mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT FRANK NIEMANN
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-5-7

today I rise to recognize 1st Lt. Robert Frank Niemann, an American hero from New Ulm, MN, who served honorably in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, South Korea. prgtoken North Korean forces shot down First Lieutenant Niemann's plane on April 12, 1953, and 1 year later, he was still missing and declared killed in action. Forty years later, new information revealed that First Lieutenant Niemann was captured by North Korean forces and was questioned by Soviet intelligence officers. He refused to answer their questions, emphasizing that it was a violation of international laws to interrogate a wounded prisoner of war. prgtoken First Lieutenant Niemann's strength of character in the face of enemy soldiers was truly heroic. While he is still listed as missing in action and his status is still unknown, his family and loved ones are seeking closure. First Lieutenant Niemann made the ultimate sacrifice defending our county. His daughter, Ann, has planned a memorial tribute in his honor on May 12, 2018. prgtoken Occasions like this one are a powerful reminder of the contributions of the brave men and women who have donned the uniform in generations past. We must never forget their sacrifice. Please join me in honoring the service and sacrifice of 1st Lt. Robert Frank Niemann.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JENNIFER PARKS
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-5-7

today I rise to remember the life of Jennifer ``Jenny'' Parks. Jenny attended the Route 51 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Jenny was a remarkable kindergarten teacher at Anaverde Hills Elementary School in Lancaster, California. prgtoken Jenny loved all of her students and their families but ensured to leave a big place in her heart for her husband, Bobby, and their two kids, Bryce and Lea. prgtoken Jenny was a loving person who always went out of her way to help people. She is remembered by her family and friends as being a beautiful and intelligent woman who had a wonderful sense of humor. I would like to extend my condolences to Jenny Park's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.
REMEMBERING REV. DR. SAMUEL B. McKINNEY
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-5-7

I come to the floor to pay tribute to Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, a civil rights icon from the Pacific Northwest. prgtoken In August of 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr inspired the Nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial here in Washington, DC, boldly proclaiming: ``Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.'' prgtoken Meanwhile, in the basement of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, WA, Dr. Samuel McKinney was already taking up that cause. He stood before his fellow religious leaders--pastors, rabbis, and priests--and asked them to join him in the struggle for equality and justice for all. prgtoken For more than 40 years, he never gave up the fight, advocating for economic and social justice in Seattle, WA, and throughout our Nation. Refusing to yield to deep-seated prejudice and threats of violence, he became known as a visionary civil rights leader, a pillar of Seattle civic life, and a moral consciousness of our community. prgtoken Tomorrow, many Washingtonians will come together to celebrate Dr. McKinney's life--to remember his wisdom, his advocacy, his deep and unshakeable belief in justice, his steadfast commitment to his community and his church, his service to our Nation in the U.S. Air Force, and his devotion as a husband, father, and friend. prgtoken He was a third-generation Baptist minister. He took up the struggle for justice at an early age. He was inspired by the athletic prowess of Jesse Owens and Joe Louis and by civil rights leaders of our generation. prgtoken No influence was more profound than the sermons of his own father. The Rev. Dr. Wade McKinney never shrank from an opportunity to use his pulpit to fight back against racism and segregation, and decades later, from his own pulpit at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, Dr. Samuel McKinney continued his father's efforts. He repeatedly fought back against injustice in every form, leading civil rights marches in the sixties, protesting school segregation in the seventies, and demonstrating against apartheid in the eighties. He led boycotts against companies that refused to hire Black workers and developed and promoted workforce training programs for people who were struggling to find employment. He protested unfair education policies and started an accredited preschool and kindergarten program that helped establish the first Black-owned bank in Seattle. He served as an original member of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, helping to pass our city's first Fair Housing Act. prgtoken Through his leadership, Dr. McKinney also brought to the national stage the only visit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr to Seattle in 1961, featured in this historic photo. Dr. McKinney also participated in the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march in 1965. In 1980, he was arrested for speaking against apartheid at the South African consulate in Seattle. At 86 years old, Dr. McKinney was still fighting back a
RECOGNIZING THE GALENA PUBLIC LIBRARY ON THEIR 124TH ANNIVERSARY
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-5-7

I rise today to recognize the Galena Public Library on their 124th anniversary. The library was recently recognized by the Galena Chamber of Commerce with a Gold Ribbon cutting for their outstanding efforts to promote free education for all. prgtoken The Galena Public Library has grown tremendously over the years and become a pillar in the community. The library has gone above and beyond in serving the community and now welcomes great lecturers on a wide range of topics. I have had the pleasure of visiting the Galena library myself, and I am proud to recognize them as they celebrate this milestone. prgtoken , I would like to once again congratulate the Galena Public Library on their 124th anniversary and for their commitment to the residents of Galena. I wish them the best of luck as they continue to serve our community.
TRIBUTE TO NATHAN CONYERS
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-5-7

