mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING MERCED COUNTY 4-H
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today to honor Merced County 4-H for their work to provide invaluable experience and opportunities to the youth of Merced County. Labeled as America's largest youth development organization, 4-H has supported nearly six million prgtoken youth across the country in their mission to engage youth to reach their fullest potential and continues to enrich the live our youth throughout Merced County. prgtoken The program's goal to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and life skills is accomplished through hands on projects in agriculture, science, health, and civic engagement. In doing so, youth develop relationships with their advisors, who mentor them into and provide support to help them achieve their full potential. This enables 4-H'ers to develop into true leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries ready to lead the next generation of our country. prgtoken In my own district, the first 4-H office opened in 1917. Since then, Merced County 4-H has helped thousands of youth throughout the different communities that comprise Merced County to become confident, independent leaders. All the while, each different 4-H club throughout the county has been guided by their mission to provide experiences where young people learn by doing hands-on projects and at the same time, created more opportunities for youth to be engaged in their community. prgtoken The program, delivered by Cooperative Extension--a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation, is led in California by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the research and outreach arm of the UC's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This gives Merced County 4-H the unique opportunity to partner with UC Merced, the newest research university of the 21st century. Through this partnership, youth and advisors are connected to the scientific research of the UC happening in the San Joaquin Valley, to help better understand and solve problems in agriculture throughout California. prgtoken Honoring the organization showcases the incredible ways that 4-H inspires kids to do more and highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in Merced County, who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them. The 4-H National Network consists of nearly 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 professionals that provide caring and supportive mentoring to all 4-H'ers, helping them to grow into true leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Merced County 4-H. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor them and recognize the significant impact they have made and continue to make by empowering youth with the skills they needed for a lifetime.
HONORING WANDA PAYNE FOR HER PUBLIC SERVICE
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-11-6

I ask my colleagues to join me in honor of a dedicated public servant, my sister Wanda Payne, who recently retired from the Newark Public School System after thirty-two years of service. prgtoken Wanda's journey as a teacher began at the age of twelve, when she volunteered at Newark's Chen School. The following year she obtained a summer position at the school, and she worked there every year until her college graduation. Wanda attended Kean University, where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. prgtoken She taught twenty-nine years at Camden Street School. Her first twenty-five years at Camden Street School were as a kindergarten teacher, then she taught pre-kindergarten for four years. Wanda transferred to Hawthorne Avenue School, where she taught kindergarten and first grade before retiring. Wanda has made a difference in the lives of our most precious resources, our children. prgtoken Wanda is dedicated to community service. She spent twenty-five years at the Fresh Air Fund, a program that sends hundreds of children to summer camp and assists seniors, single parents and the unemployed. She was a youth advisor for the North Jersey Youth Club, as well as the Youth in Government and Model U.N. programs for high school students. She is a consummate professional who has truly enjoyed her teaching career and her volunteer work. prgtoken I am grateful that Wanda chose to follow in my father's footsteps and become an educator. She has served the children of the Newark Public School System with her heart, and in the process has created an outstanding legacy. prgtoken , Ms. Wanda Payne deserves to be recognized for a job well done during her many years of dedicated service to the children of Newark. I am proud to have such a dedicated sister and wish her much success in her future endeavors. Wanda is the mother of one son and the grandmother of four.
YWCA 160TH ANNIVERSARY
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-11-6

I want to congratulate the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) as it celebrates 160 years of service dedicated to supporting women, girls, and their families across the United States. prgtoken Throughout its history, the YWCA has been at the forefront of the most critical social movements of the time, including civil rights, women's empowerment, pay equity, health care reform, and gender-based violence prevention. prgtoken The YWCA serves over two million women, girls, and their families each year, with 210 local associations across 46 states and the District of Columbia. The YWCA is the largest network of domestic violence and sexual assault service providers in the country, reaching over half a million women and girls annually. prgtoken In my hometown of Dayton, Ohio, the YWCA has been a champion in the community since 1870 on behalf of women and families seeking to escape homelessness and domestic violence. prgtoken The Dayton YWCA's mission of empowering women and eliminating racism is displayed through the programs and services it provides, including the only emergency shelter service programs for women and families who are victims of domestic violence in Montgomery and Preble Counties; a confidential 24-hour crisis hotline; and a mentoring program for teen girls, which inspires them to explore and achieve their highest potential. prgtoken In 1893, the Dayton YWCA became the first YWCA in the United States with an officially organized program for African-American women and girls. prgtoken As mayor of the city of Dayton, and as a Member of Congress, I have been proud to recognize the important contributions made by the Miami Valley's most influential women, who have made a difference in our community through their dedication to the YWCA's mission of ``empowering women, eliminating racism and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.'' prgtoken Each year the YWCA Women of Achievement Award is presented to a select group of distinguished Dayton-area women, at a ceremony that coincides with our annual observance of Women's History Month. It has been my privilege to congratulate a number of these recipients, who embody the YWCA's 160-year mission to eliminate racism and empower other women. prgtoken , as the YWCA celebrates its 160th anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding organization, which has worked so hard to improve the lives of women and girls in my community, and across our nation.
