mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5515, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-8-7

I'd like to thank the FY19 NDAA conferees for their hard work on this important piece of legislation. There are many good, important provisions in this bill, including several of my own amendments. However, I am here today to express my disappointment that the Senate provision which would have reinstated penalties against ZTE was stripped out of the final conference report. prgtoken No nation steals American intellectual property or spies on America more than China, and Chinese telecommunication companies are among the most powerful tools they use to do this. In April 2018, the Commerce Department issued a seven-year ban on U.S. companies working with ZTE due to its illegal sales to North Korea and Iran. Following President 's negotiations on trade with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Secretary Wilbur Ross announced an alternative set of penalties that would allow the company to keep operating in the U.S. market. The Senate provision would have required the President to certify that Chinese telecoms had not violated U.S. laws and cooperated with U.S. investigators for a full year before granting relief from civil penalties. prgtoken ZTE is a notorious ``bad actor'' on several policy fronts, and has blatantly violated and ignored U.S. law. The Chinese telecom company is a consistent violator of U.S. intellectual property rights, sued multiple times by U.S. companies for intellectual property violations. The vast majority of these lawsuits have been successful. prgtoken Our intellectual property laws set us apart from the rest of the world. They have been and remain critical to fostering American innovation. As the Administration develops its policies on China and ZTE, it cannot forget that ZTE's rogue behavior with regard to intellectual property is a critical element of the problem and must be addressed in any solution.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. RUSSELL PLATT
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-8-7

today I rise to remember the life of Dr. Russell Platt, age 91, who passed away on August 2, 2018 in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Platt was the first African-American doctor to finish his residency at Akron City Hospital, and he was one of the first African- American doctors in Akron to have an integrated medical practice. His story is truly inspiring. prgtoken Dr. Platt was born on July 10, 1927 in Latta, South Carolina to Francis and Carlie Platt. He prgtoken attended Dillon County Training School, an unaccredited school in Latta for Negroes. He finished his high school education at Voorhees Preparatory School before going to South Carolina State University. There, he studied from 1945 until 1949, majoring in biology and secondary education and minoring in chemistry. Later, Dr. Platt received his master's degree in education from The Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he served in the newly integrated United States Air Force. He studied aviation physiology and quickly rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in Aviation Medicine. In 1960, he graduated and received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. prgtoken After graduating, Dr. Platt moved to Akron, Ohio with his soulmate Barbara to train as a doctor. He knew he would be unable to be a doctor if he remained in South Carolina. Russell resided in Akron for 58 years, practicing medicine there for 51 of those years. Through the course of his career it is estimated that Platt has cared for over 25,000 patients and frequently handed out his personal cellphone number for after-hour emergencies. He was beloved by the community for his service; believing that his work was a calling rather than simply a career. prgtoken Beyond his own practice, Dr. Platt was a proud member of The American Medical Association, The Ohio State Medical Association, The Summit County Medical Association, The American Society of Internal Medicine, and The National Medical Association. He received many honors and accolades through the years. Most recently, Summa Health established the Russell Platt Clerkship, collecting over $10,000 for medical residents. He was selected for the prestigious Crain's Magazine ``Eight over Eighty.'' He was also featured in an article in the Akron Beacon Journal, ``Pioneering Black Doctor Living his calling at 89.'' prgtoken But above all, Dr. Platt was dedicated to his wife and six children. A true family man, he cherished the time spent with them. He is quoted as saying, ``You can't go back. Take care of those kids while you can-- go to their concerts, take them to piano lessons, take them to shows.'' He and his wife Barbara, who passed away in 2012, are survived by six children, Michael and Russell Platt Jr Pamela Potts, Deborah Watters, Renee, Kimberly, and ten grandchildren to carry on their memory. Dr. Russell Platt will leave a lasting impact, and I know he is dearly missed by his family and the greater community of Akron.
CONGRATULATING THE MEMBERS OF MILAN POST 569'S BASEBALL TEAM ON THEIR ADVANCE TO THE ILLINOIS AMERICAN LEGION STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-8-7

