mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTENARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise today in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan, and to convey my congratulations to the Republic of Azerbaijan and to all Azerbaijanis. prgtoken On May 28, 1918, the ic Republic of Azerbaijan was founded, becoming the first Muslim democratic state and gaining their independence from the Russian Empire for the first time. While that independence was initially short-lived, taken away when Russia invaded in 1920, Azerbaijan again became an independent nation on October 18, 1991, and has since been an increasingly important ally for the U.S. in the South Caucasus. prgtoken Like the city I represent, Houston, Azerbaijan's impressive economic growth has been driven by the oil and gas industry and shaped by adapting to the evolution of that industry. A number of American and international energy companies thrive in Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan's rapid development of its energy infrastructure and expertise has helped it play a crucial role in protecting European energy security and U.S. geopolitical interests by ensuring a stable and sufficient flow of energy to Europe. prgtoken As a secular Muslim country, Azerbaijan was a pioneer in extending equal political rights to women, becoming the first Muslim country to give women the right to vote in prgtoken 1918. After 9/11, Azerbaijan was and continues to be an important counterterrorism partner for the United States, participating in coalitions combating international terrorism and sending its own troops to support U.S.-led military efforts in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Iraq. prgtoken Azerbaijan is an important actor for the advancement of global security and diplomatic engagement on the world stage. It holds observer status in the World Trade Organization, was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from 2012 to 2013, and is a member of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program and the OSCE. prgtoken I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on their centennial celebration, and wish them many centuries more of prosperity and success.
EMPEROR OF THE SWAMP
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-6-8

. Number five, first class travel: Pruitt has spent over $100,000 on first class commercial travel since entering office, citing security concerns, apparently not satisfied with his $3.5 million currently spent on security escort. prgtoken Let me tell you, number one, unfortunately for, I think, many Americans, nobody knows who Scott Pruitt is. You do not need to be flying first class for, quote/unquote, security reasons, and you certainly should not be making the American public be paying for your first class tickets.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHILOH MANOR
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Shiloh Manor, a senior housing complex located in the South Side neighborhood of Easton, Pennsylvania. The vision of Shiloh Manor began in the mind of the late Pastor Fred Davis of the Shiloh Baptist Church. In 1987, while attending a world conference in Japan, Pastor Davis met a former associate and a Philadelphia realtor who specialized in building complexes for senior citizens. With their renewed fellowship, Pastor Davis and Mr. Hatton developed a strategy to apply for a HUD sponsored loan to build a senior citizen's home. On their third application attempt in 1992, the application was approved for $3.7 million dollars. Since the completion of Shiloh Manor in July 1993, the Greater Shiloh Church congregation, now led by Senior Pastor Phillip Davis, as well as the Board of Directors and the larger community rejoice in the Manor's 58 units, which provide affordable housing for senior citizens of diverse backgrounds. prgtoken The story of Shiloh Manor exemplifies how a group of inspired individuals can create meaningful change in their community. I commend the late Pastor Davis and those who carry on his vision for a strong, inclusive community. I wish them well as they celebrate this milestone anniversary through fellowship and worship.
EMPEROR OF THE SWAMP
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-8

number six is the lotion, which we have already talked about. But what we didn't talk about is, in prgtoken using his security detail, you should know, this is a really expensive security detail 24/7. They have already spent $3.5 million on that security detail in 2017. prgtoken This is, again, just a waste of taxpayer funds. No other Cabinet official has this kind of security, and it is something that we really should look at if we had a functioning GOP House oversight structure. prgtoken Unfortunately, the majority here in the House has refused to look at EPA's Scott Pruitt scandals, and I don't even know how they can defend him at this point.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-8

