mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE CAREER OF STEPHEN R. BAUMAN--DIRECTOR OF THE VA CENTRAL CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-1-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor my good friend and colleague, Stephen R. Bauman, as he retires from his position as Director of the VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno, California. Throughout his distinguished career with the United States Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Stephen has dedicated his life to public service and the care of our nation's veterans. Stephen has left an indelible mark on the Central Valley through his commitment to the veteran community. prgtoken Stephen honorably served our country for 36 years in the United States Navy. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. As a reservist, he was activated in support of Operation Desert Storm and completed a tour in Iraq and Kuwait in 2004 as a Command Master Chief in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attended Grantham University in Lenexa, Kansas and obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2011. prgtoken Stephen began his career with the Department of Veteran Affairs in 1977 as a staff nurse at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. He has served at eight VA facilities throughout his career, including the Northern California Health Care System, Sierra Pacific Network and Los Angeles. He was appointed Director of the VA Central California Health Care System in November 2015. His proven experience and sound leadership qualities made him the perfect fit to guide the Fresno VA. prgtoken As director, Stephen was responsible for the delivery of health care for approximately 96,000 veterans throughout Central California, with an annual operating budget of $212 million. He oversees both the main campus in Fresno and the outpatient clinics in Tulare, Merced, and Oakhurst, California. My staff and I have had the pleasure of working closely with Director Bauman throughout his tenure. Stephen has gone above and beyond to help veterans in need of assistance in the Central Valley. I commend him for his exemplary work on behalf of the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our great nation. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of Director Stephen R. Bauman, in honor of his remarkable career and contributions to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I wish Stephen the very best as he enters a new phase in his life. I ask that you join me in wishing Stephen and his family continued happiness and prosperity.
MARY J. TROST CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-2-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mary Josephine Trost from Yucaipa, California. Mary was born as Mary Josephine DeHetre on January 30, 1919 in Currie, Minnesota. prgtoken Growing up during the Great Depression, Mary saw her formal education end before the start of high school. Family medical issues and a failing national economy forced her into the workforce, where she held a variety of jobs. In 1938, Mary married Joseph Trost, and moved with him to his family's farm in Seaforth, Minnesota. They later moved to another farm in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in 1944, where Joe began working as a mechanic in addition to his farming business. In 1951, Mary and Joe moved across the country to Colton, California, where Joe worked at nearby Norton Air Force Base. Following a three year trip to Guam for work, the family finally settled in Yucaipa, California in 1963. Over the next 56 years, Mary has become a staple in the local community. She has been active in St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughter's Court Holy Spirit, where she serves as Grand Regent and recently received her 50 year pin. Mary has also seen the birth of 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. prgtoken Mary has lived an incredibly rich life that has spanned an entire century. I wish her a happy birthday as well as continued joy and happiness as she continues to be active in her church, family, and community.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-2-4

. Madam , it's my honor to recognize the Michigan Farm Bureau upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. Through its trusted services and invaluable community investment, MFB has become an indispensable part of the state of Michigan. prgtoken Founded in February 1919, the Michigan Farm Bureau was formed when representatives of 57 county-level Farm Bureaus gathered on the campus of the Michigan Agricultural College--now Michigan State University. Over the next century, MFB would weave together a fabric and community of farmers from across the state. Today, the organization includes more than 40,000 farmer members that produce hundreds of different agricultural commodities and represent every facet of Michigan's incredibly diverse agricultural industry. prgtoken In the last 100 years, the Michigan Farm Bureau and its affiliates have provided its members with a vast array of goods and services, from farm equipment and supplies to commodity marketing, price negotiation and insurance. Today, MFB serves as the voice of Michigan's farmers at the state and national level, speaking on their behalf in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Its Young Farmers initiative helps develop the skills and leadership needed to ready the next generation to take the reins, and Farm Bureau volunteers help take the farm into classrooms statewide--keeping Michiganders informed about where their food comes from. Every year, MFB members donate tens of thousands of dollars' worth of food products and assistance to the needy, working directly with established food banks and other charities throughout the state. Day after day, the Michigan Farm Bureau sets a positive example of what can be achieved when the people of a state work together for the common good. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to congratulate the Michigan Farm Bureau for 100 years of success, service, and community investment. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing our state is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish MFB all the best in its future endeavors.
