mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO WALTER HARRISON
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise to pay tribute to Walter on, who retired as the president of the University of Hartford on June 30, 2017 after serving in that position for 19 years. In his time as president, the University of Hartford has truly flourished. Under his leadership, UHart has grown by leaps and bounds through increased enrollment, continued academic success, new academic programs and centers, and major renovations to campus facilities. He leaves the university as a place with a national reputation as a renowned academic institution. prgtoken Walt is first and foremost an educator and a scholar of American literature and culture. A native of Pittsburgh, he first came to Connecticut to study at Trinity College in Hartford where he received his bachelor's degree. He then went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from the University of California--Davis. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as an officer. prgtoken During his time as chair of the NCAA's Committee on Academic Performance, he became one of the nation's most influential voices on higher education and collegiate athletics. He has always been a champion on behalf of student-athletes and ensuring that collegiate athletics are always a part of an enriching academic experience. This culminated with Walt's receipt of the NCAA's Gerald R. Ford Award. prgtoken Walt has not only been an extraordinary leader of the university, but has been a pillar of the Greater Hartford community. That can be seen in the two magnet schools opened by the university under his tenure and through his service on the boards of the Hartford Stage, St. Francis Hospital, MetroHartford Alliance, Suffield Academy, Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, and the Connecticut Science Center. Walt has contributed immensely to the fabric of our civic culture. prgtoken I am proud to call Walt a friend. Anyone who knows Walt knows that he is a passionate baseball fan, particularly of his Pittsburgh Pirates. His doctoral dissertation was on baseball's influence on the nation's culture and he is the most knowledgeable baseball fan that one will ever meet. I wish him the best in retirement and I hope he takes his newfound free time to enjoy his family and to finally visit every big league ballpark. prgtoken I would like to submit for the Record the undergraduate and graduate commencement addresses delivered on Walter's last graduation ceremonies as president by my colleagues, Congresswoman Mia Love of Utah and Congressman Richard Neal of Massachusetts, two proud UHart alumni. the honorable mia love It is wonderful to be with you all today. It is great to be back to a place filled with so many memories. My mind has been racing back to places and spaces on this campus; to so many lessons learned, and to so many people who made a
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Denny Heck (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-7-28

. Madam , I rise to support the 2018 Intelligence Authorization Act, but first I would like to tender a point of personal privilege. prgtoken Happy birthday, Madam . prgtoken This Intelligence Authorization Act has very strong bipartisan language. I just want to highlight two areas where the IAA furthers what I believe to be high priorities for our national security. prgtoken First, section 605, which I had the honor to author, sets in motion how to change the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, we also call it CFIUS, to better protect our keystone technologies. prgtoken This IAA provision dovetails with some broader work that we are doing in the Financial Services Committee, in fact, across the aisle with Congressman Pittenger and myself and others. It would modernize the process to better protect and prevent strategic foreign adversaries like China or Russia from taking advantage of our open markets in a way that undermines our national security. prgtoken America's technological edge is, in fact, a cornerstone of our national security, but our strategic adversaries know that, too. They are increasingly seeking to obtain these critical technologies and resources through commercial transactions, i.e they are buying them. CFIUS is a place to safeguard us against this risk, but it needs modernization, more resources, and authority and support from the intelligence community. prgtoken Russian meddling in the 2017 election showed us what happens when an adversary tries to exploit our political openness. Now they are trying to exploit our economic openness. Our intelligence community is vital in protecting against both of those threats. prgtoken Let me also underscore this point: The fiscal year 2018 IAA takes steps to safeguard our Nation's edge, our advantage in space, which is, I am sorry to say, increasingly threatened by adversary nations. To mitigate that risk, the bill supports some truly cutting-edge space technologies and invests in and oversees programs to ensure the resiliency of overhead architecture. At the same time, it keeps up with the Intelligence Committee's long-running efforts to stimulate innovation. prgtoken In particular, the committee report accompanying today's legislation asks the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to examine new approaches to public and private sector collaboration, with the goal of fostering the faster, smarter development of automation, artificial intelligence, and similar technologies. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to support this legislation. I hope all my colleagues will join me in both wishing the a happy birthday and in voting ``yes'' on this bill.
IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN KELMENDI FOR HIS WORK WITH THE METRO DETROIT COMMUNITY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to recognize Mr. John Kelmendi for his career as an educator and involvement in the southeast Michigan community. Mr. Kelmendi has been a dedicated advocate for students during his career with the Detroit Public Schools and involvement with local community groups. prgtoken Mr. Kelmendi, a native of Albania, began his career with Detroit Public Schools in 1993 and established a reputation as a dedicated teacher invested in the success of his students. Mr. Kelmendi initially taught social studies to students at Pershing High School and became curriculum leader of the school's social studies department in 2003. In this role, Mr. Kelmendi helped coordinate the staff and manage the instructional material in the social studies department. He also served as an instructional specialist, where he helped observe and evaluate other educators in addition to teaching students. Mr. Kelmendi's work with the students at Pershing resulted in significant improvements in academic achievement, including a strong upward trend in social studies test scores relative to other DPS students. prgtoken Mr. Kelmendi's time as an educator and community activist was critical to improving student achievement and establishing a culture of excellence within the social studies department at Pershing High School. As a result of his actions, Mr. Kelmendi received a lifetime achievement award from Detroit Public Schools and was well-known for his passion for teaching. Additionally, he was active in the Metro Detroit Community, having served as a member of Detroit's School- Community Relations Committee, which helped establish and improve collaboration between the DPS academic community and residents of Detroit. Mr. Kelmendi went above and beyond what was expected in the classroom and the community, and his efforts are worthy of commendation. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. John Kelmendi for his work as an educator and in the Metro Detroit community. Mr. Kelmendi's actions have impacted countless lives.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF DR. MARY R. STAUFFER
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to recognize Dr. Mary R. Stauffer on her upcoming 100th birthday, which will be celebrated on August 27, 2017, in Downey, California. prgtoken Born in Toledo, Ohio on August 26, 1917, to Amelia and Reverend Henry Schuh, Mary Ruth Schuh was raised in a home of three generations of Lutheran ministers. At age six, she started teaching Sunday school. Her early teaching experience and involvement with the church introduced her to a lifelong interest in education and philanthropy. prgtoken Mary loved reading and studying, and in 1935, she was the class valedictorian of Bexley High School, near Columbus, Ohio. With a scholarship, she attended Capital University, a Lutheran College. By working as an unpaid assistant for a pathologist at White Cross Hospital, she gained invaluable experience and a glowing recommendation for medical school. She graduated summa cum laude from Capital University in 1939. prgtoken Mary was admitted to Ohio State University Medical School, where she was one of just five women in a class of 75. She graduated top of her class on April 15, 1943. Concurrent with her MD, she earned her MS in Pathology by applying the first electron microscope in the U.S. to biological research. prgtoken On December 18, 1943, she married a co-resident in pathology, Dr. Floyd (Dal) Stauffer, a scholar and an athlete. Dal was commissioned into the Navy on their wedding day and reported to duty in Bremerton, Washington, on January 1, 1944. In Bremerton, Dr. Mary completed her residency, but just when she opened her own practice, Dal was transferred to Pensacola, Florida. In 1953 after Dal completed his service in the Navy, the family moved, and settled in Downey, California. prgtoken After briefly working as a physician for the Los Angeles Unified School District, Dr. Mary Stauffer opened her own OB-GYN practice and in 1954 joined the Downey Community Hospital Medical Staff. As her practice grew, she always kept Tuesday and Thursday afternoons open for her five children's activities. prgtoken Dr. Mary Stauffer was one of the first obstetricians to offer expecting mothers an educational program. Based on Grantly Dick-Read natural childbirth (before Lamaze), she developed a series of three lectures. The third was held with spouses at her home and included an 8-mm film of her delivering twins. In 1976, after delivering babies for 23 years in Downey, she transitioned into general practice. prgtoken In 1972, Dr. Mary was chosen Chief of Staff at Downey Community Hospital. In 1987, with a donation of $100,000, she was the first physician to qualify as a member of the Founders Gallery of the hospital. She hoped to be the first of many. prgtoken Dr. Mary's other honors include the 1983 Ohio State Medical School Alumni Achievement Award, the 1997 Distinguished Service Award from Capital University, and the 2007 Delta Kappa Gamma Chi State Distinguished Public Service Award. She was also named California State
CONGRATULATING DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER AND D.C. RESIDENT SKYE BORK
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating District of Columbia native and resident Skye Bork on being named the 2017 winner of the country's largest scholarship program for girls, the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program. Skye was awarded $36,500 in scholarships for her college education. prgtoken DYW is a 60-year-old national scholarship program aimed at encouraging high school girls to develop their full potential through a series of scholastic and creative workshops. DYW allows college-bound high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate as long as they maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. A scholarship is then awarded based upon an interview, academic achievement, talent, self-expression and physical fitness. DYW is well-known nationally, and past winners have included television broadcasters Diane Sawyer and Kathie Lee Gifford, and actresses Debra Messing and Kim Bassinger. prgtoken Skye was selected to win the scholarship from among four finalists from schools in wards throughout the city. She attended the Washington School of Ballet for many years, as well as the Akhmedova Ballet Academy in Maryland. For her talent segment, Skye performed a ballet excerpt en pointe, from Bizet's Carmen. Skye, the daughter of Shigeko and Tim Bork, is a 2017 graduate with honors from the National Cathedral School. She is the first D.C. resident to be awarded the scholarship in the program's 60-year history, due in large part to the fact that the area chapter of the program remained dormant for 30 years. I would like to thank the D.C. chapter of DYW for reviving the program, and also thank the local businesses who supported the program and donated to the scholarship fund. Skye was proud to announce that she will be attending Columbia University this fall, and, in preparation for the career she would like to pursue in international business and government, she will be studying applied mathematics and economics. The District is very proud of Skye. She will be the national representative of DYW for a year. prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Skye Bork on her impressive achievements.
