mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 208TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today to recognize the 208th Anniversary of Mexican Independence and the 125th Anniversary of the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver. prgtoken In October 1893, Mexican President Porfirio Diaz appointed Mr. Casemiro Barela as the first Consul General of Mexico in Denver, Colorado. This moment marked the beginning of the long and rewarding relationship between the people of Colorado and Mexico. I am proud to offer this recognition of this important day for the Mexico-United States relationship, but also for the Mexico-Colorado relationship, here in the United States House of Representatives. Not only is Mexico an important neighbor, but it is also one of our nation's greatest trading partners and closest friends. prgtoken Mexico is home to a hardworking and caring people. Through the generations, we have seen the Mexican people exemplify resiliency and courage leading to the development of their country. Mexico is a country of great culture, which has positively influenced the United States and its citizens for the better. The United States is home to a large Mexican-American community, and their contributions have undoubtedly made our nation stronger. prgtoken I am pleased to recognize the 208th Anniversary of Mexican Independence and to mark the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Mexican consulate here in Colorado. I look forward to the continued success of our southern neighbor and to watching the bond between our two nations grow stronger.
HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL BENJAMIN F. ADAMS III
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today to honor Brigadier General Benjamin F. Adams III. He is an exemplary leader who has served our nation for forty years in military service. prgtoken General Adams received his commission through the ROTC program at the University of Mississippi in 1978. He completed flight school in 1980 and spent 15 years on active duty with the United States Army. He has commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. Active duty assignments included the United States Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama; the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Army Reserve Personnel Center, Saint Louis, Missouri; and the Combined Forces Land Component Command, Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq. He served as a military technician in the Kentucky National Guard as the Commonwealth of Kentucky's State Army Aviation Officer; J1 and Army Chief of Staff from September 1999 to November 2012. prgtoken General Adams' most recent service has been as Commander, Land Component Command, Kentucky Army National Guard. In this position, he served as an assistant and advisor to the Adjutant General of Kentucky. He was responsible for manning, training, and equipping a force of over 8,500 Army and Air Guardsmen. prgtoken Following a career of forty years of service, General Adams is retiring from Army service. He will continue to serve as the Kentucky Department of Veteran's Affairs Commissioner. His service there is valuable to all of Kentucky's many veterans. prgtoken It is my honor today to recognize this extraordinary patriot, Brigadier General Benjamin F. Adams, as he retires from Army service. His service and his leadership are greatly appreciated.
HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise to recognize St. Lawrence Catholic Church of Greenville, Illinois, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. prgtoken St. Lawrence began as a mission of the Mother of Dolors in the 1850s but the first mass wasn't celebrated until 1868. At that time the congregation consisted of just a dozen families without an assigned priest. Eventually, the faithful were rewarded with a parish of their own in 1877, under the patronage of St. Lawrence the Martyr. The first church was erected a year later. A resident priest began to occupy the parochial residence in 1895, and shortly thereafter land for the church's cemetery was purchased. prgtoken In 1910, a fire destroyed the church shortly after the arrival of father John Enright, who went on to serve as St. Lawrence's pastor for 47 years. The congregation quickly set to work rebuilding and two years later a new church was dedicated, serving the congregation until a new church replaced it in 1994. In the interim, a rectory was added as well as a confraternity school. prgtoken To celebrate St. Lawrence's important milestone, the church held a ``Mass in the Grass,'' followed by a time capsule ceremony. Musicians performed during the celebration, which included activities, games, food, and a good deal of fellowship. prgtoken , since its start, St. Lawrence has had a strong presence in Greenville and been a focal point for the religious and spiritual needs of the community. I want to wish its pastor, Father Alan Hunter, and parishioners of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, the very best as they celebrate 150 years of service.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
Karen C. Handel (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-9-7

