mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMMIGRATION HERITAGE MONTH
Carlos Curbelo (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-28

Saturday marks the end of Immigrant Heritage Month, an annual tradition dedicated to celebrating the contributions immigrants have made to communities all across the country. prgtoken Our Nation was founded by immigrants. The very existence of our entire democracy, of this institution, is the result of compromise and consensus by the descendants of immigrants, and today our Nation continues to owe a great debt of gratitude to the contributions of more recent arrivals who are an essential part of daily life, our economy, and our society. prgtoken I had hoped we would be able to close out this celebration with the news that, for the first time in a long time, Congress had come together to fix our broken, inefficient, unfair immigration system. Instead, a bipartisan majority decided to double down on the status quo: a porous border, uncertainty for the victims of a broken immigration system, and continued division between Americans over the issue of immigration. prgtoken Despite this setback, I am hopeful that, working with any colleague that is willing to do so in this House, I and other Members can find a solution to this broken immigration system and, in doing so, help heal our country's politics.
HONORING OFFICER MATHEW MAZANY
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-6-28

today, I want to honor the life and service of a brave constituent of mine, Mentor police officer Mathew Mazany. prgtoken Officer Mazany, a 14-year veteran officer, was killed in a tragic hit-and-run on Sunday morning while helping with a traffic stop. prgtoken He achieved his dream by following in the footsteps of his father, who also served as a police officer for 34 years in Maple Heights, not too far from Mentor. prgtoken His coworkers and those who knew him best described him as a happy- go-lucky kind of guy who enjoyed the Mentor community. prgtoken Officer Mazany leaves behind a son, a brother, a father, and countless others who had the pleasure of knowing him. prgtoken His legacy and dedication to public service will not be forgotten. prgtoken My prayers are with Officer Mazany's family, his friends, the city of Mentor and the Mentor Police Department during this difficult time.
RECOGNIZING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ERIC B. HILL
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-6-28

today, I would like to recognize Command Sergeant Major Eric B. Hill on his retirement from a career of honorable service in the United States Army. prgtoken In 1983, Command Sergeant Major Hill enlisted in the Army and was initially assigned to the 388th Chemical Company. As he continued his service, Command Sergeant Major Hill excelled in a multitude of duty assignments and was repeatedly promoted as a non-commissioned officer. From his days as a young Sergeant serving in the 388th Chemical Company to the highest rank of Command Sergeant Major in the 419th Movement Control Battalion, he has exemplified the true meaning of leadership and commitment. Command Sergeant Major Hill honorably served our nation through several combat deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2008 and Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010 to 2011. prgtoken Throughout his duty assignments, Command Sergeant Major Hill was highly decorated in recognition of his exceptional service. He is a recipient of several service awards including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. prgtoken I would like to acknowledge Command Sergeant Major Hill for his 31 years of service and sacrifice to our country. I am grateful for his dedication, bravery, and selfless service. It is an honor to recognize servicemen like Eric Hill and I thank him for his sacrifice for our country.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--Continued
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-6-28

I think I owe an apology to many of my colleagues, and I hope I can get their attention. prgtoken We have talked a lot about the need for a farm bill. We have talked about prgtoken how we are in a rough patch in agriculture and how it affects every part of the country--all regions, all crops--and that we have crafted a farm bill in a bipartisan way with most of the titles. prgtoken I have not talked enough to stress what we have done with regard to the SNAP program, in terms of reform and efficiencies, and solving that bonus program that was full of errors, prompting the IG to fine several States. prgtoken Bear with me. I want to go over some of this progress that I think my colleagues will be interested in. prgtoken for his amendment, which would modify the work requirements under SNAP, as has been indicated, and require a photo ID with the use of a SNAP EBT card. I understand the intent to work toward self-sufficiency among SNAP participants. By the way, the best thing we have done is we have seen the economy improve and have seen to it that people have jobs and can get jobs and actually get off of food stamps. prgtoken While I understand the intent is to promote work by broadening the application of the requirements, our bill would focus more on employment and training in the work requirements. The point I am trying to make is that in addition, many of the provisions in the amendment are duplicative of current law and regulations and would create significant administrative burdens for the Department of Agriculture and State agencies--something we don't want. prgtoken Our bill is focused on more accountability in the employment and training programs to get folks back on the path to employment. Ten States have pilot programs, taking a look at exactly how they can accomplish this goal. Eight more we deal with in this bill. That is 18 States where we have pilot programs where we can actually make progress and that is by States innovating, by adopting State pilot programs, as I have just mentioned. prgtoken We authorize new State innovation employment and training pilots. I just basically addressed that. We make sure State work programs consult with local employers when setting up and evaluating a training program. That means we are much more specific. We set up a process for groups of employers and nonprofit stakeholders to conduct their own training programs that count for SNAP participants with minimal regulatory burden. prgtoken So we are achieving regulatory reform while, at the same time, getting basically nonprofit stakeholders to come in and actually take part. That is a good thing. prgtoken These are all things that will provide the tools to States, to people, to employers, and to nonprofits that will get people working again. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support my motion to table this amendment, and then we can find the appropriate balance in getting people
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--Continued
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-6-28

