mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-9-8

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. prgtoken , as I stand in support of this legislation, it is important to acknowledge that it not only addresses the needs of the residents who are cleaning up after Harvey, but it ensures that we will also avoid a first-ever default on the full faith and credit of the United States. prgtoken What is important about this moment is the following: We are adhering to what is known as the national principle, and the national principle means that, if there is an earthquake in California, we rise to the aid of the people of California. If there is a hurricane in Texas, we rise to the aid of the people in Texas. If there is a tornado in Springfield, Massachusetts, as there was a few years ago, we all come to the aid of the people of Springfield, Massachusetts. If there were horrific forest fires in the State of Alabama, as happened a few years ago, we all come to the aid of the people of Alabama. prgtoken Now, why is that important? Because we don't check gender, and we don't check race, and we don't say: Is it a blue State or a red State or what is the political affiliation of those who are affected? prgtoken Instead, we say: The national principle ensures that this is about the American family in moments of great challenge and great difficulty, and we don't use the opportunity to remind people of what the budget might look like at that moment. Instead, we come to their assistance and we figure out how to pay for it later on. prgtoken So on this occasion, there is a very important consideration that is married, and it includes the idea that, with the administration and congressional s and on this side, we are going to not only do what we are supposed to do in terms of raising the national debt, but we will come to the assistance of members of the American family, as I, a moment ago, described. prgtoken Now, let me point out something else as well. We need to stop playing games with the national debt limit. We had tax cuts here in 2001 and 2003 that cut Federal revenue to 15 percent of gross domestic product, despite the fact that the historic postwar norm average is closer to 17.5 percent. Actually, in some of those years before that, it rose to 18.5 cents on the dollar--a reasonable expenditure. But instead, as those numbers slipped to 15 percent, the argument became somehow that it was about future payments. prgtoken The argument over the debt limit is about expenses incurred, what we have obligated ourselves to with veterans benefits, a war in Afghanistan, a war in Iraq. And even though I voted against the war in Iraq, we need to come to the aid of those veterans and those veterans hospitals, and we need to come to the assistance of those 1 million new veterans who were created because of it. And again, not asking questions, is it a blue State expenditure? is it a red State expenditure? It is about the national principle. prgtoken The idea
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-9-8

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for offering this amendment. I offered a similar amendment, which was not made in order but would have had the same effect. prgtoken Much discussion has resolved around EPA Region 5, which is the region that I represent, and the important office that has, as part of its responsibility, protection of the Great Lakes, which is one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, and it is one that deserves and needs full-time protection. prgtoken I listened carefully to the chairman's comments, and I agree with them. I think, as my friend from Colorado stated, if there is no question as to whether there is a plan to close these offices, I can tell you that the people that I represent would benefit from the assurance that the body that is responsible for making these decisions has made a clear statement that it is on record that these offices will remain open. prgtoken Certainly, administratively, they can do all the consideration they need to do to think about how they want to save money. But it is up to Congress to decide these questions, and Congress should be clear. prgtoken And when it comes to the Great Lakes, with all the other cuts that the President has proposed, namely the elimination of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we need this reassurance.
AMERICANS HELPING AMERICANS IN TIME OF DISASTER
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

