mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CALLING ON VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT TO RELEASE MICHAEL NGUYEN
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , today, I am here again, once more, to speak about an American citizen, Michael Nguyen, who is currently in prison in Vietnam on vague allegations and charges. prgtoken , Representative Katie Porter, for her tireless advocacy on this matter, and the men and women at the State Department, including Ambassador Dan Kritenbrink, for their work and continued support. prgtoken It has been over a year since Michael was arbitrarily detained, hastily tried, and harshly imprisoned on claims that he plotted to overthrow the Government of Vietnam, which no one--and I repeat, no one--has seen any evidence of. prgtoken Earlier this year, Michael was convicted, along with two Vietnamese men, after a half-day trial. Michael was sentenced to 12 years in prison, which is longer than the two Vietnamese men received for the same charges. prgtoken Michael's family has struggled emotionally and financially with his imprisonment. His wife and four daughters only want him to come home. prgtoken He is currently appealing the length of his sentence. prgtoken As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam, I call upon the Vietnamese Government to do the right thing: quickly close this case and return Michael back to the United States and to his family.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. JAMES STADLER
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a good man, Dr. James Stadler. Dr. Stadler is the beloved son of Edward Stadler, Sr. and Wanda Stadler. He was a longtime resident of Guam, a faithful servant, a husband, father, grandfather, and a beloved pediatrician in our community on Guam. prgtoken Dr. James Stadler was born and raised in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1967. From there, he went on to pursue his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University. He then graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, in 1974 and completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics touching the hearts of many children at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in 1977. prgtoken In that same year, our island was blessed with a man who dedicated his life to the service of others, particularly our children, as he prgtoken was called to Guam on an 18-month contract with FHP. He brought his loving wife and 11-month old son at the time, Jeffrey. His courage and curiosity gave our island a graceful and beloved gift--and that was Dr. James Stadler, who eventually decided to make Guam home. prgtoken Dr. Stadler worked with FHP Clinic for 42 years, but also wore many other hats in our community. He was the Chairman of Pediatrics at the Guam Memorial Hospital, and in this role, he was instrumental to the opening of the first Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. He also served as the GMH Medical Director from 2005 to 2010, held multiple volunteer teaching jobs such as ACLS and BLS instructor for GMH, directed and in-charge of Medical Symposiums held in Guam, and was the President of the Guam Medical Society when he was barely 30 years old. This man was a pioneer in Guam's medical community. prgtoken But all these hats he wore do not even begin to define the real character behind Dr. James Stadler--an honorable man of his word, an angel for children, and someone to truly count on. He is survived by his wife Virgie, his children Jeffrey, Joseph, James, Jennifer, and Jonathan, and his granddaughter, Olivia. His mark will forever be imprinted on the hearts of all of us, and I join the people of Guam in honoring the memory of Dr. James Stadler and commemorating his many contributions to our island. I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Stadler family. His legacy will inspire us now and forever.
TRIBUTE TO ARMENIANS OF COLORADO, INC. ON ITS 40TH BIRTHDAY
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I would like to pay tribute to Colorado's oldest and largest Armenian American organization--Armenians of Colorado, Inc. (AOC)--for their four decades of community building. prgtoken Established in 1979 by several families, Armenians of Colorado (AOC) is a nonprofit organization that has grown to serve the Front Range's vibrant Armenian American community. From teaching the Armenian language and cultural traditions to raising awareness about Armenian history, AOC has been the pillar of the Centennial State's rapidly growing, vibrant Armenian community. Its purpose is to foster a cohesive Armenian community and to further the understanding of Armenian history, culture, language, and customs within the community and to the general public. prgtoken AOC's landmark achievement, the Colorado State Capitol Armenian Memorial Garden, was established in 1982 with the planting of a blue spruce and installation of a memorial plaque in commemoration of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide. In 2015, on the centennial anniversary of the commencement of the Armenian Genocide, AOC renovated the Colorado State Capitol Armenian Memorial Garden and installed a replica of a medieval Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) in memory of the victims of all crimes against humanity and in tribute to Coloradans who participated in the Near East Relief's philanthropic efforts to rescue and raise 132,000 orphans of the Armenian Genocide. This khachkar memorial is a recreation of one of the 3,000 Djulfa cross-stones destroyed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War. prgtoken Because the fact is, while the Armenian genocide occurred generations ago and an ocean away, we still feel its pain. We have seen how easily the same motives that allowed the Armenian genocide to occur still happen to today. As we have learned, all too often an assault on any ethnic group or religion is an assault on all of us. prgtoken AOC has also been instrumental in partnering with the Armenian National Committee of America to establish the Sardarapat Armenian Memorial Highway in my District in 2018 to mark the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Republic and to celebrate Armenian Genocide survivors' determination to save their nation from total extinction. prgtoken On its 40th birthday, I wish AOC many more successes in its commendable mission of serving the educational and cultural needs of Colorado's vibrant Armenian American community.