S. 130
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-2-4

. First, , later today, the junior Senator from Nebraska will give the Senate an opportunity to address an issue of profound moral importance. I understand that he plans to ask consent to pass legislation that ought to be the very definition of something that receives unanimous consent in this body. It would help ensure that all baby girls and boys who are born alive--all of prgtoken them--have their right to life respected and receive the medical care they need. prgtoken It builds on the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002, which did indeed pass this body by unanimous consent, and creates enforcement mechanisms if abortion providers fail to give these newborn babies the medical attention and care they so obviously deserve. prgtoken Completely apart from the rest of our debate on the issue of life, how could this question be any clearer? What could be more unanimous than this: What medical professionals owe every single newborn American citizen, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, is attention and care--not neglect and certainly not violence. Frankly, it is harrowing that this legislation is even necessary. prgtoken What is even more disturbing when, last week, a ic Governor was unable to clearly and simply state that, of course--of course-- these newborn babies have human rights that must be respected. prgtoken I have been a proud cosponsor of Senator Sasse's legislation, and I hope none of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle invent any reasons to block this request later today. That would make quite a disturbing statement. prgtoken If they do inexplicably block Senator Sasse's effort, I can assure them this will not be the last time we try to afford newborns this fundamental legal protection.
HONORING PAUL RIPLEY
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-2-4

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the amazing life of Paul Ripley. On February 8, 2019, Mr. Ripley will receive the highest French order of merit for military and civil excellence, the French Legion of Honour. The Legion of Honour was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte as an order of merit for those who serve France and its people with honor. prgtoken At the age of 95, Paul Ripley has lived a distinguished life. He was born in Smithton, Missouri, on February 28, 1923, and attended Smithton High School before going to work for a pipe company in Sedalia, Missouri. Paul answered the call to serve his nation during World War II. Upon entering the Army on April 6, 1943, he underwent basic training at Camp Blanding and was later deployed to France with the Ninth United States Army. prgtoken Stationed at Army Headquarters near Rennes, Mr. Ripley was assigned to the Graves Registration Division, assisting with the identification and burial of his fallen brethren. He served honorably, ensuring that American servicemembers were buried with dignity and respect. Technician 5th grade Paul Ripley was honorably discharged on November 14, 1945. prgtoken After returning home Mr. Ripley attended the University of Tulsa under the G.I. Bill and then entered the nursery products industry, becoming the first entrepreneur to sell products directly to large department stores such as Ames, Target and Sears. This innovation led to the creation of the modern gardening department at many national retailers. He moved his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, so that he could expand his business and better connect with his clients. Throughout his career, Mr. Ripley received many awards and accolades for his ingenuity and ethics. prgtoken I would like to congratulate Paul Ripley and his family on this distinguished honor.
CONGRATULATING ROD SMITH ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-2-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Rod Smith, longtime Sports Director at KRCG-TV Jefferson City, for his recent induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. prgtoken Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, Rod shared his father's love of sports, playing baseball, basketball, golf, tennis and even hockey as a child. In 1985, Rod graduated from Oral Roberts University and started his career at KRCG. Jefferson City was not on his radar when Rod graduated, but after attending college in Tulsa and his parents still living in Chicago it was a good central location. His career at KRCG started out with reporting the weather and sports on the weekend. He didn't expect to stay at KRCG forever, but when he met Lana at Capital City Christian Church everything changed. The two fell in love and built a life in Jefferson City. prgtoken Throughout his three decades of passionately delivering sports news to Jefferson City residents Rod has become an icon and celebrity in the local community. He has watched generations of student athletes excel in their respective sport and has cheered them on with pride. During this longstanding career he has also had the privilege to cover two Super Bowls: Rams and Tennessee Titans and Rams and New England Patriots; World Series games: St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals; NCAA tournaments; Missouri bowl games; and SEC football games. Perhaps his best claim to fame in the Midwest is ``Rod's Big ol' Fish!'' segment that is dedicated to showcasing the many catches from anglers across the region. prgtoken Along with sports broadcasting Rod is known throughout the community for his many emcee appearances which include fundraisers like the Mid- Missouri Heart Association Heart Ball, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, United Cerebral Palsy's ``Wing Ding'' and ``Deal or No Deal'', and the YMCA and Samaritan Center auctions. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and many other events also appreciate his energetic and positive energy. In 2018 alone, Rod emceed no less than 35 of the area's fund-raising events. As an accomplished golfer, Rod has been able to participate in 15 charity tournaments each year on behalf of KRCG and Naught-Naught Insurance Agency. prgtoken The biggest supporters throughout Rod's longstanding career are his wife of 31 years, Lana, and daughters, Brittany, Brooke, and Paige. While his love of sports is evident, Rod's family has unquestionably been his number one priority and, even with his hectic broadcasting schedule, he was able to coach all three girls in softball and basketball. I have no doubt they are as proud of their father today as he has been of them throughout their lives. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in congratulating Rod Smith on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019. This milestone is well deserved.
