mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING REV. DR. KEITH ELIJAH THOMPSON
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-1-2

I want to honor a dear friend who has made such a remarkable impact in our community for more than 40 years, Reverend Dr. Keith Elijah Thompson of Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word of Faith Ministries. prgtoken Many have referred to Rev. Thompson as the ``Man in the Community'' due to his four decades of service to the northeast Bronx. After a successful career as an entrepreneur, he answered the call from God and entered full-time ministry in 1980. From the inception of the ministry, Rev. Thompson integrated a holistic approach, giving special attention to the Tripartite nature of human beings to establish communication beyond the confines of church. Starting out as a simple storefront, Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World grew by leaps and bounds. In 1993 the Church moved locations to accommodate the growing congregation. Now located on Burke Avenue, the church began to expand further into the community through a series of outreach programs including GED and college prep courses, in addition to Missions and radio outreach. prgtoken Rev. Thompson was also instrumental in spearheading several other high-profile community initiatives and groups, including the Clergy Coalition of the 47th Precinct and the White Plains Road/Burke Avenue Merchant Association. He also served as Dean of El Shaddai Christian School, Vice President of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, member of the 47th Precinct Community Council, and has been active with Bronx Community Board 12 and the Williamsbridge and Bronx branches of the NAACP. As Chancellor of the Bronx Resource Community Center, which he helped form, Rev. Thompson oversaw a facility that provided high school equivalency diplomas, job training, and basic computer training to the community. prgtoken In October 2014 Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World moved once again to accommodate growing membership. The move has allowed Rev. Thompson to further expand services, which now include Back to School Festivals and clothing donation distribution. prgtoken Rev. Thompson has accomplished so much for his congregants and for the entire northeast Bronx community as a whole. This year, Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World is celebrating his 38th Pastoral Anniversary. On this wonderful occasion, I want to congratulate Rev. Thompson and thank him for the wonderful work he and his ministries continue to do.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 116TH CONGRESS
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-1-4

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), for yielding to me and for his leadership on the Rules Committee. I am looking forward to working with him as a member of the majority in this Congress. prgtoken Madam , we started an important conversation about how to improve this House as the rules package was developed. Members on both sides of the aisle brought forward ideas. Many of them were included in the final package. But these rules shouldn't be the end of the dialogue. They should be only a start. prgtoken I know that there are many Members who will have even more good ideas in the coming weeks and months, and this Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress is a unique opportunity to continue the conversation. prgtoken It is a truly bipartisan way to consider ideas on how to promote a more modern and efficient Congress and procedures to develop the next generation of leaders, increase staff diversity, and improve technology and innovation. It is also a way for this Congress to hold ourselves accountable, to ensure our work to reform this House is delivering on behalf of the American people. prgtoken I especially thank Representatives Kilmer, Lipinski, and Sarbanes, as well as the New Coalition, for this idea. It is a step that this House can take, and it is a step that this House, quite frankly, should take. prgtoken Madam , finally, I just want to say, as the gentleman from Oklahoma pointed out, this select committee is truly bipartisan, and the ideas that come out of this select committee will be truly bipartisan. prgtoken We can improve the way this House is run. We can improve the way we do things here. I think the American people are hoping we will move in that direction, and I think we have an opportunity to do that. prgtoken I say to the gentleman from Oklahoma, I really appreciate his tone and his support for this initiative. We all talk about new beginnings and about ways to make things better, and I think we are off to a good start. For that, I thank the gentleman from Florida.
HONORING PASTOR KENNY FOREMAN
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-1-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Pastor Kenny Foreman, who passed away on December 16, 2018. I spoke three years ago on the impact he made on Santa Clara County and it saddens me that he has left us so soon. He was a beloved member of our community whose passing is deeply felt. Pastor Kenny Foreman dedicated his life to the ministry. He started to travel the country at age seventeen as an evangelist minister. With his wife, Shirley, he continued his commitment to his beliefs and established the Cathedral of Faith in 1965. Since then Pastor Foreman was a pillar in our community's spiritual life. He has touched thousands of lives with a congregation of more than 12,000 members with over 70 ministries. As his life's work, the Cathedral of Faith, serves the spiritual needs of the community and gives help to those in need. One of the ministries, ``Reaching Out,'' is a food assistance program that operates one of the largest and most efficient food programs in the State of California. Their mission is to serve the low-income, disadvantaged, and homeless in Santa Clara County. Other ministries serve those recently released from incarceration, give support to those with addiction, and aid parents with children who have special needs. These programs are just a few that support our community and are emblematic of Pastor Foreman's life-long service to others. I first met and worked with Kenny Foreman nearly forty years ago. I know personally of his love for God and his dedication to our community and especially to those in need. He was a remarkable man and someone I was privileged to consider a friend. Pastor Kenny Foreman is survived by sons, Ken and Kurt; their mother, Shirley; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and countless friends our Santa Clara County community mourns his passing, but we are grateful for his life, his generosity, and contributions. He has left our world a better place and will be dearly missed.
REMEMBERING CHARLES LIN
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-1-4

