mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise tonight, and have chosen not to attend the Congressional Baseball Game, because I think I have an important message that needs to be heard. prgtoken I rise to elevate an economic and humanitarian issue that is manifesting itself across Ohio, our Nation, and our continent. Millions upon millions of workers, many landless workers essential to getting America's work done in agriculture and other sectors, live and toil in an eerie, shadow existence. prgtoken These workers often are exploited due to our broken immigration and legal systems, which afford them and their work no respect. prgtoken Our beloved father, Steven, would say: ``They are caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea.'' prgtoken Let's take a peek inside who some of these workers really are. prgtoken These workers dare to climb skyscrapers and install the steel beams and pour concrete across our country, one slip away from death. prgtoken They embrace harsh work circumstances, going into the brutally hot Sun in the south and west, picking your vegetables and fruits for 12 to 16 hours a day at high season. prgtoken In our vast tobacco fields, they work from sunup to sundown, picking off flowers from tobacco plants in the blistering 110-degree heat as their fingers and hands numb from the nicotine and their sweaty sunburned bodies turn ripe for melanoma skin cancer, and they have no health insurance. prgtoken They work in hot steam chambers cleaning our laundry in the big cities and in the very, very difficult environments of slaughterhouses using electrified cutting equipment, and they are covered in blood in those slaughterhouses for the meat that we eat. prgtoken They trudge through manure in dairy farms; and they harvest mushrooms sold in every store, in the grocery stores around this country; in cold, damp, dark, underground caves, walking through horse dung. prgtoken They catch, by hand, thousands of chickens every night in the dark, hot coops that generally have 25,000 or more chickens each, where the stench and the dust are life-threatening. prgtoken They clean bathrooms in amusement parks, along State turnpikes, and in airports. prgtoken And why do they do this work? To survive, while holding out hope for a better life for them and their loved ones. prgtoken Without these workers, our tables would be bereft of the food we depend upon. America could not feed itself. prgtoken Without these workers, companies would have to pay higher wages and offer health insurance to do the work. prgtoken Indeed, many, many, many millions of these workers are uprooted, actually, continental labor refugees, spit out of vicious and violent economic and political systems across the Americas. Yet continental trade compacts like NAFTA and CAFTA were designed purposefully to create this landless class of laborers to purposely undervalue them and their work. prgtoken NAFTA caused millions of these workers to be upended and lose their small farmsteads in Mexico, prec
SECURING THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL AGAINST OPIOIDS ACT OF 2018
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-14

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I plead with you and my brothers and sisters on the other side of the aisle. I think we are making a big step today in this piece of legislation. I know there are other pieces. prgtoken I would recommend, , that we approach this deadly epidemic--and it is deadly--in the same way that we approached the epidemic at the end of the eighties and the early nineties, and that was the epidemic of the HIV virus. No one wanted to talk about it, Mr so people died when they could have been saved if we had had knowledge of prevention, if we had had knowledge of how we take care of those folks. prgtoken It took us until the beginning of the nineties, until we opened up local clinics, until people felt less involved in a stigma. Then they had to come out from the shadows to protect the rest of the population, including themselves. Then we came together, and the Federal Government passed the Ryan White legislation, which has been a big help on the HIV virus. Then we came together. prgtoken Unfortunately, maladies bring Americans together. Well, that is good that we do come together, though. prgtoken I ask and plead that we have the same vigor in approaching opiates and approaching fentanyl, which is coming in from other countries. If we do that, we will not only survive; we will help those--and we will prevent many from falling into the trap. You have heard some people talk about that trap today, starting with painkillers and moving on to even more dangerous drugs. prgtoken We are going to get through this. We are going to get through this. Yesterday we passed by voice vote legislation to change the protocol on how we approach the patients, not only in the emergency rooms of America, but in many departments and hospitals across the United States. We need to find alternatives to the very opiates that are making fools of us. Those alternatives shall be part of the solution, part of the solution to getting to the promised land, as the gentleman says. prgtoken , I want to thank Mr. Bishop. I want to thank Mr. Brady. I want to thank my good friend from Massachusetts, Richie Neal, and all of those who worked on this legislation: David Reichert and many more. I congratulate our persistence in getting through a lot of hurdles. prgtoken , .
