all students through the Community Eligibility Provision, and a food backpack program is offered to the neediest students each Friday. prgtoken All lead teachers at Bridges Academy are highly qualified, while 50 percent of the regular education teachers also hold licensure in special education. New leadership in both governing board members and administration several years ago has led to growth in accountability, student population, and campus construction. prgtoken We have always known what makes a great school: it is a great principal who attracts great teachers and parental involvement. That is what you see at Bridges Academy. Don't take my word for it, though. Listen to this testimonial from a parent who wrote: ``As the new school year approaches, I wanted to take a moment to write. I can't thank you enough for being there for my daughter. ``You and the Bridges staff have made such a difference in her life. Before we moved here and found this wonderful school, my daughter was struggling. She was isolated and bullied by her classmates and so depressed that she didn't fit in with the other children because of her emotional and learning disabilities. ``At Bridges, she was welcomed with open arms and she knows that everyone on staff is working for her best interests. Finding her teacher, who is from our home State, was truly a blessing. She understood that my daughter needed to learn in a different way, and you helped her adjust to our new community.
NATIONAL RETIREMENT PLANNING WEEK
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today in recognition of the more than 48 million Americans who have currently reached retirement age. Shockingly, a significant number of Americans have saved nothing for their retirement. While retirement is often viewed as an issue for older Americans, today's economic realities mean that saving for retirement needs to start earlier than ever before. With rising healthcare costs, longer life spans, a burdensome tax code, and a reduction of pension offerings, more Americans than ever before are shouldering the burden of financing retirement entirely by themselves. prgtoken The first week of April has annually been proclaimed as National Retirement Planning Week. Under the leadership of the National Retirement Planning Coalition, we are all being urged to rethink what we believe we know about retirement planning. Despite developing trends, the National Retirement Planning Coalition hopes to help guide all Americans towards securing a dignified retirement through holistic planning. prgtoken , there are steps we all can take to achieve financial independence in our retirement years. We now have the opportunity to renew the national conversation on the importance of preparing and protecting retirement. I encourage my colleagues to support legislation which will help their constituents prepare for a dignified retirement.
CELEBRATING THE 275TH ANNIVERSARY OF MORAVIAN COLLEGE
Charles W. Dent (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-6

I am honored to recognize Moravian College on the occasion of its 275th Anniversary. prgtoken Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Moravian's roots go all the way back to May 1742, when it began as a girls' school founded by Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf, who was only 16 years-old at the time. Motivated by her religious roots in the Moravian denomination, Countess Benigna accompanied her father, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, on a visit to the Moravian settlements in the New World. The intent was to use education as an instrument of salvation for the surrounding community of Bethlehem, which was established one year prior. prgtoken Zinzendorf's school became the first girls' boarding school in America. Eventually, it would come to be known as the Bethlehem Female Seminary, and in 1913, it became the Moravian Seminary and College for Women. The school developed such a distinguished reputation that in its early years, George Washington personally petitioned the headmaster for the admission of two of his great-nieces while he served his second term as President. prgtoken In 1954, the women's institution joined with the men's institution, Moravian College and Theological Seminary, which was comprised of boys' schools from Bethlehem and Nazareth, to form the singular Moravian College. Moravian Theological Seminary maintained a close, but distinct identity as a graduate school of theology. The merger made Moravian College the first coeducational institution of higher learning in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. prgtoken Today, Moravian College remains committed to its mission of preparing individuals for a ``reflective life, fulfilling careers, and transforming leadership in a world of change.'' The school offers more than 50 programs of study, and over 2,000 students make up its undergraduate and graduate student population. prgtoken It is my pleasure to congratulate the students, alumni, faculty, and staff of Moravian College as they celebrate this very special 275th Anniversary. May they enjoy continued success in edifying and serving the Lehigh Valley and all those who look to carry on its proud tradition.
HAPPY 100TH ANNIVERSARY SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-6

