mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING MIKE BOWEN
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Memphis businessman Mike Bowen who was killed in a car accident in Costa Rica on Saturday but who will be long remembered for his grace in giving others, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a second chance. He was 61. Mr. Bowen was the CEO of Champion Awards and Apparel, a company that grew out of Custom Print, founded in 1979, now the largest local licensee of University of Memphis-branded merchandise. Mr. Bowen was a 1979 graduate of then-Memphis State University and was active in its alumni association. He was also an active member of the Tiger Scholarship Fund, the Beale Street Merchants Association, the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, the Memphis Jaycees, Leadership Memphis and the Special Olympics. For years, Mr. Bowen coordinated the Memphis Business Journal's Small Business Awards ceremony. prgtoken Growing up in Parkway Village, he said his mother taught him that the only color he and his brother should see is green, hopefully with a ``Benjamin'' on it. In 2007, Bowen made the principled decision to hire people with felony convictions for his business in a program that he called Late Bloomers, begun in 2007. By late 2016, 18 of his 48 employees had been formerly incarcerated. Mr. Bowen said he hired the men and women because his company was doing 20th Century work in the 21st Century and need people willing to work hard and sweat. In exchange, they received a living wage and a lot of guidance on staying straight, including meeting their legal obligations. Known for hugging his employees, Mr. Bowen called many of them ``heroes'' for overcoming adversity and sticking with hard work. I want to express my condolences to his wife, Suzie, and his sons Colby and Michael, his extended family and his many friends. He led a good life
HONORING THE WORK OF MRS. MILLIE RUTH McCLELLAND CHARLES
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2019-2-11

. Madam , I rise to honor the work of Mrs. Millie Ruth McClelland Charles, a legendary social worker and native of New Orleans, Louisiana. prgtoken Mrs. Charles was born July 25, 1923 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Rev. Williams McClelland, a Baptist preacher, and Frankie Little, a school teacher. prgtoken Mrs. Charles entered Dillard University when she was only 15 years old and graduated with a degree in secondary education. However, after a few years of teaching in north Louisiana and loving the children in her classes, she realized she could find more fulfillment in social work because she would be able to help children and their families find ways to solve problems. Therefore, she earned a master's degree in the subject at the University of Southern California in the mid-1950s. prgtoken Millie McClelland Charles has greatly impacted the field of health and mental health through her leadership in the founding and guiding of the Southern University of New Orleans School of Social Work (BSW and MSW programs) into fully accredited programs providing opportunity for professional development to countless students. She is currently Dean Emeritus and founder of the School of Social Work. The founding of Southern University in New Orleans was a highly political event when it took place at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, reportedly to discourage black students from attending the predominately white University of New Orleans, located less than a mile away. prgtoken Millie Charles' ability in ultimately taking the handful of social work courses taught at the University of New Orleans, which were transferred to Southern University of New Orleans, and subsequently expanding on them and developing them into fully accredited BSW and MSW programs is considered somewhat of a miracle in New Orleans. The high caliber Programs have attracted a well-credentialed, culturally diverse faculty; the student population is now well integrated also. prgtoken Dean Charles' interests in social work education go far beyond just working in the state of Louisiana. She has served as the Co-Chair, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Meeting; a Member of the CSWE Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum Standards; and a Site Visitor for the CSWE Accreditation Commission. In addition, since 1972, she has consulted with numerous Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Programs around the U.S advising them on Curricula. prgtoken Millie Charles has received numerous awards. Some of them are: National Social prgtoken Worker of the Year (NASW), 1975; Humanitarian of the Year, Federal Women Employees Association, 1975; Founders Award, New Orleans Chapter, National Association of Black Social Workers, 1979; Doctor of Humane Letters, Dillard University, 1993; and she also was one of four women honored by the New Orleans YWCA for lifetime of service to the community. Millie Charles was hailed as a lifelong crusader for equality during a c
RECOGNIZING THE RACHEL CARSON COUNCIL'S ``CLEAR CUT'' REPORT
