mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE KERN WATER BANK AUTHORITY FOR TWENTY YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATION
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today and am joined by my colleagues from California, Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Jim Costa, to recognize an essential resource in our community--the Kern Water Bank--and the incredibly positive impact that it has made upon California's Central Valley over the past twenty years. prgtoken This year, the Kern Water Bank celebrates twenty years since the signing of the 75 year Habitat Conservation Plan, which allowed the Water Bank to begin operating at its full capacity in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley. Prior to this monumental agreement, the roughly 32-square mile stretch of land on which the Kern Water Bank operates today was used largely for farming while California experienced wide fluctuations in water supply. The creation of the Kern Water Bank Authority and eventually the Kern Water Bank exemplifies the innovative and determined spirit of the Kern community and the effectiveness with which this community has been able to assist in meeting California's water needs. prgtoken Prior to the creation of the Kern Water Bank Authority, the California Department of Water Resources sought to create a system that would serve as a response to the water shortages that often plagued California's agricultural community. The Department of Water Resources struggled for years to achieve anything tangible--facing various legal, institutional, and environmental setbacks that made the project seem nearly impossible. It was at this point that the Kern Water Bank Authority came to fruition, and through the hard work and cooperation of both public and private contributors, the Kern Water Bank was finally feasible. Now, after twenty years of successful operation, we recognize the degree to which the Kern Water Bank has impacted California's water situation, the greater San Joaquin environment and the Central Valley community that Congressman Valadao, Congressman Costa and I share. prgtoken The daily operations and functions of the Kern Water Bank greatly assisted in combating the drought that has plagued California, especially throughout the past five years. As Delta pumping was slowly reduced, the Kern Water Bank served a particularly important purpose as the prominent storage facility for the water that local farmers and agricultural communities needed even more desperately in light of the drought. Additionally, the Kern Water Bank has become a notable wildlife resource of regional significance. The environment created by the Kern Water Bank supports many special-status species in alignment with the Habitat Conservation Plan and EPA standards, and creates a unique wetlands area that serves as a refuge for local wildlife. Very rarely do projects of this nature serve so many purposes all at once, and we believe that the Kern Water Bank serves as the ideal model for other similar projects. prgtoken The Kern Water Bank is the largest operation of its kind in California, and has even prgtoken
IN RECOGNITION OF MS. LILLY PIMENTEL
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today to congratulate Ms. Lilly Pimentel on receiving the 2017 Kings County Farm Bureau President's Award. prgtoken At the 99th Annual Meeting of the Kings County Farm Bureau, Ms. Pimentel will be recognized as an individual who has gone above and beyond for our local community and honored for her long-term commitment to the students and future leaders of California's agriculture industry. prgtoken Lilly Pimentel was born and raised in Hanford, California and grew up on her parent's, Joe and Esther Pimentel, dairy farm. She graduated from Hanford High School in 1992 and then attended the College of the Sequoias. In 1994, Lilly began studying at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Agriculture Education. prgtoken Between 1998 and 2001, Ms. Pimentel served as an Agriculture Teacher, educating students at Westmont High School, Gustine Unified School District, Riverdale Unified School District, and College of the Sequoias. In 2001, she accepted a position at her own Alma Mater, Hanford High School, where she continues to teach Ag Biology, Ag Science and Veterinary Science today. prgtoken Lilly's passion for teaching is known throughout the community and recognized by her students and peers alike. In 2009, Ms. Pimentel was named the Teacher of the Year by the Hanford Joint Union High School District and, in 2010, she received the Teacher of Excellence Award, from the California Agriculture Teacher' Association. prgtoken Dedicated to strengthening the local agriculture