mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MOTHER KOMBUCHA
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-10-15

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to recognize a unique Florida small business for its valuable contributions to the local economy and its dedicated efforts towards sustainability and dignified work. Today, it is my distinct pleasure to name Mother Kombucha of St. Petersburg, FL as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken In 2014, Tonya Donati, a former occupational therapist, became Florida's first licensed kombucha brewer after noticing there were not many locally sourced options. Tonya and her business partner, Joshua Rumschlag, began brewing kombucha, a beverage of fermented, sweetened tea, in Tonya's small test kitchen to sell at local farmers markets. Eventually, Tonya and her husband, Victor Donati, secured a Small Business Administration 7(a) loan to move into a larger space, which enabled them to manufacture kombucha full time. Through hard work and a strategic vision, Mother Kombucha has grown from a 2-person operation into a full-scale business that now employs nearly 20 people and packages around 7,500 bottles a day. Over the last 5 years, Mother Kombucha has opened more than 600 accounts across Florida, and their products can be found in Publix, Whole Foods, and Winn-Dixie. Though the kombucha industry has expanded in recent years, Mother Kombucha's niche position provides a competitive edge in the expanding market. prgtoken Mother Kombucha sets itself apart in this industry as a brand committed to making a positive social and environmental impact. As a woman-owned and operated company, Tonya's business is an inspiration for other women entrepreneurs. It has been certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, one of the leading advocates for women business owners in the United States. Several of Mother Kombucha's flavors are based on a single-source green tea from a company that helps to raise women out of poverty in Bangladesh. Mother Kombucha makes community involvement a priority. In addition to providing competitive salaries to its employees, the company hosts an annual Mother's Day fundraiser to benefit women and children affected by domestic violence. Mother Kombucha has incorporated solar panels into each of their facilities, operates a robust recycling program, and is working to achieve B-Corp status. This certification is awarded to companies who uphold the highest environmental and labor standards, while also giving back to their respective communities. prgtoken Tonya has worked hard to expand her business throughout Florida, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Notably, Mother Kombucha was honored by GrowFlorida as one of Florida's 50 Companies to Watch in 2019. Tonya's love of kombucha, her hard work, and commitment to her community make this business an integral part of Florida's economic framework. This National Women's Small Business Month, it is my honor to congratulate the
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-10-15

I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: select committee on intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at 3:30 p.m to conduct a closed hearing.
HOMELESS VETERAN FAMILIES ACT
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-10-15

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I think this is a great bill. Homelessness is a huge problem in this country, and keeping our families together is a huge problem in this country. This, I think, will be some of the best money that we ever spend, if we can keep these families together. If a veteran is out there with their spouse and they are trying the best they can, they need these resources so they can keep that family unit together. prgtoken This bill should go through the House and the Senate unanimously. I think it will, and with over 300 cosponsors, I feel like it will. prgtoken I want to thank Congresswoman Brownley, who is a tireless supporter of veterans on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. I thank her for bringing this up, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill, H.R. 95. prgtoken , .
TRIBUTE TO RUSS COWLEY
Mitt Romney (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-10-15

I wish to congratulate Mr. Russ Cowley, a man of remarkable achievement and character, on a career dedicated to public service for the great State of Utah. After three decades with the Six County Association of Governments, including 22 years of service as its executive director, Russ is passing the torch of leadership. He leaves behind a distinguished legacy and big boots to fill. prgtoken The Six County Association of Governments is instrumental in facilitating economic and community development in Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne Counties. Six County AOG brings local voices to the table to oversee State and Federal programs as well as a wide range of services in an efficient and impactful manner for rural Utah. prgtoken As executive director, Russ has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to bring together the right people and resources to achieve results for the Six County region. His commitment to fostering development is evident in his hiring of staff who are dedicated to accessing resources for local governments. prgtoken Russ has advocated on behalf of rural Utahns by bringing together important stakeholders and decisionmakers. He pioneered an annual leadership summit, which focuses on rural Utah's economic growth, and the Natural Resource Summer Meeting, which highlights critical public lands and natural resource issues for the region. Additionally, the congressional briefing highlights specific pressing topics for Members of Congress and their staffs, and the Six County Legislative Day connects local elected officials and State legislators to set legislative goals on these critical issues. prgtoken The legacy of Russ Cowley will shape rural Utah for generations to come. Our great State owes him a debt of gratitude for three decades of selfless public service. We wish the cowboy from Venice the best in his next chapter. prgtoken Thank you, Russ, for your service to our State.
OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY IN MARRAKECH
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-10-15

