mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Peter T. King (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I thank the ranking member for recognizing me, and let me also thank the gentleman for the support that the gentleman has given to this bill. prgtoken When the gentleman from Georgia went on the bill, it was a major turning point, so I thank the gentleman for that. It also shows that this is not a partisan or regional issue. It affects people in all parties, all districts in the United States, and all States throughout the country. prgtoken This was a major effort which the country came together on after 9/ 11, and as a result of that, there have been casualties and deaths from all over the country. Now, in my own district, I had 150 people killed, but I believe there are going to be even more than that by the time these illnesses run their course. prgtoken There are so many people in the prime of life who have been cut down from these 9/11 cancers, blood disorders, and the various intestinal tract illnesses. It has just been a horrible experience to go through for all of these people and their families. prgtoken But today is a major milestone on the road to full justice for all those who risked their lives both on the day of 9/11 and in the days, weeks, and months after 9/11: those who worked down at the pile of Ground Zero, those who risked their lives then and are now suffering the consequences of that and those who will suffer the consequences in the years ahead. These are late-developing cancers, and that is why it is so important that this bill be passed. prgtoken Let me stress again how bipartisan this is. I commend Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney for the outstanding work they have done. This goes back more than 15 years that this fight has prgtoken gone on in one dimension or another. Hopefully, this will be the final struggle we have. Many details have to be worked out, but this should be it, today, as far as finally doing what has to be done for those men and women from 9/11. prgtoken Let me also thank the , Nancy Pelosi. She was instrumental in getting this passed back in 2010, and I want to thank the gentlewoman for keeping her commitment to making sure we got it done this year on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken Also, we have people here today like Jake Lemonda from the UFOA, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, and Gerald Fitzgerald from the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. We have people, again, on both sides. prgtoken I want to thank my colleagues, Congressman Lee Zeldin and Congressman Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, for their efforts. prgtoken We have to, again, make sure that the message goes out to the American people that this is not a regional bill. This is something that involves the entire Nation. This involves the commitment of the United States to always stand with and be with those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us. prgtoken So, again, I can't emphasize enough the importance of this. The men and women out there, those people in our districts
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam Chair, for over 25 years, I have made multiple oral and written requests to federal contracting authorities including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to explain why our labor unions have been systematically excluded from contract awards-- especially at military installations like the Joint Base in New Jersey. prgtoken Over the years, everyone we've met in meeting after meeting on the federal side have always been polite and courteous, but the bottom line--the highly trained unionized women and men don't get the jobs. prgtoken Most recently, I brought labor leaders including Mike Maloney-- Business Manager for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, Mike Ricca-- Business Agent of IBEW Local 400, and others to meet with the Corps of Engineers regarding contracting processes that make it near impossible for union members to get work on the base. prgtoken I--we--raised deep concerns that nonunion contractors may purposely be misclassifying workers in order to low bid, which if true could be a serious violation of federal law and contrary to Davis Bacon. prgtoken We are concerned that irresponsible contractors and subcontractors may be engaging in two different types of misclassification: craft misclassification and independent contractor misclassification. Craft misclassification occurs when dishonest contractors misclassify high- skilled workers as general laborers or lower wage classifications in order to avoid paying the higher prevailing wage rate applicable to the high-skilled work actually performed. Independent contractor misclassification occurs when contractors misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid paying prevailing wages in order to reduce labor costs and avoid state and federal taxes. prgtoken Today, I am offering an amendment, joined by my good friend and colleague Donald Norcross, to task the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the contracting practices of the Corps of Engineers, with a specific focus on how the Corps complies with and enforces the requirement to pay prevailing wages on federally financed construction jobs, and its probe will include: prgtoken Any programs or protocols the Corps of Engineers has in place for the purpose of carrying out its Davis-Bacon Act enforcement obligations as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. prgtoken Any programs or protocols the Corps of Engineers has in place for the purpose of identifying and addressing independent contractor misclassification on projects subject to the Davis-Bacon Act. prgtoken The frequency with which the Corps of Engineers conducts site visits on each covered project to monitor Davis-Bacon Act compliance. prgtoken The frequency with which the Corps of Engineers monitors certified payroll reports submitted by contractors and subcontractors on each covered project. prgtoken Whether the Corps of Engineers accepts and investigates complaints of Davis-Bacon Act violations submitted by third pa
IN REMEMBRANCE OF TIMOTHY McDONALD AND DEB SCHOTT
