mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. GEOFFREY WILSON JOLLEY FOR HIS DEDICATED CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2018-3-26

I rise today to recognize one of our own. On Friday, March 30, 2018, Mr. Geoffrey (Geoff) Jolley will bid farewell as my District Director and General Counsel, having overseen my District operations since my first day, on January 3, 2005, as a Member of Congress in these hallowed halls. For more than 13 years, Geoff has dedicated his life to serving our community. He has quietly juggled two careers in public service, working for the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District and as a Kansas City Firefighter/EMT. prgtoken Geoff is a Kansas City native and lifelong resident. After graduating high school, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics with a minor in African-American Studies from Emory University in Atlanta. He then earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2002. prgtoken Prior to serving nearly six months in 2004 as the Campaign Coordinator on my inaugural campaign, Geoff worked for my predecessor, Congresswoman Karen McCarthy. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Geoff joined a volunteer fire department and a FEMA urban search and rescue team while still enrolled in law school. After graduation, he spent six months as a Lieutenant with the Antarctic Fire Department at McMurdo Station, Antarctica before returning to Missouri and ultimately joining the Kansas City Fire Department. prgtoken Over the years, Geoff has helped me build my district offices from the ground up, from our beginnings at the Federal Courthouse in Kansas City to the openings of my satellite offices in Independence and Higginsville. It was not unusual to see my District Director working on the floor in his suit, wiring and configuring computers in the Kansas City Office, physically laying the hardwood floor in my Independence Office, or hanging photos he had taken around the District in the Higginsville Office. prgtoken From working with me to establish the foundation in my office to implementing my vision for district projects, Geoff has served as a sounding board for many of my creative projects, providing legal, practical, and political insight. Once we identified a path forward, he spearheaded many of my major district successes. He has maintained an expansive portfolio over the years, including speaking on my behalf at Chamber and community meetings, overseeing our monthly finances and assisting with personnel matters, helping coordinate constituent services and town halls, and addressing issues impacting residents of the Fifth District, such as the federal budget and appropriations, transportation and infrastructure, energy and the environment, among others. prgtoken Having been Mayor of Kansas City during devastating floods, one of my early priorities included protecting the lives and livelihoods of constituents living in flood-prone areas. Geoff worked quietly with the Army Corps of Engineers and stakeholders along Turke
MARKING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-3-26

I rise to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland's Fifth District. On April 1, 1943, the Navy formally commissioned the installation, marking the start of Pax River's long and storied contribution to the defense of our nation in times of both war and peace. prgtoken Over the past three quarters of a century, history has been made at Pax River again and again. The XP59-A, America's first all-jet aircraft, was first tested at Pax River in 1944. The flight test program launched in the late 1940's and expanded in the 1950's trained many of our nation's top military flight test pilots, including the members of NASA's Mercury 7 program. In the 1960's, several key developments in helicopter technology, surface-to-air missile systems, navigational equipment, and ordinance came out of Pax River and its innovative workforce specialized in development and testing. In 1983, Lt. Colleen Nevius became the first woman to graduate from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, making history at Pax River once again. The Naval Air Systems Command moved to Pax River in 1998, prgtoken making the installation the center of naval aviation. prgtoken Today, Pax River continues to play an outsized role in our defense and in the development and testing of new naval air systems. With the advent of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and the emergence of Southern Maryland as a UAV development hub, Pax River will surely continue to lead the way into the future of naval aviation. I've been proud to support these efforts in Congress in recent years. prgtoken Pax River has been so successful throughout its history not only because of the men and women who have served there but because of the strong support for the installation in the local community. All of Southern Maryland is proud of the work being done at Pax River, and St. Mary's County residents tell me all the time how honored they are to host it. The local alliances that have sprung up over the years to bring military, business, and local community leaders together have enriched life both on and off the base. prgtoken I hope my colleagues in this House will join me in paying tribute to all who have made the Patuxent River Naval Air Station a success for seventy-five years, and I join in celebrating this milestone anniversary.
LI BAIGUANG
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-3-26

