mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO MIRIAM HALEY
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-7-18

this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Miriam Haley of Silver Bow County for her contribution to the Butte veteran community. prgtoken Mrs. Haley, a quilter for over two decades, recently chaired a patriotic quilt show during Butte's Miners' Union Day celebration. The goal of this show was to create quilts for veterans moving into the newly built Southwest Montana Regional Veterans Home. Mrs. Haley ensured these quilts were designed to serve the Butte veterans in their day-to-day needs, whether they be resting or sitting with visitors. Originally, Mrs. Haley had hoped to collect 65 quilts for the veterans, but the show collected double that number. The 130 quilts spread out in proud display for the show acted as a tangible expression of Montana's ability to go above and beyond for its veteran community. prgtoken I wish to congratulate Mrs. Haley on her quilt show's success. Her actions reflect the deep devotion to patriotism ingrained in all Montanans.
RAISE THE WAGE ACT
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-7-18

this motion will not delay passage of this bill or return it to committee. It is our last opportunity as a House to amend this legislation. prgtoken , I am here to offer a motion to recommit that is about small business survival. It is about protecting the 8 million minority- owned small businesses, the 9.9 million women-owned small businesses, and the 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses around the country from the devastating repercussions of H.R. 582. prgtoken With this motion to recommit, employers with fewer than 10 employees or annual sales under $1 million will not be forced to implement a $15- per-hour minimum wage. prgtoken If this amendment is adopted, mom-and-pop shops across the country will be protected from this bill's extreme and unnecessary one-size- fits-all Washington mandate. prgtoken Small businesses employ almost half of all U.S. employees and account for two-thirds of net new jobs. 99.9 percent of U.S. businesses are small. prgtoken We know small businesses and their employees are the most vulnerable to this radical and unprecedented increase in the Federal minimum wage. The National Federation of Independent Business estimates that businesses with fewer than 500 employees will account for 57 percent of jobs lost due to this bill, and businesses with fewer than 100 employees will account for 43 percent of jobs lost. prgtoken Yet my colleagues have done nothing to protect these job creators from a 107 percent minimum wage hike. Instead, this legislation treats big and small businesses exactly same. prgtoken Without the financial resilience needed to absorb the increase in bottom-line costs that this legislation will bring about, small businesses and towns in every congressional district will be forced to make very tough choices: Do they lay off workers? Raise prices on their customers? Replace workers with robotics? Or shut their doors completely? prgtoken Congress should not force our Nation's smallest and most vital job creators to make those kinds of decisions. prgtoken Small business workers and their families will also take a significant hit. The nonpartisan CBO backs up this reality, reporting that mandating a $15 minimum wage would ``reduce business income and raise prices as higher labor costs would be absorbed by business owners and then passed on to consumers.'' prgtoken From coast to coast, we have already seen real-world examples of how workers and employers would be punished by this socialist policy. One study found that Washington-knows-best mandates that stretch across our Nation--or better known as socialist policies--we have real-world examples showing that they simply do not work. prgtoken There was a very thorough study by Washington State University which showed, in Seattle, a $15 minimum wage law reduced total income paid to the city's low-wage workers by $120 million per year in that one city alone. prgtoken The cost of living in Seattle, Los Angeles, and New
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-7-18

today I wish to congratulate the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, ABA, on its 70th anniversary and celebrate the organization's decades of service to radio and television broadcasters in my State. prgtoken Established in 1949, the Arkansas Broadcasters formed to help broadcast organizations by educating its members about opportunities available through free, over-the-air broadcast operations and provide technical support, regulatory expertise, and advocacy coordination. The trade association's support and the services associated with it have no doubt been a tremendous asset to broadcasters across the State. Today, the ABA highlights its mission to help members in ``Broadcasting Naturally,'' which aptly distills the organization's mantra in simple, clever terms. prgtoken Arkansas' radio and television broadcast outlets provide vital information and quality programming to communities across our State. They educate, inform, entertain, and communicate with Arkansans in a variety of ways. When we turn on our televisions or radios and perhaps just as much these days by opening our smartphones and tablets or powering on our computers, we have come to expect the content we are looking for will be readily available and accessible. prgtoken We are able to find what we are looking for on TV or radio or their technology-enabled apps and online platforms because of the hard work that broadcasters do to ensure their product is meeting the demands and desires of consumers. I believe these broadcasters will be the first people to tell you that the Arkansas Broadcasters Association has played an integral role in their ability to provide that service, adapt to changing technology, and better understand the market they operate in. prgtoken It has been a pleasure to work alongside the ABA on legislative efforts that help the organization and its members continue to do the job they want to do as well as they can. I have been a supporter of legislation the broadcasters have advocated for, including the Local Radio Freedom Act, and I was especially honored when the group named me its Arkansan of the Year in 2017 for my work to support the association and its members. prgtoken Congratulations to the Arkansas Broadcasters Association and all of its members on reaching the tremendous milestone of seven decades working on behalf of their industry. I applaud them and am confident the ABA will enjoy many more years of success on behalf of the Natural State's television and radio broadcasters.
RAISE THE WAGE ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I do agree with one thing one of our colleagues across the aisle said a few minutes ago. We do need to let the American people know what this House is about to do; kill millions of jobs. prgtoken The CBO's estimate was that 1.3 million jobs would be lost, minimum. Of those jobs lost, 60 percent would be female workers, 46 percent would be young workers, and 38 percent would have less than a high school diploma. These are the people that our colleagues claim they care about. prgtoken However, what they want to do here today is harm those very people. So I think it is important that we let the American people understand what this legislation does. prgtoken , I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).
COMMEMORATING THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLEGANY COUNTY FAIR
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-7-18