. Thank you. prgtoken , I am joined in this amendment with Senators Cruz and Lee. I thank Senator Roberts and Senator Stabenow for their work on this bill. prgtoken The farm bill is a must-pass bill. It is important. I realize that. America was born on the farm. Seventy percent of the cost of this bill has to do with food stamps, and I am pleased to have the opportunity for us to discuss a way to improve our food stamp program. prgtoken As I said yesterday, I don't want to take away food stamps from people in need. I do want fewer people to need food stamps. In our country, I am very proud of the fact that if you are hungry, we feed you. If you are homeless, we house you. If you are too poor to be sick, we pay for your doctor. But the best way to continue the food stamp program and our other social programs is to make sure that they are efficient and that we save as much money as we can from those who would abuse the program in order to really help those in need. prgtoken This amendment will make responsible changes to the SNAP program by updating photo identification requirements related to electronic benefits transfer systems in the Food and Nutrition Act, and it will also take the very important step of having work requirements for able- bodied adult individuals without dependents. We are not talking about someone with kids or taking Grandpa out of the nursing home. And it would require State agencies to operate work activation programs for eligible SNAP participants.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--Continued
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-28

I come to talk about the farm bill and an amendment I filed along with Senators Cornyn and Heller, but I first want to thank Chairman Roberts for doing the remarkable job he does bringing people together on the Agriculture Committee. For the first 2 years I was in the Senate, beginning in 2015, I was on Agriculture, and I really enjoyed watching the way he worked trying to bridge the gaps between different interests. prgtoken In the Agriculture Committee, it is less along partisan lines and more along regional lines. So the fact that we have a farm bill before us, which I will support and I believe is good for farmers, is a testament to the leadership of Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow. prgtoken A lot of people probably don't realize that although North Carolina is a relatively small State, with the majority of our population in urban centers, we are also one of the top 10 agriculture States. We have over 80 commodities raised in our State which contribute about $84 billion to our State in revenue. So it is a very important sector--in fact, I would argue, the most important sector. prgtoken It is absolutely important that we get the farm bill right and that we have fair treatment for all crops. Chairman Roberts is working on that, and I am going to do everything I can to help him as we work with the House Members in conference. prgtoken I want to spend the remaining part of my time talking about something that is also very important. prgtoken About 80 percent of the farm bill is dedicated to the SNAP program. We heard Senator Ernst talk about it in her comments. It is a very important program for nutritional assistance, but it is also important we implement policies that make sure it is sustainable over time and that for those who are reliant on it, we ultimately do everything we can for those who are capable to no longer rely on it. How do we do that? prgtoken Right now, there is a program for adults where, if you don't have dependents, there is an expectation about work requirements, but I believe we have to make sure we have more people looking for work, being trained for work as a requirement for getting the SNAP benefits. prgtoken There will be a lot of people who are going to talk about the heartless nature of this program, but let's talk about what is really being proposed versus what you may hear in a floor speech or in the press. prgtoken What this program is about is for people between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not have children under the age of 6. Why 6? Because at that point they are generally going to school, so daycare issues are not as great. We are not talking about people who have a health problem or someone who has a disability. They are exempted. prgtoken We are talking about adults who may have older children, who are able-bodied, and should be expected to work or do some sort of community service as a condition for getting the SNAP benefit. prgtoken There are a l
THE BANKSTON FORK BAPTIST CHURCH'S 200TH ANNIVERSARY
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-6-28

