mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-8-23

a two-ship block buy would increase predictability and stability for our suppliers, including the many shipbuilders and shipyard workers in the Hampton Roads region. It would also generate significant costs savings for U.S. taxpayers. It is critical that the Navy has access to the next-generation of warships for the world's challenges, while also being responsible in how it procures and budgets. For some time, I have been encouraging the Navy to move forward with a block buy of two aircraft carriers, as it makes strategic sense. Estimates have found that it would be an opportunity to save over $2 billion in the Defense Department's budget through this block buy.
Healthcare Research (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-8-23

. Thank you, . prgtoken from Missouri for his great leadership on this issue. As he was pointing out, this issue of whether we make a continued increase in the funding for research at NIH goes right to the long-term budgetary objectives of our country. prgtoken If we do not find the cure for Alzheimer's by the time we reach the year 2050, the budget at Medicare and Medicaid for taking care of Alzheimer's patients will be equal to the defense budget of our country. Obviously, that is not sustainable. So the only way we are going to be able to deal with this issue is to find a cure. prgtoken Research is medicine's field of dreams, from which we harvest findings that give hope to families that there could be a cure for the disease that runs through their family's history. It could be Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cancer. Whatever the disease, it is going to take funding from the NIH to match the magnitude of the challenge. That is what this bill is going to do. prgtoken Working with Chairman Shelby and Senator Leahy, along with Mr. Blunt, what we are seeing is another dramatic increase. He and Senator Murray have worked with the chairs in order to accomplish this goal. prgtoken Ultimately, I know how important this issue is because my mother died from Alzheimer's. The funding level for Alzheimer's research has been woefully inadequate matched against the magnitude of the problem, so there has had to be a dramatic increase. prgtoken Unfortunately, from 2002 until 2007, we have just level funding at the National Institutes of Health, and that meant a cut by ultimately 20 percent in the spending capacity of NIH. So now we are making up for lost ground. The key is, it draws the most talented young people in America toward the goal of finding the cures and the breakthroughs that can ultimately give hope to families because NIH isn't just the National Institutes of Health, it is the ``National Institutes of Hope''--the hope people have that the disease that runs through their family will, in fact, be cured. prgtoken That is why this budget is so important because it is going to increase the hope families have. It is going to draw more scientists toward these issues. It is going to lead to more breakthroughs because whether it be Alzheimer's or cancer or diabetes or ALS or whatever the disease is, failure is not an option. We must find the breakthroughs that are going to make a difference. prgtoken When it comes to Alzheimer's itself, when I was a boy, President Kennedy said the mission to the Moon was what we should all be focusing on. Well, in the 21st century, it is the mission to the mind. It is to try to find ways in these labyrinthian passageways of the human brain that we can find the clues that make it possible for us to find the cure. prgtoken from Missouri. I thank you, , for giving me an opportunity to extend. There is no more important issu
COMMENDING VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR WINNING THE `HBCU OF THE YEAR' AWARD
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-8-24

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Virginia State University for being named the `HBCU of the Year' by HBCU Digest. prgtoken Founded in 1882, Virginia State University, also known as Virginia State, is a historically black public land-grant university located in Ettrick, Virginia. Virginia State was the United States' first fully state-supported four-year college for African-Americans and is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. prgtoken Virginia State is a renowned institution of higher learning, producing impressive, highly-qualified graduates in a variety of important fields--including agriculture, education, and business. Virginia State is an acclaimed institution for attracting and retaining first-time college students, helping to open opportunities to communities of color across the country and expanding access to well- paying, 21st century jobs. Virginia State also boasts a variety of impressive and decorated athletic programs. prgtoken Virginia State, over its rich 116-year existence, has been distinguished by an impressive and influential faculty and administration. prgtoken John Mercer Langston, the first African-American member of Congress from Virginia, served as Virginia State's first president. Dr. Makola Abdullah, the 14th and current president, is the youngest African American ever to receive a Ph.D. in engineering. prgtoken I call on my colleagues to join me in celebrating Virginia State University's receipt of this momentous award in recognition of its invaluable contributions to Virginia and the entire nation.
