mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for yielding. prgtoken I am so very pleased to join my colleague, Deb Haaland, as one of the first Native American women--it is about time--to join this body in celebrating Native American Heritage Month. prgtoken It is fitting here in November, as we think about Thanksgiving, to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, considering the welcoming of foreigners to this land first inhabited by the Native peoples. prgtoken This month really allows us the opportunity to formally remember the great contributions that Native Americans have made, and they continue to make to bridge our communities and to improve our Nation. prgtoken All you have to do is walk right down the street to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to just get a glimpse of the many ways that Native Americans have contributed to the fabric of our Nation, despite the many hardships, the broken promises, and trials they have faced. prgtoken Indeed, as you walk through that museum, you will see the dozens and dozens and dozens of documentation of the treaties that have been executed and violated in this country. prgtoken But the rich culture and heritage of Native Americans have still come through all of these hardships. They have been an indelible and undeniable impact on the American way of life. I am reminded of that every single day in my community. prgtoken In fact, I hail from Wisconsin, where Earth Day was inaugurated by the late, great Senator Gaylord Nelson because, indeed, one of the things we have learned in Wisconsin from our Native community is to have stewardship over our environment, one of the legacies of the Native peoples. prgtoken My home State is proudly home to 11 federally recognized Native American Tribes, and I am so proud of the many contributions that these Tribes have made to the cultural and economic richness of my State. In fact, the city of Milwaukee, which I represent, has a name that is derived from some of the Native brothers and sisters who inhabited the region: the gathering place by the water, the beautiful land, or the pleasant land. In fact, the host committee from the ic National Convention is called the Good Land Committee. prgtoken These Tribes have helped refine and strengthen our State. In my home city of Milwaukee, the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation has not shied away from helping to address some of the most intractable problems facing our communities, including high unemployment, access to basic and higher education, ensuring better access to healthcare, and reducing health disparities, among other things. prgtoken I am so inspired by the dedication of the Forest County Potawatomi to invest in Milwaukee and to give a helping hand to those serving the most vulnerable in the broader community, from young children to seniors in our community. prgtoken In my life as an elected official, first at the State level and now in Congress, I h
IMPEACHMENT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-19

this morning, during the House's impeachment inquiry, the American people will hear more important testimony from LTC Alexander Vindman, of the National Security Council, and from Jennifer Williams, an adviser to the Vice President. prgtoken Regrettably, some s, including one in this Chamber, have tried, without evidence or substantiation, to undermine, to call into question, and to smear the credibility of the witnesses, including of Lieutenant Colonel Vindman--a Purple Heart recipient who has spent his life in service to our country. The attacks on the witnesses are painful and wrong. They are reminiscent of the actions of a brutal country, not of the democratic Republic that we are. prgtoken I hope everyone will treat these witnesses with respect and listen to their testimony with an open mind. Whether they agree or disagree with their testimony, it is unbecoming of any Senator to smear these patriots. The House has a responsibility to seek the truth and uncover all of the facts, and if it comes to it, the Senate has a responsibility to examine the evidence and render impartial judgment.
RECOGNIZING THE KEISER UNIVERSITY SEAHAWKS ON AN UNDEFEATED FOOTBALL SEASON
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the Keiser University Seahawks on securing a 9-0 undefeated football season. prgtoken Led by local seniors Seth Freeman, Ronnie Bennett, and Tremane Gabriel, the Seahawks won their regular season finale game, after defeating Ava Maria University on Saturday, November 16th. Under the leadership of Head Coach Doug Socha, Keiser will now head into the 2019 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) postseason, beginning with a home game against University of the Cumberlands in the first round of the 16-team playoffs. prgtoken I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the entire Seahawks football team, which include: Traionn Jones, Sage Chen-Young, Tyler Foster, Eli Mathews, Maurice Murphy Jr Ronnie Bennett, Kade Glenn, Alex Taylor, Coby Golden, Logan Good, Da'Shawn Bostic, Tremane Gabriel, Seth Freeman, Cade Socha, Rodney Green Jr Dylan Inman, Carlos Silencieux, Jamarquios Autry, Jaylen Arnold, Asfunso Elam, Payton Burke, Lucas Matias, Shawn O'Gorman, Shaw Pomianowski, Trevor Phillips, Deandre Henderson, Caleb Walls, Luckaad Dorsainvil, Jamian Lovett, Marques Burgess, Schnider Louis, Troy Sloan, Cordell Wiley, Isaiah Rampart, Jermaine Wilson, Osner Valmeus, Carl Barrow, Taeon Holte, Austin Cha, Austin Carr, Amari Hayes, Brendan Parr, Preston Hays, Wesley Scott, Marc Laurore, Jordan Grant, Treykevian Gilbert, Victor Alvarez Jr Mitchel Desulme, Byron Fraley, Joseph Irlbeck, Davion Cross, Robenson Lafleur, Christopher Hart, Tommy Richemond, Logan Wakefield, Camron Allen, Edward Krajewski, Alessandro Cantillo, Jeremiah Guillaume, Cedrick Dervil, Zach Shahin, Okevious Hinds, Rashad , William Bell, Mikhail Hanson, Juwan James, Logan Robinson, Dalton Barbara, Donovan Hinds, Justin