mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-9-5

I include in the Record the following Proclamation. prgtoken Whereas on January 13, 2013, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world; and prgtoken Whereas the Sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University and these young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote and provide academic excellence; scholarships; support to the underserved; education and participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities; and prgtoken Whereas Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated is a sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college-educated women and the Sorority currently has over 1,000 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Republic of Korea, and here in Dane County, Wisconsin; and prgtoken Whereas the Madison Alumnae Chapter was chartered on August 27, 1977 by twenty-two bold and visionary women who saw the urgent need for a chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Madison, Wisconsin to create a collective shift in thinking for African American residents; to cultivate and educate the minority community in political, educational, cultural, economic and social spheres; and has continued to thrive, empower, and lead for forty years using sisterhood, scholarship and service as the guide; and prgtoken Whereas the Madison Alumnae Chapter has participated in Delta Days in the nation's capital to meet with me and my staff to discuss prgtoken issues surrounding its social action agenda and initiatives; to share concerns and seek answers to questions regarding policy issues, including incarceration rates, unemployment, housing, economics, and education; to have open and transparent conversations about these concerns that disproportionately affect the African American community with policymakers; and to discuss how we can work together towards solutions, and prgtoken Whereas the Madison Alumnae Chapter being Determined Strategic and Transcendent has established and maintained a legacy of preeminent programming which has been recognized as exemplary at both regional conferences and national conventions, prgtoken I, Mark Pocan, Congressman from the great state of Wisconsin recognize and congratulate the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Madison Alumnae Chapter on the significant impact that they have made in the lives of the citizens in their service area and the tireless work that they do to in the name of public service.
IN HONOR OF ASSEMBLYMAN MICHAEL SIMANOWITZ
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-5

I rise today along with the support of my colleague, Congressman Crowley, to honor the life and exceptional service of New York State Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz. Mike passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at the age of 46, after battling a long illness. Mike was a dedicated public servant, a devoted family man, and a truly remarkable individual. prgtoken Mike began a lifelong career in public service as chief of staff to former New York State Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn more than twenty years ago. He was later elected to fill her seat after her retirement in 2011. A long-time active member of his community, Mike volunteered with the New York Police Department's auxiliary program at the 107th Precinct in Flushing, Queens, for 15 years, and was its commanding officer for nine years. And as one of only a few Orthodox Jews in the New York State legislature, Mike was proud of his faith and was a strong voice for the Queens Jewish community. prgtoken When speaking to Mike's constituents, you will hear nothing but words of praise for his passionate commitment to his district and community. Congressman Crowley and I counted Mike as a great friend, and we join the entire New York community in mourning this terrible loss. prgtoken Congressman Crowley and I offer our deepest condolences to Mike's wife and four children, his parents, and all of his friends, colleagues and constituents. We continue to keep Mike's family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
DACA
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-9-5

I join my colleague from Colorado to come to the floor to talk about the President's misguided decision earlier today to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program. prgtoken This program, put in place by the last administration, gave the certainty and predictability to so many young children who were brought to the United States through not their own actions but through others' actions. As my colleague talked about, there is story after story of young people who have literally applied for college aid only to find out they were not here legally and could not pursue that kind of financial assistance. That is why, since 2001, I have been a supporter of the Dream Act. Tonight, I cannot believe this is the message from this President. prgtoken In a remarkable act of courage and trust, 17,500 young DACA recipients are working and contributing to the economy in my State, the State of Washington. These recipients must submit prgtoken biographical information and biometric information, and allow State Department, Homeland Security, and other Federal agencies to complete background checks. They have never committed a felony, and they must have a job, be in school, or have served in the military. So ending this program is literally taking workers out of our State, taking the gross domestic product of over $1 billion that it will cost our Nation over the next several years. prgtoken The President's decision to end DACA runs counter to the longstanding and proud history in our State of welcoming immigrants. Dreamers invest in their communities. They pay State and local taxes. In fact, the Chamber of Commerce supports this program as does a majority of Americans, and over 300 business leaders agree that Dreamers help us build a better and more prosperous America. Just today, one of the key Microsoft executives--one of our key companies--said he would rather have legislation to protect these individuals in immigration reform than to have tax reform. That is how important it is to our State. prgtoken I am glad my colleagues Senators Durbin and Graham held a bipartisan press conference to talk about supporting this important legislation to move forward. prgtoken Tonight, as we are returning to the U.S. Senate, with lots of priorities, we need to make sure we are giving young people--young people who have benefited from the security of participating in our economy--the certainty that they will continue to be here in the United States and to serve in our military. I hope my colleagues will take this seriously and move toward legislation. prgtoken We have worked on a bipartisan basis on this legislation for more than a decade. Yet it is simple. You either want to protect these young individuals or you do not. I hope my colleagues will give us a chance to rectify this as soon as possible.
IN HONOR OF SIRVART HOVNANIAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT STEPANOS ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-9-5