the balance of my time. prgtoken , first let me address the criticism regarding burglary being too broad in the way it is addressed in the legislation. This is the Federal generic definition of burglary and one that courts have found satisfies the definition of ``crime of violence.'' prgtoken , the detractors of this fail to recognize that these definitions are not an expansion of actual State laws but only seek to cover the generic definition and reasonable iterations found in State law. prgtoken In fact, prior to the Dimaya Supreme Court case, the Supreme Court had previously unanimously agreed in Leocal v. Ashcroft that ``burglary is the classic example of a crime of violence under subsection 16(b).'' prgtoken The Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 is a necessary, crucial piece of legislation that will fix a major loophole in our system. We squarely address the issues raised by the United States Supreme Court, eliminating the vagueness, giving notice, and explaining which offenses Congress intended to cover when they had first crafted the language in clause 16(b) from the very beginning. prgtoken By moving the legislation, we are avoiding potentially dangerous consequences of giving very serious, dangerous criminals a pass. We have examined the case law surrounding these offenses; we have considered the equities; we have been deliberative; and we have shown great restraint in many ways. prgtoken Congress cannot sit idly by and allow criminals to disrupt our communities because of this loophole. This bill is a product of necessity, and we do not have the privilege to squabble over hypotheticals that ultimately have no bearing on real-life applications of this law. We must move to protect our communities to prevent more victims of crime. prgtoken Therefore, , I can assure my colleagues that this bill is not overly broad. It is not, as some have irresponsibly stated, a ``dangerous expansion of criminal law.'' Instead, it is a carefully crafted response to the U.S. Supreme Court's recommendations in the Dimaya case. Frankly, it is just the sort of bill that our system was designed to produce. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for this bill. Vote ``yes,'' and in doing so, demonstrate to your constituents your commitment to protecting law-abiding Americans from violent criminals. It is a simple choice. Make the correct one and vote ``yes.'' prgtoken , .
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND WORK OF MAYOR GEORGE PRADEL
Randy Hultgren (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today with a heavy heart at the passing of former Naperville, Illinois, Mayor George Pradel. prgtoken Mayor Pradel was an extraordinary public servant who was universally loved. He was also a great mentor to me. Throughout my career in public service, George was always an insightful counselor and beacon of much- needed encouragement to me and to so many others, and I am very grateful for his faithful prayers for me and my family over the years. prgtoken George had a tremendous impact on every individual he met, and he himself lived an extraordinary life. prgtoken A Naperville native, George served his family, community, and country as a dedicated community catalyst, soldier, police officer, father, and mentor. prgtoken As mayor, George served Naperville for two decades, from 1995 until 2015. His tenure ushered in a period of tremendous growth. Mayor Pradel was Naperville's number one cheerleader. His unbelievable energy and exuberance were infectious. prgtoken I will miss George as a man I admired and a public servant I sought to emulate. He truly had a servant's heart. prgtoken Today, we honor a life well lived. George Pradel embraced each day by celebrating the loves of his life: his God, his family, and his community; and I know his savior welcomed him, saying: ``Well done, good and faithful servant.''
RECOGNIZING THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE ALLEGHENY RIVER CLEANUP
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-9-7

Saturday marks the start of the 10th annual Allegheny River and Watershed Cleanup, which is a weeklong effort in Warren County to keep the Allegheny River healthy and clean. prgtoken The Allegheny River is one of the Nation's most beautiful and clean waters. For more than 10 years, the waterway has been designated one of the Nation's wild and scenic rivers. It is also home to seven islands protected under America's National Wilderness Preservation System. prgtoken Every year, hundreds of people visit the river to enjoy its beauty and bounty. In 2017, 317 volunteers donated roughly 2,536 hours of their time while removing 5,350 pounds of metal, 94 tires, and 35 cubic feet of trash from the Allegheny and the Conewango Creek. prgtoken Adults and children participate in the cleanup. They walk along the riverbanks or use their canoes and kayaks to remove garbage found in or along the Allegheny River and its tributaries. prgtoken , the Allegheny River watershed is and continues to be an important recreational, ecological, and economic asset to Warren County. I commend all those who participate in this outstanding event.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY ACT OF 2018
Tom Marino (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-9-7

