mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
OBSERVING THE 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KHOJALY MASSACRE
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-2-28

. Madam , I rise in observance of the victims of the Khojaly Massacre, a barbarous atrocity committed against innocent Azerbaijani civilians. Tuesday, February 26, marked the 27th anniversary of this bloody episode. prgtoken The story is all too tragic. Khojaly, in the region of Nagorno- Karabakh, was surrounded by Armenian and Soviet troops in the fall of 1991. After bombarding the city these troops attacked on the night of February 25 and 26, killing 600 innocent Azerbaijanis, including elderly people, women, and children. Hundreds more were left severely disabled from the attacks. Over fifty people were killed with wanton brutality, many children lost parents, and eight whole families were wiped out. prgtoken Human Rights Watch described these attacks as a ``massacre'' and in a 1992 report stated that the attacks by Armenian and Soviet forces, ``deliberately disregarded [the] customary law restraint on attacks.'' This massacre remains the darkest chapter in the Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict. prgtoken Unfortunately, the dispute over Nagorno Karabakh is still ongoing, despite the United States and the international community not recognizing the independent rule of the region and supporting a negotiated settlement. I call on all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to this decades old conflict. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to join with me and the Azerbaijani people as they remember this tragedy.
RECOGNIZING POLICE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE III ULRIC J. PATTILLO, JR. OF LOS ANGELES
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Police Service Representative III Ulric J. Pattillo, Jr. of Los Angeles. After 40 years of dedicated public service to the people and communities of the City of Los Angeles, Ulric is finally retiring and will be sorely missed. prgtoken Ulric's incredible career with the Los Angeles Police Department began on February 2, 1979 as a Station Officer. He was commended for conducting himself in a professional manner and doing an outstanding job. He served in this capacity until he transferred to Communications Division as a Police Service Representative on December 1, 1981. prgtoken Ulric received many commendations during his career, including but not limited to: his service during the Valley Bureau cutover to ECCCS and the 1992 Civil Unrest; recognition for National Dispatchers week; and outstanding support of field officers during emergency situations. prgtoken He was deeply involved in his community outside of the department by volunteering as a poll worker, serving as an AFSCME Union Shop Steward, being a member of the PSR Task Force, and being selected as Councilperson for the Employee Council and End of Watch Cadre. prgtoken His friendly character and positive approach left an indelible mark at Communications Division. His dedication to the profession, the community, the Department and the City of Los Angeles is highly commendable, and has earned him the esteem of the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, Communications Division. prgtoken For his remarkable accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Police Service Representative III Ulric J. Pattillo, Jr. on the House floor today. His decades of commitment and contributions to the City of Los Angeles are worthy of commending and admiration.
CONGRATULATING THE ROCK ISLAND GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE BEN FARRAR INSURANCE TEAM ON BEING THE FACE OF BIG LEAGUE CHEW
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Ben Farrar Insurance softball team of the Rock Island Girls Softball League on becoming the face of Big League Chew. This is the first time in the 38 years the gum has been offered that women have been on the cover. prgtoken Big League Chew is one of the most famous bubble gums in the world, and the Ben Farrar Insurance softball team is on the cover of the packaging. George Stege, who represents Big League Chew, and Ben Swanson, who coaches the girls, formed a friendship that led to this wonderful debut of girls on the cover of the packaging where only boys had been before. The group of teenage girls from Rock Island helped make this happen by inspiring George Stege to take this idea to his team at Ford Gum Company. Not knowing that this would be something the company would consider, given they have such an iconic logo, the team was excited to hear the news that they would be the face of Big League Chew and inspire female athletes everywhere. prgtoken It is because of dedicated leaders such as George Stege, Ben Swanson and members of the Ben Farrar Insurance softball team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam , I would like to again formally congratulate the Rock Island Girls Softball League's Ben Farrar Insurance softball team for being on the cover of Big League Chew's packaging.
Nomination of Chad A. Readler (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-4