Thomas, Shelby Langen, Mike Altenor, Austin Sherrill, Nicholas Sierra, Jerson Jacques, Michael Robinson, Samuel Snell, Donavyn Martin, Thomas Waldron, Mohammad Shatara, Shavon Taylor, Luke Sharkey, Dante Trott, Markel Finney, Khalil Absolu, Joshua Norzea, Corey Lamy, Zachariah Istvan, Eddie Adams, Ruben Alexis, Matthew Barber, Balitan Celestin, Alec Charland, Claude Charles, Corey Cola, Owen Connell, Dakota Cox, Damon Daniel, Gabriel Davenport, Akarri Davis, Amarri Davis, Cory Hamilton, Earnest Johnson, Adreal Johnson, Trusteb Johnson, Angerlyns Julceus, Amari Kindred, Jamari Kindred, Judah Martin, Qwad Martin, Gage McNellis, T- Jay Mitchell, Ki-Mani Olivacce, Alex Saint-Jean, Benjamin Serrano, Isaiah Silva, Tristan Simmons, Duane Simon, Ty Smith, Shea Spencer, Andy St. Hillaire, George Swain, Garrison Swain, Joseph Villano, Chris Webber, and Ian Willhoite. prgtoken Madam , I am so very proud of the Keiser University Seahawks for their exceptional season. I wish the team and their entire athletic program many more years of continued success.
HONORING ALEXANDER C. MARTIN, ESQ.
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Alexander C. Martin, Esq. A native of Pott Gibson, Mississippi, Mr. Martin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Alcorn State University, in 1979, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1982. prgtoken Since its establishment, in 1994, Mr. Martin has served as the District Attorney for the State of Mississippi's 22nd Circuit Court District. He is the first African American to serve as District Attorney for the state of Mississippi, since Reconstruction. Prior to his position as District Attorney, Mr. Martin served as an attorney for Southwest and Central Mississippi Legal Services. In addition, he spent six years as a prosecutor for Claiborne County as well as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Alcorn State University. prgtoken In 2006, Mr. Martin received the Legal Award from the Claiborne County Chapter of the NAACP. prgtoken Aside from his career, Mr. Martin has been heavily involved in his community. He currently serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Port Gibson. For seven years, he was an assistant scout master for Troop 100 of Boy Scouts of America, Andrew Jackson Council. Since 2005, Mr. Martin has been the public address announcer for football and basketball games at Port Gibson High School. He is also a former mock trial coach for Mississippi Bar Association and Magnolia Bar Association. prgtoken Mr. Martin is a member of several professional organizations, including the Mississippi Bar Association, Magnolia Bar Association, Mississippi Prosecutors Association, National District Attorneys Association, Copiah County Bar Association and Claiborne County Bar Association. He also serves on the Mississippi Prosecutors Association Board of Directors, Mississippi Center for Legal Services Board of Directors and the Claiborne County Preservation Commission. prgtoken Mr. Martin is married to Mrs. Karen Martin and is the proud father of four children: Joecephus, Alexander C. Martin II, Jamila and Jaron Anthony and five grandchildren: Miles, Anna Rose, Alexander III, August, and Elijah. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Alexander C. Martin, Esq.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-11-19

lack of affordable housing is an issue. prgtoken The Columbus area is the most expensive region for housing in Ohio. A person would have to work a minimum wage of over $18 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment. We are fighting to only get a $15-per- hour minimum wage. prgtoken I recently convened an Affordable Housing Summit to discuss this critical issue with 36 stakeholders, toured the district, and, in that evening, was joined by some 400 constituents to have a community conversation, hearing firsthand from them about affordable housing issues. prgtoken We know that young people and African Americans are disproportionately affected by this housing shortage. Too many young people, too many seniors, too many veterans, and too many families are facing homelessness. prgtoken Columbus and our suburban areas are continuing to grow. We need to ensure that all of our residents can grow and prosper. prgtoken Call to action: I recently passed a bill for FHA first-time home buyers to get a reduction on their mortgage insurance for taking a financial literacy course. It passed the House. Now let's call on the Senate to pass it. prgtoken We must increase the supply of equitable opportunities to access affordable housing, call on the banks to design CRA projects with their bank-owned houses, raise bond financing, expand abatement housing buyouts, increase Federal funding, hire a housing czar in my district, and support State housing tax credits. prgtoken I will continue to work with stakeholders to address this affordable housing crisis. Affordable Quality Healthcare
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise today along with many other colleagues on the Congressional Hellenic Caucus to recognize and honor the many great deeds of the Daughters of Penelope on the organization's 90th Anniversary. prgtoken The Daughters of Penelope is a preeminent international women's service association and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. It was founded on November 16, 1929 in San Francisco, California. Today, it is a leading international organization of women of Hellenic descent and Philhellenes that works to improve the status and well-being of women and their families and to empower women to make significant contributions to their communities and our country. prgtoken The mission of the Daughters of Penelope is to promote the ideals of ancient Greece, philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, good citizenship, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. Over its history, the Daughters of Penelope has achieved remarkable accomplishments. The group has