mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROTECTION FROM ALGAL TOXINS ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to introduce a bill to help address the grave threat posed to human health from ingestion of microcystin toxins. Four summers ago, a massive algal bloom exploded in western Lake Erie, which generated microcystin, a cyanobacteria that can cause liver damage, nausea, headaches, and skin blemishes in humans, and is known to be lethal to pets. Just in the last few months, ``do not drink'' advisories due to microcystin were posted in Salem, Oregon and Rushville, New York. prgtoken As elected officials, our first priority must always be the safety and health of our constituents. In that vein, this bill moves to ensure microcystin will no longer be a public health threat. prgtoken This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by specifying that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must make a final determination on a maximum contaminant level goal and to promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for microcystin toxin. It demands the EPA does this before or by the time the next round of determinations is due, in 2021. prgtoken I commend the EPA's work to date to generate a strategic plan for dealing with algal toxins and for publishing an advisory for microcystin. The strategic plan and current health advisory that EPA already released are a good beginning point. But we need a finalized regulation for the dangerous microcystin that endangers Toledoans every summer with Lake Erie's recurring algal bloom problem. prgtoken In addition to the threat they pose to public health, this bacterium casts a huge economic shadow over our vital and beautiful coast. Toledo's Water Crisis cost the city government over $200,000 in cleanup costs alone, not counting untold millions in lost business and ultimately lost tax revenue. prgtoken This concern is not isolated to Lake Erie. Millions of Americans across the country rely on drinking water from natural sources that are similarly threatened by increasing levels of nutrient runoff, and the resulting toxic algal growth. A recent study from USGS showed that algal toxins are present in over 1/3 of all lakes nationwide. Additionally, the EPA recognizes harmful algal blooms as a major environmental problem in all 50 states, with severe impacts on human health. prgtoken No one should ever have to worry whether the water coming from their tap is unclean or unsafe, no matter if you're in Toledo, Ohio; Flint, Michigan; Rushville, New York; Salem, Oregon, or anywhere else in America. This bill will make us all safer and I urge my colleagues to support it.
RECOGNIZING NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AND HER NEW PRESIDENT, DR. LISA C. FREEMAN
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to speak about one of my alma maters, Northern Illinois University, and her new president, Dr. Lisa C. Freeman. prgtoken Dr. Freeman was appointed by the NIU Board on September 20, 2018, to serve as the university's 13th president and first woman president-- lucky number 13. prgtoken As a proud NIU alum, earning my PhD in political science from NIU in 2004, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Freeman to her new, and finally, official role. She previously served as acting president since July 2017. prgtoken Dr. Freeman has dedicated her career to the promotion of social excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, creativity and artistry, and outreach and service. prgtoken I have no doubt that her inspiring nature and example will surely lead NIU to greater heights under her steadfast and visionary leadership. prgtoken Her commitment to the academic excellence of the students and faculty at NIU will maintain NIU's leadership as a world-class institution. Throughout her career, Dr. Freeman has fostered an inclusive learning environment where students and faculty can live, grow and thrive. prgtoken As a proud NIU alum, I can recount the moments throughout my educational journey where men and women, like Dr. Freeman, helped pave a way for me and others to succeed, in the classroom, in our careers and in life. prgtoken In my current role as the Congresswoman for Illinois' 2nd District, it encourages me to see the broad-spectrum collaboration and participation underway at NIU, from science and mathematics to political science, business and the arts. prgtoken My office and constituents have certainly benefitted from the great educational experience available at NIU. In fact, a number of my current and former staffers and interns are all NIU alums, and they work hard every day to serve the great people of the 2nd Congressional District. prgtoken As our institutions of higher learning face 21st century challenges, I know that NIU, under Dr. Freeman's leadership, will rise up and not only meet but also exceed these challenges. prgtoken In particular, Dr. Freeman's own personal examples as a barrier- breaking researcher in the STEM field will certainly inspire many young people to find their own place and path in the dynamic, growing and innovative STEM fields. prgtoken As a proud Husky, it's my honor to welcome Dr. Freeman as the 13th President of Northern Illinois University. I am confident that under her leadership, NIU will continue to flourish as an innovative and world-leading, student-centered, research-focused public university. prgtoken Welcome once again and go Huskies.