this week the Senate will vote on another of President 's hard-right judicial nominees, Chad Readler, of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio. prgtoken Let me just say, anyone who thinks the Party has abandoned their embrace of eliminating protections for preexisting conditions ought to see how everyone votes on Chad Readler. It will be a surprise to no one that this nomination is proceeding over the objection of Senator Brown, yet another example of s discarding the blue slip. Mr. Readler stands out in his own way. A vote to confirm this nomination is a vote to end protections for Americans with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Mr. Readler is behind the administration's decision last year to side with Texas and 19 other States with attorneys general suing to repeal our healthcare law. Mr. Readler was not just somebody who worked on the case; he was the lead lawyer, filing the Department of Justice brief declaring that the administration refused to defend the laws of our country. prgtoken In a brief so outlandish that career Justice Department attorneys refused to sign, Mr. Readler argued that protections for people with preexisting conditions should be eliminated. Mark my words. When this vote is cast, we will see how every feels about preexisting conditions, their protestations to the contrary. prgtoken Listen to this, folks. On the very next day after the brief was submitted, Mr. Readler was rewarded for his efforts by President with a nomination for a lifetime appointment. On day one, Readler files the lead suit to eliminate protections for those with preexisting conditions, and on day two, he is nominated to the bench--a lifetime appointment. prgtoken All 47 of us Senate are united in opposing this nomination, and we urge our colleagues who claim to support protections for preexisting conditions to join us in voting to reject his nomination. prgtoken He is not just some lawyer who participated. He is the chief cook and bottle washer of the case that hurts hundreds of millions of Americans. If you have a daughter with cancer, and you can't get insurance, if you have a wife or a husband who has a serious condition, and the insurance company pulls back, you are losing your protection if Readler has his way. Now he is going to get on the bench with a lifetime appointment unless our colleagues have the sense and the courage to block him. prgtoken On this vote, every will be forced to show their constituents and the American people whether they stand for preexisting condition protections, for more Americans having healthcare coverage, protecting Medicaid, and all insurance plans covering maternity care and prescription drugs. Having failed in Congress to repeal these vital healthcare protections that American families count on each day, President has turned to the courts. The decisi
COMMEMORATING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF KOREA'S MARCH FIRST MOVEMENT DAY
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-4

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Korea's March First Movement Day. On March 1, 1919, the Korean Declaration of Independence, inspired by President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points and the first of a people to self- determination was read aloud in Seoul for the first time. prgtoken Korea's hard-fought independence would not have been possible without brave and committed activists like 16-year-old Yu Gwan-sun, who gave her life in the name of independence and died from the injuries she sustained while she was imprisoned. Yu became the face of the Korean independence movement, giving speeches at rallies that drew thousands of participants. prgtoken Korea's March First Movement inspired other non-violence and independence movements around the world, including the important work of Mahatma Gandhi. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to have introduced a resolution last week that celebrates this history with my new colleague--Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey. This resolution recognizes the impact of all youth human rights activists; the indelible contributions of Korean Americans to the vibrancy of United States society, politics, culture, and the economy; and reaffirms the U.S.-ROK alliance as the lynchpin of U.S. engagement in Northeast Asia. prgtoken Thank you for joining me in honoring this important and historic day.
GLENDA ROSE BOLING
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Glenda Rose Boling for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Glenda Rose Boling is a student at Arvada West High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Glenda Rose Boling is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Glenda Rose Boling for winning the Arvada prgtoken Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
HONORING MS. YU GWAN-SUN
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-3-4

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Yu Gwan-sun to her country and to the ``March 1st Movement.'' Her courage united the people of South Korea to fight for their freedom and inspired many to persevere through hardships. Yu passed away upholding her beliefs and resistance against the colonial rule. prgtoken Nine years after the Japanese military rule of the Korean Peninsula, the push for Korean independence against Japan began in Seoul on March 1, 1919. Back then, 16-year-old Yu Gwan-sun gathered her classmates and began protesting on the streets. Yu's efforts garnered support from many community members and she became involved in peaceful student demonstrations. The protest, however, led to the closure of all schools in South Korea. Yu was briefly detained, and ultimately forced to return to her hometown, Cheonan. prgtoken Yu was not deterred by these obstacles, instead she spread a copy of the United States Declaration of Independence from town to town, rallying for support. Her efforts encouraged 3,000 citizens to protest on April 1st. Unfortunately, during the protest, nineteen people were shot and killed by the colonial police, including Yu's parents. This sparked a nationwide uprising with over two million people participating in independence marches. Of the two million, 700,000 were killed and 46,000 were imprisoned. prgtoken Yu was captured, jailed, convicted of sedition, and sent to Seodaemun Prison in Seoul. Even in prison, Yu was extremely rebellious. She demanded the release of other prisoners and continued to display her support for Korean Independence. In addition, Yu helped organize a large-scale protest with other inmates until she was transferred to an underground facility where they tortured and killed her. prgtoken Yu Gwan-sun's courage of conviction, even after countless setbacks, made her the symbol of Korea's Independence movement. She inspired countless amounts of people to take a stand for their freedom and sense of self. Although the ``March 1st Movement'' did not immediately result in Korea's Independence, Yu's presence throughout the protests united many individuals. prgtoken Over 100 years ago, United States President Woodrow Wilson's ideas of self-determination to resist the occupation of Japanese military rule inspired the Korean people. It is estimated that approximately two million Koreans participated in more than 1,500 demonstrations for independence. These acts became the catalyst for the Korean Independence movement that would help unify the Korean people in their quest for independence in 1945. prgtoken Our alliance with the Republic of Korea has always been firm. South Korea has remained one of the United States' closest and most steadfast allies and partners. Our shared belief in self-determination is pivotal to our joint success and I am proud to rise today to honor that history. I hope my colleagues will recognize the importance of the Korean
REMEMBERING BERTA CACERES
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-3-4

