mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING BRIDGET ARCHER
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2018-3-29

I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Bridget Archer. Her education and professional experience includes Jackson State University; Oakland Community College, State of Michigan; Hinds Community College, Raymond; Dance and Performing Arts schools in New York City and California. prgtoken From her days as a member of drill teams in middle school, high school and a Prancing J-Sette at Jackson State University, Ms. Archer has been consumed by dancing. She has produced dancer wannabes into top-notch dancers. She annually takes a dance group to Rockefeller Center in New York City during Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Weekend. The City of Jackson recognized Ms. Archer's passion and proclivity for engaging youth by naming her Recreation Coordinator. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Bridget Archer for her dedication to serving others.
SANDRA LOVE
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-3-29

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Sandra Love, a constituent of New Jersey's First Congressional District and distinguished public servant. prgtoken Mrs. Love served as a New Jersey General Assemblywoman, representing the State's Fourth Legislative District. Prior to ``Sandi's'' tenure in the Legislature, she was the long time mayor of Gloucester Township, New Jersey, serving three terms from 1994 to 2006. prgtoken Among Mrs. Love's Mayoral accomplishments: the establishment of an Economic Development Advisory Committee, forming the Gloucester Township Human Relations Committee, creating a welfare-to-work program, developing the Gloucester Township Ministerial, and assisting in an effort that raised a substantial amount of relief funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. prgtoken In addition, Sandi Love was a board member for the Council on Affordable Housing, served on the Gloucester Township Housing Authority, was a member of the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee, and was a trustee for Camden County Health Services. prgtoken Despite her many public constituents and busy schedule, Sandi Love actively volunteered in the community she loved, contributing her time to the Special Olympics and serving as a trustee for the Mainstage Center for the Performing Arts. prgtoken For her dedicated civic engagement and commitment to help others in her advocacy, Mrs. Love was honored with the Women Who Make a Difference Award, a Blackwood Rotary Club Paul fellowship, the Camden County Martin Luther King, Jr. award, and a YWCA Award. prgtoken Mrs. Love was the wife of Al, mother to Jason (Sara) and Jeffrey (Jen), and grandmother to Cordelia, Sophia, Ian, and August. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, community members, and colleagues in public service. prgtoken , Sandi Love was an exceptional community leader. Mrs. Love's service, sacrifice, and compassion will forever endure in South Jersey. I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of The Honorable Sandra Love.
HONORING CHIEF PETER INGVERTSEN
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-3-29

I rise today to honor Peter N. Ingvertsen upon his retirement after serving as Chief of Police for the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut for the past 18 years. Chief Ingvertsen is a widely known and respected leader in our community, and his dedication to public service is an inspiration for his fellow law enforcement officers and all of us who pursue a career in the public good. prgtoken Chief Ingvertsen demonstrated a passion for public service from a young age and began working as a police cadent as a teenager in Farmington. He eventually rose to become Patrol Officer, Corporal, Sargent, Lieutenant, and Captain, and, before joining the Simsbury Police Department in 2000, served as Acting Chief for Farmington and as the Town of Suffield's Chief of Police. prgtoken Through his long career in law enforcement, Chief Ingvertsen has become a leader not only in Simsbury, but across Connecticut and New England. He has earned certifications from the New England Command Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Administration. prgtoken What's more, Chief Ingvertsen has also shared his time and talents to support a number of civic causes. He has been a leader in various Police Associations, including as Vice President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, where he advocated for his fellow public servants and worked to strengthen their professional network. Chief Ingvertsen has also supported the Simsbury Lions Club and the Farmington Exchange Club, which do important work in his local towns. prgtoken , Chief Ingvertsen spent his career working to keep our community safe and providing experienced, wise leadership to our communities. It is proper that we honor him here today, and I extend my best wishes for an enjoyable retirement to Chief Ingvertsen and his family.
INTRODUCTION OF THE NO LEAD IN THE AIR ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-3-29

