mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING CHARLES HAWES FOR BEING NAMED 2018 U.P. VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-8-17

it's my honor to recognize Charles Hawes for being named the 2018 U.P. Veteran of the Year. Through his dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and steadfast devotion to his community, Charles has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. prgtoken The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection committee consisting of past commanders of various service organizations throughout the peninsula. It is given to recognize Yooper Veterans who go above and beyond in their service to their local communities and fellow Veterans. None are more deserving of this honor than Charles Hawes. During his military career, Charles served as an E- 5 Second Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy, where he was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. His devotion to the people of his country and community has not wavered since he returned from military service. prgtoken It is impossible to fully list all the ways in which Charles works to better the lives of U.P. Veterans. He currently serves as the chaplain for VFW District 14 and junior vice commander of VFW Post 6 in Marquette, having served as its commander previously. He volunteers at American Legion Post 44 by organizing bingo at the Marquette County Fair and participating in Memorial Day and Flag Day ceremonies. At the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, Charles assists at numerous Veterans' breakfasts throughout the year and works with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380, with its annual dinner dance and picnic for Jacobetti residents. He serves as a mentor at DAV Chapter 22, where he is an essential volunteer at its annual membership drive and a top fundraiser for its Forget-Me-Not Program. He is also a founding member of the Marquette County Veterans Alliance. Charles has devoted decades to the people of Michigan, and his tireless efforts have directly improved the lives of thousands of U.P. Veterans. prgtoken Outside of his work with Veterans organizations, Charles is an active volunteer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Marquette and is the former Assistant Scout Master for BSA Troop 302. His contributions to his community were also previously recognized when he was named the 2017 Marquette County Veteran of the Year. As a servicemember, a Veteran, a volunteer, a father, and a Yooper, Charles consistently puts the needs of others before his own. He was honored as the 2018 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year at a ceremony during the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba on August 16th. prgtoken , it's my honor to congratulate Charles Hawes for his decades of service to fellow Michigan Veterans and for being named the 2018 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless and devoted indiv
CELEBRATING RAPOPORT ACADEMY'S 20TH
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to honor and celebrate Rapoport Academy's 20-year milestone of educating economically disadvantaged students in Waco, Texas. prgtoken Rapoport Academy focuses on serving its student population by providing an exceptional education that prepares them for college, career, and life. It is an honor to represent Rapoport Academy, as well as its staff, students, and families in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken Under the leadership of Dr. Nancy Grayson, East Waco Innovative School Development, Inc now known as Rapoport Academy, was awarded a charter by the Texas State Board of Education in March 1998. The Academy opened as a public charter school in the fall of 1998 for pre- kindergarten through second grade. The school has since expanded in both size and grade levels, and currently has over 850 students enrolled. prgtoken In 2003, middle school classes were added, and in 2006, the Academy was awarded a second charter to develop a high school. The high school was awarded both the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (T-STEM), and the Texas Early College High School (ECHS) designations as part of the Texas High School Project through the Communities Foundation of Texas, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. prgtoken For 20 years, Rapoport Academy has followed six core values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Curiosity, Creativity and Hard Work. The staff, teachers, and students at the Academy are committed to these values, and they encourage one another to strive for them. prgtoken , please join me in commemorating Rapoport Academy for reaching this noteworthy 20-year milestone while preparing students to reach their full potential, discover their passions, embrace diversity, and become independent thinkers. prgtoken I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the United States Capitol to honor Rapoport Academy's 20th anniversary. prgtoken I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.
HONORING TECHNICAL SERGEANT SALLY PANZAR, U.S. AIR FORCE, ON HER RETIREMENT AFTER NEARLY 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-8-17