I rise today to congratulate Milan Post 569's baseball team for winning the Illinois American Legion third division tournament. prgtoken Milan Post 569's team defeated Oneida Legion Post 727 2-1 to advance to the state tournament for the first time, and I would like to recognize the team for their tremendous accomplishment. The team's dedication and passion for their sport is evident in their quest for victory at the tournament. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. They are an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such talent in our community, and to see them represent Milan throughout the state. prgtoken , I would like to again formally congratulate the Milan Post 569's baseball team on their title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing them every success in the future.
IN RECOGNITION OF CONNIE JACKSON
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-7

I rise to honor Connie Jackson, an extraordinary public servant and tireless advocate for residents for her 15 years as the City Manager for the City of San Bruno, California. She has left her mark on just about every square inch of this Peninsula city of 43,000 people. I have had the great honor to work with Connie during the best and the worst of times. Her moral compass guides her and she is never afraid to take on challenges. I am proud to call Connie Jackson a colleague and good friend. prgtoken Under Connie's capable leadership, San Bruno has not only survived the Great Recession of 2008, it came out stronger on the other side. All city programs and services were intact, the city was financially stronger, and it earned an AA+ credit rating. Connie oversaw San Bruno's completion of an updated General Plan and helped create a long- term vision for a city friendly to residents and businesses. She is particularly proud of the redevelopment of a former Navy site into a housing complex called Village at the Crossing, which provides over 1,000 apartments for individuals and families, including affordable units for senior citizens. She was also instrumental in the redevelopment of The Shops at Tanforan, a large shopping mall frequented by shoppers and diners from all over the Bay Area. prgtoken For over a decade, Connie worked on the planning, design and construction of the CalTrain grade separation and station, offering commuters access to convenient public transportation. Connie oversaw the rebuilding of the entire aging water and wastewater infrastructure, and the building of mixed-use residential and commercial projects downtown and along El Camino Real. One of the elements to her success is her talent to connect the dots and collaborate with other individuals and agencies. prgtoken The ultimate test of her leadership came on September 9, 2010. At 6:11 p.m. that evening, a Pacific Gas and Electric Company natural gas transmission line exploded and tore a giant crater into one of the residential streets. The horrendous explosion and fire killed eight residents, destroyed 38 homes and devastated a neighborhood. Connie, along with other city leaders, fought with everything she had to heal the physical and psychological trauma her community suffered. I closely worked with Connie in the years following the explosion and she never wavered or was afraid to speak truth to power. She demonstrated strong leadership in the initial emergency response, community and recovery efforts, and pipeline safety advocacy. She led the city's work with the National Transportation Safety Board investigation and the proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission. Connie and her colleagues were instrumental in exposing regulatory failures and corruption and in forcing corrections. Due to that work, cities all across the country have safer, improved gas utility infrastructure. prgtoken Connie was also a consoler th
GUN VIOLENCE
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-8-7

