mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-5-3

today I would like to remember two brothers from my hometown of Marietta, GA, James and Joe Pratt, whose lives were cut short in a tragic accident on April 24, 2017. prgtoken James and Joe were upstanding students in their community and at Lassiter High School, where they were both members of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. They were loved by their family, and they were beloved by their friends, advisers, and coworkers. prgtoken James, called ``Jim'' by those who knew him, was 18 years old and just a few weeks shy of high school graduation. He was the JROTC unit's morale and wellness officer, and Jim had already enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was looking forward to beginning boot camp in a short time and later to attending Kennesaw State University. prgtoken Joe was a 14-year-old freshman and, in addition to attending school, served in the JROTC unit and was known for helping keep his friends' spirits lighthearted with his knowledge of trivia and sense of humor. prgtoken Their unit of the JROTC, the Lassiter-Pope-Kell Navy JROTC, armed exhibition drill team has performed annually at our Georgia congressional delegation's Military Academy Day. Out of respect for these young men, their unit did not perform at this year's event, held last Saturday, April 29, and instead, we held a moment of silence in their honor. prgtoken Lassiter High School and our community is in mourning over the loss of these fine brothers. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Pratt and Lago families and to our community, and my wife, Dianne, and I hold them in our prayers.
HONORING INVESTMENTS IN RECRUITING AND EMPLOYING AMERICAN MILITARY VETERANS ACT OF 2017
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-3

we provide additional funds to support the healthcare needs of our military personnel and their families, including medical research programs. We provide additional funds requested by the President for a reinvigorated strategy to defeat ISIS and other terrorist groups. prgtoken I urge the House to support Secretary Mattis by giving him this long prgtoken overdue funding. We cannot turn our backs on our troops by forcing them to work under a continuing resolution. To paraphrase the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, there is no enemy that can do more damage to our military than a full-year continuing resolution. Our military is counting on us to pass this bill now. It is the only way to ensure the United States will be strong and able to lead in this very dangerous world. prgtoken , I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote.
HONORING INVESTMENTS IN RECRUITING AND EMPLOYING AMERICAN MILITARY VETERANS ACT OF 2017
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-5-3

. The inclusion of language routing the Gateway West Transmission Line through the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, critical funding provided for wildfire programs in the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service, and the full support of the PILT program greatly strengthens this bill. prgtoken I thank Chairman Calvert, Ranking Member McCollum, and the staff on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee for the work they do. prgtoken No westerner can hold their head up if they vote against this bill and the provisions in this bill for the Western States. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-5-3

I rise today in honor of Small Business Week. prgtoken Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and the main driver of our local communities. In fact, two-thirds of all new jobs in the United States are created by small businesses. It is crucial that our entrepreneurs and small-business owners have the support that they need; and as legislators, it is incumbent upon us to create an environment that allows them to succeed. prgtoken I am proud to be a member of the Financial Services Committee as we mark up a bill today that will give our small businesses the boost that they need. prgtoken The previous administration enacted rules and regulations that helped some big companies and some big cities but slowed growth for our small businesses in rural communities. The Financial CHOICE Act will repeal Dodd-Frank's one-size-fits-all regulations and finally allow small businesses to access the capital they need to grow and to prosper. prgtoken I am grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable small businesses in the Eighth Congressional District of Tennessee, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass financial regulatory reform that will revive our economy.
NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-5-3

I rise today to recognize National Travel and prgtoken Tourism Week, which runs from May 7 to May 13. prgtoken I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where our historic sponge docks, authentic Greek communities, and beautiful waterways draw visitors from around the State, country, and the world. prgtoken As a young kid, I worked in my grandfather's bakery in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Many of our customers were tourists coming to sample Greek pastries on their visit to Tarpon Springs. prgtoken Today, tourism remains important to businesses in our community. And in 2015, both business and leisure travelers spent $2 billion in Florida's 12th Congressional District. prgtoken Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in the United States. Last year alone, it generated more than $2.3 trillion in economic output, and it is responsible for 15.3 million jobs nationwide. prgtoken In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, I thank the people who work each day to welcome travelers and keep this important industry strong.
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RATIFICATION OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH AMENDMENT
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-3

