mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALEXANDRA ``SANDY'' BRESLIN
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-6

it is with the heaviest of hearts that I rise today to join the many family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders who have gathered to pay tribute to one of our community's most ardent and passionate advocates, Alexandra ``Sandy'' Breslin, who lost her battle with cancer just prgtoken days ago. Sandy was an extraordinary woman, whose compassion, dedication, and commitment to public service touched the lives of many and helped to shape the very character of our great state. prgtoken Sandy was many things to many people--advocate, activist, mentor, and most importantly, friend. I first met Sandy as a newly elected Member of Congress when she sought me out to talk about the need to preserve and protect the Long Island Sound and the invaluable habitats along its shores. Few have had a larger impact on the preservation and protection of the Long Island Sound than Sandy. She worked with me and others to secure millions of dollars in federal funding to support conservation efforts up and down the Sound's coast and was instrumental in the passage of the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act. She also served as the Connecticut Co-Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the national estuary program for Long Island Sound where she fought for horseshoe crab sanctuaries that protected this ancient creature and helped establish standards for harvesting menhaden that set the stage for the return of whales to the Sound. prgtoken Sandy's passionate activism helped to make real many land conservation projects including such local environmental jewels as Kelda, the former Griswold Airport, Long Beach West, The Preserve, and Suffield and Barn Island Wildlife Management Areas; and to expand the Stewart B. McKinney the Silvio 0. Conte National Wildlife Refuges. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with three national awards including a U.S. Department of the Interior Environmental Achievement Award; a Teaming with Wildlife Member Achievement Award for establishing a Connecticut Conservation License Plate; and a Coastal America Award for conservation teamwork at Long Beach West. prgtoken In addition to her environmental work, Sandy was also a dedicated advocate for the Town of Bethany, Connecticut. She served as a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission for more than two decades, she worked to renew State funding that resulted in creation of a municipal open space and watershed matching grants program that helped protect Clover Nook Farm, Veteran's Memorial Park and Monument Stables and for more than a decade she served as Bethany's representative on the Regional Policy Board of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, and on its Land Use Committee. prgtoken Sandy was also a dedicated member of Connecticut's ic Party. She served as the ic Town Chair of Bethany for many years and it was under her leadership that the first in nearly a century was elected First Selectman
HONORING REV. PATRICK OLIVER LINDSEY FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE AS LEAD PASTOR OF GREATER BIBLEWAY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
John Conyers, Jr. (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-6-6

I rise today, along with my colleagues, Representatives Debbie Dingell and Brenda Lawrence, to recognize the outstanding service that Rev. Patrick Oliver Lindsey has provided to the Greater Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, over the past 25 years. prgtoken For years, this church has been a pillar in the Detroit community, providing more than just spiritual guidance. At the helm has been stalwart lead Pastor Lindsey, who has served tirelessly to ensure the needs of his congregation are met. In June 1992, when Pastor Lindsey assumed the pastorate, he was charged with cultivating the congregation's spiritual growth and development, while overseeing the implementation of the ministry's strategic plan and directing the administration of the church's ecclesiastical and business affairs. Pastor Lindsey successfully spearheaded Phase 1 of the church's building project--a complete renovation of the existing facilities, and he founded the Rev. CJ Henderson Scholarship, which provides students with financial support in their pursuit of higher education. prgtoken Pastor Lindsey has been a tireless servant, not only to his church, but to the entire Detroit Metropolitan Community. Pastor Lindsey volunteers his time to serve in a multitude of leadership roles in community organizations such as: Vice Moderator of the Pleasant Grove Baptist District Association, Board Chair of Community-in-Schools of Metropolitan Detroit, and is a board member of the Urban League of Detroit and Southeast Michigan. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the University of Michigan Alumni Association. prgtoken Pastor Lindsey was born to Deacon John (deceased) and Ida Lindsey, and raised on the eastside of Detroit. He was educated in Detroit and Highland Park Public School systems and matriculated to the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He is married to another spiritual servant, his wife Kathy, and they have two wonderful children: Kendall (a junior at University of Michigan) and Kaylyn (a sophomore at Wayne State University). prgtoken Pastor Lindsey currently serves as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Wayne State University. In this position, he oversees the federal and state affairs offices, which support the University's goals and strategic plan by working with key stakeholders to ensure adequate funding for the institution's more than 27,000 students enrolled in its 13 schools and colleges. prgtoken As you can see, Pastor Lindsey's reach has no bounds. His is truly, first of all, a servant of all. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, he will be honored by the Greater Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church. Today, we urge our colleagues to join us in honoring Pastor Lindsey's selfless leadership in the church and in his community over the past 25 years.
HONORING NEW CITIZENS
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-6-6

