mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. SANCHEZ'S SERVICE
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-6

I rise today in honor of Mr. Roberto Sanchez, a resident of Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, who retired from 35 years of federal service on September 29, 2017. Mr. Sanchez began his career by serving for three years as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. He then joined the legacy U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service in 1985 as a Deportation Officer, which later became Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2003. prgtoken In 2003, Mr. Sanchez became a deputized member of the United States Marshal's Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force for the Northern District of Florida and five years later, he was promoted to Supervisory Deportation Officer. He helped establish direct oversight to the County Sheriff's Office 287(g) program in Houston, Texas. The 287(g) program enables federal immigration officials to work directly with state and local law enforcement to identify and remove criminal illegal aliens. prgtoken In 2010, Mr. Sanchez was promoted to his fmal position of 287(g) Field Program Manager for ICE, where he managed and provided oversight to various 287(g) programs throughout the southwestern United States. These 287(g) programs include County Sheriff's Office in Houston, Texas, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office in Florence, Arizona, and the Mesa Police Department. He was last assigned to the ICE Field Office in Phoenix, Arizona. prgtoken Mr. Sanchez has been a resident of Gilbert, Arizona since 2007. Outside of the office, Mr. Sanchez is a loyal fan of all Arizona sports teams. Most importantly, he is a dedicated family man and spends most of his time with his wife of 36 years, Shirley, his two children, Robert and Sandra, and his two Boston Terriers. prgtoken I thank Mr. Sanchez for his extraordinary service and life commitment to our country, and congratulations to him on his retirement
TAX REFORM
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-10-10

the last time Congress passed fundamental tax reform, I was 7 years old. It is long past time that our broken Tax Code is fixed and our country gets back on a path to robust and sustained economic growth. prgtoken As we consider tax reform legislation, we should look to my home State of Indiana for inspiration. During my time as a State senator, Indiana lowered business taxes by nearly 50 percent, and rates are scheduled to fall even further in the coming years. prgtoken By 2022, the Hoosier State will have the third lowest corporate tax rate in the Nation. At the same time, Indiana has removed many special interest loopholes and carve-outs to make the system simple and fair for all Hoosier taxpayers. prgtoken According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Indiana has the eighth best business tax climate in the country, a number that will only get better as tax rates continue to go down. prgtoken The results speak for themselves: Indiana has an unemployment rate below 4 percent, strong economic growth, a AAA credit rating, and a $1.8 billion surplus in the bank. prgtoken Lower taxes combined with simplicity and fairness--this is the model that we need to embrace if our country is going to return to sustained 3 percent and greater growth.
HONORING GERTIE SOLE ARCHER
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise to honor the memory of Gertie Sole Archer, who passed away in August, for her service and contributions to her community. Mrs. Archer was born in Muddy Creek, West Virginia and lived in Middlebourne, WV for most of her life. Mrs. Archer contributed to her community as a County Clerk in Tyler County, as an active member in the Muddy Creek Church of Christ, the Tyler County High School Athletic and Band Boosters, and offered her time to many other community organizations. prgtoken As a long-standing and active member of the Tyler County Women's Club, she enthusiastically volunteered to support the election of candidates. As the first Congressman from the 1st District in 42 years, I benefited from her work and friendship. She also worked tirelessly to improve the streetscape, parks and recreational facilities in Middlebourne, her hometown for 50 years. prgtoken Today, we honor Mrs. Archer and her contributions to her community. We join her friends and family in mourning the loss of a stalwart in her community.
WORLDWIDE REFUGEE CRISIS
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-10