today I remember Dr. Li Baiguang who died prgtoken unexpectedly on February 25, 2018. Dr. Li was a father and a husband, a lawyer and scholar, and he was a committed Christian who used his legal skills to defend the poor and oppressed in China. He was a true friend of freedom and a kindred spirit in the fight to protect religious freedom and other human rights in China. Though his work made him a frequent target of harassment and violence, until his death he remained passionately committed to the fight for the rights of Chinese citizens under the law. Dr. Li was truly one of China's best and brightest. He will be missed. prgtoken Li Baiguang was born in Hunan province in 1968 and received his doctoral degree in law from Peking University in 1997. Motivated by his Christian faith, Dr. Li defended farmers, migrant workers, and those persecuted by the Chinese government because of their religious belief. In 2006, Dr. Li met with President in the Oval Office. In 2008, he received the Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). prgtoken Dr. Li was in Washington DC, just a few weeks before his death. He expressed concern about the Chinese government's brutal crackdown on human rights lawyers and the possibility that new religious regulations would give the government an excuse to close all Protestant ``house churches.'' I share these concerns and find China's deteriorating human rights situation deeply problematic. President Xi has presided over an extraordinary assault on the rule of law and civil society using repressive policies and new laws that threaten rights defenders in China and challenge both U.S. interests and U.S.-China cooperation and goodwill. prgtoken Dr. Li also spoke that day about a savage beating he received in October at the hands of Zhejiang province police. He was taken to a forest and tortured and warned to end his defense of a group of farmers dispossessed of their land by the Chinese government. To his credit, he did not back down from this threat. prgtoken He faced such dangers willingly and with a strong Christian faith. He fought daily for what was good and what was right and dreamed of a day when China would be more democratic and free. For his courage, he should be admired as a true champion of liberty and the rule of law. prgtoken Dr. Li is survived by his wife, Xu Hanmei, and their eight-year-old son Li Quingxin. prgtoken I believe that someday China will be free. Someday, the people of China will be able to enjoy all of their God-given rights. And a nation of free Chinese men and women will honor Li Baiguang as a hero. He will be honored along with all others like him who have sacrificed so much, and so long, for freedom.
IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF BRYAN WHITNER
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-3-26

I rise today to recognize Chief Bryan Whitner of the Canton Police Department in Haywood County, North Carolina. On behalf of the citizens of Western North Carolina, I would like to thank Chief Whitner for over 30 years of outstanding service to the people of the Town of Canton and Haywood County. prgtoken Chief Whitner began his career with law enforcement as a Waynesville Police Department Patrol Officer in 1987. He then served as a Canton Police Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain until he was promoted to Chief of Police in 2010. Chief Whitner faithfully served as the lead criminal investigator for 17 years during his time in office. During his career, Chief Whitner obtained law enforcement accreditation for the Canton Police Department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a large accomplishment for the Canton Police Department. prgtoken As a Tuscola High School graduate, Haywood Community College graduate, and Western Carolina University graduate, Chief Whitner has been a long-time student of institutions in Western North Carolina. Chief Whitner received his associate of applied science degree in criminal justice technology from Haywood Community College in 1998 and later received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina University in 2006. prgtoken Over the course of his career, Chief Whitner has served on numerous committees, including Child Fatality Review, Kids Advocacy Resource, Law Enforcement Planning Committee, DWI Task Force and Haywood Community College Curriculum Advisory Committee. Chief Whitner's dedication to excellence has made him a wonderful Chief, and his commitment to the Canton community has made him beloved by many. The outreach programs he initiated in Canton schools will have an impact on the Town of Canton for many years to come. prgtoken Chief Whitner has earned the respect of his community through his commitment a the Canton Police Department and engagement in the community. For his abiding service to the people of Western North Carolina, I am privileged to express to Chief Whitner the gratitude and best wishes of the people of North Carolina on his retirement.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF EDWARD G. SACCO
Peter T. King (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-3-26

I rise today to honor the memory of a longtime constituent and World War II veteran Edward G. prgtoken Sacco, who passed away peacefully on February 25, 2018 at the age of 97. prgtoken For the past 25 years Mr. Sacco was a resident of Bayport New York and the loving husband of Patricia Sacco. Mr. Sacco was also an employee of Hewlett-Packard for over 40 years. prgtoken During World War II, Mr. Sacco enlisted into the Army and after basic training was deployed to Northern Africa where his troop fought numerous battles. prgtoken After serving his country with honor, Mr. Sacco returned home and joined the Patchogue NY VFW post, where he proudly marched in Memorial and Veterans Day parades. During the Iraq War Mr. Sacco again showed his strong patriotism and commitment to his country by organizing his VFW post's efforts of gathering and shipping supplies to our troops overseas. prgtoken Those who knew Mr. Sacco have said he was a working man of great strength that never took life for granted. An avid runner who showed great commitment for health and exercise, including running marathons. He was a man that honored his country, his family and the company he worked for. A life well lived and a great example to his fellow citizens.
HONORING LLOYD CLINTON ``SONNY'' MARTIN
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-3-26