it is my privilege to recognize Sirvart Hovnanian as she is honored by Saint Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church in Elberon, New Jersey with an award to be presented by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. I would also like to join with the Saint Stepanos parish in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the church and marking the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian parish in Elberon. prgtoken The Saint Mary Church parish in Elberon began 60 years ago, with 25 members worshiping during summer services. As the Armenian population in the area continued to grow, Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian saw a need for a larger and rejuvenated place of worship. Born of the vision and philanthropic support of the Hovnanians, Saint Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church stands on the site of the former Saint Mary Church. Saint Stepanos was consecrated on June 14, 1987 and the church hall was named ``Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian Hall'' in honor of the benefactors. prgtoken Sirvart Hovnanian is a beloved mother, grandmother and great- grandmother and carries on the philanthropic spirit she shared with her husband. Sirvart, along with her late husband, has always recognized the meaning of generosity and has spent her life working to make a difference in the world. An esteemed member of the Armenian community and a passionate philanthropist, Sirvart has been a supporter and partner in the many charitable endeavors undertaken along with her late husband, including the establishment of The Fund for Armenian Relief following the country's 1988 earthquake, the building of the Alton A. Hovnanian Emergency Care Center at Riverview Medical Center, and the donation of the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, among many others. prgtoken , I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing Saint Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian parish of Elberon and Sirvart Hovnanian for their continued support of the Armenian people and culture. I know that I join with all who know Sirvart in expressing my sincere gratitude for her warm and giving nature and her immeasurable contributions to our community.
FIRES IN OREGON
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-9-5

I support my friend from California in urging that this body focus on this crisis in the West. With the outrage that has happened with the DACA students and with the tragedy in Houston, there are lots of things to occupy our time. But the firefighting in the West has impacted thousands of people. I have people who are forced to evacuate in my community. prgtoken We have 24 large fires in Montana, 19 in Oregon, and 17 in California. But what is really outrageous is that the leadership in the House refuses to treat these disasters the same way we would treat Hurricane Harvey or Hurricane Katrina being able to put disaster funding on the table. prgtoken We are going to completely exhaust those resources in a matter of days, and then we are going to cannibalize the Forest Service budget that could be used to strengthen forest protections, put people to work, and avoid problems in the future. That is outrageous. prgtoken We have bipartisan legislation that would pass if the leadership would allow it on the floor of the House. But at a minimum, we should not have any disaster relief that doesn't have money for these tragic fires in the West.
TRIBUTE TO GAIL BATES
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-9-5

today I wish to recognize Gail Bates and not only wish her a happy birthday but also reflect on her years of service to the State of New Hampshire and our country. prgtoken Gail Bates was born Gail Oberlin in Cleveland, OH, on June 10, 1917 and received a degree from Vassar College in Italian and art history, then was awarded her master's in social work from Columbia University. prgtoken When the United States of America joined the Allies and went to war in 1941, Gail answered her country's call, serving in the American Red Cross from 1943 to 1945. She was stationed overseas to England with the Ninth Air Force, where she served with Red Cross Aero Clubs and worked long hours, supporting aircrews and soldiers from 6 AM to midnight As a member of the Aero Club, Gail worked to provide food, coffee, music, and other reminders of home to American soldiers stationed so far from our shores. prgtoken On D-Day, Gail first heard of the Allied landings in Normandy while eating breakfast in a London cafe. She would soon join the Allied armies in continental Europe, arriving in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, in July, where she hosted a party for the children of Sainte-Mere- Eglise, providing a brief respite from war for the first liberated town in France. Following Allied victories in eastern France and Belgium, Gail accompanied General George Patton and his Third Army into Germany and was one of only two women who served in the Red Cross Aero Club in Berlin. prgtoken After the war, while working at the American Alpine Association, Gail met and then married Bob Bates, an educator and mountaineer, and they traveled the world together. Both avid mountaineers, they traveled to many remote areas around the world, including the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Karakorum Range. In 1962, Bob was recruited by Sargent Shriver to be director of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers in Nepal, and Bob and Gail lived together in Kathmandu, where they made many lifelong friends and invited a young Nepali woman, Tsering Yangdon, who is now a member of their extended family, to study at the University of New Hampshire. prgtoken As much as the world called to them, however, Bob and Gail never lost their attachment to and love for their local community. They protected historic New Hampshire buildings and preserved our open spaces and beautiful, wild areas of nature. In 1996, Gail established an endowed fund to permanently support the Robert H. Bates Mountaineering Room at Phillips Exeter Academy in the Class of 1945 Library. The collection contains many of Bob's collected mountaineering books and memorabilia. prgtoken As Senator for New Hampshire, I want to honor Gail's lifetime of service and good citizenship. I join with Gail's friends and family, as well as many, many people across the Granite State, in wishing her a very happy 100th birthday.
DACA
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-9-5

