mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-9-19

the cost of health insurance has been a major problem with the Affordable Care Act and with many of the bills which have been advanced to repeal and replace this law. prgtoken I rise to introduce the Lower Premiums Through Reinsurance Act of 2017. This bill would provide States with the flexibility and support they need to create State-based reinsurance programs for their individual health insurance markets in order to lower premiums while ensuring continued coverage for people with preexisting conditions. prgtoken I am very pleased to be joined by my colleague and friend Senator Bill Nelson in introducing this bill. Senator Nelson is a former insurance commissioner who comes to this issue with a wealth of knowledge dating to his experience with Florida's innovative homeowners' reinsurance program, developed in the 1990s in the wake of Hurricane Andrew. For my own part, I spent 5 years in State government overseeing a department which included the Bureau of Insurance. prgtoken Over the past 2 weeks, the Senate HELP Committee, on which I am privileged to serve, completed a round of hearings under the able leadership of Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray. They prgtoken looked at the steps we could take in the near term to stabilize the individual market and help to bring down rates. Reinsurance was frequently mentioned as an option Congress should consider and adopt. Insurance commissioners from Alaska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington State all spoke positively of its benefits, as did the five Governors who testified before the committee--three s and two . Although the witnesses presented different views on how a reinsurance mechanism might be structured, they were in broad agreement that reinsurance funding would help stabilize the markets and lower premiums. prgtoken The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has recommended that Congress provide reinsurance funding of $15 billion annually to help cover high-cost claims in the individual market. We realize, however, we are living in very tight budget times, and there is an understandable reluctance among many Members to provide that level of Federal funding. We believe the ACA's section 1332's flowthrough mechanism can effectively leverage that level of funding with a much smaller contribution of Federal dollars. Our bill, therefore, would appropriate $2.25 billion per year in 2018 and 2019, which should be sufficient to leverage $15 billion in total reinsurance funding annually, based on the ratios in Alaska's recently approved 1332 waiver. prgtoken As Alaska's insurance commissioner told the HELP Committee, next year her State will be able to fund its $55 million reinsurance program with just $6.6 million of its own money--15 percent of the total. The remaining $48.4 million will be provided in Federal flowthrough funding that matches the savings to the Federal Governme
RECOGNIZING MASTER SERGEANT SEAN SARGEANT
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Sean Sargeant on the occasion of his retirement from the Marine Corps after 30 years of dedicated service to our country. prgtoken Master Sergeant Sargeant's time with the United States Marine Corps first began in 1988. As a trained infantryman, security guard and civil affairs specialist, he served in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and was also part of the last crew to serve on the Battleship New Jersey from World War II. prgtoken In 1996, Master Sergeant Sargeant transitioned from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserve, where he began his career as a probation officer with the county. Working with a wide range of clients and families, Master Sergeant Sargeant's efforts with inter-agency coordination and focused mentoring has changed many lives by helping them re-integrate into the community. prgtoken Alongside his work with at risk adults and youth, Master Sergeant Sargeant continued to remain heavily involved with organizations that served veterans. Serving as an Operations Chief for Wounded Warriors, Master Sergeant Sargeant coordinated care for injured Marines and Sailors at Camp Pendleton and managed transitions for veteran families. He also served as a Civil Affairs Operations Chief with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, assisting with G9 operations. In his community, Master Sergeant Sargeant co-organized the very first Orange County Stand Down event, providing temporary relief to homeless veterans and offering medical and hygienic services. prgtoken MSgt Sargeant's sense of duty is truly commendable, and he is an example to us all of what it means to be a public servant. prgtoken and Members, please join me in congratulating Master Sergeant Sargeant on his retirement, and honoring him for his many contributions to the Marine Corps and to our nation. As he embarks on this new chapter, I wish Master Sergeant Sargeant all the best and thank him for his patriotism.
HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON TOASTMASTERS POTOMAC CLUB
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to recognize the Booz Allen Hamilton Toastmasters Potomac Club, a ten year Arlington, Virginia communications and leadership club, achieving significant success in its club and membership. Toastmasters International is a global, international communication community founded in 1904 by Dr. Ralph Chester Smedley. prgtoken Dr. Smedley, the director of a local YMCA, observed several young men who were not getting jobs. He took it upon himself to form a prgtoken speaking club, in which he mentored young members on how to shake hands, answer two to three minute table topics, improve nose to nose communication, practice skills of vocal variety, mitigate use of filler works, use their hands to maintain audience attention, and take constructive recommendations from peers. He also taught the young men how to ``step away from the podium'' and ``dance your words''. prgtoken Today, the Crystal City chapter of the club is a healthy, vibrant community of communicators in Virginia's 8th Congressional District. prgtoken In a record 4 months, the club grew from near critical to President's Distinguished, the Toastmasters International's highest club ranking. prgtoken I salute the Toastmasters Potomac Club for their dedication to living out the values of Toastmasters International's founder Dr. Ralph Chester Smedley
HONORING CHARLIE MAE DAVIS
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to honor an extraordinary mother, grandmother, activist, and public servant, Charlie Mae Davis. With her passing on September 9, 2017 the East Bay lost a champion for justice, and many of us lost a life-long friend. prgtoken Charlie Mae was a Texas transplant to California. She was born in Rockdale, and graduated from high school in Waco. In 1950, she moved to California where she met her future husband, Arthur Lee Davis. Charlie Mae and Arthur Lee were married in 1964, and raised a wonderful family together. prgtoken During this period when she was raising her family, Charlie Mae was very active in her community, and eventually went to work at Brookfield Elementary, where she would later retire after working as an assistant to the principal. prgtoken Charlie Mae gave selflessly of her time to help improve her community, and was passionate about improving the lives of her neighbors in Oakland. In 1992, she, along with a core group of activists, worked to establish the Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Rally, which is the longest continuously held celebration in Oakland to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. I was grateful to participate in this past year's Oakland MLK Day rally, marking the event's 25th anniversary. This wonderful event's continuation for future generations is a great legacy for Charlie Mae. prgtoken Charlie Mae was also instrumental in the establishment of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center in Oakland, an organization that I helped found and am particularly proud of. In the mid-1990's, we had this idea to create a leadership academy for students, inspired by the teachings of Dr. King. prgtoken I was in the state legislature in California at the time, and I proposed a bill to establish a memorandum of understanding between the City of Oakland, the East Bay Park District and several other local agencies in order to provide the resources for the MLK Freedom Center to exist. Charlie Mae, who was one of the principal founders of the center, helped organize busloads of my constituents from Oakland up to Sacramento to testify on the importance of the project, and why the bill was so important. prgtoken That effort was essential to the passage of the bill and the formal creation of the center, which now has taught hundreds of young people from the East Bay about leadership, conflict resolution, violence prevention and civic engagement and is really helping to create the next generation of social activist leaders. prgtoken On a personal note, I was proud to call Charlie Mae my friend for decades, and am indebted to her for her leadership in empowering Oakland residents to work together to create a better city and world for themselves, their neighbors, and future generations. It was such an honor this past May to present Charlie Mae with the first Mildred Parish Massey Legacy Award, named after my late mother. It was a happy moment for Charlie Mae, and inspiring for me to k
RECOGNIZING PETER HARVELL
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-9-21

today, I recognize Peter Harvell, who will retire as Director of Veterans Benefits and Services of Framingham, Massachusetts on September 28, 2017. Peter's lifetime of service shows us how one person's undeterrable mission to help others can positively impact his broader community. prgtoken Peter has dedicated the past 13 years to helping veterans by connecting them with state and federal benefits, partnering with community organizations, and ensuring the stability and growth of their mental and financial health. prgtoken Peter has been one of our veterans' strongest advocates in the towns of Sudbury and Framingham. He partnered with local food banks, jail diversion task forces, and legal aid services to help veterans and service members who fell on hard times. He worked with the VFW, the American Legion, and local National Guard units to host welcome home ceremonies. He paid our veterans their due respect on national holidays. Above all, Peter maintains relationships and provides support to our Gold Star families. prgtoken Prior to his service to the towns of Sudbury and Framingham, Peter spent 23 years in the U.S. Army serving in the U.S. Special Operations Command. After preparing OPERATION EAGER ANVIL in DESERT STORM and coordinating NATO missions in Bosnia, he returned home to continue service as a congressional liaison at USSOCOM for two years. prgtoken Peter's dedication and leadership honor our Commonwealth and our country. We thank him for his years of service and wish him a happy and successful retirement.