industry, outside of work Lilly has coached various FFA judging teams, volunteered at State and National FFA Conventions, serves as club leader and advisor for Kings River 4-H, and sits on the Kings County 4-H Council's Board of Directors. She is a member of California Women for Agriculture, serves on the Kings County June Dairy Month Committee, and is the secretary for the Foundation for Vocational Agriculture, the organization that raised the funds to build Hanford FFA's new farm and learning laboratory. prgtoken In addition to teaching diverse coursework aimed at ensuring Central Valley students are prepared for prosperous futures in agriculture, she has remained involved in her community, participating in Relay for Life, Kings County, Quilt Guild, and St. Brigid Catholic Church. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Ms. Lilly Pimentel on being honored with the 2017 Kings County Farm Bureau President's Award and thanking her for her service to our community.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise to speak to Baldwin amendment No. 1139. Wisconsin families need a tax break, and that is what I am working for. This budget will fast-track enormous tax breaks for the wealthiest few. It increases the deficit and puts Medicare and Medicaid on the chopping block to pay for it. prgtoken I don't think it is right to ask the middle class to pay for tax breaks for the top 1 percent with cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and rising deficits--deficits that will surely be used by my colleagues to continue to justify an unwillingness to invest in the essential pillars of economic security for families. prgtoken The entire reason reconciliation was created was for deficit reduction, which the majority claims to care so much about. My amendment is very simple. It would reinstate a point of order, known as the Conrad rule, against reconciliation legislation that increases the deficit. Let's not use reconciliation to add to our deficit. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support my commonsense amendment that has been cosponsored by Senators Warner, Whitehouse, Kaine, Coons, King, Wyden, and Van Hollen.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Joe Donnelly (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today in support of the amendment I offered to address the outsourcing of American jobs. Currently, American companies that ship jobs to foreign countries can still claim massive tax breaks. That is wrong, and we should claw back incentives and prohibit companies from receiving tax breaks for outsourcing jobs. prgtoken My end outsourcing amendment is common sense for taxpayers, supporting companies that invest in American workers, not those shipping jobs to foreign countries. I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING THE 60TH YEAR DIAMOND JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today to recognize the Puerto Rican Bar Association of New York (PRBA) on the occasion of its 60th Year Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. prgtoken Founded in 1957, PRBA was created to connect lawyers and judges who shared common goals, ideas and concerns relating to the practice of law, the courts and the community. prgtoken PRBA is credited with mentoring and helping generations of attorneys develop their careers while staying true to its core mission of empowering and giving back to the Puerto Rican and Latino communities. prgtoken Through the Puerto Rican Bar Association Scholarship Fund, the Association promotes opportunities for educational and professional advancement for underserved young professionals. prgtoken Throughout its rich 60-year history, PRBA has benefited from the leadership of some of the brightest and best Board members and Presidents. This year's PRBA President, Carmen Pacheco, is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with support and vision. In 1992, Carmen and her business partner Betty Lugo, established Pacheco & Lugo, the first Hispanic women-owned law firm in New York. prgtoken PRBA's members have ascended to the highest levels of the legal community within private practice, non-profit and all levels of government including the U. S. Supreme Court by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. prgtoken , please join me in saluting this year's extraordinary individuals and institutions: Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte, Elisa D. Garcia, Chief Legal Officer, Macy's Inc Robert L. Haig, Esq. Partner, Kelley, Drye & Warren LLP, the CUNY Board of Trustees and the New York State Court of Appeals. I also would like to recognize the Mistress of Ceremonies, Jeanine Ramirez, Brooklyn's own NY1 News outstanding reporter and journalist.
