mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF JAMES ZECCA
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to recognize a remarkable public servant and close friend in New York's 22nd District, Mr. James Zecca, of Utica, New York. prgtoken At the end of May, Jim will retire from his position as the director of the Madison County Department of Solid Waste and Sanitation, a position he started and created in 1988. A few years ago, a colleague of Jim's said that his ``forward thinking attitude and determination has made Madison County a leader in recycling in New York State.'' He ensured the county was open and transparent to everyone, always including the community as a whole in every process. prgtoken Even though he works in Madison County during the day, Jim has served his community, his own community in Utica, the city of Utica, for many years. He served as a city councilman representing the Second District, and also a councilman-at-large during his time on the Utica Common Council. prgtoken Jim has always been a champion of the little guy, the small-business owner, and the citizens who have been hurt by government incompetence, overreach, and yes, even corruption. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Jim on 30 years of exceptional service to Madison County and our entire community. His hard work, courage, and compassion will be missed by all. prgtoken , I ask that you and my colleagues join me in congratulating Jim on his retirement, and best wishes for the future, and also, for his tireless effort in making America great again. prgtoken Congratulations, Jim.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-4-27

I appreciate the privilege and the honor to address you here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, and I come to the floor today to bring up a list of subjects that I think should be deliberated upon here in the House Chamber. prgtoken The first one that is on my mind is the moral calling that we have to step in to save the lives of the most innocent among us. And as I watched some of the discussion that took place here on the floor today, and I look over at the people that were a part of the privileged motion, as I reflect upon however strong they are in their verbal support for the Catholic Church, I didn't see one of them over there that actually will defend innocent, unborn human life. And we have tested it time after time here on the floor of the House of Representatives. prgtoken So the central principle of the Catholic Church, and many other Christian faiths, I will add, is to protect innocent, unborn human life, to oppose abortion-on-demand, and to respect the values that once a child is conceived, once fertilization takes place, we have a unique combination of DNA that is never matched again in history; and that unique combination of DNA is created in God's image, and I believe that he puts a soul in that little baby from that moment. prgtoken And as that little baby starts to grow in its mother's womb, we have a child that is a gift to the world and a gift here to America; a gift to that child's parents, grandparents, family, neighbors, community; a gift to our country. prgtoken Yet there is a policy here that allows for the Supreme Court to step in and intervene with the will of the people and establish what they seem to believe is a right to decide who lives and who dies and under what terms that might be. prgtoken In 1973, January 22 of 1973, two decisions came down from the United States Supreme Court. One was Roe v. Wade, which most everyone seems to know and understand; and that Roe v. Wade decision essentially was that they believe that the child wouldn't be protected until after the first trimester. Trimesters were part of the dialogue in Roe v. Wade. prgtoken Doe v. Bolton was the companion case; and in that companion case of Doe v. Bolton that was decided on the same day, it essentially said, except for all of these other things: the life or health of the mother, the familial relationship of the mother, the economic condition of the mother, of course the physical health of the mother. The list went on. prgtoken But it was so broad that it really said this: that Roe v. Wade says you can have abortion on demand after the first trimester. Doe v. Bolton said you can have abortion on demand for any reason or essentially no rational reason whatsoever. prgtoken And that stayed in place from 1973 until 1992, when the Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision came down. prgtoken It is interesting that the son of Governor of Pennsylvania-- former Governor of Pennsylvania, si
HONORING MAJOR STEPHEN DEL BAGNO
Stephen Knight (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to honor one of our fallen heroes, Major Stephen Del Bagno of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, more commonly known as the Thunderbirds, who lost his life this past month. prgtoken Major Del Bagno came from my district, from Valencia, California, and exemplified the skill and professionalism that we expect from our airmen. prgtoken Major Del Bagno was the very first F-35 pilot to join the ranks of the Thunderbird squadron. prgtoken Tragically, Stephen Del Bagno lost his life earlier this month during a training exercise at the Nevada Test and Training Range. While he is no longer with us, his legacy continues in the hearts and minds of future aviators he inspired. prgtoken I sat with my wife at his funeral a few weeks back and I watched the missing man formation of F-35s and F-16s, and I listened to his father and his teammates talk about Major Del Bagno. They talked about what a great pilot he was, but they also talked about what a great mentor he was and what a good dude Major Del Bagno was, and that is what he wanted to be recognized as and remembered as. prgtoken So America lost one of its finest pilots in his passing. prgtoken May God bless him and may he rest in peace.