I want to thank Congresswoman Handel for bringing this forth, this very important piece of legislation that has been reviewed by the United States Supreme Court. prgtoken The Supreme Court in Sessions v. Dimaya ruled that 18 U.S.C. Section 16 was unconstitutionally void for vagueness. prgtoken That is the way the process works. We, the legislators, write the law, not an unelected bureaucrat. We, as legislators, are supposed to write the law, then the court interprets that law if an issue is brought before the court, as in this particular case. prgtoken So there is a several-page slip opinion, we call it, that explains why the court ruled the way it did, saying we need more of an explanation as to what a violent crime is. The court ruled that the statute in question failed to properly provide a definition for a crime of violence. prgtoken H.R. 6691 eliminates that vagueness and addresses the Supreme Court's concerns and preserves the pre-Dimaya status quo. prgtoken It has the support of the Justice Department. prgtoken The legislation before us today is supported by the Department of Justice, I want to reemphasize that, and will properly define what a crime of violence is. It is clearly delineated here in eight pages, the crimes, what constitutes them, the meaning, the intent, crime by crime on these pages. It does not prevent anyone from due process. prgtoken As a former Federal prosecutor and State prosecutor, I have seen serious violent crimes that were committed. And we must make sure that those that are here illegally and commit these violent crimes be sent back to their countries from where they came. prgtoken Over 18 years as a prosecutor, I have seen my share of bodies on slabs in morgues because of violent crime, and many of those were young kids. prgtoken This legislation defines crime by crime by crime and sets forth the criteria that the legislature was responsible for doing in the first place. prgtoken I want to explain the process on how this works. The crime is committed, it is reported, law enforcement goes in and does an investigation. If they feel that a crime has been committed, they file a complaint or go to the DA or go to the United States Attorney and present probable cause, evidence that the crime probably was committed. And then, in whatever situation, whether it is the State or the Federal level, there can be an indictment, the evidence can go before a grand jury, and then the decision is made if it proceeds. Then that individual goes before a judge on a preliminary hearing to the point where the person's actual constitutional rights kick in. None of that, none of that is eliminated. prgtoken I support this legislation because of what I have seen over my career. And taking care of issues of violence that we see so much of and the violence that we see, particularly by individuals that are here illegally, this remedies that matter. prgtoken We have a lot of violence in this country committed b
TACKLING FENTANYL: THE CHINA CONNECTION
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-9-7

yesterday we held a hearing at the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, which I chair. prgtoken Chinese-made fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is killing Americans--more than 29,000 in 2017 alone. We must hold the Chinese government accountable. prgtoken Kirsten D. Madison, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs testified that China is ``a primary source of illicit synthetic drugs coming to the United States.'' prgtoken Paul E. Knierim, Deputy Chief of Operations at the Office of Global Enforcement for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), stated in his testimony that ``China is one of the world's top producers of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as the chemicals used to process heroin and cocaine.'' prgtoken Ocean County, New Jersey Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, has called the China-made fentanyl sent into the United States a ``synthetic storm'' that is ``devastating.'' prgtoken He noted thankfully that local law enforcement is doing something about it--like his program that allows drug abusers to voluntarily turn themselves in at a police station--more than 800 since 2017--without being prosecuted. A program that has almost certainly reduced deaths. prgtoken Still, Prosecutor Coronato noted that based on his medical examiner toxicology analysis, in 2014, 10 percent of overdose deaths had fentanyl in their systems. Shockingly, in 2018, fentanyl-related deaths have jumped to 80 percent or more. prgtoken He also told the committee that ``synthetics will become the predominate type of illegal drugs abused within the next 5 years'' and that ``in many instances'' it is being sold ``right over the internet.'' prgtoken I asked both the State Department and DEA what the U.S. is doing to hold China accountable for fentanyl in the U.S. Are we using existing tools to hold bad actors in China accountable? We have tools, such as the Global Magnitsky Act, which targets corrupt officials and human rights abusers. prgtoken Recently the House passed comprehensive legislation to address the opioid crisis including the Synthetics and Overdose Prevention Act. The bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (as private carriers like UPS and Fed-Ex are currently required to do) to obtain advance electronic data (AED)--detailed info on the shipper and addressee and other data- empowering Customs and Border Protection to target fentanyl and other illegal drug shipments. prgtoken Bryce Pardo of the RAND Corporation testified that the potency of fentanyl has sharply increased the number of opioid overdoses . . . and that the drug overdose crisis now surpasses major public health epidemics of prior generations, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic. prgtoken Every single Congressional district in America has felt the scourge of the opioid epidemic. Don Holman, who was in the audience yesterday, lost his
CITY OF EDMONTON
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Edmonton in the First Congressional District of Kentucky. The local community is holding a celebration the weekend of September 7th through 9th in the downtown area, which will highlight their shared heritage and reflect on the city's past. I appreciate the generations of local officials and citizens of Edmonton who have steadfastly devoted themselves to the betterment of others, as well as all those who have assisted with the planning of the event. This historic milestone is a culmination of their efforts and a testament to their collective pride for their beloved hometown. I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders and the residents of Edmonton to further the economic and industrial prosperity of Metcalfe County for generations to come, and I join with the city's current and former residents in honoring this tight-knit, culturally rich community.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDW. C. LEVY CO.
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Edw. C. Levy Co which was founded in 1918 when Edward C. Levy, Sr. started a trucking business in Detroit, Michigan area. prgtoken A short time later, Levy started hauling away steel slag for the Ford Motor Company's River Rouge plant, and then other steel mills. prgtoken He began to crush the slag and sell it as road-base material--a move that paved the way for the company's continuing expansion and development. prgtoken Today, under the leadership of Ed Levy, Jr. and S. Evan Weiner, the Levy Group of Companies has grown into an international business with locations across the United States and the globe. prgtoken Their products and services include steel mill services, slag, natural aggregates, asphalt, concrete and cement, specialty products, logistics, lab services, land development, and agricultural products. prgtoken The company is committed to promoting the well-being of their employees and recognizing contributions made by the hardworking, loyal people who work there. prgtoken As a good neighbor, Levy is also active in helping to fund local projects and in contributing to charitable organizations that improve the quality of life in the communities where they are located. prgtoken As they celebrate 100 years, Levy maintains a prominent position in the global marketplace and has a sterling reputation for excellence, innovation, and cooperation. prgtoken It is a lasting legacy that undoubtedly reaches far beyond Edward C. Levy, Sr.'s wildest dreams.
HONORING SETON GARDNER
Paul D. Ryan (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-9-7