HONORING MR. CELESTINO CORDOVA
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to honor Mr. Celestino Cordova for his service in the 65th Infantry Regiment, the ``Borinqueneers.'' The 65th Infantry Regiment was the largest and longest-standing segregated Latino military unit in our country's history, and the Borinqueneers service in the face of discrimination led Congress to award these veterans the well-deserved Congressional Gold Medal in 2014. prgtoken The Borinqueneers trace their history to 1898, when Congress authorized the creation of a military unit in Puerto Rico. For more than a century, members of the 65th Infantry Regiment served honorably in our Armed Forces, displaying valor and distinction in World War I, World War II, and the Korean war. In fact, the Borinqueneers are credited with firing the first American shots in the First World War after stopping a German supply ship from leaving San Juan Bay in 1915. prgtoken Throughout both World Wars, the Borinqueneers defended the Panama Canal Zone, and some members of the regiment prgtoken served in North Africa and Central Europe during World War II. The regiment became a key force during the Korean war after distinguishing itself during the Operation PORTREX military exercise. Over 2,700 Borinqueneers earned Purple Hearts during the Korean war, and some Borinqueneers led the last regimental bayonet assault in U.S. military history. prgtoken Despite their honorable service by thousands, the Borinqueneers faced segregation and regular discrimination in the Armed Forces. Our country owes these veterans our thanks, and we must remember the story of the Borinqueneers as role models for national service. prgtoken , Celestino Cordova served our country in the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean war despite the danger and discrimination that the Borinqueneers faced. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
TRIBUTE TO OREGON HONOR FLIGHT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-9-21

. Mr , it is with great pride that I recognize 26 Oregon veterans who traveled here today to visit Washington, D.C. These brave men and women risked their lives to protect and defend the United States and have now come to our nation's capital to visit the monuments and memorials they helped inspire. The veterans on this flight from Oregon are: Archie Brown, Richard ``Dick'' Burling, Robert ``Bob'' Burness, Louis ``Caldonia'' Caldarelli, Francis Charriere, Harold Engelen, Donald ``Red'' Eudaly, Wilhelm ``Bill'' Guttormsen, Jack Hartung, Vidus ``Vince'' Klune, Robert ``Bob'' Jewitt, James ``Jay'' Majors, Glen McCall, Andrew ``Andy'' McDermaid, Larry D. Miller, Barbara ``Jeanne'' Moss, Hal Pallay, Robert ``Bob'' Petchell, Robert ``Bob'' Schug, Sylvester ``Pat'' Smith Jr, Martin Spellman, Patricia ``Patty'' Sprigg, John Steigleder, Ralph Thompson, William ``Bill'' Walker, and Alan Lertzman.
CELEBRATING EL AVISO MAGAZINE'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise to salute El Aviso Magazine, an award-winning Spanish-language weekly publication based in my 40th Congressional District, as it begins its 30th anniversary celebration. prgtoken Since its establishment in 1988, El Aviso Magazine has focused its reporting on local areas with the highest populations of Latinos. The publication offers a unique blend of topics ranging from social and political, to health and welfare, to family, culture, and entertainment. prgtoken At its inception, El Aviso Magazine shared an office with a travel agency in the City of Huntington Park, and only had two employees and five distributors. At that time, the magazine's weekly circulation reached an audience of 70,000, and its method of distribution was door- to-door. Today, an average issue reaches an audience of more than 600,000, and it can be found at over 10,000 points of distribution in 136 cities and neighborhoods in the greater Los Angeles area, Orange County, the San Fernando Valley, and the Inland Empire. prgtoken El Aviso Magazine has received countless awards from the National Association of Hispanic Publications, and has also received national recognition for its editorial content and covers. In 2004, it received an award for being the fastest-growing publication in the United States. At the 2014 National Association of Hispanic Publications Convention, El Aviso Magazine received the Gold Award for the Most Outstanding Newsprint Magazine. prgtoken Over the past 30 years, Jessica Maes Zepeda and Jose Ramiro Zepeda, along with their family, have operated this family-owned magazine. Mr. Zepeda was born in Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in the mid-1980s in search of the American Dream. As he was searching for the right business, he witnessed the passage and implementation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Mr. Zepeda saw the need to inform the Spanish-speaking community in a language they could read and understand. This led him to produce a Spanish publication that would serve the Latino community across Southern California--El Aviso Magazine. Mr. Zepeda has worked diligently for the past three decades and has made El Aviso Magazine a success story. prgtoken Mrs. Zepeda, the magazine's co-owner and its director of public relations and community affairs, was raised in Southeast Los Angeles, where she attended local parochial schools and decided to pursue a career in real estate. In the early 1980s, she joined the Downey Board of Realtors and served as vice president. She then became the president of the Women's Council of Realtors, and the director of the California Association of Realtors. prgtoken In 1994, Mrs. Zepeda became politically active and was elected to the Huntington Park City Council. Through her accomplishments, she became the first woman to hold the position of Mayor for the City of Huntington Park three years later. prgtoken Mrs. Zepeda has received numerous accolades for her c
