mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Mr. Chair, I also rise to commemorate the incredible life and career of John Dingell, the former dean of this House. prgtoken Few individuals have amassed a record of public service that could rival John's, and I will bet no one will ever match it--59 years as an elected Representative. prgtoken In fact, his interest in politics began during his time as a congressional page, where he personally witnessed FDR's ``a day that will live in infamy'' speech from this very podium. prgtoken Take one moment to think of the life that this man has witnessed on this floor. prgtoken John taught us that public service is not a sprint, but a marathon. There are many lessons in his life that we can learn from, but I hope we take that lesson every day when we come to work here. prgtoken Another lesson I hope we learn is the one how I first met John. He was an icon before I got here. But I watched the respect, not from his own colleagues in his own party, but the respect from across the aisle. prgtoken They went to John for advice. When he walked on the floor, there were many on our side who stood around him to question him where he thought we could go. prgtoken He believed in this House; he believed in this country. prgtoken He had great passions: passion for his constituents; passion for his committee, Energy and Commerce. He loved that committee so much, he thought there needed to be no other committee in this House. It wasn't until his retirement that we got jurisdiction back in other places. prgtoken But he understood an ever-changing world, if you can only imagine serving that long. He was able to adapt, which we should learn from him, too. prgtoken Yes, the new world of social media many would think would pass him by because of his age. He was one of the first I would follow on Twitter. prgtoken And this is a lesson that this House, in a bipartisan manner, should take. It is one of my favorite tweets from John. It came in July of 2017. He wrote: ``I've been trying to repeal and replace the United States Senate since 1955. No luck.'' prgtoken Yes, we are sad today, but he lived a life we could admire. I may have differences of opinion and philosophy with him, but I admired his will to fight for what he believed in. I admired the way he treated people who had different beliefs, and I admired the way he believed all sides should be heard. prgtoken I speak for everyone on this side of the aisle to convey our deepest sympathies, and to Debbie, and I ask that we lift him up in our prayers to God for his soul to rest peacefully, and to remember what he truly believed: public service matters; this country matters; and the ability to work together so all Americans will have a better tomorrow matters.
THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , Kansas has deep roots in the creation of the National Prayer Breakfast. President Eisenhower, who grew up near my hometown, in Abilene, Kansas, was the first President to join Members in their informal prayer event in 1953. Since that year, it has been honored as a nationally recognized event and, to this day, every President since Ike has attended. prgtoken This week, I had the great honor to attend the 67th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, where we gathered to ask God for wisdom, discernment, and strength, as well as how to lead this great Nation. prgtoken This country has always looked to God in times of need and will continue to do so. And now, more than ever, it is important to pray for a united Nation. prgtoken I was reminded this week of the scripture from 1 Timothy that requires us to all pray for our kings and those in authority. But what I had forgotten was that there was a promise that came along with that request; that we live peaceful and quiet lives in all Godliness and holiness.
ELECTION REFORM FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-2-8

I rise today to speak in opposition of H.R. 1, legislation that was introduced by the ic leadership that they claim is for the people. prgtoken Let me be clear: There are some voting and election reforms where I believe s and can find common ground; however, H.R. 1 abuses taxpayer dollars, criminalizes free speech, and encourages voting irregularities. I cannot support it in its current form. prgtoken One of the most egregious provisions in H.R. 1 creates a 6-to-1 government match to small donor campaign contributions up to $200. This means for every $200 that a political candidate receives, the Federal Government, with your tax dollars, is giving $1,200 to a politician's campaign. prgtoken Since when does the Federal Government become a congressional candidate's ATM? prgtoken This is only one example of how H.R. 1 legislation is not designed to serve the people but to serve the ic majority. prgtoken This House should work in a real bipartisan fashion to create election reform that the American people deserve, and I am willing and ready whenever my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are willing and ready to talk.
