mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE EMMETT TILL MEMORIAL COMMISSION
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2017-5-18

I rise to recognize the Emmett Till Memorial Commission based in Tallahatchie County of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. prgtoken In 2006, the Tallahatchie County Board of Supervisors formed the Emmett Till Memorial Commission and charged them with the development and oversight of the Emmett Till Memorial Site. The site is a memorial to the memory of Mr. Emmett Louis Till, a 14-year old African American teenager who was brutally murdered in Mississippi and whose murderers were never brought to justice. The site also fosters racial reconciliation efforts and restorative justice programs. The Commission's mission statement is to remember, preserve, and educate the public about the history, stories and cultural legacy of the Civil Rights Movement of Tallahatchie County and other vital sites along the Emmett Till trail and their lasting effects on the County, State and the Nation. The Emmett Till Memorial Commission is comprised of 18 members and is multiracial in makeup. prgtoken In 2007 they began efforts to restore the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse to its 1955 character, where the trial of Mr. J.W. Milam and Mr. Roy Bryant, the two murderers of Emmett Till, took place despite a not-guilty verdict. On October 2, 2007, the project was officially launched with a racial healing ceremony organized by the William Winter institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi. prgtoken Over 400 people attended including members of the Till family. Following the ceremony, a bus tour was conducted of the sites significant to the Emmett Till story. In 2012 funding was secured and the work began to establish the Emmett Till Interpretive Center on the square directly across from the entrance to the Tallahatchie Courthouse. prgtoken On March 21st, 2015 the courthouse reopened after an extensive restoration process. The restoration of the courthouse helped solidify the apology that the community wrote in 2007 that began by saying ``We the citizens of Tallahatchie County believe that Racial Reconciliation begins by telling the truth.'' The courthouse and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center memorialize not only the murder and injustice, but of the brave actions of Mrs. Mamie Till, Mr. Mose Wright and others who forced the nation to acknowledge the racial injustices of the era. The restoration of the courthouse and the opening of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center could not have happened without the local leadership of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission of Tallahatchie County. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Emmett Till Memorial Commission located in Tallahatchie County, MS inside of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-19

it is a distinct honor to rise today to recognize National Police Week, honoring our heroes of the thin blue line. During this week each year, our Nation joins together to honor our brave men and women in blue. prgtoken In their mission to serve and protect, our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day, keeping our families and our communities safe from harm. Day in and day out, we witness the countless sacrifices made by the men and women who serve as our front line of defense here at home. prgtoken We stand to recognize their service this week. We also pay tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. prgtoken I would like to specifically thank the dedicated officers serving throughout the State of New York. From the New York State troopers to the county sheriffs and to our local law enforcement, the heroism and bravery of the prgtoken men and women in blue continues to inspire us all.
HONORING KBTX-TV
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

today I rise to honor J.B. Owen, Jr of Woodway, Texas, who passed away on March 5, 2017. prgtoken J.B. was born in Mathis, Texas, on November 19, 1928. He attended grade school in this small community with just three other students. Upon graduation from Mathis High School, J.B. went to Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where he would go on to earn a bachelor of business administration in general business. prgtoken He began his career by teaching business classes in Dilley, Texas, before a diagnosis of tuberculosis landed him in the hospital for 15 months. Thankfully, J.B. made a full recovery and set out to become an insurance agent with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company. J.B. was an exemplary leader at Farm Bureau for 41 years before his retirement in 1992. prgtoken In 1965, J.B. married Lillian Holley Rector, known as Lil, a Georgia peach he met on a blind date with the help of a coworker. In their 50- plus years of marriage, Lil and J.B. raised three children--Richard, Holley, and J.B. III. They were blessed with nine grandchildren, including triplets, who were born in 2001. prgtoken Along with being loving grandparents, J.B. and Lil enjoyed traveling, both in Texas and beyond. prgtoken J.B. is recognized as an exemplary steward for the greater Waco community. He was an active volunteer and community member, serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Community Development Board. He also served as an elder at Highland Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for 35 years. prgtoken J.B. served as the president of the Northwest Waco Rotary Club, president of the Harlingen PTA, and as president of Kids & Co a childcare center. He was also a member of Gideons International, a Christian business association. prgtoken , J.B. Owen worked tirelessly to better our central Texas and Waco communities. He is loved by his city and certainly left an enduring impression on central Texas. He will be forever remembered as a great philanthropist, community member, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. prgtoken My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Owen family. We also lift up his wife, Lil, and family and friends of J.B. Owen, Jr in our prayers. prgtoken I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the United States Capitol to honor the life and legacy of J.B. Owen, Jr. prgtoken As I close these remarks, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Bob J. Surovik
PROBATION OFFICER PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
John Ratcliffe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