strengthened the status of women in society, sheltered the elderly and victims of domestic violence, educated our youth, promoted Hellenic heritage, and raised funds for medical research. prgtoken It is hard to ignore the positive impact the Daughters of Penelope has had in communities throughout the United States--including a strong presence in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District, where I am proud to represent two chapters, Aulis No. 195 in Asbury Park and Tethys No. 229 in New Brunswick. The Daughters of Penelope promotes awareness and provides financial support for many medical research and charitable organizations such as the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (formerly the Papanicolaou Cancer Center), cancer and breast cancer research; Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia), Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), Alzheimer's Foundation, American Heart Association, Muscular Dystrophy, and many others. prgtoken Once again, I offer my sincere congratulations to the Daughters of Penelope for 90 years of incredible service to our country and its strong promotion of U.S.-Greek and U.S.-Cypriot relations. May its next 90 years be as prayerful, fulfilling, and successful as the last.
RECOGNIZING NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-11-19

I rise today to pay tribute and to recognize a New Jersey organization celebrating its 25th anniversary, the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, NJCDC. I wish to take a moment now to honor NJCDC for the important work it is doing in the State of New Jersey and the accomplishments it has achieved over the past 25 years. prgtoken The NJCDC provides hope for a rewarding future through urban revitalization efforts, financial support, education initiatives, and job creation. The work done by NJCDC has directly transformed the lives of many, especially in the city of Paterson. prgtoken In honor of the accomplishments of this organization, I ask that a proclamation honoring the 25th anniversary of the NJCDC be printed in the Record. prgtoken The material follows: prgtoken Whereas, the New Jersey Community Development Corporation is a non- profit community development and social service agency based in the City of Paterson, New Jersey; prgtoken Whereas, the New Jersey Community Development Corporation and its dedicated staff empowers individuals to transform their lives and offers a variety of programs and services to assist economically disadvantaged individuals, at-risk youth, and people with disabilities; prgtoken Whereas, the New Jersey Community Development Corporation has contributed to the revitalization of the City of Paterson and the Great Falls Historic District, helping to ensure a vibrant future for the City and its residents; and prgtoken Whereas, now as the New Jersey Community Development Corporation celebrates its 25th Anniversary, I congratulate its staff and volunteers on this milestone. prgtoken Therefore, in presenting this citation to the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, I, on behalf of the People of the State of New Jersey hereby congratulate the New Jersey Community Development Corporation and its contribution to the community, the City of Paterson, and the State of New Jersey.
TRIBUTE TO TINA QUIGLEY
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-11-19

I come forward today to recognize the chief executive officer of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Tina Quigley, who, after over 14 years of dedicated service, announced her retirement this year. prgtoken Tina Quigley has been a visionary during her tenure at the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. Her forward thinking and planning for the future has led the RTC to be named one of the most efficient transit providers in the Nation. Her leadership has helped Southern Nevada reap the benefits of an advanced transportation system that has helped attract tourists, residents, and new businesses. prgtoken Ms. Quigley has over 25 years of experience in transportation management. She has consistently been on the leading edge of improving how residents, workers, and visitors travel the Las Vegas Valley. With a rapidly growing population of 2.1 million residents and more than 42 million annual visitors, that is no small task. Her determination in pushing for technological advancements, forging partnerships, and strategizing for the future have positioned the region for ongoing and sustained economic growth. prgtoken Ms. Quigley is also a licensed pilot and earned her bachelor of science degree in aviation business and planning from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She is a former manager of one of the Nation's busiest airports, McCarran International Airport, and has amassed an impressive number of professional achievements throughout her career. prgtoken The incredible work that Ms. Quigley has done for Southern Nevada has not gone unrecognized. She has earned numerous awards for her leadership, innovation, and vision. These awards include but are not limited to the Woman of Distinction Award for Government Services by the National Association of Women Business Owners, the Carolyn M. Sparks Founders Award from the Nevada International Women's Forum, and the 2012 Women in Transportation award from Metro Magazine. prgtoken Ms. Quigley has also remembered to give back to her community and has directed her energy, passion, and commitment into bettering the Las Vegas Valley. She serves on a multitude of boards and committees in Southern Nevada, including as chairperson of the Desert Research Institute Foundation, which supports the nonprofit environmental science research branch of the Nevada System of Higher Education. prgtoken Today, I celebrate the many contributions of Tina Quigley to the city of Las Vegas and to the Southern Nevada community. Her service is as an example to all of us who wish to innovate, serve, and better our communities.
CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF AUSTIN TICE
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to join my colleagues in calling for the immediate release of award-winning journalist and veteran Austin Tice. I thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and the gentleman from Texas, Al Green, for their moving words and their unflagging efforts to secure Austin Tice's release. prgtoken Austin has been held captive in Syria for over seven years. He traveled to Syria as a freelance journalist to cover the war in May 2012. Few journalists were working in Syria at this time, and his vital reporting and images appeared in major news sources, including the Washington Post, Agence France Presse, and McClatchy Newspapers. Three months later, he was detained at a check point south of Damascus on his way to Lebanon. prgtoken Austin has been missing ever since. Five weeks after he was taken captive, a 43-second video titled ``Austin Tice is Alive'' emerged, showing a group of unidentified prgtoken armed men holding Austin. This was the last information received from the captors. prgtoken Although Austin Tice has spent far too many days, months, and years in captivity, crucially the United States government believes Austin is alive. The FBI is offering a one-million-dollar reward for information leading directly to his safe location and return. His parents, Debra and Marc Tice, have been consistent beacons of hope throughout Austin's captivity, working passionately for his release, and never losing hope for their son's safe return. Their love for their son has had the power to mobilize a large, bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress from all over the country. I was proud to join my colleagues this September in a letter to President calling for him to use the full weight of his national security team to bring Austin home, and I renew that call now. prgtoken Austin Tice has been separated from his family, friends, and loved ones for far too long. He has spent too many birthdays in captivity. I join my colleagues in calling upon those who are keeping him in Syria to let Austin Tice go. Let him return safely to his family and his country.
LONGEST-SERVING CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY CHIEF CLERK E. DOTSON WILSON
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-19

. Madam , I would like to recognize Mr. E. Dotson Wilson, retiring after a 40-year career with the California State Assembly, the longest-serving Chief Clerk in the history of that body. prgtoken Over his long career, Mr. Wilson has proven his passion for service and for improving governance. We all know that the smooth functioning of the people's elected representatives depends on a well-trained staff operating at a leadership level within the Capitol. Mr. Wilson made it his mission to assure that, whatever the political discussion, legislators had what they needed to do their jobs. The fact that he has been unanimously affirmed as Chief Clerk for every Assembly session since his selection for the post in 1992 is a testament to the esteem in which he has been held by the 482 different legislators who have served during his 27-year tenure. prgtoken The Chief Clerk serves as the chief parliamentarian of the 80-member California Assembly and is responsible for publishing the official documents of the House; and keeping all the bills, papers, and records of the proceedings of the Assembly. Mr. Wilson not only produced legislative materials to assist Members and legislative staff, but he created training videos, annotated guides and a book on California's Legislature. These materials are invaluable both to new legislators and to everyone wishing to understand how their government works. prgtoken Prior to serving as the Chief Clerk, Mr. Wilson served under Assembly Willie L. Brown Jr first as an Assembly Fellow from October 1979 to 1980, then as his Special Assistant. Brown nominated Mr. Wilson to be Chief Clerk of the Assembly in 1992, and he was reelected 14 times. prgtoken Mr. Wilson saw first-hand the impact of housing discrimination and other injustices growing up in the Bay Area city of Albany, California. The trials he saw his family endure propelled him to seek change, and resulted in a lifetime of public service. Mr. Wilson has worked on a wide range of legislative issues over his long career, including housing, public employees, retirement and labor. He took special interest in supporting academic success for California's youth, including student athletes. prgtoken Mr. Wilson exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. I congratulate him on his long service and his well-deserved retirement. It was an honor to serve alongside Mr. Wilson during my time in the Assembly.