I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding and for bringing up this very important issue. prgtoken I just want to make a few comments, and I just want to say, what makes the United States exceptional among all nations is the moral courage and leadership we have displayed throughout our history. prgtoken So many times, in the face of great terror and significant moral crisis, the United States has acted as a force for good. We have supported our allies to restore order where there was once chaos. Where people have been suffering famine and drought, we have stepped up to provide food and water. Time and again, the world has faced crises, and the United States has stepped up to defend the moral good. prgtoken The crisis in Myanmar presents yet another challenge for the global community, but in this moral crisis is yet another opportunity for our Nation to once again lead. prgtoken As we speak, the Rohingya people are suffering undue hardship and violence under a government that has failed to uphold the values inherent to a vibrant democracy. prgtoken It has been reported that an average of 2,000 Rohingya are fleeing the country each day. Denied basic rights for decades, the Rohingya people have been subject to systematic discrimination as a religious minority in a predominantly Buddhist country. The state has gone so far as to completely deny citizenship to the Rohingya people since 1982. prgtoken Serious accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide have been leveled against the government, which has failed to respond appropriately to the calls for calm and peace. prgtoken While the government has the right to defend itself against any form of insurgency, common, agreed-upon rules of warfare dictate that all civilians be protected. This rule is sacred and must not be broken. Despite this, reports of abuse against civilians are running rampant in Myanmar. prgtoken More than 200 villages have been destroyed, many burned to the ground by government forces. Communities are being wiped away as hundreds, possibly even thousands, of civilians are slaughtered. The crisis demands our immediate attention. prgtoken Just recently, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing, and Chairman Royce stated plainly: ``This is ethnic cleansing.'' prgtoken , I must agree. prgtoken Every conflict is complex, and this one is no different, but it must be made clear that under no conditions should the rights of innocent civilians be abridged. To the Government of Myanmar, we must make it equally as clear that their behavior will not be tolerated. prgtoken I recently met with constituents from Myanmar in my district office. Utica, the largest city in New York's 22nd Congressional District, is home to a vibrant refugee community. We are home to the largest Bosnian refugee population in the Nation, a population that was also fleeing ethnic cleansing in their own home country of the former Yugoslavia. prgtoken My constituents shared with
WE CANNOT REST UNTIL CAITLAN COLEMAN AND HER FAMILY ARE FREE
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-10

5 years ago today, Caitlan Coleman, an American citizen from York County, Pennsylvania, which I am privileged to represent, was taken hostage by the Haqqani Network, an offshoot of the Taliban, while hiking near the Pakistan and Afghanistan border. prgtoken Caitlan has given birth to two boys while in captivity, boys whose only life experience has been that of a hostage and surrounded by violence and fear. I speak with Caitlan's mom and dad regularly. While my heart breaks for them, as fellow Americans, as a father with children of my own, I am crestfallen and horrified for them. prgtoken Caitlan and her family are Americans. We cannot rest until they are released and returned safely to the arms of the United States. I urge my colleagues to join me in praying for the safe return of Caitlan, her husband, and her two children, but also for her family and loved ones for whom time stopped 5 years ago. prgtoken I implore the U.S. State Department to use every resource at our disposal to bring our American citizens home.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ALTO ``BUD'' ADAMS, JR.
Thomas J. Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to honor the life of Bud Adams, who passed away at his home on Adams Ranch in Fort Pierce, Florida, on September 22. He was 91 years old. prgtoken Mr. Adams was a larger-than-life cowboy. He was a fixture in Florida's agriculture community, and the patriarch of Adams Ranch, a 4- generation family operation that spans 80 years and spreads across 50,000 acres in Florida in four counties. prgtoken After serving in the Navy in World War II, Bud began managing Adams Ranch with his father and quickly became a legend among Florida cattlemen for innovations like the development of the Braford breed of beef cattle, a breed capable of withstanding Florida's hot and rainy summers. prgtoken He has also served as the president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and is a member of Florida's Agricultural Hall of Fame. prgtoken He was an avid outdoor photographer and award-winning conservationist. He has shown a generation of farmers and ranchers and admirers like me that it is possible to work the land while still preserving God's beauty. prgtoken Bud is survived by his loving wife, Dot, of 67 years, his three sons, his 14 grandchildren, and his nine great-grandchildren. prgtoken , Florida has lost one of its greatest sons, and it was an honor for me to serve him here in the House.
ENDY NDDIOBONG EKPANYA POST OFFICE BUILDING
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-10