it is an honor to remember the selfless and inspirational life of Sifu Charles Lin. prgtoken A lifetime master, Sifu Lin began studying the martial arts in his homeland of Taiwan. prgtoken He studied under many masters of the martial arts, earning the title ``Master'' or Sifu. prgtoken Sifu Lin moved to New Mexico in 1974 at the age of 23, with only $200 in his pocket. prgtoken For more than 40 years, Sifu Lin taught New Mexicans meditation and self-defense through the martial arts of Ch'i Kung, Tai Chi, and Chuan Kung Fu at Lin's Martial Arts Academy. prgtoken He and his wife also ran the Chinese Culture Center in Albuquerque, a place for the city's Chinese population to build community, learn Chinese language, and celebrate their culture. prgtoken The fireworks, martial arts demonstrations, and dancing dragons in the center's annual Chinese New Year festival put Chinese culture on display. prgtoken My thoughts are with his family during this time of mourning. prgtoken The lessons Sifu Lin imparted on all of his students will not be forgotten.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-1-4

on December 19, as Congress was preparing to leave for the holidays, the Treasury Department notified Congress of its intent to terminate within 30 days a set of Russia sanctions imposed on En+ Group plc (``En+''), UC Rusal plc (``Rusal''), and JSC EuroSibEnergo (``ESE''). Each of these firms were sanctioned because they were owned or controlled by Oleg Deripaska, a notorious Russian oligarch and trusted agent of Vladimir Putin. As Treasury noted when it sanctioned him: ``Deripaska has been investigated for money laundering, and accused of threatening the lives of business rivals, illegally wiretapping a government official, and taking part in extortion and racketeering. There are also allegations that Deripaska bribed a government official, ordered the murder of a businessman, and had links to a Russian organized crime group.'' prgtoken In its notification letter, Treasury argued it had secured an agreement with Deripaska, the companies and other stakeholders involved to significantly restructure the companies and make corporate governance changes. Under the agreement, Deripaska will remain sanctioned, and his property will remain blocked. The Treasury Department proposes to remove the three firms, including the huge Russian aluminum producer Rusal, from the sanctions list in the belief that the agreement will effectively separate the companies from Deripaska, eliminating his control over them and sharply limiting his influence. The proposal also reportedly places limits on any family members of Deripaska who are also significant investors in the companies. prgtoken I noted in December that Treasury's decision raises critical questions that the Administration must answer about whether the structural and governance changes made by these companies are sufficient to ensure that Deripaska is no longer directing or even influencing these firms. I have also said that it remains to be seen whether Treasury's approach can succeed in Putin's Russia. Serious questions remain about whether Treasury can monitor and enforce the agreement even with the monitoring mechanisms proposed. prgtoken The timing of Treasury's notice compressed an already tight 30-day review timetable provided for in sanctions law, giving Congress until January 17 to make its own independent assessment of whether it adequately protects US economic and national security, especially with respect to Russia. The Congressional review provisions of CAATSA were designed for precisely this kind of circumstance. They were imposed by Congress after serious questions had arisen about President 's relationship with Russia. Members on both sides of the aisle wanted an opportunity to independently assess the Administration's actions to lift, terminate or issue licenses on Russia-related sanctions. Those questions still linger, and have become even more pronounced in recent days. prgtoken The formal review process is underway. The Bankin
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 116TH CONGRESS
John P. Sarbanes (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-1-4