I would like to share this thought with the gentleman because he touched upon a salient point, and that is the notion that we can have unity without uniformity. We can maintain our principles, but we can always find higher ground to stand on. The principles that we have, we don't have to relinquish so that we can do things together. prgtoken I am honored that the gentleman and I have been able to do a good many things together. As the gentleman knows, annually he and I work together on the abuse of persons in domestic relations. We have decided that that is something that we don't want to tolerate and that we will stand together against it. prgtoken I just want to thank the gentleman again for his many years of service and the service especially in that time of crisis. I greatly appreciate the gentleman.
REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise to support the supplemental appropriations for disaster relief, and I prgtoken thank the appropriators and all of my colleagues. I reflect on the bipartisan meeting of our Texas delegation. We said we would not be divided and we would not be divided amongst our friends from Florida and those who may be in need with Hurricane Irma. prgtoken I do want to acknowledge that when we got up that Sunday morning and 12 inches had fallen at that time, part of the 50 inches of the most catastrophic storm on the Continental United States, Hurricane Harvey, we saw the lives of people disappear--some who died, some who were in shelters as these pictures depict. The road to recovery is going to be long. prgtoken I introduced a $174 billion hurricane appropriations bill to be able to address Hurricane Harvey. I am grateful for the $15.3 billion that gives us money for housing. That is the greatest need, along with the infrastructure, and if we can begin to expedite those dollars into our cities and counties, our mayors and county leaders will be grateful. prgtoken There are people who are homeless now, there are people whose homes are in despair, there are people who do not have insurance. The reason is because these individuals were flooded in a 500-year flood area and 1,000-year flood area. It is important to note at the same time, Mr that these individuals are elderly and disabled. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 601, which provides $15.3 billion in supplemental appropriations as the Congress's initial response to the massive damage inflicted on Southeast Texas and Louisiana by Hurricane Harvey and authorizes appropriations to continue funding for federal government operations through December 8, 2017. prgtoken The legislation also suspends the current $19.8 trillion limit on federal borrowing through December 8, 2017, which will enable the Treasury to continue to borrow money to pay bills, and set the new debt limit as the amount reflecting all outstanding U.S. debt as of December 9, 2017. prgtoken I also strongly support the legislation before us because it extends through December 8, 2017, FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers insurance policies to property owners in areas with significant flood risks. prgtoken The bill authorizes FEMA to borrow as much as $30.4 billion from the Treasury general fund if it does not collect sufficient revenue from premiums and surcharges to cover claims payments. prgtoken Without this extension, FEMA would not be able to issue new flood insurance policies after September 30, 2017, and its borrowing authority will be reduced to $1.5 billion. prgtoken That would be particularly devastating to many of the constituents I represent who have or will be seeking flood insurance policies under the FEMA Flood Insurance Program. prgtoken , I wish to commend the bipartisan leadership of both chambers for the speed with which the Hurricane Harvey relief pack
IN RECOGNITION OF THE SACRAMENTO BEE'S 160TH ANNIVERSARY
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today to recognize the Sacramento Bee as it celebrates its 160th anniversary. As the community, supporters, and Bee staff members gather today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them and their long history of service to the Sacramento region and beyond. prgtoken On February 3, 1857, the Sacramento Bee released its first issue, proclaiming that ``the object of the Sacramento Bee is not only independence, but permanence.'' It is that permanence that we come together to honor today. For five generations, the McClatchy and Maloney families have strived to provide the greater Sacramento area with quality news rooted in independent, honest journalism. The Bee is not only a family institution, but a staple of our Sacramento community as well. prgtoken The Bee has been awarded six Pulitzer Prizes and continues to produce a quality newspaper that serves the needs of its community. As the longest running newspaper in Sacramento's history, the Bee consistently exemplifies its core values of integrity and independence. Its dedication to transparency and ethical journalism has garnered the Bee immense praise and countless industry awards for its superior journalism, setting the standard for the 29 other McClatchy Company newspapers located across the country. prgtoken , as the Sacramento Bee celebrates 160 years of service to the Sacramento region, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the paper and its employees for their dedication to journalism and to our community.
POSTAL SERVICE NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIVE
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today to call out the horrendous postal service my constituents in Westchester County, New York, are suffering. prgtoken My constituents are missing paychecks, and have had their mail thrown away. This is disgraceful, and I am appalled. prgtoken I have requested several meetings with Postmaster General Megan Brennan, which have been ignored. Their actions are unacceptable and are bordering on incompetence. As a Member of Congress, I demand the Postmaster General take responsibility and correct the problems my constituents are facing. prgtoken Although the House is in session today, I am here to join my colleague, Senator Schumer, who is in my district today, calling for an investigation. Together, we will continue to push for greater oversight of the post offices in Westchester, New York, until these matters are resolved.
JUNE TRADE DEFICIT/TRUMP SCORECARD
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-9-8