RECOGNIZING SESAME PLACE ON ITS DESIGNATION AS A CERTIFIED AUTISM CENTER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-27

April is Autism Awareness Month, and I would like to recognize a family landmark in my district that has gone the extra mile to assist individuals with autism. prgtoken Sesame Place, a theme park located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in my district, and my former employer, was recently designated as a Certified Autism Center. This distinction, developed by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, certifies facilities that are compatible for those with autism, and their families. prgtoken To earn this designation, all staff at Sesame Place underwent extensive training on autism awareness and sensitivity. When the park reopens for its 38th season this year, it will also include two new ``quiet rooms'' with adjustable lights and noise-canceling headphones. prgtoken , I am extremely proud to say that Sesame Place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. I would like to thank the staff and all of my friends at Sesame Place for making the park a hospitable and fun place for our entire community.
HONORING THE LIFE OF R.B. ``BOB'' TAYLOR
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to honor the life of World War II veteran, community leader, and dear friend, R.B. ``Bob'' Taylor who went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2018 at the age of ninety- two. Bob was born on October 17, 1926, in Oak Town, Indiana. He served in the United States Army 7th Infantry Division from 1944 to 1946 during the Second World War where he deployed to the South Pacific, with stints in both Okinawa and Korea. On May 15, 1947, he married his wife of seventy-one years, the former Alice Fox. Together Mr. and Mrs. Taylor raised two daughters, Scarlet and Rhonda, and one son, Michael. The Taylor family has called the Texas Gulf Coast home for many years, having lived in the East , Clearlake, and West Chambers County area since 1953. In 2001, Bob was appointed to an open seat on the City Council in Beach City, and was elected to another term in 2002. He also served as an elected Precinct Chairman for the Chambers County Party. Bob Taylor was also a member and/or director of numerous community and civic organizations including: Arabian Shrine Temple, 32nd Degree Mason, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Cedar Bayou Navigation District Task Force, Bay Area Crime Stoppers, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was also a founder of both the Clear Lake Boat Parade and the Clear Lake Hydroplane Boat Races. Bob often reflected on participating in the Coast to Coast Antique Automobile Race with his son in the late 1980's. He later served as a Bayou Bowl Director, a member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, and as a Director for the Baytown West Chambers County Economic Development Corporation. A patriot, dedicated public servant, and close friend, Bob will be missed, but his many contributions to his country, state, and community will long live on my prayers are with the family and numerous friends of R.B. ``Bob'' Taylor.
OPIOID USE DURING PREGNANCY
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to introduce the POPPY Study Act, which will improve research and awareness of opioid use disorder during pregnancy. prgtoken The opioid epidemic is a national crisis and has hit particularly hard in Utah. Unfortunately, Utah's drug overdose rate is ranked among the highest in the Nation. Six Utahns die every week from an opioid overdose. Sadly, Utah also has the highest rate of opioid prescriptions for pregnant mothers in the country, double the national average. prgtoken Women have been disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic, and little is understood about the effect this has had on pregnant women. That is why I have introduced the POPPY Study Act, to improve our understanding of prescription opioid use during pregnancy, the effects that it can have on a mother and child, and how we can best help those who are pregnant and suffering from opioid use disorder. prgtoken It is my hope that the POPPY Study Act will improve the care and well-being of our expecting mothers and their children.
TRIBUTE TO RUTH AND JIM BRAND
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ruth and Jim Brand of Mount Ayr, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated on March 3, 2018. prgtoken Ruth and Jim's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies our Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken , I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this meaningful occasion and in wishing them both nothing but continued happiness.
