mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-12-13

I thank my friend for yielding, and I thank him for those kind words. prgtoken There are other things we also did on this floor. We have also mourned during times of grief, including our colloquy just 1 day after the shooting at the GOP baseball practice. prgtoken Those moments of shared humanity reflect the very best that this House has to offer. And, yes, we have had our share of debates--debates over policy, over politics, and how to make the country better. But I have always known my friend to be a man of integrity and a fair and honest broker. prgtoken And although his questions were rarely confined to the schedule for the week to come, I have actually grown to enjoy these colloquies. Because no matter the subject, these colloquies represent some of the last true debate that occurs in this Chamber. So while the transcripts of what we say one day will fade, I wish my friend well as he carries forward this rich legacy of debate on the basis of mutual respect in the people's House, and I know he will. prgtoken , my friend knows I love metrics, so here are a few final stats. On average, our weekly colloquy this year has lasted 42\1/2\ minutes. I apologize to the House recordkeepers and to the Members trying to give 1-minute speeches like they are today. The shortest was 8 minutes, and the longest lasted more than an hour. prgtoken , today will likely be on the shorter end, because our schedule for next week remains fluid and subject to change. Conversations are currently ongoing between the House, Senate, and the White House. In the meantime, Members should be on standby and prepared to return to Washington for votes next week. We will provide advance notice ahead of any expected votes. prgtoken As of today, I would estimate first votes for the week to occur at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday. I would encourage all Members to make the necessary arrangements to be here as we complete our work for the 115th Congress.
FINAL FLOOR REMARKS
Sam Johnson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-13

this is going to be my last time up here. You all are great, and it is a pleasure to talk to you. prgtoken Someone once told me that being at the House of Representatives was a different kind of hell. So, when I was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives 27 years ago, I said that I had survived hell on Earth at the infamous Hanoi Hilton and the Texas House of Representatives, and that I guess I had gone from hell to hell to hell. prgtoken While there have been some hellish long nights here--and days--what I will remember is how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to serve America and defend freedom from the Halls of Congress. prgtoken I thank all of the constituents of my Third District of Texas, thank all of my colleagues and friends in this room, and thank my country. Serving in the Congress has been one of the highest honors of my life. prgtoken We live in the greatest country in the world, and don't forget it. If I leave any legacy behind, I hope that it is one of service above self. prgtoken God bless you. God bless America. I salute you and this great Nation.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARI HULMAN GEORGE
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-12-13

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Mari Hulman George, a pillar of the Indianapolis and international auto racing community and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Mari's passion for auto racing, stewardship of Indianapolis as the ``Racing Capital of the World,'' and decades of compassionate philanthropic work to the State of Indiana and the nation. prgtoken A life-long Hoosier, Mari was born in Evansville, Indiana in 1934 to prominent business magnate Anton ``Tony'' Hulman, Jr. and Mary Fendrich Hulman. She attended school at St. Benedict in Terre Haute, the Ladywood School in Indianapolis, and Purdue University in West Lafayette. Throughout her lifetime Mari was deeply involved in the Hulman family businesses, serving as the chairman of Hulman & Company, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation. In addition, she served as a longtime board member of First Financial Bank, a publicly traded company headquartered in Terre Haute. prgtoken Mari's deep passion for auto racing began when her father purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945, saving it from demolition after World War II. The track soon became the cornerstone of her life, where she spent the majority of her formative years. In 1954, she joined with Roger Wolcott to form the HOW racing team, which fielded the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the United States Auto Club (USAC) cars for several drivers. Among these drivers were Jerry Hoyt, Eddie Sachs, Tony Bettenhausen, Roger McCluskey, as well as Elmer George, whom she married in April 1957. A pioneer and a rarity in racing, Mari became a co-owner of a team that competed at the highest levels of Midwestern auto racing in the 1950s and 1960s. prgtoken In 1988, Mari became Chairman of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Under her leadership, IMS continued to gain worldwide popularity with a number of innovations. In 2016, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway celebrated the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, a race that has played a tremendously significant role in the economic development of the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. IMS prospered with the Indianapolis 500 and expanded its annual schedule beyond the ``Month of May'' to include the Brickyard 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series, the United States Grand Prix in the FIA Formula One World Championship, and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP in the FIM MotoGP World Championship. These contributions to IMS and her charitable work in the racing community led to Mari being inducted into the IMS Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2015. prgtoken Her passion for racing and the Speedway became a platform for many of her philanthropic efforts. At the Speedway, Mari hosted the ``Save Arnold'' Barbecue to benefit the Indiana Special Olympics every May for 25 years from 1
HONORING PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-13

