mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEATHS FROM GUN VIOLENCE
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-8-21

I rise today because Americans continue to die from gun violence. prgtoken They die on our streets, in their homes, in elementary schools and grocery stores. prgtoken Yet, despite the shocking statistics, this -controlled Congress does nothing. prgtoken The offers ``thoughts and prayers'' on social media and then jets off for summer vacation or a fundraiser. prgtoken Meanwhile, kids continue to die. Families continue to be torn apart and my GOP colleagues gleefully cash their NRA checks. prgtoken Money has poisoned our politics with deadly results. This Congress-- controlled entirely by s--continues to ignore the carnage taking place in our streets. prgtoken It seems the zeros on the NRA checks have become blinders to reality. prgtoken , I include in the Record the names of 191 New York residents, including an infant and numerous teenagers, who this House-- controlled by you and s--have failed by your continued inaction on gun violence. New York 22nd District 1. Deon Williams, 2. Corey J. Hobart, 3. Erika Smith, 4. Quintin J. Horner, 5. Amy Sliwowski, 6. Adam Atkinson, 7. Brandon Palmatier, 16, 8. David Davis, 9. Thomas E. Shepherd, 10. Tyquan Gumbs, 11. Brandon Hernandez, 12. Theodore ``Teddy'' Talerico, 13. Dasean Chastine, 14. Roxanne Shipman, 15. David Sanborn, 16. Jordan Doolittle, 17. Shanley J. Johnson, 18. Shai A. Johnson, 19. Christopher , 20. Stephen Parker, 21. Lawrence Edwards, 22. Debra Rogers, 23. Leon Rogers, 24. Vincent Wynder, 25. Jayson Pulluaim, 26. Jamaal Moses, 27. Jamal Mathis, 28. Nathaniel Hitt, infant, 29. Alagujuan White, 30. James High, 31. Andrew Abston, 32. Zachary R. Rogers, 33. Stephanie R. Excell, 34. Derek D. Prindle, 35. Derek S. Prindle, 36. Rose G. Ortiz, 37. Daniel Brennan, 38. Pammi Mroczek, 39. Robert Mroczek, 40. Scott Wright, Jr 19, 41. Kareem Christopher, 42. Andre Oliver-Kennedy, 43. Zachary Garcia-Kenyon, 44. Grady Hunter, 45. Travis Dam, 46. Dajuan Jones, 47. Robert Everetts, 48. Sivad Davis, 49. Wilbert Lawson, 50. Guthrie J. Hood, 51. Kevin Barber, 52. Rakiim Patterson, 53. Angel Aviles, 54. Chad Czternastek, 55. Julio A. Matos, 56. Durrell Dow, 57. Vincent Wynder, 58. Adrian Liggins, 59. Memphis Delacruz, 22, 60. Ezra McLean, 61. Rodney Pearson, 23, 62. Corwin Weathers, 63. Rahmel Weathers, New York's 21st District 64. Rudy Ray Rockett, Sr 65. Philip B. Goolden, 66. David Carpin
Introductory Statement on S. 3360
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-8-21

today I am introducing the Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act to help small ports access broadband loans and grants, which will increase internet service in rural coastal communities nationwide. prgtoken Nearly a third of Americans lack access to high-speed internet, and there is a considerable digital divide between rural and urban America. Rural communities must be brought up to speed so that all Americans can compete online in a global economy. prgtoken In rural coastal areas people congregate near inland and small ports, and these harbors act as hubs for commerce and tourism. This bill recognizes the importance of small ports to their rural economies. This bill will help small ports nationwide get Federal loans and grants and improve their broadband coverage, thereby enabling working-waterfronts to order inventory and coordinate deliveries, access real-time weather updates, and grow economically. prgtoken Broadband loan and grant applications submitted to the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service are assigned different levels of priority before they are awarded. This bill recognizes the importance of small ports, and elevates the priority of applications seeking to boost internet capacity. This bill states that broadband loan and grant applications from small ports will be considered equal in priority to applications that are developed with the participation of a non-profit or philanthropic organization. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. PAUL BEAULIEU
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2018-8-21