I rise to introduce the No Lead in the Air Act. Although the House's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill includes my provision encouraging the use of unleaded aviation gasoline by January 1, 2023, that bill is still pending. Therefore, I introduce my bill to prohibit the use of lead in aircraft fuel by 2023. Lead exposure can have harmful effects on children as well as adults. Since 1980, the amount of prgtoken lead in the air has decreased 89 percent, but while lead gas for automobiles has been banned since 1995, the piston-engine aircraft industry and airports that supply their fuel continue to use leaded aircraft fuel. Without a federal ban, they will continue to do so and put our communities and children at risk. prgtoken Lead particles from airplane exhaust can fall widely during flight and there may be high concentrations of lead near airports. It is estimated that 16 million people live and three million children go to school within a half-mile of airports that sell leaded aircraft fuel called avgas. The health effects of lead in children include behavioral and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia. Lead exposure can cause premature births and spontaneous abortions in pregnant women, and adults can suffer from increased blood pressure, decreased kidney function, and reproductive problems. prgtoken Seventy-five percent of piston-engined aircraft already operate safely with fuel that does not use lead. However, small airports continue to only sell leaded avgas for these piston-engine aircraft. But small airports will have to comply if the federal government bans the use of leaded fuel. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which implements the Clean Air Act, announced plans in 2010 to phase out leaded aviation fuel, but in the intervening six years we still have not seen a proposed rule. The FAA has created a task force of government and aviation industry stakeholders to study alternative fuels for piston-engine aircraft that would not use lead. prgtoken With so much evidence of the harmful impacts of lead exposure, we can no longer put our communities at risk. My bill would give enough time for a full phase-out of lead in aircraft fuel--five years--by directing the FAA Administrator, in consultation with the EPA Administrator, to issue regulations prohibiting the use of leaded fuel in aircraft in U.S. airspace beginning January 1, 2023. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL STOP THE BLEED DAY
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-29

as national Stop the Bleed day approaches on March 31, I encourage my colleagues and friends to get trained on how to control bleeding in a trauma situation to help end preventable deaths. The American College of Surgeons' Stop the Bleed program offers training to the public on how to control bleeding in an emergency using simple techniques that can be learned by almost everyone, such as direct pressure, bandaging, and even tourniquets. prgtoken In the United States, traumatic injuries cause the death of more than 180,000 people each year. While tragically some traumas result in near instantaneous death, many others occur in the first few hours or days and they are most often caused by uncontrolled bleeding. Traumatic injuries and bleeding can have many root causes including shootings, vehicle crashes, falls, workplace accidents, and natural disasters. prgtoken As an emergency physician, I have seen these heartbreaking cases time and again. In trauma care we think of the ``Golden Hour,'' the time during which, if prompt medical attention is provided we have the best chance of saving a life. The Stop the Bleed campaign teaches members of the community how to respond to a bleeding emergency, and just as we see with CPR, the earlier the intervention begins, the greater the chance of eliminating preventable death. This is especially important in the moments before the arrival of medical personnel. prgtoken Please join with me and consider getting trained to Stop the Bleed.
CELEBRATING THE MOREAU COMMUNITY CENTER
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-4-2

I rise today to honor and recognize the Moreau Community Center for its outstanding service to New York's 21st District. prgtoken Founded in 1977, the Moreau Community Center in South Glens Falls serves the residents of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. The Center is one of the largest human service agencies in the area, and seeks to meet the multigenerational needs of the community in a compassionate and inclusive environment. prgtoken To fulfill this mission, the Center offers a wide variety of quality programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and services which support youth, seniors, and the community at large. The Center runs an emergency food pantry that serves more than 80 families each month, and operates a clothing thrift store run by volunteers. I applaud the good work of the Moreau Community Center, particularly in light of the fact that April is National Volunteer Month. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank the Moreau Community Center for its dedication to bringing our community together. We commend its incredible service, and look forward to its future endeavors.
HONORING LOUIS A. PICANI
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-4-2

I rise today to honor a true community servant, a long-time pillar of labor organizations in my district, and a good friend, Louis A. Picani. This year, Lou is being honored with the MPAC Trailblazer award by MPAC at their Third Annual Gala land I too would like to honor him on the occasion. prgtoken Louis A. Picani has been a dedicated Union member since he joined Teamsters Local 456 over 30 years ago. Starting in 1992, he was appointed Shop Steward for the City of Yonkers Department of Public Work. Lou was elected as a Teamsters Local 456 Trustee and appointed as a Teamsters Local 456 Business Agent in 2005. Lou was also elected Grand Marshall for the annual City of Yonkers Columbus Day Parade, in recognition of honoring Italian-American Heritage. prgtoken In 2016, Lou was elected President and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 456. He serves as Vice President of the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body. For many years, Lou has been a member of Joint Council 16's New York Teamsters Political Action Committee. He is also a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Lou has spent his entire career as a visionary, fighting for workers' rights, fair wages and benefits, workplace safety, and the right to organize. prgtoken Lou's history of Union involvement has been an inspiration and the breadth of the roles he has served is a testament to his personal commitment to helping others. MPAC could not have chosen more of a Trailblazer to honor than Lou, and I want to congratulate him on receiving this wonderful recognition.
KISD BRINGS HOME 3 GOLD MEDALS IN STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-5