RECOGNIZING HOOSIER VETERAN JOE STEENBEKE AND HIS CANINE PARTNER TESS
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-2-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the bravery, service, and friendship of Hoosier veteran Joseph Steenbeke and his beloved canine partner Tess. prgtoken Joe and Tess served side-by-side to defend our freedom, and they are true American heroes. Joe served in the U.S. Army, working as a Tactical Explosive Detection Dog, or TEDD, handler. From May 2012 to February 2013, he was deployed to Afghanistan with Tess, a Belgian Malinois trained to detect IEDs, at his side. prgtoken Joe served his country with courage and strength. But as Joe's wife Stephanie put it: ``He risked his life fighting beside an even stronger force, Tess.'' She was Joe's partner, his protector, and his best friend. When their service together ended, Joe returned home to Indiana, and Tess moved on to her next mission for the Connecticut National Guard. But their bond remained strong. prgtoken Over the next five years, Joe never stopped thinking about Tess and never gave up on the idea of adopting her. Like so many of our brave veterans do when they return from war, Joe struggled with PTSD. But his love for Tess and his determination to bring her home prgtoken gave him strength and hope. And that's when Stephanie wrote me a letter asking to help them complete this mission. prgtoken It was a great honor to work with Joe and Stephanie, the U.S. military, and the Connecticut National Guard to ensure once Tess was retired she could be adopted by her former handler. And I was thrilled to be able to call Joe a few weeks ago with the good news: Tess would soon be his again. Now she is with the Steenbekes in her forever home in Culver, Indiana, taking on her latest mission as Joe's partner, protector, and best friend. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the courage and sacrifice of Joe Steenbeke and the loyal companionship of his beloved dog Tess. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I am grateful for their service to our country and the powerful example they set. This is more than a story of man's best friend. This is the story of an unbreakable bond between two American heroes.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST ACT OF 2019-- Resumed
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-2-4

I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to the Senator from Nebraska for her comments on the INF Treaty that President has withdrawn the United States from. There wasn't much of a treaty left, really, after Russia repeatedly violated it, and China is not even bound by it. It is very important, when we are talking about these issues, that we understand the facts and the state of the world as it is. prgtoken I read a recent summary by the RAND Corporation of their analysis of Russia and China. They called Russia a rogue, not a peer, and China a peer, not a rogue. There is a lot behind that, but I think it really is true that the only way we are going to deter the Russians is by maintaining our strength. The way we do that is by doing what is necessary to protect the United States and our allies. In this case, that means taking a treaty that has already been violated by the Russians and no longer bounds China and building the appropriate missiles to deter anybody from taking advantage of any perceived weakness in the United States, insofar as it comes to protecting ourselves or our allies. prgtoken I would like to express my appreciation for those comments and support them. Honoring Donna Doss prgtoken , it is with a heavy heart that I come to the Senate floor this morning to express my deepest condolences for the friends, family, and colleagues of U.S. Border Patrol agent Donna Doss, who was killed in the line of duty this last weekend. prgtoken On Saturday, February 2, Agent Doss responded to a call for assistance from a Texas Department Public Safety trooper on Interstate Highway 20, near Abilene, TX. While on the scene, she was struck by a passing vehicle and died shortly thereafter of her injuries. prgtoken During her more than 15 years of dedicated service, Agent Doss has made immeasurable contributions to public safety, both in Texas and beyond. Her career with the Border Patrol began at the Brackettville Station in the Del Rio Sector, where she worked to disrupt and dismantle several of our narcotic organizations as a Drug Enforcement Administration task force officer. prgtoken Her career then led her to Washington State, where she led the Criminal Alien Prosecutions Unit for the Spokane Sector. prgtoken Then, in 2011, Agent Doss made her way back to Texas to serve in the Laredo Sector, first, as supervisory Border Patrol agent and, later, as operations officer. prgtoken Since March of 2017, she served as resident agent in Abilene, where she was responsible for all of the enforcement operations across eight counties. prgtoken In addition to leading a distinguished career, Agent Doss was a loving wife, daughter, sister, and stepmother. Her loss is another solemn reminder of the courageous sacrifices law enforcement officers and their families make every day. We are grateful to all of those who put their lives on the line when they p
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-2-4

