mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING BUCKS COUNTY WOMEN'S ADVOCACY GROUP
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-7-26

today, I was proud to welcome the youth of the Bucks County Women's Advocacy Coalition, a group of students dedicated to securing and safeguarding the rights of women and children. As teenagers, they are uniquely positioned, as their futures are shaped by laws passed today. They recognize that change comes only through collaboration and working across the aisle, and rightfully expect their elected officials to be problem solvers. prgtoken One issue these teenagers are passionate about--and one which I am proud to stand with them--is sound, bipattisan gun violence prevention. By advocating for sensible legislation that protects our schools, homes, and workplaces in Bucks County from senseless tragedies, these young citizens are truly serving their community in a meaningful way. prgtoken I am proud to work alongside Leah Porter, Kyra Kendrick, Sophia Rubin, and Clarissa Rubin to fight for a fairer, safer, and more inclusive nation and world.
HONORING HOWARD ``REED'' HERITAGE
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Howard ``Reed'' Heritage, who passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2018. prgtoken Reed was born and raised in the town of Richwood, New Jersey. Reed was part of the first class at nearby Clearview High School and later graduated from Delaware Valley College. In the early part of the 1970s, Reed moved to California, where he would go to work on behalf of the California Farm Bureau. As an advocate for one of California's largest industries, Reed represented farmers and sought solutions to the many challenges that impacted their businesses. prgtoken When he was not working on behalf of California farmers, Reed loved to cheer on his favorite sports teams--including the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants. Reed was also a big fan of the Olympic Games and traveled to watch the games in person in Athens, Beijing, Atlanta, Montreal, Los Angeles, and Sydney. Traveling to new cities throughout Europe and Asia was one of Reed's favorite past times. prgtoken I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Reed's family and friends, who I know will deeply miss him.
RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING CAPTAIN MARKO BROZ FOR HIS SERVICE WITH THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-7-26

it's my honor to recognize Captain Marko Broz for his service as Sector Commander at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie. Through his exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion, Captain Broz has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken For the last two years, Captain Broz has served as Sector Commander in Sault Sainte Marie, where he oversaw all Coast Guard missions on Lake Superior, northern Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and all surrounding waterways. Under his leadership, the USCG worked to prevent ecological harm, clear winter ice for shipping, and allow the public to safely enjoy the waterways of Michigan's First District. His work has been critical to protecting the Great Lakes and promoting the livelihoods of Michiganders and Americans everywhere. prgtoken Captain Broz assumed duties as Sector Commander in June of 2016 after previously serving as Deputy. Prior to his work in Michigan, Captain Broz served as the Coast Guard liaison to Naval Surface Warfare (N86), intelligence and joint positions at Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Joint Interagency Task Force--South, and as a Senior Duty Officer at the White House Situation Room. Additionally, Broz served eight years at sea in New Jersey, Guam, and Mississippi. He is a 1994 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy where he earned a Bachelor's of Science Management and a Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Captain Broz will officially retire and be relieved by Captain Patrick Nelson on July 18th at the USCG Sector Sault Sainte Marie. prgtoken , It's my honor to recognize Captain Marko Broz for his service to the people of Michigan with the U.S. Coast Guard. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Captain Broz all the best in his future endeavors.
CONGRATULATING MASTER SERGEANT JOSEFITA OJEDA
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to honor my good friend, Master Sergeant Josefita Ojeda. prgtoken Recently, this distinguished airman won the Air Force's Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization's (HQ RIO) award for Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the second quarter of this year. prgtoken HQ RIO serves to prepare Individual Reserve forces so that they are wartime ready and meet Air Force and Combatant Commander requirements. Within HQ RIO, there are 2,700 enlisted members and 4,500 officers. prgtoken The Senior Non-Commissioned Officer rank is bestowed upon airmen who demonstrate leadership while upholding the Air Force's mission of ``aiming high.'' prgtoken Having worked with Master Sergeant Ojeda at Robins Air Force Base, I can attest to her determination and devotion to her country, two traits that have earned her this distinguished honor. prgtoken , members of our military stand ready to answer the call of duty at any given moment. As service men and women like Master Sergeant Ojeda selflessly defend our freedom, we must ensure that we are supporting them each step of the way. prgtoken I congratulate Master Sergeant Josefita Ojeda and thank her for her commitment to our country and the United States Air Force.
RECOGNITION OF THE CREEKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 2018 INTERNATIONAL ROCKETRY CHALLENGE WINNERS
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise today to recognize the outstanding 2018 International Rocketry Challenge winners from Creekview High School in Canton, Georgia. prgtoken These four students: Brayden Dodge, Kennedy Hugo, Aiden McChesney, and Warren Teachworth, under the leadership of Coach Tim Smyrl, competed against the best rocketry teams from around the globe and won First Place in the International Rocketry Challenge (IRC) at the Farnborough International Airshow. prgtoken This amazing team represented the United States against top teams from the United Kingdom, France, and Japan. Much hard-work and dedication went into securing this victory, and we are very proud of them all. prgtoken In order to capture First Place, the IRC required that students successfully launch a raw hen's egg 800 feet and safely return it to earth in forty-three seconds or less. Additionally, teams had to present the specifications of their rocket's design to a panel of esteemed international space experts. Creekview High School placed first in both the Rocket Launch and the Presentation components of the competition. prgtoken This is the thirteenth year the Raytheon Company has sponsored team U.S.A and we are thrilled that this U.S. winning team was from the 11th Congressional District of Georgia. On behalf of Georgia's 11th Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I commend the excellent work of the 2018 Creekview High School team, and congratulate them on representing Georgia and the United States of America so well.
HONORING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2018 THIRD DISTRICT EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2018-7-26

