mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2672
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-2-23

I rise to recognize Girl Scout Troop 2672 and especially Samantha Roberts, Elena Marquez, Dahlia Sussman, and Zola Coppa for raising money to help children in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Their event was a big success, and I applaud them for their creativity and dedication. Puerto Rico needs all the help it can get--and these young leaders are to be commended for helping the Island's residents during these difficult times. prgtoken By engaging fellow students to raise money at a bowling event, Troop 2672 was able to rally a community around an important cause. It is inspiring to see young people identifying a purpose and then taking meaningful steps to help. prgtoken Puerto Rico and New York City have long shared a powerful bond, and it is too often forgotten that the people of Puerto Rico are American citizens. The efforts of these dedicated Girl Scouts are an important reminder that we cannot turn our backs on the Island. prgtoken It is great to see young women taking leadership roles and making a difference in both their local communities and for Puerto Rico. My best wishes to Troop 2672 as they continue the school year and Girl Scout activities and projects. I am heartened by their resolve and inspired by their desire to lend a helping hand. These young leaders make all New Yorkers proud.
RECOGNIZING THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-2-23

I rise today to recognize the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its powerful and invaluable work to make the world a safer and more peaceful place. The organization is a coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGO) that pursues one of the continuing great imperatives of our time: the control and eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. prgtoken ICAN sought to build on the notable success of the Ottawa Treaty, which 163 signatories have signed agreeing to ban the use and possession of landmines. Previous international agreements have banned cluster munitions and the use of biological and chemical weapons, but no such agreement prohibits the use of nuclear weapons. By combining the efforts of hundreds of NGOs in 100 countries, ICAN draws international attention to the horrifying humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and the devastating specific threat posed by nuclear weapons. prgtoken After its founding in 2007, ICAN coordinated efforts around three international conferences--in Oslo, Nayarit, and Vienna--that considered the effects of nuclear detonation and worked toward a binding international agreement. After the Vienna agreement, ICAN worked with more than 100 governments on a nuclear humanitarian pledge to cooperate on efforts to ``fill the legal gap'' in the international regime governing the use of nuclear weapons. This effort helped the United Nations develop the first legal framework for nuclear prohibition. Thus far, 122 governments have signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the first binding international agreement of its kind. Through ICAN's efforts, the world is moving forward in the campaign to eliminate some of the most inhumane and destructive weapons ever created. prgtoken The existential threat of nuclear conflict looms ever larger in our daily lives. Although anti-proliferation efforts have dramatically reduced the number of state-held nuclear arms, the 15,000 nuclear weapons that remain continue to pose an unparalleled and complete threat to the future of humankind. The consequences of nuclear war are devastating and irreversible. We must do everything in our power to prevent such a calamity. prgtoken I commend ICAN for its tireless advocacy for a strong and effective nuclear weapons ban treaty, and applaud its essential work to make the world a safer place for us all humanity.
RECOGNIZING ROSALYN FRAZIER
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-2-23

it is my privilege to recognize the tremendous and meaningful work of Rosalyn Crawford Frazier, Chief Executive Officer of Broward Community and Family Health Centers. prgtoken Ms. Frazier has played a pivotal role in the lives of South Florida families by providing quality, affordable health care to the underserved, underinsured and uninsured. Her commitment to the health and wellness of Florida's families is extensive, impressive and inspiring, and she works tirelessly to strengthen families across Broward County. prgtoken Community health centers have become an essential provider for comprehensive, high-quality preventive health care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. They have become the core primary care destination for prgtoken millions in our country--especially for minorities and our most vulnerable populations. prgtoken Ms. Frazier oversees the successful operations of four clinical practice sites and one dental site located in Broward County, Florida. Broward Community and Family Health Centers provides comprehensive medical, behavioral and dental health services across all lifecycles, helping to increase access to care and reducing health disparities in Broward County. The center's mission is ``to provide accessible, comprehensive, high quality primary care services to all persons with dignity and respect.'' prgtoken In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of several individual centers, Ms. Frazier is also at the forefront of health policy advocacy, from the grassroots to the highest levels of government. She has played an integral role in policy development, having testified before legislative committees, and serving on various policy planning councils. For her commitment, she has received several outstanding service and leadership awards from various federal, state, local, community and national agencies and organizations. prgtoken Ms. Frazier received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from DePaul University, a certification in Financial Management and Executive Development from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and a certification in Health Care Executive Management from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is also an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University for its Master of Public Health Program. prgtoken Rosalyn Frazier is a selfless, compassionate, and thoughtful citizen whom I am proud to call my friend. I applaud her work to ensure that families in Broward have access to quality affordable health care and thank everyone at Broward Community and Family Health Centers for improving the lives of those in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.
HONORING RYAN HOLETS
Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-2-23

