mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENCOURAGING INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN ETHIOPIA
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-4-10

such time as I may consume to close. prgtoken , I include these letters of support in the Record. I call attention to the membership an excellent letter written by human rights and diaspora groups, six groups in all. It is entitled, ``Ethiopia: Joint Letter About U.S. House Resolution 128'', in support of it. They make a number of very important points. Ethiopia: Joint Letter About US House Resolution 128 prgtoken Democracy, Human Rights and Diaspora Groups Urge Congress to Pass H. Res. 128 on Ethiopia Ethiopia is at a crossroads. On Monday, April 2, a new Prime Minister, selected from within the ruling coalition, delivered a speech about planned reforms while the country was under another State of Emergency. At such a juncture, amid mounting pressures, the role of the US, Ethiopia's longstanding international ally to encourage critically- needed reforms and human rights protections, should not be underestimated in urging the country toward a new era of stability. The undersigned human rights and diaspora groups fully support the passage of House Resolution 128 for the positive contribution it can make toward respecting basic human rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia. The resolution has strong bipartisan support and more than 100 co-sponsors. In addition, H. Res. 128 has significant grassroots support among constituents across the US who have ties to Ethiopia. It calls on the government of Ethiopia to open up civic space, ensure accountability for human rights abuses and promote inclusive governance. For the past three years, Ethiopia has faced largely peaceful and sustained protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions of the country. These protests were led by youth seeking opportunity, political reform and more participatory development strategies. The government responded with excessive force. More than a thousand protesters have been killed by Ethiopian security forces, a greater number injured, tens of thousands imprisoned and many tortured for expressing grievances. Over a million, mostly from Oromia, were uprooted due to government-instigated conflict in the Eastern part of the country. However, a combination of forces has accumulated in support of the protesters--diaspora groups and international human rights organizations helped publicize the protest movement in Ethiopia and the government's violent response; the US Congress rallied behind H. Res. 128; international news outlets gave frequent coverage of the protests. At the dawn of this new year, the EPRDF coalition announced reforms and some changes began to occur. Close to 7000 political prisoners were released in January and February of 2018, Prime Minister Hail
IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF JOHN CHARLES GIBSON, SENIOR
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise today to thank Chief John Charles Gibson, Senior for thirty-three and one-half years of dedicated service to the public safety of the citizens of Lemoore, California. prgtoken Chief Gibson is a lifelong Kings County resident. Born in 1955 to Robert Randell and Doris Elaine Gibson, prgtoken John grew up in the small farm town of Lemoore, California. He attended Lemoore High School. prgtoken Chief Gibson's career with the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department began in 1984, as a Hoseman. That year, he also gained certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. He later served on the department's Membership and Rating Committees. In 1987, he was assigned as an Engineer and later promoted to Crew Captain, training a crew on fire fighting and emergency medical service procedures. In 1998, he was promoted to Second Assistant Chief. prgtoken Chief Gibson was elected and confirmed by the Lemoore City Council as Fire Chief in October 2005. During his tenure, Chief Gibson upgraded the department's firefighting equipment and led a program to certify nine Lemoore firefighters as Emergency Medical Technicians. prgtoken Chief Gibson's leadership directly improved the standard of living for the citizens of Lemoore. As the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department's rating for handling emergency services was upgraded, citizens saw their homeowner's insurance premiums decrease. prgtoken During the course of his career with the department, Chief Gibson responded to 16,458 service calls. prgtoken In retirement, Chief Gibson will be spending more time with his loving family--wife Kim, sons John, Jr. and Paul, and daughter, Patty. He will also continue to operate his welding business he founded in 1980. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Chief John Gibson on his retirement from the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department and his service to the people of Lemoore, California over the past thirty-three and one-half years. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, I wish him my absolute best.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TYLER COUNTY DOGWOOD FESTIVAL
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Tyler County Dogwood Festival. Since 1940, Tyler Countians have paid tribute to the glories of spring and the lovely dogwood tree by creating each year a growing and more beautiful Dogwood Festival. In 1938, Judge James E. Wheat, founding father of the Dogwood Festival, called a meeting of the state's leading officials near the Polk and Tyler County line in hopes of enlisting help in promoting the completion of U.S. Highway 190. The men and women that attended the meeting were so impressed with the beauty of East Texas that Judge Wheat came upon the idea of creating an annual event that would focus attention on the area and bring people to see it. The first festival was held on April 6, 1940 with nearly 300 people in attendance. The second festival, held in 1941, was first to introduce a pageant with a historical theme. Each pageant is still given a theme to this day. There were no festivals during the years of World War II, 1942 through 1945. The third festival was held in 1946 and they have continued to be held on the first Saturday in April. Over the decades, the Dogwood Festival has grown and expanded bringing several thousand visitors from across Texas and out of state to help East Texans celebrate springtime. Due to the increasing number of horseback riders who were coming to the county seat of Woodville, TX to join in the Dogwood parade, it was decided they would have a weekend of their own. The first Tyler County Dogwood Festival Western Weekend was held on March 23, 1968. Thousands of trail riders travel to Woodville on horseback and wagon to participate in Western Weekend and strive to preserve the heritage of the East Texas cowboy. Eventually, Western Weekend expanded to include a rodeo and western dance. The Dogwood Festival has been a proud tradition for Tyler County for over half a century. The focus has always been on preserving the history and heritage of Tyler County while paying tribute to the natural beauty East Texas has to offer. I am proud to call this county my home and am excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Tyler County Dogwood Festival with its 2018 festival, ``Diamonds and Dogwoods--75 Years of Memories''.
RETIREMENT OF STEVEN NIAMONITAKIS
Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise today to thank Steven Niamonitakis for his outstanding career in the United States Marshals Service (USMS). As a graduate of John Jay Criminal College, Steven always knew that he wanted to serve in law enforcement. Entering the Service in June 1988, he started his career as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Eastern District of New York. He would go on to serve his entire career in the Eastern District. During his 30-year career, Steven has seen and done it all. From transporting and processing prisoners to arresting fugitives and handling international extraditions, he became one of the most experienced Marshals in the USMS. Some of Steven's career highlights include his service on the John Gotti trial and the court hearings for Juan ``El Chapo'' Guzman. Furthermore, he was a valued investigator in High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, and his assistance has been vital to combatting the scourge of drugs that have infected countless lives. Additionally, Steven has been crucial in battling copyright violations of movies by securing numerous assets involved in these crimes. As his long career comes to an end, I am certain that Steven will enjoy spending his retirement with the people he loves most: his wife, Alane, and his two daughters I want to congratulate Steven Niamonitakis on his tremendous career in law enforcement. Due to people like him, our nation is safe, strong, and secure. I am grateful for his service and wish him a very enjoyable retirement.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-10