HONORING IOANNIS GIANNOPOULOS
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today to commemorate the important mark that Ioannis Giannopoulos had on American society, as the original founder of one of the oldest known wooden school house in the country. In order to fully understand the cultural motivation to establish this historic treasure, one must examine Giannopoulos's early life. A carpenter by trade, Ioannis Giannopoulos was the son of George and Maria-Canelas and hailed from the Petalidi area in Messinia that was then known as ``Koroni'' (the village of Skoutari, Mani). He was known by the Spanish as Juan Genopoly. Giannopoulos--at the age of 13--was one of a group of indentured laborers brought to the New World by Andrew Tumbull to work an indigo plantation at New Smyrna. This group of 1,403 Minorcans, Greeks and Italians suffered mistreatment, starvation and overextended servitudes at Turnbull's plantation. The people were reduced to slavery, and treated with great cruelty by Trumbull, whose partner in the enterprise was the English Governor of the territory, who kept the colonists in subjection with English troops. This slavery lasted nine years, during which time nearly two- thirds of these colonists perished; but large crops of indigo were raised for the company--one year 30,000 lbs. it is stated. prgtoken In 1776, a new Governor having arrived, the petitions of these people for relief were listened to, and they were released from the tyranny of their master. One year later six hundred refugees, led by Ioannis Giannopoulos, Francisco Pellicer and Antonio Llambias, walked to St Augustine and were granted asylum by Governor Tonyn. They became the largest group of immigrants to settle in America in one group at one time. Collectively called ``Minorcans'', they were an important part of the fabric of St Augustine history. It was on Saint George Street where the survivors of the New Smyrna Colony first settled after their escape. Since that time, this area of Old St Augustine has been called ``the Greek Quarter'' and alternately ``the Minorcan Quarter.'' prgtoken Ioannis Giannopoulos built a little house out of red cedar and cypress and put it together with wooden pegs and handmade nails, sometime around 1800. This building was a home first but, as early as 1811, members of the Genopoly family taught the children of other Minorcan families in the first floor ``schoolroom'' of this building. As the story goes, Genopoly, in typical Greek fashion, was worried his children would grow up without an education. Genopoly and his daughter Maria Manuela Barbara ``Mary'' Genopoly Darling were the first teachers. Then Genopoly hired a school teacher, and generations of children from St. Augustine went to school in this building. Juan Genopoly died in 1820. prgtoken Today, this preserved building is recognized as one of the oldest schoolhouses in North America. It has become the symbol of their hard work and perseverance. It's now the main attraction of the historical precinc
RECOGNIZING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR STEWART GREENLEAF
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant, Pennsylvania State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf. Senator Greenleaf devotedly served the people of Bucks and Montgomery Counties in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for 42 years. A lifelong resident of Upper Moreland Township, Senator Greenleaf graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he played varsity basketball, and received his law degree from the University of Toledo School of Law. He is married to Cecelia ``Kelly'' Greenleaf Early in his career, Senator Greenleaf served as Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County and Chief of Appeals, writing briefs for cases that were appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Stewart Greenleaf's career in the Montgomery County Courthouse was his first exposure to politics, which inspired his decision to make a life-long career of public service. Working as a prosecutor, he gained the insight into the criminal justice system and the judiciary that led to his decades-long chairmanship of the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Greenleaf has passed more legislation than any other member of Pennsylvania's 253-member General Assembly. He has been the prime sponsor of 160 bills signed into law, and the driving force of many other measures that didn't carry his name. Notably, he has authored the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008, Pennsylvania's Megan's Law, the Grandparent Custody Law, the Rails to Trails Act, the School Pesticide Law, the Health Club Consumer Protection Act, the Puppy Lemon Law, the ``No Means No'' Law, the Amusement Ride Inspection Act, and the Missing Children Act I want to thank Senator Greenleaf for truly dedicating his life to the service and betterment of others.
