mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT HEROES ACT OF 2017
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-16

the veteran unemployment rate is currently 5 percent in Texas, higher than the national average of 3.7. While the national average has steadily declined in recent years, the unemployment rate for young veterans ages 18 to 24 has skyrocketed to 13 percent, more than double the rate it was at this time last year. prgtoken We need to do more for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and our safety. That is why I introduced the American Law prgtoken Enforcement Heroes Act: to provide an outlet for these heroes to continue their service right here at home. prgtoken My district is home to more than 4,600 Active Duty and 45,000 military veterans who have served or supported Joint Base San Antonio, Laughlin Air Force Base, and Fort Bliss, among others. They often tell me about their struggles to find good jobs once they leave the military. prgtoken This bill incentivizes State and local governments to hire veterans as new law enforcement officers by giving preference when applying for grants through DOJ's COPS Office which fund academy and field training along with promoting community collaboration. It is modeled after an expired program called Troops to COPS, which helped about 1,000 veterans in the late 1990s. prgtoken We owe our freedom to these men and women and must do a better job facilitating their transition into meaningful civilian careers. Ultimately, we should be doing everything we can to help those who have served our Nation in one uniform continue to do so in another one right here at home. prgtoken In commemoration of both National Police Week and Military Appreciation Month, this bill will better serve our veterans and be a win for communities nationwide. prgtoken I want to thank Senator John Cornyn, my colleague from Texas, for his leadership on this issue, and I ask my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 1428.
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-5-16

I thank Senator Coons. prgtoken The pieces of legislation to support officers and their families are wide ranging, even legislation to be voted out of the Judiciary Committee today. It was exactly 1 year ago today that President signed the Fallen Heroes Flag Act into law. This is a bill that I introduced along with my colleague that provides that American flags be flown over the U.S. Capitol and given to the families of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. prgtoken As Senator Klobuchar so well pointed out, these are the people who run to danger when the rest of us are able to head the other way. We are grateful to them and grateful for them. prgtoken , I think we will yield the floor with great appreciation for the law enforcement officers who are being recognized this week. There are still too many names that Senator Grassley mentioned who will be added to the over 20,000 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the country was founded.
National Police Week (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-5-16

s from Missouri and Delaware for leading this effort to honor our law enforcement officers and particularly those who have been killed in the line of duty. prgtoken In 1962, Congress passed a joint resolution proclaiming the week of May 15 as ``National Police Week.'' prgtoken The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located here in Washington, DC, is our country's monument to these fallen officers. Carved into the marble walls of the memorial are the names of the more than 20,000 officers killed in the line of duty throughout our Nation's history. Every year, tens of thousands of fellow officers from around the world come to Washington, DC, as part of Police Week to pay tribute to the men and women whose names are inscribed on this wall. prgtoken The planned events surrounding Police Week began with the 36th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, held on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. The President of the United States was the keynote speaker, and his presence was a testament to the fraternity of this noble profession. Immediately following the service, there was a wreath-laying at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The annual memorial service is an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the dedication of these public servants and the ultimate sacrifice they have paid for this great Nation. prgtoken We should also acknowledge the families of the fallen, whose lives have been forever changed by the loss of their loved ones. prgtoken During the memorial service, there was a Roll Call of Heroes for the 143 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty last year. Their names will adorn the memorial walls in perpetuity. The list of the fallen include five of my fellow Iowans: Sergeant Anthony Davis Beminio of the Des Moines Police Department; Officer Susan Louise Farrell of the Des Moines Police Department; Patrolman Justin Scott Martin of the Urbandale Police Department; Sergeant Shawn Glenn Miller of the West Des Moines Police Department; and Officer Carlos Bernabe Puente-Morales of the Des Moines Police Department. prgtoken We honor these great heroes for laying down their lives to protect their communities in Iowa. There is no year in recent memory in which so many Iowans have lost their lives in the line of duty. prgtoken I would like to specifically address the ambush-style killing of Sergeant Beminio and Officer Martin. These officers were heinously murdered by the same perpetrator on the same night while they sat in their patrol cars. While the exact motive of the killer is unknown, he nevertheless sought out these brave men and gunned them down in cold blood. prgtoken These ambush-style attacks have become more prevalent since the incidents in Dallas, TX, and Baton Rouge, LA, spanning 10 days last July. According to a report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, there were a total of 21 officers killed in ambus
HONORING AN AMERICAN HERO, JEREMY ``SCOTT'' McGUIRE
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-5-16

