mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EMERGENCY FUNDING
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-9-12

I start by thanking my friend and colleague the Senator from Illinois, Ms. Duckworth, for her service to our country many years ago in the military, for her serving in Iraq, and now for her serving our country in a different capacity; that of standing up in the U.S. Senate to defend the Constitution and to defend this institution against what is clearly an unconstitutional power grab by the President of the United States. prgtoken When I took my oath of office--when we took our oaths of office--we all swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Back in March of this year, 59 Senators kept that promise when we stood together, on a bipartisan basis, to say no to a gross abuse of Executive power--to an unconstitutional power grab--when we said: No, , you may not ignore the will of the Congress. You may not ignore the appropriations that were passed by both Houses of Congress and signed by you. You may not ignore them and rob critical military projects across the country to fund an unnecessary wall. prgtoken Now, we can all debate--we have debated many times--the merits of this wall, but there really should be no debate about the fact that the way the President has gone about it undermines the Constitution and undermines the powers given in that Constitution to the Senate and to the House. We made that statement on a bipartisan basis back in March-- 59 Senators. prgtoken , don't go robbing military construction accounts and defense accounts to finance the wall. prgtoken Yet here we are, 6 months later, and the President is attempting to do exactly that. He is diverting important investments in our military in places across Maryland and around the country. prgtoken As has been pointed out, the President said repeatedly that Mexico was going to pay for this wall. Instead, taxpayers are having to pay for this wall, and service men and women and the families of service men and women are bearing the brunt of the President's latest raid. prgtoken I see the majority leader is on the floor. Just yesterday, the majority leader said he was going to fight the President's effort to take money away from a middle school in Kentucky to build the wall. prgtoken I have a question for the majority leader and all of my colleagues who want to fight to protect the projects in their States. Are they willing to stand up for projects in every State that hurt military families? prgtoken Here is what the Air Force wrote about a Maryland project. It is one that is not very far away from here--at Andrews Air Force Base. It is an air force base that, I dare say, every Member of this Senate has had the occasion and honor to visit from time to time. I have in my hand the budget request from the Air Force for a project at Andrews to help the service men and women who work there. prgtoken Their article reads: Not providing this facility forces members to use more expensive, le
RECOGNIZING THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL OF THE COMMUNITY OF WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-9-12

Senator Capito. We are very proud West Virginians, born and raised in West Virginia, as you can tell by our presentations. It is a special day where we can say happy birthday to Wheeling. prgtoken Wheeling is an unbelievable historical city, when you think about it. When you think about the State of West Virginia, we were the only State forged out of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln's handprint was all over our State, and basically he was involved in our becoming a State in 1863. prgtoken The significance of the formation of our State--and Wheeling being a major economic stronghold because of the river, because of the gateway--can you believe that in 1949, when the suspension bridge was built, it was called the Gateway to the West? It is not that far prgtoken from here, maybe 4 hours' drive. So you can see how our country has expanded and how quickly it expanded. prgtoken The lessons learned during the construction of the bridge were later used to build the Brooklyn Bridge. I want to tell Senator Schumer that we helped. I am sure he would be pleased with that. prgtoken In 1933, the Wheeling Jamboree--the Wheeling Jamboree was the longest. People will tell you, during World War II, they would hear-- because it was 50,000 watts, they would hear it on the battleships. It was unbelievable. prgtoken The music, the talent, the country music that came out of there from some of the most famous artists of the time and still yet to this day passed through Wheeling. prgtoken These points in time showcase the importance of the city of Wheeling and the State of West Virginia throughout American history. prgtoken I keep thinking about the Marsh Wheeling stogies. Anybody who maybe liked to smoke a cigar every now and then--that was 1840, and it is still in operation. It is unbelievable. prgtoken Of course Senator Capito talked about Wheeling Steel. It had a tremendous industrial might there for many, many years. prgtoken As talked about also, the Zane brothers established a settlement in 1769. Continuing to join the Zane brothers, people came from all over. A small settlement kept growing and growing like the country was at that time. prgtoken Wheeling's Fort Henry played a role in what is considered the last battle of the Revolutionary War. It was a significant strategic point for us. prgtoken The Restored Government of Virginia at that time--Virginia seceded in 1861. In 1861, there was no Virginia as we know Virginia today. They moved over to Western Virginia, which is where Wheeling is. That was the restored government, and that is where the capital was. That was all through Arthur Boreman. prgtoken In 1863--we have a statue in the capital that has Abraham Lincoln walking at midnight deciding whether he is going to sign the proclamation. The country is already divided; now he is going to divide a State. That had not been done because basically, up until then, the Constitution was very clear: You had
ARCTIC CULTURAL AND COASTAL PLAIN PROTECTION ACT
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-12