GINNY BOUVIER, A POWERFUL VOICE FOR PEACE
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise to sing the praises of Virginia Bouvier, who is a senior adviser for peace processes at the U.S. Institute of Peace and the director of its Colombia program. prgtoken I have known Ginny for over 30 years. She is a powerful voice for peace and a strong, loving, generous spirit. I have seen her create the conditions, open up the spaces so that peace may take hold even during violent conflict. prgtoken Around the world, but especially in Colombia, she has brought together people from different points of view, different walks of life, the powerful and the marginalized. She has worked alongside them to find common ground and common purpose in building peace. prgtoken In all honesty, , Ginny is the very model of a life lived fully with intelligence, love, compassion, tolerance, and devotion. Right now, Ginny is under critical care at Georgetown University Hospital. I ask all my colleagues to keep Ginny and her family in their thoughts and prayers.
WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OBAMACARE
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-28

in conclusion, the House of Representatives is going to go on recess in August. Now is the time for millions of people across America to contact their Member, ask them to hold townhalls, ask them to explain their vote on the awful Care legislation that passed the House, and ask them to now work with and work on a bipartisan basis to improve Care. Now is the time for millions of Americans to speak up. They have the entire month of August to contact their Member of Congress, and I urge them to do so. prgtoken , from Arizona (Mr. Gallego).
IN MEMORY OF FIRST SERGEANT MARGARET BARKER
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today in memory of First Sergeant Margaret Barker, an honored veteran who passed away just last week. Sergeant Barker was a highly-respected service woman and a loved community member, and she would have been 100 years old this August. prgtoken Raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Sergeant Barker was the third eldest in a family of nine children. When World War II broke out, Sergeant Barker felt called to serve this nation she loved and enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942. prgtoken She was sent out to Angel Island just off the coast of San Francisco and moved on to Fort McDowell, where she served until the War ended as a First Sergeant in charge of one of the first all-female, all-black companies in the Army. In 2015, Mrs. Barker traveled to Washington, D.C. with 19 other World War II veterans to view the national war memorial and be honored, and she was the only woman in the group. prgtoken Sergeant Barker was a trailblazer and a maverick, serving with grace and distinction in a time when forces were still segregated and gendered. Her devotion to duty and her Company earned her the nickname ``Top'' in the Military, a name usually given to Sergeants for their commitment to especially caring leadership. This is just one instance of her selflessness, and how highly she valued those around her. Sergeant Barker was known for her warmth and resilience, which is reflected in the close relationships she shared with her family. prgtoken After serving in the Military, Mrs. Barker returned to her home in Boston, where she then married longtime friend, Vernon Barker, who was a fellow service member. Together, they decided to move to California, where they started their family and made their home in our community. prgtoken , please join me in honoring and remembering Sergeant Margaret Barker, whose strength and steadfastness identifies her as a role model to us all. Her generous and always kind spirit will live on in the hearts and lives of everyone she touched, and I extend my deepest condolences to her children, Gail and Beverly, and the rest of her family. May God bless her soul and her family.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-7-28

. Madam , as a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee and vigilant defender of our national security, I rise in support of H.R. 3180, the ``Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018,'' which will provide the Intelligence Community (IC) with the necessary resources and authorities to ensure they remain capable of protecting and defending the United States. prgtoken Our intelligence community is facing unprecedented threats from our adversaries around the world as this Administration struggles with the basics of leading this great nation. prgtoken The Administration left the nation with a stable and growing economy; several important international coalition wins that include the Iranian Nuclear Arms Deal; the Russia Sanctions; and the Paris Climate Agreement. prgtoken The work of our intelligence community is a key asset in our efforts to thwart our adversaries when they seek to do Americans or our interests harm. prgtoken Following the Election, President-elect was critical of the intelligence community. prgtoken In December 2016, he attacked the CIA over its assessment that Russian hacks on ic political targets were intended to help him win the White House. prgtoken In January of this year just prior to his inauguration, he compared