I honor the life of Lloyd Clinton ``Sonny'' Martin of Pennington Gap. Sonny passed away on March 8, 2018 at the age of 82. He was a man who devoted himself to helping people in Lee County, whether his customers or his community at large. prgtoken Sonny made his living as a community banker, spending over 60 years in the business, most notably at Powell Valley National Bank (PVNB). He began as a loan officer, subsequently rose to president and chief executive officer, and remained active on the board until the end of his life. In addition, he served two terms as a member of the Virginia Bankers Association Board of Directors. Devoted to helping people, and talented at it, Sonny made customer service a hallmark of his career. According to PVNB Executive Vice President Leton Harding as quoted in the Kingsport Times-News, Sonny's philosophy was, ``We are a true community bank serving everyone in the community.'' prgtoken Sonny improved Southwest Virginia through his career, but he found other ways to do so as well. As a member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, first as a representative of the Bristol District and then as an at-large member for rural areas, he advocated for Southwest Virginia's interests. After Lee County's hospital closed in 2013, he led the search for ways to reopen it. He also served on the Pennington Gap Town Council. Sonny was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the First Baptist Church in Pennington Gap. In 2004, he cast a vote for president as an elector in the Elector College. In recognition of his contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia, he received the Patrick Henry Award. prgtoken Survivors include Sonny's wife of 59 years, Joyce, daughters Mary Virginia ``Jennie'' and husband Scott Joy and Karen and husband Tony LaScola, and granddaughters Lauren and Carolyn Joy. I offer my condolences to his family, as well as my gratitude for all his services on behalf of Southwest Virginia.
COST ESTIMATE ON H.R. 5089, STRENGTHENING LOCAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CAPABILITIES ACT OF 2018
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-3-29

I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 5089, Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 26, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5089, the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 5089--Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018 As passed by the House of Representatives on March 22, 2018
CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF GHENT, NEW YORK
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-3-29

today I rise to honor the Town of Ghent on the occasion of its bicentennial. prgtoken On April 3, 1818, Ghent was established as a town in Columbia County, New York through numerous members of The Society of Friends, which includes early settlers such as the Macy, Tripp, and Bunker families. prgtoken The town of Ghent is situated in the midst of a thriving agriculture population and is the center of considerable trade and the outlet of a large amount of produce. While the settlement was small until the advent of the railroads, the community's attention to the development of infrastructure rapidly made it what it is today. prgtoken For over 200 years, Ghent has participated in the American story, contributing to our great state and nation. On April 3, 2018, the residents of Ghent will hold a well-deserved celebration of its history and accomplishments. In the neighborly and hospitable tradition of Ghent, this bicentennial celebration will reflect the values of this beautiful community, bringing families and residents together to commemorate the town they love and share. prgtoken I formally thank the Town of Ghent and each of its residents of the past two centuries for their contributions to New York's 19th district.
RECOGNIZING THE 39TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-3-29

April 10, 2018 marks the 39th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, one of the most important components of U.S. policy toward Taiwan. In addition to President Reagan's 1982 Six Assurances, the Taiwan Relations Act forms the cornerstone of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, providing unequivocal guidance for relations with our ally, an ally whose progress has been an inspiration to all those still suffering under repressive governments. Taiwan's vibrant democracy, open society, and free market are examples to the world of what can be achieved when innovation and human rights are allowed to flourish. They also make Taiwan a natural partner for the United States, a partnership that has served as an anchor for peace and security in the Western Pacific. As we celebrate the 39th anniversary of this critical law, it is incumbent upon the United States to ensure we are doing everything in our power to ensure the promise of the Taiwan Relations Act, assisting Taiwan so that she can resist all types of political, economic, and military coercion by the regime in Beijing, and strengthening the already formidable U.S.- Taiwan partnership. prgtoken The American Institute in Taiwan's new compound in Taipei's Neihu district exemplifies the significant progress being made in the U.S.- Taiwan relationship and our long-term commitment to our ally. Built with American materials and by American workers, the compound is a symbol of strong U.S.-Taiwan relations, and made even more powerful by the fact that our lease is for 99 years, a number signifying longevity in Taiwanese culture. With an inaugural ceremony for the new compound to be held on June 12, 2018, I am looking forward to visiting as soon as possible and I encourage all my colleagues to visit and support the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. prgtoken Signed into law on March 16, 2018, the Taiwan Travel Act is another illustration of our strong partnership with Taiwan. I was a proud cosponsor of this law which states that it should be U.S. policy to not only allow visits from Taiwanese officials at all levels of government, but to encourage and facilitate these visits. It also states that our own policy-makers, including at the highest levels of government, should visit Taiwan for face-to-face meetings with their counterparts. For too long, administration after administration have caved to Chinese pressure and self-imposed restrictions in our relations with Taiwan. With the Taiwan Travel Act, the United States is doing the right thing by our friend and ally and taking another step toward taking full advantage of our wonderful partnership. prgtoken Finally, the U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship is very robust as Taiwan is the United States' eleventh largest trading partner and the United States is Taiwan's second largest. Taiwan's free market and importance in global supply chains make it an ideal place for foreign investment and Americans have recognized this fact with the U
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-3-29