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF BISHOP JAMES WALKER HOOD ON THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to recognize the legendary Bishop James Walker Hood on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his passing. Bishop Hood is credited with establishing the North Carolina African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Conference, the Prince Hall Masons of North Carolina, and Livingstone College, all in my home state of North Carolina. prgtoken On May 30, 1831, James Walker Hood was born to Levi and Harriet Walker Hood on the farm of Ephraim Jackson in Chester County, Pennsylvania, nine miles from Wilmington, Delaware. Hood's parents instilled their love of the church and a spirit to help fellow African Americans improve their lives in their twelve children. Hood's father was a Methodist minister and his work moved the family around the country as he served various churches. Together, Hood's parents became involved in the AME Zion church, established as the Methodist church for Blacks. prgtoken Upon coming of age, James Walker Hood's moral and religious convictions led him into ministry. In 1856, Hood secured his license to preach from the New York Conference of the AME Zion Church. In the following years, Hood moved to Connecticut and Nova Scotia to preach and work as a missionary. In early 1864, following the path of the Union Army, Hood was appointed to missionary work in North Carolina, recognizing that legal slavery would soon end. He would then stay in North Carolina for the remainder of his life. prgtoken Although Hood was met with strong opposition in establishing the North Carolina Conference of AME Zion Church for African Americans, he persuaded the Black Southern Methodist congregations in New Bern and Beaufort, North Carolina to affiliate with the AME Zion Church. Among the more than 300 churches he successfully established in North Carolina are St. Peter's AME Zion Church (New Bern), Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church (Fayetteville), and St. John AME Zion Church (Wilson). prgtoken After becoming a Presiding Bishop in 1872, Bishop James Walker Hood resided in Fayetteville until his death on October 30, 1918. He is interred in Cross Creek Cemetery in Fayetteville. Hood helped establish Zion Wesley Institute, now Livingstone College, in Salisbury, North Carolina to train African American students for the ministry and to become productive citizens in North Carolina. He presided over the school's board of trustees for over thirty years. prgtoken Bishop Hood was politically active on behalf of his people. In 1865, he presided over the first statewide political convention for African Americans. In 1868, he participated in the state constitutional convention, which abolished slavery, provided universal male suffrage, and established free public education for all children. He also held several government positions, including magistrate and assistant superintendent of the North Carolina Freedman's Bureau. prgtoken Bishop Hood was a man of courage, conviction, and persistence. He was unwavering in hi
HONORING KATHERINE LADDISH WITH CALIFORNIA'S THIRD DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to honor Katherine Laddish as a woman of the year. She is committed to serving Winters as an advocate, organizer, volunteer and committee volunteer. Demonstrating incredible dedication to her community, Kate Laddish is an inspiration in so many facets of life in Winters. She contributes to the community through volunteerism and contributes to the environment as a steward and a leader. She is an advocate for healthy communities, and as an In- Home Supportive Services advisory prgtoken committee volunteer member she inspired others to find their best selves in order to help those in need. Ms. Laddish has been an indispensable advocate for smoke-free, low-income housing and was successful in getting many low-income properties to go smoke-free. Outside of her public advocacy, Ms. Laddish has been a volunteer at The Palms Playhouse in various capacities since 2001; she also volunteers writing for the Winters Express as an Entertainment Correspondent. Despite facing a range of physical challenges, Ms. Laddish enjoys entertaining at local community events as a member of the Crawdads, a local jazz band ensemble. Playing such an involved role in her community's affairs has established her as a pillar of her community. Kate Laddish is generous, passionate, and dedicated to all the causes she devotes herself to. An inspiration to all who know her, Kate has a heart of service and exemplifies all the qualities of a consummate community activist and devoted public servant
SCARSDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY NO. 1 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-10-19

first responders are the heroes of our local communities. We in the 16th Congressional District of New York are fortunate to have had the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 for the past 125 years, and I want to honor them on reaching that amazing milestone. prgtoken Established in 1893, the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 started with a handful of dedicated volunteers as they hooked a couple of horses to a wagon attached with fire extinguishers, and were without a fire station until the following year. Now, the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Company is one of three fire stations throughout the Village of Scarsdale comprised of 47 career members and 70 volunteer firefighters across 3 different fire stations. prgtoken In 2016 alone, the Scarsdale Fire Department responded to 1,499 alarms, which included 42 structure fires, 139 motor vehicle accidents and victim rescues, 268 hazardous condition requests, and 258 public assistance calls. The skill and professionalism of the Scarsdale firefighters is evident in their average response time of 3 to 4 minutes per emergency. This has made the Scarsdale Fire Department one of the best in Westchester County, and within the top 10 percent of fire departments in New York State. prgtoken I want to commend Fire Chief James E. Seymour IV for his outstanding leadership as well as all the career firefighters and volunteer firefighters who dedicate their time and service for protecting the Scarsdale community. prgtoken , every community unknowingly relies on the dedicated service of unsung heroes. The Village of Scarsdale is fortunate to have the amazing first responders of the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Company protecting them for over a century.
