mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN ``ODIE'' SLOCUM RETIREMENT
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-4-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the retirement of Brigadier General John ``Odie'' Slocum. Gen. Slocum currently serves as the 127th Wing Commander, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. He has announced his plans to retire in May, closing another chapter in his 35-year military career. General Slocum has continued the long tradition of excellence at Selfridge ANGB, a Macomb County icon since it opened in 1917, through his style of precise but humble leadership. I recently had the honor of visiting Selfridge ANGB, where I saw firsthand the esteem in which Gen. Slocum is held by the men and women with whom he serves. prgtoken As commander, Gen. Slocum's priority has always been the members of the 127th Wing. He worked tirelessly to keep them prepared and safe as they engaged in important missions on behalf of The United States across the world. His mandate as the top official at Selfridge also extends beyond the Air National Guard, as Selfridge ANGB hosts members from more than 20 tenant units from all branches of the military, the Coast Guard, and Border Patrol. prgtoken During his tenure, Selfridge received numerous awards including both the Carl A. Spaatz Award and the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award. These two awards emblemize the dedication and capability of the 127th Wing under Gen. Slocum, though he would give all praise to those serving under him. prgtoken Outside of the gates of Selfridge, Gen. Slocum has built a reputation as a community leader and strong advocate for Macomb County. Through his leadership, county partners including government and business delivered an impassioned campaign to bring the F-35 Lightning to Selfridge. This campaign will be the gold standard for all future attempts to rally the community around a cause. prgtoken As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I also thank Gen. Slocum for his support of the STARBASE program. STARBASE provides elementary grade students aviation themed math and science education and is located on base. Without a strong Selfridge, there would be no STARBASE. prgtoken In closing, as Gen. Slocum ends his command at Selfridge, I encourage my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his dedicated service to the United States and to the people of Michigan. Gen. Slocum has stated that he is looking to stay and continue to work for all of us in Macomb County, for which I am grateful. I look forward to supporting him in his next endeavor.
NATIONAL ROOFING WEEK
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-4-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the National Roofing Contractors Association headquartered in Rosemont, Ill and its efforts to designate the week of June 2-8, 2019, as National Roofing Week. The roof is one of the most important components of any home or business. It is the first line of defense against natural elements, such as rain, snow or wind, and yet it is often taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. National Roofing Week honors the thousands of roofing-related businesses and workers across the country, as well as the industry's commitment to public service. National Roofing Week is a valuable reminder of the significance quality roofing has on every home and business in the U.S. Established in 1886, NRCA is one of the nation's oldest trade associations and the voice of professional roofing contractors worldwide. NRCA has nearly 4,000 roofing company members who represent the entire roofing supply chain. Using its vast network of roofing contractors and industry-related members, NRCA is responsible for the installation of new construction and replacement roof systems on commercial and residential structures in America. Most of its members are small, privately held businesses that provide family-sustaining jobs for thousands of hardworking individuals who are the backbone of our economy. Professional roofing contractors provide vital services to their communities, on and off the clock. NRCA members will recognize National Roofing Week June 2-8 by supporting numerous charitable projects and employee training programs throughout the nation. I commend NRCA and the vital role the organization and its members play in every community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging their contributions during National Roofing Week.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MR. HENRY BLOCH
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-4-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Henry Bloch, the philanthropist, businessman, and beloved man who has helped shape Kansas City into the city that it has become. In life, Mr. Bloch carried a visionary spirit that transformed and encouraged the lives of everyone he met, including myself. Mr. Bloch's life and work are cherished and celebrated both in our Fifth Congressional District of Missouri and throughout the country. prgtoken Mr. Bloch was born ninety-six years ago, in 1922, to an ambitious and hardworking mother and father in Kansas City, Missouri. From a young age, his family instilled within him a passion not only to excel individually, but for the good of all. Creating his own business model years later, Mr. Bloch always stayed true to this idea, doing his part to encourage startup businesses and individuals around the country to flourish. Growing up in a Jewish family that experienced firsthand the negative effects of discrimination, Mr. Bloch cultivated a spirit of kinship with others who had faced similar struggles. His dedication to Kansas City was evident in his own words when he thanked the city for all it had meant to him and his family. This week, the city joins together to celebrate their memories of Mr. Bloch and the resounding impact he made upon their lives. Testimonies of the ways in which Mr. Bloch impacted and touched the lives of so many have poured forth in recent days as