mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MENTOR MONTH AT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-2-2

today I rise to recognize National Mentor Month and the impact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has had on the youth in our community. prgtoken Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida facilitates one-on-one mentorship opportunities to provide short and long-term impact in the life of a child. Providing these relationships gives children a friend, someone to call on in times of trouble, and someone to love on them and show them endless opportunity all while having a good time. prgtoken This organization is unique in that the Bigs also benefit from the program as they watch their Little grow, learn, and inspire to achieve. There is no greater privilege than to watch a child grow and develop into the best version of themselves. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida provides the necessary opportunities to allow this development to be achieved through mentor relationships. prgtoken I would like to extend my gratitude to all the Bigs who have taken upon themselves to mentor a Little and to exhibit endless opportunity and compassion. I am deeply motivated by these individuals. I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers who work many hours to pair these individuals with the best possible match. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the outstanding Big Brothers Big Sisters organization prgtoken for their success in inspiring and cultivating extraordinary mentor relationships within our community.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE NORTHEAST TARRANT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-2-2

I rise today to pay tribute to the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce as it marks 60 years of service to the North Texas community. prgtoken The Northeast Tarrant Chamber works diligently to connect area business leaders, local city administrators, Tarrant County representatives, elected government officials and area non-profits to aid the growth and advancement of economic development in Northeast Tarrant County. prgtoken Established in 1957 as the Haltom Richland Chamber, this organization has enjoyed significant growth in the span of its service. The Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce has a rich legacy of dedication to its members. In fact, eight of its members have been a part of the Chamber for more than 50 years. Just last month, it reached a milestone of 1,000 members. prgtoken Over the last 60 years, the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce has achieved a long list of accomplishments. For example, the Chamber has honored more than 500 local Hometown Heroes from area non-profit and community organizations who give their time and efforts to serve their Northeast Tarrant County neighbors. Additionally, it has awarded more than 200 annual scholarships to area high school seniors totaling over $200,000 in scholarship money distributed to deserving students, and has educated and graduated over 500 Leadership Northeast participants. prgtoken There is no doubt that the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce leaders and members have made meaningful contributions to their communities and the North Texas region, and I am grateful for their steadfast service.
RECOGNIZING THE FULTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-2-2

I rise today to recognize the brave and selfless actions of members of the Fulton, New York Fire Department. prgtoken On December 17, 2017, Fulton Firefighters Terry Recore, Allan Baker, and Assistant Chief Shane Laws responded to an incident at the Oswego River in which two individuals had become trapped when attempting to save a dog that had fallen through the ice and into the river. prgtoken A man and woman saw a dog drowning, and acted immediately. Both the man and woman entered the water and hoisted the dog into a kayak. However, the pair was then unable to return to shore. Wearing ice suits, Firefighters Terry Recore and Allan Baker helped get the woman and dog out of the freezing water. Assistant Chief Shane Laws threw a rope to the man who in the water and returned the group to shore. prgtoken I have the utmost respect for our fire fighters and first responders. I thank them for the long hours, for charging into danger, and for putting their lives on the line to keep us safe each and every day. They guard our cities, protect our towns, and make our communities better.
PROCLAMATION OF LIBERTY AND VIRTUE ON BEHALF OF HOMEMAKERS FOR AMERICA
Diane Black (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-2-2