HONORING CHIEF KEN ARNOLD
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to honor Chief Ken Arnold, on his retirement as the Chief of Police for Napa Valley College in Napa, California. prgtoken Chief Arnold was born in Orlando, Florida and raised in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. In 1983 he graduated from Napa Valley College with two Associate of Science degrees in Law Enforcement and Private Security. Chief Arnold also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary's College of California in 1991. From 1979 to 1997 he served in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. prgtoken Chief Arnold has served Napa Valley College as Chief of Police since 1990. He also is the head of parking services and emergency management, among many other responsibilities that are essential to keeping the students and college safe. Chief Arnold is an adjunct professor at the Napa Valley College Criminal Justice Training Center. He teaches first aid for law enforcement, cultural awareness, emergency management and campus law enforcement, among other courses. In addition, Chief Arnold coordinates the Napa Valley College police academy and in-service training programs. Since 1989, he has also taught emergency preparedness and trained other instructors for the Napa County Community Emergency Response Team training program. prgtoken During the October 2017 wildfires, Chief Arnold displayed incredible leadership and greatly assisted our community. He set up a temporary shelter at Napa Valley College for fire evacuees when the fire first broke out and included a kennel for displaced animals. At the college, Chief Arnold led the coordination of emergency operations, community donations, distribution of food and clothing, staff shift management and volunteers. prgtoken Chief Arnold has held numerous leadership roles. He is the former president of the California College and University Police Chiefs Association and Napa and Solano County Training Managers Association and was Board Chairman of the Napa chapter of the American Red Cross. He has also served on the board of Saint John's Lutheran School. prgtoken , Chief Arnold is an admirable leader who is dedicated to serving and protecting our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Chief Ken Arnold here today.
TRIBUTE TO WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today along with my colleagues, Representatives Debbie Dingell, Paul Mitchell, Mike Bishop, Sander Levin, Daniel Kildee, Fred Upton, John Moolenaar, and Jack Bergman to recognize Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, on the occasion of its 150th--or sesquicentennial--celebration. Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University is ranked among our nation's best research institutions, educates over 27,000 students among 13 schools and colleges, and is the eighth-largest employer in the city of Detroit. prgtoken In addition to educating and training leaders in research, the arts, law, and medicine, Wayne State University has for over 150 years, consistently served the people of Detroit, the great state of Michigan, and our nation. Wayne State University began, and has remained, in Detroit--a city that has seen the highest heights and the deepest depths, and is now reinventing the very definition of the great American city. prgtoken Through the tireless work and effort of its first university president, Dr. Edward W. Jenks, to the current president Dr. M. Roy Wilson, Wayne State University is the embodiment of public service and access to education. Under the direction of Dr. Wilson, Wayne State University has dramatically increased its overall six-year graduation rate, with African American graduation rates double what they were just a few years ago. Today, Wayne State University attracts, and is composed of, many of the best and brightest students and researchers, with an excellent team of administration, faculty, and staff professionals. They remain firmly rooted in the community while preparing their diverse student body to impact locally and globally making the university a thriving hub of innovation and academia. prgtoken Wayne State University has also cemented its status as a leading research institution and a champion for women and children in our nation. In fact, Wayne State University is the only site outside of Bethesda, Maryland, that houses a branch of the National Institutes of Health. Thanks to the Perinatology Research Branch, over 20,000 women, children, and families have received access to world-class prenatal health care that they might not have otherwise been able to access. prgtoken Through the Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), the University is reimagining the way science approaches urban health issues. IBio was named the 2017 Renovated Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine and Laboratory Design. This 127,000-square-foot, $90 million facility is dedicated to studying and eliminating the many health disparities that plague residents of Detroit and communities across the country. IBio includes faculty with expertise in environmental sciences, bio and systems engineering, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and bio- behavioral health. Opened this fall, the Mike Ilitch School of Business, further expands the Wayne State campus into The District Detroit wh
TRIBUTE TO THE MARCO POLO FESTIVAL