pain management education for the prescription of opioids in the VA could help with opioid abuse; that is clear. The VA already has guidelines regarding the management of opioid therapy for chronic pain and provides clear and comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and the VA healthcare systems. prgtoken , these guidelines are provided to minimize harm and increase patient safety in patients who require opioid therapy, but these guidelines only work if the prescriber is adequately trained. And that is why the gentleman from Massachusetts' amendment would be so helpful, because we all know that the key to making sure that we can reach people and maximize the effectiveness of the program is to ensure that the appropriate and significant training is done so that we can achieve those goals. So I support this amendment.
HONORING RYAN GRAHAM, COMMANDER OF THE QUEENS COUNTY COUNCIL VFW
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise today to honor the service of Ryan Scott Graham as the commander of the Queens County Council of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Ryan graduated from John Adams High School in Ozone Park, New York in 2001. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 2002 to 2008. While in the Air Force, Ryan was deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His honorable service included working as a stock control technician at Hurlburt Field to provide support for 257 special operations forces, and as a computer systems analyst at Langley Air Force Base to provide support for 136 combat air force units across the globe. For the last four years, Ryan has tirelessly advocated on behalf of the veterans of Queens County as commander of the Queens County Council VFW. prgtoken During his time as commander, he diligently worked with local, state, and federal government officials to promote legislation benefiting veterans and improving VA services. Ryan is committed to helping his fellow veterans and will continue in his role as a legislative advocate for the VFW and the veterans of Queens County. prgtoken Ryan is extremely well-respected in the Queens County community and is very attentive to the needs of his local veterans, providing them with the resources and support they need. When WWII veteran Leonard Miller's flagpole was destroyed twice by two major storms, Ryan and the Queens County Council VFW came to his aid and replaced the flagpole allowing Mr. Miller to again proudly display the American flag. prgtoken For his service to the veterans of Queens County and to our country, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mr. Ryan Graham.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Frederica S. Wilson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-6-8

I was not present for the following votes because I was very ill and remained in my congressional district in Miami to recuperate. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on Roll Call Vote No. 231; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 232; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 233; NO on Roll Call Vote No. 234; NO on Roll Call Vote No. 235; NO on Roll Call Vote No. 236; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 237; YES on Roll Call Vote No. 238; and YES on Roll Call Vote No. 239.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO HELP AMERICAN FAMILIES HAVE HEALTHCARE
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-6-8

first, do no harm. That is rule number one for every doctor, and it should be rule number one for this President and this Congress as well. But because of the harmful, partisan healthcare politics in Washington, D.C next year, a quarter million people in Washington State will have to spend 19 percent more per month on their health insurance. prgtoken That adds up for a lot of folks. It will add up to the difference between being able to afford healthcare or not. Families in Washington State will have less money in their pockets because of the choices to do harm by this Congress and this administration. prgtoken It is a choice to cut, as this administration did, the Federal payments that make healthcare cheaper for families. It is a choice to obsessively try to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, as this House and this administration have done, creating uncertainty and driving up costs. prgtoken Listen, the Affordable Care Act was not perfect, but it meant cheaper healthcare and more people with insurance. Let's fix it rather than harm people. prgtoken Rather than partisan attacks that do harm to the healthcare system and harm to family budgets, let's first do no harm, and then let's work together to actually help American families have healthcare.
AZERBAIJAN'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan and to highlight the significance and importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship. prgtoken Throughout its history, Azerbaijan has resisted invasion from the Soviet Union. They were pioneers in advancing the cause of women's suffrage. Day in and day out, Azerbaijan cooperates on defense, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism activities. Azerbaijan established the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world. They have offered unconditional support to the United States after 9/11. prgtoken Here is to another 100 years of great prosperity for the people of Azerbaijan and a strong relationship with the United States.
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. MATTHEW ROSA
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise today to recognize Mr. Matthew Rosa on his election as President of the California Future Farmers of America. prgtoken Matthew Rosa was born on March 25, 2000, in Visalia, California to his parents, Noel and Holly Rosa. He attended local schools, most recently El Diamante High School in Visalia, California. During his high school tenure, Matthew served in many leadership posts in the El Diamante Chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA), including Sentinel from 2015 through 2016, Vice President from 2016 through 2017, and President from 2017 through 2018. In the role of Chapter President, Matthew concurrently held the position of San Joaquin Region FFA President. prgtoken Beyond FFA, Matthew is an avid golfer, playing for the El Diamante Miners golf team in his sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school. He served as a member of St. Mary's Youth Leadership Team from 2015 through 2016 and is active in the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish of Visalia. prgtoken During his participation in FFA, Matthew was a member of the winning FFA Cooperative Marketing Team in 2017 and earned a State Proficiency Award for Dairy Production Placement. In his academic pursuits, Matthew became a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation and was a two-time recipient of the Visalia Unified School District Board Student Achievement Award. prgtoken In early 2018, Matthew was one of seventy-four members of California's extended FFA organization to apply to run for state office. After many interviews during the California FFA Convention in Anaheim, California, Matthew advanced among the twelve finalists to address the convention. Following voting, Matthew was declared the winning candidate for President of California FFA on April 25, 2018. prgtoken As California State FFA President, Matthew will be tasked with the three primary tenets of FFA leadership: motivating members to achieve their highest potential, serve as a goodwill ambassador to the community at-large, and provide key direction and execute the various programs undertaken by FFA regions and chapters. prgtoken Matthew's passion for farming is a reflection of his upbringing. As the son of a dairyman, Matthew has learned the lessons of hard work and dedication growing up at the Rosa Brothers Dairy and Creamery. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Matthew Rosa on his election and wishing him well on his future service to the California Future Farmers of America.
INTRODUCING THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES ACT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-8