HONORING THE LIFE OF OSSIE MILLS
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Ossie Mills from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Those who knew Mr. Mills best say that he was a loyal friend, a hard worker, a devoted husband and father, and a servant of God. Mr. Mills encouraged and challenged others to live out their full potential. prgtoken Mr. Mills served as an executive vice president at Oral Roberts University from 2011 to 2018, where he served as executive director and global council member of Empowered21. He also served on the Board of Directors for Convoy of Hope, a worldwide, faith-based organization aimed at empowering others to live lives free of poverty, disease, and hunger. prgtoken Most recently, Mr. Mills was the president and CEO tvChaz, a faith- based streaming platform aimed at helping people discover God's vision for life. prgtoken While Ossie Mills' time on Earth has come to an end, the impact of his work will last for years to come. prgtoken Mr. Mills is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, and his three children, Nick, Olivia, and Alex.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DICK AMES
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Dick Ames, a great friend who recently passed. Dick's contributions to the great State of Minnesota are countless. His impact on our progress and the future of our great State is unending. I was lucky to know Dick and the generous heart he had for others, for everyone in our community. prgtoken Over the course of his life, he helped shape everything he touched. Through his business, Ames Construction, or his farm, or even his contributions to the athletic department at his beloved University of Minnesota, Dick made a difference for our great State. prgtoken His hard work, honesty, and integrity were an example for us all, to strive for greatness and serve those around you prgtoken as you achieve greatness. His selfless service was amazing. Again, I was lucky to call him my friend, and I can only hope to follow in his incredible example. prgtoken Our community has suffered a great loss. My deepest condolences go to Lollie, his wife, and the rest of his family and all of his loved ones. prgtoken God bless you, Dick Ames.
HONORING HELLAS LIBERTY
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Hellas Liberty Maritime Museum and the Hellenic Merchant Marines. prgtoken Madam , we must recognize the Hellenic Merchant Marines and their heroic deeds during World War II, with over 2,000 Hellenic Merchant Marine lives lost and close to 70 percent of the Hellenic Shipping fleet being decimated by the Axis Powers. Hellenic merchant ships transported much needed supplies across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean for the Allies. prgtoken The Arthur M. Huddell, built in 1943 in the great state of Florida, was commissioned in the PLUTO (Pipe Line under the Ocean) operation, which supplied oil to our allies in Europe during World War Two. It is one of the few remaining Liberty Ships, built for this purpose. In a post-war period, the vessel was continually used to create underwater infrastructure functioning largely as a cable ship, occasionally responding to the request of the U.S. Navy. prgtoken After serving our country dutifully, first for the Navy, then for commercial uses, the Arthur M. Huddell was retired in 1984, laid up with the majority of the U.S. reserve fleet in the James River. This retirement was not permanent; the 21st century saw renewed attention at the retired fleet to be used for educational purposes. prgtoken The Greek State was interested in acquiring the vessel, to be used as a floating museum. The reciprocal aspiration of the U.S. government, the result of action taken by many Greek-Americans who were following Rhode Island Senator Leonidas Raptakis and Connecticut representative Dimitrios Yiannaros, with much of the mobilization activated by ship owner Spyros M. Polemis as well. prgtoken The U.S. and Greece reached and signed an agreement on June 30, 2008. After U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton and Greek Minister of Merchant Marine Georgios Voulgarakis completed this transfer of ownership, The Arthur M. Huddell was officially renamed to the Hellas Liberty. Departing a month later, the ship arrived in Greece, for extended repairs before being recommissioned as a floating museum. prgtoken On February 8, 2019, the museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary, honoring the close and fruitful relationship between Greece and the United States of America. Congratulations to all.
CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF LISA FERRERO AT CORNING INCORPORATED
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the career of Lisa Ferrero at Corning Incorporated, and congratulate her on her retirement. prgtoken For more than thirty years, Lisa Ferrero has served Corning Incorporated in a spectrum of roles and functions. Her dedicated service and exceptional management has led her to rise from a statistician in the Corning Big Flats Plant to become Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the company. prgtoken Throughout her career, Lisa has traveled the globe managing various aspects of Corning business. Her many years spent working in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, have fostered her success as head of Global Supply Management and Global Information Security. Lisa's leadership at Corning has touched many aspects of the company, lending her skills to Environmental Technologies, Display Technologies, Information Technology, and Government Affairs. prgtoken As Lisa moves forward with the next chapter of her life, we applaud her tireless dedication to Corning Incorporated, a cornerstone of our community, and we wish her all the best in her retirement. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate Lisa Ferrero and her extraordinary career.
CONGRATULATIONS COACH DAWN SEILER
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-2-8

in South Dakota, we take great pride in our girls high school basketball, due to the incredible hard work of so many players and coaches. prgtoken One of those hardworking coaches is Dawn Seiler, who has been coaching the Aberdeen Central Golden Eagles for 20 years. Before that, she coached the McIntosh Tigers for 15 years prgtoken Under Coach Seiler, the Golden Eagles of Aberdeen have made it to 18 State tournaments. And after her 596th career victory, she is the all- time winningest coach in girls high school basketball history in the great State of South Dakota. prgtoken Coach Seiler has inspired generations of talented young women to do their best, both on and, more importantly, off the court. prgtoken Aberdeen is proud of their coach, and they should be. prgtoken Coach Seiler, congratulations on your historic accomplishment.
