mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF TORRINGTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 100 YEARS OF SERVICE
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-2-14

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department on celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to Torrington and the surrounding community. prgtoken When it was formed on February 14, 1920, the department consisted of a horse-drawn cart and a fire bell. In the years that followed, the department received modern engines like the 1934 Ford engine that has been fully restored and is on display at the firehouse today. Volunteer fire companies play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and I extend my thanks to all the volunteers--past and present--who have dedicated their time to Torrington. Today represents a milestone in the storied history of the department, and I know they will continue to serve their community with distinction for the next 100 years as well. prgtoken Again, Madam , I extend my congratulations to the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department for 100 years of service.
GROVELAND FOUR MONUMENT DEDICATION
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-18

. Madam , I rise in memory of four young African American men who in 1949 in Lake County, FL, were harshly and unjustly mistreated by our judicial system--Charles Greenlee, Walter Irving, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas. prgtoken The Groveland Four case, as it become known, centered around the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old white girl and an attack on her husband. Given the cruel reality of the social and racial divide of 1949 Florida, it would have been impossible for these young men to receive a fair and unbiased trial, despite being represented by Thurgood Marshall. prgtoken The incident lit a chain of events in our community that will forever be remembered as some of the most painful and scarring moments in our history. Almost 70 years later, the City of Groveland and Lake County apologized to their survivors and in 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis officially pardoned the men--actions I commend. prgtoken It is never too late for justice, and never too late to do what is right. We have grown since those times in Lake County, but we're not done. I pray that the Groveland Four Monument brings some healing to their surviving family members, and that it is a constant reminder to us to always pursue truth and justice for all of our citizens.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-2-18

. Madam , I was not present the week of February 10 through 13, 2020 on account of supporting my son's continuing recovery. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 55; YEA on Roll Call No. 56; NAY on Roll Call No. 57; NAY on Roll Call No. 58; YEA on Roll Call No. 59; NAY on Roll Call No. 60; YEA on Roll Call No. 61; YEA on Roll Call No. 62; YEA on Roll Call No. 63; YEA on Roll Call No. 64; YEA on Roll Call No. 65; YEA on Roll Call No. 66; YEA on Roll Call No. 67; YEA on Roll Call No. 68; NAY on Roll Call No. 69, and NAY on Roll Call No. 70
CLIFF NOLAN
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize Barnegat, New Jersey resident Cliff Nolan, and to remember his life and legacy. prgtoken On Friday February 14, 2020, family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Cliff Nolan at Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin, New Jersey and reflect on his many achievements and compassion. prgtoken Born in Kearny, New Jersey, in 1957, Cliff Nolan attended and graduated from Kearny High School before enlisting and proudly serving in the United States Army. Following his return stateside, Cliff pursued a career with the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters. During his time with the union, Mr. Nolan served in several capacities with Teamsters, including as a Drive Representative based out of the Washington, D.C. headquarters. prgtoken After years of traveling the country for the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, Mr. Nolan went on to work for the union's Joint Council, Local 73 in New Jersey. Cliff then began to facilitate the union's local political organization efforts assisting campaigns in preparation for elections, while also lobbying elected leaders to support issues beneficial to his members. prgtoken In his free time Mr. Nolan was actively involved in the community, generously donating his time to volunteering with charities, including the Heroes to Hearts Program which provides spiritual healing and peer support to military personal and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, Mr. Nolan also volunteered with the Australian Challenge Program and was instrumental in setting up events for children with cancer to enjoy a ``Trip of a Lifetime'' during their time in the United States of America. prgtoken Mr. Nolan's family, including his loyal parrot bird Gus who never left his side, friends and union brothers were very important to him. Cliff is remembered by those close to him as being laid-back, always happy and always looking to make those around him happy. Whenever his friends or family called on him to help, he was there without any thought or hesitation. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his mother Dolores, his sister Tracey and his adored nephew Joseph, his stepchildren Rick Roeder and Kasi Shepard and his four step grandchildren Blake Roeder, Preston Shephard, Hayden Shephard, and Bryna Shephard and his many cousins. Cliff Nolan was a great American and his service to our country will not be forgotten. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring Cliff Nolan, of Barnegat, New Jersey, an honorable friend, veteran, a dedicated union leader who fought tirelessly for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and dedicated his life to serving his country, community and all union workers.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS AND PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE VOLUNTARY SEPARATION INCENTIVE PAYMENTS ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-2-18