3 years ago yesterday, Berta Caceres, an indigenous rights activist in Honduras who had been a vocal opponent of the construction of a hydroelectric dam that threatened the territory of the Lenka people, was murdered in her home. prgtoken That cowardly crime, about which I have spoken many times, was the culmination of years of harassment and threats against her life, and it was by no means an isolated case. At the time, it was only the latest of scores of assassinations of social activists who protested against the confiscation of land, forced evictions, and infrastructure development involving corrupt payoffs to circumvent environmental and social safeguards, and against abuses by Honduran security forces. Nobody has been punished for any of those other, similar, crimes. prgtoken I did not know Berta Caceres, but I knew of her. I remember when she was awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. I remember the disgust and outrage I felt when I learned that she had been murdered. prgtoken I remember thinking that whoever would murder Berta Caceres, a charismatic leader who was recognized not only in her native country but around the world, must have been confident that they would never see the inside of a jail cell, because in Honduras only a small fraction of homicides, not to mention other violent crimes, ever results in conviction. Impunity and the corruption that enables it is a way of life there. prgtoken It was no surprise that in the days and weeks after Berta Caceres was murdered, the Honduran police tried to cover it up. It was only because of international pressure, including by the U.S. Embassy, that the fraudulent ``investigation'' did not end there, as so often happens in Honduras when the victim is not someone of notoriety. prgtoken Eventually, last November, after what seemed like interminable foot dragging, a trial resulted in the conviction of seven of those involved. That was a significant achievement, considering that absent international pressure Berta Caceres's case would have faded from memory like all the others. That trial also implicated top officials of the hydroelectric company DESA, one of whom is still awaiting trial 3 years later. prgtoken I was a prosecutor before I became a Senator. I prosecuted many murder cases. While premeditated murder is a horrific crime, it is often relatively easy to prove. In Berta Caceres's case, there was a lot of evidence. So to those who ask why, 3 years later, we are still waiting for justice, I think the answer is obvious. There are powerful forces within the Honduran Government who are beyond the reach of the Honduran justice system, and the attorney general recognizes that. prgtoken So today, 3 years later, there are some who conceived of, or knew of, the plan to murder Berta Caceres who have not been charged. The question, 3 years later, is when will they be charged? When will they be brought to justice? prgtoken Neither I n
Tornadoes in Alabama (Executive Session)
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-3-4