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Marco Polo Festival, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary on October 20, 2018. prgtoken As a celebration of culture and heritage, the Marco Polo festivities around New York City remind us of the contributions of these two historical communities of immigrants and their joint history. Through the story of Marco Polo traversing the Silk Road, we can draw parallels to New York City's own vibrant history, including the shared experiences of Chinese and Italian immigrants coming to the U.S. and the establishment of a historic district celebrating both cultures. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating the Marco Polo Festival and its leadership, the Marco Polo Festival Committee and Two Bridges Neighborhood Council, on this special 10-year anniversary. These dedicated individuals exemplify outstanding leadership through their public service to the community. I wish the Marco Polo Festival continued success in many more years of service
HONORING THE CAREER OF LILIA GONZALES CHAVEZ
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-10-19

I rise today to honor the career achievements of Ms. Lilia Gonzales Chavez. Lilia is being honored by Arte Americas with the Armando Rodriguez Legacy Award, in honor of her dedication and commitment to the preservation of the arts of California's Central Valley. This award is given to a person who has broken barriers in civil rights, education, and/or the promotion of the arts to the broader community and selflessly promoted the advancement of the underrepresented. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Lilia today for her years of service to our Valley. prgtoken Lilia, a native of Fresno, attended California State University, Fresno and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and a master's degree in Administrative Leadership from Fresno Pacific University. prgtoken In 1987, Lilia co-founded Arte Americas and for nearly ten years served as their director. Arte Americas is currently the Valley's largest non-profit Latino Cultural Center. After her time at Arte Americas, Lilia took on a new challenge. In 2011, she was appointed as the Executive Director of the Fresno Arts Council. Lilia has also served on the board of the Fresno Art Museum, the board of the Fresno Arts Council and is a key member of the League of Mexican-American Women in Fresno where she serves as Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. prgtoken Lilia has worked as an educator at Fresno City College where she taught child development and psychology. Lilia also worked with the County of Fresno as an Administrative Analyst and Coordinator of the Inter-Agency Council for Children and Families, where she assisted many underserved communities throughout Fresno County. prgtoken An achievement that Lilia is most proud of was being appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as a Trustee on the Board for California State Summer School for the Arts, serving on the Dean's Advisory Council for the Department of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Fresno and the California State University Summer Arts Advisory Board. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mrs. Lilia Gonzales Chavez for receiving the Armando Rodriguez Legacy Award. Lilia has been an inspiration, not only through her professional achievements, but also through the community leadership throughout the years. I ask that you join me in wishing Lilia and her family continued success and prosperity.
HONORING SERGEANT MAJOR PAUL COLLIER, U.S. ARMY
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-10-19

today I rise to recognize the retirement of an outstanding military service member, Sergeant Major Paul L. Collier, Jr. prgtoken For 40 years, Collier has shown outstanding leadership, professionalism, and technical ability while serving in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Born in Wurzburg, Germany, Collier began his career at Camp Shelby, then Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Sergeant Major Collier will retire from service at Camp Shelby in his most recent role as Logistics Senior Supply Supervisor of the Joint Forces Training Center. prgtoken SGM Collier served at home and abroad with great distinction. Deployments included Panama, Italy, and South America, as well as Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken Highly decorated SGM Collier fully engaged in service, earning a collection of awards and decorations too numerous to mention. Among them are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Armed Forces Service Medal. prgtoken Educational pursuits have been paramount to SGM Collier's successful military career. From the Sergeant Majors Academy, NCO courses, Army Combative Instructors Course, Airborne, Battle Skills, Basic Law Enforcement Academy, and Leadership Development, few soldiers rival SGM Collier's 40-year military education journey. In addition, he also holds a Bachelors' Degree in Business Management, and is an active member of VFW Post 3036--Hattiesburg, MSNCOA, and EANGUS, Association of Quartermasters, and the National Infantry Association. He is married to the former Paula Stuckey with whom he shares two sons and one daughter-in-law. prgtoken His numerous accomplishments and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon our United States military. It is my honor and privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Paul L. Collier, Jr.
H.R. 1551, THE MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-10-19

thanks to the hard work of both Judiciary Committee staffs, a formal conference to resolve the differences between H.R. 5447 and S. 2823 was unnecessary. On behalf of the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, I have posted to the House Judiciary Committee website an amended background and section by section that would have been included in the official Conference Report to H.R. 1551 had the bill been subject to a formal conference committee. This document can be found at https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Music- Modernization-Act.pdf.