mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE
Steve Russell (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-6-23

Solomon, who was often noted as the wisest man in the world, said: ``A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.'' prgtoken If you were to ask the average American citizen would they like their elected officials to come to Washington and to work together, they would all say: Of course. They should. That is what we elect them for. prgtoken Yet, often in our history, we see emotions override the mouth and we raise our voices, distrust builds, isolation results, we don't get to know each other, we don't get to work with one another. As we isolate, then a distrust builds, and with distrust, then we don't want to hear what either side has to say. Ultimately, when we can no longer exchange ideas with a deliberateness, then we fall short. prgtoken Solomon also said in Ecclesiastes: ``Two are better than one, for they have a good reward for their labor, for if the one fall, the other will lift up,'' and ``A three-fold cord is not quickly broken.'' prgtoken As we look at our mottoes and our institutions, we have a phrase: ``Out of many, one.'' prgtoken That phrase is not: Out of one idea, let's create many. prgtoken It is just the opposite. prgtoken One thing that I learned in my time as a soldier in negotiating and dealing with people groups that literally could not agree, to the point that they were shelling and killing each other and each other's women and children in their villages as they burned, that even in situations like that, they could find some overlapping circles and some common ground in between. prgtoken The events of the past week are a reminder not just to Members of Congress, who oftentimes we do know each other, we do work with one another, we do serve on committees with one another. We take great pride in developing those relationships despite our differences, but we have an obligation, because, as a constitutional representative republic, we are a reflection of the people that send us here. prgtoken It is important that the lawmakers that the American people send to Washington to do that work be those that are willing to accommodate, that are willing to assimilate the things that we agree on, because if we can't accommodate and we can't assimilate--as I have viewed in war- torn battlefields in several different places through a career as an infantry soldier, if you can no longer accommodate or be willing to assimilate certain agreed ideas, then you are left with the third choice, which is elimination. prgtoken The United States has never had that as its pretext. We got close once in a period from about 1820 to 1860. We have faced tough times before and come together. I would hope, , that not just our body, as we take and deem these responsibilities with a lot of conviction, but that the American people would take their responsibility to be mindful of the words of Solomon: ``A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.'' prgtoken Our country is bigger than any o
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-6-23

I thank Ranking Member Danny Davis. I rise to express support for H.R. 2842, Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act. prgtoken I do, again, want to thank my dear friend, Representative Davis, for recognizing the importance of subsidizing jobs as something that was featured in my RISE Out of Poverty bill, and I applaud this bipartisan bill as a small step in the right direction. prgtoken Now, this bill calls for a demonstration project, which would show progress toward reducing poverty in our country through a 1-year test of subsidized employment programs. But I would note, , that it certainly does not tackle the larger shortcomings of TANF, which is in desperate need of reform. prgtoken If enacted, this bill would exhibit a great start at helping TANF recipients obtain short-term employment. However, methods to retain long-term employment through higher education and childcare options for TANF recipients are still needed. prgtoken I do want to point out, , that contrary to popular notions of welfare recipients--I have been a welfare recipient myself-- people on public assistance do, in fact, want to work, but they want to work at a wage that is sustainable. They want to work at a job that includes training opportunities. They want to work at jobs that provide them with a career ladder, and they, certainly, want to work at a job that will bring them out of poverty--something that will help them work in a durable, lasting fashion. prgtoken Since I have a little bit more time than I thought I was going to have, I just want to point out that it is a little-known fact that current law under TANF actually requires welfare recipients to do unwaged work. How absurd is that? Who in this body, , would work for absolutely nothing? prgtoken I want to note that the proposed funding mechanism in H.R. 2842 does not appear in my RISE Out of Poverty bill. TANF funds are woefully inadequate already. They are pegged to a 1994 appropriations, and, certainly, this flat funding would inure to the detriment of the entire TANF program. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge Members to support this bill.
