mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING CASS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-6-5

every community has peace officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities, and we don't say thank you nearly often enough. prgtoken Today I rise to recognize four very special school resource deputies of the Cass County Sheriff's Office who have been given the Model Agency Award, which is the top honor that is given by the National Association of School Resource Officers. prgtoken This award recognizes the work of law enforcement officers who promote safer schools and safer children, and they singled out the Cass County program as ``a shining example of the school resource officers program.'' prgtoken The deputies work with students at Kindred, Maple Valley, Central Cass, Northern Cass, and Mapleton Elementary Schools. Supervised by Sergeant Tim Briggeman and under the command of Captain Jesse Jahner, the deputies are Jason Scott, Joe Crawford, Chris Potter, and Dan Hermann. Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney calls these officers the ``best of the best.'' prgtoken On behalf of all North Dakotans, I congratulate them and thank Sheriff Laney and his entire staff for the high bar of excellence they deliver in serving all the citizens of Cass County.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-6-5

. Now, on another matter, , the Senate took a major step forward on behalf of our national defense. After years of harmful spending caps undermining the combat readiness of our armed services, we brokered a 2-year spending agreement that included the largest year-on-year increase in defense funding in 15 years. This significant accomplishment laid out a roadmap to deliver on the promises we make to our warfighters. Now it is time to take the next step and authorize the programs that are most needed. That is why the Senate will soon be turning to the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken Each year, reviewing the President's budget request provides an opportunity to hear directly from our Nation's military leaders about their needs. Months of hearings and markups allow Congress to direct resources and authorize programs, equipping our brave service men and women to confront emerging challenges. prgtoken The Armed Services Committee should be commended for their earnest, bipartisan work this year. The legislation they have produced is strong. prgtoken Following our agreement that eliminated harmful and arbitrary caps on defense spending, this legislation will add to the process of untying our commanders' hands. It authorizes $716 billion for national defense, enough for the Department of Defense to implement the national defense strategy and replenish and modernize America's fighting forces--as long as we meet our overall responsibility and pass the Defense appropriations bill later this year. prgtoken This authorization would expand our capabilities on the sea and in the air, provide long-term certainty and support for our All-Volunteer Force, renew oversight efforts, streamline personnel management, modernize acquisitions, and eliminate duplicative and wasteful programs. It sends a clear message that we have our warfighters' backs. How fitting, then, that it is named for our colleague, Senator McCain-- a stalwart champion for our service men and women if this Chamber has ever seen one. prgtoken I look forward to discussing this legislation at length in the coming days.
NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL ROUTE ADJUSTMENT ACT
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-6-5

I want to thank the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands and my cosponsor, the lead sponsor, Mr. Nolan. I also want to thank Chairman Bishop. prgtoken Chairman Bishop, I want to thank you as well. You did something for us in Vermont with the Missisquoi River, and everything is working out. You had your same skepticism of certain agencies, but Vermonters are very grateful. You helped us then, and you are helping us now. prgtoken I will take issue with a little thing you said. You presented the fact that this is going to go into Vermont. I heard it as an afterthought. I may be a little sensitive, but the whole point of walking 4,600 miles is to get to Vermont. That is what it is about. prgtoken This is covering all these States, starting up in the Plains and coming around that bog hopefully, and it is going to connect up to the Appalachian Trail that not only runs through Vermont, Mr. Nolan, but runs by my house. I am going to wave to you next year when you have the time of being a retired Member of Congress and you are marching across that trail, when you get to Vermont, we are going to say hello and invite you in. prgtoken The points you made are true. The economic benefit of this is really substantial. It gets people out and around and into the communities. The spin-off economic benefit is very substantial. In Vermont, our whole trail system, which we are very proud of, as I note you are in Minnesota, we estimate that about one in seven Vermont jobs depends on outdoor recreation, about 51,000 jobs and about $5.5 billion in consumer spending. And that is a big deal. prgtoken The other point you alluded to is something I really think is important. It is good for the bottom line, but it is good for the soul: the camaraderie, the family participation, the connection that people have to where they live and the beauty of where it is they live. prgtoken It is interesting you have got sponsors from all of the States through which this trail goes, and it didn't matter if it was or because all of us have so much engagement with our citizens and ourselves where they have a sense of place in that location where the trail goes through their land, and they get out there, like you say, with the chain saws, and the amount of volunteer work that goes into making these trails passable in winter and summer is extraordinary. prgtoken So this whole effort on this trail and in all of our trails is something that I think Congress should be doing as much of as it possibly can. It is good for the economy, it is good for the heart, and it is good for the soul. prgtoken This is very, very important to us in Vermont. The Appalachian Trail goes through part of Vermont. The Green Mountain Corridor goes through all of Vermont, and we have a number of other trails that sometimes link up with snowmobile byways, some of which go across the land my wife and I own. And your legislation I think is building on a very,
Tribute to Dennis Williams (Executive Calendar)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-6-5