I rise today because gun violence claims the lives of more than 90 Americans every day while hundreds of others are injured, many permanently. prgtoken Despite these stark and shocking statistics, this Congress has not held a single vote to prevent gun violence--even though polling shows that more than 90 percent of Americans support commonsense, lifesaving policy changes, like a background check on every gun sale. prgtoken , we--this -controlled Congress--are failing American families by refusing to act and protect their lives. prgtoken Here are the names of many, many Americans that we've failed. prgtoken Americans failed by a Congress too beholden to the NRA to act: Virginia's 10th District 1. Murtada A. Marof 2. Ahmed S. Osman-Ahmed 3. Bao Hung Van 4. Shayna E. Lacy 5. Christopher Prevatt 6. Mala Manwani 7. Rishi Manwani 8. Mario M. Bowles 9. Wilfredo Guardado-Huezo 10. Hong Chen 11. Shirley Zhou 12. James Chen, 16 13. Jose Tomas Velasquez 14. Christina Fisher 15. D'Londre Minifield 16. Eugene Rumsey 17. Andre T. Howell 18. Naomi H. Howell 19. Corey Mattison 20. Officer Chris Campbell 21. Officer Matthew Eggers Pennsylvania's 12th District 22. Marquise Martin, 13 23. Nick Ursiny, 15 24. Jaimill Kenney, 16 25. William Cade Booher, 16 26. Keenan Williams, 16 27. Kasper Martin, 17 28. Donovan Nottingham, 18 29. Dane Mathesius, 18 30. Zackary Cutshall, 19 31. Luke J. Yuzwa, 19 32. Amanda Bennett, 20 33. Akielah Solomon, 20 34. Katelyn ``Kaytee'' Francis, 21 35. Kevin Gibson, 21 36. Kavan Worlds 37. A'Von Perry 38. Rachael DelTondo 39. Antwaiin Lawson 40. Lex Miller 41. Jason Neill 42. John Rosey 43. Diane Rosey 44. Tavion Williamson 45. Dennis Mercadante 46. Eddie Wanamaker 47. Julius Ceccarelli 48. Angela Ceccarelli 49. Cambria County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Dunkleberger 50. Tevin Sitton 51. Tremayne Foster 52. Renae Johnson 53. Dennis Drum Sr. 54. Raghib Dolphin 55. Britteny E. Kyle 56. Tyrell Ferguson 57. Patricia A. Monk 58. Gregory Monk 59. Greg Simmons 60. Justin Simmons 61. Sonya Myers 62. Duane Myers 63. Robert Klein 64. Suzanne Klein 65. Eric Klein 66. Addaleigh A. Huzyak 67. St. Clair Township Police Officer Lloyd Reed 68. Desmond Nowlin 69. Matthew Williams 70. Tyrone Williams 71. Antwan Dash 72. Sharon DeMore 73. Abrianna Kovalcik's newborn 74. Caressa Kovalcik 75. Tony Phillips 76. Lemme McDade 77. Mark McDade 78. Karen Cubba
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NICHOLS, WISCONSIN
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-8-10

today I rise to acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of Nichols, Wisconsin. On September 8, 2018, Nichols will mark this event through its planned Centennial Celebration. The event will focus on the rich history of the village from its inception until today. prgtoken When Mr. Arthur Nichols first observed the land, he was impressed by the location, believing it to be the perfect place for a modern city. The State Highway, Wolf River, and Wisconsin Northern Railroad running near the town made it a prime location for the development of a booming city. Mr. Nichols was a dreamer and when he and several of the early settlers purchased the 160 acres, they thought it would become the hub between Green Bay, Appleton, Clintonville, and Shawano. Nichols quickly had running water, sewage treatment, electricity, and even telephone service. prgtoken Nichols' infrastructure expanded and a bridge was built over the nearby Shioc River. Despite a small population Nichols spirit was immense and its desire to grow was evident. Early residents worked together to establish a church, school, and businesses like a barbershop, laundromat, gas station, and grocery store to fill the needs of the community. prgtoken Growth quickly expanded from infrastructure and business to entertainment. While a football team some may know started in nearby Green Bay in 1919, Nichols residents started a baseball team in 1922, known as the Nichols Nitro's. prgtoken Nichols may be small but is a strong and determined community. Building on its founders, the generations following those settlers continue that strength, determination, and pride in keeping the founders' early motto of being ``the street where old friends meet''. prgtoken I ask that the Members of the House of Representatives join me in commending the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Village of Nichols, Wisconsin. A great place where people have been building relationships and stories for the last 100 years. May it continue this fine tradition for many years to come.
CELEBRATING THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 52ND DAI AL MUTLAQ, HIS HOLINESS DR. SYEDNA MOHAMMED BURHANUDDIN RA, AND THE BIRTHDAY OF THE 53RD AND PRESENT DAI AL MUTLAQ, HIS HOLINESS DR. SYEDNA...
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-8-10