today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Sally Panzar, a resident of York Haven, Pennsylvania, on her upcoming retirement after nearly 25 years of service to the United States of America. prgtoken Technical Sergeant Panzar currently serves as the Unit Training Manager and Unit Deployment Manager at the 193 Special Operations Wing Logistics Squadron. She entered the United States Air Force in 1993, and served in numerous assignments, to include humanitarian missions such as TROPICARE 2013, as well as Turkey and Saudi Arabia during Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch, respectively. prgtoken Her numerous commendations and awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and others, are a testament to her steadfast courage, personal integrity, dedication, and impeccable character. Her enduring legacy of service to our Nation is truly exceptional and sets a standard for all to follow. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate my fellow soldier, Technical Sergeant Sally Panzar, upon her retirement and for her tireless service to the United States of America
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. DONALD E. CORNFORTH
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. Donald E. Cornforth, a Central Valley resident who provided outstanding medical care to his community for over twenty years. prgtoken Donald E. Cornforth was born in Media, Pennsylvania on November 2, 1942. In 1964, he completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Four years later, upon graduating from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Mr. Cornforth began a year-long internship at Fitzsimons General Hospital. Following this internship, Dr. Cornforth began his Radiology Residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Colorado and became certified by the American Board of Radiology in 1975. prgtoken Dr. Donald Cornforth's drive and dedication to help those in need was further demonstrated when, during his final year in medical school, he made the selfless decision to enlist in the United States Army. After five years of Active Duty, two of which were spent as a Radiologist at Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Major Cornforth was honorably discharged. prgtoken Over the next fifteen years practicing radiology, Dr. Cornforth continuously proved himself to be a fundamental leader within the medical community. During this time, Dr. Cornforth developed innovated services within his field and even brought his knowledge and services to Saudi Arabia for a teaching sabbatical. Additionally, Dr. Cornforth performed groundbreaking procedures including Colorado's first percutaneous trans-renal kidney stone extraction and the world's first percutaneous trans-renal UPJ endopyeloplasty. prgtoken Then, in 1991, Dr. Cornforth brought his expertise to the Central Valley as the President of San Joaquin Imaging Medical Associates in Bakersfield, California. Dr. Cornforth upheld his commitment to provide vital medical services to those in need while leading various practices throughout the Kern County. His most notable practice, Quest Imaging Medical Associates, Inc. became a permanent fixture of the San Joaquin Community Hospital in 2010, expanding access to these critical services throughout the community. prgtoken Whether he was serving our country in the United States Army or serving those within our prgtoken community, Dr. Cornforth has always provided care with the highest standard of excellence. Dr. Cornforth's dedication to serving others extends far beyond practicing medicine. In 2012, he and his wife, Edna, donated one million dollars for the cancer center at San Joaquin Community Hospital, its lobby now named the Cornforth Family Pavilion. Dr. and Mrs. Cornforth's generosity to those in need is truly commendable and has made a lasting, positive impact on the Central Valley community. prgtoken Today, Dr. Cornforth retires from his practice in Delano, Donald E. Cornforth, M.D Inc and from his position as Chief Medical Officer at the San Joaquin Community Hospital, where he also served as the head of their nationally
CONGRATULATING THE THOUSAND ISLANDS BRIDGE AUTHORITY ON ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to honor and recognize the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on its 80th anniversary. prgtoken On August 18, 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King officially opened the Thousand Islands Bridge System, marking a key connection between the North Country and Ontario. Made using 30,000 barrels of cement, 6,550 tons of steel, and 575,000 Canadian and American man hours, the system of five bridges covers 8.4 miles and serves over 2,000,000 vehicles annually in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. For 80 years, the Thousand Islands Bridge System has not only served as a key economic route for American and Canadian businesses and tourists, but has also fostered the sharing of knowledge and culture between the United States and its important ally. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to commemorate the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and its 80 years of service to the North Country and Ontario.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-8-20