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the important work of the Rachel Carson Council (RCC), which is named after the visionary marine biologist, nature writer and environmentalist who was a proud resident of Silver Spring, Maryland. prgtoken Founded and based in Bethesda, the RCC pays tribute to Rachel Carson's imperishable legacy by linking environmental, health, and social policy solutions ``with the goal of building a more just, sustainable, and peaceful future.'' prgtoken The RCC recently released a comprehensive report called ``Clear Cut,'' examining wood pellet production and its adverse effects on the health and sustainability of our forests and communities. The report details the process by which Southeastern forests are being cut down, chopped up, and dehydrated before being shipped and burned as carbon- intense fuel. prgtoken According to the report, despite being touted as a ``green'' alternative to fossil fuels, the sourcing of wood pellets contributes to widespread deforestation and pollution throughout much of the American Southeast. In North Carolina alone, the largest producer of wood pellets, Enviva, clear cuts more than 50 acres of forest each day. Left standing, these forests would help control the climate, maintain the biodiversity of our ecosystems, and filter our air and water. prgtoken Following this environmentally invasive sourcing process of clear- cutting, pellets are burned, producing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO2), all of which pose serious health risks to human beings. Although the pollutants emitted by wood pellet mills are indiscriminately harmful to nearby inhabitants, the RCC report notes that wood pellet mills have been disproportionally constructed near poor communities of color, which are bearing the disproportionate burdens of deforestation, including poor air quality and increased flood risks. prgtoken Although the environmental drawbacks of wood pellet production are clear--wood pellet mills emit approximately 65-percent more C02 per megawatt hour than modern coal plants--the RCC argues that the industry has continued to mislead the public about the sustainability of this practice. Moreover, the RCC's report concludes that the expansion of the wood pellet industry is making it harder for us to maintain our environmental standards and address the global crisis of climate change. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to review the well-researched and well-documented ``Clear Cut'' report by visiting the RCC website at www.rachelcarsoncouncil.org. We must keep the profound concerns raised in this report in mind as we enact environmental, forestry, and energy policies and work to protect the public health and safety.
NATIONAL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-2-11

I rise as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus to recognize February as National CTE Month. Today, my good friend and caucus co- chair, Representative Thompson, and I introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of CTE Month. prgtoken This resolution is particularly important because many Americans still hold an outdated view of CTE as a plan B. In fact, today it is quite the opposite. The CTE programs are academic pathways that allow students to explore careers in high demand, high-paying industries that are relevant in today's society from healthcare to advanced manufacturing to IT. prgtoken CTE Month is a time not only to celebrate the achievements of CTE students, like the bright and motivated SkillsUSA students from Rhode Island who visit my office each year, but to spread awareness of today's CTE and its potential to help students and businesses succeed. prgtoken , society needs workers with these skills that are in demand today, and I want to thank Representative Thompson for his partnership and urge my colleagues to join us in supporting CTE programs across the country.
MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-2-11

Chairman Murkowski and I have been working with the majority leader and minority leader to resolve the few remaining issues on our bill, which is the land management bill we have before us. prgtoken I would like to thank all Senators for their cooperation and for the work they have put in to get this to this point. I believe we are making good progress. prgtoken We will vote on the motion to invoke cloture at 5:30. I will be joining Chairman Murkowski in voting yes on cloture, and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken I understand that Senator Lee, my dear friend from Utah, may want a vote on his amendment to exempt Utah from the Antiquities Act. I have talked to Senator Lee many times about his concerns with national monuments in his State. While I respect his views, I will oppose any amendment that threatens the success of this lands bill. At this point, any amendment would threaten the success of the bill. prgtoken This bill is truly a great piece of legislation for our country. This package includes numerous important provisions that will enhance conservation, recreation, and hunting, fishing, and shooting opportunities for sportsmen on Federal lands. prgtoken In my view, one of the most important provisions in the bill is the permanent--I repeat, the permanent--reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I have long supported the permanent reauthorization of the LWCF, which has played a crucial role in making my State all the more wild and wonderful. In fact, since 1965, $243 million of LWCF funds have been spent to enhance recreation and conservation in West Virginia alone. prgtoken LWCF funds have been used to provide public access and protect many of West Virginia's most popular recreation sites, including the Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest, as well as every access point on the Lower Gauley River in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. As you can see on this chart, LWCF funds have protected 57,000 acres in the Gauley River and the New River Gorge. prgtoken While LWCF funds are used to protect important Federal conservation and recreation lands, the program also provides essential funding to States to enhance State and local park and outdoor recreational opportunities. These are not free giveaways to States but, rather, they are matching grants that result in increased recreational opportunities at the State and local levels. prgtoken This is Ritter Park in Huntington, WV. Ritter Park offers miles of walking trails along an area called Fourpole Creek. Ritter Park also has numerous tennis courts, playground facilities, and an amphitheater that is used by the community for small events, such as concerts and plays. The rose garden, which you can see here, is a wonderful place to spend some time, and in 2012, Ritter Park was named as one of the ``Great Public Spaces'' by the American Planning Association. Over the years, more than