I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Paul Beaulieu, an educator and broadcaster, who died on July 24, 2018 at the age of 75. prgtoken A native of New Orleans' 7th Ward, Mr. Beaulieu graduated from St. Augustine High School and Xavier University in 1965, which led him to launching his teaching career. At St. Augustine High School, Mr. Beaulieu taught English and led the alumni association. He also founded the Cornerstone Club, which encouraged graduates to continue their ties to the school. prgtoken Mr. Beaulieu shifted into broadcasting after writing an opinion column for The States-Item, New Orleans' afternoon newspaper. At WVUE, he was the host of a public-affairs program called ``Dimensions.'' In 2007, he was named general manager of WBOK-AM. Until 2010, he also did another program, ``Between the Lines,'' with Lloyd Dennis. In addition to his other journalistic posts, Mr. Beaulieu started a newspaper, The Spectator New Journal. prgtoken When Mr. Beaulieu retired in 2015, he was recognized for his work by the City Council. In May 2016, Mr. Beaulieu received the Asante Award for his work in media education. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. prgtoken Mr. Beaulieu loved the city and the people of New Orleans. His legacy will forever be a part of the city and his dedication to community embodies the spirit of New Orleans. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Mr. Beaulieu, but surely, we can try to match his sense of service. We cannot match his courage, but we can strive to match his devotion. prgtoken Mr. Beaulieu's survivors include his wife, Cynthia King Beaulieu; two daughters, Samantha Beaulieu of New Orleans and Lyndsey Beaulieu of Los Angeles; two brothers, Lovell and Marvin Beaulieu, both of New Orleans; and two sisters, Victoria Beaulieu Saulny and Karen Beaulieu Major, both of New Orleans. prgtoken , I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Paul Beaulieu
CONGRATULATING THE FIRST CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-8-21

I rise to extend my congratulations to the First Chinese Baptist Church located in Chinatown, one of Manhattan's historic neighborhoods, as it celebrates its 92nd year anniversary on August 12, 2018. prgtoken It is with great pride that I congratulate this longtime church from my district on its 92nd anniversary. The First Chinese Baptist Church, established in 1926, evolved from the Morning Star Mission in a then strife-torn neighborhood and became part of the rich fabric and history of the Chinatown community. Over the past 92 years, the church served as a safe haven for the community's Chinese Americans and immigrants during the early half of the 20th century at the time of the Chinese Exclusion Act and turmoil in China. Founded by Dr. Mabel Lee, a Chinese-American pastor, community organizer, feminist and suffragist, the church created a community that has served thousands of Chinatown residents. Lee advocated for continuous education and taught English to congregants who passed down her teachings to those who arrived later. Additionally, during World War II, many men from the church served in the United States Armed Forces. prgtoken Today, the First Chinese Baptist Church continues to hold weekly worship services open to all and offers English classes, sponsors basketball teams, manages youth summer mentorship programs, and assists those seeking citizenship. It works with community-based organizations to conduct special events and support immigration rights and social justice throughout the year. Its dedication to service for God and country, education, advocacy and respect for individuals has been the cornerstone of the First Chinese Baptist Church and has not diminished in its 92-year history. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating the First Chinese Baptist Church and its leadership on this special 92nd year anniversary. The Church has long exemplified outstanding community and public service to the greater New York City community. I wish them continued success and many more years of service.
CONGRATULATING VICTOR RANGEL ON ACHIEVING THE CONGRESSIONAL AWARD GOLD MEDAL
Filemon Vela (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-8-21

I rise today to congratulate Brownsville resident Victor Rangel. A student at Harmony School of Innovation- Brownsville, Victor is being honored with the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the only Congressional award specifically for young people. Recipients of the Congressional Award Gold Medal complete 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a four-night expedition of their choosing. prgtoken Victor went above and beyond these requirements on the path to the Congressional Award. For the public service component, Victor completed over 450 hours of volunteer service at a local hospital in South Texas, helping with patient and family care. Additionally, Victor learned traditional martial arts for personal development, and pushed himself as he is now only one level away from the black belt. For physical fitness, Victor performed aerobic exercises to help build his strength. An enthusiast of history, Victor traveled from Brownsville to San Antonio to learn more about the rich history of Texas, immersing himself in the culture through observation and conversation. prgtoken I am very proud of Victor's success in earning the Congressional Award. Most importantly, I commend him for his dedication and passion to help those most in need and give to our community with an open heart. Victor demonstrated tremendous courage and leadership, and made a positive impact in our community. I am honored to congratulate Victor Rangel on his special accomplishment.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-8-22