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-6-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am here this morning to talk about the biggest thing on the minds of the folks that I represent: jobs. prgtoken I am glad that we are having a discussion today about how to help people land a job that they can be proud of. prgtoken Whether I am at a VFW or a county fair, in a lot of the parts of the region that I represent, this is the concern that I hear more than anything else. prgtoken Today's bill would help people who are looking for work acquire skills that help them land a bigger paycheck and a better career. I am glad to offer an amendment with a fellow member of the Bipartisan Working Group, Representative Valadao, to make sure that the bill that is passed does some good for rural communities and for our tribal partners as well. prgtoken I know firsthand the challenges that small towns across America are facing. I grew up in a timber town in Washington State and watched some of the parents of my friends and some of my neighbors lose their jobs as mills shut down. These men and women are the hardworking Americans that want work, want training, and want careers. In short, they want a shot at a better life. prgtoken That is what this bill will do. I commend Mr. Curbelo and Mr. Davis for bringing it forward. With our amendment, we can make sure that shot is extended to all communities, no matter their ZIP Code. prgtoken Our amendment directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take a look at how to address employment challenges in rural areas and those challenges facing members of federally recognized Native American Tribes. It directs the Secretary then to provide recommendations to Congress on what fixes actually work best. prgtoken When it comes to providing the training to get folks into quality jobs, we want to make sure that we are not flying blind. Our amendment makes sure that we have all the information we need to make the right decisions and give folks who want a quality job a shot at that. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE LIFE OF RAYMOND V. WALENDZAK
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to recognize the life of Raymond V. Walendzak, who served for over 20 years as the Chief of the Oregon Fire Department. Ray passed away in his Oregon home surrounded by his family on June 7, 2017. prgtoken Ray was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 27, 1941 to Joan and Stanley Walendzak. He played football and wrestled for Clay High School, from which he graduated in 1959. Ray continued his education at Findlay College, and then joined the United States Air Force and served in West Germany. prgtoken In 1968, Ray became an Oregon firefighter, where he began his service in the department's maintenance division, became a fire prevention officer, a district chief, and the assistant chief. Ray's father also served as a firefighter, which helped Ray bridge the differences between the different generations who were serving as firefighters. He appreciated the traditions of fire service, and also the need to modernize fire service with technology. prgtoken Ray became Fire Chief in 1986 and retired in 2007 for a total of 39 years of fire service. While Fire Chief, Ray made sure his department was current in training and technology, and made sure that the department had the right equipment. Ray has said that his biggest achievement was getting a fire training facility built in Oregon. prgtoken His passion about the fire-fighting community led him to serve its various organizations which include serving as the past president of the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, Lucas County Fire Chiefs Association, Oregon Fire Fighters Association, Ottawa County Fireman's Association, and, for over 26 years, as past president and secretary of the Northwest Ohio Volunteer Fire Association. prgtoken He had received the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association's Distinguished Service Award, and was inducted into the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame. Ray served as a Governor appointee to the State of the Ohio Board of Emergency Medical Services for 12 years. He was inducted into the Clay High School Hall of Fame in 2014. prgtoken Ray's commitment to his community did not just stop with the fire department--it extended through his service to his church, St. Ignatius, and through many of the civic organizations he was a member of: the American Legion Christ Dunberger Post No. 537, Knights of Columbus, Swiss Club at the GAF, and the Clay Boosters. prgtoken Ray dedicated an enormous amount of time to the youth of his community, where he was a longtime coach of youth baseball through the Oregon Recreation Department. Ray also served as a football coach at Oregon Clay High School. His dedication to the young members of his community led him to run for four terms on the Oregon Board of Education where he also served as Board President. prgtoken Ray will be remembered for his dedication to his chosen profession of Fire Fighting and for his dedication to the Oregon community at large. prgtoken We offer Ray's children, Dean, Donald and Dennis, his six gr
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Ro Khanna (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today in support of H.R. 2842, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act. I would like to thank the sponsors of the bill, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Curbelo), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions). prgtoken This bipartisan bill will assist low-income individuals by helping some of our most needy Americans to enter the workforce and maintain their employment. I believe one of the top priorities for Congress is to help our middle class by creating wealth in the middle class and to help the wages of the 50 percent of Americans who haven't had a wage raise since 1980. prgtoken For far too long, many Americans have seen falling incomes, which have left working families behind. My amendment is simple. It adds a requirements for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to measure the effect that training and credentialing has on the recipients helped by this bill. prgtoken The public report and recommendations to Congress are already mandated by the original bill. This amendment will not affect the overall cost. prgtoken There is a body of research demonstrating that providing education and training to TANF recipients makes people more likely to obtain good jobs and increase their wages. They are more likely to stay employed. prgtoken The projects funded by this bill provide a great opportunity to add to this prgtoken research so we can know how to better assist TANF recipients and other unemployed workers. prgtoken I also want to thank the gentlewoman from Washington, (Ms. DelBene), for her amendment to the bill during markup by the Committee on Ways and Means. That amendment requires that at least one of the employment demonstration projects must be an apprenticeship program. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my amendment that seeks to add information that can be used to modernize our job training, credentialing, and apprenticeship program to match those seeking employment with our current job openings. prgtoken , .