I would like to include the following into the Record. Declaration of Mothers: A Proclamation and a Pledge for the Preservation of Liberty & Virtue As the mothers and primary Makers of the Homes of America-- the molders the future of our nation--we declare that the liberty and freedom of all people begin in the home and that a nation is but a magnified home. The values and virtues taught within the family will determine the values and virtues of the nation as a whole. We recognize the sacred role of mother as the heart of the home and home as the heart of society. The liberty of each individual begins in the home and parents are, first and foremost the primary teachers and protectors of their children in a free society. Properly constructed social, religious, and governmental institutions are designed to support and strengthen the family unit not replace it or regulate it. No association or government organization can replace the family no matter how well-intentioned or well- designed it may be. The privilege of living as a free people in a free society is dependent on being a people of faith, virtue and patriotism--the three pillars of liberty--and these attributes are best developed and nurtured in the home. Each generation has a responsibility to instill a love of liberty and virtue in the heads of the next generation. We affirm that ``All men and women are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights and to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, [receiving] their just powers from the consent of the governed.'' To secure the blessings of liberty, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America created a written constitution under the inspiration of Almighty God. The preservation of this sacred document and trust is dependent upon each generation, who bears the stewardship of safeguarding the constitution and teaching their children the rights and responsibilities associated with the noble cause of liberty and keeping the Republic. Every individual is born with intrinsic dignity that is inherent to each member of the human race. All men and women have the right to liberty, self-determination and self- governance. The individual's responsibility of work, education, and industry are crucial elements of self- governance in society and the preservation of human dignity. The rights of a free people are protected and preserved through honorable, virtuous, leadership which invokes the nobility inherent in all men and women. Successful leaders in the home and family govern by correct principles, teach by example and stand for self-evident truths and liberty sustaining principles. As the lessons of
CELEBRATING THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S CENTENNIAL YEAR
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-2-2

I rise today to join the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce in celebrating its 100th anniversary. prgtoken The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce was founded by local business leaders in 1918 and has been making Saratoga County a great place to live, work, and play ever since. Comprised of over 2,700 businesses, the Chamber has experienced great success in fulfilling its mission of initiating and providing programs and services in support of its members and Saratoga County as a whole. prgtoken The Chamber celebrated its centennial year at its annual dinner on January 25, 2018, where nearly 1,000 members and supporters attended. At the event, the 2017 Chair of the Board, David Collins, was thanked for his year of volunteer leadership and the incredible contributions he has made that have fostered growth in Saratoga County. For its 100th year, the Chamber also began a new tradition of presenting the Joe Dalton Community Service Award, named after a longtime leader of the Chamber. The award was presented to Steve ``Sully'' Sullivan, owner of The Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows Inn & Conference Center, for his extensive efforts in assisting those in need in the community. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and its dedicated leaders and members as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. I would also like to thank them for their years of hard work. I look forward to hearing about the Chamber's successes in Saratoga County in the years to come.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-2-5

today I wish to honor Wyoming Supreme Court Justice William U. Hill. prgtoken After serving over 19 years on the judicial bench, Justice Hill is retiring from the Wyoming Supreme Court on February 16, 2018. As an outstanding jurist and public servant, he dedicated his life to serving the people of Wyoming. Justice Hill's wisdom and unwavering dedication to the law has had a tremendous impact on our State. prgtoken Justice Hill has deep roots in Wyoming. He was raised in Riverton, WY. In 1970, he earned his B.A. in English from the University of Wyoming. Justice Hill graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1974. Throughout his successful career, he held several important positions in the government. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney, an assistant attorney general for Wyoming, and attorney general for Wyoming. In addition, he worked as the chief of staff and chief counsel in Washington, DC, for U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop. Justice Hill also worked in private practice in Cheyenne, WY; Riverton, WY; and Seattle, WA. prgtoken On November 3, 1998, Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer appointed Justice Hill to the Wyoming Supreme Court. He was elected as the 44th chief justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court in 2002. During his 4 years as chief justice, he oversaw the administrative responsibilities of the Wyoming court system, as well as ran the scheduling, case assignments, and court proceedings. Justice Hill also served as chairman of the judicial nominating commission and chairman of the board of judicial policy and administration. He demonstrated great leadership and distinction in each of these significant roles. prgtoken Supreme Court Justices can have a lasting impact on a State and its future. Justice Hill leaves a legacy of consistency and fidelity to the law. He always strived to uphold justice and ensure a fair judgment in every case. prgtoken His decisions and opinions show respect for due process and strict adherence to the law. Justice Hill is a mentor and inspiration to Wyoming's legal community. He enjoys sharing his experiences and his passion for the legal profession with students and individuals just entering the legal field. prgtoken Justice Hill earned a reputation for being a hard worker and a thorough decisionmaker. Anyone fortunate enough to work with him speaks highly of his character and his drive. He respects the rule of law and our foundational legal principles. Justice Hill has consistently shown his commitment to justice and upholding the Constitution. prgtoken He has also been a recipient of several prestigious honors throughout his successful career. In 2017, he received the Larry L. Lehman Award for Judicial Excellence presented by the Wyoming State Bar. The award is named in honor of Justice Lehman for his efforts to improve the operation of the Wyoming court system and to provide greater access to justice for all Wyoming citizens. Justice Hill was also inducte
REMEMBERING ELDER VON G. KEETCH
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-2-5