the history of the United Auto Workers is at the heart of what has made the United States a global economic powerhouse. It is tied to the growth of the thriving manufacturing sector and the birth of the American middle class. prgtoken Dennis Williams, UAW president since 2014, is a strong contributor to this history. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to American workers and a clear eye toward the future. Since the union's formation in 1935, UAW members have stood together to ensure that their hard work is met with fair wages, safe workplaces, and reasonable hours. For over 80 years, the voice of the UAW has amplified the voice of the American worker. Dennis Williams is a champion of keeping this voice strong in the 21st century. prgtoken Williams joined UAW Local 806 as a salvage welder in 1977, following his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. There, he started his long path of elected union leadership and served as chairman of the Bargaining Committee. In the coming years, Williams would rise to the positions of international representative, Region 4 assistant director, and Region 4 director. In 2010, UAW members elected him as secretary-treasurer, followed by the presidency in 2014. prgtoken No matter what position Williams undertook during his decades of UAW leadership, he always stayed true to his roots. After becoming UAW president, he prioritized visiting union plants and locals to engage with members directly. He stated: ``I love the smell of black coffee and the smoke of the factory and walking up to UAW members and saying, `brother' or `sister'.'' prgtoken His passion for everything the UAW stands for, along with his businesslike approach to tough decisions, enabled Williams to take on some difficult challenges during his presidency. prgtoken Just as Williams started in his role, Michigan--home to around one- third of UAW members--had recently become a so-called right-to-work State. Michigan is now one of 28 States with policies designed to undermine union participation and workers' rights to collective bargaining. Despite tides of State and Federal anti-worker efforts, Williams remained practical and optimistic about overcoming any challenges that came the UAW's way. He emphasized the importance of sitting down and talking through issues rather than resorting to confrontation. prgtoken Williams was steadfast about not giving up on organizing, and he has actively pursued new approaches to organizing that would keep the UAW strong in the future. His strategy has definitely paid off. During Williams' tenure, he successfully fought for the establishment of local unions at Volkswagen and Mercedes locations in the United States and for casino workers in Las Vegas. Under Williams' leadership, UAW membership has increased by almost 7 percent--over 27,000 new members-- between 2014 and 2017. The growth rate and membership over this past year has been the highest in a 1-year period since 2
VOTE EXPLANATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-5

I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 112, on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Robert Earl Wier, of Kentucky, to be United States district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 113, on the nomination of Robert Earl Wier, of Kentucky, to be United States district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Had I been present, I would have voted yea. prgtoken , I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 114, on the motion to prgtoken invoke cloture on the nomination of Fernando Rodriguez, Jr of Texas, to be United States district judge for the Southern District of Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted yea.
CAMP NELSON HERITAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2018-6-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 5655 designates the Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument in Kentucky to preserve the historic resources of Camp Nelson and its role in the American Civil War. prgtoken Camp Nelson was founded and constructed by Major General Ambrose Burnside. The camp served as a supply depot for the Union Army during the Civil War and supported frontline efforts against the Confederacy. Camp Nelson was different from other military outposts because it was one of the largest recruitment and training centers for African American soldiers during the Civil War. In fact, thousands of slaves who fled to the camp with their families later enlisted to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. prgtoken , I support passage of this legislation. Having no further speakers, .
HONORING ANSHE SHOLOM SISTERHOOD
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-6-5