I rise today to pay tribute to Nathan Conyers a veteran, media professional, publisher, entrepreneur, activist, mentor, faith leader and trailblazer. Nathan Conyers passed away on April 27, 2018 at the age of 72 years. prgtoken Nathan Conyers was a South Carolina native and was the youngest of seven children. He attended public school in Paxville, SC in Clarendon County. The Conyers family would later move to Sumter, SC, where Nathan graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. prgtoken He enlisted in the U.S. Army and after completing basic and advanced training in communications, he was sent to Germany where he served for the duration of his military career until being honorably discharged. After his military service Nathan Conyers relocated to Atlanta, Georgia graduated from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He held down full time employment while attending college; he worked at Time Magazine's Atlanta bureau for 6 years. He was quite industrious; attending classes at Clark in the morning, working at the Times in the afternoon and studying at night. prgtoken Nathan Conyers relocated to Milwaukee soon and found work with The Milwaukee Community Journal as a writer and reporter. Nathan Conyers also worked for State Senator Monroe Swan, Wisconsin's first African American State Senator. He served as a legislative aide during a nearly 10 year tenure utilizing his strong journalism and political skills. prgtoken In 1981, Conyers joined forces with Mrs. Johnson, local realtor Luther Golden, and Lynda Jackson, to establish a bi-weekly newspaper entitled The Christian Times devoted to church news within the city's African American faith community. The paper expanded to cover more general community news and was renamed The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper within the year, while The Christian Times remains as a standing feature section to this day. He opened the first Econoprint franchise in Wisconsin owned by an African American. prgtoken In 1985, the Milwaukee Times publishing team launched the annual Black Excellence Awards program as a way to pay tribute to the good works of ordinary people from Milwaukee's black community who were accomplishing extraordinary things, yet going unnoticed. To date, nearly 1,000 black Milwaukeeans have been named as Black Excellence Awards honorees. prgtoken Nathan Conyers promoted education of youth and at the third Black Excellence Awards program in 1988 assisted his co-founder, Mrs. Louvenia Johnson in launching The Louvenia Johnson Journalism Scholarship Fund. While the scholarship began to assist college-bound high school graduates to pursue careers in print and broadcast journalism, it has expanded to offer financial support to graduating high school seniors seeking a degree in any major. To date, the 501c3 nonprofit, charitable organization has awarded more than half a million dollars to area student
PROTECTING SOCIAL SAFETY NET
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2018-5-7

I applaud the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans) for leading this Special Order hour. prgtoken , I especially want to acknowledge the Congressional Black Caucus for always being the ``Conscience of the Congress'' and for taking on the topic of tonight, which is the social safety net and how important it is as a lifeline for so many Americans. prgtoken , I rise today to speak out against the efforts to dismantle our social safety net and the programs that help working Americans make ends meet. prgtoken Our Federal health, antihunger, and poverty programs are the lifeline for millions of Americans and their families. Every year, our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, feeds 9.5 million families. Social Security keeps over 22 million Americans from falling into poverty. And Medicare ensures that 44 million men, women, and children have access to the care they need to stay healthy. These families are hanging by a thread, and with every cut to our health and antihunger programs, that thread becomes thinner and thinner. prgtoken In Alabama, I have seen the difference that these programs can make firsthand. I have met working parents who rely on SNAP to put food on the table for their children. I have met seniors who, after a lifetime of work, are able to get by only because of their Social Security check. I have met mothers who could not feed their children if it weren't for the maternity care that they get through Federal health programs. For these working parents, seniors, and children, our social safety net means the difference between a warm home and homelessness. It means a difference between a hot meal and going to bed hungry. prgtoken Last year in Alabama, I met a farmer named Hank, who was able to afford healthcare for the first time in his life because of the Affordable Care Act. And after Hank signed up for Care, tragedy struck. His hand was caught in a hay baler, requiring immediate emergency care. But because of the healthcare he received through the Affordable Care Act, Hank was able to pay for his trip to the emergency room and, most importantly, his family did not lose that farm. prgtoken That is what our social safety net does. It helps people when their time of need is most. It is a promise that no matter the hardship you face, we will never let you fall between the cracks. We, America, the land of plenty. We, Americans, don't let other Americans fall through the cracks. Whether your family faces a health crisis or layoffs; or you are caring for a new child, we are not going to let you fall into poverty. prgtoken Giving up on this promise is what I believe the agenda has done. Giving up on this promise is what makes the attacks on our social safety net so disturbing. It is a promise that we, as Americans, make to other Americans, that we will have a social safety net that will capture people in their most vulnerable time of need. prgtoken The tax bill t
HELENE REED
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-5-7

