mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
H.R. 339, THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS ECONOMIC EXPANSION ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2017-8-15

s for understanding that my bill, H.R. 339, as amended by the Senate, was time-critical and for acting swiftly upon this measure on Friday, August 11. H.R. 339, the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act, was intended to provide one-time relief to the economic disruption that occurred in my district, when a surge of Chinese construction workers used up one-third of the available Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker permits for fiscal year 2017. This left many of our local businesses, small and large, in the lurch. These businesses have foreign workers on their staff, who know the business and upon whom employers rely, for whom fiscal year 2017 permits became unavailable as a result of the Chinese surge. There is an annual limit on the number of these Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker, or CW-1, permits, which are specific and unique to the Marianas. For fiscal 2017, 12,998 were available. H.R. 339 provides 350 more to help out the businesses caught in this bind. Had the Senate acted more quickly and had the Senate not decided to reduce the number of additional permits to 350, more local businesses could have been assisted. But the legislative process is collaborative and deliberative; and I respect that. I can say that there are 306 permits that were scheduled to expire in August and September. So by providing an additional 350 permits, H.R. 339, as amended, matches up against that remaining need. I also note that the Senate amendment takes the current permit system in a new direction by designating that at least 60 of the additional permits for fiscal 2017 must be used for workers in healthcare and at least 10 for power plant operators. These occupational categories are critical to public health and safety. It well may be that in the future any foreign worker permits, specific to the Marianas, will also have to begin to be prioritized to ensure that the most value is added to the Marianas economy by the permitted workers. Although H.R. 339 provides one-time relief to an immediate shortage of permits, there is further intent. The bill contains two provisions that will make the problem we are fixing now less likely to recur in future. First, and most importantly, the bill increases the fee that employers pay, as part of the permit process, that goes to training U.S. workers to fill the jobs currently held by foreign workers in the Marianas. Had the Marianas been less dependent on foreign workers, this year's crisis would have been proportionally less intense. So, we must continue to focus on adding U.S. workers to the economy. The fee increase is from $150 per annual permit to $200. And the increase is permanent. It does not apply solely to fiscal 2017, as is the case with the extra permits. It is the intention of the legislation that the fee increase apply to petitions filed on or after the date of enactment, not to petitions previously filed.
HONORING THE 377TH AIR BASE WING, AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND, KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE
Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2017-8-15

I rise today to congratulate the 377th Air Base Wing, Air Force Global Strike Command, Kirtland Airforce Base, for earning the 2016 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award recognizes the exceptional service of the 377th Air Base Wing from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016. prgtoken The 377th Air Base Wing accomplished a number of achievements during 2016. The air base wing provided comprehensive combat preparedness and superior installation support to 22,000 airmen and more than 110 mission partners. The airmen executed 71 ground missions, moving 765 assets and ensuring global strategic deterrence. prgtoken The air base wing made progress to mitigate a 40-year-old environmental calamity by installing the first extraction well in December of 2016. The temporary treatment system was implemented in June 2016 and treated 17 million gallons of contaminated water, removed nearly seven grams of ethylene dibromide (EDB), and protected 36.7 million gallons of water. The permanent treatment system has treated 235.5 million gallons of water and removed 69.1 grams EDB as of July 31, 2017. prgtoken The air base wing also developed a 25-year strategic roadmap that included $110 million in upgrades to the Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex that houses the Department of Defense's largest stockpile of Protection Level One assets. prgtoken In addition, the air base wing expanded its tribal relations program. Air base leaders worked in collaboration with state Native American tribes to create a Memorandum of Understanding which protects tribal cultures by allowing tribes to request that the military air crews avoid low-level flights above sacred areas or religious events. prgtoken The air base wing was active in assisting local fire departments fight the Dog Head Fire that burned 17,000 acres of land and threatened four communities. With Kirtland Air Force Base's help, they saved approximately 37,000 homes. prgtoken Last, in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Kirtland Air Force Base, the air base wing hosted an air show for the first time in five years to commemorate the occasion. The air show was hosted in coordination with more than 20 organizations, 1,200 volunteers, and more than 50,000 spectators in the audience. Additionally, service members visited elementary schools to discuss the air base wing's history and the military's commitment to the country and local surrounding community of Albuquerque, New Mexico. prgtoken Those are only a few of the achievements that prove the excellence of the 377th Air Base Wing. I am confident that the achievements of the 377th Air Base Wing will be a lasting positive impact in our community.
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JAMES CALVIN (BILL) ROBERTSON BRIDGE DEDICATION
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-8-18