REMEMBERING CHRISTOPHER T. BACON
Heidi Heitkamp (Democrat, ND) \u2014 2018-6-14

I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss last week of Christopher T. Bacon, a beloved husband, father, resident of my State of North Dakota, and an agent with the Customs and Border Protection, CBP, Office of Intelligence. prgtoken Chris was a wonderful person. His career and service make it clear that he was a man who was guided by strong values and commitment to service. Through his actions, he embodied our Nation's tradition of serving others, dedicating his energy to protecting families all across our Nation. prgtoken He was born in San Antonio, TX, and traveled all over our Nation and world. He started his service in the Army and joined CBP in 1995 as a border patrol agent. He advanced through the ranks during his 22 years with the agency. His final posting was as an intelligence collection operations manager, stationed at the National Air Security Operations Center in Grand Forks, ND. prgtoken Our Nation, my State, and his family were all fortunate to have him in our midst. He raised a great family and will always be remembered by his colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Through his courage, skill, and commitment, he has left his community and Nation a better and safer place for all who follow. prgtoken My heart goes out to his wife, Rhonda, and his children, Kristen, Christopher, Jr Jake, and Jasmine, in this time of grief. On behalf of my own family and the State of North Dakota, I extend my sincere condolences to Chris's family, friends, and colleagues. I pray that all who knew him can find comfort in their memories of Chris and the positive impact he had on so many lives.
HONORING MR. JOSEPH HARPER, JR.
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Joseph Harper, Jr. and recognize his contributions to the State of Connecticut and the Town of New Britain. Joe passed away on May 20, 2018 at the age of 70 after a long life of dedicated service to his community. prgtoken Joe was born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut and was a lifelong public servant to our state. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Joe obtained a Master's Degree in Public Administration and later earned another Master's Degree in International Studies from Central Connecticut State University. prgtoken Joe began his long public service career as an Alderman and mayoral aide for New Britain, before serving an impressive 16 years in the Connecticut General Assembly. Joe was first elected to the State House of Representatives, serving 2 terms before being elected to the State Senate, where he served a further 6 terms. In the Senate, Joe was an essential member of the Appropriations Committee, where he served as co-chair and a key advocate for New Britain and the communities of Central Connecticut. After his retirement from the General Assembly, Joe continued to serve Connecticut by working as a Deputy State Treasurer, as a Vice President of Central Connecticut State University, and as the Vice President of Government Relations at The Hospital for Special Care. prgtoken Just as he worked with a dogged determination throughout his distinguished career, Joe committed the latter years of his life to leading a healthy lifestyle. Through his years of hard work, Joe lost more than 450 pounds after leaving elected office. prgtoken , Joe Harper led a remarkable career and enthusiastically lent his talents to improve New Britain and Connecticut. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. My condolences go out to his sister, Mary Ellen, and his family. Those of us who knew Joe will cherish his memory, and his legacy will live on in our community.
IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN SAMUEL SCHULTZ
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to honor Captain Samuel Schultz, a Marine, who was tragically killed April 3 in a helicopter accident during a training exercise in Southern California. Captain Schultz was a six-year veteran of the Marines and third generation in his family to become a pilot. His father is a licensed civilian pilot and his grandfather Albert flew with the Army Air Force in World War II. He died doing what he loved. A native of my district, Captain Schultz was born in Abington Hospital and graduated from Abington Senior High School in 2008. He went on to college at Penn State University where he enrolled in the Navy ROTC program. After graduating in 2012, Captain Schultz chose to join the Marine Corps and was assigned to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing's 465th Squadron of Miramar Air Station in San Diego. He had also served in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, and had also been deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in California. He is an American hero. Captain Schultz was a smart, funny, genuine young man that loved extreme sports. An annual Mummer with his older brother Eric, Samuel is also survived by his parents Julie and Mitchell. My heart goes out to his family. Captain Samuel Schultz will be missed by all. We must never forget the sacrifices he and his family have made for our country.
RECOGNIZING PEYTON SOPIARS FOR HIS 1A STATE TITLE IN THE TRIPLE JUMP
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to congratulate Peyton Sopiars, a sophomore from Galva High School, for earning the Class 1A title for the Illinois State Championship in triple jump for track and field. prgtoken Peyton Sopiars won triple jump gold with a leap of 45-0 3/4 to claim his title as state champion, and I would like to recognize Peyton for his tremendous accomplishment. Peyton's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Peyton is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Galva throughout the state. prgtoken , I would like to again formally congratulate Peyton Sopiars on his title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing him every success in the future.
