mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CRIMEA ANNEXATION NON-RECOGNITION ACT
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-3-12

. Madam , I have no more speakers. I am prepared to close. such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record a February 27, 2019, statement by Secretary Pompeo on Crimea and Ukraine. U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson [For Immediate Release--February 27, 2019] Statement by Secretary Pompeo Crimea is Ukraine Five years ago, Russia's occupation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula fueled an escalation of Russian aggression. Russia attempted to upend the international order, undermined basic human freedoms, and weakened our common security. The world has not forgotten the cynical lies Russia employed to justify its aggression and mask its attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory. Russia's use of force against a peaceful neighbor must not be tolerated by reputable states. The United States reiterates its unwavering position: Crimea is Ukraine and must be returned to Ukraine's control. The United States remains gravely concerned by the worsening repression by Russia's occupation regime in Crimea. During the past five years, Russian occupation authorities have engaged in an array of abuses in a campaign to eliminate all opposition to its control over Crimea. As part of this campaign, Russia has arbitrarily detained and wrongfully convicted individuals for peaceful opposition to the occupation, and in some cases has forcibly transferred these individuals from occupied Crimea to Russia. The United States calls on Russia to release all of the Ukrainians, including members of the Crimean Tatar community, it has imprisoned in retaliation for their peaceful dissent. This includes Oleh Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Volodymyr Balukh, Ruslan Zeytullayev, and approximately 70 others. We call on Russia to cease all its abuses immediately, to end its occupation of Crimea, and, in the meantime, to comply with its obligations under international law, including the law of occupation. In the Crimea Declaration of July 25, 2018, the United States reaffirmed its refusal to recognize the Kremlin's claims of sovereignty over Crimea. The United States also condemns Russia's illegal actions in Crimea and its continued aggression against Ukraine. The United States will maintain respective sanctions against Russia until the Russian government returns control of Crimea to Ukraine and fully implements the Minsk agreements. The United States reiterates its unbending support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters.
PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT AWARD
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-3-12

today, I rise to support a constituent of mine who was recognized this past January as the 2019 Dealer of the Year by the American Truck Dealers. prgtoken Trey Mytty is the President and CEO of Truck Center Companies, which is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, located in my congressional district. Truck Center Companies has eight dealerships, including parts and service facilities in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa, representing seven trucking franchises. Of the nearly 575 employees, almost 25 percent of his staff are military veterans or active in the Reserves or National Guard. prgtoken In 1990, while in high school, Mr. Mytty began his career with Truck Center Companies, then known as Omaha Truck Center. He started out by washing trucks and ensuring the workplace was clean. After earning his degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and working his way through the ranks, Trey became the dealer principal and the owner of Truck Center Companies. prgtoken The 2019 Dealer of the Year is a national award recognizing a commercial truck dealer who exhibits exceptional performance in their dealerships and performs distinguished community service. Trey was chosen, in part, for his support of Make-A-Wish Nebraska by sponsoring an annual golf outing. To date, the dealership has raised over $2.6 million, with a goal of $3 million in 2019. prgtoken In addition, Mr. Mytty and Truck Center Companies donate to multiple area technical schools, and the company has developed a 16-week training program to integrate young professionals into the truck retail industry. prgtoken Earlier this year, Mr. Mytty began a 2-year role as president of the Daimler Trucks North America Dealer Council, demonstrating his selfless leadership to his fellow truck dealers. prgtoken , on behalf of all of the constituents of Nebraska's Second District, please join me in congratulating Trey Mytty on being named the 2019 Truck Dealer of the Year. I wish him, his family, and the dealership staff at Truck Center Companies continued success and a prosperous future. Recognizing Sherry Wright
Judicial Nominations (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-12

