mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-6-23

I have to say that it is a privilege and it is good for the House and good for America when Judge Ted Poe is on the floor making a case. He was a great judge, a great prosecutor before that, and we will always need his voice making a case here on the floor, especially the kind of strong case he was just making. And I want to follow up with that. prgtoken There was a story yesterday, June 22, by Kristina Wong. It says: ``James Comey may have misled Senators on May 3, when he testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he had never been an anonymous source in news reports related to the Russia investigation. ``By that time, he had already leaked several private conversations he had with President to his friend Benjamin Wittes, editor-in- chief of the blog Lawfare and former editorial writer for The Washington Post.'' prgtoken , I am sure you will recall, as we see every day, evidence that The Washington Post does not just despise , they are actually malicious in their reporting. President , as a public figure, would normally have a tough time making a case as a public figure for libel or slander because you have to prove malice. The Washington Post has proved repeatedly they are not interested in fairness or anything resembling balance. They can't stand Donald J and they are out to try to get him in a malicious fashion. prgtoken So when anybody, especially somebody with the FBI, leaks anything to people that may have it end up in The Washington Post, they, indeed, themselves become part of the malice for our President. prgtoken The article says: ``Wittes wrote in a piece on May 18, only 9 days after Comey was fired, that the former FBI Director had shared those conversations `over the previous few months.' He wrote: ``Comey never told me the details of the dinner meeting; I don't think I even knew that there had been a meeting over dinner until I learned it from the Times story. But he did tell me in general terms that early on, had `asked for loyalty' and that Comey had promised him only honesty. He also told me that was perceptibly uncomfortable with this answer.'' prgtoken Now, let me insert here because obviously Mr. Comey does not understand what loyalty means and why a President of the United States would ask for loyalty from the Director of the FBI. But what loyalty means from a Director of the FBI is: , I will be loyal to the administration. I will not go out and leak things to the media and I will not go out and stab you in the back every chance I have, even though I have these friends that hate your guts. And I know when I leak things or share things to people that can't stand the President, it is going to hurt him and it is going to be disloyal. prgtoken That is what loyalty is. It is outrageous for someone to try to make an obstruction case out of a President asking for loyalty. prgtoken Look at what the administration did. The
RECOGNIZING KAYLA BARRON, NASA ASTRONAUT CANDIDATE
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-6-23

today I rise to recognize Kayla Barron of Richland, Washington, who was recently selected for NASA's 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. Kayla was chosen 1 of 12 from over 18,000 applicants to join just 338 people who have held the prestigious title of American astronaut. prgtoken Before applying to the NASA program, Ms. Barron attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where she received several medals and unit commendations while earning a bachelor's degree in systems engineering. She went on to earn a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cambridge. She was a member of the first class of women commissioned into the submarine community as a submarine warfare officer. prgtoken Kayla is an exemplary role model for students interested in science and technology. I commend her for her hard work, and I wish her luck in her training and her future exploration endeavors.
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-6-23

as our economy continues to recover and evolve, it is critical that job seekers have the resources needed to gain the skills they need to compete for in-demand jobs. That was the aim of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that we passed in 2014, and my amendment encourages State agencies to coordinate with their workforce boards to continue these efforts. prgtoken My amendment also would improve the information participating States submit about their demonstration projects, providing important data for decisionmakers in the future. s for their consideration and ask for their support of this amendment and the underlying bill, and .
HONORING THE LIFE OF STAN McETCHIN
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to honor the storied life of one of my constituents, Stanley David McEtchin, better known as Stan. prgtoken Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Stan passed away on June 9th after 92 years of enriching the lives of those around him. For the past few decades, the small town of Paradise, CA has known Stan as a pillar of the community whose sculpted metal artwork decorated shops and houses all across Butte County. But before his creative artwork made him a local celebrity, Stan served in an even higher calling, volunteering in his country's military in World War II. prgtoken In 1943, Stan volunteered for the First Special Service Force in the Canadian Army and served as an ammunition supplier and medic. His unit, known as the Devil's Brigade, was an elite American and Canadian commando unit that preceded modern special operations forces that we have today. prgtoken In 2014, Stan and the rest of the Devil's Brigade travelled to Washington, D.C where they were awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroism during the Second World War--the highest civilian award in the United States. prgtoken What makes Stan special is that he is known for his Congressional Gold Medal and for his distinguished military service, but also for his creativity and his artwork that help unite his community. Most people in Paradise, California would surely tell you that his metal artwork adds a distinct personality to his small town. I consider myself fortunate to have known him--and our country fortunate to have gained such a good man from our northern Canadian neighbors. He will be greatly missed.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARCUS HOOK BOROUGH
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the founding of Marcus Hook Borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and to honor the contributions of generations of Marcus Hook residents to our nation's development and prosperity. Marcus Hook was founded during the boom years of the late 1800's, and its growth has been inextricably linked with the importance of the Delaware River to the commerce of America's east coast. Its key location and access to modern infrastructure made Marcus Hook a natural location for refining and for more than 100 years the industry has been the economic bedrock of the community. Just a few years ago, the refining industry and the family- sustaining jobs it supports were at risk. Within a few short months, the operators of the refineries along the Delaware River announced their impending closure. But Marcus Hook didn't give up. Thanks to its legacy of excellence, the skills of its workforce and the grit of its residents, the community came together. Today, the refining sector is being revitalized, and another generation of Marcus Hook families benefits from the jobs it supports I congratulate Marcus Hook, its leaders and its residents for 125 years as a family-friendly, close-knit community and I thank the families of Marcus Hook for the honor of representing them in the House of Representatives.
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-6-23