I come to the floor to speak about a recent tragedy that has deeply impacted my home State of Iowa and I think all of the country because cable television is well aware of this. prgtoken Yesterday, authorities announced they found the remains of a 24-year- old University of Iowa sophomore, Mollie Tibbets, of Brooklyn, IA. After searching tirelessly for months, State and local law enforcements announced the unthinkable, Mollie was murdered in cold blood. prgtoken I would like to commend the efforts of all who were involved in searching for this remarkable young woman, including the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the FBI, Homeland Security, and the individual members of the community who volunteered tirelessly to find Mollie. prgtoken Americans watched the news every night, all of us, holding out hope that Mollie would soon be found and returned to her family. I extend my sincerest condolences and sympathies to Rob Tibbetts, Mollie's father, and Laura Calderwood, Mollie's mother. They spent the last month and a half searching the State for their missing daughter. Rob and Laura traveled across the State, raised awareness on TV, and handed out buttons, T-shirts, and missing person fliers at the Iowa State Fair. Both Rob and Laura showed remarkable bravery in the face of tragedy. prgtoken Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. prgtoken For those of us in Washington, we ought to try to learn something from Mollie's character and the example she set. As Mollie's boyfriend Dalton Jack said, ``She's not just a missing person flyer.'' Mollie was an avid reader who enjoyed the choir, theater, and writing. prgtoken Mollie loved her friends and had a natural ability working with children. Her friends say she had a gift for making everyone feel like the most important person in the room. There is no doubt her nurturing character and her ability to be everyone's counselor--as a friend put it--led her to the University of Iowa to study psychology. While there, Mollie spent her summers taking classes and working at a day camp with the Grinnell Regional Medical Center, where she mentored children. It is no surprise that when Mollie went missing, over 200 people showed up for a vigil in her honor. prgtoken While we mourn the loss of Mollie Tibbetts, it is the duty of this Senator and every other Senator to act to prevent further tragedies such as this one from devastating a family and an entire community. prgtoken We now know that Mollie was murdered by a 24-year-old, undocumented immigrant who has been in the United States illegally for 4 to 7 years. That is right. For 4 to 7 years, this man was here undetected and unaccounted for. This raises questions about his immigration, employment, and criminal history, and we must receive answers. prgtoken So, today, I sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security seeking any immigration history on this man an
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-8-22

today I want to talk about a huge responsibility we have here in the Senate and a great opportunity that lies before us. The Senate is asked to confirm nominees both for executive branch appointments and for judicial branch appointments. We have heard a lot of great debate here on the Senate floor over the past 1\1/2\ years on some of these nominees. We were able to confirm Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, who I believe is doing a superb job. That was quite a debate here. In the meantime, we have been able to confirm a number of circuit court judges, some district court judges, and executive branch appointments. prgtoken That is all important, but once again, we are asked to do something that is perhaps our most important task, and that is to fill yet another opening on the U.S. Supreme Court. There are only nine of these Justices, and this is a lifetime appointment. What the district court and circuit court do--it all comes up to this one Court. Our Founders created this Court in order to have a place where people could get a fair hearing and where we could have a dispassionate look at whether what we pass here fits within the Constitution and whether laws are being properly interpreted. These are hard and tough issues, and we want the right people there to do it. Once again, because of an opening that has occurred on the Supreme Court, we have the opportunity and responsibility to step up as a body and do that. prgtoken In this case, we are asked to fill the seat of Justice Kennedy, who is viewed by many as being an important player in the Court because he was often the swing vote. He is a thoughtful guy. I think we are very fortunate in that one of Justice Kennedy's law clerks has been nominated by the President and has agreed to step forward for this confirmation process to be an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court and to fill that ninth spot. My hope is that this can be done in a way where we have honest and spirited but fact-driven debate on the floor of the Senate. prgtoken I have to tell you that I am probably a little biased in this case because I know this nominee personally. I think a lot of him, not just as a judge, where he has an amazing record on the second highest court in the land, but also as a person. prgtoken This is the third time I have come to the Senate floor to talk about him because I feel so strongly and I want to be sure that he gets a fair shake. I think that as the American people get to know him better, he will see a lot of support around the country for his confirmation because people will see that he is the kind of person they would want to have representing them, their family, and their children on the Supreme Court. prgtoken I worked with him in the White House. He had a job there, which we will talk about in a second, called Staff Secretary, which is a job where you are responsible for being the traffic cop, basically, for the Ov
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-8-22