May 5th marks the 25th Anniversary of the ratification of the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Twenty-Seventh Amendment guarantees that the Members of Congress may not adjust their current salaries, and that any changes in pay will not take effect until the next session of Congress. James Madison originally proposed this amendment in 1789. However, it would take 202 years for this amendment to be ratified by the states. Gregory Watson, a constituent of the 21st District of Texas, helped restart the push for ratification in 1982. Mr. Watson's involvement helped to ratify the amendment on May 5, 1992. This anniversary marks an important day for the nation and for Mr. Watson. His efforts exemplify superb civic duty and should inspire other to become active in our government. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing May 5th as the Anniversary of the ratification of the 27th Amendment and Gregory Watson for the important role he played in its ratification.
RECOGNIZING TACTICAL MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-5-3

in South Carolina, there are approximately 400,000 small businesses operating throughout the State. They represent 97 percent of all employers and have had an amazing impact on the economy. Tactical Medical Solution, TacMed, in Anderson County is certainly a testament to that and epitomizes the very best our State has to offer. prgtoken Ross Johnson, a former Army Specials Forces medic, founded TacMed in 2003. Mr. Johnson started the company because he wanted to make sure as many servicemembers made it home as possible. He made it his company's mission to create the best tactical medical equipment available, so our brave men and women in uniform and first responders are better equipped to handle their day-to-day missions. Johnson says that today his company's products help ``the soldier on the battlefield, the officer on patrol, and the civilian caught in an unfortunate situation.'' prgtoken Over a decade later, TacMed has added 40 jobs to our State's economy and has become one of the largest suppliers of high-quality medical trauma kits and components for the military, law enforcement, and first responders. prgtoken In honor of National Small Business Week, as well as Military Appreciation Month, I am excited to recognize Tactical Medical Solutions for helping to keep our bravest citizens safe as they take on dangerous jobs. Whether it is our neighborhoods' first responders or those fighting for our freedoms overseas, TacMed's dedication to saving lives everyday makes me incredibly proud they have decided to call South Carolina home to their growing business.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE FRANK WOLF
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-5-3

it is a privilege for me to use this time to honor my former boss and mentor, the Honorable Frank Wolf, who has dedicated much of his life to public service as he represented the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District for 34 years. prgtoken Congressman Frank Wolf was at the forefront of many important issues for over three decades. He was a leader in bringing metro rail to Dulles and worked in a bipartisan manner on numerous transportation initiatives. He also assumed a leading role in addressing the mounting problem of gang violence in Northern Virginia and helped secure funding for the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force. And while he clearly played a crucial and prominent role in a variety of issues affecting the Commonwealth of Virginia, arguably, his most signature achievements have stemmed from his leadership on humanitarian issues abroad. prgtoken He has been a tireless and zealous crusader for oppressed religious minorities and was the conscience of the Congress on human rights and religious liberty. As co-chair of the bipartisan House Human Rights Caucus, Congressman Wolf made it his mission to be the voice of the voiceless and shed light upon the plight of millions of people persecuted because of their religion. Since departing from Congress, Mr. Wolf has continued to carry the torch of religious freedom, with his passionate advocacy, as he leads the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative to create a world where religious freedom is recognized by nations across the globe as a fundamental human right. prgtoken Congressman Wolf's efforts to raise awareness for the voiceless also extended to the innocent victims of human trafficking. In Congress, he worked with local elected officials and law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth in spearheading initiatives to eradicate human trafficking. He also took steps to educate the public about this largely unknown problem and increase community involvement in aiding the victims of these horrific crimes. In recognition of these valiant strides, he was selected as the 2014 Lifetime Pathbreaker Award recipient. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the legacy of Congressman Wolf, as we recognize his many contributions. We cannot thank him enough for services he provided to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our country. I look forward to his continued contributions in promoting religious freedom and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Introductory Statement on S. 1015
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-5-3