I rise today to congratulate three TX-22 Katy Independent School District (ISD) state wrestling champions--Kayla De Leon, Gabi Holloway and Daniel Manibog. prgtoken Cinco Ranch High School's Kayla De Leon finished her senior season with an individual gold medal and a 35-2 record. Gabi Holloway, a junior at Seven Lakes High School, finished off an undefeated 9-0 season with a gold medal. Daniel Manibog, a repeated state champion from Katy High School, also received a gold medal and pinned his final match in 45 seconds. Each of these students has made Katy and all of Texas proud! prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to each of you on your accomplishments. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the future.
FOREIGN POLICY
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-5

the United States and its allies are aware that the Russian government is engaging in ongoing information warfare against democracies around the world. Beyond its targeting of the U.S. election systems and critical infrastructure, Russian influence efforts have been reported in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Serbia, Latvia, Ukraine, Spain, and Mexico, among others. Most recently, the United Kingdom has been attacked physically by Russia through its use of nerve toxins against perceived enemies of Russian President Vladimir Putin on British soil. prgtoken The Kremlin needs to hear clearly that we will not tolerate its continuing bad acts. prgtoken The Department of Treasury's newest sanctions against the businesses, entities, and people included in special counsel Robert Mueller's February 16th indictment is an important step in holding Russia accountable for its interference in the American election process. My colleagues and I passed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act last summer with this purpose in mind. prgtoken The Kremlin Report list published by the Treasury Department currently names businessmen like Yuri Shefler, who has been protecting his company, SPI Group, against Russian attacks for almost twenty years. prgtoken I urge the administration to develop a broader policy response to Russian interference in American politics. A strong first step to accomplish this goal is publishing a report on businessmen who are actually close to the Kremlin.
TRIBUTE TO WARD UMBAUGH
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-4-5

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ward Umbaugh, of Adair, Iowa for earning the American FFA Degree. Ward was recently awarded this degree at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Ward was the first member of the AC/GC FFA Chapter to receive the award. He is the son of Gretchen and Bill Umbaugh. prgtoken The American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experience. Ward had to meet certain requirements, such as studying agriculture for three years in high school, earning money in an agriculture field and investing that money into their business, participation in community service and having a record of outstanding leadership ability and community involvement. The work toward this degree involved many years of hard work and dedication in agricultural pursuits. prgtoken , it is an honor to represent leaders like Ward in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud him for utilizing his talents to reach his goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating him on receiving this esteemed designation, and wishing him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.
CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF MILAN
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-4-5

I rise today to recognize and celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of Milan, New York. Formerly part of the Little Nine Partners Patent, the Town of Milan was incorporated on March 31, 1818. prgtoken For two hundred years, Milan has taken part in the great American experiment, weaving together a diverse community and cultivating a strong civil society. This small bucolic town situated on the northern border of Dutchess County has celebrated many great triumphs of our nation and witnessed the nascent years of America's existence, but has also persevered through times of hardship. The strength and independence that continues to define this town are a result of principles instilled at its founding two centuries ago. prgtoken While the area has experienced many changes over the past two hundred years, the town of Milan is always eager to look to the future, but never forgets its past. Milan was built on a foundation of determination and resiliency with a strong community focus and a deep appreciation for a rural lifestyle. These core beliefs continue to guide and distinguish the community today. prgtoken This bicentennial anniversary marks a great milestone in Milan's history, and serves as an important time for reflection. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations to the town of Milan. As the residents celebrate its 200th birthday, I would like to commend them on the success of their small, thriving community and wish Milan continued prosperity in its next 200 years.
RECOGNITION OF ELENI M. ROUMEL
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-5