REMEMBERING WADE NELSON
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-10-19

Wade Nelson was a friend who began his professional life as a journalist and served at many levels in public service. prgtoken He was regarded as an honest professional in all of his life's work, a father and husband truly dedicated to his family, and a joy to count as a friend. prgtoken His colleague and friend, Bob Secter, wrote a remembrance, which I include with this statement. It was given to those of us in attendance at Wade's memorial service at the Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL, on October 7, 2017. The speakers at the service included his wife, Ellen Warren, a respected journalist in her own right, and his sons, Ted and Emmett. They each shared touching stories of Wade as a husband and father. Rick Kogan emceed the celebration with his own signature style and Wade's friends Bern Colleran, Terry Kelleher, Hanke Gratteau, and musician Jon Webber each added great memories to the service. prgtoken As Bob Secter wrote: Back in the rambunctious days of Chicago newspapers, Wade Nelson worked for the legendary columnist Mike Royko who sent his ``legman'' to check out a tip that Cook County judges were issued cushier toilet paper than that stocked in public restrooms. The easy part for Nelson was grabbing samples from public toilets in the Loop courthouse, now known as the Daley Center. Obtaining tissue from a judge's inner sanctum was trickier. So, Nelson made up a pretense to interview Chief Judge John Boyle, then excused himself mid-talk to use the toilet attached to the judge's chambers. He emerged to confront the startled judge with the incriminating evidence, and a great column was born. Charmin-gate was hardly the highlight of Nelson's days as a reporter. Yet it demonstrated the resourcefulness, spunk, and droll whimsy that propelled him on a rich career path involving being press secretary for the late U.S. Senator Alan Dixon of Illinois, communications director for the federal military base closure commission, political consultant, and chief speech writer for former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. That resume hardly defines the sum of Nelson, however. Friends remember him as someone with boundless curiosity and a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about interests as varied as Midwestern architecture, jazz, the Cubs, anything Chicago related, the minutia of the small Southern Michigan town of Sturgis where his ancestors were early settlers in the 1800s, and the secret to the perfect martini. Edward Wade Nelson Jr. grew up in west suburban River Forest, attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park and the University of Missouri where he graduated with a degree in journalism. As a young adult and beyond, his greatest devotion was reserved for performers at Chicago's varied night club, cabaret and pi
RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT 141ST RECRUIT CLASS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department on the graduation of the 141st Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 42 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community. prgtoken The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School consists of an extensive and demanding 30-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed eight weeks of EMT training and twenty weeks of fire suppression training. Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. prgtoken These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force I, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015. prgtoken As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 141st Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. prgtoken It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 141st Recruit Class: prgtoken Allen E. Bizzell, Calvin W. Branch, Matthew N. Bui, Laura E. Calkins, James T. Campbell, Melissa M. Cary, Che-Shien Chu, Mari A. Christenson, Antonio J. Clavijo, Ashley N. Coleman, Elliott S. Ferrence, Christopher J. George, Jonathan D. Groves. prgtoken Adam T. Hall, Walter D. Hanson, Darrell D. Hayes, Quentin J. Hayes, Kyle D. Hihn, Jonathan Hughes, Garrett B. Irving, Robyn A. Kane, Michael T. Lattimer, Gregory S. Leake, Jaeman Lee, Linda Lee, Tyrone L. Lewis, John M. McCollom, Kendrix R. Merritt, Thomas M. Nevin. prgtoken John J. Nowadly, Myron J. Parker, Ryan D. Powell, Ian C. Richards, Raymond R. Sanez, Joshua M. Schuchman, Sammone E. Smith, Tyler F. Thaler, Jessica Vukmanic, Zachary J. Walton, Lauren A. Wertz, Lauren A. Wickson, Jinson Wong. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''
JAMES T. DRUMM FOR 50 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-10-19

it is a great pleasure for me to rise and recognize a pillar of the Hastings-On-Hudson community, James T. Drumm, who for 50 years has dedicated himself to public service and helping others as a integral part of the Hastings-On-Hudson Fire Department at the Riverview Manor Hose Company No. 3. I am honored to be able to offer this recognition to such a dedicated servant of the people. prgtoken James has done a tremendous amount for Hastings, but his service actually began in the United States Marine Corps, where he was active duty from 1955 to 1957. As a former member ofthe Armed Forces, it was only fitting that, upon his discharge, James would continue on a path of serving the public good. He went on to join the Hastings Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Department from 1987-1989 and again from 1995-1997. He also served as Deputy Chief, Ambulance Corp Member, Fire Police Officer, and, today, remains active as Village Fire Inspector. prgtoken I am very fortunate and proud to represent such a distinguished public servant as James, and after a half-century of remarkable work in service to his country and local community, he too should feel tremendously proud. I want to thank James for all he has done on behalf of Hastings and our grateful nation.