TRIBUTE TO ATWATER PARK CENTER
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today to honor the hundreds of staff and volunteers who have helped to create and sustain the Atwater Park Center (APC) in Los Angeles as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. prgtoken In 1968, volunteers from a local church organized one of the first early childhood engagement programs in Los Angeles County with the goal of helping local families maximize their young children's development by providing networking opportunities and support. From this endeavor, a secular, non-profit organization, Atwater Park Center (APC) was established, renting classrooms in Atwater Baptist Church, to provide a variety of family services, which continues to this day. prgtoken Now, 50 years later, the award-winning APC has served thousands of children throughout the Los Angeles region, providing developmentally sensitive childcare and education. The center also offers home and educational services and support programs for families in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide variety of people. It is also a training site for numerous colleges whose students major in nursing, occupational therapy, child development, and early childhood education, giving hands-on experience to students who want to dedicate their careers to enriching the lives of others. prgtoken The staff and volunteers of the Atwater Park Center understand that nothing comes close to the relationship a child has with his or her parents but that group care with teachers and caregivers can add to a child's development, helping them stay emotionally secure, confident, and involved in classroom activities. With this feeling of security, children are more likely to explore and make connections with others, and APC presents an atmosphere where children are encouraged to cooperatively live, work, and play. Play spurs communication, imagination, and the development of abstract thought, and children are encouraged to find the style of play that best suits them. The center recognizes the extent to which play is critical in a child's development and focuses on equipping them with as many tools and resources as possible to pave the way to a successful life. prgtoken I am honored to recognize the volunteers and staff of the Atwater Park Center for its remarkable achievements over the last five decades. I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the APC for their dedicated service to children and families in the greater Los Angeles area.
JUDGE ALLAN VOGELSON
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Honorable Judge M. Allan Vogelson of Cherry Hill, Camden County, located in the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey, for his decades of public service. prgtoken The Honorable Judge Vogelson served as the Camden County Presiding Judge for the Camden County Superior Court, for more than twelve years. For eight years, he served as Presiding Judge, for the Camden County Superior Court, Civil Division and subsequently appointed to preside over the Camden County Superior Court, Chancery Division. prgtoken Prior to serving as Presiding Judge for the Camden County Superior Court, Judge Vogelson served as the Assistant Prosecutor for Camden County and in 1971 elected as a freeholder to the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with tenure as the Freeholder Director. prgtoken In the community he both loved and called home, Judge Vogelson served with distinction: on the New Jersey State Legislature Reappointment Committee, as a member of the Camden County College Board of Trustees, and on the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County, New Jersey. prgtoken Judge Vogelson was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, forerunner, role model and exceptional public servant who was a tireless advocate for others, and is deeply missed I ask you to join with me in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of the late Honorable Judge M. Allan Vogelson
HONORING MUTHUVEL KARUNANITHI
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-8-24

some of my Tamil American constituents brought to my attention the passing of an extraordinary man: Muthuvel Karunanithi who was born June 3, 1924 and passed away August 7, 2018. prgtoken Muthuvel Karunanithi became involved in social justice issues at age of 14, publishing a handwritten journal that has been published as a weekly ever since. He wrote regularly until he fell ill at the age of 92. prgtoken Muthuvel Karunanithi was a poet, writer, publisher, orator, novelist, and literary critic in the Tamil language. His books sold millions of copies and his movie scripts shattered old boundaries of political possibility, articulating a new vision of human relationships. prgtoken He ran for political office thirteen times and never lost over a seventy year period. He was chief minister of the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India five times. His career was marked by a lifelong commitment to breaking the barriers of the caste system, especially for the lowest caste people who handle human waste. Karunanithi led a successful effort for an affirmative action program for their admittance to medical schools and subsequent admission to the practice of medicine. He visited Chicago in 1972. prgtoken Muthuvel Karunanithi was a man from the lowest rung of the social ladder who climbed the highest political mountains, but kept his lifestyle simple and his thoughts and actions fixed on the highest aspirations for all of his people.
HONORING JAMES CARL ASCHBACHER
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today alongside my colleague, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, to recognize the life and legacy of a beloved member of our community on the central coast of California. James Carl Aschbacher passed away on April 25, 2018 with his wife and several dear friends at his side. While his time on this earth may seem short at 66 years, those who knew him understand that he was someone who made the most out of every moment given to him by following his passion and serving his community. prgtoken Born October 9, 1951 in Evanston, IL, James began his career as the proprietor of Atlantis FantasyWorld Comic Book Store with his partner, Joe Ferrara. At the age of 40, James discovered his passion for art and gave up retail to pursue art full time. As many talented artists are, James was entirely self-taught and quickly created a positive reputation for his whimsical and distinct style within the Santa Cruz arts community. He created numerous amazing works of art, but was perhaps known best for his pieces involving figures and animals surrounded by magical symbols. prgtoken James also found ways to use his unique talents to serve his community. He was a popular Open Studios artist for over 25 years, and the Chair of the Open Studios Committee for the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County. In addition, he devoted himself to arts education by leading 4th and 5th grade students to create murals at various elementary schools in Santa Cruz County where he helped students to create and paint their own creatures. prgtoken James had a genuine love for Santa Cruz and its residents, and the feeling was mutual. Those of us lucky enough to have met or spent time with him remember his enduring kindness, generosity, good humor and work ethic. In life, every day was a celebration for James. We, as a community, celebrate his legacy and a life well lived I ask that my colleagues join us in honoring the life of James Carl Aschbacher.
RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING ROY ABRAHAM ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE GUAM HOTEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today to commend and thank Roy Abraham for his years of service and contributions to Guam's tourism industry. Roy graduated from Madras Christian College in 1977 and began his career shortly after. Roy has worked in the hotel industry since 1978 as a management trainee with Marriott hotels in Kuwait. Roy opened four hotels for Marriott over the span of 35 years. He served in six countries with Marriot International, and was eventually brought to Guam. Most recently, Roy worked as the Director of Operations with the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa from 2010 to 2014, and then as General Director of Pacific Star Resort and Spa from 2014 to 2018. prgtoken Roy has been a pillar of Guam's tourism industry since coming to Guam in 2010. He has served the island as an active supporter of the Guam Visitors Bureau. Roy has contributed his wealth of knowledge of the tourism industry through fruitful discussion and direction on several marketing committees of the Guam Visitors Bureau. He was most recently the Vice Chairman for the Russia and Greater Markets committee. prgtoken Roy has supported the Guam Visitors Bureau's mission by participating in travel trade and consumer shows and key partnerships. He's used his talents as a photographer to capture images of the island and promote Guam as a travel blogger. Roy gave his time freely as a trainer for the Pacific Asia Travel Association Micronesia Chapter. He provided training in hospitality and customer service to residents of Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Palau to improve the tourism offerings of the islands. Additionally, Roy has also supported those who have served our country by hosting World War II veterans and liberators of the island of Guam for the last three years. Roy has made countless positive contributions to the development and sustainability of Guam's tourism industry. prgtoken I join the people of Guam in thanking Roy for his outstanding service to the people of Guam. I extend a sincere gratitude (Si Yu'os prgtoken Ma'ase') and congratulate Roy on his retirement. I wish him the best in this new chapter of his life.
DEATHS FROM GUN VIOLENCE
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today because Americans are dying from gun violence and this Congress continues to do nothing. prgtoken Gun violence in America has become a daily reality in our cities, in our suburbs and in rural communities, yet this -controlled Congress does nothing. prgtoken Instead, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle offer their `thoughts and prayers' on social media while collecting NRA checks with zero after zero on them. prgtoken Let me be clear, , money has poisoned our politics with deadly results. No other peer nation sees the level of gun violence that occurs in America--perhaps because our peer nations don't have a gun lobby dedicated to a dangerous and misguided `gun everywhere, commonsense nowhere' agenda that kills Americans on a daily basis. prgtoken , I include in the Record the names of 244 Americans, from just three Congressional districts: Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, North Carolina's 13th Congressional District and North Dakota's At-Large Congressional District, who've been lost to gun violence in recent years. Pennsylvania's 17th District 1. Michael Davis 2. Sharae Thompson 3. Xander Thompson, 3 4. Zackary Yashkus 5. David Gombert 6. Victor Grandy 7. David Howard 8. Jack Sipple 9. Kenneth Schreiner 10. Jane Schreiner 11. Robert Eli Greene 12. Scott Allen Baver 13. Michael Bond 14. Joe Molinaro 15. Marylouise Meixell-Moyer 16. Kervin Lee Garcia 17. Diane Brobst 18. Ryan Craig Boomer 19. Donald Garey 20. Morgan McGee 21. Gary Marchalk 22. Bentley Thomas Koch, 4 23. Ethan Robles 24. Anni Robles 25. Lisa Menzo Santoro 26. Leonard Moser 27. Terrance ``Lex'' Ferguson 28. Lawrence E. Purcell, Jr. 29. Rosemary Smith 30. Shyheem Smith 31. Michael Rogers 32. Jose L. Ocasio-Shouverer 33. Kyre Williams, 16 34. Taron Walker, 14 35. Donna Kimmel 36. Shaun Briggs 37. Michael Saunders 38. Mitchell Rook 39. Haydee Delgado 40. David Spence 41. Devin Cosme 42. Officer Seth Kelly 43. Austin Naples 44. Emmanuel Cancel 45. Joseph R. Becker 46. Alex Rosario 47. Devin Andresen 48. Kyle Garrison 49. Alex Spaid 50. Sean Grady 51. William Anderson 52. Melissa Dombroski 53. Vanesa Batista 54. Trevor Oliver 55. Robert Purdy 56. Harry Read 57. Bentley Thomas Koch, 4 58. Ethan Robles 59. Sharae Thompson, 21 60. Xander Thompson, 3 61. Zackary Yashkus, 23 62. Kyre Williams, 16 63. Taron Walker, 14 North Dakota's At-Large Congressional District 64. Derrick Left Hand 65. Ila Averson 66. Louis Averson 67. Kevin
HONORING MR. GILLIE CASTILLO
Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today to honor Mr. Gillie Castillo, whose career included service to our country as well as to the City of Albuquerque. Mr. Castillo is a beloved member of our community filled with unconditional love who makes friends everywhere he goes. prgtoken Born in Valencia, New Mexico in 1934, Mr. Castillo joined the Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War as well as in the years that followed. Part of his service took place on the USS Randolph, an Essex- Class aircraft carrier. Mr. Castillo completed his service in 1955, but to this day he remains deeply proud to be a veteran and appreciative of his opportunity to serve our country. prgtoken After returning home from the Navy, Mr. Castillo married Cathy Apodaca, who he met at a dance in 1954. The couple has been married for 63 years and has six children, 11 grandchildren, and 17 great- grandchildren. Mr. Castillo attends St. Anne Catholic Church in Albuquerque. prgtoken For years, Mr. Castillo worked for the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department. He began at the Los Altos Golf Course and went on to serve as a supervisor at the Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course, retiring in 1988. He also supervised the building of the Puerto Del Oso Golf Course. Mr. Castillo's work led him to develop a love for golf, and he often played five to seven times per week. prgtoken Mr. Castillo's passion for staying physically active also extended beyond golf. He was the coach of many of his son's baseball teams and attended all of his grandchildren's softball games. He also played and umpired in many senior softball leagues himself. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States and the City Albuquerque, I want to thank Mr. Gillie Castillo for his valuable service to our country and community, as well as for his friendship.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HENRY FORD ALLEGIANCE HEALTH
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan. prgtoken Henry Ford Allegiance Health has a remarkable history that began in 1918 when Mrs. Ida Foote donated the land for W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital in honor of her late husband, W.A. Foote. Foote Hospital, the name that life-long Jackson residents often still use to refer to their local hospital, merged with Mercy Hospital in 1975. In 1983, the two facilities combined and moved to the hospital's present location, adjacent to the original Foote Hospital building. In July of 2008, the system was renamed Allegiance Health System, and in 2016, Allegiance Health System joined forces with the Henry Ford Health System to create Henry Ford Allegiance Health. prgtoken This long-standing community institution has continued to expand as it has faithfully served the community of Jackson and beyond. Henry Ford Allegiance Health seeks to fulfill its mission to ``lead our community to better health and well-being at every stage of life.'' The 475-bed health system provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, including a unique 20-bed cardiac universal bed unit, an outpatient surgery center, a state-of-the-art cancer center, a Level II Trauma Center, a short-term acute care facility, a residential hospice facility, a Center for Health Innovation and Education, numerous preventive and well-being programs, and services that target the underserved. As a teaching hospital, Henry Ford Allegiance Health is uniquely positioned to train residents who will serve the next generation. prgtoken Henry Ford Allegiance Health is also nationally recognized for quality and patient safety. It has earned many awards and distinctions such as the Foster G. McGaw Prize, the Everest Award for National Benchmarks, and the CareChex Patient Safety & Medical Excellence Award, as well as being named multiple times as one of Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals. prgtoken The present staff of more than 400 physicians and 3,700 staff members are committed to providing quality care for those that they serve. Led by long-time CEO and President Georgia Fojtasek, Henry Ford Allegiance Health continues to build upon a rich history that has spanned a full century. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Henry Ford Allegiance Health's tradition of health care excellence as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
STEVEN CALOCA MOVES ON FROM THE UCLA LAKE ARROWHEAD CONFERENCE CENTER
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-8-24

I rise today to recognize the extraordinary contributions and impact of Steve Caloca, Director of the University of California, Los Angeles Lake Arrowhead Conference Center. After a decade of service at the center, Steve will resign his position to take on a new role as the Executive Director of Food Services and Events at Warner Brothers Entertainment. prgtoken Since Steve joined the UCLA Conference Center in 2008, Steve has overseen numerous renovations, improvements, and expansions at the facility. He leaves behind a legacy of vision and leadership that resulted in the employment of hundreds of local mountain residents, and he was instrumental in providing higher education opportunities for students through alumni scholarships. Under his leadership, the conference center team hosted many executive level retreats, won numerous recognition awards from industry publications, and orchestrated the construction of the scenic Zen Deck. Steve delivered a first-class experience to conference center guests while also building lasting relationships within the local community. prgtoken Steve also served as the Chairman of the Board for the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce and was active with the local Rotary Club. His dedication to our local mountain community was unparalleled. However, I know that he will excel in his newest pursuit. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank him for his many years of service to the constituents of the 8th Congressional District of California.