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary of the Allegany County Fair. prgtoken We are proud of our farmers in Allegany County and the hard work they do. The Allegany County Fair is a celebration of that hard work and an opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together to join in the festivities. prgtoken The very first Allegany County Fair was held on October 4, 1844. In its humble beginnings, the first exhibits were limited to livestock, crops, canned goods, and sewing crafts. Until 1855 all exhibits were displayed under one tent. Over time, the fair has grown at a steady rate, acquiring land and building facilities for the fairgrounds. Not even a natural disaster could stand in the way of the fair's success. In the late 1880's a cyclone destroyed and damaged multiple fairground buildings, but the fair continued on, re-constructing what was broken and adding new amenities to the growing attraction. As the Fair has grown in size, it has also grown in popularity, making it a vital part of our communities and their economies. prgtoken Every year the Allegany County Fair is dedicated to someone who goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the fair. This year the fair is recognizing all the volunteers, past and present, who have made the fair a success. Many volunteers involved with the fair use their vacation days to make sure the fair is ready each year. That is why the one hundred seventy-fifth Allegany County Fair is dedicated to ``the face in the mirror''. prgtoken One hundred and seventy-five years of community tradition is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Allegany County Fair on this impressive milestone and look forward to many more fairs in the years to come. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary of the Allegany County Fair.
Remembering Corporal Benjamin Kopp (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-7-18

10 years ago today, CPL Benjamin Kopp's spirit departed from this world, but he remains with us in far more than memory. prgtoken Ben was raised in Minnesota, where his mother described him as a boy's boy. He played in the dirt with toy trucks and revered his great- grandfather, a decorated veteran from World War II. prgtoken Then came 9/11, which changed Ben's life forever, just as it changed the lives of so many Americans. Ben was only 13--little more than a boy--but on that day of tragedy, he felt the call of duty to his country. Moreover, he sensed a rendezvous with destiny. Remembering his great-grandfather, the heroic veteran, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18, shipping off for basic training at Fort Benning not long after his high school graduation. There, he grew into a man and an Army Ranger. He was assigned to fight with the Army's famed 75th Ranger Regiment. prgtoken He served two deployments in Iraq and then went to Afghanistan in 2009. There, Ben and his buddies were exposed to heavy combat, as Rangers usually are. On June 10, 2009, they were engaged in an hours- long, intense firefight with Taliban insurgents in Helmand Province. Ben was leading a machine gun crew, providing suppressive fire for a group of Rangers amid enemy onslaught. Ben exposed himself and was shot behind the knee right in an artery. He was evacuated from the battlefield and placed in an induced coma. prgtoken Despite the surgeon's best efforts, Ben never recovered from the loss of blood and cardiac arrest he had suffered. Eight days later, on July 18, 2009, at the age of only 21, at Walter Reed Medical Center, Ben Kopp returned home to the Lord. Yet Ben is with us still. The heart of this Ranger beats on even today. Let me explain. prgtoken Before deploying, Ben did a lot of paperwork, as all soldiers do. On one form, he checked the box to be an organ donor. Where it asked which organs he wished to donate, he simply wrote ``any that are needed.'' In death, as in life, Ben lived up to the Ranger creed. He shouldered more than his share of the task, ``one-hundred-percent and then some.'' So just 2 days after Ben's heart stopped beating, it beat anew in the chest of Judy Meikle, an Illinois woman who waited 7 months just to get on the organ donation list. ``How can you have a better heart,'' Judy said as she recovered. ``I have the heart of a 21-year-old Army Ranger war hero beating in me.'' prgtoken Ultimately, scores of people came to benefit from the sacrifice of this young soldier in Minnesota from his very blood and bones. Four lives were saved, all told, because Ben gave his all, his very body, for their sake. Ben departed 10 years ago, but his legacy lives on in the patients whose lives he touched and through the brave work of his mother, Jill, who has devoted her life to veterans' causes. This year, she organized the second annual Freedom Walk to the Wall and challenged America to walk 1 millio
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL DOUGLAS B. GUTTORMSEN
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-7-18

