mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-5-24

the Federal Communications Commission Schools and Libraries program, commonly known as E-Rate, has helped connect our schools and libraries to highspeed broadband. Recent changes allowed for schools to pay for Wi-Fi on campuses, recognizing that students are using laptops and other devices for learning. This bill, cosponsored by my friend Senator Gardner, would allow schools to receive reimbursement for Wi-Fi on school buses--an idea inspired by a New Mexico high school student. A few years ago, a football player from Hatch Valley High School in Hatch, New Mexico told me how, after being on a bus for hours after a game, he would sit in the dark parking lot of his school doing his homework--because he didn't have high-speed broadband at home. Making Wi-Fi available on school buses is one piece to solving the homework gap--especially in rural areas. Adequate internet is an absolute necessity in this day and age. And I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure every home in the Nation has adequate internet access. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
Gas Prices (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-5-24

as we head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer driving season, gas prices are up nearly 25 percent since President took office. That means American consumers are paying $350 more per year to fill up under President , and here is why: prgtoken No. 1, President 's incoherent foreign policy has been exacerbating the geopolitical risk premium on oil prices and driving them up, and President 's decision to withdraw the United States from the Iran deal is further roiling oil markets. Because of these actions that increase risks around the world, gas prices could keep going up even more this summer. I call this the `` oil risk tax,'' and its impacts are being felt right now. prgtoken The oil risk tax completely wipes out any tax savings from the tax scam for the poorest Americans. The lowest 40 percent of earners are projected to get roughly $200 this year from the GOP tax plan. That is eliminated, obviously, by the $350 more they are paying now to gas up thanks to 's policies. prgtoken loves having his name on things--towers, steak, universities. Now his name is associated with higher gas prices for every American family. prgtoken Reason No. 2, while consumers are getting tipped upside down at the gasoline pumps, oil companies are benefiting from a $25 billion tax cut this year alone from the GOP tax scam. That is on top of the $7 billion to $8 billion a year they get in permanent tax breaks and also free drilling loopholes. All of that is on top of the $25 billion of tax breaks this year alone. Is Big Oil using those GOP tax giveaways to help drivers across America? Nope. They are using it to buy back tens of billions of dollars' worth of their own stock. Big oil companies are using this tax windfall to pump up their own profits rather than to help consumers at the pump. prgtoken Reason No. 3, the United States is exporting historic amounts of American oil, even while we remain dependent on OPEC and the Middle East. Exporting U.S. oil is only a further giveaway to Big Oil. We are now exporting more than 2.5 million barrels a day of U.S. crude overseas, even while we are still forced to import that exact same amount--2.5 million barrels a day--from OPEC and the Middle East, and we are sending our oil overseas to benefit foreign nations like China, which is getting one-quarter of U.S. oil exports. prgtoken Why would we send our oil overseas instead of keeping it here to help our consumers and our security? Well, because Big Oil stands to see $500 billion in new revenue over the next 20 years as a result of U.S. oil exports because they can charge more for U.S. oil overseas. They make more money if they sell it to foreigners than if they sell it to U.S. citizens--U.S. consumers. Exporting American crude means our consumers are more vulnerable to supply shops and more closely tied to rising international prices. prgtoken Reason No. 4, OPEC
RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING JONAH MARI GUMATAOTAO ON BEING CHOSEN AS THE 2018 GUAM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-5-24