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments Act. This bill, which passed the House in the 114th Congress, would make a small but important change to the authorities of the District of Columbia Courts (D.C. Courts) and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS), giving them the same authority federal agencies and federal courts already have to offer voluntary separation incentive payments, or buyouts, to their employees. prgtoken We were able to get buyout authority for the D.C. Courts and PDS in fiscal year 2020 in the recently enacted spending bill. However, my bill is necessary to make this authorization permanent. Buyouts would allow the D.C. Courts and PDS to respond to future administrative and budgetary needs, and would provide the flexibility to extend buyout offers to their employees. prgtoken The U.S. Government Accountability Office has determined that voluntary separation incentive payments may be made only where statutorily authorized. Federal agencies and federal courts already have the statutory authority to offer buyouts, and there is no reason why the D.C. Courts and PDS should not have the same express authority in order to manage their workforce as budget conditions and needs change. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
CELEBRATING ESMERALDA LONGORIA GARCIA
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , Esmeralda Longoria Garcia will be a centenarian on February 24, 2020 and her family will celebrate this milestone on Saturday February 22, 2020 at her home. prgtoken She was born on February 24, 1920 in Alice, Texas to her parents Leonardo Longoria and Luisa Lopez Longoria and raised in Sarita, Texas. She attended first grade in Sarita, and her father took her to school on horseback. From second to twelfth grade she went to school in the Alice Independent School District. She spent 9 months with her uncle Julian Gomez to attend school and spent her summers with her parents in Sarita. prgtoken She attended Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville, now known as Texas A&M University Kingsville. prgtoken She taught elementary school at Kingsville ISD her first year from 1946 to 1947. She taught in three different elementary grades in three different schools--Nayer, Saenz, and Mary R. Garcia--in the Alice Independent School District from 1947 to 1981. prgtoken She retired with 35 years of dedicated service as a teacher. prgtoken She married Alberto Arambula Garcia from Palito Blanco, and they lived in Alice, Texas. They had one son, Alberto Garcia Jr two grandchildren, Victoria and Bryan Garcia, and two great grandchildren, Mila Jo and Rowen. prgtoken She has been a member of the Beta Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for 57 years and a member of Tri-County Retired Teachers Association since 1981. prgtoken Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia proclaims, ``Tia Mere, you have a heart of gold, a century of experiences and wisdom, and you are by far the most extraordinary person I have ever known.''
HONORING JACK BASKIN
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Jack Baskin, a prominent engineer, builder, and philanthropist on the central coast of California. Jack will be remembered as a generous and active supporter of his community. prgtoken Jack Baskin was born on September 20, 1919, in upstate New York. After graduating from New York University with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1940, Jack used his engineering expertise to support the domestic military aircraft manufacturing industry through World War II. After the war, he found success building housing developments throughout California and settled on the Central Coast in Santa Cruz in 1970. prgtoken Jack remained in Santa Cruz for the next 50 years, establishing deep ties to the Central Coast. Jack is well-known for acts of kindness and generosity to support his community and was named the ``Man of the Year'' by the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce in 1986. Many local institutions have benefitted from his personal donations, including the Dominican Hospital of Santa Cruz, Monterey Peninsula College, Cabrillo College, and the Seymour Marine Laboratory. prgtoken Jack was especially passionate about supporting the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, establishing the funding that was used to build the Baskin School of Engineering and make UCSC a destination to study and develop technical innovations. In 2008, Jack and his wife, Peggy, established the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation to provide financial support for educational opportunities for disadvantaged women and other marginalized communities on the Central Coast. prgtoken Jack will be remembered for his convivial and generous spirit. We, as a community, celebrate his legacy and life well-lived. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Jack Baskin.
IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 4432--PROTECTING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AGAINST DRONES AND EMERGING THREATS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , as a senior member of Congress, I rise in support of H.R. 4432, the Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Drones and Emerging Threats Act, which requires a full assessment of threats relating to unmanned aircrafts, development and dissemination of a security threat assessment regarding unmanned aircrafts and similar technologies, and the establishment of secure communications and critical information technology infrastructure to properly utilize analytical tools. prgtoken By requiring the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security to prepare a threat assessment within one year of the bill's enactment to share with the House and Senate Homeland Security committees, Congress and the President can act swiftly to prevent any potential risks. prgtoken With national security as one of our nation's top priorities, we must begin to fully determine the risks posed by this advanced and increasingly popular technology. prgtoken The data will be collected from agencies through data-mining and other advanced diagnostic tools at the Federal, state and local levels, as well as various infrastructure owners and operators. prgtoken Assessment of the data will include a report and classified plan to alleviate any potential threats through the use of unmanned aircrafts. prgtoken The Federal Aviation Administration reported a total of 1.1 million small hobbyist drones and about 412,000 commercial drone registrations for the year 2019. prgtoken The use of unmanned aircrafts is growing rapidly, both as a hobby and for commercial purposes, including in the oil and gas industry. prgtoken I ask my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to vote in support of H.R. 4432.
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN PAUL GARCIA
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , today I rise in honor of United States Navy Veteran and Firefighter Paul Garcia who passed away on February 14, 2020 at the age of 93. Mr. Garcia hails from my hometown of San Antonio and is survived by his wife, Aurora Garcia; children, Marie Diaz de Leon and husband, David; Leroy Garcia and wife, Carrie; grandchildren, David Diaz de Leon Jr. and Frank Diaz de Leon; and 17 great grandchildren. A World War II Navy Veteran with over 25 years of civil service, Mr. Garcia's life represents honor and commitment. His journey is one of true distinction that warrants the highest praise. He will be greatly missed. prgtoken Paul Garcia was born on February 9, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas to Policarpio and Maria de Jesus Garcia, who migrated from Mexico in 1915. At an early age, he was interested in serving the country that he so loved, and he carried such adoration throughout his life. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, where he eventually served in the Pacific Theater and in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from Japanese Forces during World War II. Mr. Garcia's honorable service earned him the World War II Victory Medal, The prgtoken American Campaign Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button and the Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin. Eventually, his journey led him back to San Antonio where he worked in civil service for 25 years at Kelly Air Force Base. prgtoken Madam , I am thankful to have known such a remarkable person who dedicated himself to service and family. Although I am deeply saddened by his loss, I am comforted by knowing that his memory will live on though his many loved ones.
RECOGNIZING STEVE COKER
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an outstanding Mississippian, New Albany Fire Chief Steve Coker, who is retiring after an impressive career. prgtoken Steve Coker began his lifelong career in 1991 with the East Union Volunteer Fire Department in Union County, Mississippi. His excellent service earned him the title of Fire Chief of East Union, and later, he became the Union County Fire Coordinator. Steve was also selected to serve with the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association as Northeast District Vice President. prgtoken I thank Steve for his lifelong dedication to fire safety and for making Mississippi a better place. I wish him many years of good health and hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.
CONGRATULATING MYST ON THEIR GRAND OPENING
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , it is with great joy that I rise today to congratulate MYST Hibachi/Sushi/Gastropub in Jim Thorpe on their recent grand opening. prgtoken Small business owners and entrepreneurs, like Mike Heiser and Josh Crownover, co-owners of MYST, are the lifeblood of our communities. From its pleasant restaurants to charming stores, Jim Thorpe thrives on the innovative small businesses and those who support them. I am confident that MYST will be a fantastic addition to Carbon County's flourishing small business community. prgtoken Jim Thorpe is a true gem in Pennsylvania's Ninth District. This quaint town welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its beauty, explore its unique shops and restaurants and appreciate the pristine nature that surrounds it. MYST will continue to build on the distinctive experiences Jim Thorpe offers to residents and tourists alike. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating MYST on their grand opening. We wish them the best of luck and success on their new business endeavor.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF OAKWOOD CITY MANAGER STAN BROWN
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor Oakwood City Manager Stan Brown for his service to the people of northeast Georgia. Mr. Brown is retiring on February 28, 2020 after serving the city of Oakwood for 16 years. prgtoken Mr. Brown has worked in local government for over 25 years, holding various positions across northeast Georgia, including in the city of Carrollton, Athens-Clarke County, and Jackson County. In 2004, Mr. Brown was appointed as Oakwood City Manager, where he was tasked with maintaining economic development and promoting the interests of the local community. Throughout his tenure, he worked closely with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council, the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Hall County Green Alliance to ensure the city is proactive and able to meet the challenges and opportunities of growth while also guaranteeing the best quality of life for its residents. prgtoken While Mr. Brown's time spent serving in local government spans over two decades, his commitment to service began long before his tenure as Oakwood City Manager. Mr. Brown attended and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served his nation for many years, including overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, and Kyrgyzstan, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Brown continued his service as a member of my military academy nomination board, where he played an instrumental role in selecting future leaders in the U.S. military. prgtoken From his military service to his work in local government, Stan Brown has dedicated his life to serving his fellow citizens, putting his heart and soul into serving our country and our community. I join the people of northeast Georgia in thanking him for his years of commitment to the city of Oakwood, and I wish him all the best in his next chapter of life.