I would like to honor the memory of a dear mentor and friend, Elder Von G. Keetch, who passed away suddenly on January 26 at the age of 57. prgtoken Elder Keetch was a brilliant attorney who used his gifts in the service of God. prgtoken As chief outside counsel and public affairs director to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Keetch had the immense responsibility of representing his faith in the public square. prgtoken As an ardent supporter of religious freedom, he also had the privilege of defending others' ability to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. ``Religious liberty is a God-given right,'' Elder Keetch said. ``It is essential to all men and women exercising their agency and learning to choose between right and wrong.'' prgtoken Elder Keetch had deep respect for our constitutional rights because of his profession, but as a man of faith, he knew that conversions of the heart occur through personal encounters. prgtoken Mindful of this truth, Elder Keetch strove to imitate Jesus Christ in all aspects of his life. He encouraged his fellow Christians to do the same, even during contentious public debates. ``Ask yourself how you can best teach and defend the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ while also showing love, kindness, and understanding,'' he wrote. prgtoken Elder Keetch was born in Provo and lived for much of his life in Utah. prgtoken He earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and his law degree from BYU's law school. prgtoken During this period, he clerked at the Supreme Court for Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Antonin Scalia, where he worked on pivotal religious liberty cases such as Employment Division v. Speech, 1990. prgtoken As he came up through the ranks, Elder Keetch caught the attention of prominent legal minds, including my father, Rex Lee, who mentored him during law school. prgtoken Years later, Elder Keetch would return the favor by mentoring another young BYU law student--me. prgtoken I still remember the enthusiasm that Elder Keetch brought to his class on the First Amendment. He wanted to impress upon his students the importance of these old court decisions to our lives. prgtoken At least in my case--and I am sure in countless others--he succeeded. prgtoken After Elder Keetch graduated from law school, he could have worked at his choice of law firms in Washington, DC, or New York. Instead, after prayerful consideration, he returned to Utah to work at Kirton McConkie, a law firm that works closely with the LDS Church. prgtoken Soon, Elder Keetch was an advocate in some of the highest profile public debates of our time, defending religious liberty against coercion and the institution of marriage against attempts to redefine it. prgtoken At the same time, Elder Keetch was called to positions of leadership within the LDS Church. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of the Church on April 4, 2015. <|p|
UKRAINE CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION ACT OF 2017
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-2-5

I rise in support of H.R. 1997--the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act--offered by our Foreign Affairs Committee colleague from Pennsylvania, Brenden Boyle. prgtoken This bill focuses on how the U.S. and Ukraine can work together to address cyber threats and how the U.S. can help improve Ukraine's domestic cybersecurity capabilities. prgtoken But it also serves as a reminder to this body, and especially to this administration, that we need to work to improve our own cybersecurity defenses and we need to hold those who target us accountable. prgtoken , the events in Ukraine that spurred the necessity for Mr. Boyle's bill were a harbinger of things to come for the United States. prgtoken Ahead of the 2014 Presidential elections in Ukraine, Russian or pro- Russian elements hacked into Ukraine's Central Election Commission in a series of attacks in an attempt to undermine the results and stir up unrest throughout the country. prgtoken Then in December 2015, Putin-backed hackers attacked Ukraine's infrastructure, compromising three energy distribution companies, leaving nearly a quarter of a million people without electricity for several hours. prgtoken Imagine being without electricity during this period, when the daily average high temperature in Ukraine in December is below freezing. prgtoken Those were not the last of the attacks against Ukraine orchestrated by Putin. prgtoken But they were, perhaps, practice runs for what Putin had planned for the U.S. and others. prgtoken Because true to form, Putin then targeted the U.S. electoral system in 2016 the same way he targeted Ukraine's in 2014. prgtoken This is not in dispute--yet for whatever reason, we were ill prepared to prevent it, and the administration has been deficient in our response to hold this meddling accountable. prgtoken So while I fully support this measure and I urge my colleagues to do the same, I also urge my colleagues and the administration to take action against the totality of Russia's illicit activity aimed at us and our like-minded allies.
HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE TOWN OF MEXICO, MAINE FOR THEIR BICENTENNIAL
Bruce Poliquin (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-2-5