I rise today to commend and congratulate Mrs. Jonah Mari Gumataotao on being selected as the 2018 Guam Department of Education Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Gumataotao is currently a seventh grade Social Studies teacher and the chief advisor of the National Junior Honor Society at Augeda Johnson Middle School in Ordot, Guam. prgtoken Jonah has been a middle school teacher and serving with the Guam Department of Education for eight years. Jonah was chosen through a highly selective process to recognize one of the thousands of public school educators for demonstrating excellence in teaching. She was chosen from over 80 nominees and over 20 applicants by a panel of four judges. prgtoken Jonah is passionate about reaching all learners--English language learners, students in the Special Education program, and trying to meet diverse needs and learning styles of her students. She is also interested in discovering new ways to connect the classroom with the local community and instill in her students and NJHS members the importance of serving the island. prgtoken Jonah recently led the beautification of two vandalized bus stops in Chalan Pago, and was able to coordinate the help of students, parents, community partners, school staff and the village mayor. The end result was two stunning works of art that helped promote both team work and school spirit. prgtoken As a Social Studies, teacher her goals are to encourage students to keep an open mind about different cultures and be inspired to someday travel the world. prgtoken Jonah recognizes that all students get a chance and they have to take it. She acknowledges the power of teachers to influence young minds, help shape personalities and contribute directly to future generations. She stresses to her students that success comes from making mistakes and learning from them, sticking by a commitment, and pursuing goals without hesitation. prgtoken Jonah has worked diligently to promote excellence in academics and character in her students and she has made a positive influence in the lives of all the students she has taught. I join the people of Guam in congratulating Jonah on this prestigious accomplishment being named the 2018 Guam Department of Education Teacher of the Year. I commend Jonah for her years of service and look forward to many more contributions to our island and nation.
TRUMP'S MOBILE SECURITY
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-5-24

I came down to the floor today to give a gentle reminder and a wake-up call to Chairman Gowdy and to Ryan. I know they have a lot going on. The is flying out to do a fundraiser today. But I want to make sure he actually understood that what we know, also from multiple media outlets, is that this President is using a phone that is potentially compromising national security. prgtoken Rather than use the best, most secure communication technology in the world, President just reaches into his pocket and pulls out his regular off-the-shelf phone when he wants to discuss matters of state. Now, he can switch to another phone, a government-provided phone, one that is secure, and he can still even tweet from that phone, but, for some reason, he is still stuck on this phone that is a national security risk. prgtoken Why would the leader of the free world, and our Commander in Chief, expose sensitive communication to foreign intelligence agencies? prgtoken Why would he act in such a reckless, negligent manner? prgtoken Well, according to news reports, the simple answer is that uses his personal cell phone because he just feels like it; it is more convenient for him. Forget the rules and forget the warnings from the military. He just does what he wants and ignores the consequences. prgtoken I want to highlight this story for Chairman Gowdy and Ryan because I know they care deeply about data security at the highest level of our government. After all, when Secretary Clinton was found to have used her personal email server, they launched multiple, month-long investigations. They spent millions of tax dollars conducting five emergency hearings, including four, coincidentally, right before the election, and ended up issuing more than 70 subpoenas. prgtoken Their efforts helped generate huge amounts of media coverage. In one 6-day period, The New York Times ran as many cover stories about Hillary Clinton's emails as they did about all of the policy issues combined in the 69 days leading up to the election. prgtoken But now that President 's widely irresponsible use of his personal cell phone has been exposed, now that we know he could be exposing America's secrets to our gravest enemies, surely my friends are going to be just as worried about data security as they were in the past and conduct some oversight. Surely, they will. They surely will demand and request all the documents, hold hearings, and question witnesses. Surely. They will want to get to the bottom of this scandal as soon as possible. prgtoken Prior to the election, Chairman Gowdy explained to the reporters: This investigation is not about politics. This is not even about one individual. prgtoken If it wasn't about politics, and if it wasn't just about stopping Hillary Clinton, the of the House and the chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee should certainly feel interested in investigating t
HONORING THE LIFE OF WOODY PETTUS
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-5-25