I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Sul Ross State University, a premiere public institution dedicated to higher education- nestled in the foothills of West Texas. prgtoken On April 4, 1917, Governor James E. Ferguson signed a bill, passed by the 35th Texas Legislature, establishing Sul Ross Normal College. Over the past century, Sul Ross has developed into the cultural and educational epicenter for Alpine and the surrounding areas, offering 25 undergraduate and 22 graduate degree programs administered by a tremendous faculty. Situated in a unique geographic location, Sul Ross offers unparalleled learning experiences in some of Texas' most scenic regions, including Big Bend National Park, Fort Davis State Park, the Rio Grande, and the Guadalupe Mountains. prgtoken Today I applaud the 29,000 graduates and countless faculty and staff members who have helped shape Sul Ross State University into the institution it is today. The positive impact of this university resonates across Texas' 23rd Congressional District.
SUPPORTING AMERICA'S INNOVATORS ACT OF 2017
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-6

. Madam , I thank Chairman Huizenga for the work on this with Patrick McHenry and the folks on the other side of the aisle. It is nice to come here and see something that is truly collaborative and underway that helps businesses. prgtoken Prior to coming to Congress last year, I spent the past 16 years growing manufacturing companies in Ohio, so I know firsthand how difficult it is to acquire capital to start and operate and grow small businesses. Businesses that overcome the challenges are faced with numerous regulatory roadblocks that further hinder their growth. Many of those have come at the hands of regulatory frame works like Dodd- Frank. prgtoken But this bipartisan measure that we are talking about today has the opportunity to help the challenges with capital acquisition that government has created and continues to create. Currently, the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires any qualified venture fund over 100 to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. prgtoken The real burden of these regulations hits small companies in middle America like Ohio's Eighth District where, unlike major cities, particularly on the coast, we do not have as many options for raising capital. prgtoken Not every company seeks to become the next billion-dollar blockbuster, but some of them do. All these companies offer great jobs and give many people the dignity of work, but they can also provide great returns. So we are crowding out investment opportunities, and we are crowding out job opportunities. prgtoken This is why I am pleased to support H.R. 1219, the Supporting America's Innovators Act of 2017, which simply increases the cap to allow up to 250 investors to be exempt from registration for qualified venture capital funds, allowing America's small businesses the flexibility to operate and grow their companies, hire employees, and innovate. prgtoken Last year, this Congress passed legislation similar to H.R. 1219 on a bipartisan vote of 388-9. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1219 and, perhaps, increase its margin of victory.
IN HONOR OF ALENE OWENS
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-6

after four decades of service on the Downhome Gospel radio show on KMVL and two decades as the show's primary host, Alene Owens signed off Madisonville's airwaves on Sunday, April 2, 2017. prgtoken Although she was born 84 years ago in Nacogdoches, Texas, Miss Alene and her family settled in Madisonville in 1976 where she began working as an assistant radio co-host. Never did she think she would host the Sunday morning gospel hour, but that is just what happened. After the host moved away, KMVL owner Leon Hunt asked Miss Alene to take over. prgtoken Miss Alene says she didn't know much about the radio business or hosting a radio show back then, but she dove right in and started sharing her love of the Lord to all who tuned in. She cherishes the listeners and supporters of her show and considers herself blessed to share God's glory over the radio. prgtoken As a busy member of Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church, Miss Alene has more praise for the Lord than ever. She is Superintendent of her Sunday School Class and a member of a prayer band that meets four times a week--all while striving to get even more involved in her Women's Bible Class. prgtoken As if her calling wasn't enough, Miss Alene is excited about having more time to enjoy her nine great-grandchildren. While she feels the Lord moving her in a new direction, she remains thankful for her faithful listeners, station owner Leon Hunt, the KMVL family, and especially her Heavenly Father for ``the strength to continue on this long.'' prgtoken She is confident that the next Downhome Gospel host will take the program she has loved for four decades to ``another level in the name of Jesus.'' As she embarks on her next adventure, it is my honor to recognize Miss Alene and thank her for her many years of faithful service.