I rise tonight to honor an American hero. Jeremy ``Scott'' McGuire was a special agent assigned to the National Security Investigations Division at the Department of Homeland Security in New Orleans. prgtoken Scott began his career in law enforcement while pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received the Most Outstanding Undergraduate Pursuing a Career in Law Enforcement Award. After graduating with honors from USM, Scott was hired by the former U.S. Customs Service, where he was an import specialist. prgtoken After the September 11 terrorist attacks, Scott was selected to be a special agent with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement team at the Department of Homeland Security. There, he received numerous awards and citations while he investigated successes that included preventing the export of radioactive material in Iraq and halting an attempt to smuggle military aircraft parts to Pakistan, just to name a few examples. prgtoken On January 25 of 2016, Scott was killed in the line of duty while conducting investigations to dismantle transnational criminal and terrorist organizations that threaten the United States. prgtoken Scott will forever be in our hearts and minds. I want to thank his family for being here with us in the balcony.
China (Executive Calendar)
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-5-16

I have come to the floor today as part of my office's Expression NOT Oppression initiative, which highlights human rights abuses around the world and the plight of individuals imprisoned or oppressed for simply exercising their God-given rights. prgtoken Earlier this month, we observed World Press Freedom Day, which serves as a reminder that freedom of expression is a fundamental, universal human right and that a free press is vital to a free society. prgtoken We should never take for granted the freedom of the press we enjoy here in the United States. These rights are an integral part of the bedrock of any healthy democracy, and in too many parts of the world, they are nonexistent or under assault. prgtoken According to Reporters Without Borders' 2017 World Press Freedom Index, press freedom is threatened now more than ever. Governments around the world continue to crack down on their citizens' access to information. Out of 180 countries, Burundi dropped from 156 to 160. Most problematic for press freedom, Egypt dropped from 159 to 161, and Bahrain dropped from 162 to 164. prgtoken Additionally, Reporters Without Borders has reported that at least nine journalists have been killed already in 2017. Several were killed in Mexico, here in our own hemisphere. It is hard to believe that people are being thrown in jail or worse simply because government officials don't like what they write or publish, but that is what is happening, especially in countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, just to name a few. prgtoken The case I come to the floor today to highlight is that of Huang Qi, who has long been targeted by the Chinese Government because of his advocacy for the rights of ordinary citizens and his coverage of the Chinese Government's violation of those rights. In November of last year, the police reportedly burst into his residence and ransacked his home and took him to detention. In December of last year, Chinese prosecutors authorized Huang's arrest for allegedly ``illegally providing state secrets overseas,'' a charge that can result in a sentence of life imprisonment. The Committee to Protect Journalists described his detention as part of ``an intensified crackdown on online journalists and bloggers who report on protests and human rights abuses.'' prgtoken Huang founded the 64 Tianwang human rights website in 1998. The Chinese Government has blocked access to 64 Tianwang since 2003, according to Radio Free Asia, because the site covers issues deemed politically sensitive by authorities, such as protests and government corruption. prgtoken Authorities previously sentenced Huang to 3 years in prison in November 2009 for ``illegal possession of state secrets''--this in connection with his work assisting parents who lost children during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. In addition, Chinese authorities sentenced Huang to 5 years in prison in 2000 for ``subversion'' for his advocacy on beh
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-5-16