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this. prgtoken Sunlight brings truth. Truth will set you free. My hope is truth will set folks free from the trap that many people find in multigenerational poverty. We really, truly want to help solve the problem and get the information that will help us make our systems work effectively. prgtoken , .
IN MEMORY OF SKIPPER PERRY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-6-23

South Carolina lost a devoted public servant with the death of former State Representative Skipper Perry. He was a courageous early pioneer for the Party, helping develop the two-party system in South Carolina. On June 21, 2017, a Service of Worship Celebrating the Life, Death, and Resurrection was conducted at First Baptist Church in Aiken, South Carolina, by Reverend Dr. Fred Andrea, III, Instrumentalist Joyce M. English, and Soloist Vince Cloud. prgtoken The following thoughtful obituary was appropriately published in the Aiken Standard on June 20, 2017: Robert Spence (Skipper) Perry, Jr. of Aiken died peacefully Father's Day, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. A lifelong resident of Aiken, Skipper was the son of the late Robert Spence Perry, Sr. and May Seigler Perry. He is survived by his wife, Anne Straus. In addition, Skipper is survived by his two sons, Stanley (Meg) of Charlotte, NC and Richard (Kristin) of Washington, DC. He leaves four grandchildren; Spence, Anne Healey, Liza May and Burke. He is also survived by his brother, William Perry (Rosaline) of Naples FL, Mary Ann Gunneson (Dave) of Chattanooga, TN, Susan McCarty of Aiken, Jeannie (Earle) Robinson (Earle) of Augusta, GA, Addison deAurora (Eric) of Savannah, GA, and the late Otto McCarty, brother-in-law. Skipper's life was remarkable for its deep devotion to family--enjoying contact with a brother or sister every day. His family was the warm embrace that sustained him every day of his life. He repaid that gift by devoting himself to the public good--whether in elected office or in the service of those who were unable to help themselves. He ministered to the sickest among us. He offered support for the mentally and emotionally disabled. What you know of his public deeds pales by what he did for countless individuals privately and unnoticed. He redefined the role of grandfather as an active participant in their lives, interested in even the smallest details of their routine. Skipper was honored recently as the Aiken Chamber ``Man of the Year''. He has also served in the South Carolina State Legislature, Mayor Pro Tempore City of Aiken, City Council of Aiken, President Aiken Center for the Arts, President Mended Hearts of Aiken, Founding member and Chairman of the Tri- Development Center, Chairman of the Adult Development Center, Founding member of the Historic Aiken Foundation, President of the United Way of Aiken, President Aiken Symphony Guild, Chairman of the Heart Walk, President of Pinecrest Elementary PTA, Chairman of Palmetto Amateur Golf Tournament, Sertoman of the Year, Order of the Palmetto, President Aiken Jaycees, President of the Aiken Sertoma Club, American Legion Post 26, and Announcer Aik
IN MEMORY OF HORACE SELLERS MERRILL
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-6-23