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to congratulate South Central Community Action Partnership for making extensive positive impacts on the lives of low-income families in South-Central Idaho and on the occasion of their organization's 50th anniversary. prgtoken South Central Community Action Partnership is a highly valued local, charitable, non-profit corporation in Idaho's 2nd Congressional District. Although it began in the 1960s to oversee area Head Start programs, in fifty years it has changed thousands of lives. prgtoken Since 1967, SCCAP has developed important Idaho programs such as the Family Development and Families in Transition Program, the Valley House Coalition, a Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, the Twin Falls-based Weatherization Program, and the Boy's & Girl's Club of Magic Valley. Of special note, the Partnership has led efforts to build seniors' centers in the cites of Twin Falls, Buhl, Burley, Jerome, and Kimberly. prgtoken In addition, many of SCCAP's projects have been so successful that they have become independent organizations themselves or even parts of Idaho government programs. These include their Regional Housing Council (now the Region IV Housing Coalition), their Youth Challenge Project (which evolved into the Jerome Youth Center), their Family Planning Project (which became part of the District Health Department), their summer Migrant Head Start Programs (now the Idaho Migrant Council), and their invaluable Guardian ad Litem Program (now the Fifth Judicial CASA Guardian ad Litem). prgtoken As a small example of their impact, , over the past 5 years alone, SCCAP has assisted an average of more than 6,800 families and represented more than 20,000 individuals, helping with weatherization, veteran services, food, transportation, affordable housing, and many other valuable fields in our Idaho communities. prgtoken The SCCAP's hardworking administrators have consistently earned the trust of the people of Idaho, from Betty L. Wooten's leadership of the organization in 1967, all the way to Ken J. Robinette's and Joe Herring's leadership today. prgtoken , I sincerely thank South Central Community Action Partnership for their service and commitment to the residents of South- Central Idaho.
16TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL FIRE AND RESCUE AND EMS AWARDS
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to recognize fire and rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. prgtoken As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get ``the call.'' prgtoken In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for outstanding achievement. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district. prgtoken Manatee County Community Paramedicine Program was chosen to receive the Congressional Unit Citation Award. prgtoken Training Officer Christopher Stark of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award. prgtoken Chief Dennis Jones of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Career Service Award. prgtoken Division Chief-Fire Marshal Tammy Zurla was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award.
RECOGNIZING B3CG INTERCONNECT IN PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to congratulate B3CG Interconnect on the opening of their new plant in Plattsburgh, New York. prgtoken B3CG is a world leader in the manufacturing of cable, harnessing and electrical mechanical assembly. In 2009, the owners of B3CG decided to expand their business from its headquarters in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, and open a second plant in Plattsburgh, New York. This move has allowed B3CG to expand their business within the United States, contributing greatly to the North Country economy in the process. prgtoken With B3CG now moving into a new facility in Plattsburgh, we can reflect on all of the company's important work in the transportation, medical and industrial sectors, as well as their contributions to the upstate community. By employing state of the art manufacturing technology and a dedicated local workforce, B3CG has built a strong relationship with the people of New York's 21st District, one which we are excited to continue. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank B3CG Interconnect for its contributions to the North Country and wish it the best of luck in its new location.
RECOGNIZING HAZEL THOMPSON
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-9-21

I rise today to recognize a constituent, Hazel Thompson, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this month. prgtoken Ms. Thompson has spent her life serving our country and local community. Born and raised in Vermont, she has dedicated her life to helping and advocating for others. She started her career as a nurse and devoted thousands of hours volunteering with the Red Cross where she received several awards for her selfless service. In 1972, after our area was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Agnes, Ms. Thompson once again answered the call and devoted her time to helping her community and neighbors in Elmira, New York. prgtoken Ms. Thompson has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion Post 443 in Elmira, New York for seventy years. She is a true patriot and has volunteered at other veterans' organizations. Ms. Thompson has been a member of the AARP for decades and has served as a Board Member for Chapter 246 and as editor for its Spotlight newsletter for years. She has also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Food Bank and at Westminster Presbyterian Church of which she is a member. prgtoken Ms. Thompson has been a recipient of several honors and awards in recognition of her generous spirit and endless dedication to helping others. As the team captain for the AARP's annual Alzheimer's Walk team, she was awarded the Grand Champion medal in honor of her fundraising. She was awarded the Chemung County Senior Citizen of the Year in 1988, and in 2010, Ms. Thompson was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award in recognition for her lifelong commitment to community service. She is truly an inspiration to us all. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Hazel Thompson's 100th birthday and recognizing her life-long commitment to service.