CONGRATULATING THE 2019 HONOREES OF THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS ILLINOIS DIVISION
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate 10 individuals who are being recognized as the 2019 Polish American Congress, Illinois Division, Honorees. These Polish-Americans will be honored on Sunday, October 20th, at the 50th Annual Polish American Heritage Award Banquets. Each year, the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress presents awards to recognize notable work in public service, philanthropy, heritage, community service, the arts, and other notable accomplishments. This year's honorees are The Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Richard Owsiany, Lucie Bucki, Dominic A. Pacyga, Ph.D Jacek Niemczyk, Tom Startek, Martin Obrecki, Maria Roszek-Kucharski, Ewa Milde, and Bogdan Lanko. The Polish American Congress, and its mission to unite the Polish-American community and to aid its members to become better informed American citizens, have benefitted from the contributions of these individuals. The Illinois Division is one of 25 state divisions under the national Polish American Congress, and it represents 39 Polish-American organizations and over one million Americans of Polish heritage from across the state. In Chicagoland, and Illinois as a whole, we are blessed to have the most robust Polish-American community in our nation. The Illinois Division works to bring community members together, and it is a privilege to represent and work closely with so many members of this organization. Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the award recipients on this tremendous honor. They deserve praise for the energy and time they have dedicated to strengthening Polonia and our nation. I wish them the best in their future endeavors where they will surely continue their success.
PROTOCOL TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY OF 1949 ON THE ACCESSION OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-10-21

I come to the floor to express my support for ratifying the Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of North Macedonia. In light of the Kremlin's ongoing aggression against the United States, against Ukraine, and against many of our democratic allies, today's vote sends an important signal that we are serious about standing up to Moscow. A strong NATO is critical to the security of the United States, and supporting NATO's expansion is one of the most important things this body can do to protect our Nation. prgtoken This historic vote would not be happening without the Prespa Agreement between Greece and North Macedonia, which resolved the two countries' name dispute and came into force in February. I want to acknowledge the hard work of these countries, as well as the tireless efforts of American diplomats, to make Prespa a reality. prgtoken North Macedonia has already made notable contributions to the security of the U.S. and of NATO. North Macedonia has deployed more than 4,000 troops to Iraq in support of U.S. efforts there, and in 2018, North Macedonia boosted its contribution to Afghanistan by 20 percent. prgtoken It actively supports the international counter-ISIS coalition and has also supported missions in Kosovo. This history of partnership with the U.S. on important security issues speaks strongly in favor of North Macedonia's inclusion in the Alliance. prgtoken NATO is strongest when all of its members contribute, and I am glad that North Macedonia is committed to hitting the target of spending 2 percent of its GDP on defense by 2024. The government has already made great progress towards that target, and we must hold them to that promise. prgtoken I also want to stress the importance of all NATO members spending 2 percent of GDP on defense. Our allies have increased their defense spending since 2014 in response to a clear and growing threat from the Kremlin. We must work to make sure that trend continues, and we must do it as partners, not as bullies. prgtoken We must also remember that belonging to NATO is about more than military capabilities. NATO was established as a club of democracies that abide by a certain set of principles. When the Clinton administration was considering new members, former Secretary of Defense William Perry laid out some criteria for inclusion in this group: individual liberty for citizens, democratic elections, the rule of law, economic and market-based reforms, resolution of territorial disputes with neighbors, and civilian control of the military. prgtoken North Macedonia has made progress on rule of law and democracy, but more work remains to perfect the system. NATO member states should not consider this process complete and must continue supporting North Macedonia's work to fully implement its reform commitments. prgtoken Finally, admitting North Macedonia into NATO is an important step towards fully integrating the Balkans into
PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF THE CATAFALQUE SITUATED IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER IN CONNECTION WITH MEMORIAL SERVICES TO BE CONDUCTED IN THE HOUSE WING OF THE CAPITOL FOR THE...