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise up in support of the rules package being put forward by the ic majority. In particular, I applaud the decision to establish a Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, and I thank Chairman McGovern, Pelosi, and all those who made this a priority. prgtoken We know that the best motives of Members on both sides of the aisle are too often frustrated by dysfunction in the legislative process, which then makes it difficult for us to deliver on the promises that we give to our constituents and to the Nation. Diminishing congressional resources and, at times, overly centralized decisionmaking have empowered outside interests in the legislative process, and those are interests who don't always have the public interest in mind. prgtoken Of course, we know that modern-day campaigning demands are running Members ragged. We are increasingly unable to study the material and build the relationships necessary for a healthy legislative institution. prgtoken We have a responsibility to the people to build a Congress that serves the people well. This is not something that is going to be easy, and it is not something that is going to happen until we make it happen. It will take work, but it is work that needs to be done. prgtoken The challenges we face as an institution are not entirely new, as my colleague, Congressman Kilmer, just said. For much of modern congressional history, Congress has continuously wrestled with how to be more effective as the first branch of government. prgtoken In the past, when the challenges grew, we have come together as a body to explore reforms to our rules and to institutional design, congressional capacity, and the matter of resources. prgtoken In 1945, in 1965, and again in 1992, Congress convened Joint Committees to study the functioning of Congress and to propose comprehensive, expert-guided reforms.
BORDER SECURITY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-1-4

later today, I will join President , the ic leader, the new of the House, and our congressional colleagues down at the White House. prgtoken The meeting represents the latest in the President's ongoing efforts to persuade that appropriate funding for border security is a better outcome than persisting in this partial government shutdown. I hope that this time around my friends across the aisle will come prepared to engage much more seriously on the issue at hand. prgtoken We may have entered a new Congress since our last meeting, but the basic steps that are needed to end this unfortunate standoff really haven't changed at all. We are in the same place. As I have said on several occasions and as the administration has affirmed, any viable compromise will need to carry the endorsement of the President before it receives a vote in either House of Congress. Under these conditions, the package presented by the House's new ic leaders yesterday can only be seen as a time-wasting act of political posturing. It does not carry the support of the President--in fact, the administration indicated yesterday that the President would actually veto it--and it cannot earn the support of 60 of my colleagues over here in the Senate. prgtoken My friends across the aisle understand the ground rules perfectly well. They know that a solution will need to be palatable to House and Senate s alike. They know that making laws takes a Presidential signature. We all learned that in grade school. In fact, the ic leader himself insisted ``the President must publicly support and say he will sign an agreement before it gets a vote in either Chamber.'' That is the ic leader who said that. prgtoken Everyone understands what we need to move forward and successfully make policy instead of simply staging political theater. Everyone should understand just how urgently the situation on our Nation's border demands our attention--the situation that has been accurately described by the Commissioner of the CBP--the Border Patrol--as a ``border security and humanitarian crisis.'' This shouldn't be taken lightly. It should not be viewed as an opportunity for the new House ic majority to prioritize political performance as an art form ahead of the public interest. prgtoken I urge our ic colleagues to approach our meeting today with a willingness to join the administration and the men and women of Customs and Border Protection to work to protect our border and bring this partial shutdown to an end.
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND LIFE OF THE HONORABLE PAUL ELIZONDO, JR.
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-1-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the incredible life and contributions of the Honorable Paul Elizondo, Jr of San Antonio. prgtoken Paul's dedication to service was a lifelong commitment, beginning with his time in the United States Marine Corps. prgtoken Following his military service, he attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio, graduating with a degree in music education in 1957. He then spent 16 years in the public school system, encouraging the musical talents of countless young people, before being elected to the Texas State Legislature in 1978. prgtoken Paul first assumed the role of Bexar County commissioner for precinct 2 in 1983 and has been a fixture and force in the Bexar County government ever since. prgtoken Paul Elizondo, Jr passed away on December 27, 2018, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy and an amazing family. While we mourn the loss of this great man, his dedication to fiercely advocating for the West Side has made an incredible impact that will continue for generations to come. prgtoken I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to Commissioner Elizondo's family during this difficult time, and I am proud to recognize all that he did for the great State of Texas and our hometown of San Antonio.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 116TH CONGRESS
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-1-4

