mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING DR. JASON CHAO
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise to recognize the service of Dr. Jason Chao to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), and I congratulate him on his retirement. prgtoken Dr. Chao, Primary Advisor to the Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC), has been serving TECRO for the past 25 years. Throughout his esteemed career, he has been the chief congressional liaison officer and the principal escort officer for congressional delegation trips. Many Members of Congress and congressional staff have learned more about Taiwan because of Jason's work. prgtoken Dr. Chao has consistently shown wisdom, professionalism, passion, and dedication during his many years of service. He has also been instrumental in helping steer the promotion of bilateral relations and the exchange of cultural and economic growth between the ROC and the United States. prgtoken We will miss Dr. Chao, but we are excited for his future endeavors and we offer him our sincere thanks for his many contributions to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.
IN OPPOSITION TO AMENDMENT NO. 147 TO H.R. 4 FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise in opposition to Amendment No. 147 to H.R. 4, the ``FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018,'' the intent of which is to direct nonstop flights from Reagan National Airport (DCA) to San Antonio, Texas. I oppose the amendment for several reasons. First, Amendment 147 would arbitrarily alter the number of flights that are permitted to go beyond the federally mandated 1,250 mile perimeter rule around Reagan National Airport (DCA) that was created by Congress in the 1980s. prgtoken Second, Amendment 147 would allow four new beyond perimeter exemptions to each carrier that commits to swap an inside perimeter slot to a large-hub airport to serve an airport within 25 miles of a military medical center that does not currently have service, exemptions that apply only to airports in San Antonio and San Diego. prgtoken Third, Amendment 147 would politicize the slot and perimeter rules at Reagan National Airport (DCA) by earmarking slots that can only be used to serve limited destinations that are predetermined by Congress. prgtoken Last, Amendment 147 sets a dangerous precedent of carving our predetermined markets for beyond perimeter exemptions, removing free- market business decisions from the carriers and placing the decision on which routes should be served in the hands of legislators. prgtoken The High-Density (``Slot'') or Perimeter Rules governing flight operations at DCA are designed to both manage congestion at DCA and also balance traffic between DCA and IAD, the two airports in a single airport system. prgtoken Although the intent of Amendment 147 may be well-meaning, the amendment as currently drafted adversely affects communities with current service to DCA, as well as Dulles International Airport and the populations it serves. prgtoken This is because changes to the High-Density (``Slot'') or Perimeter Rules governing flight operations at DCA will lead to secondary and tertiary effects on flight operations at airports around the nation. prgtoken For these reasons Amendment 147 is opposed by both International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the largest airline union in the nation; and by American Airlines, one of the largest air carriers in the world. prgtoken I include in the Record a letter from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and urge all Members to join me in voting against Amendment 147 to H.R. 4. April 26, 2018. Dear Representative: On behalf of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, we strongly urge you to vote ``NO'' to the Cuellar No. 147 amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act, H.R. 4 when it's considered. As the largest Airline Union in the United States, we believe this amendment will have a negative impact on the thousands of airline workers that we proudly represent in the local metropolitan Washington D.C. area. We op
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF JOHN DeSIMONE
Joseph Crowley (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to recognize my constituent, John DeSimone, for his exemplary Military service during the Korean war, and his steadfast commitment to his family and his community. prgtoken Born in New York City on June 3, 1931, John DeSimone lived in lower Manhattan until he moved to Astoria in 1969 with his wife, Mary Ellen Sapanaro DeSimone. They were married for 45 years until her passing in 2015. They share a daughter, Maria, who lives with her husband in a separate apartment of the same home. prgtoken On November 15, 1951, John DeSimone was drafted and entered the U.S. Army. He completed Army Basic Training at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey, now known as Fort Dix, and served in the Transportation Corps of the U.S. Army in the 13th Field Artillery Regiment, Ordnance Transportation Company. prgtoken Private First Class DeSimone served with honor and conducted assigned tasks above the call of duty in combat conditions. PFC DeSimone was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Merit Unit Commendation. He was awarded three Bronze Stars with his Korean Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in support during the most hostile period of the Korean war. PFC DeSimone's outstanding performance, expertise, and unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment in a hostile environment were vital to successful combat operations. His contributions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on November 4, 1953 after serving 1 year, 11 months, and 20 days. prgtoken Prior to his service, John DeSimone had worked as a runner for the New York Stock Exchange and later returned to the NYSE following his honorable discharge. He worked as a runner for the NYSE for forty more years. After retiring, Mr. DeSimone continued to serve others as a school crossing guard for fifteen years and an Elder in Steinway Reformed Church, where he was involved with the Ministry as a devout Protestant. When he later developed Alzheimer's, Mr. DeSimone began attending day programs at Sunnyside Community Service and NYU Horticultural program, where he was actively involved. prgtoken , John DeSimone's service to his family, his community, and his country is an inspiration to all of us. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring my constituent, John DeSimone, and thank him for his service.
NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS DAY
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-5-1

it is with great honor and respect that I take this time to recognize National Civil Rights Day, which was designated by the 100th United States Congress and proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan on August 12, 1987. On this historic occasion, we remember the struggle and perseverance of the brave leaders of the Civil Rights Movement who passionately fought for equal justice and opportunity under the law, while celebrating and honoring the lives of the countless individuals who tirelessly led the charge to create a better America, from President Abraham Lincoln to Susan B. Anthony to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day, we also take the time to reflect on the continued efforts being made every day toward securing and protecting life and liberty for every citizen of our great nation. prgtoken On August 28, 1963, Dr. King led an estimated 250,000 people in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Through his words and actions, Dr. King inspired his generation, as well as generations to come, while promoting racial equality in the United States. He was a peaceful human rights activist who denounced violence as a means to communicate. For his vision and work toward a just society, he was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Dr. King is worthy of the highest praise and continues to be the truest example of all that is good and noble in the struggle for equality and freedom. prgtoken The work of Dr. King and each individual who sought positive change during the Civil Rights Movement has strengthened the resolve of future generations. The lasting legacy of these individuals has transformed society in Northwest Indiana, throughout the United States, and beyond. At home in Northwest Indiana, our communities have, for decades, been fortunate to have outstanding leaders of all races, genders, and creeds who have led by example and dedicated themselves to the ideals inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, those of justice, equality, and freedom. Northwest Indiana is also the proud home to many community groups and individuals that have given of their time and greatest efforts to ensure that our civil rights are protected. prgtoken I also congratulate the efforts of former Gary, Indiana Mayor Richard Hatcher who, in 1967, was one of two African Americans elected to serve as mayor of a large city. This marked the first time in our nation's history that an African American would hold this office. Following his twenty years of service in this capacity, Mayor Hatcher has continued to work on many projects throughout Northwest Indiana. His proposal for the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame in Gary will honor and recognize the great contributions of those who challenged American culture and whose shoulders we currently stand on as we work to secure a truly fair, just, and tolerant society. prgtoken , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commemorating National Civil Rights Day.
HONORING THE ARVIN-EDISON WATER STORAGE DISTRICT FOR 75 YEARS OF SERVICE
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District. prgtoken Established in 1942 to serve the booming agricultural industry in the southeastern portion of California's San Joaquin Valley, the Arvin- Edison Water Storage District has played an essential role in making Kern County the number one agricultural producer in the United States. prgtoken The District provides water to over 131,000 acres of agricultural land in Kern County, from both surface water through the Central Valley Project's Friant Unit as well as from groundwater. The water irrigates tens of thousands of acres of almonds, carrots, citrus, grapes, potatoes, and other annual crops with a value exceeding $1 billion in 2016. And in true California fashion of never letting a drop of water go to waste, the water the District provides to irrigate these and other crops results from a true conjunctive use process--District also recharges the underground aquifer to help stabilize groundwater levels in a region that relies on well water as a primary source of irrigation. prgtoken To accommodate Kern County's ever-expanding agricultural industry and variable surface water supplies, the District has had to take innovative approaches to water management and storage. For instance, when times are good and water is flowing from rain and melting snow, the District developed a network of groundwater banking programs connected by miles of canals and pipes to capture this water for use in dry years. This approach helped our communities and farmers weather the recent multi-year catastrophic drought in California, ensuring that they were able to access life-giving water. prgtoken In 1997, the District entered into a 25-year agreement with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California that has empowered the District to complete capital improvement projects without increasing water costs to Kern County farmers, including expansion of the aforementioned water banks. prgtoken I am proud of the work accomplished by the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District, currently led by President Edwin Camp, Engineer-Manager Jeevan Muhar, Deputy General Manager David Nixon, Director of Water Resources Steven Collup, General Superintendent Christopher Krauter, and Directors Ronald Lehr, Jeffrey Guimarra, Derek Yurosek, Dennis Johnston, John Moore, Charles Fanucchi, Catalino Martinez, and Kevin Pascoe. They and their predecessors' efforts have made a lasting impact on our community which will continue to play a critical role in the lives of Kern County farmers and those who enjoy the products they grow. prgtoken The Arvin-Edison Water Storage District's role in shaping the face of American agriculture cannot be understated, and I wish the District another 75 years of success.
FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW YORK OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES HONOREE LIST
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to pay special tribute to thirty six exemplary prgtoken young men and women from the First Congressional District of New York who have been chosen to serve their country in various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States. These courageous individuals will put their lives on hold to ensure the security and welfare of their fellow Americans. Their unwavering patriotism, dedication to our nation's values and sacrifice in defense of our great nation is inspiring. Each of the following students has my deepest appreciation for their service to our country, and I ask my colleagues to join me in personally recognizing: Army, Howard Kyle, Bayport Blue Point High School; Army, Jennifer Baez, Bellport High School; Army, Henderson Coppin, Bellport High School; Army, Kelsie Lehmann, Bellport High School; Army, Dominic Nieves, Bellport High School; Army, Alex Martinez, Eastport South Manor High School; Army, Harlee Kealos, Longwood High School; Army, Maria Valdez, Longwood High School; Army, Jasmine Campbell, William Floyd High School; Army, Jocelyn Garcia, William Floyd High School; Army, Katherine Guzman, William Floyd High School; Army, Theresa Nguyen, William Floyd High School; Army, Ashley Troche, William Floyd High School. Marines, Patrick Alles, Bayport Blue Point High School; Marines, Christopher Feliz, Bellport High School; Marines, Coby Mayfield, Bayport Blue Point High School; Marines, Dominic Donnolo, Center Moriches High School; Marines, Jonathan Berni, Eastport South Manor High School; Marines, Brian Herrarte, Longwood High School; Marines, John Borrero, Patchogue Medford High School; Marines, Edward Calderon, Patchogue Medford High School; Marines, Daniel Fried, Patchogue Medford High School; Marines, James Miller, Patchogue Medford High School; Marines, Joe Tangel Jr Patchogue Medford High School; Marines, Dominick Caputo, William Floyd High School; Marines, Bradley Ladolcetta, William Floyd High School; Marines, Nick Levantino, William Floyd High School; Marines, Travis Mazza, William Floyd High School; Marines, Marcos Oliverflores, William Floyd High School; Marines, Anthony Pizzuti, William Floyd High School. Navy, Dylan McCarthy, Bayport Blue Point High School; Navy, Anthony Donnadio, Patchogue Medford High School; Navy, Joseph Rodriquez, William Floyd High School; Navy, Peter Vu, William Floyd High School. Air Force, Alexander Parris, Bellport High School; Air Force, Julie Pandolf, Patchogue Medford High School. prgtoken These enlistees will be recognized on May 17, 2018, at the fourth annual ``Our Community Salutes Brookhaven Town Enlistee Ceremony'' at Sunset Harbor in Patchogue, NY. prgtoken , we, as a nation, are extraordinarily grateful to each and every one of these thirty-six individuals fo
THE LONG ARM OF INJUSTICE: DID A U.N. COMMISSION FOUNDED TO FIGHT CORRUPTION HELP THE KREMLIN DESTROY A RUSSIAN FAMILY?
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-5-1

on Friday, April 27 I chaired a hearing at the Helsinki Commission inquiring into whether a U.N. Commission founded to fight corruption worked with the Kremlin to destroy a Russian family. The Russian government regularly pursues its vendettas beyond its borders, harassing and even murdering Russian emigres abroad--people who are on the Putin circle's target list for various reasons. The poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in England is one of the most recent examples to reach the news. prgtoken The family in question is the Bitkovs, and the Kremlin's sadistic pursuit of them is in its way just as shocking as its cruel murder of Litvinenko and the attempted murders of the Skripals. The Bitkovs are still alive today, but they have been hounded for over a decade, to the opposite end of the world, and beyond the limits of human endurance-- merely for resisting Putin favorites who sought to take over their successful paper manufacturing company. prgtoken More shocking, the facts of the case strongly indicate--and we will hear testimony on this today--that the United Nation's International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, or CICIG, became deeply involved in the Kremlin's persecution of the Bitkov family. Indeed that CICIG acted as the Kremlin's operational agent in brutalizing and tormenting the Bitkov family. prgtoken Congress has a special responsibility in this matter because the United States is one of the largest contributors to CICIG's budget. There has been little congressional oversight of CICIG--it's clearly time for that to change. prgtoken In the 1990s Igor and Irina Bitkov built the Northwest Timber Company, acquiring and modernizing old factories to increase paper production. As their company grew, the Bitkovs took loans from several Russian state banks to finance further modernization. Their business prospered--grew to a value of hundreds of millions of dollars--and the family was approached by a powerful bank executive who sought to buy a majority share in the company at a significantly below-market rate. Other officials asked Irina to become politically involved in the President Vladimir Putin's party. prgtoken When the Bitkovs refused things got very ugly. Their 16-year-old daughter, Anastasia, was kidnapped for several days, drugged, and repeatedly raped. Her parents ransomed her--paying the money to policemen, who said they were go-betweens to the kidnappers. Then the banks suddenly called in the loans, even though the Bitkovs had excellent credit. The family was threatened with imprisonment and death. prgtoken Fearing for their lives, the family fled Russia. They found what they thought was legal refuge in Guatemala with the help of a Guatemalan law firm. They acquired Guatemalan passports, bought a house, learned Spanish, and gave birth to their second child, Vladimir. prgtoken But the Kremlin caught up to them and VTB Bank, one of Russia's biggest state-controlled banks, often ref