it is my honor to congratulate the Reserve Officers Association of the United States (ROA) on the 50th anniversary celebration of their national headquarters building in Washington, D.C. On February 22, 1968, the ROA Minuteman Memorial Building officially opened at One Constitution Avenue, NE at the corners of 1st Street and Constitution across the street from the U.S. Capitol Building and the Dirksen Senate Office Building. prgtoken ROA is a professional association of federally commissioned Reserve and National Guard officers, non-commissioned officers (E5 and above), former officers, and spouses of the uniformed services of the United States to include Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, plus the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ROA advocates for adequate funding of equipment and training requirements, recruiting and retention incentives, and employment rights for all members of the Reserve Components. ROA also advises and educates Congress, the president, and the American people on national security issues. prgtoken The Association was founded in 1922 when one hundred forty-four officers, most of them combat veterans of World War I, first gathered with General of the Armies John J. ``Black Jack'' Pershing at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C to formally establish a new organization. prgtoken During World War II, the Association became inactive ``for the duration'' as its members went off to war. ROA was reactivated in 1946, and in 1948, Reserve Officers of the Naval Services (RONS) merged with ROA. The Marine Corps joined later the same year, with the Coast Guard entering in 1949. When law created a separate Department of the Air Force, for the first time the nation had, in ROA, a Reserve association embracing all the Services. prgtoken Public Law 595 of the 81st Congress established the objective of ROA, to ``support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate National Defense.'' President Harry S. Truman, one of the early members of ROA, signed the charter on June 30, 1950. prgtoken ROA was first headquartered in The Lee House at 1653 Pennsylvania Ave NW from 1924 to 1938. The house, which later became the presidential Blair-Lee House, was conveniently located directly across the street from what was then called the State-War-Navy Building (now the Eisenhower Executive Office Building) and cater-cornered to the White House. The intervening years between 1938 and 1966 resulted in ROA outgrowing several headquarter ``homes'' around the capital city. prgtoken Finally, in early 1966, ROA decided to have a permanent headquarters building and purchased three brick boarding houses at 1 Constitution Ave NE on Capitol Hill for $314,000 and, thus, began building a permanent national headquarters called the Minuteman Memorial Building. prgtoken The architectural firm Mills,
HONORING HOOSIER HOMESTEAD AWARD RECIPIENTS
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-3-29

I rise today to congratulate 18 farms in the Sixth Congressional District of Indiana who have received a Hoosier Homestead Award for their commitment to Indiana agriculture. prgtoken In honor of Indiana's rich agricultural heritage, the Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned by the same family for 100 years or more. I am proud that 18 farms within the Sixth Congressional District have met these qualifications and have received the Hoosier Homestead award. These include: prgtoken William S. Emly Farm (Decatur County). prgtoken Oesterling Homestead (Decatur County). prgtoken Rosfeld Farm (Franklin County). prgtoken Meyer Family Farm (Franklin County). prgtoken Kolb Farm (Franklin County). prgtoken Funke Farm (Jennings County). prgtoken Hobson Farm (Randolph County). prgtoken Huffman Family Farm (Randolph County). prgtoken Timke Farm (Ripley County). prgtoken Kohlman Farm (Ripley County). prgtoken Huber Farm (Ripley County). prgtoken Crum Farm (Ripley County). prgtoken Francis Graham Farms Inc. (Rush County). prgtoken Linville Farm (Shelby County). prgtoken Dake Farm (Shelby County). prgtoken Crandell Farm (Switzerland County). prgtoken Romerill Farm (Switzerland County). prgtoken Gavin-Beck Family Homestead (Union County). prgtoken On behalf of the entire Sixth Congressional District of Indiana, it is my privilege to recognize these farms for this award and their lasting impact and commitment on our community.