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m Wednesday, April 11; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed. Finally, I ask that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Ring nomination under the previous order.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-4-10

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.
WELCOMING REVEREND SAM SMUCKER
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-10

it gives me great pleasure today to welcome the guest chaplain to the House floor. He is a leader in our community in Pennsylvania's 16th District, as well as my oldest brother. prgtoken , five other brothers of ours are in the gallery with us here today on what I learned was a very appropriate day, as this is National Siblings Day. I am so very pleased to host my brothers, who are enjoying the sites here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken , we have five sisters as well, but I guess that will be another day. prgtoken My oldest brother, Sam, was born into an Amish home and was really used by God. Sam leads a congregation called the Worship Center in Lancaster County. They have 4,000 members. He also leads a ministers' fellowship impacting 100 other fellowships, and has traveled to 40 countries in missionary endeavors across the world. prgtoken , we are proud of Sam. He has had an impact not only on our community, but across the world as well, and certainly is a spiritual leader for our family, and we welcome him here today.
TRIBUTE TO MAXINE T. BELL
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-4-10

my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins me today in honoring Idaho State Representative Maxine T. Bell, of Jerome, ID, for her 30 years of serving in the Idaho House of Representatives. prgtoken Maxine has been an instrumental leader through economic challenges and an excellent role model for those interested in government service. She was first elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 1988 and has represented the people of Jerome, Cassia, Minidoka, and rural Twin Falls Counties throughout her time in the Idaho statehouse. She also operated a family farm with her husband, Jack, and was a librarian at the Jerome Junior High School. In the State legislature, she has served as vice chairman of the agricultural affairs committee, as a member of the resources-conservation committee, as chairman of the appropriations committee, and as joint chairman of the joint finance and appropriations committee. Throughout her career, she has been known as someone who brings people together, works hard, and gets things done. prgtoken It is no wonder that Maxine Bell has received numerous awards for her distinguished service. These recognitions include being honored multiple times as the Farm Bureau's Friend of Agriculture, Ag All Star by farm organizations, Legislator of the Year by the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Co-operatives Friend, Advocate of the Year from the Idaho Career Development Association, and Legislator of the Year by the Idaho Library Association. She also received Idaho State University's President's Medallion, the Idaho Professional Technical Education Distinguished Service Award, and many other honors. prgtoken She is recognized as a strong, solution-driven leader who makes things happen. Her congenial demeanor, quick wit, and keen intellect are just a few of the traits that have made her so beloved and effective over the years. Idahoans have been fortunate to have Representative Bell's leadership in the legislature. We thank Maxine Bell for her outstanding service, congratulate her on her exemplary career, and wish her well as she concludes her service in the State legislature.
TRIBUTE TO HEATHER HICKOX
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-4-10