THE SAUCE BOSS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , back home in Texas 22, a new source of economic growth is exploding in Sienna Plantation and Missouri City. This force of prosperity is the Sauce Boss. The Sauce Boss is a walking, talking, sauce-making American Dream. Her name is Tyla-Simone Crayton. prgtoken Tyla is 15 years young, a sophomore Panther at Ridge Point High School. Tyla started Sienna Wings because Tyla just loves eating. One sauce has now become three: Tangy, Spicy, and Lemon Pepper. prgtoken Tyla has just one employee, her mom, Monique. She also has 22 distributors and a box packer who is packing more boxes now than they have packed before. prgtoken Tyla, Monique, Panther Nation, and all of Texas 22 have a common dream: We can't wait until Sienna Wings are on the shelves of HEB. prgtoken And that's just the way it is.
RECOGNIZING DELISA RUSSELL
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Delisa Russell of Waco, Texas, former Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop. prgtoken The Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop opened in 2013 as a central location where veterans and their families could access available resources under one roof. The first of its kind in the nation, Veterans One Stop is a comprehensive veteran service resource that offers mental health counseling, legal services, assistance with veterans' benefits and claims, and provides access to food, showers, laundry, and fitness facilities. prgtoken Prior to coming to the One Stop in 2016, Delisa served others, including veterans, through social work and counseling. Delisa graduated from Baylor with a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in social work, and continued her education at Baylor with two master's degrees in Sociology and Psychology. She focused her career toward counseling those in need and leading organizations dedicated to the care of the most vulnerable. prgtoken Delisa recently stepped down from her position at the One Stop to pursue other opportunities to help the community. The impact of her time as Executive Director cannot be overstated. prgtoken In her three years as Director, Delisa supervised the transition of Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop to a larger location. This new location was able to increase the amount of services the One Stop provided, with new showers, laundry, and kitchen facilities, all donated by the members of our Central Texas community. In 2017, the Guardians for Heroes Foundation, which carries out the mission of the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, installed a gym at the One Stop for veterans to maintain their physical and mental health. prgtoken Last year, the Veterans One Stop opened the Robert Carter Veteran Transition home. This home is aimed at helping veterans with families to create a stable environment during their adjustment from military to civilian life. Veterans One Stop covers the cost of utilities at the home, which was built and furnished with support from the community. One Stop helps the families develop a plan for life after living in the home. prgtoken Under Delisa's leadership, the Veterans One Stop has gone from serving less than 2,000 veterans to over 24,000. Each week, the One Stop serves meals to more than 200 veterans and last year's annual Thanksgiving dinner was its largest, serving more than 800 people. prgtoken Madam , I would like to thank Delisa Russell for all of her service to the veterans in the Central Texas community. I wish her the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the Veterans One Stop's continued progress. prgtoken I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the accomplishments of Delisa Russell and the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop. prgtoken As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our vet
HONORING MRS. MICHELLE CROWLEY ON HER RECEPTION OF THE MOLLY PITCHER AWARD
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Michelle Crowley, a resident of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, who is receiving the Exchange Club of Carlisle's prestigious Molly Pitcher Award. prgtoken Chartered by the National Exchange Club in 1949, the Exchange Club of Carlisle gives individuals the opportunity to use their time and talents to benefit their local communities and the country as a whole. The Molly Pitcher Award, which has annually honored citizens for their outstanding service to the Carlisle community since 1969, is named after the revolutionary war heroine who risked her life to bring water to artillerymen under fire. As evidenced by receiving this honor, Mrs. Crowley's charitable endeavors have made a significant impact and improved the lives of many in central Pennsylvania. prgtoken Throughout her successful career in business, Mrs. Crowley has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, and the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, as well as serving as president of the nearly 700-member Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Crowley' s prgtoken devotion to bettering her community is also underscored by her participation in education and workforce development efforts, such as working with Dickinson College and area school districts on student internships, job shadowing, and placement. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District, I express my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Crowley for all she has done and continues to do for the Carlisle community, and congratulate her on receiving the Molly Pitcher Award.
