mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Fritz Hollings (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-4-8

the Senate mourns a part of our institution's history who passed away over the weekend. Until Saturday, Senator Fritz Hollings of South Carolina was the oldest living former Senator. He is also the longest tenured junior Senator in history, since 36 of his 38 years in this body came alongside Senator Strom Thurmond. prgtoken But there was nothing ``junior'' about Fritz's career, his impact, or his larger-than-life personality. By the time I arrived in the Senate, Fritz had already built a reputation as a war veteran, State legislator, Governor, Senator, and as a candidate for the ic Presidential nomination. He had raised a family between his hometown of Charleston and the State capital, Columbia. prgtoken At every turn, he was a square-jawed southern gentleman. In every case, he was someone who would call things exactly how he saw them. Fritz spoke his mind with cutting wit and undeniable sincerity on causes that captured his attention. As a result of his passion and skill, his name will be forever linked with a long list of important achievements here in the Senate. He called attention to a growing Federal budget deficit, advocated for the needs of our Nation's men and women in uniform, and confronted the tragic poverty in America's own backyard, especially child hunger. prgtoken So today the Senate mourns not just a friend and former colleague but a true example of what it means to live a life of service. We mourn with Fritz's family and the people of South Carolina, and we join them in celebrating a life so fully lived.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF JEREIMA ``JERI'' BUSTAMANTE ON THE 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HER PASSING
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-4-8

I rise today to honor the life of one of Florida's brightest lights--a light that was extinguished far too soon. prgtoken One year ago today, we lost Jeri Bustamante in a tragic accident. She was my press secretary, but she was so much more. She was my Spanish tutor. She was my travel partner. She was so kind to everyone that you couldn't help but love her. prgtoken Everyone thought Jeri was their best friend because she was so loving to everyone. She brightened every room that she walked into and made everyone around her better. There is not much that brings the Florida political world together, but s, , and even her friends in the press loved and respected Jeri. prgtoken She lived the American dream. As a small child, Jeri moved from Panama to the United States with her family, speaking only Spanish. She grew up in Miami, where she attended Miami Beach High, Miami-Dade Community College, and Florida International University. prgtoken She had a passion for communications. She started out at a local Miami TV station and eventually worked for the Miami-Dade property appraiser under Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who became my Lieutenant Governor. prgtoken She joined my reelection campaign for Governor in 2014, and she was with me for 4 years. She was determined. She was courageous. She had big goals. She wanted to be the Press Secretary for the President of the United States, and I have no doubt she would have been. That is the kind of person she was. She never stopped working to meet her goals in life, but she always did it with a smile, with a joke, and with a kind word. prgtoken In Jeri's memory, my wife Ann and I established the Jeri Bustamante Memorial Scholarship to support a graduate of Miami Beach Senior High School, who, like Jeri, is trying to become the first in their family to go to college. prgtoken Today Senator Marco Rubio and I are introducing a resolution to honor Jeri's memory. We will never forget her, and we will never forget the ways she made all of us better. prgtoken Now I would like to honor Jeri in the best way I know how, speaking the Spanish she taught me. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to address the Senate in Spanish.
Resignation of Kirstjen Nielsen (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-8

we learned yesterday that Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was stepping down from her position as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I just got off the phone with her and thanked her for her service. prgtoken When the Department was first established more than a decade and a half ago, we knew that this position would be a very tough one, especially in the aftermath of 9/11--the terrible terrorist attacks. We knew that protecting the American people from the growing threat of terrorism was job No. 1. The truth is that this job has only gotten tougher as time has gone by. While counterterrorism remains a central focus for the DHS, the number of missions it is responsible for, both on the ground and in cyber space, has multiplied to include a myriad of natural and manmade threats. prgtoken Since Secretary Nielsen has taken this job, she has led the Department's response through flooding and wildfires, foreign attempts to infiltrate our election infrastructure, and the growing humanitarian crisis we continue to see unfold along the southern border. prgtoken Above all, Secretary Nielsen has been a fierce advocate for the men and women at the Department who carry out these diverse missions on a daily basis. With more than 240,000 DHS employees around the world-- many of them in Texas--keeping them mission-ready is one of the most important responsibilities the Secretary has, and it is one she has taken very seriously. prgtoken I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Secretary on a number of issues but in particular on attempting to find commonsense reforms to secure our border and close loopholes that are being exploited in our immigration system. I have been consistently impressed by her deep knowledge of the issues and of her steadfast commitment to finding solutions. prgtoken America is better off for her service, and I hope we will continue to find good people like the Secretary who will be willing to contribute their service to the betterment of our country. I thank her, and I wish her well in the next chapter of her life.
HONORING ERNEST ``FRITZ'' HOLLINGS
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-4-8