IN HONOR OF LeROY JOHNSON FOR BEING SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR THE 2018 WYOMING JEFFERSON AWARD
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to congratulate LeRoy Johnson on being selected as a finalist for the 2018 Wyoming Jefferson Award. He deserves to be very proud of this prestigious recognition. prgtoken The Jefferson Award is the most revered award for public service in Wyoming. It was created with the goal of honoring individuals who enrich the communities and may otherwise go unnoticed. The award emphasizes the importance of serving local communities and that one person can indeed make a difference. In Wyoming, a panel of five judges independently score nominated individuals and determine four finalists, including one winner. prgtoken LeRoy Johnson has dedicated the past 27 years of his life to serving his community. After retiring in 1991, LeRoy and his wife, Inez, moved to Sheridan, Wyoming and immediately started to volunteer around the community. He first got involved in the Trinity Lutheran Church and the Sheridan Senior Center. He started as a driver for the Home Delivered Meals Program when he moved, and has been delivering meals every week since then. He also volunteers at the VA Hospital, where he connects with his fellow veterans while making coffee and visiting with them and their families. prgtoken LeRoy is respected by the community and has touched the lives of many in it. Although he is 90 years old now, he has never stopped helping others. Whether he is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas, helping his children, or promoting stewardship and agriculture education, LeRoy is always striving to improve his community. prgtoken Again, , I would like to congratulate LeRoy Johnson for being selected as a finalist for the 2018 Wyoming Jefferson Award and thank him for his countless contributions to his community. He and his family deserve to be extremely proud of all his hard work and of this recognition.
CELEBRATING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF CINDY KOEDOOT
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to honor the service of Cindy Koedoot and the lasting impact she has had on countless students at Zeeland Public Schools. Throughout her career, Cindy has worked tirelessly as a Special Education teacher, selflessly committing herself to instructing and preparing her students for the future. prgtoken Over the course of her teaching career, Cindy has personally developed and designed various field trips and unique learning opportunities for her students. One of the programs Cindy designed offered students the opportunity to learn to craft rugs, blankets, and other items that would then be sold by the students at trade shows. These types of experiences taught the students not only the values of crafting and hard work, but also the entrepreneurial skills that can define success well beyond the classroom. prgtoken For over 25 years, Cindy coordinated trips to Washington, D.C. for Zeeland Public School students. With her careful attention to every detail involved in these trips, including reservations for hotels and airlines, loading metro passes, and scheduling activities in and around Washington, D.C Cindy created opportunities and lifelong memories for students from all walks of life. prgtoken , Cindy Koedoot spent her life working diligently to educate and mentor the students of Zeeland, Michigan. It is thus fitting and proper that we celebrate her service and dedication here today. I extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Cindy for her decades of selfless service.
IN HONOR OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATAVIAN; AN ONLINE ONLY NEWS SOURCE FOR BATAVIA AND GENESEE COUNTY
Chris Collins (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-5-1

I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of The Batavian, the first online only, local news source for Batavia and Genesee County, New York. prgtoken The Batavian was launched on May 1, 2008, with Howard Owens as publisher and Philip Anselmo as editor, with the goal of providing local residents with timely news and information. Their mission was to ensure that every citizen had a chance to contribute to the community by posting news and opinions about events, whether of local interest or national or international importance. Through these civil discussions, communities can grow stronger. prgtoken Today, over 12,000 people visit the web site each weekday and more than 150 local businesses support it with sponsorships. The Batavian has also been honored by the Inland Press Association, The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and the Business Improvement District, for its success in journalism and contribution to the community. prgtoken I thank The Batavians publisher Howard Owens, current editor Billie Owens and their dedicated staff for their commitment to preserving the mission of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and I congratulate them on achieving a decade of success.