first, I want to thank my friend from Montana for bringing this bill forward this afternoon. prgtoken , this is a great day back home in Pearland, Texas, because right now this House is about to honor a fallen hero from Pearland, Endy Ekpanya. prgtoken Endy was born in Nigeria in 1985, the same year I graduated from college. When he was 11, his family left Nigeria to come to America to provide a better life for them. They moved to Long Island in 1996. He obtained a degree in psychology and sociology from Hofstra University in New York and later earned his MBA and master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland. prgtoken The call to serve his country and his community never left Endy, which is why, after moving to Pearland, Texas, he enrolled in the Alvin Community College Police Academy. He graduated with the 105th class in December of 2015, and he was sworn in as a Pearland police officer 6 months later. prgtoken In less than 6 months after December of 2015, his time with us was cut short just 2 days before his 31st birthday. At approximately 4 a.m. on the morning of June 12, 2016, Endy was hit head-on by a drunk driver while responding to an emergency call. He was the first officer to die in Pearland while on duty in over 40 years. prgtoken Endy's life embodies the selfless dedication of our law enforcement officials back in Pearland. His sacrifice will never ever be forgotten. That is why I am proud that today this House will pass a bill to name the post office at 2700 Cullen Boulevard after Endy. It will be a source of great pride for our local community and will ensure that his sacrifice is remembered for generations to come. prgtoken This small gesture can't make up for the loss of Endy's life. The grief his wife, his young son, and his parents have will never go away. The Pearland community has suffered, but this small gesture is a testament to Endy's commitment to protect and serve. It will be an inspiration for future generations to strive to improve their community just like Endy did in his short time with us. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.
NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today in recognition of the tremendous impact forests have on our rural economies and natural environment nationwide. Next week is National Forest Products Week. prgtoken In Arkansas, we know that growing and sustaining jobs in forest communities begins with ensuring that working forests continue to thrive. Most working forests--over 70 percent--are privately owned by families, small and large businesses, and an increasingly broad array of Americans who invest in forest ownership. prgtoken When forest owners have confidence in their ability to manage and sell their timber productively, they will continue to grow and invest in forests and provide the foundation for the rest of the forest products supply chain. Federal policies have a significant impact on the long-term economic and environmental benefits we derive from these working forests and the livelihoods of those who own and manage them. prgtoken The forest products industry represents a key economic driver for rural economies nationwide, totaling nearly $92.8 billion in GDP. In my home State of Arkansas, environmentally friendly forestry-related businesses support more than 62,000 jobs, with more than $2.4 billion in annual payroll. prgtoken A strong marketplace for forest products helps keep rural America employed and U.S. forests robust. These healthy forests, in turn, provide crucial habitat for species, filter America's drinking water, sequester carbon, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.
JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY POST OFFICE
Stephen Knight (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-10

on Tuesday, October 10, I missed two votes to attend to constituent business in my district. Had I been present for the day's vote series, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 558, the passage of H.R. 1858, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the ``Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office''; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 559, the passage of H.R. 2464, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 25 New Chardon Street Lobby in Boston, Massachusetts, as the ``John Fitzgerald Kennedy Post Office''.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF KEYS FOR KIDS MINISTRIES
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to congratulate Keys for Kids Ministries on the celebration of its 75th anniversary. Keys for Kids Ministries, formerly known as the Children's Bible Hour, will be celebrating this momentous occasion on October 12. Inspired by a group of West Michigan pastors, Children's Bible Hour first aired as radio programming in 1942. It utilized kid's choir, solos, and radio drama to help children learn about God and inspire a relationship with Jesus. Wildly successful, the Children's Bible Hour grew to television and--by the end of the decade--was filling churches and auditoriums across the country. In 1982, the Keys for Kids devotional was introduced, followed by the Keys for Kids radio broadcast in 1989. Both continue to reach thousands of children each month. Always striving to reach more individuals with the story of Jesus, Keys for Kids recently launched the Creature Feature Storytellers. This marked the beginning of Keys for Kids International and plans to translate the Keys for Kids devotional into 100 different languages. While its name has changed, its organization expanded, and ministries diversified, Keys for Kids remains true to the mission established by Rev. Gil Cosselman, Dr. David Otis Fuller, Rev. Malcom Cronk and Rev. Donald Hescott. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the work of Keys for Kids Ministries, the millions who have been impacted, and the millions yet to be reached. May we celebrate the 75 years of inspired work and look forward to the years ahead.
CELEBRATING THE MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND LEARNING CENTER AND PRE- K PROGRAM
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise to congratulate the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind on its new Lighthouse Learning Center and Pre- K program. prgtoken The Miami Lighthouse has served south Florida since 1931, offering life-changing programs and resources for those who have visual impairments. President Virginia Jacko and her staff are making history once again with the Lighthouse Learning Center. prgtoken The Miami Lighthouse is partnering with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to provide a comprehensive learning program for pre-K students using an evidence-based curriculum to support and empower visually impaired students to achieve their potential. Children in this program will receive the training they need to perform at the same level as their sighted peers by the time they enroll in school. prgtoken , it fills me with great pride to recognize Virginia Jacko and the entire staff at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for their tireless work in launching this wonderful learning center in the heart of Little Havana, located in my congressional district.
THE RULE OF LAW
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-10-10