President promised to fix our trade deficits and bring back American jobs. Seven months into this administration, wages are flat and workers continue to get pink slips. prgtoken The administration has not made its promises on NAFTA come true, and as of June, the end of June, the decision on steelworkers has not been done. prgtoken President made promises to working people and spoke endlessly about trade during the campaign, and now he has an opportunity to rewrite those economic rules for NAFTA on this continent. He could make it work for working people rather than for transnational corporate interests at the expense of everyone else. We should fix NAFTA's lax labor standards, and the citizens of our continent would benefit. prgtoken Our people have had hundreds of thousands of jobs outsourced to Mexico. Workers in Mexico earn about $3.95 an hour in the auto plants, about one-ninth of average workers here north of the border. Meanwhile, our trade deficits have been increasing across the board with Mexico, which translates into more outsourced jobs and, of course, more trade deficits with the world. prgtoken The June 2017 trade deficit on this chart confirms the year-to-date goods and services deficit increased by over 10 percent over last year. prgtoken America can create good jobs here at home, but it can't happen without fixing trade agreements that are seriously out of balance, starting with NAFTA. prgtoken , please fix NAFTA.
RECOGNIZING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF KESLER TEMPLE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise to recognize Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, located in my congressional district in the City of Henderson, North Carolina, as the Church and its faithful congregation celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Kesler Temple has been a beacon of light in the Vance County community and has positively impacted generations of families in eastern North Carolina. prgtoken What would eventually become Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded in 1867 when members of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion faith established a new church. Its first pastor was Reverend A. F. Goslen. In 1872, Reverend A. G. Kesler was assigned to the Granville County Circuit by the legendary Bishop James Walker prgtoken Hood who established the AME Zion Church in North Carolina. The Church was formally named in honor of Reverend Kesler five years later. prgtoken Presiding Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church have appointed fifty pastors in the Church's 150 year history including the current presiding pastor and my college friend, Reverend Dr. James C. White. prgtoken Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. James C. White, Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church continues to grow in size and strength. His strong faith in God and preparedness for the ministry, has earned him a stellar reputation among Christian believers throughout our great state. prgtoken , by the grace of God, Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has been blessed for 150 long years as it has witnessed for Christ each and every day. The Church's faithfulness and scripture-based ministry will ensure that Kesler Temple continues to thrive for generations to come. prgtoken On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I extend to the Pastor and members of Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church my best wishes on this auspicious occasion.
CONGRATULATING AMBASSADOR DANIEL MULHALL
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-9-8

a deep, unbreakable bond unites the United States and Ireland. We are linked through many sectors--historical, cultural, social, sporting, business and political. I would like to congratulate Ambassador Daniel Mulhall as he presents his diplomatic credentials to President . Ambassador Mulhall will be Ireland's 18th Ambassador to the United States. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Member of Congress with an Irish born parent, I look forward to working with closely Ambassador Mulhall on the U.S.--Ireland relationship. After joining Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs in 1978, Ambassador Mulhall has gained extensive experience working in New Delhi, Vienna, Brussels, Edinburgh, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany and then London. During his diplomatic career, Ambassador Mulhall has also held a number of positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including as Director-General for European Affairs. He also served as a member of the Secretariat of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation which was set up in 1994 in order to promote political dialogue between different political traditions in Ireland. From 1994 to 1998, he was the Department's Press Counsellor and in that capacity was part of the Irish Government's delegation at the time of the Good Friday Agreement 1998.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 601, REINFORCING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT ACT
Louise McIntosh Slaughter (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-8