I rise today to acknowledge the bicentennial anniversary of the Bankston Fork Baptist Church in burg, Illinois. The church was founded in 1818 by Wilson Henderson and Chester Carpenter. prgtoken The Bankston Fork Baptist Church has existed as a religious body for 200 years and has continuously given back to the community. After the church opened, they immediately started to spread their message of love, friendship and equality throughout the area. Bankston Fork Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in Illinois and the church has occupied five different buildings in four different locations during its tenure. prgtoken I offer my congratulations to the members of Bankston Fork Baptist Church on their bicentennial anniversary. I wish them many more prosperous years in the future.
HONORING GEORGE C. WILLIAMS AND THE CREW OF THE FLYING FORTRESS
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-6-28

I wish to honor George C. Williams and the crew of the 42-299-28 B-17 Flying Fortress that was shot down over Normandy, France, during WWII 75 years ago on July 4, 1943. prgtoken George C. Williams, bombardier from Warren, Trumbull County, OH, was killed in action. While assisting the nose gunner, his chute accidentally opened inside the aircraft. Pilot Olof Ballinger offered up his own parachute, but George refused. It is believed that he attempted to fly the plane after all the crew had evacuated. prgtoken Pilot Olof Maximilian Ballinger, of Newton Falls, Trumbull County, OH, evaded capture and walked alone, with no compass, over the Pyrenees Mountains. He reached safety in Spain in November 1943 and returned to the U.S. He eventually moved to California. prgtoken Harry W. Basucher, Jr of Cincinnati, OH, was killed in action inside the plane by enemy cannon fire. prgtoken Copilot John Marshall Carrah, from Chico, CA, evaded capture and escaped to Switzerland and then to Spain and returned to the U.S. in March 1944 and continued to assist in the war effort. He was a career U.S. Air Force officer retiring as a lieutenant colonel. prgtoken Byron J. Gronstall, from Van Nuys, CA, who evacuated the plane, was captured by a German patrol. He was a prisoner of war at Stalag 7A. prgtoken William C. Howell, from Goldsboro, NC, who evaded capture, was seriously wounded. prgtoken Francis E. Owens, of Pittsburgh, PA, evaded capture but died of exposure in the Pyrenees Mountains while trying to assist other crewmen through the dangerous passage. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal for bravely dragging wounded men out of harm's way. prgtoken John K. Lane, a radio operator from Deland, FL, was captured and was a prisoner of war at Stalag 7A and 17B. Francis E. Owens found John K. Lane unconscious and dragged him the length of the plane before attaching a parachute and pulling the ripcord while assisting him out of the aircraft. prgtoken Paul McConnell, the navigator from Montgomery, AL, evaded capture. prgtoken Albert Wackerman, from Salinas, CA, was killed in action by enemy fire aboard the B-17. prgtoken A documentary was created about these 10 brave American aviators and will be featured at an event in Warren, OH, on July 2, 2018, at the Samuel E. Lanza Veterans Resource Center. prgtoken The son of copilot John M. Carrah, who has done extensive research, heard first-person accounts from his father, and assisted in filming the documentary, will speak after the documentary viewing. This event is sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle with assistance from Warren city councilman John Brown. prgtoken The bravery of the crew of the 42-299-28 B-17 Flying Fortress was indicative of so many of their generation who risked life and limb to liberate Europe from an evil unlike anything our country and allies had ever faced. prgtoken We can never repay them for their service and sacrifice, but this United States Congress and our Nation
CRISIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-28

yesterday we held a hearing on human rights abuses and targeted killings in the Anglophone region of the Republic of Cameroon. We explored the roots of this emerging crisis, and U.S. policy options for addressing human rights violations and instability in the Anglophone region, which affects not only stability in Cameroon, but also in the region. The increased tempo of government repression is fueling secessionist sentiment, leading to instability in the country in advance of presidential elections scheduled for October. Cameroon's political stability is of great importance to the U.S. because the country plays a critical role in American counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram in the west and central Africa. We also have ongoing concerns about 85-year-old strongman Paul Biya, who has either served as Prime Minister or as President since 1975 and who seems disconnected if not at odds with many of the people he is supposed to serve--particularly the English-speaking minority. As the U.S. is involved in training and equipping Cameroonian security forces to strengthen regional capacity to combat terrorism, it is necessary to re-evaluate further counterterrorism cooperation with Cameroon to ensure the protection of Cameroonian civilians and respect for civil and political rights--including the most fundamental of rights, the right to life. Understanding the history of Cameroon--or, rather, ``the Cameroons,'' as the choice between the singular and plural form is fraught with significance--is necessary for understanding the present crisis. While it is a country of great African ethnic diversity, the main dividing line is linguistic, reflecting a colonial past which saw the French-speaking region gain independence from France in 1960 and union with the southern portion of the former mandate territory of British Cameroon the following year. The country that was formed was the Federal Republic of the Cameroon, and the national flag that was adopted had two stars, signaling to the world the union of two coequal states under one constitution. English speakers were always a minority, however, and the political and constitutional basis under which they entered into a union eroded over time. In 1972, then-President Ahmadou Ahidjo abolished the federal system of government and created a unitary ``United Republic of Cameroon.'' The flag was not changed until 1975 to reflect this new imposition of monist rule, when the two stars gave way to one. In 1984, President Biya again revised the Constitution, which changed the country's name to the present ``Republic of Cameroon.'' The current Constitutional iteration dates back to 1996, and on paper, at least, restores a certain degree of federalist autonomy in response to Anglophone demands. The reality is, however, different. In 2016, the central government triggered a crisis by appointing French-speaking teachers and judges in the Anglophone
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018--Continued
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-28