I rise today to recognize Albuquerque Police Officer Ryan Holets and his wife Rebecca for their act of kindness and compassion in adopting a homeless mother's opioid-addicted newborn while also supporting her recovery. prgtoken While on patrol, Ryan found a homeless woman with a companion, taking opioids in the form of heroin. He soon realized that the woman was pregnant. While talking to the woman about the harm that her actions would bring to her unborn child, she became emotional and told Ryan that she knew what she was doing was wrong. prgtoken Immediately, Ryan knew it was an opportunity for him and his wife to adopt the baby and add a new member to their family. He showed the woman a photo of his wife, Rebecca, and their four children and offered to adopt the baby. prgtoken When he shared the news with Rebecca, she immediately agreed that this was meant to happen and was a wonderful opportunity given to them by God. They did not have any hesitation to show compassion and love to this unborn child. prgtoken On October 12, 2017, the baby was born and the Holets family named her Hope. Since Hope's birth, the Holets family has continued to give support to her parents and encouraged them to seek treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Florida. prgtoken Ryan has become an incredible spokesperson for the opioid epidemic. His perspective as an officer who sees the effects of drug abuse and homelessness is key to understanding these issues and identifying solutions that are compassionate and effective. prgtoken This heart-warming act of kindness was selfless and inspiring. I wish the very best to the Holets family and health to their new addition, Hope.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH--ATTORNEY CAROLYN HOUSE STEWART
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-2-23

I rise today to celebrate one of Tampa's finest civic leaders Attorney Carolyn House Stewart. During this Black History Month, we honor her timeless dedication and almost 50 year record of honorable service to our community. prgtoken A Tampa native, Attorney Stewart graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Science Education. She continued along the road to academic success and began her impressive 39-year legal career graduating with a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Attorney Stewart became the first African-American partner at Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen, one of Florida's oldest law firms. prgtoken Throughout her career she made significant contributions to the issues of social justice and human rights, health, global poverty, economic security, education, and environmental stewardship. She served as a member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners for five years and practiced before the US District Courts for the Middle and Southern District of Florida, as well as the US Court of Appeals for the 11th and 5th Circuits. Attorney Stewart currently serves as the CEO of Stewart Consulting Group, Inc. and is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court. prgtoken Attorney Stewart is a renowned member of the prestigious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (AKAs), where she served as an example of their motto, ``By Culture and By Merit''. The AKAs are well-known for their life-long personal and professional development of each of its members and Attorney Stewart ascended to various leadership positions, including the 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Chapter President, Cluster Coordinator of the South Atlantic Region, Chairman of the International Program Committee, International Secretary, and International First Vice President. Under her leadership, AKAs have volunteered over 6 million hours of service and impacted the lives of 26 million people in communities all over the globe. She was instrumental with the AKAs Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Program that worked with over 15 thousand middle school-aged girls to develop the ``skills and talents necessary to become leaders at their respective school, within their local communities, and other venues.'' For her dedication to the AKAs, she has received commendations, including the Carey B. Preston International Leadership Award, Margaret Davis Bowen Award, and Soror of the Year. prgtoken Attorney Stewart has been recognized for her exceptional commitment to service through various other awards including the 2006 Florida Commission on the Status of Women ``Achievement Award,'' the National Bar Association Presidential Award, and one of the National Bar Association's highest honors, the Gertrude E. Rush Award. In 2013, she was presented the Sadie T.M. Alexander Award from the National Association of Black Law Students. Attorney Stewart
School Violence (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-2-26