Woodrow ``Woody'' Pettus was a true Virginia gentleman. For 58 years, he worked at The Homestead, a historic resort nestled in the mountains of beautiful Bath County, Virginia. He was an institution there, known for his knack for remembering faces and names and always greeting guests and friends with a smile. prgtoken Woody left this earthly life for his heavenly home on May 16, 2018, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruby Alloway Pettus, as well as two children, Woodrow Houston Pettus and wife Helen, and Lisa Pettus Aguilar, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and special family members. My prayers for peace and comfort are with them as they reflect on their loss and remember the memories they shared with Woody, affectionately known as ``Pa'' to some. prgtoken Woody was born on March 28, 1941, to the late Walter Woodrow Pettus and Nellie Moats Pettus in Warm Springs, Virginia. He started caddying at The Homestead as a teenager, and instantly made an impression on guests and co-workers alike. While he loved the game of golf, he wanted something with more history and decided to move to the stables and work with his father who was one of the senior Livery Drivers. Woody eventually moved on to the Dining Room where he served in a variety of roles, including his most recent position of Maitre d'. In 2003, Golfstyles magazine recognized him as the Maitre d'Hotel of the Year. Last September, Historic Hotels of America honored him as Ambassador of the Year, which is presented to an individual who has dedicated his or her career to a historic hotel for at least 25 years and has shown exemplary hospitality and service to the hotel and its guests. Woody was one of five generations of Pettuses who have worked at The Homestead. He was also a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Warm Springs, where he was baptized as a youth. prgtoken The Homestead is a special place for me and my family. Woody was a dear friend and always greeted my family warmly. He and I enjoyed catching up frequently over the years I know this is a sentiment widely shared as evidenced by the outpouring of support for him when his cancer diagnosis was announced and now in his passing. For many guests, the staff at The Homestead has become an extended family. prgtoken The weekend of June 1st, his family, friends, and his beloved ``Homestead family'' will gather to celebrate his life and pay tribute to his long and vibrant legacy--rich with kindness and a dedication to serving others. It is only fitting that he be celebrated at the place that he loved so dearly by the people he built relationships with over the past six decades. prgtoken Woody's presence will be dearly missed in the hallways and dining room of The Homestead, but certainly not forgotten. I know that I will long remember his kind smile and gentle demeanor, just like many others he met over the years. Woody was one in a million, and we are all better
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN SPEAKS TRUTH TO NATION
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-5-25

yesterday Kansas City Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the keynote speaker at the 14th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken Archbishop Naumann's incisive remarks were extraordinarily inspiring, hope filled, uplifting, yet challenging. Like a modern-day Jeremiah, he spoke truth to the nation. After detailing some of the ``threats to the well-being of our nation,'' Archbishop Naumann said ``However, the most serious crisis for our country is none of the above, but rather a God- crisis--a crisis of Faith. . . . prgtoken He said, ``We have no permanent enemies, but only confused brothers and sisters who have yet to encounter the Lord of Life and to experience His unconditional love and amazing grace. . . . It is our task to reclaim our culture one mind, one heart, one soul at a time.'' prgtoken I respectfully ask my colleagues in both the House and Senate and on both sides of the aisle to take a few minutes to read the Archbishop's remarkable words. National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Washington, D.C May 24, 2018 I. Acknowledgments It is a great honor to be with you this morning and to address this distinguished gathering. As we assemble as a people of Faith to pray for our nation, we must first give thanks for our many blessings. We enjoy religious liberty, freedom of speech and expression, the right to assemble--to name only a few of the freedoms for which our Founders fought and subsequent generations sacrificed heroically to preserve. Despite our economic challenges, middle class Americans enjoy creature comforts that were unavailable to kings of earlier ages. For all this and so much more, we must give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow. At the same time, there are certainly many challenges facing our nation. Within the past week we had another deadly school shooting. There are several tense international situations, e.g. the Holy Land, Iran, Syria and Korea. Many Christians throughout the world experience brutal religious persecution. Racial tensions remain high in many cities. One third of American children are being raised in homes without their biological fathers. The legal status of more than a million young people who were brought to this country as children remains in limbo. In Massachusetts, Illinois and the District of Columbia Catholic Charities is no longer able to place children for adoption. Our nation continues to give legal protection to doctors and organizations that profit from the killing of more than one million innocent unborn children. There are efforts in the courts and some states legislatures to coerce Catholic Hospitals to perform abortions. Unfortunately, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the seriou
THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLORADO FREEDOM MEMORIAL
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-5-25