RECOGNIZING MARY HOEHN
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-2-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a gifted educator, an outstanding coach and a genuine treasure in the North St. Francois County R-1 School District. prgtoken Mary Alice Hoehn was an art teacher at North County High School in Bonne Terre for 36 years. She was in her 37th year of teaching when she died suddenly on January 10, 2019. prgtoken Miss Hoehn taught longer in the district than any other teacher before her. In August of 1982, with degrees from Jefferson College and Southeast Missouri State University, she entered the classroom. More than three decades later, she never talked of retiring. On her last day in class, at the age of 60, she was just as determined as ever to spark her students' creativity and show them the benefits of a life dedicated to excellence. Miss Hoehn was just as committed to the players she coached for 34 years on the tennis courts. prgtoken She motivated her students to achieve their potential. She encouraged them to overcome their disappointments. She earned the respect of her students because she respected them as artists, athletes and young people with dreams. prgtoken In tribute to her passion for teaching and her unwavering dedication to her students, I am privileged today to honor the late Mary Hoehn before the United States House of Representatives.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--Continued
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-2-12

I first want to commend the Senator from Iowa for suggesting that we take the occasion of Valentine's week to come to the Senate floor and talk a bit about our home States. Of course, each of us is convinced that we represent the best State in the Union, but in my case it happens to be true. prgtoken Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world with flowers, candy, and romance. It is also a time to reflect upon the places and the people we love. To me, this is an occasion to celebrate the State in which I was born, raised, and live--the great State of Maine. prgtoken People who know Maine share my love for its spectacular scenery--the rolling hills of Aroostook County, the rocky coast and the many harbors, the beautiful western mountains, the quiet forests, the beautiful rivers, and the pristine lakes. The boundless recreational opportunities our outdoors offer lifts our hearts, and the abundant wildlife inspires us. prgtoken I love Maine's food. From our clean ocean comes the best lobster in the world, and from our fertile soil grows the potatoes and wild blueberries that are unmatched. From gourmet mustard from Eastport to craft beer throughout the State, Maine artisans are finding new ways to delight our taste buds. There simply is no better place to enjoy a wonderful meal than the great restaurants in the State of Maine. Add to that our wonderful museums, Acadia National Park, State parks, and art galleries, and it is easy to see why more than 1 million tourists come to our State each year. prgtoken Most of all, I love the people of the State of Maine. They are hard- working, self-reliant, and compassionate. They revere tradition and yet are so innovative. In good times, they are grateful. In difficult times, they are resilient. They serve their communities and their country, caring for their neighbors and their neighborhoods. They are always ready to lend a helping hand. prgtoken I love Maine's sense of community. Our annual town meetings each spring are evidence of the willingness of Mainers to come together to chart their own course. prgtoken This community spirit will be on display next week with our high school basketball tournaments, where athletes from cities and towns all over the State gather in Bangor, Augusta, and Portland for spirited competition and sportsmanship. prgtoken How well I remember the excitement of traveling from Caribou to Bangor 50 years ago, when I was a sophomore in high school, to watch our high school team win the coveted gold ball on a half-court buzzer shot--the shot that was heard around the State. It was the most exciting sports event I have ever attended. These tournaments are among the great traditions of our State, as are the many festivals and fairs that occur throughout the summer months and the fall. prgtoken It is such an honor to represent the people of Maine in the U.S. Senate. Maine is a State of entrepreneurs, and I enjoy working for policies th
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--Resumed
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-2-12

