mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING STEVE FARUS AND HIS 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE DUNCAN FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Duncan Falls Fire Department's 1st Assistant Chief, Steve Farus, for the forty years he has dedicated to Wayne Township and the surrounding area. prgtoken Assistant Chief Farus's career, now spanning more than four decades, exemplifies a selfless commitment to public service. After graduating from Philo High School in 1971, Steve joined the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably for four years. Upon his return to civilian life, Assistant Chief Farus graduated from college and joined the Duncan Falls Volunteer Fire Department. In this role, Steve has continually gone above and beyond his call of duty. His dedication has manifested itself in numerous ways, including in his co-founding of Duncan Falls Safety Town--an educational program through which he has delivered countless safety demonstrations to school, church, and other civic groups across the Wayne community. prgtoken In addition, Steve is a long-serving member of the Muskingum County Firefighters Association, where he was instrumental in acquiring a Fire Safety Trailer for the Duncan Falls Fire Department. Today, the trailer is used for children's safety demonstrations and is a favorite stop on the many station tours that Steve coordinates for members of the community. For his remarkable service, Assistant Chief Farus has been honored with several awards, including the Zanesville Sertoma Service to Mankind Award and the Gardner Insurance Community Protector Award. prgtoken Beyond his work with the Fire Department, Steve has further served Wayne Township as the owner and operator of the Clyde Thompson Funeral home since 1985. He and his wife, DuAnne, are the proud parents of Scott, Matthew, and Stacey, and now have 6 grandchildren. prgtoken As family, friends, and Wayne Township gather to recognize Steve's outstanding career, I salute him for his commitment to advocating for safety and for his ongoing service above self. Assistant Chief Farus can take great pride in all he has accomplished and the positive impact that his work has had and will continue to have. prgtoken I thank Steve for his devotion to bettering Wayne Township, Ohio, and in turn, I honor him for his incredible record of achievement.
IN MEMORY OF BRETT WILSON
Anthony Gonzalez (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , on November 2, 2019, the communities of Olmsted Falls and Columbia Township of northeast Ohio mourned the loss of firefighter Brett Wilson. prgtoken Brett was off duty the morning of October 27 when a car struck a nearby utility pole, causing power lines to fall onto the roadway. Brett and his girlfriend, without hesitation, ran to help the victims of the accident. prgtoken Brett was electrocuted after coming into contact with the electrified ground near the accident and passed away immediately. Both his girlfriend and the driver were injured but, luckily, survived. prgtoken Our community honored Brett's heroism and life on Saturday, November 2, with a funeral procession held in his honor. Unsurprisingly, the community lined the streets, waving American flags and holding their hands over their hearts to honor the 2015 Olmsted Falls High School graduate. prgtoken We are heartbroken by the loss of the Olmsted Falls resident and Columbia Township firefighter, Brett Wilson. Brett, the son of an Olmsted Township police officer, was a true hero and public safety servant. prgtoken Brett will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and the community. We thank him and his family for their service, and we keep them in our prayers.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DOCTOR BILL NOBLE
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , last week, Wheeling lost a compassionate doctor and an all-around good man. So, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Bill Noble of Wheeling, West Virginia. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, teacher and cardiologist. prgtoken My wife, Mary, a nurse, worked with Bill for many years at Ohio Valley Medical Center where he not only served as chief of cardiology, but was also a dedicated teacher. He was recognized as teacher of the year several times by the medical residents, but his greatest passion was for his work as a cardiologist. Bill touched the lives of thousands in the area and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dawn, his two children and his extended family as they mourn his passing. He will be missed.
CELEBRATING MOVE OF USDA TO HEARTLAND
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-11-18

Kansas is known as the air capital of the world, manufacturing up to 70 percent of the world's embedded aircraft fleet, while creating nearly 50,000 jobs and approximately $10 billion in economic output. prgtoken Growing up just outside of Wichita, I was well aware of the impact and importance the aviation industry had in my State. prgtoken Today, as a U.S. Congressman, I have had the pleasure of seeing the evolution of the aerospace industry in Kansas and the continued impact this sector has on our district and the State. prgtoken This week, our office is celebrating America's superiority in the aerospace sector and Kansas' role in that industry. From the manufacturing of 747s by Spirit AeroSystems, to aviation safety research at the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University, to drone technology development at the Kansas State Polytechnic in Salina, communities across Kansas have benefited from the past, present, and future needs of the aerospace industry. prgtoken Since the industry's inception, the United States has been a world leader in aviation research and innovation. But other countries are rapidly gaining speed. It is essential that we maintain our competitive advantage, not only for continued economic growth in Kansas but for our national security and the sustained evolution of space and science technologies. prgtoken I have seen the impact this sector has had on my State, and I am proud to support the many people, businesses, and organizations involved in making the aerospace industry so dynamic and innovative. Thanksgiving Week
A SOLUTION TO THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY'S NEEDS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-11-18