I rise today in support of H.R. 1146 and protecting one of our Nation's greatest treasures from becoming the spoils of an industry that recklessly puts profits ahead of risks to the environment. prgtoken After nearly four decades of protection, earned by virtue of its diverse wildlife habitats and scenic wonders, the administration wants to sell off the heartbeat of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the highest bidders. Buried in the small print of a tax giveaway, the President removed critical habitat protections with the stroke of a pen, leaving more than 250 wildlife species, like the polar bear, exposed to potential disaster at the hands of the oil industry. prgtoken This action is not only a complete failure of the government's stewardship of these natural habitats, but completely unnecessary, considering the United States is already the world's largest producer of petroleum. Why threaten a fragile ecosystem that is already under terrible threat from climate change? prgtoken We owe it to the planet, to future generations of Americans, and to the two-thirds of American people who are opposed to drilling in this iconic landscape to pass this protection act.
ARCTIC CULTURAL AND COASTAL PLAIN PROTECTION ACT
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-9-12

. Mr. Chair, in 2017, with little debate, the - led Chamber quietly approved a provision to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. ANWR is our Nation's largest wildlife refuge, and it is the ancestral home to the Gwich'in people and current home to more than 250 species of wildlife, including threatened species like polar bears that raise their cubs there. prgtoken As the chairman said, I have traveled to this special place. I have met with the Gwich'in people. I saw the pristine beauty of the coastal plain, and I saw thousands of Porcupine caribou in their annual migration process. I know how important this refuge is to our entire ecosystem. prgtoken Instead of protecting this important environment, this administration is going to open it up to drilling and allow it to be destroyed for an indeterminate amount of oil. Why? The American people are overwhelmingly opposed to this plan. They want this land preserved, not destroyed. prgtoken This bill, H.R. 1146, will block the administration's disastrous plan and protect the refuge. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support it.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-9-13

. Madam , today, I introduce the Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Coin Act. This bill recognizes one of the first influential African-American poets in American literature and benefits the Dunbar Alumni Federation, the alumni association for the Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School, which is historic for being the first public high school for African Americans in the prgtoken United States. I myself am a proud graduate of Dunbar, a storied African-American high school in our country. prgtoken Paul Laurence Dunbar was born June 27, 1872, to freed slaves, and went on to pen such classics as Majors and Minors and Lyrics of Lowly Life. He also composed the lyrics to In Dahomey, the first all-African- American musical produced on Broadway. By the late 1890s, Dunbar had become a prominent author, having had his poems published in major national newspapers, including The New York Times. Dunbar died February 9, 1906, at age 33. prgtoken Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School was established in the District of Columbia in 1870 as the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth. It was the first college preparatory high school for African- American children in the United States. The school was renamed for Dunbar in 1916. prgtoken The Dunbar Alumni Federation was organized in 2002 to provide scholarships and other financial support to students and graduates of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. The Federation has alumni from more than 35 graduating classes, and supports the school through its scholarship efforts, community activities and other endeavors. prgtoken This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint 50,000 five-dollar coins, 400,000 one-dollar coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins, with a surcharge on each coin. The surcharges will benefit the scholarships and similar activities of the Dunbar Alumni Federation. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
RECOGNIZING GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER HIGH SCHOOL
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to include in the Record a commemoration of George Washington Carver High School and the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association. It is with great pleasure that I commend George Washington Carver High School for receiving a historical highway marker designation from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. prgtoken George Washington Carver High School was founded in 1948 after African-Americans in Chesterfield County advocated for a new high school to address the lack of appropriate educational opportunities and services for African-American students. Over the next 22 years, George Washington Carver High School was the county's only public high school for African-American students. Mr. William Albert ``W.A.'' Brown, the sole principal of the school, along with his faculty and staff, propelled George Washington Carver High School to become a center of intellectual and cultural excellence within the community. prgtoken George Washington Carver High School closed its doors in 1970 due to desegregation across the country. To honor its legacy of breaking barriers and providing exceptional educational opportunities, the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association formed in 2014. For the past five years, the organization has provided services for the community, such as mentoring, volunteering, and supporting students with scholarships and other resources. Due to the efforts of the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association, the former school site was recognized with a historical highway marker by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The Association's outreach efforts and tireless advocacy prove that the work ethic instilled in the 22 classes of George Washington Carver High School endures today. prgtoken The Virginia Department of Historic Resources approved George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association's request to designate the former high school as a historic site on April 17, 2019. The official recognition ceremony was on June 21, 2019, with a representative from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and the unveiling of a large mounted poster at the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association Biennial Scholarship Benefit Gala will be held on September 21, 2019. prgtoken Madam and colleagues, please join me in honoring the George Washington Carver High School and the legacy it has left behind for the entire country
HONORING THOMAS TODARO, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK COMMANDER
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-9-13