RECOGNIZING ED MORRISON AND SHELLY & SANDS INC.
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-2-21

. Madam , I rise today to extend my congratulations to Ed Morrison, and the entire Shelly & Sands Inc. team of my hometown, Zanesville, Ohio, on winning the National Asphalt Pavement Associations' Sheldon G. Haynes Award. prgtoken To be eligible for the Sheldon G. Haynes award, a paving company must first win the Pavement Associations Quality in Construction award for a project using more than 50,000 tons of asphalt. Paving companies must submit projects from across the United States to be judged by an independent pavement consultant. The projects are then judged on pavement smoothness, safety, and durability, and innovative techniques used during the projects. Of the thousands of largescale paving projects submitted every year, four companies are considered finalists and only one company wins. prgtoken The I-77 roadway in Guernsey County, Ohio presented a unique paving challenge for Quality Control Director Ed Morrison and the Shelly & Sands team. Shelly & Sands began paving in the middle of a bridge construction project. The team used innovative thermal cameras to ensure even asphalt cooling for surface smoothness and durability. This was just one of many masterful techniques used by the Shelly & Sands team to achieve success in this project. prgtoken I again extend my warmest congratulations to Ed and his team on this prestigious award. I look forward to hearing more about their future endeavors and wish them continued success in paving high quality, largescale projects throughout Ohio.
Abortion (Executive Calendar)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-2-24

. Senator, thank you, and thanks for your very moving story about Micah Pickering. It helps to take these ideas and translate them directly into these children today, whom you can see there as a little baby. prgtoken There are critics of the born-alive bill who would say this horrible act that we described here tonight simply doesn't happen. For those who say that, they should talk to somebody named Melissa Oden. In fact, just last year when we had the born-alive bill on the floor of the Senate, I was coming down to speak on behalf of the bill. I was just about maybe 50 feet from where I am standing right now, outside the doors of the Senate, as I was making my way to speak, and guess who was standing outside the door of the Senate. It was Melissa Oden. She is a beautiful mother today. She survived a saline-infusion abortion as a little baby at about 5 months. She was left for dead, and she was discarded--this was in Kansas City, MO--until a hospital nurse heard her little cries. This nurse saved Melissa's life, for which we are very thankful. It was quite an experience to meet her just outside these Chamber doors. Now Melissa herself is a mother. prgtoken I believe we have a duty, an obligation to protect life and particularly the most innocent life and the most vulnerable life, like a little baby who can be born alive as a result of a botched abortion attempt. prgtoken It is my hope that the Members of this body, s and , will vote to support and defend this most basic human right and recognize that late-term abortions--I recognize this is a very divisive issue in this country, but I would think that on the issue of late-term abortions, on the issue of babies born alive as a result of botched abortions--can we at least come together where public opinion overwhelmingly supports both and say, let's stop these barbaric practices. These are extreme positions. They should be outlawed in this country. We can no longer simply stand by as our children--we talk about children in this country losing their lives to abortion and infanticide. prgtoken As Americans, we have an obligation to honor our Nation's founding promise enshrined in our Declaration of Independence that all men and all women and all human life are created equal and endowed by our Creator with these certain inalienable rights--life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Think about it this way: Of these important rights, you can't have liberty and the pursuit of happiness without first having the right to life. This right to life is the first and most important of these inalienable rights. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting these commonsense bills to stop this brutal violence of late-term abortions of pain- capable babies. That is why it is called the Pain-Capable Act. Babies are capable of feeling pain at about 20 weeks. That is why, when in utero surgery is performed, they administer anesthesia--because the