today I honor eleven individuals and businesses from Nebraska receiving the 2018 Third District Excellence in Economic Development Award. prgtoken Throughout the 75 counties of the Third District, entrepreneurs and innovators are working hard to grow opportunity in our state. prgtoken In May, I called for nominations for individuals, businesses, and organizations helping to strengthen Nebraska communities through innovation, hard work, entrepreneurship, and historic preservation. prgtoken The Hub of Burwell is currently owned by John and Melissa Schere. ``The Hub'' was originally built as a professional building in 1906 by Burwell-area entrepreneur H.J. Coffin. The building, the first in the area to be built of concrete block, was an early home of the Burwell Mercantile and Burwell Drug Company. This building served as an important part of the commercial center (or Hub) of Burwell until it was abandoned in 2003. The building was purchased by John and Melissa Schere in 2006, and joined the Register of National Historic Places the same year. Their goal was to restore ``The Hub'' to its status as a community center and to its original early 20th century purpose and aesthetic. Today, the Scheres are proud to provide a coffee and old fashioned ice cream soda fountain and retail space capable of hosting public meetings for community members of all ages. prgtoken Lukjan Metal of Sidney is a family owned and operated business which has been manufacturing high quality sheet metal pipe, duct, and fittings for the wholesale HVAC industry since February 1964. Opening their Sidney location in early 2017, the family-owned company is proud to provide 30 jobs currently, with plans to nearly double this capacity by 2021. The Lukjan family believed Sidney provided an excellent expansion opportunity which allowed their company access to the Denver market. prgtoken Blue Print Engines of Kearney was founded by Norris Marshall in the early 1980s in a rented garage. Blue Print Engines recently moved into a 150,000 square foot production and testing facility, and now employs over 100 people in the Kearney area. Having an attitude which ``exemplifies Kearney,'' according to Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse, Mr. Marshall has quietly turned his passion for rebuilding high performance car engines into one of the largest crate engine manufacturers in the world, serving customers ranging in size from individual car collectors to NASCAR. Recently, Mr. Marshall has embarked on a new journey, training the next generation of engineers and craftsmen who will carry on his passion for the next several decades through his award winning collaboration with Kearney Public Schools. prgtoken LiteForm of South Sioux City, led by their founder, Pat Boeshart, has proven to be a committed, innovative economic and community partner in northeast Nebraska and the greater Siouxland area. Their organization is committed to constructing extremely energy efficient bu
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019--CONFERENCE REPORT
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-7-26