2 weeks ago, I participated as the ranking member with Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee Hastings and Co-Chairman Senator Roger Wicker of the Joint Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe--the Helsinki Commission--to attend the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, with fellow Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver and Andy . prgtoken We were warmly received into North Africa by President Mohamed Ennaceur of Tunisia in Tunis. We saw firsthand the vibrant democracy conducting parliamentary and presidential elections. We placed a wreath at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial, where over 6,500 Americans are memorialized for liberating North Africa from Nazi occupation. prgtoken In Jerusalem, we met with our dedicated U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, who presented an update on the U.S.-Israeli Alliance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enthusiastically reviewed the ever- changing political situation. We were inspired with an audience with the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III. prgtoken Chief of Staff Alex Johnson provided well-researched briefing materials for the assembly in Marrakech. prgtoken With parliamentarians from 57 nations, it was refreshing that opportunities were available for full participation, led by Assembly President prgtoken Tsereteli of Georgia with Secretary General Roberto Montella of Italy. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th and the global war on terrorism.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-10-15

today I wish to honor and celebrate Dr. Michael Cherington of Castle Rock, CO. This fall, Dr. Cherington is reaching the age of 85. He has lived a full life and helped many others to do the same. prgtoken Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1934, Michael, who often went by the nickname ``Mickey'' showed initial greatness at age 10 when his father arranged for him to play against the American chess champion, Arnold Denker. Arnold defeated all the adult opponents in the room. Mickey's game ended in a draw. prgtoken After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Mickey attended Pitt Medical School, then moved to Colorado Springs for a year of residency. During that year, he received an important letter ``Greetings, You're being drafted into the U.S. Army.'' His extended stay in Colorado with the Army would become the hook that kept him happily in the State to this day, some 60 years later. prgtoken Dr. Cherington set up a private practice in neurology in Denver and was made professor at the University of Colorado Medical School. He served the community very well in both of these capacities, helping thousands of patients in Colorado. As an author of dozens of articles and other research, he became known internationally and traveled around the world to meet with neurologists as new medical discoveries were allowing people to be cured of ailments that were once a fatal diagnosis. prgtoken His time in Colorado led him into an unusual field of neurology, studying survivors of lightning strikes. His work in this field led to a new nickname, ``Lightning Doctor'', and he would go on to publish many articles about lightning injuries and how to avoid them. His work led to the creation of the Lightning Data Center, which brought together experts across several areas of expertise and disciplines. Soon the Lightning Doctor was on local TV and beyond, including ABC's ``20/20,'' ``National Geographic,'' and even ``Unsolved Mysteries.'' Through Mickey's work, he was able to help people avoid the doctor's office, or worse, by educating them about lightning storms and lightning safety. prgtoken Today, Dr. Cherington lives happily with his wife Nancy Cherington and spends time with family and close friends. That chess player from Pittsburgh can still be seen around a chess board--most likely on his iPad--or spending time with his children or their nine grandchildren. prgtoken Thank you, Dr. Cherington, for your contributions in your work and for those around you.
RECOGNIZING FORSYTH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL FOR NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS' ASSOCIATION SAFE SCHOOL SPORTS AWARD
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-10-15

. Madam , I rise to recognize Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina, on receiving the National Athletic Trainers' Association Safe Schools Sports Award. This honor is given to academic institutions that demonstrate excellence in prioritizing safe athletic programs that keep students injury-free. prgtoken Students' health and safety should always come first. However, often in our culture, health and safety take a back seat when students face high pressure to compete and perform. Such risks are counterproductive to the personal growth that schools like Forsyth Country Day School strive to foster through their athletic programs. prgtoken I applaud Forsyth Country Day School on its authentic dedication to students' development through athletics. I commend its administrators, faculty, and coaches for earning this prestigious award.
NEVER GIVE UP ON RETURN OF CITGO SIX
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-15