I rise to honor the Anshe Sholom Sisterhood. It is my privilege to recognize their dedication to Anshe Sholom and the wider community as they celebrate 101 years of incredible work. prgtoken The earliest mention of the Sisterhood was in 1917, when it was called the Ladies Aid Society. From its inception, the Sisterhood has been concerned with the health and well-being of the New Rochelle Community. During the Second World War, the Sisterhood established and ran the first kosher kitchen for Jewish soldiers stationed at Fort Slocum, now known as David's Island. They also provided the free inoculations against polio and had organized blood drives. prgtoken Over the years, the Sisterhood has raised money for Anshe Sholom by hosting guest lecturers, art auctions, fashion shows, bazaars, card parties, charity dinners, and trips to Jewish Museums. Their work supports the Rabbi's discretionary fund and has helped finance renovations to the synagogue. prgtoken The Sisterhood also arranges the annual Passover Seder, assists with the community sukkah every year, with Succot dinners and Shavuot lunches, and provides gifts for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. They are always available to help community members in need, visiting the sick and homebound, delivering food to those in need, and providing Shiva meals for the bereaved. prgtoken The Sisterhood has always been willing to support the work of the congregation, whether through direct financial help to the synagogue, helping hands to a family in need, or donations to community organizations feeding the hungry. prgtoken Over a century of work could only be achieved and sustained by individuals who are truly dedicated to their synagogue and community. I am proud to recognize the leadership of the Anshe Sholom Sisterhood and their remarkable dedication and hard work.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. HUMPHREY DON GERMANIUK, MD, AP FP
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-6-5

today I rise to remember the life of Dr. Humphrey Don Germaniuk, 64, who passed away on Friday, April 20, 2018. prgtoken Humphrey was born on February 4, 1954 on Staten Island, New York City to Ukrainian immigrants Onufriji and Neonila Germaniuk. Growing up, Humphrey played in a rock and roll band that performed all throughout New York City. His band, Timeless, had gained such a large, dedicated following that they captured the attention of Capitol Records, and began recording with the label. At the age of 19, Humphrey took his first steps toward what would become a distinguished career in forensic medicine by volunteering with the Manhattan Medical Examiner's Office under the guidance of renowned physician Dr. Milton Helpern. prgtoken Humphrey studied Biology at Wagner College on Staten Island, and graduated in 1975. After graduation, he had the amazing opportunity to travel to Italy and obtain a dual Ph.D. and M.D. from the University of Rome. In 1984, he returned to the United States with a deep affection and appreciation for his Italian hosts and their Italian culture. Upon his return; Humphrey began his professional medical career at The Ohio State University, where he completed a residency in pathology in 1988. Following his residency, he held a Fellowship in Forensic Medicine at the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office in Florida and became certified as a Forensic Pathologist. After his certification, he served as an associate Medical Examiner for Onondaga County, New York for five years. Then in 1994, Humphrey was selected to serve as Deputy Chief prgtoken of the Washington, D.C. Medical Examiner's Office. prgtoken While in Washington, Humphrey built a national reputation as an authority in forensic medicine; honing his craft by performing thousands of autopsies and testifying in hundreds of capital trials, both in District and Federal Court. At the same time, Humphrey was able to keep his academic career alive by writing numerous articles on forensics, and also lecturing on various medical and legal aspects of death investigations as an adjunct professor at Georgetown and George Washington Schools of Law. By 1998, Humphrey was serving as Chief Medical Examiner of the Nation's Capital. prgtoken Despite receiving many accolades for his management of the Washington, D.C. Medical Examiner's Office, the professional demands of his position took a toll on him. Humphrey chose to return to Ohio after his time in Washington, and accepted a position as Assistant Coroner to Trumbull County. Humphrey described the change of scenery as a ``priceless opportunity'' to reconnect with what mattered most in his life, and he became the first certified Forensic Pathologist to serve the county. prgtoken In 2008, Humphrey found himself in politics for the first time as he successfully ran for his first term as Trumbull County Coroner. Over the next 10 years, until his death, Humphrey helped build the office into
Refugee Crisis (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-5