I rise today to celebrate the birth anniversary of the 52nd Dai Al Mutlaq, his holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, and the birthday of the 53rd and present Dai Al Mutlaq, his Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. The Dawoodi Bohras' patriotism and commitment to the United States and their recognition of International Women's Day should serve as an example for all. prgtoken The Dawoodi Bohras mostly reside in India, Pakistan, Africa, Europe, USA, South East Asia and Australia. Their name, `Bohra' comes from the Gujarati word `vehru' which means trader; as the community has always maintained a strong and robust business community. The late Dr. Syedna Burhanuddin RA had a profound impact on this as he unceasingly encouraged his adherents to start their own business. prgtoken In addition to fostering a robust business community, the Bohras are loyal and law-abiding citizens throughout the world. They have maintained cordial relations with all levels of government with an aim to foster harmony and goodwill. They embrace technology and equal opportunities, and consider patriotism a religious obligation. The Dawoodi Bohras are a sect within Shia Islam and follow the seven pillars of Islamism: guardianship of the faith, purity, prayer, alms- giving, fasting, pilgrimage to Mecca and struggle. prgtoken , and distinguished colleagues, please join me in celebrating the birth anniversary of the 52nd Dai Al Mutlaq, his Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA and the birthday of the 53rd and present Dai Al Mutlaq, his Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS and wishing the Dawoodi Bohras a year of peace and prosperity.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MR. VALENTINE ``ROCK'' GRUNDMAN
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-10

I rise today to recognize the incredible contributions and life of Mr. Valentine ``Rock'' Grundman of San Antonio, Texas. prgtoken Rock's service to the United States began in 1957 when he received a commission as an Air Force Judge Advocate General Officer. From there, he served as counsel at the Federal Trade Commission, and as an advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W and . prgtoken Throughout his career, Rock Grundman remained active in the military, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992. During this service, he successfully defended the Secretaries of the Army and the Air Force in the first antitrust case brought against the U.S. Government. For these efforts, he received the Meritorious Service Medal in 1980. While serving in the Air Force Reserves, Rock also served as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas Graduate Business School. prgtoken Rock Grundman lived a life of public service that extended well beyond his career and military service. He was a member of the vestry and senior warden for St. William Laud Episcopal Church and President of the Pittsburg Rotary Club. His leadership and service to his community are truly a testament to the character and spirit of Texas's 23rd Congressional District. prgtoken Rock Grundman passed away on June 13, 2018, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy and family. While we mourn the loss of Rock, his reputation and the values he represented will live on through his family, his friends, and community. I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to Mr. Grundman's family during this difficult time and am proud to recognize all that he did for the great state of Texas and the United States of America.
A HERO AMONG US--A TRIBUTE TO FIRST SERGEANT DAVID H. McNERNEY
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-10