too many Americans find themselves in dangerous and life-threatening situations as a result of domestic violence. prgtoken Victims need access to emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and advocacy services. prgtoken That is why I was proud to introduce H.R. 6014, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act of 2018, with my colleagues, Representatives Gwen Moore, Elise Stefanik, and Lisa Blunt Rochester. prgtoken Since it was enacted in 1984, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act has addressed domestic violence through community-driven solutions and a network of programs and services dedicated to responding to domestic violence across the country. prgtoken One example is the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is available in 170 languages. It provides crisis intervention, counseling, prgtoken and safety planning, and can directly connect calls to a seamless referral system of more than 4,500 community programs across the United States. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. Domestic violence has no place in our society, and we must stand up for victims and work to eradicate domestic violence for good.
HONORING ISRAEL'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise today in honor of Israel's 70th anniversary of independence. The United States has no stronger ally in the Middle East than the State of Israel. prgtoken Our relationship is one rooted in shared values and a commitment to freedom and democracy. Israel's dedication to political and economic freedom, free and fair elections, and freedom of religion provides a stark contrast with other regimes in the region. prgtoken On this anniversary, I also want to recognize the important relationship between Israel and the State of Alabama. prgtoken Few people know that 5 years prior to Israel gaining independence, Alabama became the first and perhaps only State to call for the establishment of a Jewish state. prgtoken Seventy-five years ago, on June 10, 1943, in the midst of World War II, the Alabama legislature unanimously passed a joint resolution calling for a Jewish state, and for the Jewish people to have the right to self-government and self-determination. prgtoken Since that day, in acknowledgment and support of our mutual values, Alabama and Israel have maintained a special friendship. Indeed, Alabama and the United States are proud to call Israel our ally, and look forward to our continued support of Israel and our continued friendship.
REFORMING OUR DISASTER RESPONSE SYSTEM
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-8

Hurricane Harvey hammered Houston last August, bringing with it a deluge of rain. In the nine months since then, Houston has begun to recover. Downtown Houston is full of students and workers of all ages, strolling the streets during their lunch break. However, there is still lots to be done. Only minutes north of downtown Houston, Minute Maid Park, and the Toyota Center is Kashmere Gardens, a neighborhood that 10,000 Houstonians have called home. Each street in this neighborhood has houses that are no longer habitable, with destroyed doors and gutted interiors. prgtoken While the rest of Houston is flourishing, Kashmere Gardens is floundering. This is not due to the actions of any one agency, but rather the convoluted and bureaucratic disaster-response system that almost everyone agrees is failing to provide the necessary support in the wake of these disasters. Federal recovery funding currently comes from 17 different federal agencies, including HUD and DHS, which oversees FEMA. We must streamline the recovery process for the sake of those who are impacted by disasters. There are still Houstonians, including those in Kashmere Gardens, who are living in transitional housing because they are unable to navigate the government's cumbersome disaster recovery efforts. When someone's home is destroyed in a hurricane, wildfire, or volcanic explosion, they should not have to spend months trying to discern their eligibility for federal disaster relief. They should be able to focus on rebuilding their home and their life. prgtoken Another hurricane season is just beginning, and it is expected to again be a season with above-average activity. We must learn from past disasters to better respond to disasters that are still to come. prgtoken And that's just the way it is.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise today in support of my commonsense amendment to ensure our Nation's injured and amputee veterans will continue to have the ability to choose the orthotist or prosthetist that best meets his or her healthcare needs, whether that practitioner is a VA employee or a VA-contracted provider. prgtoken The VA currently is proposing a rule that I fear will reverse a decades-old policy of allowing injured and amputee veterans to choose who provides their artificial limbs and orthotic braces. The VA would have the sole authority to make what they describe as this ``administrative business decision.'' prgtoken But choice of provider is a clinical decision and an important patient protection. These men and women have sacrificed greatly for our country and it is imperative we do everything we can to make sure they receive the timely and patient-centered healthcare they have earned and deserve. prgtoken O&P care is very intimate and specialized, and the correct practitioner for that veteran makes all the difference in the lifestyle the veteran leads. We should do everything we can do in our power to make the often difficult and frustrating transition from service to civilian life as easy as possible, especially when veterans have incurred a disabling condition. prgtoken This has been a very important issue to me, and I would like to take the time to thank my colleague, Representative Rutherford, for working with me on this amendment. prgtoken , I would also like to thank both the Appropriations Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for working with me on this important and timely issue. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and empower our veterans in making their personal healthcare decisions, and .
RECOGNIZING JOHN AND BENJEAN RAPP
Evan H. Jenkins (Republican, WV) \u2014 2018-6-8