I rise today to discuss the epidemic of suicide--a growing crisis that has devastated millions of families across our Nation. Over the past 8 years, the rate of deaths by suicide in our country has tripled. Let me repeat that. It has tripled, and the problem is particularly severe among young adults. prgtoken According to the Centers for Disease Control, for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is now the third leading cause of death. In other words, more of America's youth die each year from suicide than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. prgtoken This crisis shows no signs of abating. Consider that each day in our Nation, there are an average of over 5,400 suicide attempts by young people in grades 7 to 12. In my home State of Utah, the statistics are particularly alarming. Every 14 hours, a Utahn commits suicide, resulting in an average of 630 deaths each year. The problem is so acute that Utah now has the fifth highest suicide rate in the Nation. This troubling trend is particularly pronounced among Utah's youth. Even though Utahns from ages 10 to 17 comprise only 13 percent of the State population, they represent nearly 23 percent of all suicide attempts. Suicide is now the leading cause of death among Utah's teenagers. prgtoken To stem the tide of teenage suicide in Utah, I convened a roundtable discussion in Salt Lake City last December that included community leaders, healthcare professionals, high school principals, and parents from across the State. There we discussed proven methods that destigmatize mental illness, a critical first step in addressing the suicide crisis. We also discussed the links between bullying and depression. prgtoken In an effort to prevent teen suicide, the effect of bullying cannot be overlooked. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that kids who are bullied are more than twice as likely to consider suicide. In my home State of Utah, dozens of community leaders have drawn attention to the pernicious effects of bullying. The foremost among them is Dr. Greg Hudnall, a nationally recognized expert in suicide prevention. Dr. Hudnall found that between 8 and 12 percent of all suicides are committed by young people who have been bullied. To discourage bullying and to help our teenagers who are suffering most, Dr. Hudnall led in the development of HOPE4UTAH. HOPE4UTAH is a dynamic peer-to-peer program designed to empower students in groups called Hope Squads. Hope Squads identify warning signs of depression in teenagers and offer help to those in need. prgtoken Wendy Nelson, principal of Utah's Syracuse High School, recently told me how Hope Squads have helped students at risk of suicide to connect with therapists that the school has made available on a regular basis. The high school has since partnered with a local community health center for help i
FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW YORK OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES HONOREE LIST
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-3

I rise today to pay a special tribute to 42 exemplary young men and women from the First Congressional District of New York who have chosen to serve our country in various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States. These courageous individuals will be dedicating at least their immediate future to the security and welfare of their fellow citizens. I admire their strong sense of patriotism and desire to protect our values and make certain we remain the great nation we are today. prgtoken Each of the following students has my deepest appreciation for their service to this country and I ask my colleagues to join me in personally recognizing: US Army, Liam Clifton, Bellport High School; US Army, Alejandro Freire, William Floyd High School; US Army, Marcus Glenn, Longwood High School; US Army, Francisco Hernandez, Bellport High School; US Army, Brandon Lech, Bellport High School; US Army, Bailey Meyer, Eastport South Manor High School; US Army, Robert Napadano, William Floyd High School; US Army, Julio Robles, Longwood High School; US Army, Bryan Staker, Longwood High School; US Army, Nicholas Vallejos, Bellport High School; US Army, Jenna Vaughn, Bellport High School; US Army, Aaron Vogel, Eastport South Manor High School; US Army, James Welsh, Patchogue-Medford High School. US Marines, Chris Ballas, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Thomas Callaghan, Longwood High School; US Marines, Tyler Cerce, Longwood High School; US Marines, Shane Hobel, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Freddy Kaucky, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Matt Lovett, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Bryan Lucero, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Marines, Brandon Maher, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Marines, Kevin Mardjani, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Joselino Molina, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Shaun Muller, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Marines, Andrew Passaro, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Gerardo Perez, Longwood High School; US Marines, Steven Rice, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Vinny Roxburgh, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Joseph Slawinski, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Gareth Walsh, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Carlie Wegley, William Floyd High School. US Navy, Samantha Braband, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Navy, Tyler Classic, Longwood High School; US Navy, Matthew Fields, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Navy, Noah Giron, Bellport High School; US Navy, Saniya Joyner, William Floyd High School; US Navy, Quincy Morgenstond, William Floyd High School; US Navy, Darrion Negron, Bellport High School; US Navy, Matthew Pfisterer, Bellport High School; US Navy, Gabriel Schrage, Center Moriches High School. US Air Force, Isaiah
REMEMBERING ROSE LANDRY LONG
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-5-3