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I rise today in remembrance of Timothy McDonald and Deb Schott, who both tragically perished in a helicopter crash at the Brainerd airport last month. prgtoken Both Timothy and Deb dedicated their lives to helping others. Timothy was a medical pilot for North Memorial's Air Care Unit and had previously served in the United States Army. He did two tours in Iraq. Deb was an emergency flight nurse for North Memorial's Air Care Unit. She had worked in the medical field since she was 19 years old. prgtoken Timothy and Deb both had outstanding reputations in their respective fields and were both beloved by their coworkers. My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones. prgtoken Madam , our first responders are often the first on the scene, ready to help in times of crisis. We must never take the work they do or the sacrifices they make for granted.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARIAN SPENCER
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of a Cincinnati legend and civil rights icon, Marian Spencer. prgtoken Ms. Spencer passed away Tuesday at the age of 99. She dedicated her life to shaping the community that she loved, Cincinnati, for the better. prgtoken Among her many accomplishments, in 1961, she successfully led the effort to integrate Coney Island, Cincinnati's premier amusement park at the time. She was also a pioneer in Cincinnati politics, becoming the first woman to lead the local NAACP and the first African American woman elected to the Cincinnati City Council. prgtoken Over the years, I had the good fortune to get to know Marian Spencer and learn from her experiences. We both served on the city council back in the 1980s, and she was never shy about sharing her opinions with me. I grew to respect her toughness, her honesty, and her conviction. prgtoken Madam , Cincinnati lost an exceptional leader on Tuesday, but Marian Spencer's legacy will endure for generations to come.
HONORING LT. COLONEL SAMUEL LOMBARDO
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , today I rise to commemorate the 100th birthday of Lt. Col. Samuel Lombardo in honor of his service to our country. Mr. Lombardo and his family legally immigrated to the United States of America from Italy when he was just 10 years old. He grew up in Pennsylvania, where he enlisted to serve in the Army National Guard's 28th Infantry Division just one month following the start of World War II. prgtoken After training, he was deployed to Europe, where served as platoon leader and executive officer of I Company, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Division. He served in the ``Battle of the Bulge,'' and he continued his service to America in the Korean conflict and in the Vietnam War. prgtoken Throughout his service to our county, Lt. Colonel Lombardo earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with ``V Device'' for valor, as well as an oak leaf cluster for meritorious achievement, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, United Nations Medal, Vietnam Expeditionary Forces Medal, French Legion of Honor, the Belgian Fourragare, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. prgtoken Madam , please join me in support of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners in Florida Congressional District One, as they declare this day, July 12, 2019, to be ``Samuel Lombardo Day.''
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I thank the ranking member and the chairman of the full committee for their work on this issue, and I thank all those who worked on what has been a bipartisan effort. This is exactly the type of substantive issue that we should be focused on in the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America and our way of life. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks in New York, northern Virginia, and Pennsylvania. prgtoken When the shocking images of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon first appeared on television, first responders were already on the scene. In the weeks and months that followed, these first responders and construction workers worked hard to find victims and to clear debris. prgtoken At the time, they were told the air was safe to breathe. They and the American people found out later that wasn't true. The health impacts for prgtoken those who worked and lived in lower Manhattan in the months after the attacks are real and, in many cases, have been crippling and even deadly. prgtoken That is why Congress passed legislation in 2010 to open the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to first responders, construction workers, and others. It covers the cost of treating illnesses associated with exposure to toxins following the attacks. prgtoken During the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hearing last month, we heard from those suffering from illnesses tied to their service after the 9/11 attacks. Those who testified moved me and the Nation as they discussed the illnesses that have beset them nearly two decades after the attacks. prgtoken I am pleased to be a cosponsor of legislation to renew the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund permanently. In honor of the sacrifices of James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez, this bill is called the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. It honors thousands of others like them who have succumbed to their 9/11-related illnesses. prgtoken Madam , now is the time for us to move this bill. I urge the Senate to pass it after the House, and I urge the President to sign it.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-7-12

I was unable to complete the vote series on July 12 as I needed to return to my district to support preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Barry. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 468, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 469, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 470, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 471, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 472, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 473, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 474.