last week after many months of hard work by staff and Members here in a bipartisan fashion, amazingly in this atmosphere here, we introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act legislation. This will really clean up the process for ag labor in this country, something desperately needed. It will be prgtoken better for the workers, better for the farmers, and much better for the rule of law. prgtoken With the problems we have on our border, the problems with immigration as it is these days, at least the ag worker section will be able to be much better monitored and much better regulated, and indeed, much better off for the workers themselves not having to live in the shadows. prgtoken This legislation modernizes the H-2A program. It stabilizes wages, institutes a merit-based system for ag workers to eventually earn legal status after years of proven work and consistent employment in the U.S. ag industry. prgtoken So when you look at the whole package here, where we stand right now with the disarray in nonofficial status that we have, this is going to be a vast improvement, and I urge people to get behind that.
APPROPRIATIONS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-11-18

the minority leader is so committed to his campaign rhetoric, calling the Senate a political graveyard, that he is killing the House-passed appropriations package that funds our national defense and pays our troops. prgtoken Leader McConnell has twice moved to take up the House bill that funds the Pentagon, as well as the Departments of State, Health and Human Services, Energy, Education, and others, but the majority leader has been constantly blocked by the . prgtoken The minority leader claims to be shocked and outraged that the Senate isn't taking up partisan messaging bills from the House when it is very normal for both Houses not to take up every bill passed by the other Chamber. That doesn't apply to appropriations, however, because one thing is very certain: We have to fund the government, and those bills absolutely have to come up and be passed by both Houses. prgtoken . prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING MISHA'S CUPCAKES
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-11-18

as chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of our economy. It is my privilege to honor a Florida small business that not only creates a great product but also invests time and effort into charitable work for the Greater Miami area. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Misha's Cupcakes of Coral Gables, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Established in 2005, Misha's Cupcakes offers a variety of delicious baked goods at its multiple storefronts throughout South Florida. After hearing about a small cupcake company in Los Angeles which produced 1,000 cupcakes a day, founder Misha Kuryla became inspired and believed she could replicate the same process. She began baking cupcakes out of her kitchen, and after strategically giving away several free samples, landed her first wholesale account from a local bakery. What started as small, home-based operation has developed into a thriving company, employing nearly 70 Floridians. Misha's Cupcakes now produces more than 10,000 baked goods every day at its stores and warehouse. In addition to selling baked goods locally, Misha's Cupcakes sells its products nationally through its website. This website offers customers not only the ability to order products such as cookies and brownies but also to request donated cupcakes for a charity event or fundraiser. prgtoken Misha's Cupcakes' dedication to community service has been central since its founding when Misha donated several hundred cupcakes to a local breast cancer awareness event. Since then, this business has remained committed to serving its community. It has partaken in a wide range of community service events, including donating baked goods to local food banks and organizing a Hurricane Dorian relief drive for the people of the Bahamas. Such dedication to service has made Misha's Cupcakes a valuable member of South Florida's community. prgtoken Residents of South Florida have responded to Misha's Cupcakes' involvement in their community by becoming loyal customers. In addition to receiving rave reviews, the business was named ``Best Cupcakes in Miami'' by the Miami New Times in 2014 and ``Best Cupcakes in Florida'' by the Daily Meal in 2017. Misha herself has also been honored by the community for her dedicated work. In 2012, she was named an ``uncommon thinker'' by her alma prgtoken mater, Florida International University--FIU--and participated as a speaker at FIU's 2017 Women's Leadership Summit. prgtoken Misha's Cupcakes is a great example of the integral role community oriented small businesses play in our unique American economy. I commend their efforts to provide a quality product while simultaneously making local involvement a priority. Congratulations again to the entire team at Misha's Cupcakes. I look forward to watching your continued growth an
RECOGNIZING MOUNTAIN VIEW DENTAL CLINIC
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-11-18