today we honor lifelong Wayne County resident, Private First Class James Calvin (Bill) Robertson, decorated combat veteran, farmer, friend, and family man. prgtoken Born on the 4th of July, 1923, PFC Robertson trained as an Army Cannoneer and shipped to the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations in 1945 to protect American ground forces from enemy aircraft at Iwo Jima. His Anti-Aircraft Artillery unit's mission: To keep the airstrips open and safe for refueling B29 bombers on their way to targets on the Japanese mainland. prgtoken For this critical service, PFC Robertson was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The American Theater Ribbon, and the Asian-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars. His battalion enabled American forces to invade Japan and change the trajectory of the war in favor of the Allies. But he rarely spoke of his military sacrifice, seared into our minds by the iconic U.S. Marine Corp monument of soldiers raising the American flag high above the Iwo Jima battlefield in February 1945. PFC Robertson simply acknowledged that he was there. prgtoken He returned to Wayne County in December 1945, married, and purchased farmland through which the Middle Butler Creek flows. Many family memories were made with his eight children, on this land, in this creek, and throughout his 90 years. prgtoken We dedicate the Butler Creek Bridge to the memory of Private First Class James Calvin (Bill) Robertson, World War II hero, who not only ensured the lives lost at Iwo Jima were not lost in vain, but who left a legacy of service and sacrifice.
IN RECOGNITION OF ALEXANDER POZIN, WORLD WAR II VETERAN
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-8-18

I rise today to ask the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Alexander Pozin, a World War II veteran, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. prgtoken Alexander Pozin was born on May 1st, 1917, in Odessa, Ukraine. That same year in Russia, the Communist Revolution took place, leaving the Pozin family in a state of poverty. After working many different jobs to provide for his family, Pozin graduated from law school in 1939, and went on to become a successful lawyer. However, in June of 1944, Pozin was called to serve in the Russian Army as a fighter and bomber pilot in the 210th Division of the Soviet Air Force. By the end of the war, Pozin had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel, and had earned 18 medals from the Soviet government. prgtoken Following his career in the military, Mr. Pozin moved to the United States. He became a professor at Stetson University, where he specialized in Slavic languages. prgtoken Today, Mr. Pozin is resident of St. Augustine, Florida. Here, his philanthropic endeavors have had a valuable and visible impact on the St. Augustine community. He has volunteered with Learn To Read St. Johns County, and the Council on Aging's Senior Center in St. Augustine. It is within these organizations that Mr. Pozin has connected with other individuals who weathered the storm of World War II, and shared his heroic and inspiring story. prgtoken , I applaud Mr. Alexander Pozin for his service in World War II, and for his commitment to philanthropy and his community.
TRIBUTE TO JOE HERRING
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-8-18

I rise today to congratulate Joe Herring for 31 years of distinguished economic development service to the citizens of South-Central Idaho and on the occasion of his retirement from his current position as President of Region IV Development Association, Inc. prgtoken In 1980, Mr. Herring came to Idaho to pursue a graduate degree in geography and land use planning after completing his undergraduate studies at New Mexico State University. Like other transplants to Idaho, Mr. Herring was drawn to the state's wild places and exceptional natural beauty. prgtoken Mr. Herring's career in economic development began in 1980 as a land use planner in Moscow, Idaho--taking a part-time job that soon turned into a passion for assisting Idaho's rural communities. In 1986, he joined Region IV Development Association, Inc. as its Executive Director and set in motion a decades' long career working to improve the lives and livelihoods of Idaho residents. Under his leadership, the small regional planning organization grew from offering only work force training into supporting a wide variety of programs to promote job creation, economic development, community development, downtown revitalization, business financing, and many others. prgtoken During Mr. Herring's tenure, Region IV Development has been able to facilitate more than $1.2 billion in public and private sector investment in the eight counties of South-Central Idaho. These public improvement and business projects have supported the creation of more than 5,000 new employment opportunities for Idahoans. From the development of new drinking water systems to the construction of small rural clinics, from industrial park development to building new technical education facilities, Mr. Herring's impact on communities throughout rural Idaho has been significant. prgtoken With a focus on expanding community and economic development in South-Central Idaho, Mr. Herring has founded, incorporated, and led a number of organizations that have contributed to the growth and sustainability of rural communities throughout Idaho. Looking to bring state, federal and private sector resources to bear on local issues, Mr. Herring has served Idahoans in many capacities including as chairman of the Idaho Public Transportation Advisory Council, the Idaho Rural Partnership, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Idaho-Nevada Community Development Financial Institution, and the South-Central Community Action Partnership. Mr. Herring has shown exceptional commitment to strengthening support networks available to foster small businesses and to help rural communities attract economic investments. To that end, Mr. Herring was responsible for bringing the Small Business Development Center to the region. He was also instrumental to the incorporation of the Southern Idaho Tourism and the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. Mr. Herring has led an amazing career dedicated to serving the
RECOGNIZING HOWARD & LIBBY HILL, AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-8-18