on Veteran's Day, like every year, I started the morning early and headed out to the first of many ceremonies across our district to honor the men and women who have proudly worn the military uniform of the United States. I just love it. I love seeing our veterans, especially the older heroes who seem to exude a kind of pride in their country and their service that only those of that great generation posses. But I found myself looking for a certain face, a certain hero of mine that I look forward to seeing at these events every year. While I kept reminding myself I wouldn't find him this year, I saw everything he represented in the eyes of every veteran I met. prgtoken Longtime Crosby resident, David H. McNerney, was a hero among us. First Sergeant McNerney received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War. While this is enough to impress most anyone, it's only part of the story. McNerney served not one tour of duty, not even two or three tours of duty--he served four combat tours of duty. prgtoken Like some of my other favorite war heroes, McNerney wasn't born in Texas, but got here as fast as he could. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1931, he moved to Houston with his family in high school. After graduating from St. Thomas High School, McNerney enlisted in the Navy. After serving two tours in the Korean War, he was discharged in 1952. prgtoken McNerney gave college a try, enrolling at the University of Houston, but quickly realized his education would come from the battlefield rather than the classroom. In 1953, McNerney enlisted in the United States Army. Shortly after arriving at Fort Bliss, he was stationed in Korea and Okinawa. In 1962 he was sent to Vietnam as one of the first 500 military advisors deployed. prgtoken In 1966, during his third combat tour of duty, he was stationed in the Central Highlands near the Cambodian border as a first sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On the afternoon of March 21, 1967, he and his company were dropped in Polei Doc to recover a missing reconnaissance team. The next morning, they came under heavy attack by the North Vietnamese and were easily outnumber three-to-one. McNerney quickly took the front line and was wounded by a grenade. prgtoken The company commander was killed and without hesitation, and despite being wounded, McNerney took command of the unit. Under intense fire, McNerney took out an enemy machine gun position, but the unit took heavy casualties. In the midst of the chaos, he climbed a tree in plain sight of the North Vietnamese to mark his unit's location before calling in an airstrike within 65 feet of their own position. prgtoken He continued to move throughout the battlefield, pulling the wounded to safety and securing demolition material to clear the area for the medical evacuation helicopters. Despite his own injuries, McNerney refused evacuation and stayed with his men
HONORING TERRY HADLEY OF ADAIR COUNTY, KENTUCKY
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-8-10

I rise today to recognize Magistrate Terry M. Hadley of Adair County in the First District of Kentucky upon his retirement from Duo County Telecom. prgtoken Over the past 37 years, Terry has developed a well-deserved reputation as an expert technician and loyal employee throughout multiple changes in his company's ownership. He is known throughout his community of Columbia, Kentucky for having an excellent rapport with customers and colleagues alike, and his knowledge and experience made him the first choice for customers in need of assistance with their phone, cable, or internet service. prgtoken After retirement, Terry Hadley plans to continue serving his community as a magistrate for Adair County, Kentucky. He also looks forward to spending time with his wife, Rita Hadley, and their children and grandchildren and pursuing his interest in collecting antiques, particularly antique cars. prgtoken I join with Terry's family and friends, as well as all those he has helped during his career, to express our appreciation for his years of service to his community. I am honored to represent him and wish him well in his retirement.
CATCHER'S UNIVERSITY BASEBALL 12U FINISHES SECOND AT THE 2018 NATIONS WORLD SERIES
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-10

I rise today to recognize Catcher's University Baseball 12U team from Katy, TX for winning second place at the 2018 Nations World Series. prgtoken Catcher's University Baseball 12U team, under the coaching of head manager Rick Ruff, capped off a season of 34 wins, 9 losses and 2 ties with a second place finish at the 2018 Nations World Series. Team members T.K. Rollins, Blake Davila, Tanner Reese, Ty Garrett, Myles Jackson, Jackson Cleveland, Pablo Lazcano Jr Jose DeJongh, Christian Jaquay, Kaden Reising, O.D. Denner, Charlie Radley, Aaron Brashear and Drew Leuders are all 11 and 12 years old. Their hard work has brought great pride to our Katy community and will be remembered by many for years to come. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Catcher's University Baseball 12U team from Katy, TX for winning second place at the 2018 Nations World Series. I look forward to seeing what y'all accomplish in the future on and off the field.
HONORING MAYOR TED ELLIS
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-8-10

I rise today to honor Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis who recently announced his retirement after more than two decades of distinguished service. A native of Bluffton, Mayor Ellis has been a fixture in his community for many years. He served nine years on the Wells County Council before being elected Mayor in 1995. prgtoken Mayor Ellis is one of the longest serving mayors in Indiana history and is known for his commitment to his community and the Hoosier state. In fact, the Governor of Indiana recognized Mayor Ellis' contributions by naming him a ``Sagamore of the Wabash,'' Indiana's highest civilian honor. Mayor Ellis also was honored by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns with the Russell Lloyd Award for his ``outstanding contributions to local government.'' prgtoken I want to congratulate Mayor Ellis, his wife Marge, and his family on an exceptional career and I wish him an enjoyable retirement.