mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 1993
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I am pleased to introduce the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act. This legislation expands the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to provide surrounding communities much-needed additional access to nature while maintaining private property rights and existing local land use authorities. prgtoken This bill adds an additional 191,000 acres, known as the Rim of the Valley Unit, to better protect natural resources and habitats, and provide members of the local community with improved recreational and educational opportunities. prgtoken This proposed expansion comes at the recommendation of the National Park Service after a six-year special resource study of the area. The study was directed by Congress in the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act, passed in 2008. The National Park Service's recommendation takes into account over 2,000 comments received from the public, elected officials, local organizations, and other stakeholders. prgtoken This legislation will significantly expand outdoor recreational opportunities for residents of Los Angeles County, one of the most densely populated and park-poor areas in California. prgtoken In fact, 47% of Californians--that's six percent of the U.S. population--live within two hours of the proposed expansion area. Enlarging the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will provide these communities with increased access to public lands and a boost to the local economy. prgtoken The proposed expansion will also protect valuable habitat for endangered wildlife, such as the California red-legged frog. Other species protected include mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, badgers, coyotes, and deer. prgtoken Notably, the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act would only allow the Department of the Interior to acquire non-Federal land within the new boundaries through exchange, donation, or purchase from willing sellers. This legislation will not create any additional liability or restrictions for private property owners. prgtoken This bill enjoys the support of more than 50 local municipalities, community groups, and elected officials. It is the product of true public engagement in the legislative process. prgtoken I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Adam Schiff, for introducing this legislation in the House. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act. prgtoken Thank you, , .
HONORING WILLIAM F. HENDERSON III, PRESIDENT OF CWA LOCAL 1298 ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-10-19

it is my great pleasure to rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to pay tribute to William F. Henderson III as he retires after forty-three years of dedicated service in the communications industry and, most recently, as the President of the Communications Workers of America Local 1298. prgtoken A frame man and then centralized power technician, over the course of his career, Bill worked for Southern New England Telephone, SBC Company and AT&T before moving to a full-time position at the CWA Local 1298. Bill was active in labor issues from the beginning of his career and served as a steward for thirty years before his election as President. During his tenure, he has guided his members through the transition of company mergers and buyouts and he has fought to protect fair wages and access to quality health benefits, ensure safe workplaces, and preserve retirement security. He has long been a fierce advocate and tireless voice on behalf of his brothers and sisters in the CWA. prgtoken In addition to his professional career, Bill has volunteered countless hours to his community. In Waterford, he served for thirteen years as a member of the Representative Town Meeting where he was Chair of the Finance Committee, six years on the Board of Selectmen, eight years as Chairman of the Waterford Industrial Development Committee and served on the Library Board of Trustees and the shellfish commission. In East Lyme, he served two terms on the Board of Education as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals. His is an example of public service to which we should all strive. prgtoken I would be remiss if I did not thank Bill for his counsel and collaboration over the years. He has always been just a phone call away and I cherish the strong bond of friendship we have built. Today, as he marks his retirement, I hope he knows that the CWA Local 1298 will simply not be the same without him. prgtoken I am proud to stand today to extend my deepest thanks and sincere appreciation to prgtoken William F. Henderson III for his many good works not professional and personal. I wish him, his wife, Brenda, as well as their children and grandchildren all the best for many more years of health and happiness as they begin this new chapter.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 105TH BIRTHDAY OF GEORGE N. LEIGHTON