I rise today to honor Professor John McDermott of College Station, Texas, who passed away on September 30, 2018. prgtoken John was born on January 5, 1932, to John and Helen Kelly McDermott in New York City, where he lived for 45 years. prgtoken He attended St. Francis College, where he earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy, and continued his education at Fordham University, where he earned his master of arts and Ph.D. with great distinction in 1959. prgtoken In 1977, John joined the faculty at Texas A&M University to serve as the department head of philosophy. Over the years, he became a monumental figure in the university's development. In 1983, he was instrumental in founding the Faculty Senate and served both as a faculty senator from 1983 to 1986 and as charter speaker from 1983 to 1984. He also founded the Department of Humanities in Medicine and organized the Community of Faculty Retirees. prgtoken During his career, he received many awards from Texas A&M for his research, his teaching, and his service to our university. prgtoken John's contributions went far beyond the scope of Texas A&M University, however. Throughout his career, he served as the president of, founded, or cofounded many prestigious organizations, including the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy, the William James Society, and the Josiah Royce Society. prgtoken John's scholarship and labor in the field of philosophy was acknowledged in 2016 when he was named as one of the world's 50 most influential living philosophers. prgtoken Among John's many accomplishments was his reputation for nurturing personal relationships with his five children, six grandchildren, great-grandchild, extended family, friends, strangers, and students. prgtoken John and his wife, Patricia, were known to regularly host students at their home to learn more about them and to mentor their development. prgtoken I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to meet Professor McDermott in early 2007 and to serve Texas A&M University with him. During that year and the next, we served as members of two Texas A&M administration executive search committees. Even though our ideological beliefs were widely divergent, we became great friends and were both passionate about the future of Texas A&M University and its students. prgtoken , John's life was defined by his service to those around him. His scholarship and teaching influenced generations of people across the world. He will be forever remembered as a selfless servant, an educator, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a great friend. prgtoken My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the McDermott family. We also lift up the family and friends of Professor McDermott in our prayers. prgtoken I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor his life and legacy. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country,
RECOGNIZING SHERIFF B.J. BARNES
Mark Walker (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-12-13

I stand today to recognize the service of Guilford County's longest-serving sheriff in history, B.J. Barnes. prgtoken Sheriff Barnes is retiring after more than two decades of service to the people and to the community of central North Carolina. Beginning in 1970, Sheriff Barnes felt the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at only 19 years old. prgtoken After beginning a career in law enforcement, he was elected sheriff in 1994. His reforms to the Guilford County justice system over the years have not gone unnoticed, from updating ramshackle jails to bringing our county necessary forensic technology, Sheriff Barnes always fought, and succeeded, in keeping Guilford County safe. prgtoken His service forever changed our community, and, we, along with his peers throughout the State and the country, will always remember his relentless dedication, his integrity, and his compassion. prgtoken Twenty-four years and six terms later, Sheriff Barnes retires with an outstanding record and will continue to be a source of influence for Guilford County. prgtoken Heroes like Sheriff Barnes are the fabric of our community, and I am blessed to call him a friend and mentor.
TRIBUTE TO DARREN HEDLUND
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-12-13

today I recognize Darren Hedlund, a legislative assistant in my Washington, DC, office for all of the hard work he has done for me, his colleagues, and the State of South Dakota. prgtoken Darren is a native of Wall, SD. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota before receiving his master of public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. While working on his undergraduate degree, Darren also served as president of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. prgtoken Darren was one of the first people I hired after being sworn in as Senator in January of 2015. He began his career at the front desk in my office, answering phones. Through hard work and dedication, Darren worked his way up to legislative assistant, handling cybersecurity, Veterans Affairs, foreign affairs, telecommunication, and homeland security issues for my office. Darren has played an instrumental role in my office by providing insight and guidance into these issues. prgtoken Darren has been a dedicated and faithful public servant during his time spent here in the Senate. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Darren for the fine work he has done. I wish him and his wife Reagan well as they take on life's new challenges together. As he continues his career of public service, he bears the esteem of a grateful State and my utmost gratitude for a job well done.
IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF OFFICER GIBSON'S DISTINGUISHED ACTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-12-13