peace and order are the indispensable pillars of a stable society. They grant us security in our daily lives, trust in our communities, and faith in our democratic institutions. Where peace and order reign, so too does society thrive and prosper, but none of that is possible without our Nation's 700,000 men and women in blue. prgtoken Each and every day, these brave sons and daughters--brave souls-- stand up for all of us. Each and every day, they stand guard, ready to do justice or risk harm--all on our behalf. So today I rise on behalf of a grateful Nation to recognize them. Their performance is exceptional, and their sacrifice is immense. prgtoken Far too often, we take our police officers for granted. Far too often, we forget how hard it is to win and how easy it is to lose the peace and order that we all enjoy, but our police officers never forget. They are always at the ready. As we honor them this week, we remember that the question is not ``What causes violence or what causes crime?'' but rather, ``What causes peace, and what causes security?'' prgtoken The answer is our men and women in blue. prgtoken In celebration of our National Police Week, I wish to express my profound appreciation for our Nation's law enforcement community--the courageous men and women who each day put the safety of others before their own. Their success is impossible to fully measure. It cannot be counted in crime statistics or etched into medals. It can only be seen in the peace and order that their sacrifice makes possible. prgtoken Therefore, allow me for a moment to speak directly to our police officers. prgtoken Trust that your selflessness does not go unseen, that your service does not go unfelt, and that your sacrifice does not go unknown. We appreciate you, we support you, and we honor you. Law enforcement is among the noblest of professions. You are the brave guardians among us who fight for peace and protect the vulnerable from harm. On behalf of a grateful nation, I wish to thank you and your families for bearing the burden, shouldering the sacrifice, and making us all proud. prgtoken Let it be known that I proudly back the blue. prgtoken This is a critical moment to show the police our support. We live in a time when law enforcement officials are not only underappreciated but often maligned and, quite often, openly disparaged. Day in and day out, they suffer criticism and pressure. This week we let them know of our respect and admiration. prgtoken Today, I wish to express my gratitude for our men and women in uniform by sharing stories of their heroism. You see, we hear all about police mistakes, and we hear wall-to-wall coverage of the controversies, but we seldom hear about the acts of bravery and professionalism that distinguish our police officers as the finest in the world. In particular, I would like to relate the account of Utahns Bre and Kayli Lasley, two sisters whose lives were saved by an on-duty
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-16

I have 5 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: banking, housing, and urban affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing to consider the following nominations: Ms. Sigal Mandelker, to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes, U.S. Department of Treasury; Ms. Mira Radielovic Ricardel, to be Under Secretary for Export Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; Mr. Marshall Billingslea, to be Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, U.S. Department of Treasury; and Mr. Heath P. Tarbert to be Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Treasury. committee on finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at 10 a.m in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building. committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the 115th Congress of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 2:15 p.m in room SH-219 of the Senate Hart Office Building. committee on environment and public works subcommittee on transportation and infrastructure prgtoken The Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at 3:15 p.m in room 406 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, to conduct a hearing entitled, ``Leveraging Federal Funding; Innovative Solutions for Infrastructure.''
HONORING THE SERVICE OF OUR NATION'S POLICE OFFICERS
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-16

I rise today to recognize the courage and commitment of our policemen and -women across this great country. Every day, individuals donning the police shield risk their lives to protect and serve our local communities. prgtoken Having served as a Federal organized crime prosecutor for 20 years, I have had the distinct pleasure and honor of working with countless police organizations across this country, including in my hometown, such as the Syracuse Police Department, the Syracuse Gang Violence Task Force, and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department, among many others. Together, we worked to make Syracuse safer by going after drug and gang organizations that plague our community. While I now proudly represent New York's 24th Congressional District, their mission continues. prgtoken I am elated that this body will consider two bills, the Thin Blue Line Act and the Probation Officer Protection Act, that will help protect these individuals who protect us every day. Further, I have a bill that will be debated tomorrow. This bill will help fusion centers disseminate information to our policemen and -women as they continue to tackle new and adapting threats across this country. prgtoken Again, I would like to thank all our Nation's police officers and honor them this day for their dutiful service.
HONORING BASCOM SORRELL
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-16

I rise to honor a very special individual, Mr. Bascom Sorrell, of Nicholas County, Kentucky. Bascom has been a prominent member of his community for many years. prgtoken Bascom Sorrell is a lifelong resident of Nicholas County and a graduate of Nicholas County High School. Jockey International employed him from 1966 to 2005, where he served as Plant Manager from 1984 until 2005. Bascom served in the Kentucky National Guard from 1960 to 1966 and reached the rank of Sergeant. He coached Babe Ruth baseball for many years and was chairman and coach of JC's Little League basketball from 1966 to 1975. Bascom was a member of Daugherty Lodge 65 of F & AM for 45 years and Master in 1975. Bascom has served on the Advisory Board for Hospice of the Blue Grass and continues to serve on the Advisory Board for the Community Action Council. A loyal member of the Carlisle Rotary Club, Bascom is a past president and recipient of the Paul Fellowship award. prgtoken Bascom recently retired as Chair of the Nicholas County Economic Development Authority, having served on the board from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2011 to 2017. His leadership with this group was critical in improving economic opportunities in Nicholas County. prgtoken There is no question that Carlisle and Nicholas Counties are much better places due to Bascom's dedication to the community and its citizens. His devotion and long-term service to Carlisle and Nicholas Counties are widely recognized and greatly appreciated. Bascom is a true leader in his community and a role model for future leaders. His fellow citizens are honoring him for his leadership and devotion. prgtoken Bascom Sorrell is a fine man who has earned the respect of his community. He is a true servant leader. It is my honor to call him my friend and to recognize him before the United States House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING AMINAH AL-JABER
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-5-16