this is a love story. In 1965 a young man from Texas--his name was Howard--graduated from the Air Force Academy. While he was in pilot training at Eglin Air Force Base near Niceville, Florida, he won the heart of a girl named Elizabeth. And, as happens in many love stories, Howard and Libby became Lieutenant and Mrs. Hill on August 15, 1967. Fifty years ago. prgtoken Howard said he and Libby had ``fourteen beautiful days together.'' And then, called by his country, he was flying combat missions over Vietnam. Within two months, his bravery, valor and achievement in battle had earned him the first of two Silver Stars he would be awarded. But four months and one day after their marriage, Howard was shot down and became a prisoner of war in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. prgtoken Lots of marriages have stress. Lots of love stories have drama. But the young marriage of Howard and Libby Hill was tested in a way few of us will ever experience--by torture and cruelty for Howard, never knowing and always fearing the worst for Libby, and by lonely waiting for five years for them both. But theirs was a love that only grew stronger under pressure--love for each other and love for their country. During Howard's time as a POW, Libby even helped other POW wives and organized support for POW/MIA families. prgtoken If the World War II generation was the greatest generation, Howard and Libby Hill and the Vietnam soldiers and their families were the toughest generation. Vietnam veterans were too often unappreciated, often shunned, sometimes spat upon by the country they gave themselves to defend. But nothing could break Howard and Libby Hill's devotion to America and to each other. prgtoken When Howard was free and home, he and Libby made a commitment to stay in the Air Force, to continue to serve their country. They stayed in uniform for 18 more years. They reared three exceptional children-- their daughter BethAnn and their sons John and David. prgtoken And when they retired from active service in 1990 after his singular service as the Principal Advisor to the Secretary of Defense on POW/MIA issues, Howard was a colonel with a chestful of proof that he is one of America's best: two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, eight Air Medals, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, the Defense Superior Service Medal and many more. prgtoken They came home to my hometown of Niceville, Florida. They served their community like they served their country. From nothing, Howard started a youth soccer program. Every year he recruits 200 volunteers, organizes and manages 100 teams, gives thousands of kids a chance to compete and grow, and Howard and Libby make sure that many, many boys and girls who have no money, no family support always have uniforms and shoes and a ride home. Today, our town calls our youth soccer fields ``The Hill,'' officially named the Howard Hill Community Soccer Complex in honor of a hero of o
RECOGNIZING THE KILMARNOCK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR HOSTING THE 82ND KILMARNOCK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CARNIVAL
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-8-18

I rise today to recognize the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department and their efforts in the community in hosting the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department Carnival. prgtoken This year marks the 82 year anniversary of what some Virginians recognize as the longest continually operating summer carnival in the state. For generations, the Carnival has represented the premier event of the summer in the Northern Neck for children of all ages. Whether it is riding ``Big Eli'' or enjoying some of the famous hot dogs, this community jewel provides for many throughout the Northern Neck a chance to come together and celebrate time with family and friends. prgtoken I want to thank the Kilmarnock Fire Department for their tireless work in keeping this event running since 1935. I also, would like to thank the over 200 volunteers it takes each night to run the Carnival.
CELEBRATING THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION ON NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-8-18

I rise today to honor the men and women of the airborne forces as they celebrate National Airborne Day. prgtoken El Paso, Texas--on August 16, 1940, the Army conducted their first test platoon jump. The idea of dropping paratroopers in combat zones behind enemy lines was first conceived by Brigadier General William Mitchell. With his guidance and leadership the first combat jump was conducted by members of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment in 1942 during WWII in North Africa. Since this successful drop, our airborne forces have become a critical component of our military. prgtoken Our airborne forces have dropped into the most intense combat the world has ever seen. Some of their most notable engagements have been the D-Day invasion at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, the invasion of Southern France. Without the invention of the airborne, our armed forces would have been at a disadvantage during many of our major conflicts. prgtoken The 82nd Airborne Division is headquartered right here in North Carolina at Fort Bragg. The Division was incorporated in the National Army on August 5, 1917, to support the entry of the United States into World War I. The 82nd Airborne Division was nicknamed the ``All American Division'' as a result of the spirit and diverse group of soldiers from all across the United States. The 82nd Airborne was the first division to be designated as an Airborne Division. prgtoken Part of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division is the Nation's Global Response Force and can mobilize, load, and land anywhere in the world in less than 36 hours to perform combat operations, assist United States allies, and provide humanitarian aid. The 82nd Airborne has participated in nearly every major United States conflict around the world since its inception. Some of the most notable engagements have been the Battle of Lorraine in World War I, Operation Overlord in Normandy, France in World War II, responding to the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War, liberating Kuwait as one of the first units to engage in Operation Desert Storm, and supporting relief efforts after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. prgtoken The continued success of our airborne forces has allowed the United States to become the global fighting force it is today. Our men and women in uniform represent the best our nation has to offer and I am proud to represent a district that has a strong military presence and is home to some of the bravest patriots in the country. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring the soldiers of our airborne forces for their service and commitment to protecting the United States.
CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-8-18