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEVON PFEIFER
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to honor a dear friend and public servant, Devon Joan Pfeifer of Weston, Connecticut, who we lost far too soon. A dedicated and loving mother, beloved community leader, and passionate activist, Devon lived her life devoted to helping the lives of others, fighting for equal rights for all, and championing opportunities for the poor and working class. The daughter of a carpenter and labor leader, Devon embraced the struggle she found in the labor movement: fair pay and a helping hand for the least fortunate. She brought this spirit of compassion to many volunteer causes throughout Fairfield County, caring for those with disabilities and helping struggling schoolchildren learn to read. She cared deeply for the people she helped, and encouraged everyone to do as much good as they can, for all they can, as long as they can. A lifelong and progressive, Devon served terms as Chair of the Weston and Fairfield ic Town Committees and as a member of the Weston Board of Education. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to elect to local, state and federal offices. Her work embodied the very best of local political organizing; people coming together to support a shared vision for a brighter future. She drew people in to the hard work of creating change with powerful words, an infectious laugh, and seemingly endless energy. She inspired many young people in Fairfield County to pursue public service, mentoring and grooming them into leaders, and I know that today she is proud of their progress and the great work that they do. She always served as our collective conscience, willing us to do more and to do better. Her activism lives on through her children--Conor and Maevereen-- whom she loved so dearly and within whom she instilled a rebel attitude and fierce sense of civic duty. Devon always strove for equal rights for all people, and her love for her children made her even more dedicated to the fight to make a more equal world for them. Fairfield County and the State of Connecticut have lost a titan. We owe a debt of gratitude to Devon and I know I, and many others, will continue to be inspired and guided by her. Her legacy is and will continue to be one of service, love, and dedication.
HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF JEFFERY M. SANDERS
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2017-6-23

sometimes this well feels like the well of sorrow, and such is the case today. prgtoken I rise to honor a true and selfless public servant whose life was tragically taken before his time. Mr. Jeffery Sanders, a lifelong resident of Mayview, Missouri, and a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, June 19, 2017. I have decided that I will be praying through the weekend and next week for his family. prgtoken Mr. Jacob Hayward was a man who gave a great deal to his community. He was seriously injured also in the same heartbreaking accident. prgtoken Jeff was well known in the close-knit community of 200 residents, having been a farmer in Mayview all of his life. He and his wife, Connie, raised two wonderful children, who continue to live in Lafayette County in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. prgtoken Mr. Sanders dedicated much of his time to Mayview and its Fire Protection District. He could always be counted on to make a fire call and help someone in need. prgtoken In all of his activities, Mr. Sanders demonstrated dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. He was actively involved in the Mayview Lions Club, the Mayview Area 4-H Club, the Antique Tractor Club, and the Odessa FFA Advisory Board, along with his work as a volunteer firefighter with the Mayview Fire Protection District. He also spent time serving on the Mayview Special Road District. prgtoken , this family has given a great deal, and we owe a great deal to them.
HONORING MR. JAY DAVID AGLI
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to honor the life and memory of Jay Agli, who tragically passed away on June 13, 2017 at the age of 17. When his sister was in danger of drowning in the Connecticut River, Jay leapt to action to save her. Jay's example as a courageous and selfless brother is an inspiration to all of us. prgtoken Jay was a native of Meriden, Connecticut and an active young person in his community. He had just finished his junior year of high school at Orville H. Platt High, where he recently joined the wrestling team. He was also an enthusiastic volunteer with local groups, helping the Meriden Housing Authority Choice Neighborhood plan activities and joining the Meriden Youth Services teen group. Those close to Jay knew him for his kind and funny nature and his ability to make others laugh and feel welcome. He had a passion for cars and shared a love of art and drawing with his sister. prgtoken , Jay Agli was a bright young member of our community whom we lost too soon. His bravery and selflessness in acting to save his sister speak volumes about his character and willingness to help others. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. I extend my deepest condolences to Jay's family, friends, and all those who loved him. His laughter and love will be missed, but not forgotten.