it is my privilege to be recognized to address you here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives and to discuss the topics that are on my mind. Hopefully, you will consider these arguments as well, . I know that people across this floor and across the country have a lot of these same considerations in mind. prgtoken I want to come to the floor and address the DACA situation and take you through a little bit of the history of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals which was implemented by in an unconstitutional fashion. He knew it, and all of America knew it. We know that , 22 times, said that he didn't have the constitutional authority to implement a program that granted the equivalent of amnesty--at least temporary amnesty--let alone a work permit which he added to the program by executive edict, fiat, or order. Instead, it requires legislation in order to enable such a policy. prgtoken A President can't grant amnesty. A President can have prosecutorial discretion. Prosecutorial discretion is a legal term for what the Justice Department does when they are determining whether the resources they have to prosecute crimes are adequate to enforce against the most serious offenders President , did implement some of those relatively prudent policies with prosecutorial discretion. He prioritized the most violent and evil criminals that he could identify, at least by policy. He turned a lot of them loose too, by the way, onto the streets of America in the course of all that. So it was a very confusing policy that emerged without consistency under President . However, he exercised a legal prosecutorial discretion when they looked at each case on an individual basis. prgtoken But I recall when his Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, came before the Judiciary Committee to testify about this program on DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals--or some might say the deferred action for children of aliens. Her testimony and the memos that came down, the Morton memos, set up four different categories of people who would be granted a quasi-amnesty underneath the President's policy. prgtoken There, Secretary Napolitano testified over and over again, and it reflected the document itself which, seven times, referenced on an individual basis only--on an individual basis only--seven times. I can repeat it for the Record, , but that is what was going on, which told me, as I listened to her testimony and had read the documents prior to the testimony, that they knew what the law said. They knew it required--that it required--an individual basis only and a prioritization of applying the law to bring about the best effect of the utilization of the resources of the Justice Department. prgtoken Yet , President , around the country multiple times, in the 1\1/2\ or 2 years building up to his implementation of the DACA pol
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. DENNIS PRESLEY
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to recognize Mr. Dennis Presley of Buncombe County, North Carolina. On behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Mr. Presley for over 35 years of service to our communities and congratulate him on his recent retirement. prgtoken Dennis Presley began his career with Skyland Fire and Rescue in 1978. From here, Chief Presley worked his way up from Firefighter to Chief of Skyland Fire and Rescue. While working in Skyland, Chief Presley also served Asheville Fire and Rescue as both a Captain and District Commander. During his time in Asheville, Chief Presley's team was the first to save a life using an automatic defibrillator, and he received an award from the Asheville City Manager for his heroism during a swift water rescue. All told, Chief Presley has earned over 10 awards for his leadership, heroism, and devotion to his community. prgtoken Outside of the fire station, Chief Presley continues his dedication to the firefighters of Western North Carolina by serving as an insurance agent for over thirty fire departments and as the first Chairman of the Buncombe County Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to this work in Buncombe County, Chief Presley actively serves in the Western North Carolina Association of Firefighters, the Buncombe County Firefighters Association, and as a Statistician with the North Carolina State Firefighters Association. While he has gone above and beyond the call of duty for his fellow firemen, Chief Presley has also found time to lead his family, serve his church, and invest in many friendships. prgtoken Chief Presley has earned the respect and friendship of the people of Buncombe County through his hard work and wide-ranging involvement in his community. For his service to Western North Carolina. I am honored to express to Chief Presley the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Tim Murphy (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-10

owing to a leave of absence for personal reasons, I was unable to cast votes on October 4th and 5th. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken On Roll Call No. 553, the Rep. Grijalva Progressive Caucus Substitute Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 (the FY' 2018 Budget Resolution), I would have voted ``Nay.'' prgtoken On Roll Call No. 554, the Rep. Scott Congressional Black Caucus Substitute Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 (the FY' 2018 Budget Resolution), I would have voted ``Nay.'' prgtoken On Roll Call No. 555, the Rep. McClintock Study Committee Substitute Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 (the FY' 2018 Budget Resolution), I would have voted ``Nay.'' prgtoken On Roll Call No. 556, Rep. Yarmuth ic Caucus Substitute Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71 (the FY' 2018 Budget Resolution), I would have voted ``Nay.'' prgtoken On Roll Call No. 557, Adoption of H. Con. Res. 71 (the FY' 2018 Budget Resolution), I would have voted ``Aye.'' prgtoken On Roll Call No. 558, Approval of the Journal, I would have voted ``Aye.''