I want to tell a story about one of the great volunteers in Texas. His name is Jesus Contreras. He is a young man who has a great story, who was one of the heroes of Hurricane Harvey in his own small way. prgtoken At the age of 6, Jesus was brought from Mexico to the United States by his parents. It was not a family decision. His mom and dad made the decision and brought him to Houston, TX, where he grew up and got good grades in school. He wanted to go to college. He went to the Lone Star College in Houston and became a paramedic--a paramedic who responded to Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken He spent 6 straight days out there, helping people who were in desperate need. Because of his training as a paramedic, he was able to give them emergency first aid and insulin when they were suffering from the impact of diabetes, and he did it day after day after day. He would go home, take a shower, and go right back out again. He finally took a day off and got some rest, and he went back and did it all over again. prgtoken The important part of this story is that Jesus Contreras is a paramedic because of the DACA Program, which you have just heard described on the floor by the Senator from Texas. It was President 's DACA Program that allowed him to stay in the United States, after having been brought here as a 6-year-old, and to go to school and become a paramedic. The DACA Program did that because it protected him from deportation, and it allowed him to legally work here in the United States as a paramedic. It was only because of DACA that this young man was able to step up and be part of that huge group of people who came forward in Houston, TX, and other cities and made such a difference in the lives of so many people. prgtoken So when I hear the DACA Program dismissed as just overreach by a President, illegal, and unconstitutional, I beg my colleagues: Take a look at the human side of this story for a moment. Take a look at the human side of 780,000 people, just like Jesus, who have been protected from deportation, and what they have done with their lives. He didn't vote to leave Mexico. His parents did. He didn't vote for them not to file papers once he arrived in the United States. His parents did. That is what the Dream Act and DACA are all about. prgtoken If I am speeding down the highway and a patrolman pulls me over and gives me a speeding ticket, they don't give a ticket to my grandson sitting in the backseat. He wasn't driving the car. prgtoken In this situation, the Dreamers and those protected by DACA were young people brought to this country and who know no other country. prgtoken For year after year, he stood up in the classroom and pledged allegiance to the only flag he knew. He believes himself to be American. Listen to what he wrote to me. This is what Jesus Contreras wrote to me: Houston is my home and these are my people. I love my career--it's given me an opportunity to
IN HONOR OF KENDRA LEE MURRAY ADAMS
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-9-5