this week, the Senate will continue to fill vacancies across the Federal bench. prgtoken This afternoon, we will vote to confirm Paul Matey to be U.S. Circuit Court Judge for the Third Circuit, and then we will move to the nomination of Neomi Rao for a seat on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals-- the seat that was vacated by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. prgtoken Throughout her career, Ms. Rao has served in all three branches of government. She clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge Harvie Wilkinson on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. She also worked here in the Senate on the Judiciary Committee for then-Chairman Orrin Hatch. prgtoken She has worked as Associate Counsel and Special Assistant to President and in her current position as Administrator for the Office of Administration and Regulatory Affairs--one of the most important and least understood Federal Agencies. prgtoken In addition to her outstanding career in public service, Ms. Rao was also an associate professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and is a leading scholar in the field of administrative law. prgtoken Knowing her impressive background, it was no surprise to see that the American Bar Association, once hailed by the minority leader as the ``gold standard by which judicial candidates are judged,'' rated her as ``well qualified.'' prgtoken When considering this particular seat, it is hard to imagine anyone better prepared. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has sometimes been referred to as the ``second highest court in the land'' and is unique because its caseload is disproportionately weighted toward administrative law and litigation involving the Federal Government. prgtoken Despite her outstanding qualifications, our ic colleagues have attempted to tank Ms. Rao's nomination over decades-old writings. That sounds pretty familiar, although, as I recall, Justice Kavanaugh was excoriated for things in his high school yearbook. At least we have moved on to college when it comes to Ms. Rao. prgtoken During her confirmation hearing last month, critics reverted back to that Kavanaugh playbook and began criticizing her for things she wrote in college rather than asking her productive questions about maybe what she has learned since that time or how her views may have changed or how she has functioned as head of the OIRA or how her office has reduced regulatory costs by more than $23 billion. Instead, critics chose to focus on her decades-old writings in college. prgtoken Over the years, Ms. Rao has done what we have all done: She has grown and learned from her experiences. She has repeatedly said that she no longer holds the views that she wrote about back in college. prgtoken I believe we should judge a nominee not by views they expressed in high school or college but what they have done since that time as mature adults and professionals. So just add me to the long
Border Security (Executive Session)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-3-13

. Thank you, . prgtoken It is good to hear from my colleague from Texas. I am here to talk about two different issues, but I did just want to say that I have had the pleasure and honor of visiting Senator Cornyn's wonderful State. In fact, I was at the border last spring. It is a beautiful State that is full of hard-working and welcoming people. Certainly, our men and women on the frontlines at the border are working incredibly hard and have a lot of excellent ideas about how to secure the border. prgtoken I do just want to make one point, which is simply that in addressing a humanitarian crisis at the border, we shouldn't create another one by separating families at the border. To be clear, there is nothing in our law that requires families to be separated at the border. We simply should not be harming children as we deal with this issue. prgtoken I would welcome Senator Cornyn to our Homeland Security Committee, where we have discussed the various options that would keep us from hurting children in our care.
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-13