CONGRATULATING NEBRASKA'S THEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL TEAM
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to congratulate Nebraska's Thedford High School National Science Bowl Team on winning their regional competition and securing a position in next week's tournament in our Nation's capital. prgtoken The National Science Bowl is one of the largest and most prestigious academic competitions, having been created in 1991 by the Office of Science within the U.S. Department of Energy. prgtoken Our team from Thedford High School, comprised of students David Gordon, Andrew Gordon, Rhiannon Painter, Kalee Jepsen, and Ariel Bryant, and led by Coach Geri Smith, brings pride to Nebraska's Third District. prgtoken I know the constituents I represent join me in wishing them well as they begin the tournament on Sunday, April 29, 2018. On behalf of the people of Nebraska's Third District, I commend the Thedford High School National Science Bowl Team for this noteworthy accomplishment, and wish them well in the competition. prgtoken Go Knights.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-27

I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to this amendment. prgtoken We have been down this road before, and yet, again, we are witnessing attempts to remove rural America's connectivity to the national air transportation system. Those who would look to scrap the Essential Air Service program often fail to acknowledge reforms that have been put in place to modernize and streamline the program. This reauthorization does the same. prgtoken , for too long, rural America has received the scraps of our suburban and urban counterparts. Last year, the Airport Improvement Program, another program, not the Essential Air Service, issued more than $264 million in grants to 95 airports in 31 States. prgtoken Among them, $2 million was issued for Sacramento International Airport in Sacramento, California, to purchase five zero-emission electric shuttle buses to take passengers between the airport parking lots and the terminal buildings these types of projects are nice, but the fact is that $2 million is about equal to the amount a small rural airport requires for commercial service for 2 years. prgtoken Let's get serious here. Striking the Essential Air Service program is bad for rural America. It is time to stop the witch hunt on rural America. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.
REMEMBERING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILLOW ISLAND DISASTER
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to mark the 40th anniversary of the Willow Island disaster, when 51 construction workers perished in the deadliest construction accident in United States history. prgtoken These men were building cooling tower No. 2 at the Pleasants Power Station in West Virginia. Just after 10 o'clock on that tragic day, as the third lift of concrete was being lifted, the cable housing on the crane went slack and the crane collapsed in on the tower. prgtoken The concrete that had been poured the previous day then started to unwrap the tower, taking out the scaffolding. All the men who were on the scaffolding at that time were killed, and many workers on the ground were buried under the falling debris. prgtoken This horrible accident spurred a national conversation about more construction safety and led to improved standards. And for those of us who have worked in the construction industry, it underscored just how fragile life is and that paying attention to every detail can make a difference whether we go home or not. prgtoken This is a tragedy that is still felt throughout the Pleasants County community. Angie Colvin, who was just in the fifth grade at the time of the disaster, lost 12 family members that day, including her father. prgtoken The Willow Island community will gather this evening at the memorial erected in honor of those 51 workers. Our prayers are with the entire community on this day of remembrance.
RECOGNIZING TODD UNGERECHT
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to thank one of the House's own and a great public servant. Todd Ungerecht is a proud son of Pasco, Washington, and has given this Nation over 20 years of tireless public service. prgtoken Prior to his most recent service with the House Natural Resources Committee as deputy staff director to Chairman Rob Bishop, Todd served the United States Senate for Washington's former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, for the administration as an appointee with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for former chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Doc Hastings. prgtoken A proud Gonzaga University undergraduate and law school graduate, Todd is a man of family, of faith, and of public service. He represents the quintessential staffer, working diligently behind the scenes, never looking for credit, never seeking the limelight. Todd is a humble public servant, who places the highest value on good public policy. prgtoken As Todd retires from the House, and his wife, Magda; and their two children, Alexa and Evan, head west, we send them our sincere gratitude and warmest wishes.
CONGRATULATING EDDIE SALAME ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-27

I rise today to congratulate Eddie Salame, Chief of Police of the City of Grapevine, on his upcoming retirement after 33 years in law enforcement. prgtoken Eddie Salame began his career as an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department on October 19, 1984. Over the several years he was there, Eddie worked both covert and overt assignments in Gang Intelligence, Criminal Investigations, and Narcotics Investigations. In July of 1991, he joined the Grapevine Police Department, continuing to take on various assignments and increased responsibility in Criminal Investigations, SWAT, Task Force Operations, and Crime Scene. On January 4, 2005, Eddie was appointed Chief of Police. He has served in that position for over 13 years, the longest tenure of any chief in the department's history. prgtoken Under his leadership, the Grapevine Police Department adopted a community oriented policing philosophy aimed at reducing crime by strengthening community ties. Chief Salame was instrumental in establishing and expanding programs that encourage communication and cooperation between law enforcement and local residents, including the Volunteers in Police Services Program and the Grapevine Community Outreach Center. Since the initiatives began in 2006, participation in the Volunteers in Police Service Program has doubled and the Community Outreach Center has made available critical services such as GED classes and after-school programs for at-risk students. prgtoken Chief Salame's dedication to community service goes well beyond his professional responsibilities. Outside of his duties as Chief of Police, he is an active member of the Grapevine community, currently serving as president of the Grapevine Rotary Club and as a member of the advisory board for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Tarleton State University. He previously served on the advisory boards for the University of Texas at Arlington's Center for Criminal Justice Research and Training and One Safe Place, which provides coordinated services to victims of domestic violence. prgtoken For over three decades, Chief Salame has served his community tirelessly, putting himself in harm's way to ensure the safety of countless Texas residents. We are indebted to him for his exceptional leadership and his many years of bravery and sacrifice on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary service of Chief Eddie Salame and wishing him and his family the best in his retirement.