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. However, in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, this month I will honor a veteran-owned small business for each of the 10 days the Senate is in legislative session. The personal sacrifices made by America's veterans have protected the very freedoms and values that give each of us and our children the ability to achieve the American dream. The skills veterans learn as members of the military are invaluable and undoubtedly contribute to Idaho's flourishing veteran business community. I am proud of the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our country and that they are choosing Idaho to call home when they complete their service in the military. prgtoken As your U.S. Senator from the great State of Idaho, it is my pleasure to recognize Mountain View Dental Clinic in Soda Springs as the veteran-owned Idaho Small Business of the Day for November 18, 2019. prgtoken Mountain View Dental Clinic is owned by U.S. Air Force veteran Dr. Jerry Walker, DMD. Walker was born and raised in Rexburg before moving to Pennsylvania to attend dental school. Luckily for Idaho, Walker returned home to the Gem State to open his practice and serve the Soda Springs community. With more than 18 years of clinical experience, Walker and his employees pride themselves on building trust with their clients. prgtoken Walker and his staff provide routine dental care services such as cleanings and oral cancer screenings, in addition to cosmetic services tailored to fit the needs of each patient. The team at Mountain View Dental Clinic works hard to remain at the forefront of dental research and technology, ensuring that patients enjoy a comfortable experience at the dentist. prgtoken Congratulations to Dr. Jerry Walker and all of the employees at Mountain View Dental Clinic for being selected as the Veteran-owned Idaho Small Business of the Day for November 18, 2019. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-11-18

along with my colleagues Senator James E. Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, I congratulate Mike Dettori, Fairfield District Ranger on the Sawtooth National Forest, who is retiring after 40 years of service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. prgtoken Mike began as District Ranger for the Fairfield Ranger District in 2004 after considerable experience in many areas for the Forest Service. In 1980, he started as a Range Management Specialist on the Kamas Ranger District of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Kamas, UT. He then went on to serve as a Rangeland Management Specialist on the Lost River Ranger District of the Challis National Forest in Mackay, ID, after graduating with a bachelor of science degree in rangeland science from the University of Nevada in 1982. He then served as an interdisciplinary rangeland management specialist for the Yankee Fork Ranger District in Clayton, ID, and rangeland management specialist for the Big Summit Ranger District in Prineville, OR, before serving as acting district ranger on both the Livingston and Big Timber Ranger Districts in Montana. He also served as forest range staff on the Gallatin National Forest and on an incident management team. prgtoken Throughout his decades of Federal service, Mike has been a steady leader and sensible voice contributing to the science and management of the districts and the well-being of the staff. He has not only been an integral part of the agency, but also an important community member, as he has also given his time to serve in many community organizations. prgtoken Thank you, Mike, for your service and leadership and for your contributions to the management of wonderful parts of our great State and country all these years. We wish you much happiness in your well- earned retirement.
APPROPRIATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-11-18

for weeks now, almost daily, I have spoken about the need to get our appropriations process back on track and the need for bipartisan agreement to fund the Federal Government and, particularly, to provide our military commanders with the resources and stability they need. prgtoken That kind of smooth process was exactly what Congress was on track for just a few months ago. Leaders in both parties, in both Houses, and at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue signed onto a deal that set top- line funding levels and ruled out obstacles like poison pills. Alas, as I have discussed at length, policy riders crept back into the process, and our discussions stalled. As a result, here we are again--behind schedule. prgtoken We need to get results on appropriations before the end of the year. So, while the House and the Senate continue negotiations on setting the allocations, we need to buy more time. The House and the Senate need to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 20 and allow these talks to continue. The Senate can't originate this funding bill, but we will wait to receive legislation from the House and then vote on it before we head back to our home States. prgtoken This is what we need: a CR, as clean as possible, through December 20 to enable more progress on appropriations before the end of this year. A clean CR through December 20 would pass the Senate, and the White House has indicated that President would sign it. Let me say that again. The administration indicates the President is willing and ready to sign a clean CR through December 20 so that we can finish our work. prgtoken This is our opportunity to get a bipartisan process back on track. First, with bipartisan, bicameral cooperation, we can safely fund the Federal Government through mid-December so talks can continue. Then, with more cooperation, we can reach agreement on allocations and pass as many of the 12 appropriations bills as possible before the end of the year.
HONORING RICK PERRY
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-11-18