today marks nearly 2 weeks since the murder of 17 students and staff in Parkland, FL. May today also mark the moment that we resolved to do something about school violence. May it mark the moment that left and right determined to lay aside their differences and work together to prevent future tragedies. prgtoken To keep our children safe from harm, there is no panacea, no one legislative solution, and it disheartens me when I hear talk about what can't be done. It is time to focus on what can be done. prgtoken Fortunately, solutions on the State level--including in my home State of Utah--can help show us the way forward. Working in the realm of the possible, Utah State legislators have come together to forge bipartisan solutions to stop school violence. When I was in Salt Lake last week, I learned firsthand about the Safe Utah smartphone app. The Safe Utah crisis text and tip line is a statewide service that provides real-time crisis intervention to use through texting and a confidential tip program. Licensed clinicians from the University Neuropsychiatric Institute at the University of Utah Health respond to all incoming chats, texts, and calls 24/7 by providing supporting or crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and referral services. prgtoken The Safe Utah Program--developed with funding from the Utah State Legislature in collaboration with the University Neuropsychiatric Institute, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah Office of the Attorney General, and the Utah Anti-Bullying Coalition--is a testament to what can be done when mental health, education, and law enforcement agencies work together to prevent student violence. prgtoken Not only is the app innovative, it works. Since the app was unveiled in 2016, 86 planned school attacks have been stopped. Think about that, 86 school attacks stopped in a relatively small State. That number translates to dozens of lives saved and hundreds of heartbreaks spared. For thousands of families across the State, this simple app made a world of difference. Imagine the potential if these kinds of technologies were available to students across the country. We could quickly get help for those who need it and, in the process, save countless lives. prgtoken That is why, later this week, I will introduce the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act, or the STOP School Violence Act. My bill makes Department of Justice grants available to States to fund programs designed to reduce school violence. prgtoken To that end, the STOP School Violence Act will fund four initiatives. First, it will provide grant funding for evidence-based training to prevent student violence against others and self, including training for local law enforcement officers, school personnel, and students. This is not just active shooter training but training designed to give students and teachers the knowledge to recognize and properly respond to warning signal
Parkland, Florida, School Shooting (Executive Session)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-2-26

. from Florida. prgtoken , I rise today with a great sense of pride and honor to commend to my fellow Senators Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Branch, who has been nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit of the United States of America by President . prgtoken There are significant reasons why I am so excited to do this. I am going to save the most significant for last. One of the things I am so proud of in our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent for the appointments of the administration is that, every time, we appoint someone who is the right person at the right time and the right place, and Lisa is certainly that for the court of appeals and for the bench of the United States of America and the Eleventh Circuit. prgtoken Lisa was a partner in the commercial litigation practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, a limited liability partnership in Atlanta, where she began her legal career in 1996. She moved on to work in the administration from 2004 to 2008 as the Counselor to the Administrator of the Office prgtoken of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and, for 1 year, as the Associate General Counsel for Rules and Legislation at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She served for 2 years as a law clerk to Judge J. Owen Forrester of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. She received her BA degree from Davidson College in North Carolina--an outstanding institution--and her law degree from Emory University, which is one of the most renowned law schools in the United States of America. prgtoken She is a great lady and a great lawyer. She was named to the Court of Appeals in Georgia by Gov. Nathan Deal, the current Governor of the State, and will serve us in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals with honor and privilege in the United States of America. prgtoken Most importantly, on a personal note, as I make these remarks, I am sure my father, Ed Isakson, and his best friend, Harold Russell, who is the Russell of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, are looking down from Heaven on this occasion today and recognizing it for the following reason: prgtoken When Lisa went with Smith, Gambrell & Russell, she went to work with a firm that represented my father and his company--a firm that represented me. She is not unknown to me as a person, as a lawyer, as a litigator. She is a great individual in our State and has provided a great service to our State. She will be a great judge for the United States of America. She also worked with Harold Russell, who was my dad's best friend, and Harold represented my father for years in business. prgtoken I know today, in Heaven, they are looking down during this special occasion of an outstanding Georgia jurist who is renowned in our State and is about to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be on the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. prgtoken
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-2-26