it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on Friday, June 9, 2017. This memorable occasion, presided over by Magistrate Judge John E. Martin, will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On June 9, 2017, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Fabian Alejandro Gonzalez Franco, Muralidhar Ganji, Qiang Xu, Gustavo Quijada Vega, Alan John McDonald, Marco Antonio Gonzalez Jimenez, Krysta Carmella Ma Abuyo Mapoy, Miao Cai, Blagica Bujaroska, Penina Kagwiria Imanene, Gaulo Amezcua Luna, Marvin Antonio Sandoval, Dolores Eumelia Romero, Paula Phan Duong, Juan Diego Salgado, Hang Trung Dinh, Noe Joel Salazar, Ahmed Abed Kanaan, Vicar Serrano Valencia, Thales Felipe Neves Pontes, Mara Carolina Stibitz, Smruti Prabodhchandra Damania, Tatiana Carolina Zambrano Marin, Ishvarbhai Venabhai Patel, Pascual Lopez Rocha, Laura Ivonne Carmona Garcia, Liz Yessica Relinski, Yongtao Zhang, Maryrose Sachiko Moore, and Apollo Raj Velummylum. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on June 9, 2017. They, too, are American citizens, and they, too, are guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.
HONORING MR. CLIFTON HARTMAN
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-6-6

I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Clifton ``Clif'' R. Hartman and his long dedication to our Cheshire community. Clif passed away on May 27, 2017 at the age of 97, but his memory and contributions will live on in Cheshire for years to come. prgtoken Clif was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on May 21, 1920. He graduated from high school in Dunellen, New Jersey, and then studied organic chemistry and chemical engineering at Lehigh University, Rutgers University, and Columbia University. Clif met the love of his life, Mary Shuey, and the couple married on June 1, 1942. Just a few weeks later, Clif joined the U.S. Army Air Force to lend his expertise as an ammunitions specialist during the Second World War. He served with a bomb disposal unit across the European and northern African theaters of war, and earned a Bronze Star in recognition of his service and dedication to the country. At the end of the war, Clif started his long career with the Calco Chemical Company, and he retired in 1985. prgtoken In their retirement, Clif and Mary were active and adventurous, traveling extensively with their family. Clif was an active member of our community and enthusiastically shared his knowledge as a longtime member of the Cheshire Army Air Force Round Table and the First Congregational Church. He was also a master chess player and shared his passion for the game with hundreds of elementary school children in after-school programs. prgtoken , Clif Hartman was a model member of our community whose dedication and willingness to help others serve as a model for those who knew him, and it is fitting and proper that we honor his legacy here today. My condolences go out to his family, including his children Keith and Dale, and his grandchildren Caitlin, Beth, Megan, Erik, Elise, Rebecca, Ryan, and Jeffrey. Clif had an immeasurable impact on Cheshire, Connecticut and the United States of America, and those who knew him will cherish his memory.
CONGRATULATING THE BROOKLYN CHINESE-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-6-6

it is my honor to congratulate the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association (BCA) on its 29th Anniversary Celebration. BCA offers life-changing services to numerous communities that have become collectively known as ``Brooklyn Chinatown''. prgtoken Since its establishment in 1988, BCA has helped to meet the needs of Brooklyn's rapidly growing Asian-American community. Their daycare programs nurture children and their senior centers give the elderly a chance to meet, socialize and stay active. prgtoken Through adult educational programs, BCA helps immigrants adjust to their new communities. Further, by providing naturalization assistance, BCA aids applicants in the process of becoming an American citizen. prgtoken BCA is committed to preserving and revitalizing local neighborhoods, supporting clean-up campaigns and fighting for crime prevention and victim's rights. prgtoken Thanks to the hard work of the staff and community at BCA, Brooklyn's communities are a better place to live, work and celebrate a diverse cultural heritage.
HONORING PROFESSOR ROLAND ALUM, JR.
Thomas MacArthur (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-6-6