HONORING ALEXANDER V. MITRENKO
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , it is my great honor to recognize and congratulate Alexander V. Mitrenko of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, who will take his oath of citizenship today in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Nearly 19 years ago, Alex arrived in Selinsgrove for the first time as a 16-year-old high school exchange student from the Ukraine. Upon his arrival, Alexander knew no one, had no family to accompany him but in spirit, and spoke very little English. But as Alex stood at the beginning of a journey that would eventually bring him to raising his right hand today in allegiance to our nation, he held with him what our nation's earliest settlers had established and would take him toward a brighter and better future: the promise of America. prgtoken Alexander readily adapted to American life by forging new friendships in Central Pennsylvania and joining several groups in his school: the soccer and baseball teams, chess club, and the school band, to name a few. He worked tirelessly to improve his English, studied hard, frequently offered a unique perspective on world events to his classmates, and was always willing to offer a helping hand to a friend in need. To this day, he continues his close friendship with his host father in the United States, George Kinney. prgtoken Upon his graduation from high school, Alexander attended Susquehanna University and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Finance and Information Systems in 2005. He worked full-time after college and attended Drexel University's LeBow College of Business at night. In 2011, he received a Master's of Business Administration in Investment Management and International Business. In July 2015, Alex obtained his green card and married his wife, Erin, later that same year in October. They currently reside in Selinsgrove with their three adopted cats and are currently prgtoken restoring one of the town's historic properties on Market Street. prgtoken Today, Alexander remains a selfless member of his community. He previously served as a volunteer firefighter, takes part in 5k races and soccer games to raise money for charitable causes, and frequently participates in volunteer opportunities through his employer, Prudential Financial. He is also an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies. prgtoken Madam , if today we were tasked with finding some living proof that demonstrates how alive and well the promise of America is today, I would respectfully reference this invitation to congratulate Alexander V. Mitrenko on becoming a citizen of the United States of America. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate and welcome him, as he is officially guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
RECOGNIZING COACH JESSE BURLESON
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-7-12

I rise to recognize a special guest who is here with us in the gallery today, Jesse Burleson, the head coach of the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboys football program, located in the heart of the big country, Abilene, Texas. prgtoken Coach is joined today by his wife, Lois, and his daughters, Lainey and Marisa. prgtoken Under Coach Burleson's leadership, the Cowboys have enjoyed unprecedented success, going 36 and 4 in the past four seasons, making four consecutive playoff appearances, and graduating 14 All-Americans and two Rimington Trophy winners. prgtoken Coach stresses the importance of hard work, discipline, and the necessity of making sacrifices to achieve goals. The most important thing that these Cowboys will learn while they are playing football at Hardin-Simmons is that God loves them, that He has a plan for them, and that if they follow Him, there is nothing they cannot overcome or achieve in this world. prgtoken Thank you, Coach Burleson. Hooyah, Cowboys. Go west Texas.