our intelligence community to Nazi Germany, while making an unfounded accusation that the intelligence community leaked an unconfirmed dossier of sensitive information regarding him compiled by a private investigator. prgtoken President 's disclosure of highly sensitive intelligence to Russian officials during a visit they had in the oval office raises grave concerns among our allies regarding sharing information with our intelligence community and the disclosure threatened to fracture his already-delicate relationship with the intelligence community. prgtoken The revelation that President met a second time in secret with Russian President Putin was not disclosed to the public, but came to light due to investigative journalism. prgtoken The New York Times reported that lawyers and aides to President are investigating the investigators hired by special counsel Robert Mueller, by scouring their records for potential conflicts of interest in an attempt to discredit their work. prgtoken There is a pressing need for not only funding the work of the intelligence community, but to also provide additional protections to guard this national asset from undue interference from an Administration with too many entanglements with the Russian government that are under investigation. prgtoken This bill authorizes appropriations for Fiscal Year 2018 for vital intelligence activities of the U.S. Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. prgtoken H.R. 3180 comes at a critical time in the status of our national security and the IC's ability to protect
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DESIREE LANGSTON CARN
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to remember the life of Mrs. Desiree Langston Carn, a revered member of our Toledo community. Mrs. Carn passed from this life on June 26, 2017 surrounded by her family. prgtoken Desiree Langston Carn graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1973 and earned her Bachelor's Degree from the Ohio State University and a Master's Degree from Bowling Green State University in guidance and counseling. prgtoken She served the Toledo community and touched the lives of countless students as a Counselor, retiring after 34 years from the Toledo Board of Education. Her compassion, her smile, and her words of wisdom guided many young people on paths forward. prgtoken Desiree had a beautiful voice which she used in worship at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo. So special was her gift, that a citywide musical celebration was held at the church as part of her homegoing. prgtoken Desiree leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Ernest Carn, Jr her sons Jamal and Jasyn, her five grandchildren, her mother, Elzena Langston, her brother Calvin Thompson, her sister Antoinette Langston, and many loving relatives. We offer them our prayers and hope that they find comfort in the wonderful memories of what Desiree had meant to each of the people who shared in her life. prgtoken Psalm 59: 16-17 sings, ``But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your loving kindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me loving kindness.'' Desiree Langston Carn shared this message through her angelic voice. Now she joins the Angels in song. prgtoken Desiree led a full life and gave so much to all those who knew her. Her legacy grows in the wisdom she shared and the hope she inspired in the young people she counseled. Her voice still shines as it is carried forth.
RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY OF HELEN S. LIU
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-28

I rise today to honor a long-time resident of my district, Mrs. Helen Liu, as she celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends. prgtoken Mrs. Liu spends her days embodying the qualities of kindness, generosity, and selflessness, all of which have been gained after many years spent as a mother and a woman of faith. She was born August 19, 1917 in a small village outside the city of Tangshan, China. The youngest of six children--three older brothers and two older sisters-- Helen found a passion in pursuing higher education in an environment that discouraged it. prgtoken After completing her exams at Shen Hung Girl's High School, Helen was accepted to two prestigious universities: Yanjing University in Beijing and Nankai University in Tianjin. In order to remain close to her family, Helen attended school in Tianjin. It was here where she later met and married her husband, Yung Kwei Lui, on April 7, 1941. prgtoken Helen and her husband raised a beautiful family of four, two sons and two daughter, one of which she currently spends her days with in the City of Montclair. In her spare time, Helen teaches bible study and the lessons she has learned throughout her long, but fulfilling life. Many of these lessons are well documented in her autobiography. prgtoken When asked her opinion of such a monumental celebration, Helen said she finds it difficult to believe that she has lived to see 100 years. She only hopes to see many more. prgtoken For her endless dedication to her family and her community, and for being an example of love and kindness, I would like to recognize Mrs. Helen Liu, proud American citizen, and wish her a very Happy Birthday.