today, I would like to recognize COL Douglas B. Guttormsen on the occasion of his retirement from the Kansas City District Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has diligently served in this role for 3 years. prgtoken After earning degrees from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the University of Missouri at Rolla, the National Defense University, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Colonel Guttormsen went on to lead engineering battalions across the United States and around the world. In addition to these assignments, he served in combat operations in Iraq and the Republic of Korea. prgtoken As commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District, Colonel Guttormsen has overseen many military and civil works projects throughout the district. From directing construction projects at the region's military installations to ensuring the levees and dams are structurally sound, Colonel Guttormsen has demonstrated able and consistent leadership. prgtoken Although his resume boasts many accomplishments, Colonel Guttormsen's work leading the emergency operations center, which plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters whenever and wherever they may occur, is most impressive. prgtoken This spring, when facing extensive rainfall and severe flooding, he and the entire Kansas City District staff worked around the clock to respond to levee breaches and assist affected communities. Colonel Guttormsen also participated in the Missouri River Flood Forum that Congressman Steve Watkins and I hosted in May, where we saw the extensive flooding at the 4-State Lookout Point in Kansas and then spoke alongside the Department of Agriculture and answered questions from community members. prgtoken Colonel Guttormsen is a true professional and has exhibited remarkable leadership during his time as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District commander. I trust my fellow members will join me in congratulating him and wishing him well in the days to come.
HONORING THE ORLAND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ON TWO MILESTONES
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Orland Fire Protection District as it celebrates 125 years of fighting fires and 50 years as an organized fire district. I am privileged to recognize the Orland Fire Protection District on this occasion. prgtoken The Orland Fire Protection District traces its roots back to 1894, the year sewn onto the flag of the early Volunteer Fire Department. With 14 original members, the department operated a four man, hand- pulled pumping engine and a hose cart out of a wood-framed building on Beacon Avenue that doubled as the village hall. prgtoken In 1914, Peter J. Pitts was named Fire Marshal, taking charge of the 25-member volunteer fire department and its $100 annual budget. The Orland Fire Department would serve the community for 75 years in total until voters approved a referendum creating the Orland Fire Protection District in 1969. Fire Chief Arthur Granat Sr who joined the ranks as a volunteer in 1946 and was elected Fire Chief in 1957, was essential in overseeing this transition. In honor of Chief Granat's service to the community, the Orland Fire Protection District Training Facility was named in his honor. prgtoken While the Orland Fire Protection District traces its 125-year history to humble beginnings, it now operates a model, contemporary service for the community and its residents. Appointed in 1988, Fire Chief/ Administrator Robert M. Buhs played a large role in the Fire Protection District's modernization. Today, Fire Chief Michael Schofield provides excellent leadership and has established the Orland Fire Protection District as a regional leader in fire safety and training. The Fire Protection District also deserves recognition for its significant community engagement work on opioids and other issues. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the rich history of service that the Orland Fire Protection District has provided. May the selfless dedication to community of all the employees of the OFPD serve as an example to us all.
HONORING GLENN GILLESPIE FOR HIS 20 YEARS OF SERVICE ORGANIZING THE CLINTON COUNTY FAIR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor Glenn Gillespie for his 20 years of service organizing the Clinton County Fair. After 20 years and on the 71st anniversary, this year marks the last time Glenn will be heading the event after recently announcing his retirement. prgtoken The Clinton County Fair has been a mainstay of the community since 1948 with generations of North Country residents attending the fair each year. Whether it be the rides, the music, or the animals, the fair has something for everybody and has been a celebration that has bonded our communities for generations. prgtoken Thanks to Glenn's vision and passion, the fair has grown in attendance every year and expanded the list of attractions. During his tenure, Glenn introduced the Plattsburgh Bluegrass Festival to the fairgrounds and brought in booster clubs from local schools. Glenn's accomplishments extend statewide having served as a representative to the state convention of fairs during his tenure and serving as- president of all state fairs in 2008. In 2016, Glenn's contributions were recognized when the New York State Agricultural Fair Association named a stage on the fairground in his honor. prgtoken Glenn Gillespie has left a permanent mark on the Clinton County Fair and the North Country at large. His accomplishments have strengthened our community and brought joy to countless North Country residents. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank Glenn and wish him and his family the best as they move into this new chapter in their lives.
WOMEN'S HISTORY HONOREE: CATHERINE ELIZABETH McCARTHY
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-7-22