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Helene Reed of Williamstown, Gloucester County, located in the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey, for her decades of public service to local and county government. At the time of her passing on April 28, 2018, Helene Reed was serving as the Gloucester County Surrogate, a position to which she was first elected in 2008, becoming the first woman to ever hold that title. Prior to the role of Gloucester County Surrogate, Helene Reed served as Gloucester County Freeholder for nine years, and as the first female Monroe Township Councilmember, holding that post for nine years, with some of her tenure including service as Council President. Preceding her public service, Helene Reed attended Rutgers University where she was certified in Hospital Access Manager, which led to a career as Director of Admissions at Kennedy Hospital, Washington Township Division, now known as Jefferson Hospital. In the community she both loved and called home, Helene Reed served with distinction on: the Rowan University Board of Trustees, President of the New Jersey Association of Counties & the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey, chairperson of the Monroe Township Welfare Board, member of the: Monroe Township Planning Board, Monroe Township Zoning Board, Monroe Township Administrative Committee, and as commissioner to the Tri-County Joint Insurance Fund. Helene Reed was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, trailblazer, pioneer, role model, and exceptional public servant who was a tireless advocate for others, and will be deeply missed I ask you to join with me in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of the late Helene Reed.
REMEMBERING SAM GRANATO
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-5-7

today I wish to pay tribute to a remarkable man who was a giant in our community and who had an immeasurable impact on the lives of many, many people. Sadly, Sam Granato passed away peacefully at his home after a 2-year battle with cancer. He fought his personal medical battle the same way he approached life: with grit, determination, and perseverance. prgtoken Sam spent most of his life as a resident of Millcreek, UT, where he learned from his father, Frank, the value of prgtoken hard work. Frank taught his son the elements of the food industry, imparting to Sam invaluable lessons that he would later implement as he established and operated several Italian delis and distributed food to Utah stores and restaurants. Lunch at Granato's was a mainstay for people from all walks of life. Some of the most interesting political discussions, for people on both sides of the aisle, have taken place in the ``boardrooms'' of Sam's beloved restaurant. prgtoken To Sam, everyone was his best friend. Sam enthusiastically greeted every person who walked in the door of Granato's, whether he had known you for decades or had just met you. His mantra was always, ``How can I help you?'' Time after time, I watched Sam put his arm around someone, lean in, and offer a word of encouragement or help. prgtoken Sam contributed to so many areas of Utah life. He was a successful businessowner, an effective Salt Lake councilman, an advocate for the needy, and a loving husband and father. He often brought people together--Mormon and Catholic, and --and would bridge the gaps that confronted us. He represented a better era in politics in which we focused more on where we agree than where we disagree. prgtoken With Sam's passing, Utah has lost an important member of its community. Sam was a man whose small stature belied his huge impact. Elaine and I extend our deepest sympathy and love to his wife, Ann, and to their four children. May our Heavenly Father's loving arms encircle them as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life. I will miss my friend and his kindness and support, but I know that the contributions he made will continue to bless our State for generations to come.
ENFORCING BUDGETARY LEVELS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-5-7

the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, P.L.115- 123, included an instruction to the chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget to file allocations, aggregates, and budgetary levels in the Senate before May 15, 2018. Today I rise to submit the required filing found in that act. prgtoken Specifically, section 30103 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 requires the chairman to file: No. 1, an allocation for fiscal year 2019 for the Committee on Appropriations; No. 2, an allocation for fiscal years 2019, 2019 through 2023, and 2019 through 2028 for committees other than the Committee on Appropriations; No. 3, aggregate spending levels for fiscal year 2019; No. 4, aggregate revenue levels for fiscal years 2019, 2019 through 2023, and 2019 through 2028; and, No. 5, aggregate levels of outlays and revenue for fiscal years 2019, 2019 through 2023, and 2019 through 2028 for Social Security. prgtoken The figures included in this filing are consistent with the discretionary spending limits set forth in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and the most recent baseline from the Congressional Budget Office, CBO. CBO's most recent baseline was released in April 2018. prgtoken In addition to the update for enforceable limits above, section 30103(c) of the act allows for the deficit-neutral reserve funds included in title III of H.Con.Res. 71, the fiscal year 2018 congressional budget resolution, to be updated by 1 fiscal year. Pursuant to this authority, all deficit-neutral reserve funds in the aforementioned title of last year's budget resolution are updated and available for use. prgtoken For purposes of enforcing the Senate's pay-as-you-go rule, which is found prgtoken in section 4106 of H.Con.Res. 71, I am resetting the Senate's scorecard to zero for all fiscal years. prgtoken All years in the accompanying tables are fiscal years. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that this statement and the accompanying tables detailing enforcement in the Senate be printed in the Record.
IN HONOR OF NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK 2018
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-5-7