people across the country and around the world today have seen the images of the terrible devastation left by tornadoes that touched down in Lee County, AL. prgtoken Lee County is home to Auburn University, and so many of the wonderful constituents there have suffered mightily over the last 24 hours. As of right now, we know 23 people have lost their lives--23--and as we speak, rescue teams and first responders are still out searching for others who may have been hurt. We pray that we have seen the last of the loss of life, but that is to be determined. prgtoken Already, this is one of the deadliest storms in our State's history, and Louise and I want to offer our most sincere condolences to all of those who have been affected by this horrible event. The youngest victim we know of was only 6 years old. My heart goes out to all the folks who have lost loved ones, who suffered damage to their homes and their businesses, and I ask that everyone pray for their comfort and healing. prgtoken I also thank the courageous first responders who put their lives on the line time and again to help folks in need. Our rescue crews are working around the clock, and we are so grateful to them for the work they do every day but especially on days like today and yesterday after tragedies like these strike. These are our friends and neighbors who step up in the wake of disaster to help their community, sometimes-- sometimes--while struggling with the tragedy on a very personal level themselves. prgtoken Unfortunately, this is an all-too-familiar sight in Alabama. We have seen our fair share of natural disasters. On a single day in 2011, an estimated 60 tornadoes devastated so many towns and cities, including Cullman, Hackleburg, Pratt City, and Tuscaloosa, killing over 200 people. All of these have a way of being personal. prgtoken That day was especially personal for my wife, Louise, who is from Cullman. I was out of town that day attending a judicial conference and called her as she was watching on television how her town was being destroyed, debris flying everywhere, and she could barely speak. She can still barely speak about it today. As U.S. attorney, in April of 1998, I saw firsthand the devastating damage to the Oak Grove and Edgewater communities, where 32 people lost their lives. That destruction in Edgewater was especially personal to me because that is where my grandparents lived for so many years and where my parents lived when I was first born. I can remember walking that day across the slab that was left of the little church my parents attended when I was born, walking across with President Clinton. It is unbelievable to witness that kind of damage. prgtoken Jacksonville, AL, is still rebuilding after a tornado severely damaged their city last year, including the campus of Jacksonville State University. Last fall, Hurricane Michael ravaged our farmlands in the Wiregrass in South Alabama, destroying co
IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE ALICE A. LYTLE
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-4

. Madam , it is with sadness that I rise to recognize the life of the Honorable Alice Athenia Lytle, who passed away on December 21, 2018 at 79 years old. Judge Lytle was not only an incredible leader as California's first African-American woman Superior Court Judge, but as a loved and respected mentor and advocate for children and families. Today, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in the memory of her remarkable legacy. prgtoken Judge Lytle was born on March 2, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey as the eighth of ten children to Lacey and Margaret Lytle; a family that was a part of the Great Migration of African-Americans north from the Deep South. She was raised in New York's Harlem neighborhood, where her passion for advocacy and social justice was fostered. She studied at Hunter College in New York City where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physiology. She then attended Hastings College of Law and served as the secretary and president of the Black Law Students Association and was a member of the Student Faculty Curriculum Committee and Academic Standards Committee. During her studies, she was a law clerk for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other attorneys in private practice. Ultimately, Judge Lytle worked with Governor Brown as Chief of the Industrial Relations' Division of Fair Employment Practices with the Department of Industrial Relations and later as the Secretary of the State Consumer Services Agency. prgtoken In 1983, Judge Lytle was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the Sacramento Municipal Court and later served as Presiding Judge of the Municipal Court and Master Calendar Judge for unlawful detainer matters. Some of her greatest and most memorable accomplishments are reflected by her time as the Lead Judicial Officer for juvenile dependency cases. As Lead Judicial Officer, she created a mentor program for the youth called the SacraMentor Program, she established a Healthy Teen Mothers Program, and served as a mentor for pregnant teens while working with the Birthing Project. Significant financial contributions and services to programs that benefit underprivileged youth are the direct product of her clear dedication to young people and their well-being. prgtoken Madam , today we honor the marvelous life of Judge Alice Athenia Lytle; an aunt, a sister, a leader, and beloved public servant. Alice is a true Sacramento treasure in our community. She will be remembered for her courage, kindness, and wisdom.
REMEMBERING WILLIAM ``BILL'' MURRAY
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-3-4

today, it is with a heavy heart that I wish to recognize the life and legacy of William ``Bill'' Murray, a tremendous advocate for kidney disease patients in my home State of Delaware. This week, advocates from across the country will travel to Washington, DC, to meet with their congressional representatives, share their stories, and ask that we remain committed to investing in kidney disease research. prgtoken Like Bill, who became involved with the National Kidney Foundation and the kidney disease community in 2014, many patients, family members, and caregivers throughout the country will meet with their legislators and government officials to increase awareness of and improve policies focusing on kidney disease. prgtoken I am proud to say that Bill made being involved with the National Kidney Foundation a family event, often bringing his partner Linda, daughter- prgtoken in-law Danielle, grandson Emerson, sister Michelle, nieces, friends, and others to as many events as possible. prgtoken Bill worked tirelessly to increase awareness about kidney disease in Delaware, spending time volunteering at local events, helping with community health screenings, and organizing support for World Kidney Day. True to character, even in his death, he helped those in need by being a deceased donor for patients waiting for organ transplants. As my family, staff, and I extend our deepest sympathies to all those who had the privilege of knowing Bill, I take comfort in knowing that his impact, passion, and determination will continue to bring hope to the kidney disease community for years to come.