I rise today to honor the life of Kendra Lee Murray Adams, who passed away on July 30, 2017 at the age of 39, following a brave battle with cancer. Originally from Pennsylvania, Kendra attended Gettysburg College, where she majored in political science. Upon graduation, her passion for politics brought her to Washington, D.C. and placed her on a bright and fulfilling career path. prgtoken I am speaking today because I had the good fortune of being a stop along that path. Kendra served as my scheduler and office manager when I first came to Congress in 2005. I've had many fine and dedicated staff members during my time in public service, and Kendra stands out among them. At a time when I was learning the protocols and procedure of this great institution, this blonde bombshell immersed herself in the details, and in many ways, was the heart of the operation. She embodied the essence of grace under fire, there was no need, demand, or logistical crisis that could ruffle her feathers. She would simply execute and make the whole process look effortless. prgtoken That, in and of itself, was exemplary. But Kendra was integral to our office family beyond that. She was a den mother of sorts on one hand, and she was our comedic relief and levity on the other. She was the kind of person one comes to rely on not only professionally, but also to sooth the soul. She left my office to work for my friend and colleague, the legendary Charlie Rangel, when he served as Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, and I know he joins me in saluting the public service, and indeed the life, of Kendra Adams, who was taken from us, far too soon. prgtoken Kendra was a privilege to know, a fantastic and dedicated worker with a terrific heart, whether serving with Horton's kids or just helping a friend through a tough time. Whether you knew her for years or just met her, you got the best of her from minute one. prgtoken In words written before her death, Kendra urged those she loved to not mourn but rather to ``live life, go to the beach, go rock climbing, and skydiving. Do the things you want to do!'' That exemplifies her spirit, her courage, and her life. prgtoken My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to Kendra's family, including her son, daughter, husband, father and sister, who were her pride and greatest joy.
LCWR ASSEMBLY STATEMENT ON U.S.-DPRK CRISIS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-9-5

during World War II, a wise admonition from our military read: ``Loose lips sink ships.'' In other words, beware of unguarded talk. prgtoken Of late, our world has witnessed an unprecedented escalation in tension with North Korea and its deranged tyrant, including North Korea's recent firing of a missile over Japan. Yet President 's reaction to the ongoing North Korean crisis has been an unguarded yielding of dangerous words of war. His improvised remarks have stunned experts, allies, and even his own advisers. prgtoken Instead of thorough diplomatic pressure and international consensus building, President has done the opposite. His unpredictable rhetoric lacks strategic thought. It puts American troops stationed in South Korea and our regional allies at greater risk. prgtoken This administration is understaffing the State Department, weakening its ability to handle the sort of diplomacy I am speaking of. In the President's 2018 budget, the State Department is really an afterthought, with major accounts cut to the bone. prgtoken Thankfully, there are voices of reason, including the respected Leadership Conference of Women Religious I include in the Record their statement against fear-mongering and advising dialogue is more productive than rhetoric, and connection more transformative than threats of destruction. LCWR Assembly Statement on the US--DPRK Crisis This week, while tensions between the governments of the United States and the People's Republic of Korea quickly escalated, approximately 650 members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious meeting in Orlando, FL issued a public statement imploring President Donald J. to engage in dialogue and negotiation: At this critical moment for our country and global community, we--the approximately 650 members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious gathered in assembly--have discerned the Gospel call to embody love for the sake of the world. We believe that love is more powerful than fear, dialogue more productive than rhetoric, and connection more transformative than threats of destruction. We call on President to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiation to resolve the current crisis between the governments of the United States and the ic People's Republic of Korea in a manner that guarantees the peace and security that all people seek. We commit ourselves to promote nonviolence and a compassionate response to the thirst of the world for integrity and communion.
RECOGNIZING BRUNO VIDAL
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-5

I rise today to recognize Detective Bruno Vidal, as he retires after 25 years of law enforcement service. prgtoken Det. Vidal began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a Police Officer with New York City's Finest, the NYPD. In 1993 he was assigned to the 90th Precinct in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In 1995, he joined the Community Patrol Officer Program (CPOP). A program designed to promote collaborative problem solving efforts between the community and police department. This program enabled Det. Vidal to patrol a dedicated geographic location within the community where he successfully worked with residents in identifying areas with serious quality of life conditions. As the CPOP Officer, his approach, mannerism and ability to communicate with the public, young and older, was instrumental in fortifying the trust between the 90th Precinct and the greater community. prgtoken This achievement led to his appointment as the precinct's Community Affairs Officer. In this capacity, he worked extensively within Williamsburg community. Det. Vidal established strong relationships with schools, faith-based and local organizations, small businesses, housing leaders and elected officials. He has earned numerous awards and the respect of the community and members of the service. In 2007 he was promoted to the well-deserved rank of Detective. And in 2015, he earned the new rank of Detective Specialist 2nd grade. prgtoken For twenty-five years, Det. Bruno Vidal has been an exemplary role model and dedicated public servant who served with pride and honor. I am proud to know and have worked with him on local issues. He is a loyal representative of New York's Finest. I also want to thank his family, Mrs. Arisleida Vidal-Abrue and their three children Matthew, Carolyn and Adam for supporting his career. Please join me in saluting Detective Bruno Vidal from the 90th Precinct in New York City.