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise as the designee of the leader, and I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), my good friend, for yielding me 30 minutes. prgtoken For the third time in 2 days, Madam , my good friends from the ic side of the aisle and I are here to debate part of the ic rules package for the House of Representatives. Unlike the first two times, I find myself in agreement with what the are proposing today. prgtoken We are here today on title II of the rules package, which establishes a Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. While I think improvements can be made to what my friends are proposing, I am pleased to say I think that this proposal is an excellent idea. prgtoken I know my good friend also mentioned the last Congress, and I want to take just a second to defend that Congress. Frankly, it was the last Congress that gave us the first tax modernization overhaul and tax reduction in 31 years. It was the last Congress that began the opioid initiative that we worked on in a very bipartisan way. It was the last Congress that did more deregulation than any Congress in American history. It was the last Congress, working with my friends on the other side, that did historic work in human trafficking. It was the last Congress that also did historic work, again, in a very bipartisan way, with my friends on the veterans' issues. Finally, it was the last Congress that began rebuilding the American military after 8 years of neglect. We will see if this Congress has a record that matches that in the next 2 years. prgtoken Having said that, as my friend laid out, the proposed select committee would be charged with investigating, studying, and making recommendations for modernizing Congress, including improvements to rules; to procedures, including the schedule and the calendar; to staff recruitment, diversity, and retention; and to technology. prgtoken I am especially pleased that this select committee will be equally divided between and s and that the makeup of the committee will include two members of each part from the Rules Committee, the House Administration Committee, and two freshmen. prgtoken Most importantly, the select committee is required to produce a report with their recommendations by a two-thirds supermajority by the end of Congress. Those are all excellent proposals by my friends, and I wholeheartedly endorse them. prgtoken Madam , there is a lot to like in this proposal. I think we can all agree, no matter which party you belong to, that Congress needs to be modernized and its processes improved. I am especially happy that my friends have done so in a way that is bipartisan and, hopefully, will be above politics. prgtoken The proposal isn't quite perfect, of course. Personally, I would have preferred to have seen the House take up this responsibility in coordination wit
REMEMBERING JOHN C. CULVER
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-1-4

I come to the Senate floor to pay my respects and to pay tribute to a fellow Iowan. This fellow Iowan served for 6 years right here in the U.S. Senate. In fact, the Iowan who brings me to the floor today is my predecessor, the Honorable John C. Culver. prgtoken I was sorry to learn that Senator Culver passed away the day after Christmas. I have no doubt that his spirit of public service and his commitment to civic engagement will carry on for generations to come. I will come back to this legacy in just a moment. prgtoken John and I had our differences, as he was a and I a , but we shared a commitment to public service and to working to advance the interests of the people of the great State of Iowa. We both had the privilege of serving Iowans in both Houses of Congress. For a decade, John represented Iowa's Second District in the House of Representatives, from 1965 to 1975. I represented Iowa's Third District from 1975 to 1980. Then we both had the opportunity to represent the State of Iowa here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken John made the decision to pursue a life of public service early in his life. After graduating from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids, Senator Culver headed east to Boston, MA. He earned his undergraduate degree in American Government from Harvard University. He also played fullback for the Crimson football team. He was brawny and had a big build. In fact, he was even drafted to the NFL, but John punted a career on the gridiron and answered the call to a different vocation, and that was to public service. prgtoken First, he served for 3 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Then, after earning his law degree from Harvard Law School, he returned home to Iowa and ran for public office. prgtoken When Senator Culver was serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, I was serving in the Iowa statehouse. Although we shared a passion for public service, we didn't share the same space on the political spectrum, but our constituents expected their elected officeholders to bring Iowa integrity to that job. prgtoken In politics, family is often a uniting factor. Senator Culver's son, Chet, served as the Governor of Iowa from 2007 to 2011. In fact, the last time I saw prgtoken John was at Governor Culver's inaugural ball. I had the chance to tell Senator Culver, ``I know how proud you are of your son.'' That is a feeling I know well, as my grandson is serving his seventh term in the Iowa House and serves as chairman of the Appropriations Committee--a committee I once chaired. prgtoken Senator Culver and I then knew the importance of family and were fortunate to have family who value public service. prgtoken When Senator Culver won election to the U.S. Senate in 1974, he won the seat left open with the retirement of another towering political figure in Iowa--the man from Ida Grove. That is also the title of a book about former Iowa Governor and U.S. Senator Harold Hughes. prgtoken
HONORED TO SERVE IN THE 15TH DISTRICT IN THE 116TH CONGRESS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-1-4

. Madam , I rise today, on the second day of the 116th Congress, to represent Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. prgtoken The 15th Congressional District encompasses 14 counties, 24 percent of the land mass of Pennsylvania, and includes all of Armstrong, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Venango, and Warren counties. It includes parts of Butler, Cambria, and Centre counties, including my hometown of Howard. prgtoken Madam , I take great pride in my service to the people of the 15th Congressional District, and I work hard to earn their trust, help solve their problems, and be a diligent Representative. prgtoken When not in Washington, I spend my days on the road in the district, traveling to meetings and events. I work to connect with my constituents and truly be a voice for each community I represent. prgtoken Madam , I also appreciate the opportunity to speak here, as I did 219 days in the 115th Congress, to be a strong voice for the citizens of the 15th District. prgtoken The challenges before us remain great, but it is my hope that we will tackle these challenges head-on. It is the American way.