I am proud to join with Senator Kennedy and Senator Lee in offering this amendment. prgtoken The farm bill has many good and important elements in it that benefit our farmers and ranchers, who are a critical part of our economy in my home State of Texas and all across this country. prgtoken A major component of this bill is, of course, the food stamp program. The food stamp program provides important support for people who are in need, but at the same time, we should not be trapping people into dependency. prgtoken The amendment that I have joined with Senator Kennedy and Senator Lee in offering strengthens the work requirements for food stamps for able- bodied adults. Right now, more than a third of the country lives in areas with no work requirements. Thirty-three States have some kind of waiver on the work requirements. Twenty-eight States have partial waivers. Five States and the District of Columbia have total waivers on work requirements. That is not right, and it has led to a troubling development. In recent years, a rapidly growing group of food stamp recipients has been able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 to 49, in prime working ages, who are not disabled and have no dependents or children to support. This population has quintupled, rising from 1 million recipients in 2008 to about 5 million recipients in 2015. prgtoken As a Senate, this should be a bipartisan proposal. We should come together to include work requirements to get people who are on food stamps back into the workplace, providing for their families. prgtoken I urge our colleagues to support this amendment.
ATROCITIES CONTINUE IN SYRIA
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-6-28

I very much appreciate the time that has been set aside here, and I appreciate the gentleman yielding. prgtoken I have got to say at the outset, one of the great tragedies of the half a million deaths in Syria is that I think it was quite avoidable. prgtoken If we think back to 7 years ago and how it started, it began with people marching in the streets of Damascus saying, ``peaceful, peaceful.'' Their goal was to try to get some element of human rights in a country in which people were being abducted and disappeared in these chambers where they were tortured and killed. prgtoken We know a lot more now than we did at the time because of a brave military photographer by the name of Caesar, and Caesar brought those pictures out to the West, 55,000 of them. prgtoken The way in which the regime conducted itself drove the population in Syria to react. And now, after 7 years of war, brutal war, the atrocities continue in Syria; and in many ways, after listening this morning to Caesar and seeing his photographs again, they are worse than they were. prgtoken I say that because, as we speak, despite a ceasefire agreed to by Russia, the Assad regime, backed by Russian war planes and backed by the Iranian militia from neighboring Iran on the ground, is engaged in a brutal assault on southern Syria. They are engaged there, and more than 45,000 civilians have fled as Russian and regime forces have intensified their shelling and their air raids again on civilian populations. prgtoken So yesterday alone, three hospitals were bombed. The United Nations has said that more Syrians were displaced in the first few months of this year than at any period in the last 7 years of war--the first few months of this year. This is happening as we speak. prgtoken This is one of the children affected by this brutal campaign. The numbers are staggering. As I shared with you, there are over half a million Syrians that have been killed. Think for a minute about the families of those who are on the move trying to escape. Fourteen million Syrians have been displaced; tens of thousands remain in the regime's dungeons. prgtoken That, for me, is the most horrifying aspect of this. It is because the regime will not, despite international pressure, change what it does within those dungeons, the same torture that was exposed to the world in the Caesar photos, in the 55,000 photos. prgtoken And the horrific part of this--I don't know why totalitarian regimes do this, but they have a habit of taking the picture of every tortured, mangled body that they have killed and then numbering it with a number, and then number after number after number. It is now a process of civil society in Syria trying to figure out and tie these families together. prgtoken And the population that was massacred, whether it is Shia or Sunni or Alawites or Christian, it is as though the regime knows no bounds in terms of its suspicions. It is like Joe Stalin's rampage when he decide