when I accepted this job, I did not fully appreciate all of its institutional and ceremonial responsibilities. Today I can say it is one of the best things about being . This is in no small part due to having Seton Gardner as our director of special events and protocol. Seton started with Boehner as an intern in 2011, and joined the special events department in 2013. If there is a major event in the Capitol--be it a Gold Medal Ceremony, a Joint Meeting, or State of the Union--Seton is at the helm. She is highly regarded for maintaining our traditions, while making everyone from world leaders to everyday citizens feel at home in the people's House. No matter the stage, Seton never breaks a sweat. She makes what is surely a stressful process go seamlessly. For all of this, and for her years of dedicated service, I extend my thanks to Seton on behalf of a very grateful institution.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RICHARD M. DeVOS
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-9-7

it was with a heavy heart yesterday that we learned of the passing of Richard M. DeVos, Sr. prgtoken Rich, along with his wife, Helen, who passed away in October of 2017, dedicated their lives to transforming west Michigan and making our community an even greater place to call home. Frankly, it is hard to imagine what west Michigan would look like without Richard DeVos and his leadership. prgtoken Through his philanthropic activities, Rich led by example. He put a premium on supporting educational institutions across west Michigan, such as Grand Rapids Christian High School, Calvin College, and Grand Valley State University. prgtoken He was equally passionate about west Michigan residents having access to high-quality, specialized medical care. prgtoken He also worked to enrich the arts across Michigan, including by supporting his grandson, Rick, in establishing ArtPrize, which has opened up so many opportunities for Grand Rapids. prgtoken He was also very involved with many projects at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Generally, anything that helped make the community thrive, Rich was fully behind. prgtoken As significant as those achievements are, his impact on west Michigan's economy was even greater and simply cannot be understated. Through his business sense, passion, and servant's heart, he created economic opportunities for countless west Michigan residents. prgtoken Despite his monumental influence, Rich was as approachable and down to earth as they come. Rich generally cared about his community and the people he shared it with. prgtoken Thank you for all you have done for west Michigan, Rich; and while your legacy will live on, know that your leadership and friendship will be deeply missed. prgtoken Rest well, Rich. Rest well, knowing you ran a race well done.
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF DAVID AND CAROL WITHERINGTON
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-9-7

I rise today to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of David and Carol Witherington. When they met, Chicagoan Carol Leonard was 17. Tennessean David Witherington was on leave, and visiting Carol's hometown of Melrose Park, Illinois. Following David's honorable discharge, they eloped and married on September 7, 1968, in Clinton, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Witherington worked in the plastics industry, and their careers took them across the United States, along the way adopting two sons. In 1985 the family sold their house, moved to Colorado, and started their own successful plastics company--the BroCom Corporation. Today, the Witheringtons live in beautiful Mountain Home, Arkansas, and are celebrating 50 years of marriage.
HONORING TYLER J. MANN, JR.
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-9-7

I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Mann, Jr. Tyler is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 215, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tyler has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Tyler has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tyler completed landscaping around the new electronic sign at his church I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Mann, Jr. for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.