I am here tonight with a number of my colleagues from Texas because Governor Rick Perry, as we Texans refer to him, will be stepping down in a few weeks as the Secretary of Energy of the United States of America. prgtoken I have had the honor of serving on his staff, working with him on a number of projects, including a book, and working on his campaigns. He has been a State Representative in Texas, the Agriculture Commissioner in Texas, Lieutenant Governor, Governor of Texas, but I always think of Rick Perry first and foremost as a proud Texan, an Aggie, an Eagle Scout, a husband, an Air Force veteran, a father, and a grandfather. But for me personally, I always remember the Governor as a friend, a loyal friend who would help those who needed it, whether it was a veteran, suffering after battle, who needed a home, which the Governor and his lovely bride, Anita, would welcome them into their home, or whether it was praying for me when I had cancer as a staffer for him. Governor Perry literally called me from a Presidential debate to check on me while I was going through chemotherapy. And he stood with me and my family through it all. He is above all a good and decent man. prgtoken There are few people in this world who cause you to want to charge the hill behind him, and you know it will be for fighting a just cause, but Governor Perry is one of those people. And he learned this from his family and his community. prgtoken Governor Perry grew up in Paint Creek, Texas, with no indoor plumbing for the first 5 years of his life in 1950s west Texas. His dad, Ray, was a World War II veteran, who along with Perry's wonderful mom, Amelia, were ranchers in Texas. And his wife Anita, whom he met in elementary school, was his high school sweetheart and has been the love of his life and by his side ever since. He is a proud dad to Griffin and Sydney and granddad to their wonderful children. prgtoken Governor Perry is fairly famous for being an Aggie. He received his bachelor of science degree in animal science from A&M. He was commissioned to second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. He was a member of Squadron 6 and served as a junior and senior Yell Leader and was immersed in all aspects of Aggie student life. A strong supporter of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, Governor Perry has been a speaker at countless Aggie musters since 1990 and was the principal speaker at the main campus ceremony in 2002. And he was also the key note speaker at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Corps of Cadets in 2001. He exemplifies the Aggie values, selfless service, respect, loyalty, integrity, and excellence in leadership. prgtoken Before I yield to my colleague, I would be remiss if I did not note that it was 20 years ago today that the historic tradition at Texas A&M, the A&M bonfire that is always built in preparation for and lit the night before the game against the University of Texas, one of the greates
TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-11-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , today I rise in support of H.R. 4634, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019. prgtoken For the last 17 years, TRIA has provided an important Federal backstop for businesses that insure against the large-scale devastation caused by terrorist attacks. This Federal backstop provides much needed stability for the private terrorism risk insurance market, ensuring that small and large businesses alike have access to affordable coverage. prgtoken Without Federal involvement, the private market cannot adequately price for this type of risk, causing insurers to exit the market, and leaving businesses without coverage. That would be a market failure, and it necessitates us acting in order to ensure that that market failure does not persist. That is why we have this important program. prgtoken That bipartisanship continues today with and s alike agreeing on the need to reauthorize the TRIA program for an additional 7 years. This long-term extension will give certainty to insurance markets, businesses and the broader American economy. A wide range of businesses have come to rely on the protections included in this act. prgtoken From real estate to manufacturing to entertainment, H.R. 4634 will help these companies insure against acts of terrorism. In addition, the bill takes the first step in understanding how the TRIA program can be modernized to meet the advances made by our adversaries in the 21st century. prgtoken When we began our bipartisan conversations regarding the TRIA reauthorization, I emphasized the need to study how this program would react in the aftermath of a wide-scale cyberattack. We generally know what the threats are broadly, but how the threats will evolve over the next 7 years we need to know. What we do know is that America's public and private infrastructure is currently under attack every single day. And so we want to make sure that we are broadly set for this next generation of attack. prgtoken In the aftermath of 9/11, insurance companies and policymakers quickly became aware of the hidden risks that acts of terrorism could pose to their balance sheets. It was a hidden risk then. Insurers also realized that they would be unable to adequately price this risk, spurring the need for Federal assistance. prgtoken What I am concerned about is this: I am concerned a large-scale cyberattack could pose these same hidden risks to insurers and to the market, since we don't fully understand the effects of a large-scale cyberattack and how that would play out today. prgtoken Moreover, the digital capabilities of our adversaries only continue to grow. Just look at Russia. In 2015, a Russian cyberattack shut down Ukraine's power grid for as long as 6 hours. If it is not Russia, it is China, Iran, North Korea. State sponsors of terror want to cause as much damage to the United States as they can. And that is no
TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER BECK WALKER
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-11-18

Jennifer Beck Walker has used her career to show that perseverance, dedication, and a strong work ethic can not only lead to success but make positive change in communities. In 1987, Jennifer became an intern at the Purchase Area Development District in Mayfield, KY. Over the years, she worked up through the ranks in various roles, married her husband Eric, and had 2 sons, Wyatt and Aidan. Jennifer was named the executive director of the PADD in 2008 and her commitment to the growth and development of the region has been unsurpassed. Today, I congratulate Jennifer on her retirement and send my best wishes for her future.