. Madam , I retract the Congressional recognition of Ms. Catherine Elizabeth McCarthy. prgtoken Congressional recognition of one's accomplishments is a solemn honor and privilege conferred to people that have earned it through their service to their community. Catherine Elizabeth McCarthy is wholly undeserving of this honor, as she deceived the community about her medical credentials and did not perform any of the actions described in the recognition. While I understand that I cannot make a retraction of my March 11, 2019 remarks made in the Congressional Record, I formally submit this statement as a substitute for my earlier comments
HONORING LUCINDA MARIE LOPEZ FOR RECEIVING THE GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD
Filemon Vela (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor Lucinda Marie Lopez, who has earned the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award. prgtoken Lucinda joins a select group of scouts to obtain this recognition. The Gold Award symbolizes an individual's outstanding accomplishments in leadership, community service, career planning, and personal development. The award requires earning four interest project patches, the Career Exploration Pin, the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, and completing the Senior Girl Scout Challenge. A scout must also complete a Gold Project, in which scouts identify and lead a project on a pressing issue in the community. prgtoken Inspired by the work and leadership of Girl Scout's founder Juliette Low, Lucinda assembled a replica of Low's childhood home for display at Brownsville's Holiday Village. Her model helped to inspire our children and instill in them values championed by the Girl Scouts. This project required remarkable creativity and attention to detail in order to bring an exhibit of such magnitude to life. Additionally, she designed a patch of the Holiday Village, which her fellow Girl Scouts earn by visiting the village. prgtoken It is a great honor to recognize Lucinda Marie Lopez for her dedication and unwavering service. I am confident that the skills and life lessons she learns through Girl Scouts will prove to be invaluable in her future endeavors. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her achievements, work, and service.
HONORING MELINDA WALKER ON HER RETIREMENT AS CHIEF REPORTER OF DEBATES
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-22

. Madam , I rise to recognize Melinda Walker, the Chief Reporter of Debates, on her retirement in August after more than 20 years of outstanding service to the House of Representatives. prgtoken Ms. Walker has brought great effectiveness and integrity to this critical position, which has long been vital to the transparency and accessibility of Article I, the Legislative Branch, to the American people. She carries on the long, storied tradition of shorthand reporters of debates, upon whom the House has relied for nearly two centuries to ensure that the People's House can be open and accountable to the American people. prgtoken A proud native of Texas, Ms. Walker came to the House in 1999 after serving as a court reporter for the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania. Her career began after graduating from the Stenograph Institute of Texas in 1989, and her skills took her around the country and the world, with positions in England, the Caribbean, and South Africa. prgtoken Ms. Walker has led a career of great distinction in the House. She has reported both House committee hearings and Floor proceedings, and has taken down committee testimony from two Chief Justices of the United States and three Secretaries of State, among many others. On the Floor, Ms. Walker has reported the State of the Union messages for three Presidents as well as the speeches of numerous foreign dignitaries during Joint Meetings of Congress. prgtoken Upon her promotion to Chief Reporter in 2015, she led the team of court reporters and staff in charge of the production of the Congressional Record. She has distinguished herself by the excellence with which she has mastered intricate parliamentary nuances of House proceedings and by her passion for and commitment to this institution. Among her many contributions to the House is the legacy she leaves through the 200-page style and format manual that she fully revised and updated for the Office of Official Reporters, which will serve as a resource for years to come. prgtoken Ms. Walker is recognized by the National Court Reporters Association as a Registered Professional Reporter, a Certified Manager of Reporting Services, and is a Certified Shorthand Reporter in Texas. She plans to return to her hometown of San Saba, Texas, and spend more time with her family and faithful hound dog, Bleu. prgtoken Madam , Ms. Walker has joined a long and distinguished tradition of dedicated, nonpartisan service to the House, and I join her staff and many others in wishing her the very best in retirement.