today I recognize Heather Hickox, the Baker County Teacher of the Year from Baker County Pre-K/ Kindergarten Center in Macclenny, FL. prgtoken Heather was named Teacher of the Year after exhibiting great use of strategies to meet all learning styles. In her classroom, mathematical concepts are taught well beyond what is expected to be seen at her students' grade level. She is also known for showing excellent orientation to her lessons through clearly posted objectives and activation of background knowledge. prgtoken According to Heather, every student is important and deserves the chance to achieve their goals. She believes it is the job of teachers to support and encourage students on their journey, to help them find their passions, and to give them the tools they need to be successful. prgtoken Heather received her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education in 2010 from the University of North Florida, graduating summa cum laude and on the president's list. She began her teaching career at Baker County Pre-K/Kindergarten Center and has been there for 6 years. prgtoken I extend my best wishes to Heather for all the hard work and dedication she has for her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.
Online Privacy (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-10

today we have a joint Commerce and Judiciary Committee hearing on online privacy and the abuse of data obtained by social media platforms. Ordinarily, I wouldn't come to the Senate floor to talk about an individual legislative hearing, but this is no run-of-the-mill event. The CEO of Facebook will be testifying, and I believe his company and other parties have some important explaining to do. prgtoken One question is what Facebook's priorities are and whether they are what they should be. Facebook, of course, is a publicly traded company, and it has a fiduciary duty to its shareholders that it shares in common with every other shareholder-owned enterprise. Its business model is unique. It collects information on billions of people and uses that data to help drive its profits. One wonders whether, and at what point, that profit motive has come to be at odds with protecting the privacy of individual users. To me, that is one of the fundamental questions Mr. Zuckerberg is going to have to answer today. prgtoken From testimony released yesterday, we know Facebook will admit it made mistakes; that it didn't take a broad enough view of its responsibility and prevent its tools from being used in ways that it says it did not intend. That act of contrition is one we all welcome, of course, but it will not matter much without additional action, some of which might be even foundational to Facebook's entire business model. prgtoken Those changes, we are told, can take some time. Meanwhile, Americans will continue to wonder about their privacy, about who is acquiring data about their political opinions, their personal taste, and their preferences without their informed consent. prgtoken How much have any of us read of the terms of service for the social media platforms that we use? They are written by lawyers for legal purposes, which is basically to prevent any lawsuits from being successfully filed against the company. Yet, in terms of informed consent, which is what we ought to be focused on here, how much do consumers really understand about how the data is used that they turn over to these social media platforms? prgtoken Mr. Zuckerberg has an opportunity today to explain whether consumers are really being protected in any meaningful way. It is good that Facebook has, in recent months, shut down accounts that have had links to the Russian Government--accounts that were used to meddle in our last election. That is surely one actor we know who has used Facebook in improper ways, but it never should have reached that point. The company should have spotted this attempt of foreign influence much earlier and contained its spread. prgtoken In our moving forward, now is the time to demand a comprehensive accounting of internal monitoring efforts as well as the full extent of the infiltration and manipulation of that and other social media platforms in the past, not just by Russia but by other foreign actors,
WORLD AUTISM MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise today during World Autism Month to recognize and support all children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. prgtoken Today, millions of adults and an estimated 1 out of every 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder. Notwithstanding these diagnoses, Americans with autism make exceptional contributions across our Nation and around the world. prgtoken Each April, Autism Speaks celebrates the start of its signature campaign, Light It Up Blue, along with the international autism community, in recognition of United Nations-designated World Autism Awareness Day, which was celebrated on April 2, and April as World Autism Month. Light It Up Blue is a unique global campaign to increase understanding and acceptance for people living with autism. prgtoken , during World Autism Month, let us renew our commitment to support the entire international autism community, including children and adults with autism, their families, and caregivers. Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened understanding of autism, promote respect and dignity, and support the services that assist people with autism to reach their full potential.
SUPPORTING RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENCOURAGING INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN ETHIOPIA
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-4-10

I rise in strong support of H. Res. 128 Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia. prgtoken This resolution condemns the killing of peaceful protestors by the Ethiopian security forces and calls upon the government of Ethiopia to hold accountable those responsible for killing, torturing, and detaining innocent civilians who are exercising their constitutional rights. prgtoken Passing H. Res. 128 brings attention to the stifling of political and civil dissent and journalistic freedoms committed by the Ethiopian government. prgtoken , as co-sponsor of this resolution, we recognize that the Federal ic Republic of Ethiopia has been an ally of the United States and the preservation of basic constitutional rights in this country is the bed-rock of any democracy. prgtoken Protestors in Ethiopia are urged to refrain from violent demonstrations and encouraged to engage in peaceful negotiations. prgtoken However, the responsibility lies upon the government to implement democratic principles and respect the right to peaceful assembly and guarantee freedom of the press. prgtoken Since protests started in Oromia in 2015, the Ethiopian government has charged more than 150 students, opposition leaders, and activists at the Federal High Court under the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation (ATP). prgtoken They have repeatedly abused such laws to limit the freedom of the press, silence independent journalists, and persecute members of the political opposition. prgtoken Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported 669 deaths by April 2017 and Human Rights Watch subsequently reported that the Ethiopian security forces had killed between 500 and 800 peaceful protestors in the Oromia and Amhara regions by November 2016, and the number is likely higher. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 128 to show their support and compassion for the people suffering as victims of human rights violations at the hands of their government.