I rise today to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Mexico, Maine. Mexico is a small mill town, full of hardworking Mainers with a strong, community-minded spirit. prgtoken Since its settlement in 1780 and incorporation as a town on February 13, 1818, Mexico has proved to be a friendly and welcoming town, supporting and fostering freedom and prgtoken independence. The name ``Mexico'' flows from its residents' admiration for the country of Mexico, and its struggle and separation from Spanish domination. An active military town, Mexico sent over 80 of its very own to fight with the Union Army during the Civil War. Notable individuals such as Chummy Broomhall, a World War II soldier, American cross country skier. and Olympian, and the Hon. Charles Walton, former Maine lawyer and United States Congressman hail from Mexico, Maine. prgtoken Today, the legacy of these and other honorable citizens thrives in Mexico. It is a growing town, hosting a branch of the University of Maine system, a technology school, and an adult learning center. Countless convenience stores, mini malls, and more are becoming increasingly common in the town. Each year, Mexico's ponds, lakes, golf courses, and ski areas attract hundreds of tourists to the area and showcase some of Maine's best natural resources and beauty. prgtoken We are so proud to have Mexico in the heart of our Great State of Maine, and I am honored to serve in the United States Congress on behalf of its citizens. The town is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. As we celebrate Mexico's Bicentennial, we look forward to many more years of tradition and vibrant growth in the town. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the 200th anniversary of the Town of Mexico, Maine, and wishing its residents the very best in the years to come.
UKRAINE CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION ACT OF 2017
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-2-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we are here to talk about Ukraine and the U.S.-Ukraine cyber cooperation. Ukraine, of course, is on the front lines of digital combat as we have learned. Few countries have endured as great a level of cyber invasion and aggression as has Ukraine at the hands of Russia and at the hands of other malicious actors as well. prgtoken I led a delegation of four and four s into the east, into Dnipropetrovsk in the Donbass region, and we had an opportunity to hear about what is being done to try to tear that country apart. prgtoken This is in addition to the invasion in the east, the occupation of the east. This is the farthest east one can go in Ukraine today, and you can see the struggle that everyday people are having with the disinformation campaign launched against them relentlessly. As President Poroshenko said, ``Cyberspace has turned into another battlefield for state independence,'' and that is so true for Ukraine. prgtoken Their struggle to defend their independence and their territorial integrity from Russian aggression extends far beyond the armed conflict of the occupation of its territory. In 2014, hackers targeted Ukraine's electoral infrastructure just days before its presidential election. The following year, a malicious cyber intrusion shut down the country's electric grid, turning off the lights and turning off the heat in the dead of winter. prgtoken Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including its national railway system, its major stock exchanges, and its busiest airport, have been repeatedly targeted by sophisticated cyber attacks. prgtoken Most of these continuing assaults have been identified by experts as Russian in origin. By working with the government in Kiev, we can better prepare ourselves as well as our friends in partner countries against similar aggression, including combating Russian disinformation efforts that rely heavily on disseminating propaganda. That propaganda poses as legitimate news. prgtoken So this bill will enhance our cooperation with Ukraine in addressing shared cyber challenges, including cybercrime and the protection of critical infrastructure. prgtoken Modern society requires an internet worldwide that is open, that is reliable, that is secure, which can only be ensured if all those who seek to preserve it join forces to defeat those who wish to destroy it. prgtoken , .
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-2-5

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.