Kansas Citians speak of how blessed they were to have met and known this remarkable man. prgtoken Mr. Henry Bloch possessed an incredible spirit of determination and conviction. As a young man in the Army Air Corp during World War II, Mr. Bloch flew many missions on behalf of his country. After returning from the war, he opened a small business with his older brother, often working without pay so they could have enough money to pay the business's rent. Today, Mr. Bloch's business encompasses 12,000 offices around the country and employs around 70,000 employees nationwide. Mr. Bloch would often speak of luck and the fortunate opportunities he and his brother were given, forgetting to account for the long hours and sleepless nights that he put in without complaint during the early days of their business. Once H&R Block grew larger and more influential, this enabled Mr. Bloch to begin the true passion of his life-- philanthropy. prgtoken A quiet and soft-spoken man, Mr. Bloch nonetheless commanded each room he walked into. The spirit of generosity that Mr. Bloch personified can be seen through his incredible legacies across the city and in the lives of so many who bear testament to it. Today, the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the beautiful Bloch buildings of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art both stand as some of the notable contributions Mr. Bloch made to Kansas City. Through these institutions, among other gifts, Mr. Bloch's mark on Kansas City will
COLUMBIA RIVER IN-LIEU AND TREATY FISHING ACCESS SITES IMPROVEMENT ACT
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-4-29

I rise in support of the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act. This bill takes important steps to address an injustice that four Columbia River Tribes have faced for decades. prgtoken Beginning in the 1930s, the construction of the Bonneville, John Day, and Dalles dams on the lower Columbia River flooded many homes and traditional fishing sites. The flooding displaced members of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. The Army Corps of Engineers designed 31 Columbia River Treaty Fishing Access Sites and ``in-lieu'' sites along the banks of the Columbia River to be used primarily for in-season fishing and temporary camping, but conditions have been extremely unsafe and unsanitary. prgtoken This bill would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assess and update electricity, water, and sewer infrastructure at existing Bureau of Indian Affairs facilities that were constructed to provide treaty Tribes access to traditional fishing grounds. These Tribes have treaty rights to fishing access sites on the Columbia River and we must uphold our obligations to provide safe and sanitary housing and infrastructure. I thank Congressman Blumenauer and Senator Merkley for their leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
DIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS--VETO
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-29

before I begin the bulk of my remarks, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims of the shooting on Saturday, in California, when a gunman opened fire in a synagogue during services after yelling anti-Semitic slurs. His heinous attack left a 60-year-old woman dead, the rabbi wounded, a man and an 8-year-old girl with shrapnel wounds. prgtoken We have seen so many different houses of worship attacked in recent weeks. Just 1 week ago on Easter Sunday, hundreds of Christian Sri Lankans were massacred in their churches. What happened at the synagogue in California is rooted in the same White supremacist hatred and bile that drove attacks against the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh; mosques in New Zealand, and the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston. prgtoken We must recommit ourselves today and every day to fighting anti- Semitism and all forms of bigotry in our country and around the world. Remembering Richard Lugar prgtoken , I also want to share a word on the passing of our friend and former colleague, Dick Lugar of Indiana. Dick personified the Senate at its best--honest, decent, and with an eye for consensus. He represented the kind of thoughtful bipartisanship that is so missing in our politics today. His work on the Foreign Relations Committee-- twice as its leader--made the world a safer and fairer place, whether it was combating proliferation of nuclear weapons, apartheid in South Africa, or world hunger. prgtoken His legacy as a legislator and as a man is something for all of us to aspire to. Senator Lugar will be greatly missed. Mueller Report prgtoken , while Congress was away during the State work period, Attorney General Barr released a redacted version of Special Counsel Mueller's report to Congress and to the American people. prgtoken The report documents, yet again, a concerted effort by President Putin to interfere and influence our elections and to assist the current President. prgtoken Members of the campaign were aware of, and at times amplified, that foreign influence campaign, including President himself, for the likely purpose of winning a Presidential election. That alone constitutes attacks on our democracy. prgtoken Just as alarming was the behavior of the President and his team concerning Special Counsel Mueller's investigation itself. Special Counsel Mueller's report documents a persistent effort by the President to stonewall, thwart, and undermine the legitimacy of the Mueller investigation. The report includes no less than 11 instances during which the President may have obstructed justice. prgtoken There is no question that the President engaged in a pattern of intimidation and interference with the Federal investigation. Special Counsel Mueller explicitly states in his report that if he could have exonerated the President on the charge o
COLUMBIA RIVER IN-LIEU AND TREATY FISHING ACCESS SITES IMPROVEMENT ACT