the National Flood Insurance Program is in trouble, and everyone in this building knows it. Everyone in Washington knows it. It is fiscally unsustainable because it is by its nature structurally unsound. Yet here we are again, for the seventh straight time in just 6 years, considering a so-called ``straight'' reauthorization. ``Straight''--yes, that is the word that Washington uses. That is the word that Washington uses when s and , after burning the midday oil for 2\1/2\ days a week for a few months, decide together that a dysfunctional program, $20 billion in debt, is, in fact, perfect. So we are planning to rubberstamp a continuation of its dysfunctional status quo. Swamp talk aside here, this is the opposite of ``straight.'' This is the definition of ``crooked'' and ``swampy.'' prgtoken Here are the facts. The National Flood Insurance Program creates a government monopoly that insures some of the most expensive real estate in the entire world. We are talking about homes and homeowners that the private sector would be falling all over itself to insure if given the opportunity to do so. The incentives are there for flood insurance to be a vast, profitable industry, one that creates jobs and opportunity for thousands of Americans. But, no, in our unearned but infinite confidence, Congress has assured the American people: We got this. We got this. We, as in Washington. Except the problem is, we don't. prgtoken Congress's answer to private insurance is $20 billion in more debt, just a few months after receiving a $16 billion taxpayer bailout. prgtoken Why is NFIP losing money faster than Congress can spend it? Well, because the program doesn't charge policyholders market rates for insurance. It offers them a special, below-market rate despite the fact that we know floodplains are dangerous. That is why we call them floodplains and not puppy dog and ice cream plains. We also know for a fact that the subsidized premiums will lead inevitably to shortfalls, debt, and taxpayer bailouts. prgtoken Here, one might recall the old quip: ``Insanity involves doing the same thing over and over and hoping for different results.'' But Congress isn't insane. We know exactly what we are doing and why. Recall the last time NFIP was reformed. It was about 6 years ago in its 2012 reauthorization. That bill, for the first time in a long time, reined in some of the program's worst distortions. For reformers on the left and right, it was a sign of hope. The problem was, the reforms worked. NFIP and its artificially low premiums actually started to climb toward reality-based levels, market-based levels. We of course couldn't have that, so in 2014, Congress stepped in and repealed many of those same reforms that were working--reforms that were put in place in 2012. That is the broken status quo we are being asked to perpetuate today. If this bill were any more serious, it would be written in crayon
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5515, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-7-26

I rise in strong support of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, and I thank Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, all the conferees, and the committee staff for their dedicated, hard work on this important piece of legislation. prgtoken This bipartisan bill provides our troops the equipment, resources, and training they so desperately need. It authorizes a 2.6 percent pay increase for our troops, authorizes 24 additional F-18 Super Hornets, invests in A-10 modifications, fully funds the B-21 bomber program, and funds various bomber modernization programs to ensure our current bomber fleet remains operational until the B-21 comes online. prgtoken I am delighted that this bill includes a provision that raises the Air National Guard control grade cap to ensure that the ANG is properly resourced. The lack of control grades severely restricts the ANG's ability to recruit full-time officers separating from Active Duty in the Air Force, many of whom are much-needed pilots. Raising this cap will help fill these needed slots. prgtoken The bill also includes a vital provision that prohibits Federal agencies from purchasing certain Chinese-made telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. prgtoken The Chinese Government is using every avenue at its disposal to target the United States, including expanding the role of Chinese companies in the U.S. domestic communications and public safety sectors. This provision takes a necessary step to protect the U.S. government from significant vulnerabilities. prgtoken These are just a few of the examples of hundreds of provisions included in this bill that invest in our troops and combat attempts by our adversaries to undermine and threaten the United States. prgtoken Once again, I would like to thank Chairman Thornberry for his leadership. This is the earliest that we have voted on the NDAA conference report in decades, and I strongly believe it is because of Chairman Thornberry's dedication to our military. prgtoken , I am proud of this bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.
TRIBUTE TO SHERRY FUGERE
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-7-26

this week I have the honor of recognizing Sherry Fugere of Daniels County for her contribution to the Scobey community through her work at the Daniels County Fair. prgtoken Raised in Scobey, Sherry graduated from Scobey High School. After graduation, she attended Miles Community College and finished her degree at Northern Montana College in Havre. Following college, Sherry moved back home to Scobey where she has dedicated her time to the community serving as the Secretary of the Daniels County Fair Association, where her contributions have made the event a huge success. prgtoken Over the past 15 years, Sherry has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of the Daniels County Fair which has brought families and community together, and will be cherished for generations to come. prgtoken I congratulate Sherry on her significant role to Daniels County and the Daniels County Fair. I look forward to seeing that success continue to grow.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-7-26