I ask for the House's attention to recognize the life of Mr. Horace Sellers Merrill of Heflin, Alabama. Mr. Merrill passed away on February 17, 2017 at the age of 80. prgtoken Horace was born on October 15, 1936 in Micaville to Emory Joseph and Grace Allen Merrill. He graduated from Cleburne County High School in 1954 lettering in baseball and football. He attended Southern Union Junior College in Wadley, Alabama on an athletic scholarship until an automobile accident ended his athletic career in 1957. prgtoken Horace started work at Dixie Mines Mica Mining Company and married Mary Inez Thompson of Anniston, Alabama on June 1, 1963. prgtoken Mr. Merrill always held a strong interest in politics. In 1964, he was elected Circuit Clerk prgtoken of Cleburne County and served for 12 years. During this time, he participated in the Lions Club, Jaycees and Athletic Boosters Club and was president of each. He also assisted in the organization of the first youth baseball program in Heflin, where he officiated and coached in the 1960s and 1970s and was the public address announcer for Little League Football and junior high football games. prgtoken After completing two terms as Circuit Clerk, he was elected Probate Judge and Chairman of the Cleburne County Commission in 1976, a position he held for one six-year term. While serving as Probate Judge, he led the effort to purchase land and develop plans for the construction of the State of Alabama Welcome Center and Rest Area on I- 20. He had a vision for a county-wide water system to service all citizens of Cleburne County through the Dyne Creek Watershed project that was supported by Congressman Bill Nichols and Senator Howell Heflin that he was not able to complete before the end of this term. prgtoken Mr. Merrill was an active participant in the Cleburne Baptist Association, and served as an officer and pastor of several churches. His pastorates included Happy Hill, Cedar Creek, Pinetucky (Interim), Chulafinnee and Edwardsville Baptist Churches. As a member of Heflin Baptist for over 50 years, Mr. Merrill served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Church Training Director and Sanctuary Choir member. prgtoken Horace and Mary enjoyed 53 years of marriage and were blessed with two children and four grandchildren: Alabama Secretary of State John Harold Merrill (Cindy) and Audrey Merrill Gillis (Stephen), Pelham Brooks Merrill, Alexandra Grace Merrill, Mary Kathryn Gillis and Sarah Sellers Gillis. prgtoken , please join me in celebrating the life of Horace Merrill. He will be greatly missed.
UNSEAL RECORDS INTO AGENT BRIAN TERRY'S DEATH
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-6-23

in December 2010, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed with a gun that was traced back to the Department of Justice's Operation Fast and Furious. His family awaits answers. prgtoken Agent Terry's family recently testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that the administration continually denied all efforts to release any additional information about his death. They are now calling on President to finally unseal the records and expose the dirty secrets behind this tragic scandal. prgtoken It is shameful that the administration has been repeatedly accused of collusion and coverups based on unsourced rumors, while little attention was given to the administration's blatant efforts to cover up the truth into Agent Terry's murder. prgtoken Under Operation Fast and Furious, roughly 2,000 firearms were purposely sold to criminals, which were later smuggled into Mexico, and have been linked to multiple homicides. prgtoken The administration stonewalled Congress, investigators, and Americans for years and, to this day, refuse to take responsibility for their mistake. prgtoken It is time for the truth. We have an opportunity to return transparency and trust to our government, and I fully support the Terry family's request for the records to be unsealed.
EVAN'S LAW
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-6-23