I want to thank Majority Whip Clyburn for yielding and for his service to the rest of the delegation of South Carolina. prgtoken This weekend we lost the most transformational leader South Carolina has ever seen. Fritz Hollings left his mark on our economic development, our education system, civil rights, desegregation, and countless other areas. There is no doubt we are all better off because of his service. prgtoken Hollings was once referred to as a ``Senator from central casting,'' and, in many ways, he represented the ideals of public service: service to his country in uniform during World War II, to the Lowcountry in the State house, and to his State as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and U.S. Senator. prgtoken He was a true statesman who exemplified character, courage, integrity, and honor. The action he took was often not easy or politically popular, but it was always with what was best for South Carolina in mind. prgtoken As we honor his life over the coming days and weeks, I hope we can all pause to reflect on how his legacy can guide us now more than ever. Hollings made a lifelong career out of fearlessly doing what was right, working across the aisle to reach remarkable achievements, and always putting the people of South Carolina over politics. We need that sort of leadership now more than ever.
Remembering Fritz Hollings (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-8

today I wish to start off by just sharing a few words about our former colleague, Senator Fritz Hollings--Ernest F. Hollings, to be precise--of South Carolina. He passed away this weekend at his home in Isle of Palms. prgtoken With Fritz Hollings, the people of South Carolina, the Senate, have lost a giant. Hollings was the longest serving junior Senator in American history--behind, of course, Strom Thurmond--representing his constituents for 38 years in the Senate. prgtoken Before that, he was a Governor, State legislator, and World War II veteran. Public service was his life's calling. He championed education reform, increasing teachers' pay, a national voice in the fights against hunger and poverty. prgtoken He was brought up in the old Jim Crow days, with a great deal of segregation, but as he went through South Carolina, he realized how terrible that was and began to move in the opposite direction. prgtoken He was an original. You could always go over to Fritz Hollings. Even when I was a younger legislator, he would pay attention, and he would have something very interesting to say. prgtoken Everyone talks about the days of blow-dried, look-alike Senators. Fritz Hollings certainly wasn't one of them. He was an original, and we were all much better for it. prgtoken So Fritz, we will miss you, and our thoughts go with your family, as do our prayers and well wishes.
HONORING JOHANNA HAGER FOR HER WORK AT BRAVEHEART CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Johanna Hager for her work at the Braveheart Child Advocacy Center. Ms. Hager serves as a Diplomate Certified Practitioner and a Certified Child Forensic Interview Trainer who has done remarkable work. prgtoken Johanna Hager, a member of First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, is committed to assisting members of the community through her expertise in child trauma. Ms. Hager earned a master's degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and has gone on to work closely with the National Association of Forensic Counseling and the American Academy of Certified Forensic Counselors. Ms. Hager actively assists the State Police on how they can best communicate with children who are affected by criminal investigations. She has also used her knowledge to support and aid adults, children, and families dealing with grief, trauma and recovery from child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. In addition, Ms Hager has testified as an expert witness in many cases and has assisted with the establishment of a nationwide competency exam for Child Forensic Interviewers. Ms. Hager is an asset to the community and provides much-needed services for those she assists. prgtoken It is because of dedicated leaders such as Johanna Hager that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam , I would like to again formally honor Johanna Hager on her service to the community and thank her for all she does for those who are in need of assistance.
IN RECOGNITION OF CHARLES S. TEMEL
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a distinguished leader and dedicated advocate of the New York Jewish community, Mr. Charles S. Temel. prgtoken Mr. Temel has served for nearly three years as President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY). During that time he has led JCRC-NY in advocating for and ensuring the rights, interests, and values of the New York Jewish community. prgtoken Mr. Temel is being honored on April 9th, at the JCRC-NY's 2019 Gala Dinner for his extraordinary leadership and contributions to this organization that he has led for the past three years. prgtoken Under Mr. Temel's leadership, not only has JCRC-NY helped strengthen the Jewish community in New York, it has also operated at the local community level to form partnerships with other ethnic and religious communities to solve issues that are of collective concern. These cross-organizational coalitions serve to promote understanding and cultural appreciation across diverse communities while improving local resources such as health services, nonprofit operations and governance, and the special needs of the aging, emigres, and youth. prgtoken In addition to his exemplary leadership of JCRC-NY, Mr. Temel has served many other worthy nonprofit organizations over the years including the American Friends of Ben-Gurion University's executive and investment committees, the latter of which he chaired. Additionally, he is an active member of the Cornell University Library Advisory, the Cornell University Council, and the Cornell Friends of Jewish Studies through his alma mater, Cornell University. prgtoken Mr. Temel has also led a successful professional career as an accomplished consultant in the financial services industry. He currently works as Managing Director at UBS Financial Services, Inc focusing on portfolio construction and investment returns. He has been named as one of the ``Top 400 Financial Advisors in the United States'' by the Financial Times from 2014/ 2019. He has been recognized in Barron's Best-in-States Advisors List for 2019. Additionally, he was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List in 2018 and 2019. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Charles S. Temel for the honor he is receiving tomorrow night and to recognize all he has done to strengthen New York's Jewish community, help unify New York's diverse ethnic and religious communities, and create a better New York for all.
AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR GREATER WASHINGTON SOAP BOX DERBY
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-4-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 19 authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 2019 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. prgtoken This year's derby marks the 78th running of this event in the District. prgtoken , I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Steny Hoyer, who has been such a champion for this event for his constituents. prgtoken The Soap Box Derby allows children to develop leadership skills and highlight their creativity, dedication, and commitment to their communities. prgtoken Not only are these youngsters competing for a trophy and the glory of being the fastest car down the course, but the winners of each division qualify to compete in the National Soap Box Derby at the Derby Downs track in Akron, Ohio. prgtoken As with all events using the Capitol Grounds, this event is open to the public and free of charge. Its organizers will coordinate with the Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol. prgtoken , I strongly support passage of this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken , .
COLORADO RIVER DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN AUTHORIZATION ACT
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-8