REMEMBERING EDDIE FUNG
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-14

California and the nation lost a trailblazer and a war hero. Mr. Eddie Fung served our country bravely throughout his tour with the Army National Guard as part of the 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery of the 36th Infantry Division, including 3\1/2\ years in a Japanese prisoners of war camp. Mr. Fung will be buried with full military honors at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, CA, on June 20, 2018. prgtoken Born in San Francisco in 1922, Eddie left home at 16 to become a cowboy in Texas. He joined the National Guard at 17, and his unit was activated in November 1941 as part of the 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery of the 36th Infantry Division that was sent to Java, now part of Indonesia, to fight the invading Japanese in the early months of WWII. prgtoken Eddie became the only Chinese-American soldier captured by Imperial Japan during World War II. His battalion was known as the Lost Battalion, as it was not until near the end of the war that there was any news of what happened to the men. prgtoken Of the 558 men and officers who landed on Java on January 11, 1942, 534 became prisoners of war, POWs. Ninety-nine were sent to Japan to be slave laborers at Japanese factories and mines, and 435, including Eddie, were sent to work on the Thai-Burma ``Death'' Railway that was made famous by the film ``The Bridge on the River Kwai.'' Eddie endured nearly 4 years of grueling work, near-starvation, beatings, and tropical diseases as he worked on the infamous railroad project that resulted in the loss of over 12,000 Allied POW and 70,000 Asian lives. Eighty-nine of the men from the battalion died in captivity. prgtoken Although Eddie said his capture was a defining moment in his life, the horrific experience is just one aspect of his long and rich life. It includes his Chinese-American upbringing and his life after the war, when he studied chemistry at Stanford University on the GI bill. He also worked as a metallurgist at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and became a Tai Chi master after retirement. prgtoken As he concluded in his autobiography, ``The Adventures of Eddie Fung: Chinatown Kid, Texas Cowboy, Prisoner of War,'' University of Washington Press: ``Taking my life as a whole, I've had many more good days than I've had bad ones. But even the bad days serve a purpose. They remind me of how good I have it now, in the sense that if you have never known hunger, you will not appreciate food; if you have never been enslaved, you will not appreciate what it means to be free.'' prgtoken Eddie Fung is a hero and a role model, and we will miss his vibrant spirit. The thoughts of San Franciscans and Californians are with his wife, Judy Yung of Santa Cruz.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-14

I was necessarily absent for vote No. 124 on the motion to invoke cloture on amendment No. 2282, as modified, to H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. On vote No. 124, had I been present, I would have voted yea on the motion to invoke cloture. prgtoken , I was also necessarily absent for vote No. 125 on amendment No. 2885. On vote No. 125, had I been present, I would have voted yea on amendment No. 2885. prgtoken , I was also necessarily absent for vote No. 126 on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5515, as amended. On vote No. 126, had I been present, I would have voted yea on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5515, as amended.
SECURING THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL AGAINST OPIOIDS ACT OF 2018
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-6-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , our country is currently experiencing an epidemic of opioid-related overdoses and fatalities. My community and my State of Massachusetts are not strangers to the heartbreak and devastation that we recognize on this occasion. prgtoken There is a lot we can and should be doing about the opioid epidemic, and I am eager to work with my colleagues here in the House on comprehensive and effective solutions. For today, the bill we are to consider is a good start. prgtoken The Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention, or STOP, Act of 2018 shores up the ability of U.S. Customs to target and thwart shipments of synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the United States through the mail. It requires the U.S. Postal Service to collect important information about the contents and senders of packages from foreign postal services. prgtoken I supported the earlier edition of this bill that was introduced in 2017 because I recognized the enormity of the devastation we face with opioids. I know that there were serious concerns with the earlier version of the bill, especially with respect to the severity of the penalties it imposed on the Postal Service. I am glad that the STOP Act that we are considering today makes important improvements to that original bill and to those penalties and provisions. prgtoken Let me especially express my appreciation for Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Pascrell, who has worked together with the on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the Senate, and the majority, obviously, to make improvements. prgtoken I understand there were some continued concerns with the bill, and we certainly want to continue to work with interested parties to address those concerns. prgtoken Given the urgency of the epidemic at hand, I am glad that we are able to support what is in front of us today, which I believe is a strong and achievable measure in this legislation to at least address part of the opioid epidemic. prgtoken , I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), and I ask unanimous consent that he may control that time.