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-10-21

. Madam , I ask unanimous consent to take from the 's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 27) providing for the use of the catafalque situated in the Exhibition Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center in connection with memorial services to be conducted in the House wing of the Capitol for the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings, late a Representative from the State of Maryland, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-10-21

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Truly, this is the day that the Lord has made. In spite of the fact that our hearts are heavy, we must rejoice and be glad in it because we have the opportunity to celebrate the life of our longtime friend and our colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings. prgtoken As you have heard, Elijah rose from modest beginnings to become one of the greatest public servants that our country has seen. Elijah always did what he believed was right, which earned him respect and friendship on both sides of the aisle. His courage, his passion, and his integrity were undeniable to anyone who crossed his path. prgtoken Elijah inspired us regularly as one of the greatest orators in this House. He came to my district in Georgia as a guest speaker, and when he finished, everyone was in awe. Elijah's powerful voice made everyone take notice, listen intently, and then act. prgtoken America has lost a fierce warrior who was committed to doing the right thing, regardless of politics. We will truly feel his absence in this House, where he spoke truth to power and passionately advocated for justice and equality for all. prgtoken My wife, Vivian, and I send our prayers and our deepest condolences to his wife, Maya, his children, and his family as we mourn this great man. prgtoken Winston Churchill once said: ``We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' prgtoken Elijah Cummings gave so much to so many for so long. He made his life, but even greater, he made a life for his constituents and for countless others all across this Nation. prgtoken Truly, this world is a better place because of the life and legacy of Elijah Cummings. prgtoken To God, be the glory for our friend, our colleague, and the legacy of Elijah E. Cummings.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month and to celebrate the enormous contributions people with disabilities have made and will continue to make throughout the American workforce. prgtoken I especially want to highlight the work being done in Michigan's Ninth District by the Commission on Disabilities to promote inclusion in Warren, Michigan. On October 23 the commission is cohosting a Disability Awareness Fair to commemorate this month and connect workers with disabilities to important resources. prgtoken America is strongest when we harness the talents and creativity of all of our people. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the indisputable contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
IN HONOR OF MAUREEN FRESCHET, UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE SAN MATEO CITY COUNCIL
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-21

. Madam , I rise to honor Maureen Freschet as she retires from the San Mateo City Council after eight years of noteworthy service to the people of San Mateo. This service follows many years in other positions of public benefit throughout the county. prgtoken Maureen has deep roots in San Mateo. Her grandparents immigrated from Italy in the 1920's and Maureen is justly proud of her Italian-American heritage. On one occasion in recent years, she spoke movingly from the prgtoken council dais about the evolution of San Mateo through the eyes of an immigrant family. She recounted the older stores and businesses that made San Mateo, in the eyes of its residents in the 1920's, 30's, 40's and 50's, a place where neighborhoods and neighbors mixed freely as everyone raised families and watched generations grow through peacetime and wars. prgtoken Many of these memories served her well as she sat on the city's planning commission and also guided her decisions as a councilmember. During her tenure, she supported the redevelopment of Bay Meadows race track into a thriving commercial, residential and transit hub. The city straightened out a convoluted intersection at Highway 92 and El Camino Real, began a $1 billion + project to add to the sewer treatment system, saw an explosion of jobs and amenities downtown, witnessed the rebirth of its major shopping center, and undertook transformational work at 25th Avenue and the Caltrain line. prgtoken As the economy recovered, she encouraged high technology companies to settle into downtown San Mateo and advocated for restaurants and in favor of a lively downtown at nighttime and on the weekends. While many contributed to these successes, few were as vocal as Maureen Freschet in making the point: Downtown San Mateo is a destination that is fun, safe and lively from morning to night. prgtoken She's an active member of the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. She was the President of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce during her 23 years as a government and community relations officer for Notre Dame de Namur University, in Belmont. If there