we are blessed that we have a good snowpack in the Upper Colorado River watershed this year. The legislation also provides us the opportunity to take advantage of this extra water by beginning implementation immediately of the DCP. prgtoken We must also support collaborative approaches to manage our most precious natural resource: water. The DCP creates increased dependability to the water users in southern California and the seven basin States. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to strongly support H.R. 2030, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation immediately.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FREEHOLDER PEARL BEATTY
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-4-8

. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life and legacy of former Essex County Freeholder Pearl Beatty. Freeholder Beatty passed away on April 2, 2019, leaving behind a trail of success as a community servant. prgtoken Freeholder Beatty's interest in politics began in her early twenties, when she worked a voter registration table for the NAACP. It continued through 1960, when she sang at a rally for presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. Freeholder Beatty went on to work for the Kennedy campaign in New Jersey, helping put Kennedy over the top in the state. Three years later, Freeholder Beatty attended the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. She helped Newark residents picket Woolworth's for racial equality. And Freeholder Beatty was a key player in getting Newark's first Black mayor, Kenneth Gibson, elected in 1970. prgtoken Over the years, Freeholder Beatty was a constant presence in Essex County politics and communities. She was scheduler for Jimmy Carter's 1976 New Jersey campaign, then ran for Essex County Freeholder in 1977. She served three terms as District 2 Freeholder, always fighting for her constituents. Freeholder Beatty worked tirelessly to get people of color registered to vote. prgtoken I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Essex County Freeholder Pearl Beatty.
RECOGNIZING THE EMPORIUM SENIOR CENTER AND THE CLEARFIELD SENIOR CENTER
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-4-8