who wants to eat bugs for lunch? I am hearing crickets, even among the pages here. prgtoken Now, there is a reason for that, but the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the USDA is spending more than $1.3 million to support cricket farming in the development of bug-based foods for human consumption. This sounds like a headline straight out of The Onion, but it is not. It is your hard-earned taxpayer dollars being used to try to develop a taste for crickets and other bugs. prgtoken This initiative is trying to determine which bugs taste best, which bugs are most nutritious, and the best methods for farming bigger, tastier crickets. prgtoken Now, while the USDA has no plans to inspect cricket farms and the FDA has ``no special rules for edible insects'' at this time, multiple bug- based companies have received Federal funds to research and develop techniques to put bugs in your food. prgtoken For example, Bugeater Labs--I am not joking here--Bugeater Labs of Nebraska has received $100,000 of taxpayer money--this is a grant--to identify the most edible insects. With support from the USDA, Bugeater is testing bug-based pasta, ramen, and macaroni noodles. prgtoken Now, to get bugs into the food, the crickets are ground into a powder and mixed into pasta dough. Bugeater hopes to secure another $600,000 in Federal funds to cover the cost of developing and manufacturing a commercial-ready product made from bugs. prgtoken Now, separately, All Things Bugs of Georgia--I am not kidding. Again, that is a real company--has received nearly $1.3 million for reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of farming crickets as food ingredients. They currently produce and sell cricket powder with ``mild aroma, neutral flavor, and minute particle size that can be added to recipes.'' Four pounds of crickets are required to produce 1 pound of powder. A pound of cricket powder produced by All Things Bugs, which boasts ``the most affordable wholesale price,'' sells for about $35 a pound. By comparison, the average retail price for 100 percent ground beef is about $3.80 a pound. prgtoken The United States has more than 2.5 billion pounds of beef, pork, poultry, and turkey being stockpiled. This is a record level. Clearly, a new source of protein is not needed and, in this case, likely not wanted. prgtoken In fact, the CEO of one of these cricket cuisine companies said yesterday: Realistically, as much as we wish people would behave differently, Americans won't buy significant amounts of insect protein. If most were asked to volunteer to eat a bug, the response would be-- prgtoken As we heard here-- crickets. prgtoken With, I should note, the annual commemoration of Pioneer Day in Utah, I think I can speak for many of my own ancestors, who nearly starved thanks to swarms of crop-destroying crickets, when I say inspect-based food development will not be stomached well by taxpayers.
HONORING THE 2018 PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPION UPPER DAUPHIN HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-7-26

I would like to recognize the Upper Dauphin High School Softball Team for winning the Pennsylvania State Championship title for the first time in the school's history. prgtoken The Upper Dauphin Trojans' softball program is one of determination, hard work, and talent. This year's win was especially impressive, as they overcame a losing record of 4-8 at midseason, and ended the season, after 13 straight victories, with a 17-8 record. Upon winning this coveted title, the Trojans made school history by being the first of the schools' softball teams to become Pennsylvania State Champions. prgtoken These exceptional athletes serve as an example for not only aspiring female athletes, but for all Pennsylvania youths. Their talent, dedication, and teamwork are a great source of pride for the school and the community at large. I am honored to represent the Upper Dauphin High School Girls Softball Team and take great pride in its remarkable achievement. I know these young women will go on to accomplish great things. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the Upper Dauphin High School Softball Team and congratulating these athletes on their well- deserved 2018 State Championship title.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-7-26

as a member of the Senate Marine Corps Caucus, I rise to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Pete McAleer, who has selflessly served our great country as a U.S. marine. Lieutenant Colonel McAleer will retire on July 31, 2018, after a successful 24- year military career as an infantry officer. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel McAleer's service was inspired by the example set by his family. His grandfathers both served in WWII, and his father, retired Marine Col. Rob McAleer, was a 30-year Marine infantry officer who served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. As a military child, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer learned firsthand what it meant to serve. Like most military children, he endured numerous relocations, which included Japan, Norway, and England, while experiencing the true meaning of service and sacrifice. These challenges developed his personal resilience and an undeniable sense of patriotism. prgtoken It was his experiences growing up that solidified his desire to serve in the Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel McAleer was commissioned in 1994 upon graduating from the University of Notre Dame and was then assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th executive officer for two WESTPAC and CENTCOM area deployments. In each of his following assignments, he not only excelled, but continued to pursue personal and professional development, earning masters degrees from both the U.S. Naval War College and the U.S. Army War College. prgtoken Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer served honorably in numerous assignments that took him to seven States, the Nation's Capital, and overseas, where he served in five combat deployments including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken During his career, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer demonstrated what it means to be a leader. A highly decorated marine, he earned several service awards, including the Bronze Star, for his heroic service. prgtoken As a testament to Lieutenant Colonel McAleer's exemplary service, he was selected to serve as the commandant of the Marine Corps' Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security. prgtoken He was also chosen to represent the U.S. Marine Corps as a military legislative fellow for Senator Judd Gregg R-NH. Following his successful year on Capitol Hill, he served as the deputy director for the Marine Senate Liaison Office. prgtoken As his final assignment in uniform, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer served as a strategic policy adviser to the Chief of Naval Operations. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel McAleer faithfully served his country. He was motivated to join the Marines because of the example set by his father and the challenge of earning the title of marine. He was encouraged to continue his service because of the mission and the men and women he served alongside. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel McAleer, congratulations on your successful career and well-deserved retirement. I join my colleagues in Congress and all Americans as we express our apprecia