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today in recognition of the Honorable George N. Leighton, who turns 105 years young on October 22nd. prgtoken George was born in New Bedford to Anna Silva Garcia and Antonio Neves Leitao, who emigrated from the Cape Verde Islands. During his childhood, George and his siblings helped their parents who worked as agricultural laborers, and they only attended school for a few months a year. It was while working as a cranberry bog weeder that George first decided to pursue a career in law. prgtoken George finished school after the 7th grade and, while working in restaurant kitchens, started taking night classes. He then pursued a degree at Howard University, after he was able to prove he could complete college level work. This was the first time he would use English as his primary language. In 1940, George graduated magna cum laude from Howard University and held a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves Officer Training Corps. prgtoken An aspiring lawyer, George would stop at nothing and entered Harvard Law School with a scholarship later that year. As the United States entered World War II, George served in the Pacific Theater for almost three years and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Bronze Star. Discharged as a Captain in 1945, George reentered Harvard Law School. He then passed the Massachusetts bar in 1946 and established his law practice in Chicago. prgtoken George faced heavy racial discrimination and was not allowed to join the American Bar Association or the Chicago Bar Association. Despite this atmosphere, he became one of the most prominent and respected criminal defense lawyers in Illinois. George often worked as the court- appointed defense counsel for crimes of violence and with the NAACP and ACLU on cases of racial segregation. During this time he worked closely with Thurgood Marshall, among others, and was asked to represent Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. George fought tirelessly for equal voting rights, desegregation in schools, open housing, the right to sit on juries, abolishing the death penalty; and fairness in the criminal justice system. prgtoken In 1964, George was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County, where he gained recognition as one of the finest criminal court judges. Later, in 1969, he was appointed to the First District Appellate Court of Illinois. After gaining a reputation as one of the most thoughtful and fair jurists, President Gerald Ford appointed George to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1976. After retiring in 1987 at the age of 75, George returned to the private practice of law to work on civil and criminal litigation, and to continue to teach at John Marshall Law School. prgtoken A member of the bar for over 70 years, George exemplifies service to his community. He led his life fighting for a fair criminal justice system and, in 2011, George played a key role in successfully abolishing
BARBARA A. ZDRAVECKY
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today to celebrate the distinguished career and leadership of ``one of country's most influential advocates for women's rights,'' Barbara A. Zdravecky. She is retiring after serving 24 years as the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. I am honored to recognize her selfless service and valuable contributions during these challenging times for the health rights of women. prgtoken A Pennsylvania native, Barbara graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned her nursing degree from Manatee County's State College of Florida. Barbara served as head nurse of Manatee Memorial Hospital's Psychiatric Program and later served as the Patient Care Coordinator of the First Hospice Program in Key West, primarily caring for HIV/AIDS patients. In 1993, Barbara accepted the offer to lead Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida as its Chief Executive Officer where she continues to serve and live by their mission to provide comprehensive health care, education, and advocacy for women of all walks of life. prgtoken Throughout her career, Barbara advocated to ensure that women have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams--no ceilings, no limits. She successfully fought countless legislative battles and then brought legal challenges when the legislative body overreached, such as Florida's House Bill 1411, the Termination of Pregnancies and Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida v. Celeste Philip, that would have blocked access to health care for women and their families. She kept up the good fight on all attempts to protect against attempts to cut funding for or defund Planned Parenthood altogether. prgtoken Under Barbara's leadership, Planned Parenthood grew in stature into the Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida in 2015. Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida now covers 22 counties with 11 health centers serving over 45,000 patients in Florida. prgtoken Barbara was also instrumental in engineering regional headquarters in Sarasota and constructing the new building at 736 Central Avenue where the health care provider has expanded its services. In September, it became the first in Florida to offer hormone therapy for transgender patients. prgtoken Barbara has received numerous awards and accolades for her dedicated service. In 2006, Barbara was honored with the Ruth Green Award as the top Planned Parenthood CEO in the country by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Equality Florida presented her with the ``2014 Voice for Equality Award'' and in 2015, she was named ``Wonder Woman'' by the Women's Resource Center of Manatee County. prgtoken , on behalf of the citizens of Florida, my neighbors in the Tampa Bay community and women everywhere, I would like to take this opportunity to thank one of the great champions of women's health and equal rights, Barbara A. Zdravecky, for her many yea