. . I recently visited two senior centers in Pennsylvania, the Emporium Senior Center in Cameron County and the Clearfield Senior Center in Clearfield County, to discuss issues on the minds of older Pennsylvanians and those who serve them. We spoke about the need to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security; the importance of bringing down the high cost of prescription drugs; and how to prevent con artists from scamming older adults out of their hard-earned savings. prgtoken We must continue to support senior centers and other gathering places for older adults. For many, senior centers are a hub for services and a place where older Americans find a sense of community and belonging. They are the prgtoken place where seniors gather with friends to socialize, look for help with everyday challenges, and learn about timely topics. I am pleased that the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, of which I am the ranking member, has examined ways to enhance the services and supports that senior centers provide. I'd like to commend the Emporium Senior Center and Clearfield Senior Center for the excellent services that they provide seniors and important role they play in the community.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN BARTHELMES
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-4-8

today I would like to recognize Mr. John Barthelmes of Hopkinton, NH, and celebrate his well-deserved retirement after years of service to New Hampshire and America. prgtoken In 1976, John began his career in public service as a State trooper in New Hampshire's North Country, where he fell in love with his wonderful wife, Jadean. He then rose through the ranks to become colonel of New Hampshire State Police, a position he held from 1996 to 1999. After retiring from the State police, John served as the director of the New England High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area agency, until 2007 when Governor Lynch appointed him to serve as commissioner of the department of safety. I am proud and honored that, as Governor, I had the opportunity to reappoint this exceptional public servant to lead our department of safety. prgtoken As commissioner, John has focused on maintaining New Hampshire's status as one of the safest States in the Nation and on improving services for our citizens. Under his leadership, the department has effectively managed severe weather events and other emergencies. He also oversaw the merger of the State police and highway patrol and the overhaul of the State police officer recruitment process. prgtoken Additionally, under John's leadership, the department has dramatically reduced wait times at the Division of Motor Vehicles, given citizens the option to renew their drivers' licenses online, and undertaken a number of other improvements. prgtoken Underscoring his commitment to helping the people of New Hampshire, John is an outspoken advocate for treatment options for behavioral health and has served on the board of Riverbend Community Mental Health. John also serves on the New Hampshire Advisory Council on Emergency Preparedness and Security and the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. prgtoken But as impressive as John Barthelmes' service, effectiveness, and achievements are, it is his insight, even-keeled demeanor, and extraordinary kindness that distinguishes him the most. A man of impeccable character and deep understanding of the human condition, John Barthelmes broadened the outlook of everyone he worked with and gave hope to all he served. prgtoken Ensuring the safety of our people and communities is the most important role of government. Doing it with the skill, professionalism, and wisdom that John Barthelmes exhibited throughout his career is extraordinary. prgtoken I thank John for his dedication to keeping our people and communities safe, and I thank John's family for their willingness to share him with the people of New Hampshire. prgtoken I hope you will join me in honoring a dedicated Granite Stater, John Barthelmes.
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COMMANDER STEVEN DAVIES
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-4-9

I am pleased to commend LCDR Steven Davies for his dedication to duty and service as a U.S. Coast Guard congressional fellow on my staff. Steve was recently selected to serve as executive officer of USCGC Thetis and will soon depart to fulfill that important responsibility. prgtoken A native of Lebanon, PA, Steve was commissioned after his graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in management, served as vice president of his class, and captained the men's soccer team. He is in the process of earning a master's degree. prgtoken Steve has served in a broad range of assignments during his Coast Guard career. He has served overseas in Kuwait and deployed with Patrol Forces Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, conducted national security missions on five ships in the Arabian Gulf. In addition to deployments overseas, he has served in vital roles in support of U.S. security interests. As commanding officer of USCGC Sailfish, he led search and rescue operations and various law enforcement missions in the Port of New York and New Jersey. As Commanding Officer of USCGC Kathleen Moore, Steve led a 26- person crew that interdicted $18 million of cocaine and nearly 700 undocumented migrants attempting to reach the United States. prgtoken Most recently, Steve served as the congressional fellow on my staff and, prior to that, for the Honorable Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Steve's operational experience in the Gulf of Mexico, Southwest Asia, and the Arabian Gulf, in addition to his technical expertise in counterdrug and migrant interdictions, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement missions, have been pivotal in helping to shape Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard appropriations for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. prgtoken As a congressional fellow, he has served the State of Mississippi, the Coast Guard, and our Nation admirably. My staff and I have enjoyed the benefit of Steve's counsel and have truly enjoyed working with him. Steve's leadership has brought great credit to the Coast Guard, and I appreciate and commend his commitment to continue to serve our nation. prgtoken It is a pleasure to recognize and thank LCDR Steve Davies for his service to this country. My staff and I extend our gratitude to Steve and wish him ``Fair winds and following seas'' as he continues his journey in the U.S. Coast Guard.