I ask for the House's attention to recognize the National Skilled Nursing Week, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, May 13-19, and recognize our Veterans at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS). prgtoken The American Health Care Association established the National Nursing Home Week in 1967 and this year's theme is ``Celebrating Life's Stories.'' Each nursing home center will collect stories on each individuals' personal story. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing this special week and thanking all of our Veterans in Alabama.
LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-5-7

as May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month, I rise today to recognize the countless individuals currently living with Lyme and to honor the medical experts and advocates combating this epidemic throughout the Nation. prgtoken In upstate New York, where I reside, we are aware of the real and continuing threat that Lyme and related tick-borne diseases pose. With an estimated 300,000 new cases each year, the Lyme crisis is spreading. It is found in about half of all U.S. counties and in nearly 80 countries worldwide. Transmitted by tick bites, Lyme disease has no known cure, is difficult to diagnose, and can attack the nervous system, even sometimes leading to death if left untreated. prgtoken There is no silver bullet to combat this devastating disease, but better public education and more Federal research can lead to significant advancements. The medical and public health communities urge you to check yourself and your loved ones, especially children, each day for ticks and to seek out the best information on best practices for preventing tick bites and Lyme disease. prgtoken I look forward to continuing to work with members of the upstate New York community, Lyme disease advocates throughout America, and my colleagues here in Congress on both sides of the aisle to increase awareness and to find a cure, finally, for this devastating disease.
VETERANS CEMETERY BENEFIT CORRECTION ACT
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-5-7

I rise today in support of H.R. 4910, the Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act. If enacted, H.R. 4910 would require the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide outer burial receptacles, also known as grave liners, for veterans buried in cemeteries under the control of the National Park Service. prgtoken Current law requires that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs provide an outer burial receptacle to a veteran buried in a national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration, which is a branch of the Veterans Administration. Additionally, the VA can provide a reimbursement if the family chooses to purchase a liner in lieu of the government-furnished grave liner. prgtoken However, cemeteries under the control of the National Park Service are not covered by this statute, and neither the VA nor the National Park Service currently are able to provide this benefit for veterans buried in those cemeteries. prgtoken The Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act simply amends the law to require the Department of the Interior to provide an outer burial receptacle for each new veteran's grave in a national cemetery under the control of the National Park Service, just as would be provided if they were buried under the Veterans Administration. prgtoken This bill also provides for the reimbursement of a veteran's survivors who provide a privately purchased outer burial receptacle for use in a National Park Service cemetery. prgtoken Of the 14 national cemeteries controlled by the National Park Service, two are still active: Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia, which my colleague Mr. Bishop currently represents, and Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in Tennessee. prgtoken I am pleased to have introduced this bipartisan, commonsense legislation alongside my friend, fellow Georgian, and chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Johnny Isakson, to ensure our veterans receive equal burial benefits, regardless of where they are laid to rest. prgtoken It is now more important than ever to close the gap in benefits for veterans who are buried in cemeteries managed by the National Park Service. In doing so, we will ensure that all veterans and their families are receiving the benefits and respect they have rightly earned. prgtoken I urge support from my colleagues on this bipartisan measure and commonsense piece of legislation.
TRIBUTE TO BETA SIGMA PHI
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-5-7

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Beta Sigma Phi. This organization will be presented with the Spirit of Christmas Award from the Salvation Army at their annual dinner on May 9, 2018. prgtoken Beta Sigma Phi is an international women's sorority that began working with the Salvation Army in 1989. Every year, the Salvation Army provides toys for the women inmates at a nearby prison to select as Christmas presents for their children. Beta Sigma Phi then wraps and packs the gift for shipping, so the children have presents at Christmas. prgtoken , I commend Beta Sigma Phi for receiving this outstanding award and for their continued commitment to making their community better. I am proud to represent them, and Iowans like them, in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating this group of women and in wishing them nothing but continued success.