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise to speak about the President's action last week stepping away from certifying Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal that was negotiated between the U.S. allies and the nation of Iran. prgtoken National security is about military power, but there is more to it than that. America's strength also comes from the power to use diplomacy. prgtoken In October 1945, President Harry Truman, my favorite President, changed the seal of the Office of the President to have the eagle face the olive branches of diplomacy instead of the arrows of war, signifying that America would also prefer that we use diplomacy first. In modern times, our judgments to go to war rather than use diplomacy have been flawed. Under this administration, diplomacy, in my view, is under assault, and that is why I rise today. prgtoken We see a decimated State in the USAID budget. We see bellicose rhetoric from the President. We see efforts to undermine, publicly, American diplomats engaged in negotiations. We see the refusal to even nominate key State Department diplomatic appointees. prgtoken As of last week, the administration has not put forward a nominee for approximately 52 percent of high-level positions at the State Department that require approval by the Senate. Thirty-two countries do not yet have Ambassadors in place, and that includes no nomination from the White House for Ambassadors to key countries like South Korea, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. No one has been nominated for Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, for Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation, for Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, or for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. prgtoken How serious can the administration be about nuclear threats with no Ambassador to South Korea or no ambassadorial nomination for the key State Department official around nonproliferation? And the President has repeatedly undercut his Secretary of State's diplomatic efforts with North Korea. prgtoken President 's most recent action--his recent attack on diplomacy--is the decision to decertify the Iran deal, and I think this could be the most dangerous yet. By stepping back from a diplomatic deal that the United States made with the global community that is clearly working, the President is publicly undercutting diplomatic negotiations, and he is setting us on a road where military options become increasingly more likely. I will state it bluntly. If you weaken diplomacy, you raise the risk of unnecessary war, and that is what this President is doing. prgtoken First, President 's refusal to make the Iran certification and his threat to abandon the nuclear deal with Iran recalls the disastrous U.S. entrance into the Iraq war in 2003, where intelligence was politicized, and the administration repeatedly made false claims to justify going to war--a war of choice--to o
IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHINESE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF SACRAMENTO'S GOLD MOUNTAIN CELEBRATION AND 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today to recognize The Chinese American Council of Sacramento (CACS) as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary and annual Gold Mountain Celebration. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the voice of the Chinese American Community. prgtoken Since 1987, The Chinese American Council of Sacramento has served as an invaluable organization dedicated to the empowerment, representation and support of the Chinese American Community and Asian Pacific Islander American community. Since its conception, CACS has successfully continued to bring awareness to the cultural and historic significance of Chinese Americans and Asian Pacific Islander Americans and their crucial contributions to American society. The Chinese American Council of Sacramento has championed a myriad of social justice issues that plague its community, from discrimination to voter education. Their work to protect and ensure the civil and human rights of the most vulnerable within their community speaks to their tireless dedication to the advancement of Asian-Pacific Islander Americans throughout the greater Sacramento area. Congratulations on thirty years of exceptional service to our community. prgtoken We also celebrate Mr. Clarence Chu as the Hall of Fame inductee. Mr. Chu is being recognized for his enduring contributions to the Chinese American and Asian Pacific Islander American community. The Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center is being recognized with the community service award for the outstanding programs it provides. The community center provides health, human, and social services to immigrants, refugees, and other underserved individuals in Sacramento. Through these programs and their quality education services, The Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center successfully aids its community members in becoming economically self-sufficient and empowered. prgtoken , as members and friends of The Chinese American Council of Sacramento celebrate their Gold Mountain Celebration, I ask all my colleagues to join me in the celebration of their 30th anniversary and give recognition to all that this exemplary institution has given our community over the past three decades.