HONORING PAUL AND SHERY LOEWEN
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to honor Paul and Shery Loewen, from Lakeport, California, upon their retirement from an exemplary career in the field of aviation. prgtoken Mr. Loewen was born in Amarillo, Texas, and moved to southern California with his family when he was five years old. He attended prgtoken Glendale College where he earned his Airplane and Powerplant License, learned to fly and met Shery--whom he married in 1964. Mr. and Mrs. Loewen moved to our district in the early 1970s. In 1975, the Loewens established Lake Aero Styling and Repair, providing dozens of local men and women in our community with highly skilled jobs. prgtoken Mr. and Mrs. Loewen have sold Lake Aero Styling and Repair and are retiring after decades of developing and selling unique aircraft modifications. They are being honored by the Lake County Airmen's Association (LCAA) at Lampson Field this summer. Their products have a world-renowned reputation for quality and reliability. Thousands of Mooney Aircraft planes bear one or more of their modifications. These parts proved so successful that the manufacturer, Mooney International, later incorporated the modifications on its factory models. Additionally, Mooney Aircraft International awarded Mr. Loewen the Charles Taylor Award, which is an award given to senior mechanics who have led excellent careers. prgtoken Paul and Shery Loewen are also prominent members of our community. Mr. Loewen served as president of the Lake County Airmen's Association, and Mrs. Loewen held the role of secretary. While serving as president of the LCAA, Mr. Loewen organized and staged several successful Lampson Field Air Fairs. They have also produced several pilot-oriented travel videos entitled Flying the America's. prgtoken , Mr. and Mrs. Loewen have created their own business and have contributed to our Lakeport community as industry leaders, job creators and community volunteers. It is with great pride that I honor Paul and Shery Loewen today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE REVEREND NATHANIEL DIXON
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to recognize the Honorable Reverend Nathaniel Dixon. On Sunday, Reverend Dixon will be giving his last sermon at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. prgtoken While this Sunday may be his last sermon, I have no doubt that the lives he has touched, parishioners, colleagues, neighbors, all of us, will continue to uphold the lessons he taught us and will remember the action he has taken over a long and hard-fought career. prgtoken Reverend Dixon is a true renaissance man whose life has always been committed to New York City. For 27 years, he was a music teacher and, later, an administrator, and also an executive director of the Saxrack Learning Center. prgtoken Old Satchmo, the great Louie Armstrong, once said: ``Musicians don't retire; they just stop when there's no more music in them.'' prgtoken Reverend Dixon never stopped teaching music, and he has inculcated this love and passion into the lives of students and parishioners. ``Music helps,'' he said, ``because there is awe in them.'' prgtoken Thank you, Reverend Dixon, for your commitment and willingness to become a leader and a role model for many years to come in New York's 13th Congressional District. prgtoken We love you and wish you the very best.
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-6-23

Project QUEST has an 86 percent job placement rate for its graduates, who boost their incomes, on average, from $10,000 a year before entering the program to $40,000 a year. prgtoken I know there are similar programs in other parts of the country that do the same. They are not subsidized employment, but they are working with poor people to get the skills that they need for an in-demand job and working with local employers to find out what types of jobs are most needed. In many parts of America, our economy is being held back by a lack of qualified workers. prgtoken Then, one of the areas that is so important to all parents, but particularly to single moms that are in poverty, is childcare. President is proposing not one, but three cuts to childcare, cutting out hundreds of millions of dollars of support to childcare, which stands in the way of many individuals from working their way out of poverty. prgtoken I believe that we need to be working together to try to find genuine solutions and that working together is not just here in this House, in Congress, because the big problem here is that, when we voted in 1996-- and I voted for it, for moving from welfare to work--we expected the States to be partners in that effort. Today, as much as we talk about work and getting from welfare to work, exactly 8 cents out of every dollar being spent on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program--8 cents--goes to work supports. And not very much more than that goes to childcare, and President , of course, wants to reduce that. prgtoken It is only by having a comprehensive program that is really focused on the roots of poverty and assisting those prgtoken who would help themselves that the promise of that welfare law can become effective. prgtoken Unfortunately, while we did change fundamentally and end welfare as we know it, it became welfare for Governors who wanted to use these Federal moneys not to assist the poor, but to assist their States fill various budget gaps. We have a great example of where block grants fail. I hope we can find ways to succeed.