RECOGNIZING COMITIS CRISIS CENTER
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-11-6

in honor of National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, I rise today to recognize the Comitis Crisis Center. Since 1970, Comitis has faithfully served over 100,000 individuals, including veterans and their families. Comitis has assisted them with transitional housing, emergency shelter, and taught them the skills they need to become self-sufficient. These services have resulted in permanent and safe housing for many of our fellow Americans. prgtoken Comitis Crisis Center's accomplishments in 2017 include serving over 4,000 individuals. The scale of the work Comitis performs is truly impressive. It prepared 138,000 meals, assembled 11,000 hygiene kits, and provided 50,000 overnight beds. Not only does this center give aide to the homeless, it also provides a 24/7 emergency shelter, as well as a variety of programs supporting individuals recovering from addiction, trauma, and mental health issues. prgtoken This past year, I introduced H.R. 4099, the ``Homeless Veteran Families Act.'' H.R. 4099 is a bill targeted at combating homelessness for veterans, and their dependent minors and the inspiration for this bill was the great work for homeless veterans with dependent minors that the Comitis Crisis Center does. H.R. 4099 aims to assist community agencies, like the Comitis Crisis Center, expand and better cope with the problems faced by homeless veterans with minor dependents, as well as ensuring them safe shelter during their times of hardship. prgtoken , during National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, it is my pleasure to honor the Comitis Crisis Center, and its dedicated staff. The Comitis Crisis Center ensures that everyone who walks through its doors is provided with sufficient resources, dignity, and the respect they deserve. I am confident the Comitis Crisis Center will continue as a force for good in our community, as it has done for the past 48 years.
SUPPORTING FAIR PRIVATIZATION OF TITANIUM MINES IN UKRAINE
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today with serious concerns about our national security. My home state of Colorado has a strong military tradition and military installations as well as a rich reserve of natural resources. I understand the importance of a well-equipped, well-supplied military force. prgtoken That's why I'm concerned about the current state of titanium mines in Ukraine. This may not seem like a major issue until you realize how dependent American commercial and defense aerospace is on foreign titanium. We import 79 percent of our consumed titanium each year. And much of this titanium comes from Russia. prgtoken In fact, key U.S. defense suppliers, like Boeing, GE, and Pratt and Whitney, rely heavily on Russian titanium. prgtoken This reliance on Russian titanium for key defense capabilities is deeply problematic in our present geopolitical environment. As the United States has justifiably sanctioned Russia for their interference in our election process and their belligerent activities in Ukraine and the United Kingdom, the Russian government has discussed retaliatory sanctions that could impact titanium exports to the United States. prgtoken In view of this precarious Russian relationship, we need to immediately identify alternative sources of titanium. China produces a lot of the metal, but they consume most of what they produce. And our national titanium stockpile was sold off over a decade ago. prgtoken A key source of potential titanium comes from mines in Ukraine. Ukraine has pursued a free-market economic reform effort that includes privatizing state-owned companies. prgtoken Unfortunately, in the midst of this reform effort, corruption, market distortion, and Russian influence has again reared its ugly head. Powerful oligarchs with ties to Russia and influence in the Ukrainian government are desperately trying to gain control of the titanium mines that are being privatized. prgtoken One of Ukraine's primary titanium mine assets is already under the pull of Russian influence. The Zaporozhye Titanium and Magnesium Combine is 49 percent owned by Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian billionaire with Russian ties who is under house arrest in Vienna and wanted by the U.S. for extradition due to his efforts to bribe Indian officials. prgtoken We cannot allow Russia to gain influence and control over a key source of titanium in Ukraine. Allowing them to monopolize the market for titanium would lead to serious geopolitical implications. Our ability to project power throughout the world, in a way that promotes global peace and stability, is dependent on military hardware that requires titanium for its construction. prgtoken Beyond our national security interests are the interests of the Ukrainian people themselves. We should support a fair and equitable process of privatization for Ukraine. A corrupt process would only undermine the rule of law and the country's political system. prgtoken , the United States and the international comm
HONORING DOMINIC GROTE
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-11-6

I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize Dominic Grote for his contribution to our state and the City of Madison. prgtoken As a member of the 6th District Manufacturing Advisory Committee, Dominic regularly met with my team to discuss emerging manufacturing issues that are impacting Indiana. Dominic is an important business leader in the Madison community and Indiana is better off today because of his extraordinary leadership and service. prgtoken On a personal note, Dominic is a loyal friend and wise adviser. I want to thank the Grote family for their friendship and incredible support of my work in Congress. I wish them continued success in all that God has planned for their family.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF WILLIE McCOVEY
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-9