history is a great teacher, if you learn your history. The history of the United States, when it comes to refugees, is a checkered history. prgtoken Back during World War II, there were people who came to the borders of the United States and begged for our mercy, begged for our help. Nine hundred of them were on a ship called the SS St. Louis. They were Jews who came from Europe seeking refuge in the United States from the Nazis. Sadly, the United States turned them away. Several hundred of them were forced back to Europe and died in the Holocaust. On the floor of this U.S. Senate, a ic Senator from New York, prgtoken Robert Wagner, offered a measure to allow 10,000 Jewish children to come to the United States during World War II and escape the possibility of imprisonment and death during World War II in the Holocaust. That measure was defeated on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Those children were denied refuge in the United States. prgtoken Toward the end of the war, things started changing. Our policies became more open. We started accepting more people, but the record had been written. During the darkest days of World War II, the United States virtually closed its borders to those who were trying to escape Nazi terror. prgtoken After World War II, we decided we were wrong, that we had made a mistake, and that the United States would demonstrate to the world that we did care about those who came to the United States as refugees and those who came from other countries seeking asylum. We wrote an amazing history after World War II. When you think of the many different nations that turned to us when they faced the worst circumstances imaginable, you think about what happened in the United States. prgtoken The Cuban population escaping communism in Cuba, where did they come? They came here, and you can still find them. You can find them all over the United States but especially in Florida, near Miami, in New Jersey--but everywhere. The Cuban Americans have made an amazing contribution to this country. They came as refugees, but they became real Americans. In fact, they love this country so much so that I believe three of our Members of the U.S. Senate are Cuban Americans today. prgtoken That is quite a story, but it is not the only story about refugees coming to this country. You could add to that litany of people who came the Vietnamese after the end of the war in Vietnam, the Soviet Jews who escaped persecution in Russia to come to the United States, and the list is long. It includes refugees from all over the world who came to this country. prgtoken Now, we don't just open our doors and say: Walk in and make yourself at home. We ask questions. We do background checks. We do everything we can to be sure the person coming is the person they say they are and that they will be safe for the United States. prgtoken Over the years, the number of refugees we accepted on an annual basis went up to
COMMEMORATING THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIANANMEN SQUARE MASSACRE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-6-5

I rise today in remembrance of the 1989 massacre in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. prgtoken Today marks the 29th anniversary of what is deemed to be the greatest challenge to the communist state in China since the 1949 revolution. prgtoken We pause to remember the hundreds of civilians who risked their lives for democracy on June 4, 1989 and gave the last full measure of devotion in service to the cause of freedom. prgtoken The Chinese army shot unarmed civilians, mostly students, who participated in a 7-week peaceful protest to urge for democratic reform in the midst of widespread government corruption. prgtoken Local residents who did not engage in the protests but assisted injured protestors likewise were mercilessly shot. prgtoken The inhumane violence and slaughter of innocent citizens shocked the world. prgtoken President strongly condemned the use of force, and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said that she was appalled by the massacre. prgtoken As the leading country of the free world and international community the United States has always promoted democratic governance and economic liberty as its key pillars. prgtoken Our enduring and unyielding commitment to democracy and peace makes it imperative for us to remember the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre and continually rebuke the use of violence by governmental actors against peaceful protesters whenever and wherever it happens.
Making Progress Together (Executive Calendar)
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-6-5

I am so proud to be here. This is my first time speaking on the Senate floor, and because I represent the great State of Minnesota, I thought I would do the polite thing and start out by properly introducing myself. prgtoken I came to Minnesota right out of business school, just married, with my husband Archie, in a beat-up orange car, and with a ton of student loans. Most people who have never been to Minnesota know us for our weather, but we have a thriving business community with a number of Fortune 500 companies, and I got my start working for one of them: General Mills. prgtoken The winters were every bit as cold as we had heard, but Archie and I fell in love with Minnesota anyway and, before long, we put down roots. We have two sons, Sam and Mason, and instead of just building a career, suddenly we were building a life. prgtoken I am so glad Archie and my dad Harlan, whose 88th birthday is this Saturday, could come to Washington to cheer me on today. prgtoken So that is the story of how I became a Minnesotan. The story of how I wound up in the Senate really starts in 1990. I had left General Mills and started a small business that I ran out of our house. Sam was 3, Mason was 1. It was a busy, exciting, and happy time for us. prgtoken My parents had raised me to believe that if you are truly going to be part of a community, it is not enough to just pay your taxes and keep your lawn nice and say hi at the grocery store. You have to find a way to get involved in civic life. When I was young, they had been involved in local politics. So I looked around the community, where Archie and I had decided to raise our kids, and saw we had a State senator who was really out of touch with the values my neighbors and I shared. Not only that, but there was a young, energetic candidate running against her, and he had young kids, just like we did. prgtoken In those days, campaigns tended to put their focus on traditional neighborhoods with single-family homes. I guess the idea was that if you own your own home, that probably means you are old enough to be likely to vote and invested enough in your community to really care about what is happening, but a lot of my neighbors lived in apartment buildings, and they had a lot to say about how they thought things were going, and frankly they were kind of tired of being ignored. As I have always seen it, if you really listen to people, you will find that everybody has a story worth hearing, everybody has a problem that is worth working to solve, and when it comes to making big decisions in the community, everybody deserves a seat at the table. prgtoken So I packed up the stroller with Sam and Mason, and we went off to organize in the apartment buildings. People were surprised to see me, but I had a great time. I got to know my neighbors, asked a lot of questions, listened to their answers, and we built relationships. The guy I was organizing for became the first De