Jefferson Van Drew (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-4-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 91 authorizes the Bureau of Indian Affairs to assess sanitation and safety conditions on land set aside to provide Columbia River Treaty Tribes access to traditional fishing grounds, and to enter into contracts with Tribes or Tribal organizations to improve the identified conditions. prgtoken The Columbia River Treaty Tribes, through a series of treaties in 1855, established access to ``usual and accustomed fishing areas'' and ancillary fishing facilities on the Columbia River. prgtoken Starting in the 1930s, construction of the dams of the Columbia River Power System resulted in flooding and destruction of Tribal villages, homes, and traditional fishing sites, severely impacting the Tribal members' ability to exercise these treaty rights. The tribes and their citizens have never been fully compensated for their losses. prgtoken In a series of agreements and laws starting in 1939, the Federal Government acquired and developed small parcels of land to serve as ``in-lieu'' and treaty fishing access sites, providing members of the Columbia River Treaty Tribes access to exercise their rights to fish in the Columbia and reside at their traditional fishing places and fishing stations. prgtoken Additionally, Congress enacted the Columbia River Treaty Fishing Access Sites project in 1988, which authorized improvements for the existing ancillary fishing facilities and directed the Army Corps of Engineers to acquire new lands to provide unencumbered river access for Tribal members. prgtoken Today, there are 31 Tribal fishing sites located along the Columbia River, 27 of which are managed by the BIA. The sites were intended to be used primarily for in-season fishing and some temporary camping. prgtoken However, out of both a need for housing and a desire to be closer to traditional fishing areas, many Tribal members now use these areas as permanent residences. prgtoken These sites were not designed for and cannot sustain this accommodated use. In fact, many people at these sites are living in extremely distressed, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions as a direct result of decades of unmet obligations by the BIA. prgtoken Passage of H.R. 91 will result in vast improvements to the conditions of these sites. As such, I urge the quick adoption of this legislation. prgtoken , .
VIOLENCE IN AMERICAN CHURCHES
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-4-29

I rise to express a sense of righteous indignation about the violence peaceful people of faith must now concern themselves with in places of worship all over America. prgtoken We have come to the point in this Nation where we can no longer attend church or go to the synagogue or the mosque without fearing the worst. How many lives must we lose before we decide there is not any room in America for hate? prgtoken Martin Luther King, Jr once said: ``Hate is too heavy a burden to bear.'' We must bring an end to wanton gun violence before it robs this Nation of its very soul. prgtoken The people in my district pray without ceasing for the victims of the Poway shooting. prgtoken As leaders of this Nation, let's commit ourselves today to bring this violence to an end here and now.
TRIBUTE TO JULIANNA ALBOWICZ
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-4-29

today we say farewell to a member of our Senate family: Julianna Albowicz. For more than 20 years, Julianna has served the U.S. Senate and the residents of Maryland. prgtoken Julianna started her career in the U.S. Senate working for my friend, Senator Barbara Mikulski. After her retirement, Senator Mikulski let me know that Julianna was the ``real deal'' in western Maryland and that Julianna knew everyone and everyone knew Julianna. Senator Mikulski was right. I was delighted that Julianna signed on as my western Maryland regional director after my election to the U.S. Senate in 2016. prgtoken Julianna started her Federal service in 1965 as a supply clerk at the U.S. Naval Station in Keflavik, Iceland, where her husband Bill was stationed. When she returned stateside, she worked at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, as a purchasing agent until 1970. prgtoken Julianna and her husband owned and operated Hoff, Inc a family retail business, for 31 years in the town of Clear Spring, MD, while serving in various elective offices for the town, first as councilwoman and then as vice mayor. When her husband died in 2002, Julianna sold the business. With her children grown, she decided to learn computer skills and eventually landed what she referred to as her ``dream job,'' working for an elected official. prgtoken Let me tell you, Julianna has been a dream to work with. I could always count on Julianna to be everywhere serving our constituents in western Maryland. Whether it was representing me at Fort Detrick in Frederick County or crossing over the western Maryland ``Alps'' to Garrett County, Julianna performed her duties with dedication, diligence, and professionalism. I don't think there is a firehall, a family business, or a nonprofit organization that hasn't met Julianna or hasn't had a Senate citation presented on my behalf by Julianna. Fittingly, Julianna was recognized for her accomplishments recently when she was named a Woman of Achievement by the Hagerstown Business and Professional Women. prgtoken We wish Julianna well as she turns the page into a new chapter of her life, which will enable her to spend well-deserved time with her beloved children: Vincent, a police officer in Boulder City, NV; Kay, who worked for the National Association of Secretaries of State; Marc, a first class deputy for the Washington County, MD, sheriff's department; and Nikole, who works at the U.S. Treasury Department. Most importantly, she will have more time to dote on her eight grandchildren: William, Dillon, Carter, Wyatt, Julia, Dalton, Claire, and Vivien. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Julianna Albowicz for all that she has done for the residents of Maryland and the U.S. Senate and in wishing her well in the years to come.
MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING RECENT CHABAD OF POWAY SHOOTING VICTIMS
Scott H. Peters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-29

it is with great sadness that I rise today to speak of the tragic shooting that took place at the Chabad of Poway on Saturday. As the synagogue celebrated the last day of Passover, a 19-year-old terrorist walked in and opened fire with an assault rifle. prgtoken One woman was killed, and three others were badly hurt. Lori Gilbert- Kaye died while selflessly trying to protect her rabbi from the gunman. She is recalled as a faith-filled, generous caregiver who put others before herself. Lori died as she lived. prgtoken Yesterday I attended an event to honor local Holocaust survivors. As I watched these brave men and women who survived Nazi Germany, I was confronted with the tragic realization that prgtoken today in 2019, Jews are still being threatened by murderous white supremacists. prgtoken , I ask for a moment of silence, but we must follow it with action. We must act against gun violence and come together to stop the rising tide of white supremacy that plagues our Nation today. prgtoken Please join me in a moment of silence.
TRIBUTE TO THADDEUS LUSZEY, JR.
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-4-29

when his son was deployed to Iraq in 2003, Thaddeus Luszey, Jr and his wife Deborah of Hudson, NH, began sending him care packages. Now, more than 10 years later, that simple act has turned into a nonprofit organization called Operation Care for Troops. Operation Care for Troops has sent nearly 110,000 packages to deployed servicemembers, providing them a friendly reminder from home that they are not forgotten. For his dedication to supporting the brave servicemembers who sacrifice so much so that the rest of us may live in freedom and security, I am proud to recognize Thaddeus as the April 2019 Granite Stater of the Month. prgtoken Thaddeus comes from a military family; his mother, father, and son are all veterans. When his son was deployed in Iraq, Thaddeus sat down with a friend over lunch who was also sending care packages overseas to deployed servicemembers, and an idea was born: They would work together to reach even more servicemembers. What started as friends, family, and neighbors in garages putting together care packages has transformed into a full-fledged organization with hundreds of volunteers. Operation Care for Troops sends over a thousand packages four times a year, including 3,000 stockings to troops over the holidays. Operation Care for Troops also makes sure that servicemembers know that the people of New Hampshire have them in their thoughts. Each package contains three or four cards from schoolchildren and community members, ensuring that no one goes without mail. prgtoken The organization does this all with the support of hundreds of community volunteers and businesses who help supply and fill the packages, a true embodiment of New Hampshire's all-hands-on-deck spirit. prgtoken For these efforts, I am proud to recognize Thaddeus Luszey, Jr as the April 2019 Granite Stater of the Month.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLYDE SCOLES
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-4-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize that during the Spring season of new life our community came together to memorialize the life's work of Clyde Scoles, director of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Unexpectedly passed from this life on February 15, his colleagues and community eulogized him on Saturday April 13 in a special ceremony at the new home of Toledo's Mott Branch Library. prgtoken Friend and mentor to thousands of people of all ages, he worked creatively and tirelessly to advance our library system in Toledo and Lucas County to be the heartbeat of learning for people of all ages and backgrounds regardless of income or circumstance. His gentlemanly and learned demeanor drew people to him and he advanced the cause of learning for everyone across our region. What a privilege it has been to know him and to work with him as he drove learning and community down to the neighborhood level. prgtoken The Columbus Dispatch, Mr. Scoles' hometown newspaper, and the Toledo Blade, his adopted home's newspaper, encapsulated his life thusly: ``Clyde Scoles, passed away, unexpectedly on Friday, February 15, 2019 at the age of 69. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, he and his family have lived in the Toledo area since 1978. Hard working and conscientious, Clyde focused his energies on serving the people of Lucas County, Ohio. Tirelessly, first as Associate Director and then as the Director of TLCPL, he continued the work of previous visionary Library directors to broaden consensus and build community outreach. By renovating the Main Library, his goal was to bring 21st Century function and capabilities to an already outstanding resource. Mr. Scoles was a distinguished leader of the community and well known throughout the area, accumulating many awards for his contributions and service to the Lucas County public. He was also a well known and respected professional throughout the Library world. His experience and participation in local, state and national Library events will be missed. But it is by his family that he will be most missed. His love for them was foremost always in his mind and heart and will remain with them forever. He is survived by numerous family and friends.'' prgtoken Clyde Scoles was a library champion, guardian of literacy, passionate leader, friend and mentor to many. The premiere Toledo Lucas County Library system is his legacy to our community and the world, opening up dreams and pathways to people young and old. In this time of rebirth and new beginnings, we celebrate this remarkable man and the catalogue of his life. To his family and friends carrying forward following his unexpected passing, we wish peace and comfort as we remember Clyde Scoles' extraordinary gifts. prgtoken As the new Mott Branch Library is dedicated I cannot help but think that future generations will wonder and admi