I rise today to honor the academic scholarship and contributions of Professor Roland Alum, Jr of New Jersey, specifically his recent article, regarding the 115th anniversary of the inauguration of the Cuban Republic in 1902. Include in the Record this article which was published on Saturday, May 20, 2017 in the Jersey Journal. Professor Roland Alum, Jr has managed a successful career of university teaching, administration, and scholarship, while still remaining committed to civic engagement. prgtoken In his article, Professor Alum reviews a book by another New Jerseyan, Professor Margarita Garcia, which honors the legacy of Tomas Estrada, who served as the first elected president of the Cuban Republic. Prior to his installation as president, Estrada spent 25 years in exile, mostly in the United States, where he grew to admire our democracy and civilian-dominated system of government. Professor Alum explains his view that these facts contribute to the reasons why the Castro brothers' dictatorship in Cuba demonizes Estrada's memory and further ignores the historical significance of May 20th. Professor Alum contrasts Estrada's good will and actual governmental history with the Castros' mega militaristic, oppressive totalitarianism, since 1959. He concludes his article with an emphasis on the significance of the date of May 20th, particularly to the pro-democracy Cuban-Americans, who constitute a valuable community in New Jersey. prgtoken , the people of New Jersey are tremendously honored to have Professor Roland Alum, Jr as a dedicated member of their community. It is because of his recent academic contribution, that I rise to recognize his scholarship and request that this article, as prepared by Professor Alum, be printed into the Congressional Record before the United State House of Representatives. Why May 20 Is so Important to Cuban Americans (By Roland Alum, Jr.) On May 20, 1902, the independent Republic of Cuba was inaugurated with the swearing in of its first elected president, Tomas Estrada (aka Estrada Palma--with his maternal patronymic added as per Hispanic cultural tradition). Cuban patriots had been waging the War of Independence vs. colonial Spain since 1895, a conflict that blended into the brief Spanish-Cuban-American War in 1898, in turn giving way to the first U.S. Intervention (1898-1902), which called for elections in 1901. Estrada won the presidency after 25 years in exile, mostly in the U.S. After rising in arms against the Spanish Empire in 1868, Estrada (1835-1908) was taken prisoner; upon his release, he moved to Honduras, where he was hired to reorganize the postal, educational and health-care services. When the Honduran military ousted the democratic government for which he worked, Estrada settled with his family in Central Valley, New York,
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RALPH PONTILLO
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-6

I would like to recognize one of my constituents from Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Ralph Pontillo. Following nearly 30 years of service, Ralph recently retired as president of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), a professional trade organization that represents more than 3,000 member companies in the tri-state region. Ralph is a veteran of the United States Air Force and a native of Erie County, where he graduated from Strong Vincent High School and Gannon University, earning a baccalaureate degree in political science. Ralph joined the MBA in 1987 and served as manager of member services until he was named president on April 1, 1990. Ralph maintained his role as president for the following three decades, creating a legacy built on advocating for the business community. Throughout his tenure, Ralph was instrumental in much of the MBA's success, including the facility relocation to its present headquarters and the construction of the MBA's Conference Center. These two projects allowed the MBA to expand and offer additional programs and services, enabling the MBA to become one of the largest regional employer associations of its kind. Ralph is credited with spearheading one of the MBA's most visible community outreach programs, the annual Roar on the Shore charitable motorcycle rally. Roar on the Shore is one of the fastest-growing charitable motorcycle rallies in the United States, attracting approximately 165,000 visitors to the Erie area annually, creating an economic boost of more than $25 million. Over the past ten years, the rally has raised more than $800,000 for local charities. Ralph has actively participated in a number of local, state and national boards, voluntarily dedicating his time and effort in order to support various initiatives. Ralph is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and for more than 20 years has maintained the status of a Certified Association Executive, a professional designation that recognizes the highest level of achievement and excellence in the profession. Ralph's expertise has been an absolute asset to the various boards and organizations with which he has been involved. Ralph is an admirable professional who has created a praiseworthy legacy built on advocacy and service. He took advantage of his role as President of the MBA, continuously striving for greatness in all that he did. Ralph has made lasting contributions and the Erie community will reap the benefits of his efforts long after his retirement. Ralph will be remembered as a catalyst for improvement and a longtime champion for the business community
Introductory Statement on S. 1297
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-6-6