TRIBUTE TO MELISSA BONINE
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise to recognize an excellent member of my staff, Melissa Bonine, who is moving on to a new challenge. For the past year, Melissa has coordinated daily operations in my office, helping to create order out of the chaos of my schedules. prgtoken Having worked for Congressman Rick Boucher, Senator Jim Webb, and Secretary Castro at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Melissa has many friends on Capitol Hill, and she was an immediate asset to my office. With a cool head under pressure and excellent diplomatic skills, Melissa has kept the trains running on time and put out the occasional fire. She has worked with the rest of my staff to manage priorities and coordinate each day efficiently while assisting in long-term planning. prgtoken Our entire team will miss her counsel and sense of humor. I am sure she will make a tremendous impact on her next project, an exciting new advocacy group where she will continue to fight for progressive values. I hope her new job will also give her some more time with her husband, David, daughter, Penny, and cats, Rex and Willie Nelson, and I look forward to hearing about the extraordinary work she does next.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-6-14

the Constitution charges Congress with the authority and the responsibility to raise and support armies and provide and maintain a navy. It is a responsibility this body takes very seriously. That is why for over 50 years the National Defense Authorization Act has been signed into law each and every year. It is the only piece of legislation with this long history of consistently being passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. This history is a reflection of the importance of the policies and funding authorizations within the bill. prgtoken I am particularly proud of what this bill includes to support Michigan's important contributions to our national defense. For example, the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base flies the A-10 and in 2015 deployed in the fight against ISIS. As a result of their outstanding performance, the 127th Wing won the Spaatz Trophy as the top flying unit in the Air National Guard, prgtoken as well as the Meritorious Unit Award following their deployment. prgtoken The A-10 is without question a great airplane, but it is also getting old. The A-10 fleet will require wing replacements in order to continue to fly those important missions. That is why I worked to include an authorization for an additional $65 million for A-10 wing replacement, bringing the bill's total investment in new A-10 wings to over $144 million. These funds will help pay for new wings for a full squadron's worth of A-10 aircraft, which are vital for close air support and combat search and rescue missions. Our troops on the ground know that when they hear the iconic roar of an A-10, help is on the way. A-10 pilots and maintainers are proud of their mission, as they should be. This bill works to ensure that these aircraft will keep flying. prgtoken The legislation also includes an additional $70 million for the next- generation combat vehicle prototype. The Detroit Arsenal in Warren will be the home of the Army's cross-functional team for the next-generation combat vehicle, reporting to the Army Futures Command. prgtoken This important work on developing the future of the Army's ground vehicles will continue to occur in Southeast Michigan, taking advantage of many of the automotive manufacturers and suppliers that are shaping the future of mobility. prgtoken Just as the commercial automotive industry is developing connected and autonomous vehicles that will change the future of transportation forever, the next-generation combat vehicle and other concepts developed by the Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineer Center, TARDEC, will change the future of warfare. prgtoken All self-driving vehicles, whether they are developed for the military or for the auto industry, rely on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Artificial intelligence powers autonomous systems but can also reform the business practices of the Pentagon. AI can help with personnel management
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise to honor the great country of Lithuania and the hundred-year anniversary of her independence. On February 16, 1918, Lithuania declared her independence from the Russian empire and has since been a tremendous ally to the United States in Eastern Europe. prgtoken In 1917, in a tumultuous geopolitical climate, dominant superpowers throughout Europe, including the Russian and German empires, were seeking to control the Baltic state of Lithuania. Despite these powerful forces, the Lithuanian people dreamt of a unified, sovereign nation founded on the rich cultural and linguistic history of the region. They longed to gain independence from the powers of Europe and establish their country on democratic values and ideals. prgtoken In September 1917, the Vilnius Conference met to begin the process of separating from the Russian Empire. The Conference established a group of 20 men, known as the Council of Lithuania, to act in the interest of the Lithuanian people throughout this arduous process. In December 1917, the Council, led by activist Jonas Basanavicius, declared Lithuania to be independent as a protectorate of Germany. Seeing that the German Empire was weakened by its struggles in World War I, the Council adopted the Act of Independence of Lithuania on February 16, 1918, ultimately liberating the country from the powers of Europe. prgtoken Since the days of her independence, Lithuania has maintained a strong working relationship with the United States. Though, for a time during World War II, Lithuania was forcefully annexed and occupied by the Soviet Union, the United States never recognized this lapse in Lithuanian independence and has always supported Lithuania's democratic principles and values. By joining NATO and the UN in 2004, Lithuania has demonstrated a deep commitment to peace and freedom that I am proud to acknowledge here today. prgtoken One hundred years removed from this historic independence, it is an honor to recognize the rich history and culture of one our nation's strongest international allies. With confidence and support, the United States looks forward to additional centuries of Lithuanian strength and prosperity.