. Madam , I want to introduce a great friend to every American. This is Sergio Cardenas, with his mom, Maria Elena. This photo was taken by John Mone. prgtoken Sergio's heart is full of love. I spent a lot of time with him and his family this past Sunday. Sadly, my time with Sergio will be more time than he spends this year with the person he loves the most in this world, his father, Gustavo. prgtoken Gustavo has been held in a Venezuelan prison, without trial, for nearly 2 years. Gustavo is one of the Citgo Six, six American Citgo employees illegally thrown into jail by the dictator Maduro. prgtoken Sergio's heart needs an operation. The surgery may take his life. Yet, he delays this operation because he wants to hug his father and tell him, ``I love you,'' face to face. prgtoken Sergio gave me some words as we parted Sunday from Houston. He told me, ``Please tell President to get my dad home.'' prgtoken Sergio, we just told the whole world that we will never, ever give up.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-10-15

. Madam , I was absent September 18 through 20, 2019 due to a knee injury that inhibited travel to Washington, D.C. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yes'' for H.R. 4378, Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes, and ``no'' for H.R. 1423, Forced Arbitration Injustice. prgtoken I was absent September 24 through 27, 2019 due to a knee injury that inhibited travel to Washington, D.C. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``no'' on H.R. 2203, Homeland Security Improvement Act; ``no'' on Motion to Table the Question of the Privileges of the House, stating: That the House of Representatives disapproves of the actions of the of the House, Mrs. Pelosi of California, to initiate an impeachment inquiry against the duly elected President of the United States, Donald J. ; ``yes'' on H. Res. 576, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the whistleblower complaint of August 12, 2019, made to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community; ``no'' on H.R. 3525, U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act; ``no'' on S.J. Res. 54, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019; and ``no'' on Motion to Table the Question of the Privileges of the House, stating: That the House of Representatives disapproves of the actions of the of the House, Mrs. Pelosi of California, to initiate an impeachment inquiry against the duly elected President of the United States, Donald J. .
TRIBUTE TO DAVID BRINTON
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-10-15

I am pleased to commend David Brinton for his contributions and dedicated service as a member of my personal office staff. prgtoken A native of Tupelo, MS, David earned multiple degrees from Mississippi State University, including a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in business economics, a master of public policy and administration, and a master of arts in economics. Following that, David turned his attention to studying law, graduating cum laude with his juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, while working part time. prgtoken David's contributions throughout his tenure have been invaluable to the legislative functions of my office, and his insightful input will be missed. I, along with the rest of my office, have benefitted from David's knowledge and experience. His personal qualities are impeccable. He is a hard working, courteous, and intelligent young man, who has a strong sense of responsibility, good judgment, and a pleasant demeanor that makes him an easy person to like. prgtoken Mississippi and our Nation have been well-served by the diligence, dedication, and commitment to excellence David provided on a daily basis. He has put forth his best efforts to reflect credit on me, my State, and the Senate, and has been successful in doing so. I will miss David's good counsel. He has my appreciation and gratitude for the notable job he has done in the Senate. I wish David, his wife Julia, and their son Henry, all the best in their future endeavors.
WILSON AND YOUNG MEDAL OF HONOR VA CLINIC
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-15