IN RECOGNITION OF COACH RICKY GRIFFIN
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the achievements of Ricky Griffin, an outstanding North Texas educator and coach. Coach Griffin, from Argyle High School, was one of eleven coaches in the United States named National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. prgtoken Coach Griffin guided the Argyle Eagles to their second consecutive Class 4-A title this season and posted a 77-1-1 record over the last two years. Under his direction, Argyle High School become the first school in Texas UIL history to follow up an undefeated state title season with another state championship. Argyle had two outstanding winning seasons: 37-0 in 2018 and 40-1-1 in 2019. Under Coach Griffin's leadership, the Eagles have a combined 130-10-2 record for the last four seasons--an unprecedented accomplishment. In this case, coaching is a family affair. Coach Griffin's son, Storm Griffin, recently joined his father on the Argyle coaching staff. prgtoken In addition to his remarkable career as head coach of the Eagles baseball team, Coach Griffin also serves as the defensive backs coach for the Eagles football team. Notably, the Argyle football coaches have established a football program that dominates the Texas 4-A high school football scene. With one state title under their belt and ranking as one of the top football programs for the upcoming season, the Argyle Eagles and their fans should credit their coaches, including Ricky Griffin, for leading Argyle students to success. prgtoken While Coach Griffin has compiled a long list of achievements, his professional mission goes beyond the field as he strives to develop his students into remarkable young men. Winning seasons, state championships, and national recognition have been the icing on the cake. For his efforts, Coach Griffin will be honored at the annual ABCA convention in January 2020 in Nashville, TN. prgtoken It is my privilege to recognize Coach Ricky Griffin for leadership of the Argyle Eagles baseball team and our North Texas community, and I wish him continued success.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam Chair, the NDAA has been a bipartisan bill for the last 58 consecutive years. In those decades, control of Congress changed hands many times, with in the majority and s in the majority. Both parties maintained a consistent motto: The troops come first. The troops come before politics. We are making history this week because that all changed. prgtoken But not in the Senate, where the National Defense Authorization Act, the NDAA passed with bipartisan support, not just s, but Chuck Schumer voted for it as well; 86 Senators. prgtoken But it is not being continued in the House, not under this majority. The NDAA was a test for this new majority. It was a test of whether they could put their radicalism aside and work across the aisle to do what was right for the country. The , or should I say, many call themselves socialist , failed that test. prgtoken After weeks of infighting they brought yet another partisan bill to the floor. So this year's NDAA, at least the House version, will not and cannot be bipartisan. prgtoken Now, let me give you a couple of reasons why: prgtoken First, the bill is filled with poison pills and rife with flaws. Here are some of the most harmful ones. prgtoken It makes it tougher to recruit and retain effective soldiers and negatively impacts military families. This bill cuts an astonishing $1.2 billion from the military personnel accounts. prgtoken Terrorist attacks still threaten us and threaten the homeland, but would close GTMO and, against all common sense, bring some of the world's worst and most dangerous terrorists to the United States, instead of keeping them where they belong. prgtoken Madam Chairwoman, it is going to be quite interesting history when you cast this vote, and when these terrorists come to the homeland, how you answer to your constituents that you cast that vote to make that happen. prgtoken The humanitarian crisis on the southern border continues; so does the refusal to address it. They are working to stop construction on the border and, worse, placing severe restrictions on the military's traditional mission to support border security. prgtoken have spent the last 2 years accusing President of being a Russian agent and telling us how big a threat Putin is. But what does the NDAA do? It actually empowers Russia and China, gives them an advantage. prgtoken Even when we worked with our NATO allies on what we would deal with when it came to nuclear weapons, they deny it inside this bill. prgtoken When it comes to hypersonics, you cut it. When it comes to the future of this country, you just put us in a weaker position. prgtoken Any way you look at it, this bill will not make America safer. prgtoken But the problems here go beyond bad policy ideas. The ' partisan process is egregious. Let's just look at the facts. prgtoken This year, 439 amendments, a record, were made in order. You w
TRIBUTE TO ROSS PEROT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , this week, Texas lost a son and America lost one of our finest patriots. Ross Perot was a leader, risk-taker, and a businessman who embodied the meaning of the American Dream. prgtoken Growing up in east Texas in what could be described as extreme poverty, Perot sought to make a difference in the lives of many, and he did just that. He was a leading example of the great things that can happen in this great country. prgtoken He left his home to serve our country in the U.S. Navy and later returned to grow his family and build his business empire. He was a self-made man who always remembered his humble beginnings, graciously giving time and resources to causes in both our Texas community and around the world. prgtoken He especially loved our men and women in uniform and was one of the first to speak out and do something about the treatment of our POWs. prgtoken Perot also long warned us about the dangers of our growing national debt and sought to make politics and the economy less complicated. prgtoken Remember that he would say, ``It's just that simple.'' prgtoken Throughout his life, he prioritized love of his family and his country. We will all remember his service to our Nation and his fun and feisty spirit. prgtoken May we all say a prayer for his wife, children, and grandchildren and celebrate the life of this amazing man. prgtoken God bless Ross Perot. God bless his family. And God bless our country.