was a public event or civic engagement that needed attention in either city, Maureen Freschet was present, energetic, often a leader, and always a beneficial force for community improvement. prgtoken Many of Maureen's most visible contributions will never have her name on them. Due to her service on the county's transportation authority, she was involved in major projects to improve traffic and transit. As people move through the community, and despite traffic woes created by a 2 percent unemployment rate and high technology job growth that is essentially engulfing our community, travelers have Maureen to thank in part for recent and coming improvements that will benefit them for generations to come. prgtoken Maureen is an enthusiastic supporter of San Mateo's adopted Army unit, the 101st Airborne ``Screaming Eagles,'' and worked tirelessl
PAYING TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-10-21

I thank our colleagues and members of the Congressional Black Caucus, under the leadership of Karen Bass and both coleaders here tonight, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and Steve Horsford, for their leadership. prgtoken Last week, I lost a friend and a colleague, and Baltimore, Maryland, and the United States lost a civil rights activist, a tireless activist and leader. prgtoken I had the privilege of knowing the chairman for many years, since we both served our State legislatures before coming to Congress. We represented districts. I represented a district in Philadelphia, and he represented a district in Baltimore. He got elected about 1982. I got elected in 1981. We both had similar challenges. He did in Baltimore. I did in Philadelphia. prgtoken A few months ago, I saw the chairman here on the House floor, and I complimented him for being relentless in his commitment to civic participation. prgtoken I had the pleasure of sitting with him on my very first State of the Union Address. That day, we had the chance to talk about discussions and challenges that we both faced in major urban cities. prgtoken Today, I am glad I said something when I had the chance. I told him that I loved him. I told him that I loved him for all the things he had been doing and all the relentlessness he has shown. prgtoken Now, it is all up to us who are still in this fight to carry on, to make a difference. prgtoken So, , rest in power. We have to continue this fight.
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-10-21

I want to tell you a quick story about a woman from Atlanta. Her name is Dawn Jones. Dawn bought what is commonly referred to in the insurance industry as a short-term health insurance plan. She brought it from the Golden Rule Insurance Company, prgtoken which is a unit of UnitedHealth, and she needed it because she needed some coverage in between jobs. She was then diagnosed with breast cancer, and she went through a heartbreaking experience, trying to get her insurance company to cover her for her $400,000 medical bill. prgtoken In the end, she could not get her short-term health insurance plan to cover her breast cancer treatments, and here is the reason why. The insurer didn't need to cover preexisting conditions. Short-term plans do not need to cover things we traditionally think of as healthcare insurance today. The protections of the Affordable Care Act require that insurance cover you regardless of whether you are diagnosed with a serious disease, but short-term plans don't need to cover you for those things. prgtoken This short-term plan didn't cover her breast cancer, despite the fact that she wasn't diagnosed with breast cancer until after she signed up for the plan. So you may ask: Why is that a preexisting condition if she wasn't diagnosed with breast cancer until she was on this short- term plan? prgtoken Well, the insurer in this case made a very innovative argument. It said that she actually had the cancer before she signed up for insurance. So even though she didn't know she had cancer and even though she hadn't been diagnosed with cancer, because she technically had cancer before she got the insurance plan, she had a preexisting condition, and, thus, they would not cover her. prgtoken This is a pretty typical story about what happens on these short-term insurance plans in this country. They are more commonly referred to these days as junk insurance plans because, for millions of Americans who sign up for short-term insurance, they find out that it really doesn't cover much of anything. prgtoken One Golden Rule plan excludes pregnancy and provides a lifetime maximum benefit of $250,000. That is, by the way, an incredibly low amount of lifetime coverage--$250,000. One hospital stay for a serious illness can be over $250,000. And the icing on the cake--this particular junk plan from Golden Rule doesn't cover a hospital room or nursing services for patients admitted on a Friday or Saturday. So good luck if you get sick on a Friday or Saturday because you are not going to get coverage on those 2 days of the week. These are junk plans because they don't cover what you need, and you, by and large, don't find out about that until you actually need the insurance. prgtoken How about a gentleman from San Antonio who actually had his short- term plan for about 6 years? He had been paying it and paying it for 6 years. Because they are technically short-term plans, he was renewing them over and