this afternoon, as most of us realize now, the Senate has begun debate on amendments to the fiscal year 2019 Defense-Labor-HHS appropriations bill. These are the two largest bills to come out of the Appropriations Committee as a whole. Both of them together make up a great part of all of the appropriations process and the numbers. prgtoken At the end of last week here, I offered a more detailed outline of the critical funding of this bill for America's military. So I will not repeat myself on that. Today, I simply wish to remind my colleagues of what is at stake with this legislation and our path to success, hopefully, this week. prgtoken First and foremost, our national security is at stake. Earlier this year, the President signed into law the largest increase in military spending in 15 prgtoken years. This legislation accelerates that increase and provides our men and women in uniform with the largest pay raise they have seen in nearly a decade. So the No. 1 thing at stake here is rebuilding our military and taking care of our troops. prgtoken This bill also provides for a wide range of critical domestic priorities, including education, medical research, and funding to combat the opioid epidemic. All are very important to America. prgtoken Recent history suggests that we face a tall task in passing these bills on the Senate floor. The Senate has not passed a Labor-HHS appropriations bill in more than 10 years. It has been even longer since the President was able to sign a Defense appropriations bill into law before the end of the fiscal year, which ends September 30. prgtoken Why? Because in the past, poison pills have blown up the process or foreclosed it altogether. I appreciate that one Senator's poison pill is often another Senator's priority, but I strongly urge my colleagues today to focus on accomplishing the big picture priorities that I have underscored here. We know where the fault lines run, and I hope we can avoid them. prgtoken There are reasons to believe that this year will be a different year and that we will produce a different outcome. First among them, there is a unified desire to avoid another omnibus spending bill. Second, we come to the floor this week on the heels of a string of recent successes in passing appropriation bills. Third, each of the bills in this package passed the Appropriations Committee by a vote of 30-1. prgtoken These factors paved the way for the full Senate to consider this package, and I want to take a minute to thank the leaders on both sides, Senator McConnell and Senator Schumer, for agreeing to bring this bill to the floor. prgtoken I also want to thank the vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy, for sticking to the agreement he and I made to move these bills in a bipartisan manner. prgtoken Mr. Vice Chairman, you are here on the floor. We would not be in this position without your efforts. I want you to know how much I appreciate
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-8-20

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, August 21; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed, and that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 6157; further, that the Senate recess, following disposition of the Kennedy amendment, until 2:15 to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
TRIBUTE TO CHARLES DOWD
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-8-20

this week I have the honor of recognizing Charles Dowd of Deer Lodge County, MT for his honorable service in uniform at a pivotal time in our Nation's history and as a leader in his community. prgtoken In January of 1941, at the age of 17, Charles volunteered for service at sea in the U.S. Navy. He completed boot camp in Newport, RI, and later communications school in San Diego. In September, as a basically trained radio operator, he was transferred to his first permanent duty station: Pearl Harbor, HI. Three months later, he would take his place in history. prgtoken On Sunday morning, December 7, just after completing a night shift, he and his fellow shipmates came under attack by more than 300 enemy aircraft. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service conducted a successful military strike on the heart of the U.S. Pacific Fleet--destroying or severely damaging 21 ships and claiming the lives of 2,400 Americans. In only a t-shirt and trousers, he sprinted from the barracks to the armory, where he climbed to the roof with a .30-06 Springfield rifle and began firing at the pilots of low-flying torpedo bombers. He suffered burns on his arms and neck from the nearby USS California, which was engulfed in flames. prgtoken Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Charles volunteered for duty in Solomon Islands during the bloody Guadalcanal campaign, where he earned the nickname ``Devil Dog Dowd,'' harkening to the marines of Belleau Wood in World War One. Once U.S. forces secured the islands, Dowd would climb a signal tower on the island of Tulagi and message a nearby destroyer that he was willing to exchange duties with any willing radioman. The ship's commodore, CAPT Arleigh Burke, accepted his request. Burke would later reach the rank of four-star admiral and serve as Chief of Naval Operations. In Burke's stateroom, Dowd shared his experiences at Pearl Harbor and Tulagi. Burke was so impressed by Dowd's fighting spirit, that he assigned Dowd as his flag radioman. prgtoken During the course of his service, Dowd was awarded seven Bronze Star medals. After the war, Charles and his wife returned stateside, where he worked in masonry and carpentry construction, before completing his degree at the University of Florida. After graduation, he spent the next 18 years passing on his knowledge of industrial arts and drafting to high school students. An avid sportsman with a passion for the outdoors, Dowd later relocated to Anaconda, MT. He has been an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, dedicated to preserving the memory of the events of World War II and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Charles continues to speak for civic groups and museums around the State. prgtoken It is my privilege to honor the life of this esteemed Montanan, who contributed so much to the preservation of freedom and improving the lives of others. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank C
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-20