there is no Fourth Amendment violation, the bill makes no reference whatsoever to the issue of searches, and there is no objection to the gentlewoman's request for a study. But there continues to be, and needs to be, objection and opposition to a sunset provision with respect prgtoken to the authority that probation officers need to perform their duties safely and effectively. prgtoken , .
HONORING BUD SIMMONS
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise in praise of a good Missourian and a good friend who has done a great deal to honor our men and women in uniform. prgtoken For 18 years, Bud Simmons has hosted a Troop Hero Appreciation Day at his Pier 31 Marina and Restaurant on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, where he treats military families to a delicious meal, boat rides on the lake, numerous prizes, and a day together as a family away from the stresses of military life. prgtoken If you ask Bud why he does it, he will tell you that freedom is not free and that he wants to honor our heroes who are pledging their lives to protect ours. He remembers how many troops returning from Vietnam were never thanked for their sacrifices, and he doesn't want that mistake repeated. prgtoken This year's event on Saturday, June 10, is the last time that Bud will host this event. I want to thank Bud for his efforts to honor those who serve. He has made a difference in countless lives of servicemen, servicewomen, and their families, and we are all grateful for his example, his leadership, and his patriotism. prgtoken God bless you, Bud.
PROBATION OFFICER PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

on this legislation, I think it is important that individuals understand probation officers. I worked at the courthouse in Houston, Texas, as a prosecutor and then as a criminal court judge for 22 years. I had probation officers report to me. That was our system. I knew a lot of probation officers, Federal and State. I think our society does not understand how important their job is. prgtoken A person comes to court charged with a crime, and the judge decides to release that person on supervised probation. The person goes back out into the community and is supposed to follow a bunch of rules or the probation could be revoked. Probation officers not only have probationers come to their office to report, but probation officers go out there where these probationers are--in their homes and where they are working--and check up on them, trying to make sure they toe the line. It is a very, very dangerous job, in my opinion. prgtoken Many of these probation officers work alone, just because of budget problems. So they will go out there, prgtoken and they will talk to some probationer about their probation and try to encourage them to, for example, get a job. That is what you are supposed to do when you are on probation. And they encounter other people--sometimes family members, sometimes friends, sometimes roommates, business associates--and they start yelling and screaming at the probation officer. Sometimes they commit a crime against the probation officer. What is the probation officer supposed to do? Call the police? No. prgtoken Under this legislation, it allows the probation officer to arrest other people who are basically committing a crime against the probation officer, whether it is an assault or whether it is a threat or whether it is interfering, maybe, with the arrest of the probationer. That is what this legislation does. It helps protect the probation officer when they are out there trying to rehabilitate probationers. prgtoken I have heard stories over the 22 years at the courthouse from probation officers about how, when they go out in one of these areas of Houston, Texas, some of the people that are there with the probationer aren't the nicest folks in the world, and they start yelling, screaming, and actually will commit a crime against the probation officer--for example, a threat, or maybe even an assault. prgtoken Remember, many of these individuals are working alone. They don't go out there with a SWAT team. They are out there by themselves, and they are doing, really, what we want them to do to keep that probationer following the straight and narrow, make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do. And then sometimes people interfere. This legislation protects the probation officer and allows the officer to keep those folks at bay and arrest them. prgtoken Now, I have heard the concerns of whether or not this is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. There is no one more supportive of the
PROBATION OFFICER PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
David G. Reichert (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-5-19