I rise today to recognize the fifth anniversary of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, its President and Founder, Rick Crandall, and his wife, and its cofounder, Diane Crandall. This monument to our fallen heroes, located in Aurora, Colorado, provides all Coloradans the opportunity to come and pay their respects for the greatest sacrifice that our men and women in uniform can give. prgtoken The Colorado Freedom Memorial, which holds over 6,000 names, first opened in 2013 and is the first memorial in the United States that pays respect to members of the military who have served in any of America's wars from the State of Colorado. For this year's fifth anniversary, the memorial will be dedicating a new flag pole, holding a tribute for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and unveiling a new exhibit which contains soil from eight American cemeteries overseas where Coloradans lie who never made it home. prgtoken The anniversary of the memorial is especially fitting as we observe Memorial Day and pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of our nation. I am proud to have this memorial located in my district and would like to recognize cofounders Rick and Diane Crandall. Their leadership and dedication to our veterans is truly admirable, and I thank them for all of their work. prgtoken , it is, and always will be an honor to pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation and our American freedoms, and I salute the Colorado Freedom Memorial for allowing all to visit and pay their respects.
CELEBRATING THE PLATTSBURGH STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-5-25

I rise today to congratulate the Plattsburgh State University Police Department on its 50th anniversary. prgtoken The Plattsburgh State University Police Department is responsible for keeping the largest university in New York's 21st district a safe place for students to learn. The officers are exceptionally trained to respond to physical and mental health crises, campus safety concerns, and other emergencies. They are dedicated to keeping the campus community and surrounding city of Plattsburgh safe and secure. prgtoken The Department is an integral part of the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. It demonstrates a commitment to crime prevention and campus policing, as well as successfully aligns with the university's educational mission and prides itself on its student-centered approach. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to congratulate the Plattsburgh State University Police Department on an exceptional 50 years and thank the officers for their dedicated service and commitment to keeping SUNY Plattsburgh safe and secure.
TRIBUTE TO PHILIP FAGAN
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-5-25

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Philip Fagan on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Fagan shares his birthday with his twin sister, Phyllis. They both reside in Adair, Iowa. prgtoken Our world has changed a great deal during Philip's life. Since his birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Philip has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In his lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. prgtoken , it is an honor to represent Mr. Fagan in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish him a very happy 90th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Philip Fagan on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing him even more health and happiness in the years to come.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. JOHN BABER
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-5-25

I rise today to celebrate the life of a distinguished World War II veteran, Mr. John Baber, of Bath County, Kentucky. prgtoken As a young man, Mr. Baber answered the call and served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed in the South Pacific on the USS Clermont. Mr. Baber returned home after helping the Allies achieve victory. Upon his return, he finished school. prgtoken Mr. Baber married Rene Hornbeck on July 23, 1949. He moved to Platte City, Missouri to work at Texas Eastern. After a long career, he retired in 1986. prgtoken Mr. Baber went on to become a member of the Gideons in 1986. He has always been an prgtoken active member of the community, serving as a Scout Master and being involved in youth baseball. He is an active member of the Owingsville United Methodist Church. prgtoken Mr. Baber and other members of the Greatest Generation served their country bravely and are true heroes. Mr. Baber and his fellow men and women in uniform secured our freedoms for future generations. He is truly an outstanding American, a protector of freedom, and an inspiration to us all.
CONGRATULATING DR. THOMAS A. KAZEE
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-5-25

I rise today to congratulate Dr. Thomas. A. Kazee upon his retirement as the 23rd president of the University of Evansville. prgtoken A political scientist by preparation, this Ohio native became the face of UE. While reaffirming its decades-old tradition of world- renowned higher education, Dr. Kazee championed the role of the modern university and wisely recognized that it must continue to evolve and respond to contemporary challenges. prgtoken As creator of the ``UE Guarantee,'' Dr. Kazee boldly defined UE's commitment to its students with emphasis on substantial financial aid, internships, international study, and graduation in four years. He prompted the University to reexamine its career development strategy even after graduation. He led a collaboration with the Indiana University School of Medicine and its crosstown neighbor, the University of Southern Indiana, in a transformational Center for Health Sciences in downtown Evansville. He orchestrated a master plan that led to construction of student townhouses, renovations of key academic buildings, and positioned the stately Lincoln Avenue campus for decades to come. prgtoken With profound gratitude for Dr. Kazee's career as an academician, community leader, and outstanding steward of a great university, I join all Hoosiers in extending my best wishes in his retirement.