I rise today to recognize Aminah Al-Jaber for her hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Fourth District as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office for the Spring of 2017. prgtoken The work of this young woman has been exemplary, and I know she has a bright future. She served as a tour guide, interacted with constituents, and learned a great deal about our nation's legislative process. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity, and look forward to seeing her build her career in public service. prgtoken Aminah plans to continue pursuing her degree at the end of this internship. I wish her the best as she pursues her career path. Mr it is an honor to recognize Aminah Al-Jaber for her service the last several months to the people of Colorado's 4th district.
HONORING THE 52ND ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-16

I rise today to honor and recognize the Head Start organization on its 52nd Anniversary. prgtoken Since its establishment, Head Start has been working to serve the country's most vulnerable families. In addition to working with organizations that provide learning, nutrition and general health assistance for children, Head Start has also helped to provide training, job prgtoken development, and volunteer opportunities for low-income parents. These efforts are critical for establishing an environment in which every American is equipped to reach their full potential. prgtoken In my district, the Lewis County Head Start Center has strengthened our community by working with over 180 families to provide learning opportunities for children and parents alike. Focusing on early childhood development programs, these centers partner with families to ensure that every child is prepared to take full advantage of their education. prgtoken I would like to thank Head Start for 52 years of commitment to children and families across the country. In New York's 21st District, we are grateful for their work to make sure every child has the opportunity to succeed. I wish Head Start a prosperous future and I am confident that it will continue making a positive impact on the lives of many Americans.
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-5-16

this week, our Nation observes National Police Week. This year, during National Police Week, we pay tribute to 143 officers who died in the line of duty during 2016--among them, Sergeant Allen David Brandt of the Fairbanks Police Department. I come to the floor to acknowledge not only Sergeant Brandt but all those officers who served us so honorably. prgtoken Sergeant Brandt's wife Natasha and children, Fritz, Kate, Claire, and Belle have traveled all the way from Fairbanks to participate in the events this week. They are accompanied by Allen's best friend, Officer Phil McBroom of the North Pole Police Department, as well as a large group of colleagues from the Fairbanks Police Department, led by Chief Eric Jewkes. prgtoken Chief Jewkes, joined by Sergeant Lockwood and Officer Werner, came into Washington for Police Week in a somewhat unique way. They joined 2,200 officers from around the Nation in a 4-day charity bike ride from Northern New Jersey to Washington, DC. They call it the Police Unity Tour, and their motto is: ``We ride for those who died.'' prgtoken Police Week begins with the dedication of names added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Judiciary Square. That dedication occurs during a very, very moving candlelight vigil at the beginning of Police Week. The candlelight vigil was conducted on Saturday evening on the National Mall this year. prgtoken Chief Jewkes, in full uniform, read Allen's name before a crowd numbering 10,000 people or more. A bell was rung, acknowledging the loss of Allen David Brandt. Allen's name was the only Alaska name added to the wall this year. prgtoken I wish to thank Craig Floyd, who is the president of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, for the courtesy in affording Chief Jewkes this special honor. prgtoken Allen's name is now inscribed in perpetuity on the memorial wall among the 21,000 officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. His name appears on the bottom of Panel 21-East. This week, the shoulder patch of the Fairbanks Police Department is affixed at the top of that panel. Quite coincidentally, a few lines up on that same panel are the names of Officers Matt Tokuoka and Anthony Wallace of the Hoonah Police Department, who were brought down by an assailant's bullet in 2010. prgtoken During Police Week, we do not dwell on the circumstances under which law enforcement officers gave their lives. We rather focus on how they lived their exemplary lives, and, yes, we pay our respects to the fallen, but Police Week also looks forward. The annual survivor's seminar, sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors, which helps those who have suffered a law enforcement tragedy grieve and ultimately recover, is an important part of this week as well. prgtoken While so much of Police Week is for the law enforcement family, those of us in Washington cannot help but notice what is going on around us-- officers in uniform, h