sometimes out of loss, a cause arises and the lives of others are saved. I rise today to ask for my colleagues' support of a bill I introduced today, Evan's Law. prgtoken My bill would require the Department of Defense to make windows in military residential housing safe for military families and their children by equipping housing units with fall protection and prevention devices to protect against unintentional falls by young children. prgtoken We ask our servicemembers to go into harm's way to protect our Nation and our way of life. Our servicemembers deserve to live in residential housing properly equipped with window fall prevention devices to make sure their children are safe in their own homes. prgtoken , joining me today in the balcony is Commander Jason English; his wife, Ami; and their children, Jason, Luke, Lydia, and Joshua. prgtoken Commander English and his family have been tireless advocates for residential window safety requirements in the Department of Defense. They lost their son Evan. Commander English and his family have worked to raise awareness about the danger young children face in residential housing. prgtoken I thank the English family for their hard work. I am hopeful that Evan's Law will become a part of the National Defense Authorization Act. I urge my colleagues to join me in their support.
IN RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM HENRY ``DOC'' LONG
Mark Walker (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today in remembrance of William Henry ``Doc'' Long, a veteran of World War II and liberator of France at Ancerviller on November 13, 1944. William Long was a member of the ``Greatest Generation'' and a true patriot. Mr. Long graduated from Summerfield High School just eight months before the attack at Pearl Harbor. Throughout his life, Mr. Long was active in his community, church and the trucking industry. To honor his more than 70 years of service to the transportation industry, the American Truck Historical Society recognized Mr. Long with the Golden Achievement Award. He served diligently at his church, Summerfield Peace United Methodist, and on the Summerfield School Committee. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, a lifetime member of the American Legion and the former Vice President of the 315th Regiment of the 79th prgtoken Infantry Division Army Association. Mr. Long was inducted into the French Legion of Honor by a decree of former French President Sarkozy for his decisive role and personal contribution to the liberation of France during World War II. His name is on a monument in the village of Ancerviller, along with other men who fought so bravely to restore freedom. Mr. Long's numerous achievements and service to his country will not be forgotten. I join with his family, friends, community and the entire Sixth District in remembrance of William Henry ``Doc'' Long, a true American hero.
2017 VETERAN'S ASSOCIATE PROGRAM (VAP)
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to acknowledge the patriotic efforts of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2017 Veteran's Associate Program (VAP) and its Executive Sponsors Andrew Karp and Brian R. Carosielli, as well as William T. Golden, Co-Head of the NY Chapter of the Military Support and Assistance Group, for their steadfast and selfless commitment in helping members of the military transition into careers in the financial services industry. prgtoken Recognizing the unique experience and leadership of our servicemembers, Bank of America Merrill Lynch once again conducted a 10-week rotational program to provide on-the-job training and experience to assist veterans transitioning into the financial services industry. Ten veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines participated in this year's VAP program; all were subsequently offered full-time placement in either the Office of the Chief Financial Officer or the Global Banking and Markets division. Efforts like the VAP at Bank of America Merrill Lynch distinguish the service of the men and women in our military and make our country stronger.
IN HONOR OF MR. BERTOLINI
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-6-23

I would like to congratulate Phil Bertolini of Oakland County, Michigan, for his induction into the prestigious National Chief Information Officer Hall of Fame. prgtoken Recognized for his outstanding contributions to his field, Mr. Bertolini was selected as one of only nineteen inductees for the Class of 2017. This award is a testament to Mr. Bertolini's unparalleled ingenuity, his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, and his dedication throughout twelve years of service to Oakland County. prgtoken Since becoming the head of Oakland County's IT department, Mr. Bertolini's application of new innovative technologies revolutionized the function of county government. Incorporating programs designed to increase government efficiency and communication, Mr. Bertolini and his team has received numerous honors and awards for their work. In 2012, he was recognized as a White House Champion of Change and has even had the opportunity to travel abroad as part of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. prgtoken Dedicated to the people of Oakland County, Mr. Bertolini has built his career on his devotion to serving others, and, understanding the responsibility and leadership required, he did not waiver in taking on this important Chief Information Officer role on behalf of his fellow citizens. prgtoken Mr. Bertolini's induction into the Chief Information Officer Hall of Fame is a great honor for not only him, but Oakland County and the great State of Michigan. He should be seen as an example of an ideal public servant, one who puts the needs of his community before his own. prgtoken , I would like to extend my utmost gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Bertolini as his hard work, service, and outstanding performance receives the nationwide recognition that it deserves.
THE CITIZENS OF PUERTO RICO HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR WILL TO JOIN OUR NATION
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2017-6-23

the American citizens of Puerto Rico overwhelmingly voted in favor of becoming the 51st State of our great Nation. This is the second time in the past 5 years where my constituents have expressed their will to join our Nation. prgtoken Soon I will introduce legislation to set forth the terms of admission for the new State of Puerto Rico. prgtoken Our people have, in war and peace, made countless contributions to our Nation. They have fought in every conflict since the Great War. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, and when they do, their casket is flown back to this country draped in an American flag bearing the 50 stars, but no star that represents them. prgtoken It takes a special kind of patriotism to fight for a nation that does not treat you equally, a nation that is a champion of democracy and self-determination, yet denies those same principles to 3.4 million of its own citizens in Puerto Rico. prgtoken , my constituents have spoken, and they deserve Congress' response.