soon, the Portuguese Caucus will be reintroducing legislation that is important for not only the United States, but for our ally Portugal. We will be introducing bipartisan legislation that will allow citizens of Portugal to be eligible for what is called the E-1 treaty trader visa and the E-2 treaty investors visa. prgtoken Portugal is one of the United States' oldest allies and a close economic partner. The United States became Portugal's largest trading partner outside the European Union in 2015. Bilateral trade reached $4.2 billion in 2015, a 30 percent increase from 5 years ago. prgtoken However, because Portugal did not have a bilateral investor treaty with the United States before joining the European Union, they are one of only five European Union countries whose citizens are not eligible for the E-1 and E-2 visas. prgtoken This is long overdue. It is good for the United States; it is good for Portugal; and it is good for increased economic activity between both countries. It is bipartisan. Hopefully, this year, we will be successful in implementing these E-1 and E-2 treaty investor visas. 70th Anniversary of North Atlantic Treaty Organization
IN RECOGNITION OF MARTIN F. QUINN, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY SONS 2019 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-3-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Martin F. Quinn who will receive the Achievement Award from the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick at their annual St. Patrick's Day dinner on Sunday, March 17, 2019. Martin is an active member of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons, and he was named Man of the Year by the organization in 2010. prgtoken Martin Quinn is the son of the late Martin J. Quinn and Margaret Mitchell Quinn. He was born and raised in the Cork Lane section of Pittston Township and graduated from Pittston Central Catholic High School in 1955. Motivated by the desire to serve his country, Martin served in the United States Army. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, Martin transitioned to civilian life. Martin is a licensed electrician and served as the recording secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 1153. Prior to returning to Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1973, he worked in the trucking industry in New Jersey and was vice president of the Teamsters Union Local No. 701. He was employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad and ConRail, Inc. for over thirty years, retiring as a Line Foreman in 1999. prgtoken Martin is an ardent supporter of education, having served on the Pittston Area School Board for 28 years. During his time on the board, he was instrumental in the construction of the Pittston Area Primary Center in Hughestown. In recognition of his efforts, the school was named in his honor in November 2016. prgtoken Martin is a steadfast community servant and dedicates his time to many local clubs, civic organizations, and community activities. He is a charter member of the Wolfe Tone Luzerne County Division 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council No. 372 and its Fourth Degree Assembly. He also serves as a board member of the Parking Authority of the City of Pittston. Martin is active with the Third District , serving many years as the committeeman for his ward. He is a social member of the Polish Club in Dupont, the West Side Club in Avoca, and the Pittston Township Italian Club. He belongs to Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish. prgtoken Martin lives in Pittston with his wife Barbara. They are proud parents and proud in-law parents of Mitch and his wife Kim, Mike and his wife Tara, and Brian and his wife Denise. And they are equally proud grandparents of Zach, Jake, Samantha, Katie, and Kearney. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize Martin F. Quinn for a lifetime of community involvement and service. I am grateful for the work he has done on behalf of the people of the Greater Pittston Area and wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH--BETTY REED
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-3-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor beloved community leader, Florida State Representative Betty Reed. She was raised in Thomasville, Georgia, in a close-knit family of hardworking sharecroppers and with 12 other siblings Representative Reed and her husband, James, moved to Tampa after he was discharged from the military to raise a family of their own. prgtoken Representative Reed was an active parent while her children attended school, and her involvement grew over time in the Parent Teacher Student Association, then the Hillsborough County Council of PTSA and all the way to the Florida State PTA. prgtoken As her children became older, she was prompted to complete her own high school diploma by attending night and weekend classes. Her pursuits only grew over time--she earned an associate's degree from Hillsborough Community College, then her bachelor's degree in behavioral science from National Louis University. prgtoken Representative Reed's commitment to access to education grew as a financial aid assistant for Education America (which eventually became Remington College) and then as its director of financial aid. All the while, she was active in her own community, becoming president of the Lucy Dell Civic Association. But advocating for her community didn't stop there. She was elected as a Florida State Representative for the 59th District, a seat she held until she was elected to represent the 61th District in 2012. prgtoken During her tenure as a Florida State Representative, she passed meaningful legislation, including the Black Health Practice Initiative (BIHPI, pronounced ``Bippy''), which passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature without a single dissenting vote. With stark disparities between the infant mortality rates of different races--in some areas, the rate of black infant mortality was more than four times the rate for whites--the legislation funded state grants to local Healthy Start coalitions that served counties with significant disparities: Hillsborough, Gadsden, Palm Beach, Orange, Broward, Duval, Putnam and Miami-Dade. The University of South Florida and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University were selected to provide technical assistance and scientific guidance. BIHPI produced positive outcomes and was particularly meaningful due to the relationships built in communities with the greatest needs. She also championed and helped to secure state funding to help open numerous Tampa Family Health Centers and expand the robust safety net of comprehensive health services to medically underserved communities. Representative Reed passed legislation to end shackling incarcerated pregnant women during labor, delivery as well as postpartum, and legislation to provide additional funds to combat homelessness throughout the state of Florida. In her final two years, she served as the ic Ranking member of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. prgtoken Representative Reed is
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-13