I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a beloved icon, Willie McCovey, who passed away on October 31 in the Bay Area. prgtoken Willie McCovey was an indelible part of the fabric of the San Francisco Giants and the city of Saint Francis. For more than six decades, he gave his heart, soul, and full spirit to the Giants, as a player, a mentor for younger players, and a leader in the clubhouse. His familiar presence at Candlestick Park and then at AT&T Park even decades after his retirement provided a constant source of hope, strength, and inspiration for fans of all ages. prgtoken Willie made history as one of just a handful of players in the history of the sport to secure a Rookie of the Year Award, a league MVP, and multiple All-Star Game MVP Awards. He retired in 1980 with the most home runs hit by a left-handed hitter, a record that stood for more than thirty years. During his career, Willie led the league in home runs three times and in RBIs twice. He retired with 18 grand slams, second only to Lou Gehrig, and with 521 home runs and 1,555 RBIs hit. His style of play forever changed the game, forcing defenses to respond to his intimidating power and strength. prgtoken Willie lived the American Dream, from his rise from humble beginnings in the segregated South to his induction to Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame. The son of a railroad worker and one of ten children, Willie began working at age 12 to support his family, eventually dropping out of high school to work full time. By age 17, his extraordinary talent and potential had become legendary, and he signed his first professional contract, beginning what would be an outstanding, record-shattering career. prgtoken Yet, throughout Willie's time on the field, it was not only his ferocious power hitting that set him apart, but also his incredible generosity, joy, and love for the game. After his retirement, Willie continued to give back to his city and his team, and his kindness and graciousness earned the devotion of generations of San Franciscans. That the San Francisco Giants' annual most inspirational player award is named for Willie McCovey is a lasting testament to his contributions on and off the field. prgtoken Willie once said, ``I'd like to think that when people think of San Francisco, they also think of Willie McCovey.'' What a blessing it is to have forged such a legacy. He will be missed by players, fans, and San Franciscans of all backgrounds for generations to come, and his memory will be cherished every time the Giants drive a home run into McCovey Cove. prgtoken May it bring some measure of comfort to Willie's cherished wife Estela, his daughter Allison, his grandchildren Raven, Philip, and Marissa, his sister Frances, brothers Clauzell and Cleon, Estela's daughters Christel Marise and Christel Faye, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love Willie, that so many grieve with them and pray for them during this sa
ON THE TRAGEDY IN THE THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA WHICH CLAIMED THE LIVES OF TWELVE INNOCENTS LOST IN A SENSELESS MASS SHOOTING
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-11-9

I rise in sadness over the latest mass shooting, which occurred Wednesday evening, November 7, in Thousand Oaks, California when an armed 29-year-old man walked into the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, opened fire, and killed 12 persons, including a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department who was on the eve of retirement. prgtoken The location of the shooting is especially tragic because the Borderline Bar & Grill was a sanctuary for survivors of last year's Las Vegas mass shooting--which ended the lives of 58 people--to gather and reflect in fellowship and support, following the horror of that night. prgtoken I am grateful to all first-responders for their quick work in containing this tragedy, including their valiance in limiting the loss of life. prgtoken As has now almost become commonplace, a community will begin the process of mourning those lost, and burying those who perished. prgtoken Then, before long, the country will return to life as normal, forgetting what transpired just outside of Los Angeles Wednesday night. prgtoken Beyond the horror of last night, Americans from across the nation and from all walks of life must consider that this is the 307th mass shooting event on the 311th day of this calendar year. prgtoken It comes less than two weeks after a gunman fueled by hate entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and killed 11 parishioners in what constituted the largest hate crime against Jews in the history of the United States. prgtoken Americans are not more mentally-ill than citizens from other countries; we are not independently more prone to gun violence more than citizens from other countries; nor are the movies we watch and the music we listen to more violent than other comparable societies or countries. prgtoken The common thread through all of these shootings is the ready, easy access to firearms, ammunition, and weapons of war. prgtoken If we are to tackle this problem, we must be clear-eyed about the cause and harbor the resolve to forge a solution. prgtoken Congress and leaders throughout the nation must tackle this scourge and stem the tide of gun violence in the country. prgtoken If we do not, we are destined to be little more than helpless bystanders, and our citizens will continue to suffer and die. prgtoken On October 24, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky, a man fatally shot Maurice E. Stallard, inside a supermarket, and then killed Vickie Lee Jones, in the parking lot outside. prgtoken Both were grandparents. prgtoken There was no provocation to the killings, and the suspect was apprehended. prgtoken He is white, and his two victims were African American. prgtoken He had no connection to either victim, or the supermarket where he committed his murders. prgtoken Reports indicate that prior to the shootings, the suspect attempted but failed to enter a nearby black church. prgtoken Three of the deadliest mass shootings in American history have occurred