HONORING ALEXANDRA ``SANDY'' BRESLIN
Elizabeth H. Esty (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today to honor Sandy Breslin, who passed away on May 31, 2017. Sandy was a longtime environmental and civic activist in Connecticut, and her work to protect the Long Island Sound and to conserve our state's natural wonders will benefit future generations. prgtoken A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Sandy was an exceptional leader in Connecticut's environmental community for decades, and worked with a number of organizations to achieve conservation goals and stronger environmental laws. A trailblazing activist for the protection and restoration of Long Island Sound, Sandy's work helped secure passage of the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act as well as tens of millions of dollars in federal conservation funding. prgtoken Sandy also worked with groups including the Connecticut Land Conservation Council and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment to improve the state's wildlife protections, preserve more than 18,000 acres of land, and strengthen Connecticut's Environmental Policy Act. Her activism and achievements drew national recognition, and Sandy was awarded the Department of the Interior's Environmental Achievement Award, a Teaming with Wildlife Member Achievement Award, and a Coastal America Award. prgtoken Sandy was committed to public service in Connecticut, and leaders of both political parties held her opinion and work in high regard. In addition to her environmental policy work, she was active in local ic politics and served as the Chairwoman of the Bethany ic Town Committee for many years. She cherished working with young environmental activists and public servants, and leaders across our state have benefitted from her guidance and wisdom. I count myself lucky to have known Sandy as a friend as well as an environmental leader. She was a great woman with knowledge, heart, and a big warm laugh. prgtoken , Sandy Breslin spent her life working to protect our environment and improve our world. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today, and I extend my deepest condolences to her wonderful mother and to all who knew and loved Sandy. Sandy, we will miss you.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-10-19

from Texas for his comment. prgtoken Let me say where I might agree with some of Senator Cornyn's principles. I believe that we need a more simplified Tax Code. I believe that a goal of our Tax Code ought to put American business on a competitive basis with those of other countries around the world. I believe, as well, that to do that, one of the goals of tax reform ought to be to lower corporate rates. I will point out, though, three quick things so that I may get back to finishing my comments. prgtoken One, let's actually look at where America's tax burden stands versus those of other nations that actually have lower corporate tax rates, for example. Out of the 34 OECD nations--35 now--if you were to listen to some folks on this floor, you would think that America must rank at the top of that list, but we are 31 out of 35.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I would respond to my colleague, through the Chair, that negotiations are always tough. There are things you disagree on, and you have to work your way to an answer. The one issue we did not disagree on but we worked the hardest on and had the most discussion on was how we make sure we have the language in place on this--that consumers benefit and it is not a bailout for insurers. We absolutely share that point, and I know we both heard from Members on both sides of the aisle that they share that point. prgtoken We have strong language in here, but we are still open together to make it stronger under anybody's suggestion because our intent is to make sure our constituents get the result of this. We are together on that and working on that. I, absolutely, disregard anyone who says this is a bailout for insurers because they haven't read the bill, if they have seen it. prgtoken I thank Senator Alexander for his attention, discussions, and hard work to reach this point.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-10-19

there is wide support for PILT from both and s, as witnessed by this last vote. What we need to do now is to make sure that it works fairly for counties and is not done arbitrarily. prgtoken The CRS found that taking the approach in Senator Lee's amendment would break the PILT Program. Not only would calculating each county's payments be nearly impossible, the program would not be fair. In fact, the CRS cited a 2010 study that found that the approach in Senator Lee's amendment would result in two-thirds of all of the counties that receive PILT funding receiving lower payments than they do now. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote no.