building on this comprehensive effort to strengthen retirement security, I am also introducing a second bill today with my friend and colleague from Virginia, Senator Mark Warner. prgtoken It would provide greater flexibility and access to both employees and their employers seeking to use the popular SIMPLE plans for saving for retirement. prgtoken Established in 1996, SIMPLE plans can help small businesses provide their employees with a retirement plan that is less costly and easier to navigate than the 401(k) plan, which many small employers simply cannot afford. prgtoken Our bill, the SIMPLE Plan Modernization Act, would help expand access to SIMPLE plans by increasing the contribution limit for most small companies. This would achieve two important goals. First, it would encourage more small employers to offer a retirement savings benefit to their employees. Second, it would allow employees of small businesses to save even more for retirement each year on a tax-deferred basis. prgtoken This legislation is also a win-win proposition for retirement security. It encourages small business employers and their employees to take additional steps to save for retirement. For many small employers, this legislation would provide enhanced saving opportunities. At the same time, it is carefully constructed to prevent employers that already have a 401(k) plan from dropping that plan to adopt a SIMPLE plan. In other words, we want to broaden the number of employers who are able to offer retirement plans to their employees. It also preserves strong incentives for small businesses that become more successful to move from a SIMPLE plan to a 401(k) plan as they become bigger, more profitable, and more secure. prgtoken In light of the positive effects these bills would have in strengthening retirement security for millions of Americans, I urge my colleagues to join in supporting the Retirement Security Act of 2019 and the SIMPLE Plan Modernization Act. prgtoken This is a crisis that is looming on the horizon. It used to be that we could count on the three pillars that made up the retirement system, Social Security, a pension from an employer, and also personal savings. All three of those pillars are shaky right now. The two bills I have introduced today attempt to strengthen two out of three of the legs of this three-legged stool. We need to do that to ensure that Americans can enjoy a financially secure retirement and not end up retiring in poverty.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 130
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-2-4

I rise in support of S. 130, which I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation would ensure that healthcare providers treat babies who have been born alive, after failed abortion attempts, with the same care they would treat any other baby born at the same stage of pregnancy. prgtoken I also thank the Senator from Nebraska for his leadership on this issue and for bringing this issue to the floor. prgtoken In one sense, it is very hard to imagine this legislation is even necessary in the United States of America. In the 21st century, when, every day, new, advanced technologies bring new revelations about the wonders of human life, it is hard to fathom the extremism of the politicians in New York and now in Virginia who would deny the protections of law to the most vulnerable members of our society--the innocent unborn--and allow them to be aborted, allow them to be killed right up to the moment of birth. It is hard to comprehend statements like those of Ralph Northam's, the Virginia Governor, who said that if he had his way, infants who survived abortion attempts would be delivered and kept comfortable--that is his word--while the doctors and the parents decided their fate. Is this really what it has come to in the United States? Is this really the social vision of today's ic Party? Frankly, I can't imagine a vision less just or less consistent with the goodness and compassion of the American people. prgtoken In another sense, perhaps we should not be so surprised. After all, the cruelty and extremism that has been advocated by a growing number of ic politicians made up the conventional wisdom for much of recorded history. prgtoken We often hail the ancient Greeks as the founders of democracy, but, of course, most of the Greeks believed that most humans were born to be slaves and that their lives were utterly worthless. Oh, they had a democracy, of course, but it was the democracy of the few ruling over the many. prgtoken The Romans took the same view. They kept most of their subjects in chains. They infamously killed children they didn't want and left them to be exposed on hillsides or in deserted places. The Romans had a republic, but citizenship was for the few. The strong ruled. Most lives, they thought, didn't matter. prgtoken This has been the general rule of the ages. The Aztecs, the Mayans, the Incas all practiced child sacrifice. Archaeologists recently discovered a burial ground dated to the tomb of the empire in Peru where more than 140 children were dismembered in a ritual of sacrifice. So it has gone down through the years. The strong prey upon the weak. The few rule the many. Individual lives don't count. prgtoken We here in the United States of America hold to a different conviction. Our Constitution was written and the whole edifice of American liberty depends on a very different belief, on a belief that is as simple as it is powerful--that every life matters. We beli