. Madam , today I rise to honor Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New York Commander, Thomas Todaro. prgtoken Thomas was elected to this prestigious and well-deserved post in June 2019. He has served both his country and his fellow Veterans for many years. During the Vietnam War, Thomas served in the United States Army as part of the 9th Infantry Division and was stationed at Mei Kong Delta. There, he earned the rank of Sergeant E-5. prgtoken In 1972, Thomas joined the John W. Tiffany VFW Post 53 in Jamestown, New York. He became a life member in 1997 and is now a Gold Legacy Life Member. He has held various positions within the VFW over the years, including Senior Vice Commander, Chautauqua County Commander and Sixth District Commander. He also served on a variety of state committees during his tenure. In 2015, he was appointed as the Patriotic Instructor at the 2015 State Convention, Chief of Staff at the 2016 State Convention and Junior Vice Commander at the 2017 State Convention. prgtoken Thomas has also served as a Service Officer in the VFW Department of New York and the Director of Veterans Service for the state. He continues to hold a staff position as a mentor for the Buffalo Veterans Court. prgtoken Thomas has clearly given much of himself for our country and our Veterans. Congratulations to you, Thomas, for this new position--and I thank you for all that you have done and will do in the future. I know that Veterans in New York State have gained a wise leader and a genuinely honorable man with you as their Commander. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor VFW Department of New York Commander, Thomas Todaro.
COMMENDING THE WORK OF THE SINDHI FOUNDATION AND TASSC INTERNATIONAL
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the important work of the Sindhi Foundation and TASSC International. They are tearing down the barriers that sow division between cultures, fight discrimination and prejudice, and shine a light on those countries who target minorities for kidnapping, torture, and death. prgtoken Sindhis in Pakistan, Kurds in the Middle East, Tamils in Sri Lanka, Uyghurs in China and others have been lost to ``enforced disappearances,'' removed from their families and erased from the sunlight of society. This terrifying and barbaric practice must end. prgtoken The Sindhi Foundation and TASSC International are doing valiant work highlighting this heinousness. I thank them for their continued efforts to combat injustice, promote equity and provide healing to hurt families around the world.
TRIBUTE TO LOUIS MILLER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-9-16

. Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Louis Miller of District Heights, MD on his retirement on September 30, 2019 after more than 31 years of service to the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken During Lou's tenure of 31 years, he has worked for the House Catering Office, the Office of the Clerk and the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). He is retiring as a Purchasing Agent for the Office of Acquisitions Management within the CAO. prgtoken Lou began his House career in 1986 to 1990 as an employee of the House Catering Office. He left the Hill a couple years and returned in 1992 as a Helper with the Department of Furnishings for the Office of the Clerk. prgtoken With the creation of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in 1996 the Furnishings Department was moved from the Office of the Clerk to the CAO. Lou held various positions within the Furnishings Department, including Laborer, Inventory Control Clerk and Logistics Distribution Specialist. prgtoken In 2009, Lou began working for the Accountable Equipment & Assets as an Acquisition Counselor. He remained in this position until his retirement. Lou's official title upon his retirement is a Purchasing Agent for Acquisitions Management which falls under the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). As a Purchasing Agent for the Office of Acquisitions Management, Lou was responsible for the process required to efficiently purchase quality equipment, furniture, office supplies and related items for the House community at-large. In retirement, Lou has plans to do some more travelling. In addition, he hopes to do some volunteer work with his church. Lou also plans to relax and cheer for his beloved Dallas Cowboys on their road to future Super Bowl victories. prgtoken On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Lou in grateful recognition of and appreciation for his many years of dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.
TRIBUTE TO DR. ALFONSO ``CHICO'' CHISCANO
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-9-16

. Madam , today I rise in honor of Dr. Alfonso ``Chico'' Chiscano who passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019. A pillar of the San Antonio community, Dr. Chiscano dedicated his life to helping others and preserving our community's history. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary-Alice; his daughters, Kristie and Carina; sons, Steve and Todd; and eight grandchildren. prgtoken Dr. Alfonso ``Chico'' Chiscano was born on July 22, 1938 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, part of Spain's Canary Islands. At an early age he demonstrated a keen interest in medicine and community involvement. He attended medical school in Barcelona, Spain where he earned high marks, later completing his General Surgery Residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He soon rose to prominence and became one of San Antonio's top cardiothoracic surgeons. During his medical career, he performed countless surgical operations and assisted in saving more than 6,000 lives. He was also the first to perform open- heart surgery on the Canary Islands. prgtoken Dr. Chiscano is well-known in San Antonio as a person who committed his life to civic engagement. He worked tirelessly as a Cultural Ambassador for San Antonio, connecting his native Canary Islands through business and cultural ties. He also worked on numerous historical preservation initiatives. Dr. Chiscano was named ``The Father of the Tricentennial,'' celebrating the city's 300-year history. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to have known such a remarkable individual who defined what it means to live in the service of others. Throughout his life, he inspired all who encountered him. The entire San Antonio community mourns this tremendous loss. I know his legacy and memory will live on in every single life he changed.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOURNEY HOUSE
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-9-16

today I wish to recognize Journey House in Milwaukee, WI, on its 50th anniversary. For five decades, Journey House has been a beacon of hope in the city's Clarke Square neighborhood. Since its founding in the summer of 1969, Journey House has made tremendous strides in helping families move out of poverty on Milwaukee's near Southside. I am delighted to honor this remarkable community organization and commemorate this significant milestone. prgtoken Through its four core programs, Journey House has helped low-income community members achieve their greatest potential. Its adult education program provides basic skills and GED education in both English and Spanish to lay the foundation for a successful career path. Its youth development programs focus on keeping children and young adults away from drugs and violence. Its emphasis on workforce readiness builds the skills and motivation employers seek. Its family engagement events offer the simple but important gift of spending time together in a safe and welcoming environment. Programming also includes community learning centers, housing for homeless youth aging out of foster care, and affordable family housing. prgtoken Journey House began with a staff of two local teenagers, Zlan Kleczewski and Rudy Rosas, working as codirectors. With funding from VISTA--Volunteers in Service to America--they organized programs for youth engagement and development. As Journey House started to grow and as Zlan and Rudy returned to school, the organization sought permanent leadership. prgtoken After receiving its first VISTA grant in 1969, Journey House hired its first full-time director in 1971. Today, Journey House is led by Dr. Michele Bria who, since her start in 1998, has been the inspiration behind the agency's success. Under her leadership, the agency has grown from a small operation with two sites and a $200,000 budget to a multimillion dollar organization that serves thousands daily. Her hard work and commitment are reflected in the achievements of countless youth and families who have broken the cycle of poverty. prgtoken From its humble beginnings five decades ago, Journey House has played a transformative role in one of Milwaukee's most ethnically diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods. I am proud to recognize the contributions made by Journey House over the past 50 years, and I am grateful for the work the staff do every day to change lives for the better.