today I am here to talk about a bill that should be a fully bipartisan bill supported by all Members of this body. It gives our probation officers the tools they need to defend themselves, but also, at the same time, protect the people who are on probation that the probation officers are trying to help and protect and keep on track and get them back on a path to productive citizenship in this country. Sometimes they are impeded from doing their job, not just verbally. prgtoken I was a cop for 33 years. I was verbally abused thousands of times. I have lost track. Those bounce off the badge, and that is what probation officers do. Verbal abuse is verbal abuse. You deal with it, you handle it, and you go about your day. But when somebody puts their hands on you, or they spit on you, that is physical. That is assault. Probation officers should be able to protect themselves and take actions in those instances when they are assaulted. You don't need an arrest warrant. You don't need a search warrant to arrest someone who has just assaulted an officer. This is common sense. prgtoken So to say you need a search warrant or an arrest warrant to arrest someone who has assaulted you is the wrong way to look at this law. The person who is being supervised lives in a residence, and the probation officer has the authority to go to that residence and has the authority, by the way, , to walk into that residence. They have the authority to force their way into that residence if it is known to be owned by the person who is on probation. And if they are obstructed in doing that, it is a violation of the law. Furthermore, if they are assaulted, it is another violation. prgtoken In the past, what has happened is that the probation officers had to step away, walk away, and say: Oh, well. The guy just spit in my face. He punched me in the face. He pushed me. He obstructed me. I guess I will go back to my car and get on the radio, and 30 minutes from now when police officers can finally show up--because we are shorthanded across this Nation as far as police officers go. We have hundreds and hundreds, thousands, of vacancies across this Nation in every police department, every sheriff's office. So we are going to just step away, we are going to call for backup, and we are going to wait for a half an hour and see what happens. prgtoken I think this not only puts the probation officer at risk, but it also puts the person who is on probation at risk. What is happening in that house that that person doesn't want us to come in and see? prgtoken I have worked with, as you might guess, probation officers from the local level, Federal level, all across the spectrum. They are well trained. They have an academy that they go through. They raise their right hand and swear to uphold the Constitution, all the laws of this country. They are trained. Every year they have a minimal amount of training, 40 hours. That is the minimum. They have addi
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today in honor of National Police Week, an opportunity to recognize the brave men and women in blue. prgtoken This week is meaningful to me and my family, for my oldest son is a police officer in Michigan, and I could not be more proud of him and his service. prgtoken Too often, we take for granted those who every day put on a badge and a vest to protect us and our communities. Events across this country have been politicized and stretch the relationship between law enforcement and their community. Let us not have politics overwhelm the dedication and commitment of our men and women in blue. Our lives, and indeed our freedoms, are safeguarded by the thin blue line. We owe the men and women in uniform, those who put themselves at risk every day, a simple thank you and simply our respect. prgtoken , I rise to give the police officers at our doors here, the officers throughout our communities, and my son, a simple thank you.
TRIBUTE TO KEITH KINYON
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Keith Kinyon for his many years of service to the American Legion and to his country. Keith was recently honored for being a 70- year member with the American Legion. prgtoken The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. The organization is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor and continued devotion to their fellow service members and veterans. prgtoken , I commend Keith for his service to our country's veterans and his dedication to his community. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in commending Keith for his outstanding service and in wishing him nothing but continued success.
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEK
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to express my sincere thanks to all of the men and women who serve and have served in law enforcement in the State of Colorado. These men and women put themselves in harm's way to protect the citizens of our great State. prgtoken I would like to especially recognize the Aurora, Littleton, Greenwood Village, and Brighton Police Departments, as well as the Arapahoe, Douglas, and Adams County Sheriff's Departments for their tireless work in doing their best to keep our communities safe. prgtoken I am proud to say that these municipal police and county sheriff's departments within the Sixth Congressional District of Colorado are exceptional and should be recognized for their extraordinary public service. prgtoken These men and women of law enforcement are dedicated to public safety. In honor of National Law Enforcement Week, I would like to thank not only those who serve in law enforcement in the State of Colorado but all those who serve across our country.
HONORING BURAK M. GUVENSOYLAR
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to honor a very special member of my staff, Burak Guvensoylar, who lost his courageous battle with cancer this past weekend. prgtoken Burak was a valued member of the Judiciary Committee team and worked on a variety of issues, including digital privacy and intellectual property. His vast knowledge and grasp of the issues impacting the technology community was a tremendous asset to the Committee. Most recently, Burak's work included the development of the Committee's Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, and his steadfast work and tenacious attitude were not only essential to making this initiative a success, but were also a testament to his character. In fact, while he was undergoing intensive cancer treatments, he was actively working and sending follow up emails from his hospital bed. And just days before Burak passed away he met with FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai to discuss a number of Judiciary Committee priorities. For Burak, nothing could prevent him from an opportunity to discuss and advance the policies he was so passionate about. prgtoken Burak was a true technology policy enthusiast. Prior to joining the staff of the Judiciary Committee, Burak served as a Legislative Advisor for Congressman Randy Forbes. While working for Congressman Forbes, Burak handled the diverse range of issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee but it was always evident that technology policy was his first love. He co-founded the Congressional Tech Staff Association and served as an Executive Officer responsible for the professional development program. Prior to his career on Capitol Hill, Burak worked at TechAmerica and CompTIA focusing on international trade policy. prgtoken Burak has many friends here in the halls of Congress, on both sides of the aisle. I know all of you will join me in extending our deepest sympathies to his mother Filiz Guvensoylar, his sister Aylin Forbes, his girlfriend Ashley Newsome, and all of his loved ones. Burak will be deeply missed.
RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
John Abney Culberson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

every day law enforcement officers across America put their lives on the line to protect our communities and our fellow citizens. National Police Week is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize and express our deep appreciation for those law enforcement officers and first responders for their selfless service. prgtoken I want to take a moment to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. prgtoken In County, Texas, we recognize and remember the lives of Chief Clint Greenwood and Deputy Darren Goforth, who worked tirelessly to keep Houston safe. Both of these men served their communities and families honorably, and we are so grateful for their sacrifice. prgtoken As chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, it is and will continue to be one of my top priorities to ensure that our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to protect our communities and to protect themselves. We must always honor and protect those who protect us. prgtoken I express a deep thanks to the people of Texas and America, to all our uniformed officers, for their dedicated service to our Nation.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to honor the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line day and night protecting our communities, like my nephew Ethan Meehan. prgtoken As we close this year's Police Week, I would like to pay particular tribute to the law enforcement personnel who have been killed or wounded in the line of duty, like Officer Christopher Dorman of Folcroft, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, who was shot and wounded last June but bravely back on the job just weeks later. prgtoken Sadly, four of Pennsylvania's finest lost their lives in the line of duty last year: prgtoken Pennsylvania State Trooper Eugene Weaver; prgtoken Canonsburg Patrolman Scott Bashioum; prgtoken Pennsylvania Corrections Officer David Weaver; and prgtoken Luzerne County Corrections Officer Kristopher Moules. prgtoken We thank them for their service, and we are indebted for their sacrifice. We honor their memories, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families.