I come to the floor to talk about S. 47, a bill I authored with Senator Murkowski. It is a package of public land issues that has been working its way through the Congress now for several years. prgtoken I would like to point out to people who may not be as familiar with the Interior side of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee's work, that the Interior side has a long history in our Nation. We decided a long time ago that we needed to have oversight and management of our public lands. S. 47, the legislation that is before us today, is a recognition that our climate is changing and that we need new tools to carry out new responsibilities as it relates to managing those public lands. prgtoken from Alaska, Senator Murkowski, for her incredible leadership. I know we are going, hopefully, to go to final passage of this bill sometime today, and I thank her for her good bipartisan work on this legislation. It is safe to say that even though we both come from the Pacific Northwest, we don't see eye to eye on every issue, but we have worked hard to try to give local communities the resources they need and to maintain the national interest where the national interest was at stake. So I can't applaud my colleague enough for her hard work and for her dedication to getting this particular package moving through the Senate. prgtoken I also want to thank a lot of the staff who have worked on this issue because I know that it is about the hard work of legislating. There are many issues about which maybe not everybody understands all of the details to, but, I guarantee you, all the details were critically important. So I want to in particular thank Mary Louise Wagner, the minority staff director for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee prgtoken until recently. I certainly also want to thank the dynamic duo of David Brooks and Sam Fowler who, as counsel to the committee, have played an incredible role over the last many years in preserving what is most important about our public lands. I also want to thank, additionally, Bryan Petit, Rebecca Bonner, Amit Ronen, and several of the staff who have worked on many of the aspects of this package; Camille Touton, Melanie Stansbury, and David Reeploeg and Megan Thompson who played key roles in the Yakima provisions. And Angela Becker-Dippmann who previously worked on this legislation. prgtoken I also thank Senator Murkowski's staff, Brian Hughes, Kellie Donnelly, and particularly, Lucy Murfitt. I don't think we ever could have gotten this package through without her due diligence and hard work. I thank Lane Dickson and Michelle Lane. prgtoken I also thank my colleagues in the House of Representatives. I certainly want to thank the staff director for Congressman Grijalva, David Watkins, but I also thank Chairman Grijalva for his hard work and Congressman Bishop. It is safe to say that all four of us, working together--Senator Murkowski
Nomination of William Barr (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-2-13

I rise this afternoon to speak regarding the nomination of William Barr to serve as the next Attorney General of our country. prgtoken First, I want to take a few minutes to reflect on the circumstances surrounding this vacancy. I believe that every Member of this Chamber should use this occasion to decide, ultimately, whether we believe Mr. Barr will be the Attorney General for all Americans or whether Mr. Barr will be the Attorney General, really, for one American. prgtoken When President-elect selected then-Senator Jeff Sessions, our colleague from Alabama, to serve as Attorney General for this country, it brought me no joy to vote against our long-time colleague and friend. The truth was, though, that our views too often diverged on too many important issues that included immigration, healthcare, civil rights, voting rights, LGBT rights, environmental protection, and more. prgtoken After considerable prayer and reflection, I reached the conclusion that Senator Sessions would not be an Attorney General for all Americans. prgtoken Unfortunately, during his tenure at the Department of Justice, he went on to preside over a number of divisive policies and decisions, including the Muslim ban, overturning protections for Dreamers and asylum seekers, enacting a cruel policy of family separation at our southern border, and failing to defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act in court. prgtoken I have not been shy about expressing my disagreement with these decisions, and others, made by the Department of Justice during the current administration. However, one area where I strongly agreed with Attorney General Sessions was his decision to recuse himself from the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in our 2016 elections. prgtoken One of my core values is to figure out what is the right thing to do and to try to do it--not what is politically expedient, not what is easy but what is the right thing to do. After it became clear that then-Senator Sessions provided testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee that called into question his impartiality on matters relating to Russia and the 2016 election, Attorney General Sessions recused himself from all matters related to the 2016 Presidential election. That was the right thing to do. It certainly wasn't what our President wanted him to do. The President has said as much repeatedly. I should say that, maybe, he has tweeted as much repeatedly. prgtoken The President repeatedly admonished Attorney General Sessions for doing what I think many of us believe was the right thing to do. Here is what the President tweeted on June 5, 2018: The Russian Witch Hunt Hoax continues, all because Jeff Sessions didn't tell me he was going to recuse himself . . . I would have quickly picked someone else. So much time and money wasted, so many lives ruined . . . and Sessions knew better than most that there w