I rise today to recognize John and Benjean Rapp of Summersville, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Rapp are cornerstones in their community, who have dedicated their lives to bettering our nation, and improving West Virginia. prgtoken John Rapp served our country in the United States Air Force and returned home to the Mountain State to serve as a West Virginia State Trooper for over 20 years. Outside his time in uniform, John also served as county commissioner for Mercer county from 1990 to 1996. While a county commissioner he prioritized growing the economy and infrastructure development. prgtoken Benjean Rapp has been an active member of her church and serves as a local leader through multiple civic groups. prgtoken Benjean has played an integral part in working to restore the historic Old Main High School in Summersville. prgtoken Together, they have made a tremendous team and have had a positive impact in their community and the Mountain State. prgtoken I would like to thank them for their service and dedication to not just their communities but to our nation. I wish them all the best as they continue to work to better our world.
A BAD YEAR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-8

yesterday we held a hearing on human rights in Vietnam. It has been a very bad year in Vietnam for human rights. Since the beginning of 2018 alone, the Vietnamese government has handed out sentences totaling over 100 years in prison and house arrest to human rights defenders and democracy advocates. prgtoken In the past year alone, 22 bloggers have been jailed as well as six members of the Brotherhood for Democracy. An outrageous 15-year sentence was given to Nguyen Van Dai, whose wife Vu Minh Khanh testified before this committee in 2016. prgtoken Nguyen Van Dai should be released unconditionally and immediately. I know he is courageous and he wants to remain in his own country seeking rights and reform. However, if he desires to leave Vietnam, he should be allowed to leave with his wife immediately. Vietnam's loss will be the world's gain. prgtoken The Vietnamese government has gotten a free pass on human rights for too long. prgtoken There are currently 169 political and religious prisoners in Vietnam, including bloggers, labor and democracy advocates, and religious leaders. prgtoken Freedom House rates Vietnam as ``Not Free'' and possessing of some of the world's highest press and internet restrictions. prgtoken The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom again this year recommended that Vietnam be designated as a ``Country of Particular Concern'' for egregious religious freedom abuses. U.S. policy has failed the Vietnamese people. This is a bipartisan criticism. We have enriched Vietnam's Communist leaders and coddled their interests at the expense of the hopes and desires of the Vietnamese people of liberty and human rights. prgtoken The Administration has an opportunity to bring about real reforms in Vietnam if tangible human rights improvements are linked to better U.S.-Vietnam relations. prgtoken The U.S. has leverage to encourage reform--Vietnam needs a strong U.S. partnership--particularly as China's aggressiveness prgtoken increases. The questions is--will this leverage be used to help the people of Vietnam or their Communist rulers? prgtoken I have been to Vietnam. I have met with its rights advocates and young activists for decades now. The younger generation in Vietnam--66 percent of Vietnam is under the age of 40--looks to the U.S. as a land of opportunity and freedom. prgtoken This generation wants the same liberties enjoyed by their relatives in California, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana and so many other places where former Vietnamese refugees have flourished. prgtoken They want to speak freely, blog freely, worship freely, and be free to choose and change their leaders. prgtoken Failing to press for concrete human rights improvements underestimates U.S. leverage and will disappoint the young generation in Vietnam who are that country's dynamic future. prgtoken The President will face pressure from his advisors and the business community to look at Vietnam through the lens of trade deals