I am pleased to introduce the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act.'' This legislation would expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by 191,000 acres. prgtoken This legislation would provide surrounding communities with much- needed access to nature and open space, while maintaining private property rights and existing local land-use authorities. prgtoken The proposed expansion is based upon findings of the National Park Service after a six-year special resource study of the area. prgtoken This study was directed by Congress in the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act, passed in 2008. prgtoken The National Park Service's recommendation takes into account over 2,000 comments received from the public, elected officials, local organizations, and other stakeholders. prgtoken This bill would add an additional 191,000 acres, known as the Rim of the Valley Unit, to the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area to provide members of the local community with improved recreational and educational opportunities. prgtoken The proposed expansion would also better protect natural resources and habitats, including valuable habitat for endangered wildlife, such as the California red-legged frog, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, badgers, coyotes, and deer. prgtoken Notably, the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act'' would only allow the Department of the Interior to acquire non-Federal land within the new boundaries through exchange, donation, or purchase from willing sellers. prgtoken I want to highlight that this legislation will not create any additional liability or restrictions for private property owners. prgtoken This legislation will significantly expand outdoor recreational opportunities for residents of Los Angeles County, one of the most densely populated and park-poor areas in California. prgtoken In fact, 47% of Californians--that's six percent of the total U.S. population--live within two hours of the proposed expansion area. Enlarging the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, at no cost to U.S. taxpayers, will provide these communities with increased access to public lands and boost the local economy. prgtoken This bill enjoys the support of more than 50 local municipalities, community groups, and elected officials. It is the product of significant public engagement in the legislative process. prgtoken I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Adam Schiff, for re-introducing this legislation in the House. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act'' as quickly as possible. prgtoken Thank you, , .
REMEMBERING LOUISE SLAUGHTER
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-3-13

. Madam , I first met Louise Slaughter 32 years ago during our freshman orientation. From the first day, she stood out. prgtoken Louise was an unbelievable, kind, beautiful person. She was a born leader who was thoughtful, mindful, and she didn't take any stuff. prgtoken I loved Louise. She called me Brother John, and I called her Sister Louise. prgtoken We miss Louise. prgtoken I can see her standing up on this floor now speaking truth to power. She never gave up; she never gave in; she kept her faith; and she kept her eyes on the prize. prgtoken Madam , I thank Louise for her service, and I know she is with her beloved Bob.
RURAL COMMUNITIES ARE FORGOTTEN AND LEFT BEHIND
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-13

I rise today in support of the Equality Act. prgtoken Too often in our policy debates, it is our rural communities that are forgotten and left behind. And for LGBTQ people living in rural America, this is no different. prgtoken If you want to live and work and raise your family in rural America, you should be able to have that choice, but it is unfortunately the case today that rural LGBTQ families are denied opportunities in housing, employment, and healthcare access. prgtoken While in California we have comprehensive laws to protect LGBTQ people and protect them against discrimination, this is not the case everywhere. prgtoken That is why we need bills like the Equality Act. prgtoken This bill would take important steps to protect every LGBTQ family from discrimination in housing, employment, and financing. prgtoken It will help ensure that every family that chooses to live in rural America can fully participate in our society free from fear of discrimination simply because of who they are or who they love.
RECOGNIZING JIM ROBBINS
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Robbins, a veteran of the Marine Corps who honorably served our country and his community, and who passed away in January at the age of 90. Upon graduating from Libertyville High School in 1946, Mr. Robbins immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in China and Guam in the years following World War II. During his service, Mr. Robbins was stationed in Tangku, China and was one of the Marines who defended the Hsin Ho Ammunition Supply Depot against attack in April 1947. After returning to the U.S. in 1950, he served as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8741's commander for several years and as the Post's quartermaster for 32 years. He was especially known for his work with young people and recent veterans. In addition, Mr. Robbins was the primary leader in making the veterans' monument in Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville a reality. Every Memorial Day, Jim read off the names of former Libertyville township residents who had died in service to our nation at a community observance ceremony. He viewed this as a great honor and carefully wrote down their names phonetically in a personal notebook to ensure he properly pronounced the name of each fallen hero. In his professional life, Mr. Robbins was a contract glazing salesman for 30 years. He also worked with the Lake County Forest Preserve for many years at the Fox River Preserve. He leaves behind two children, five beloved grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. It is my great honor and privilege to recognize the life of Jim Robbins and thank him for his service to our country and tireless work on behalf of other veterans in our community.