today I rise to recognize Eleni Marie Roumel for her dedicated service to the House of Representatives and specifically to the Committee on Ways and Means. prgtoken Eleni has been with the House Office of General Counsel since October 2012, during which time she has provided invaluable counsel to House Members, Officers, and staff on a variety of legal issues. She has vigorously defended the institutional prerogatives of the House, and greatly assisted the Committees in fulfilling their important constitutional oversight roles. prgtoken Of special importance to the Committee on Ways and Means, our staff came to rely on her expertise and guidance in connection with many of the Committee's investigative and oversight activities, as well as in connection with the Committee's interactions with the Executive Branch. Eleni was a trusted advisor on many aspects of the Affordable Care Act, and worked tirelessly to ensure the Committee's investigative efforts in overseeing the enforcement of the law were successful. Eleni has been instrumental in the Committee's efforts to combat Executive Branch overreach and vindicate the House's Appropriations Clause authority. In addition, Eleni has exemplified the role of counselor to Committee staff as someone who was eminently reliable, knowledgeable, creative, and genuinely a pleasure to work with. She will be greatly missed. prgtoken This month, Eleni will continue her distinguished career of public service by commencing her new role as Deputy Counsel to the Vice President of the United States. Eleni served the House with great distinction, and we know she will serve the Vice President with that same level of distinction. On behalf of the many Members of the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee staff, who benefitted from her insightful counsel, I say thank you. We extend to her our very best wishes for her continued success.
THE UPCOMING 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT--MANY ACHIEVEMENTS, YET IMPORTANT PROVISIONS NOT YET IMPLEMENTED
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-4-5

on March 22 I chaired a hearing at the Helsinki Commission on the achievements, with a special focus on the unfinished business, of the April 10, 1998 Good Friday Agreement. As Members know so well, the signing of the Good Friday Agreement 20 years ago was truly historic, extraordinarily difficult to achieve, a remarkable framework for peace, and the hope for beginning of reconciliation. prgtoken In its most important provisions, the agreement launched a series of challenging protocols, by which the leaders of the nationalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland agreed to a better governance, and peaceful resolution of differences. Prisoner releases, new government structures, British demilitarization of the North, the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons and systemic police reform were achieved to varying degrees over the last 20 years. In the 30 years between 1969 and 1998, approximately 3,500 people were killed in political violence, while in the 20 years since the Good Friday Agreement fewer than 100 have lost their lives. prgtoken I have personally chaired 16 congressional hearings and markups of legislation on human rights issues in Northern Ireland, most of them with a special focus on police reform and the need to establish a public, independent judicial inquiry into state-sponsored collusion in the murder of human rights attorney Patrick Finucane and others who were gunned down or, in the case of Rosemary Nelson, killed by a bomb. I also offered legislation that was adopted by the House of Representatives that put the House on record condemning violence and promoting peace and justice in Northern Ireland and police reform. And I just recently introduced H. Res. 777 which calls for a recommittal of the United States, the British, and all parties, including the Republic of Ireland, to the peace process. prgtoken The most contentious of my amendments over the years, one of which became law, resulted in suspending all U.S. support for and exchanges with the British police force in Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, or RUC, until standards were met to vet RUC officers who engaged in human rights abuses. Those new standards were set and eventually then-President was able to certify, in accordance with my law, that human rights principles were part of police training going forward, both in the RUC and in its reformed successor, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, or PSNI. With the improvements, the police exchanges were resumed. prgtoken That is the good news. But as the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement milestone approaches, serious attention and effort to be paid to achieving the dream. First and foremost, the government in Northern Ireland seems unable to consistently function or even constitute itself. Also, after 20 years, despite many obvious successes and benefits of the Good Friday Agreement, and although no one wants to scrap it, no one would w
MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY CITIZEN, DAVID CAINE IS AWARDED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD BY LAKE ARROWHEAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-5

I rise today to recognize David Caine who will be honored as the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year. David is the founder of Quiet Skies--Lake Arrowhead, a group dedicated to preserving Lake Arrowhead residents' quality of life in the face of flight pattern changes by the FAA. prgtoken David epitomizes what it means to be a concerned citizen. When flight patterns changed over Lake Arrowhead last year, David was the first person to contact my office to notify me what a massive complication this was for my constituents. Not only did he quickly bring this issue to light, he has been diligent in researching this issue and organizing the local community. Due to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance, FAA representatives came to Lake Arrowhead to present a partial solution while they continue to work on a permanent fix. This meeting was the first time in history that the FAA has voluntarily made changes to accommodate a community. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to thank David Caine for the incredible work he has done organizing and informing the community about the seriousness of this issue, and for his tireless efforts to advocate on behalf of Lake Arrowhead residents. His determination, diligence, and passion make him truly deserving of the title, Citizen of the Year.