HONORING PETER D. TRUMAN
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise today to honor a dedicated and accomplished man from our City, former Pennsylvania State Representative, Peter D. Truman. Peter was born in the City of Philadelphia on January 13, 1935. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida State Christian College and attended New York State University. From 1959 to 1967, he served as an officer on the Philadelphia Police Department and in 1968, he served as a constable to the 3rd Ward of Philadelphia. After, he worked as assistant to the chief clerk in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1968 to 1971). From 1970 to 1982, he served as president of the 3rd Ward Committeeman Association. From 1971 to 1972, he was the director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of General Services. From 1972 to 1973, he worked as the regional director to the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce and was an administrative assistant to the Sheriff of Philadelphia (1973 to 1975). Further, Peter served as director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of General Services (1971 to 1972) and regional director of the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce (1972 to 1973). After, he was an administrative assistant to the Sheriff of Philadelphia (1973 to 1975) and deputy chief clerk to the Philadelphia Traffic Court (1979 to 1982). Additionally, he was a leader of the 3rd Ward ic Committee (1982). Admirably, he was elected as a to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1983, 1985 and 1987 terms. He resigned from the House, January 4, 1988. He also served as Clerk of Quarter Sessions for the City of Philadelphia (1988 to 1992). In addition to his diverse career of public service, Peter is the founder of Dan-Silo Consultants. The 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Peter Truman for his dedicated support to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF REQUIREMENTS ACT, 2017
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-10-19

I rise in support of the disaster supplement because it provides critical funds to help rebuild communities in the U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico. Although I support this bill, I am concerned it is not enough. For example, it fails to provide funds for Community Development Block Grants, critical health care needs, Social Services Block Grants and public housing assistance. prgtoken I am proud to represent one of the largest Puerto Rican communities in the United States. Since the hurricane, I have worked closely with federal and state authorities to ensure help is delivered to the island in an efficient manner. In addition, I have worked closely with Puerto Rican communities in my Congressional district to answer questions and help them reconnect with friends and family. We need to assure people in these devastated areas Congress will stand with them in the short and long term--provide comfort and immediate needs now and also funds to rebuild infrastructure and restore and strengthen their economy that will sustain well into the future. prgtoken As these funds are dispersed, it is imperative they are managed responsibly so storm victims don't become targets of shady outsiders or crooked business owners. prgtoken This week, President once again let down the people of Puerto Rico by announcing he plans to prematurely pull the military, FEMA and other critical agency support from the island. This approach is irresponsible and dangerous. The island and its people are still fragile and need to rebuild, not be burdened with further anxiety and uncertainty.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-10-19

last week, people across this country celebrated National Wildlife Refuge Week--and rightfully so. National Wildlife Refuges are one of the crown jewels of our Federal public lands network. These refuges provide essential habitat for some of our most imperiled species, including many impacted by climate change. Millions of refuge visitors also fuel local and regional economies by generating billions of dollars in sales. prgtoken This week, the Senate is considering a budget resolution that would open one of our refuges, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to oil and gas drilling. Despite tremendous public support for our refuge system and the economic benefits that the refuges bring to our local economies, efforts to develop these special wild areas are ongoing and have been championed by the current administration. The budget resolution is another such effort to promote development in a refuge, an effort that should be rejected. In some cases, refuges are compatible with development and increased human activity. In others, development decisions, such as the siting of oil and gas drilling, could negatively impact the future of both human and animal inhabitants. prgtoken The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest remaining intact ecosystems in the world, is an example of the latter. The Refuge has been home to the Gwich'in people for more than 20,000 years. These Native people subsist primarily on caribou. Research shows that oil and gas development in the Refuge, even with a small footprint, could significantly alter Porcupine Caribou migration patterns and calving behavior. These changes would threaten the Gwich'in people's way of life. The U.S. 30-year-old treaty with Canada to conserve the Porcupine Caribou Herd could also be at risk. prgtoken According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Arctic Refuge is the only national conservation area where polar bears regularly den. It is the most consistently used polar bear land denning area in Alaska. These iconic bears are increasingly vulnerable due to climate change, so the undisturbed Refuge land denning area is especially critical for their survival. The Refuge also hosts nearly 200 species of migratory birds, musk oxen, and wolves. prgtoken As the Senate contemplates the future of this spectacular natural area, I want to remind my colleagues that this body has said no to opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge dozens of times. With oil prices significantly lower than they were earlier this decade and oil supplies at historic highs, it is hard to understand why we would change course now. The risks far outweigh any benefits, and the American public has consistently opposed drilling in the Arctic Refuge. prgtoken I also want to express my strong concerns with possible pending administrative action in the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, another national treasure. This Refuge is located on the U.S.-Mexico border, al