both our previous speakers have described the last days that Mac and Rex spent on this Earth. prgtoken I had the privilege of going to high school with Rex. He was a year older than I. Rex and I played on the football team together. Rex was a really good baseball player. prgtoken I did not have the privilege of knowing Mac. He went to our across- town rival. He was also a wonderful young man. prgtoken , I want to specifically thank all of those men and women in Odessa, Texas, who, for years now, have attempted and worked really hard at maintaining the memory of Mac and Rex in our communities. They have done great work, and, without their support and efforts, I don't know if we would have gotten this done as well. prgtoken Odessa, Texas, at that point in time, in the late sixties, was a town of about 80,000 or so folks. Medal of Honor recipients are really rare, and to have two of them come from one west Texas town is a high honor. prgtoken Both these men embody the west Texas values of selflessness, courage, and devotion to one's country, and their gallant sacrifices serve as a somber reminder to all of us of the price that some have paid to secure our freedoms. prgtoken , on Memorial Day every year we honor all of our servicemen and -women who have given that ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom, as we should. prgtoken When I give speeches and talk to folks back home during that time frame, I ask people to make it personal. We talk about them as a group, and it loses some of the punch, some of the impact, so I ask my folks back home to find somebody specifically who gave that sacrifice and made that sacrifice and to think about them on that day. For me, every year, it is Rex. prgtoken The VA clinic there in Odessa, Texas, will now bear both their names, and all of those untold numbers of current vets and future vets who will walk through those doors and receive the care that they have earned from their service to our Nation will see those two names and will know that two of their own were honored appropriately by having that VA clinic named after them. prgtoken I want to thank the hospital in Odessa, Texas, which actually owns the building, for allowing us to do that, and I thank the VA system itself for working so hard to get this done. I am looking forward to the ceremony that we will conduct. prgtoken I also want to thank Senators Cruz and Cornyn in the Senate for introducing the companion legislation in the Senate so that we can get that done over there and then move to appropriately honor two of America's finest, two young men who woke up one morning, their last day on Earth, and then went out and did something stunningly heroic. I don't know that they necessarily knew that day they were going to do it, but they did it, and they have earned this medal and they have earned this recognition and our deep, lasting gratitude for their sacrifices.
LAKE HAVASU CITY COMBAT VETERANS MEMORIAL POST OFFICE BUILDING
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-10-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise to support H.R. 3314 introduced by myself. This bill names a post office as the Lake Havasu City Combat Veterans Memorial Post Office Building. prgtoken The post office will honor six brave men from the city who died serving their country. prgtoken Carey Dean Harmon lost his life bravely fighting the Tet Offensive. prgtoken Scott Broadston fought valiantly in Vietnam and lost his life during a combat assault. prgtoken In 2006, Patrick Tinnell was the first from Lake Havasu City to be killed in action during the global war on terror. prgtoken Anthony Sausto lost his life fighting in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2007. prgtoken Dylan Reid served in Amarah, Iraq, where he died in 2010. He is survived by his daughter, Avery. prgtoken Finally, Carl Hammar emigrated from Sweden to the United States and joined the Army while in college. He served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, where he died in combat. prgtoken , in recognition of these men and their selfless service to this Nation, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. prgtoken , .
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-10-16

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
RURAL BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-10-16

I rise today to discuss an issue that is incredibly important to me as a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. prgtoken My vision for the future of rural America includes rebuilding the communities that provide much of our food, fiber, and energy, and to provide support for a robust rural economy. Of course, this is virtually impossible without reliable, high-speed, 5G broadband connectivity. prgtoken In the late 1800s, Thomas Edison created the first practical incandescent lightbulb. By 1925, half of all homes in the United States had electricity. Today, we take electricity for granted. We don't think twice when we flip a switch. prgtoken As we continue to experience today's modern technical revolution, it is my goal to see 5G broadband just as commonplace. Twenty-four million Americans still do not have access to broadband, and the vast majority of these people live in rural areas. prgtoken A 2017 study by the United States Department of Agriculture discovered that 29 percent of American farmers did not have reliable internet access, despite the fact that agriculture is all about technology today. Without reliable broadband access, we are leaving money on the table, and the American economy is failing to meet its fullest potential. prgtoken Connectivity and competition go hand in hand, and we can continue to invest in rural communities with 5G. Agriculture, healthcare, energy, education, and so many other industries demand this level of service. prgtoken In 2018, we ushered in a new farm bill that underscored the importance of broadband in rural America. Under broadband guaranteed lending programs, larger rural communities are permitted to build infrastructure for telecommunication networks. prgtoken The farm bill also supports broadband development where it is most needed by prioritizing funds to rural communities that are at least 90 percent unserved. prgtoken We can also encourage innovation on this front through opportunity zones. Established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, , opportunity zones incentivize long-term investments--private-sector investments--in rural, underserved, or economically distressed areas across the Nation through public-private partnerships. prgtoken In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are 300 opportunity zones--there are 18 congressional districts--and I am proud that 31 of these are in my district. prgtoken To tackle broadband development head-on, the FCC has introduced the idea of gigabit opportunity zones, and the proposal has a promising future ahead of it. Gigabit opportunity zones are designed specifically to address underserved areas by incentivizing State and local governments to foster connectivity, ultimately streamlining regulations, supporting job creators, and strengthening our neighborhoods. prgtoken , with continued investment in 5G broadband development, the future of rural America looks bright.