I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of Officer David Gibson in preventing loss of life while in the line of duty. prgtoken On September 21, 2018 Officer Gibson came to assist a woman threatening to drive her car off a cliff, in an apparent suicide attempt. While another officer distracted the woman, Officer Gibson rushed to her vehicle from the opposite side, jumped in through an open window through the passenger's side and shut down the vehicle, risking great personal harm but successfully halting it's movement further off the cliff. The woman fought with Officer Gibson to restart the vehicle, but both officers were able to regain control and prevent her from turning on the vehicle again. Afterwards she was taken into custody and transported to a medical facility. prgtoken Officer Gibson demonstrated extreme devotion to his duty and the protection of others by endangering himself in an effort to save the life of another. These actions are honorable and representative of the great lengths our first responders go to better keep our community safe. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Officer Gibson. His actions are recognized and it is an honor to have him serving the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District.
DIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS-- Continues
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-12-13

as chairman of the Veterans Committee, for the last 4 years I have had the privilege of working with Dean Heller from Nevada. prgtoken In his opening remarks in his farewell speech, he spoke about his compassion for veterans. I have seen it up close and personal. His value as a member of that committee to me is invaluable. I could not have had a better member. prgtoken We had a lot of tough votes that had to be taken. A lot of times I had to count noses, and I knew I could count on him when it got to committee. This is a guy you could count on 100 percent of the time, every day. prgtoken He cares about what he is doing. He knows what he is doing. He is an affable person who is fun to be with, even if you disagree on things. Dean is one of a kind, in my opinion, and someone I am very proud to have served with on the committee. I wish he were going to be there for my last 2 years as chairman so that I could count on him a little bit more. prgtoken Dean is the real deal. He is the guy you can put money in the bank on. He has helped a lot. prgtoken I wish him the very best. His service to the country is invaluable. I served with him in the House and in the Senate. For the whole 20 years he has been here, I have been here too. I have seen him in countless tough votes. Whether it is Part D of Medicare or whatever it might be, he has always been there to be counted on. prgtoken He has stood up for the State of Nevada, whether the issue was nuclear energy, nuclear storage, nuclear waste, or nuclear bombs. prgtoken Nevada is a great State. This is a great Senate, and we have a great country. One of the reason we do is we have great individuals like Dean Heller. prgtoken God bless you, and I wish you the best.
RECOGNIZING MELVIN PHILLIPS
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-12-13

I rise to recognize my dear friend Melvin Phillips, a full-blooded Oneida Indian, who is facing eviction from his ancestral land by the illegitimate CEO of the Oneida Indian Nation, Ray Halbritter. prgtoken Mr. Phillips currently resides on ancestral land in Vernon, New York, which his family has possessed for centuries, long prior to the last treaty signed by the State of New York in 1842, of which all of his ancestors signed all of the treaties with the State and were codified into State law thereafter. prgtoken Melvin Phillips is an 82-year-old leader of the Orchard Party Band of Oneidas. Virtually all the elected officials in my region, including the Governor of New York, my 2018 opponent, and all of my predecessors who held this seat, overtly or tacitly, wrongly support the eviction of this genuine Native American and his family from their ancestral lands, in spite of all the laws in place to protect Mr. Phillips. prgtoken I have represented Mr. Phillips and his family pro bono because of his amazing story. He is the epitome of the American hero, albeit the Native American hero. prgtoken Mr. Phillips refuses to compromise his integrity. He is a fighter for the truth. He will not cash in to this corrupt casino leader or anyone else to protect his land or his culture. prgtoken Regardless of any official position I hold, I will not stop fighting for Mr. Phillips and his family no matter how many millions are spent to defeat me at the ballot box by Mr. Halbritter and his shills or how difficult the odds may be for this great American. prgtoken For more information, please go to www.melvinphillipsstory.com.
SUPPORTING PUERTO RICO STATEHOOD
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-12-13