I rise to pay honor to Rose Landry Long. This past week, the State of Louisiana lost a caring mother, loving grandmother, supportive spouse, and, to me, my wife, and so many back home, a dear friend. Rose Landry Long left us too soon, but she will always be remembered. My wife Laura and I had the pleasure of knowing Rose and her wonderful family for over 10 years. We taught two of her grandchildren in our Sunday school class. prgtoken Rose was born in Natchitoches, LA, to a French-speaking Cajun family. English was her second language. She graduated from Gueydan High School and became the first person from her family to attend college. There she met her husband, Gerald Long, at Northwestern State University. prgtoken A sidenote about Gerald: He is a member of the famous Long family, which includes Huey Long, Earl Long, Speedy Long, Jimmy Long, and many others--respectively, Senators, Governors, Congressmen, and State elected officials. prgtoken When Gerald was elected to the Louisiana Senate, Rose came to Baton Rouge and befriended everyone, s and alike. Just out of being so concerned and loving toward others, she quickly became the center of activity and encouragement for so many. Rose had a way of reaching out to people, connecting with them and making them understand how much she cared for them. You could see each person respond to that care and love. prgtoken Rose was a tremendous woman of God. She loved the Lord and was always interested in sharing her love for Him with others. She led Bible studies in every town in which she lived. In Baton Rouge, she led a Bible study for Senate staff, legislators' spouses, which my wife Laura attended. Her commitment to Jesus Christ was embedded in her values and made her the great woman we will remember. Her ability to pass these values to friends and family will live on as a part of her legacy. prgtoken Rose Landry Long will be remembered as a great mother, grandmother, and wife, but more than anything, as someone who served others by loving others. prgtoken , .
IN RECOGNITION OF LARRY HARRIS RECEIVING THE LIBERTY BELL AWARD
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-5-3

I rise today to honor Larry for receiving the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award. prgtoken A native of North Carolina's 8th District, Larry grew up in Kannapolis, where he attended Winecoff High School and served as the senior class president before pursuing a history degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps from 1961-1963 where he received outstanding marks as a Rifleman. After finishing his service, Larry attended Wake Forest Law School, graduating in 1965 before going on to practice law for 51 years in Cabarrus County. prgtoken During his more than five decades in the legal field, Mr. served in nearly every leadership role imaginable. He served as President of the Cabarrus County Bar Association, and was active with the NC Bar Association, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Juvenile Court. Larry also ran for Congress in 1978 and served as the Chairman of the Cabarrus County Party. In addition to all of these activities, Larry found time to serve his community through numerous local civic organizations, serving as the Vice President of the Kannapolis Jaycees and President of the Winecoff Lions Club. He's also been an active Shriner and Mason for decades. prgtoken The Liberty Bell Award is presented by the Cabarrus County Bar Association to an individual who educates people on and upholds the laws that support American freedom. Throughout his lifetime of involvement in Cabarrus County, Larry has helped many people maintain their confidence in our judicial system by being a constant resource for anyone in need. prgtoken , please join me today in congratulating Larry as the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award recipient and wish him well as he continues to serve our community.
SENATE RESOLUTION 151--COMMENDING THE NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY BEARCATS ON THEIR NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORIES
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-5-3

. : This year, Northwest Missouri State University set a record when it became the first Division II school to win the men's basketball and football championships in the same season. prgtoken It also became the first Division I or II school in the past decade to win titles in both those sports in the same year. prgtoken Located in Maryville, about one hundred miles north of Kansas City, Northwest Missouri State University was established in 1905. prgtoken With five NCAA championships already under their belt, Bearcats football began their 2016 season with the goal of adding another title to their great program. Under head Coach Adam Dorrel, they finished their record-setting year with a victory over the University of North Alabama in the brutally cold Division II championship game last December. The Bearcats have now gone 55-2 over four seasons, and their 30 straight victories over the last two years is the longest current win streak in all of NCAA football. prgtoken But the men's basketball team gave Bearcats fans plenty more to cheer about. After a very successful regular season, the Bearcats entered the Division II tournament with a 29-1 record. And on March 25, they defeated Fairmont State in the NCAA Division II championship game, a first in the program's history. prgtoken Finishing the year with a near perfect record, Coach Ben McCollum earned his third MIAA Coach of the Year honor. And the Bearcats' guard, Justin Pitts, earned several honors and was named the DII Bulletin Player of the Year. prgtoken Congratulations to Northwest Missouri State University on a phenomenal year. Fans across the state are excited for another great year as the Bearcats spend the off-season preparing to defend their hard fought championship titles.