END INFANTICIDE
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Madam , like many Americans, chills ran through my spine when I heard Governor Northam casually endorse killing a baby after it was born. It has been over a week since those comments, and I ask, Why are our colleagues still silent? prgtoken Killing a baby, once born, is infanticide, pure and simple. prgtoken It is 2019, and we live in the most advanced country in the world. Surely, every Member of this body can agree that, at the very least, babies, once born, should be protected. prgtoken That is why I come to the floor today to urge Pelosi to allow a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill that would require medical care for infants born alive during an abortion procedure. prgtoken I urge my colleagues across the aisle to join us to end infanticide.
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-2-8

. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his beautiful statement of our beloved Mr. Dingell, . prgtoken Mr. Chair, again, as he mentioned last night, our Nation lost a beloved pillar of this Congress and one of the greatest legislators in American history. prgtoken Every chapter of Chairman John Dingell's life was lived in service to our country, from his time as a House page, as a teenager, to his service in the Army during World War II, to his almost six decades serving the people of Michigan in the U.S. Congress. prgtoken John Dingell leaves a towering legacy of unshakeable strength, boundless energy, and transformative leadership. Chairman Dingell had a hand in crafting many major legislative accomplishments over the past half century, prgtoken yet among the vast array of historic legislative achievements, few hold greater meaning than his tireless commitment to the health of the American people. prgtoken During every Congress since 1955, Chairman Dingell introduced legislation to secure affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans. prgtoken Because of his father's legacy, which our distinguished leader has referenced, and his own leadership, in 1965, he gaveled Medicare into law. In 2010, it was my privilege to hold that same gavel as we passed the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Chairman Dingell was our distinguished dean and chairman, our legendary colleague, and a beloved friend. His memory will stand as an inspiration to all who worked with him or for him or had the pleasure of knowing him. prgtoken His leadership will endure in the lives of the millions of American families he touched. We hope it is a comfort to Chairman Dingell's beloved wife, dear Deborah, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, and their entire family that so many people mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time. prgtoken I am pleased to mention that the flag is flying half-staff over the Capitol in his memory and invite Members to sign the condolence book in the 's lobby.
FIGHTING FOR MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-2-8

I was proud to be joined by Katie Brenny at the State of the Union Address this week, a fifth-generation cattle farmer from Mazeppa, Minnesota. prgtoken In order to maintain their farm, Katie and her husband, Ted, work day jobs to afford healthcare and retirement savings, and farm by flashlight in the early morning and late at night. prgtoken Like Katie's family, too many hardworking and middle-class Americans face similar barriers to economic security. We should be working in Congress to find common ground and solutions on the issues that affect America's working families: prgtoken Affordable healthcare no matter where you live; prgtoken Reliable options for you to get to work; prgtoken Broadband at home; prgtoken Farm policy that prioritizes family farmers; and prgtoken The promise of retirement security. prgtoken I will work with anyone who has a good idea on these issues when it benefits the lives of Americans. I hope that we take seriously the spirit of collaboration to get results for the middle class.
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-2-8

. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer the 19th amendment to the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act. prgtoken The pilot program Congress authorized in 2010 to provide childcare at VA medical centers and clinics around the country is incredibly popular with the veteran community. It provides a safe, reliable option for parents who need to access VA healthcare. This bill will expand the program so that all caretakers, including parents and grandparents, can access this service. prgtoken The amendment I am introducing this morning ensures that caretakers have a safe and secure environment for their children at a VA center. It bars employment of individuals convicted of a sex crime, an offense involving a child victim, a violent crime, a drug felony, or other offense the Secretary of Veterans Affairs deems appropriate. It also ensures that the bill will not weaken State or local laws that enforce rigorous hiring guidelines. prgtoken As a working mom, I know all too well how important it is to know that your children have a safe and healthy environment while away from home. Mr. Chair, ensuring our veterans have access to childcare at VA facilities is the least we can do for the men and women who have stood up to serve our country. prgtoken Over 6 million veteran households have children. In my own community, I have heard from the new generation of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, many with young families, on the need for VA to modernize services in line with their needs. prgtoken This includes local veterans I have spoken to at our American Legion in Woodland Park, who are working parents with small children. They have remarked that the extension of this program could be a significant benefit to the veteran community in New Jersey. This bill means less stress for our veterans who would need to otherwise arrange for childcare to make an appointment. They have also told me that this bill will help veterans make and attend appointments because they wouldn't have to worry about arranging childcare. This acknowledges both the needs of our veterans and creates a support network for them. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and .