I am prepared to close. such time as I may consume. prgtoken First, I want to say that I appreciate the Members from Texas who have made it so clear what they are personally going through, and their constituents. Surely, every one of us in this room understands that we are called upon to do the greater good today, and we will certainly rise to that occasion. prgtoken , I am going to say something I wish I got the chance to say more often, and that is that I do support the underlying bill that we are considering today with all my heart. I know it has been a busy week, but our constituents and the people, our fellow Americans, are suffering and afraid. prgtoken One thing I noticed about the children in Texas in the boats going to the shelters and every place, their stoicism. I didn't see a single one of them shed a tear. In fact, I am a little worried about that. Little people whose lives were absolutely uprooted and who had to go to a strange place, leaving everything that they had behind--think about that. prgtoken We are obligated here, those of us who serve in this House, to meet the need that we know exists today and will for some time to come. So let's end with a strong, bipartisan vote on this bill. prgtoken .
HONORING GEORGE ALTAMURA
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today to honor President and Founder George Altamura upon the 25th Anniversary of Hands Across the Valley, an outstanding annual event that benefits Napa County safety net food programs. prgtoken As a young man growing up in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Altamura dreamed of living in California. When he graduated from high school in 1949, he made his dream a reality by hitchhiking his way across the United States, working first as a carpenter's apprentice and eventually obtaining a general contractor's license. In 1952, he established Altamura Enterprises, a successful property development company. He has worked hard to help make Napa Valley a wonderful place to live. prgtoken Mr. Altamura founded Hands Across the Valley when he learned that hundreds of people in our community were going hungry every day. He and other leaders in our community decided to come together ``to do something about the hunger in Napa Valley.'' They formed a committee to plan a fundraising event, not knowing how the community would respond. Over five hundred guests attended the inaugural event. Hands Across the Valley has become a popular annual event in our community, succeeding in raising well over two million dollars to benefit Napa Valley's safety net food programs. prgtoken Hands Across the Valley raises funds for the Napa Valley Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and The Table, a local charity focused on providing nutritious meals to anyone that is hungry. In addition to providing much needed funds to these safety net services, Hands Across the Valley helps the Food Bank, Catholic Charities, The Table and American Canyon Family Resource Center provide holiday turkeys and food baskets each year. prgtoken , the Hands Across the Valley benefit and George Altamura have been helping our community organizations with their goal of creating a ``community without hunger.'' Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
HONORING THE LIFE OF SHEILA BAKER
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today to honor the life of Sheila Earline Baker, a generous and warm member of the Fort Worth community who passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. prgtoken Sheila was born on August 30, 1950 to her parents Herbert and Ruth Baker, and was the third of five Baker Girls. A longtime resident of Fort Worth, Sheila graduated from I.M. Terrell High School where her energy and spirit shined as a cheerleader for her school. Following her graduation from I.M. Terrell High School, Sheila attended Huston- Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. prgtoken Sheila lived in Los Angeles for 20 years where she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield before moving up in responsibility from an administrative assistant to a supervisor and trainer. She never met a stranger she didn't instantly connect with and had countless friends around the local DFW area. prgtoken Sheila was committed to serving her community. She was an active member of the Baker Chapel AME, serving as a class leader, greeter, usher, missionary and part of the Membership and Evangelism and Social Action Commissions. Sheila's passion for photography assisted her as she took on the role of resident photographer for Baker Chapel and consistently chronicled church activities and programs. In addition, Sheila worked on the Commission for Social Action in Fort Worth and served on the board of Tarrant Churches Together, assisting with the MLK Day of Service. She was actively involved with the Stephen Stallworth Scholarship Foundation, an avid supporter of the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and worked fiercely in support of the homeless, school children, and breast cancer survivors. prgtoken Most importantly, Sheila was her family's historian and her daughter, Ashley Hayes', biggest cheerleader and supporter. Sheila's spirit of service is greatly reflected upon Ashley, who proudly serves as the Legislative Director in my Washington, D.C. office. prgtoken and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Sheila Earline Baker, whose warm and generous heart touched many lives. I offer my condolences and deepest sympathy to those who loved her: mother, Ruth Munchus Baker; sisters, Ruth ``Cookie'' Baker; nieces and nephews, Eric (Linda), Ronald, Lisa (Sean), Misty (Carl), Keosha, Monique (Lemond) and Michelle (Jonathan); Godson, Andre' C. Dennis; dear friend, Cynthia Hicks Brown; several generations of other nephews and nieces; other family members and many friends. Among those are her beloved daughter, Ashley Hayes and her husband Michael. prgtoken I honor Sheila Earline Baker, a spirited member of the Fort Worth and Texas community.
DACA
Sean Patrick Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-9-8

I rise today in support of thousands of DREAMers across the country. prgtoken This week, as you know, President threatened to kick these children out of the only country they have ever known. prgtoken In New York, we have over 40,000 DACA kids who work hard and contribute to our communities. And if the President or anyone thinks these DREAMers are somehow a threat to our country, well, I would like you to meet Laura Garcia. prgtoken Laura is a neighbor of mine who lives in Orange County, New York. She was brought here from Mexico at 8 years old. She has lived here for nearly her entire life and done everything the right way, right here in the United States. prgtoken Laura was elected vice president of her high school. She works three jobs to pay her way through Dutchess Community College. In the few spare moments she has, she volunteers to help others. prgtoken Laura has DACA status, which means she is registered with the program. She paid a fee, she passed a criminal background check, and she has stayed out of trouble. She has done everything we have asked her to do, and she has done it the right way. prgtoken All of us would be proud to have a daughter like Laura. America has hundreds of thousands of sons and daughters just like Laura. These are our children. prgtoken So for those who say that DREAMers like Laura should go home, I say they can't go home because they are home. This is their home.