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), the Senator from Nevada (Mr. Heller), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven), the Senator from Mississippi (Mrs. Hyde-Smith), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Inhofe), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Lee), the Senator from Arizona (Mr. McCain), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), and the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) would have voted ``yea''.
TRIBUTE TO GENERAL DARREN W. McDEW
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-8-20

it is my honor and privilege to pay tribute to an outstanding leader and warrior, Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew, commander of U.S. Transportation Command. General McDew is retiring this month, having served this great Nation for 36 years and completing a most distinguished career. prgtoken General McDew graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1982, where he was regimental commander and received a degree in civil engineering. A command pilot in both the KC-135 and C-17, General McDew held assignments from Maine to California, while accumulating over 3,300 hours in 10 different types of aircraft. prgtoken His desire to serve grew from the example set by his father who achieved the rank of master sergeant in the Air Force. General McDew has commanded at virtually every level that the Air Force has to offer: squadron, group, wing, numbered Air Force, and major command. His first command was of the 14th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base. He often speaks of his time leading the mighty Pelicans in the great State of South Carolina as being one of his most rewarding assignments. prgtoken A constant voice of reason, motivation, and inspiration, General McDew has devoted his life to this Nation. He has provided counsel to three Presidents, served as the Air Force liaison to the U.S. Senate, and built trust with the American people as the Air Force's Director of Public Affairs. I personally have sought his advice, as have my colleagues. The Members of this Chamber and workers across many parts of the Federal Government will miss his leadership and candor. prgtoken General McDew's illustrious career is culminating with his current position, where he leads the 144,000 men and women of U.S. Transportation Command. He is responsible for coordinating the Department of Defense's global deployment and distribution enterprise. His transformational leadership has bolstered readiness, increased cyber awareness and security, and prepared the Department of Defense for challenging transportation and logistics missions in the future. He challenged old ways of thinking and compelled the Joint Force to adapt and evolve for the dynamic and uncertain security environment of tomorrow. prgtoken For 36 years, his wife, Evelyn, has selflessly cared for the families under his command and in their community. I cannot overstate the importance of the support the spouses and families provide to their servicemember in our Armed Forces. Service and sacrifice are not limited to just the servicemember, but often extends to the entire family. On behalf of the Senate, we thank Evelyn and their children, Keisha and Keith, for their dedicated service to our military and our Nation. The Air Force will not lose just General McDew, but an exceptional family as well upon his retirement. prgtoken I would like to help close out the final chapter of this inspiring airman and Joint Force leader's career with a heartfelt thank
TRIBUTE TO RICKY RALEY
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-8-20

I wish to recognize Purple Heart recipient Mr. Ricky Raley for his valiant service in the Indiana National Guard Alpha Company, Task Force 1-151. Also known as the Avengers, Task Force 1-151 covered more than 250,000 miles in convoy escorts and were continuously involved in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken Ricky served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008 and was stationed near Tikrit at COB Speicher. He served as a lead gun truckdriver for various patrols and security missions. In 2008, Ricky's truck activated an improvised explosive device, leaving Ricky with sustained traumatic brain injuries. prgtoken On April 17, 2009, Ricky was involved in a car accident causing paralysis from the waist down. Since then, Ricky has joined the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit organization providing life-improving programs for veterans and military families. He also works with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, serving on the board of directors for the Kentucky-Indiana Chapter. prgtoken To remain active, Ricky has become a devoted handcyclist, training up to 6 days a week. Currently, Ricky is prgtoken handbiking from New York to Florida, covering 1,500 miles in 14 days to raise awareness for veterans across the Nation. prgtoken As a marine, it is with overwhelming pride that I recognize Ricky for his service to this country. As his journey progresses, I wish him the best of luck, and I look forward to his further contributions to our veterans and the great Hoosier State.