my colleague and good friend Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Spanish was perfect, ``perfecto.'' prgtoken As she has pointed out, I have long supported the cause of statehood for Puerto Rico, but the lack of action on our part has kept Puerto Rico from having a voice and a vote on this very floor, which is imperative for our great democracy. prgtoken For over 100 years, the people of Puerto Rico have been proud American citizens. Plebiscite after plebiscite, Puerto Ricans have voted that they will no longer accept the territory status. prgtoken Statehood will promote economic development and jobs on the island so that these American citizens can have a better life and stop losing its people to the mainland after the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. prgtoken Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon--that is her proper title, that is what it should be--whom I am proud to call my friend, has made statehood for Puerto Rico her priority, urging s and alike, as you have heard, to act. We must listen and we must do what is right. prgtoken As chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I recognize that statehood will enhance our national security, serving as our Nation's third border in the Caribbean. prgtoken , the status quo is simply unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to support statehood for Puerto Rico.
HONORING STANISLAUS COUNTY SHERIFF ADAM CHRISTIANSON
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-12-13

I rise today to honor Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson, who is retiring after nearly three decades of public service, including 12 years serving as Stanislaus County Sheriff. prgtoken In 1988, Sheriff Christianson began his storied law enforcement career by joining the Ceres Police Department. He was sworn into the Sheriff's Office in January of 1996, where he has served ever since. As Deputy Sheriff he filled an impressive variety of roles as Patrol, K9 Handler and Supervisor, Bailiff, Field Training Officer and Detective. As Sergeant he was assigned to Patrol and supervised the High Tech Crimes Unit. As Lieutenant he worked in Homeland Security, Internal Affairs, and was the Northwest Area Commander. prgtoken Sheriff Christianson has been a mainstay of the community throughout his time in office. Public Safety facilities have been expanded with more jail beds, a medical and mental health care unit, and a day reporting center, while the significant Public Safety Restoration Plan was completed with the support and funding of the Board of Supervisors. Sheriff Christianson capped off his tenure in office with the completion of the Coroner's Facility and the Re-Entry and Enhanced Alternatives to Custody Training (REACT) Center. prgtoken Sheriff Christianson began a stellar academic career by earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Management. He later graduated from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Course, the POST Executive Development Course and West Point Leadership in Police Organizations. He also received an Executive Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. prgtoken Sheriff Christianson is married to the love of his life, Yvonne. Together they have two children, Nicole and Kyle. He is looking forward to spending more time with his family after retirement. prgtoken , please join me in honoring and commending the outstanding contributions made to public safety and Stanislaus County by Sheriff Adam Christianson and hereby wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-12-13

today I wish to congratulate Col. Matthew J. Burger on his promotion to brigadier general. Matthew Burger graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1990 and served on Active Duty as an HH-1 instructor pilot and chief of safety with the 27th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, and later as chief of group Standardization and Evaluation, 85th Operations Group, Keflavik Naval Air Station, Iceland. Following 10 years on Active Duty, he joined the Air Force Reserve, where he has served in numerous command positions during his career. He has over 4,500 flight hours and is a command pilot. While serving, he has earned the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Combat Readiness Medal with three silver oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, and many other awards and decorations. Matthew is also the grandson of my late longtime staffer, Betty Burger, from Fairfield, IA. On December 12, 2018, he was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to the rank of brigadier general.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN STEPHEN GRACE
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-12-13

I rise to honor Captain Stephen Grace, a young, beloved father, husband, son, brother, and U.S. airman who died unexpectedly before his time. prgtoken Stephen grew up in my hometown of Cincinnati. From an early age, he dreamed of being an Air Force pilot. He had a competitive spirit, a calling to service, and a love for life. It all came too easily for Stephen. prgtoken He excelled in the swimming pool, a gifted swimmer who emphasized self-improvement and self-accountability. He helped lead my alma mater, St. Xavier High School, to the high school State swimming titles. prgtoken St. Xavier has a motto: ``Be Men for Others.'' Stephen lived that motto in his time with us, and it was no surprise to those who knew him when he was accepted and attended the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. prgtoken He went on to pilot the F-16 and recently became an F-35 instructor, a remarkable feat that stands as a testament to his leadership and his ability. prgtoken Stephen Grace represented everything you want an American to be: hardworking and selfless. Stephen was well-loved and looked up to. He lived his dream. He served his country. He embodied a higher ideal, one of service above self. prgtoken While he is gone far too soon, few can claim the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind for all of us. We pray for the family of Captain Stephen Grace; for his daughter, Georgia; his wife, Kelsey; for his parents, Robert and Christina; and for his sisters, Shannon and Kathleen. prgtoken Stephen, a grateful Nation salutes you.