I rise in remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives, and those who were seriously injured, yesterday in the cowardly but horrific attack perpetrated by terrorists in Barcelona, Spain. prgtoken Our hearts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims and our thanks and appreciation go to the first responders who selflessly came to the aid of their fellow members of the human family. prgtoken Barcelona will emerge from the attacks stronger than ever and more firmly committed to the values and principles that have made it so great. prgtoken And as Barcelona recovers and responds, I hope its people take comfort in the certain knowledge that the people of the United States stand in solidarity with them. prgtoken Today's attack is a reminder of the common danger the free, democratic, and peace loving nations of the world face from those who reject the norms of civilized society and abuse the liberties and freedoms afforded them by free societies. prgtoken It is also a reminder that violence and instability in the Middle East resonate far beyond the region, and the international community must not retreat from addressing it. prgtoken Barcelona is a shining example of everything these terrorists despise: a vibrant, cosmopolitan European city and an open, inclusive society. prgtoken It is a city steeped in history and art, and its dynamism invites millions of visitors from around the world. prgtoken The United States will offer its full assistance to the people of Spain as they work to bring the perpetrators and the planners of this attack to justice. prgtoken We will be relentless in our fight against terror. prgtoken We will not allow terrorists to succeed in blinding us with fear. prgtoken To confront this threat abroad and protect the American people at home, we must be both strong and smart. prgtoken No terrorist can overcome the strength of our values. prgtoken I ask the House to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attack in Barcelona.
HONORING THE 88TH REGIONAL SUPPORT COMMAND 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-8-18

I honor the 100th Anniversary of the 88th Regional Support Command (RSC) celebrated at Fort McCoy on Saturday August 19, 2017. The 88th RSC has a proud and storied history whose lineage and honors transferred from the 88th Infantry Division (ID). The streamers earned by the 88th ID in World War I and II are now flown with the 88th RSC flag. The 88th ID was organized on 25 August 1917, at Camp Dodge, IA. During World War I, the men of the ``Cloverleaf Division", as they were called, earned a streamer for the Alsace Campaign. The Division returned to Camp Dodge and was demobilized on 10 June 1919. On 24 June 1921, the 88th ID was reconstituted in the Organized Reserve with its headquarters in Minneapolis, MN, and with subordinate units in Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota. After reorganization in February 1942, the 88th ID was ordered to active service on 15 July 1942, at Camp Gruber, OK. After training in several locations in the United States and overseas, the 88th ID entered the front line on 27 February 1944 in the Italian Campaign. For its service in Italy, the 88th ID was awarded campaign streamers for the Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley Campaigns. The 88th ID earned a reputation as a well-trained and effective division, earning the nickname ``Blue Devils'' from the Germans. The 88th ID was inactivated at Leghorn, Italy on October 24, 1947. On 26 December 1967, the 88th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) was activated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had Command of USAR units in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. The 88th ARCOM sent units to the Republic of Vietnam (1968-1969), Desert Shield/ Storm (1990-1991), and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the former country of Yugoslavia (1995). On 16 April 1996, the 88th ARCOM was redesignated and reorganized as the 8th RSC with Command of USAR units in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The 88th RSC mobilized units for Bosnia and Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF). On 16 July 2003, the 88th RSC was redesignated as the 88th Regional Readiness Command (RRC), and was inactivated 1 July 2009. The 88th RSC was activated 17 September 2008, and today supports USAR units in 19 states from Ohio to Washington. I am honored that the 88th RSC is headquartered in my congressional district. I prgtoken commend and thank the command leadership and staff for the service and support they provide to ensure that the Army Reserve remains a shining star in the nation's military training infrastructure. On behalf of my constituents in Wisconsin and a grateful nation, I would like to wish a happy 100th anniversary to the command leadership and staff at the 88th RSC.