HONORING MRS. TAMMIE JO SHULTS
Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to honor Mrs. Tammie Jo Shults, the pilot of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 on April 17th, whose heroic actions saved many lives. prgtoken A New Mexico native, Mrs. Shults demonstrated bravery and composure as she safely guided her Boeing 737 to the ground after one of its engines exploded. While we mourn the loss of beloved Albuquerque native Jennifer Riordan, we are grateful that Mrs. Shults' extraordinary actions under pressure helped prevent an even greater tragedy. prgtoken In addition to her life-saving actions on April 17th, Mrs. Shults was a trail blazer in the U.S. Navy. After combat exclusion laws for women were repealed, Mrs. Shults became one of the first female fighter pilots. Despite facing adversity and unequal treatment due to her gender, Mrs. Shults eventually earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander. prgtoken , I want to extend my gratitude to Mrs. Tammie Jo Shults for her years of service to our country and her extraordinary, live- saving heroism aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1380.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JONATHAN DUNHAM HOUSE
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to join with the Trinity Episcopal Church congregation and the Woodbridge community in celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Jonathan Dunham House. This incredible milestone and the history of this site is truly deserving of this body's recognition. prgtoken One of the oldest properties in Woodbridge, New Jersey, the Jonathan Dunham House is an incredible historical marker in the township. In addition to its ownership by the Dunham family and Trinity Episcopal Church, the house was also once owned by the Barron family, another well-known and renowned family of the township. prgtoken The rectory of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Jonathan Dunham House is part of the church's national and state historic registry listing. Built in the 1700s as a residence by Jonathan Dunham, an ancestor of former President , the Jonathan Dunham House became the church's rectory in 1873. prgtoken Purchased in 1872 by George Hance, Senior Warden of the church, the Jonathan Dunham House was donated to Trinity after a year of renovations that updated and enlarged the property. Begun in 2014 and recently completed, the rectory was once again renovated in order to restore the property. The site has continually served as the church's rectory since its acquisition. prgtoken , I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in marking the 300th anniversary of the Jonathan Dunham House and thanking the church, congregants and community volunteers for their dedicated work to preserve this historic site.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-1

on Roll Call Numbers 162 through 166, On Amendments to H.R. 4, the ic Motion to Recommit, and Final Passage, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted: Roll Call 162, McClintock Amendment--No; Roll Call 163, Duncan Amendment--No; Roll Call 164, Motion to Recommit H.R. 4--Yes; Roll Call 165, Final Passage--Yes; and Roll Call 166, On Motion to Table H. Res. 856--No.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DORIS WARD
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise to pay tribute to a trailblazer, change-maker and beloved leader: San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Doris Ward. prgtoken Doris was a woman of extraordinary spirit and positivity who never let a closed door deter her. Throughout her 40 years of leadership--at lunch counters and on the NAACP's Metropolitan Council, as a school administrator and a community leader--she fought fearlessly to knock down barriers to equality and justice. prgtoken A former teacher herself, Doris was a passionate advocate for our schools and believed deeply in the power of education to help all Americans climb the ladders of opportunity in our nation. prgtoken Doris was a pioneer, making history as the first African American to serve as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. As a leader of our city, she both embodied and championed the San Francisco values of equality, fairness and respect for diversity. Her strong leadership to expand affordable housing, support minority-led businesses and improve oversight of the police force continues to ensure that San Francisco remain a welcoming home to all. prgtoken Doris was a great friend to our most underserved neighborhoods, and a great inspiration for women, communities of color and young people across our city and country. prgtoken San Franciscans have been blessed by the leadership of Doris Ward. We will deeply miss her warmth, positivity and joyous spirit. prgtoken May it bring some measure of comfort to Doris' many friends and loved ones that so many remember and celebrate Doris' life and legacy.