I rise today to talk about the Land and Water Conservation Fund. prgtoken Today we have only 39 days until September 30, which is the expiration of the current authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I am committed more than ever to getting LWCF reauthorized or the authorization across the finish line. I have been waiting to get a vote for the entire 115th Congress. I have been told to wait, and I was patient for a while. The last time I was on the floor, I offered it as an amendment to the last appropriations bill, knowing that it was not germane but knowing that the issue needed to be brought to the forefront of the U.S. Senate because it is at the forefront of the American people. I will reiterate again that I can't wait any longer. prgtoken In 2015, it took the expiration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund before Congress got serious about reauthorizing the program and allowing these vital conservation efforts to continue. I am putting this body on notice once again: I will not allow it to expire again. prgtoken Several pieces of legislation have come before this body over the previous months, and yet again I am being told by my colleagues--many of whom profess, by the way, to be supportive of this legislation--that we should wait just a little bit longer, that I can't even receive a vote on the matter until then. I have offered my colleagues a very simple proposition: Give me one vote on reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund at a 60-vote threshold. I am not asking for us to forgo the requirements for a 60-vote threshold. prgtoken I have asked for an amendment for months on any legislation coming through the Senate, and I am being repeatedly told no. So I am here offering a somewhat different solution. The bill that I will ask unanimous consent on shortly is different in that the language hasn't been offered as a standalone bill, but it is actually language that has been passed by the U.S. Senate--this Chamber--by a vote of 85 to 12. It is a bipartisan bill--or it is bipartisan language that was part of the energy package that Chairman Murkowski negotiated with the ranking member, and it includes reforms that both sides would like to see. prgtoken There is one change that I am offering today; that is, the ability for LWCF to be reviewed every 3 years for all future Congresses, if they believe it is warranted. It does so by including a joint resolution of disapproval every 3 years in perpetuity, meaning an individual from this body can come to the floor and, with the appropriate votes for disapproval, can eliminate the automatic reauthorization. prgtoken This is a permanent authorization of LWCF, but every 3 years, the Senate as a body can vote to disapprove the automatic reauthorization, and, in fact, they would essentially bring an end to the program. The provision gives Congress a chance to take another look at the program every couple of years, which s
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-22

I rise today to recognize the first anniversary of Hurricane Harvey's destruction along the Texas gulf coast. This Saturday, August 25, marks 1 year since the most destructive storm in Texas history made landfall. prgtoken Hurricane Harvey is now considered the second most costly hurricane in U.S. history, second only to Hurricane Katrina, but more importantly and more tragically, Hurricane Harvey took many, many precious lives. Harvey started out as a category 4 storm hitting South Texas, making landfall at Corpus Christi, Victoria, Port Aransas, Rockport, Aransas Pass, and Refugio, doing devastating damages with 135-mile-an-hour winds. prgtoken It took down powerlines. It stopped fresh water. It clogged sewage systems. It devastated people's homes and people's businesses. prgtoken I visited each of those communities many, many times in the weeks and months that followed Hurricane Harvey, and I have seen the transition those communities have undergone in dealing with the disaster and then rebuilding. prgtoken But Harvey wasn't done after making landfall. Then, it moved north and east, parking over the city of Houston and just sitting there. Over a 6-day period, Harvey dumped 27 trillion gallons of rain over Texas and Louisiana, causing historic flooding--flooding that is not a 100- year flood, not a 500-year flood, but a 1,000-year flood. prgtoken In southeastern Texas, Hurricane Harvey dropped rainfall of more than 60 inches, which exceeds the annual rainfall on average for that region. Over 300,000 structures were flooded in southeast Texas, and a half million cars. More than 200,000 single family homes were flooded across the State, many of which were not in flood plains and not deemed to be at risk of floods. prgtoken But we don't mark this anniversary in a spirit of tragedy--rather, in a spirit of triumph. There were many bright lights that cut through the darkness of the storm. There were the police and first responders who led thousands of families to safety. Some, like Sergeant Perez of the Houston Police Department, made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community. prgtoken There were over 17,000 national guardsmen who answered the call from Texas and from all around the country. prgtoken The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 11,022 people and 1,384 pets during the storm. There were countless acts of heroism from folks next door, from church basements offering shelter to neighbors, people making human chains, plucking one another out of the flood waters, and from our countrymen in the Cajun Navy, who boldly answered the call with memories of Katrina still fresh and vivid, to business owners like my friend Mattress Mack, who threw open the doors to give entire communities shelter, warmth, and comfort. prgtoken I have never been prouder to be a Texan than I was in the days during and after Hurricane Harvey, when you saw ordinary Texans risking their lives to save each other. There were no