the attacks in London last weekend exposed in a matter of minutes just how vulnerable free societies truly are. All it takes is a van or a knife and an unsuspecting bystander to turn a fun night out on the town into a horrific nightmare. prgtoken Of course, we shouldn't need any reminders, but let me give one yet again: We are at war with Islamic extremists. We have been for years, and I am sorry to say that there is no end in sight. It is easy to forget this as we go about our daily lives, but our enemies have not, and they will not. They have never taken their eyes off the ultimate target, either--the United States. prgtoken Yes, we are at war with a vicious and unyielding foe, and just as our enemy can attack us with the simplest of everyday tools, the strongest shield we have in our defense is just as basic: It is the intelligence--information--of knowing who is talking to whom about what, where, when, and why. prgtoken After the 9/11 attacks, our national security agencies developed cutting-edge programs that allow us to figure out what the bad guys are up to and stop them before they can perpetrate such heinous attacks. Very often, the intelligence they have collected has made the difference between life and death for American citizens. But one of those programs is going to sunset later this year. I am talking about section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. This is a program that collects information about foreign persons on foreign soil and, as a result, saves American lives. prgtoken Unfortunately, this and other programs were distorted in the public debate by a traitor, a disgruntled ex-NSA contractor, Edward Snowden, who now sits in the warm embrace of Russian intelligence services. Ever since his very damaging leak of classified material many years back, many Americans have grown doubtful about these programs and about section 702 in particular, which is why it bears repeating just what section 702 does. It allows our national security agencies to collect internet or phone communications from a source within the United States, like an internet service provider, but only under a very specific set of conditions. It cannot target American citizens--not even lawful permanent residents. It can't even target foreigners communicating on U.S. soil. It can target only people discussing a specific list of topics preapproved by the FISA court, which is made up of Federal judges with life tenure. We are not talking about what they are picking up at the grocery store or when they are checking in on the kids. We are talking about things like weapons of mass destruction. prgtoken It is true that this program occasionally does collect information about American citizens. That will be true of any attempt to stop any kind of homegrown terrorism. But if you are concerned about protecting Americans' privacy rights, then you should support extending 702. It puts in place a host of privac
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-6-6

I want to thank the Senator for his kind comments. This issue is one that I think matters to all 100 Members of this Chamber and every American. prgtoken I, too, find it timely that here we are, 73 years to the day of the incredible sacrifices that were made on that beach in Normandy and that we have the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served for us, then and since then, particularly those who are now in need of services, with the passage of what is truly landmark legislation, and I will talk about that in a moment. It is the hope of all of us who are supporting this that it will help bring accountability for generations of those who have served and will serve to protect our great Nation. prgtoken We live in a time of an outrage culture, where in order to make the news every evening, you have to be involved in some controversy or say something over the top. That is just the way things are these days. So when something positive happens, it doesn't get a lot of coverage. It is my sense that while we are not doing this for purposes of getting coverage, many Americans tonight, as they watch the news or go on the internet, will have no idea that the Senate took this up. I think that is unfortunate because in addition to the importance of this piece of legislation, it is a testament that despite all of the important issues, noise, and arguments we hear every day on television, that our Republic still works and that men and women of good faith can come together across political ideology and partisan lines on an issue that wasn't easy to work with for a couple of years. prgtoken I hope there is an opportunity to point to this and say that on something that was important--this is not a symbolic resolution; this is a change in the laws of our country that will bring accountability to one of the most important functions that our government provides to the men and women who serve in uniform, and that is the Veterans' Administration. That is why I preference my comments on all this and the fact that this is not getting a lot of attention because this is not controversial. If there were a big fight on the floor about this and people were bickering or arguing, it would get more coverage, but the fact that we were able to come together across party lines on this issue and get it done should not be a reason not to recognize its importance. That is not why we are doing it. We are doing it to make a change. prgtoken I think it is important to preface my remarks by saying that it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Chairman Isakson and with the ranking member, Senator Tester, and all the members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on what is now truly bipartisan legislation that is before the Senate. I remain grateful to the committee for their efforts to help bring needed accountability reforms to the Department. This is an issue, as I said, that we have been working on for sev