I rise to discuss the impact that tax reform is having in my home State of Arkansas. prgtoken Despite what you may have heard from those who opposed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including House Minority Leader Pelosi's infamous description of the tax plan's benefits as ``crumbs'' and the passage of the plan as ``the end of the world, Armageddon,'' the economy is responding incredibly well to the changes we made to the Tax Code. prgtoken I have long believed our economy has struggled under the weight of an outdated, inefficient, and ineffective tax system. Now, businesses are beginning to do the math and are realizing that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will mean more savings. As a result, many have announced they are passing some of these savings on to their employees or will now be seeking to grow and expand operations. prgtoken As of today, more than 350 companies have announced pay raises, bonuses and/or 401(k) increases, benefiting over 4 million Americans. According to a recent National Federation of Independent Business survey, 32 percent of small businesses believe now is a good time to expand--the highest level ever recorded by this survey. prgtoken This is happening across the country and in Arkansas. Here are just a few examples of the companies headquartered in Arkansas, with a sizable presence in the State, that are passing along savings to their employees through wage increases, bonuses, and other benefits, are giving to charity, and/or making investments to grow their businesses and better serve customers: prgtoken BancorpSouth Bank is giving pay increases and/or one-time bonuses to nearly all noncommissioned employees. The investment of over $10 million in 2018 will benefit 96 percent of the company's noncommissioned workforce. Pay increases were effective as of January 1, 2018. prgtoken Home Bancshares, Inc of Conway, AR, is distributing a one-time bonus of $500 to more than 850 full-time, tenured employees. Home Bancshares' chairman, John Allison, said ``investing in these individuals is an important step to help support them, their families and the communities in which we operate.'' prgtoken People's Bank of Magnolia, AR, provided a $500 bonus to employees and contributed $50,000 to its charitable endowment. prgtoken Little Rock, Arkansas-based Bank of the Ozarks is giving up to $1,200 annual bonuses. Approximately 2,300 employees will be eligible under the plan. prgtoken Walmart, whose headquarters is located in Bentonville, AR, is a significant economic force not only in our State but nationwide, is increasing starting hourly wage rates in the United States to $11 an hour, expanding maternity and parental leave benefits, and providing one-time cash bonuses of up to $1,000. It also has created a new benefit to assist associates with adoption expenses. prgtoken Regions Bank is increasing its minimum wage to $15, contributing $40 million to the company's charitable foundation, and increasi
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. WILLIAM P. BLACK, SR.
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-2-26

I rise today in recognition of Mr. William Black, lovingly known to Louisianians as Buckskin Bill. He passed away on January 10, 2018, in the comfort of his home and surrounded by family. Mr. Black had an incredible life. He married Elma, his college sweetheart, and was the proud father of three children who survive his memory. Mr. Black was a patriot who honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and he was a performer at heart. He traveled the country emceeing and performing to audiences of troops in order to boost morale. Mr. Black was probably best known for hosting Storyland and the Buckskin Bill Show, shows enjoyed in every household and loved by children across South Louisiana--including me. As a kid, I woke up early every Monday morning for Buckskin Bill's Monday Morning March. I remember thinking I was getting pretty good at it, too. His shows ran for 35 years, and Mr. Black was twice awarded ``Best Children's Show in the United States'' by the National Association of Broadcasters. Outside of his television accomplishments, his life was marked by a dedication to improving the lives of those around him, from assisting in the foundation of the Baton Rouge Zoo, to promoting the Louisiana School for the Deaf. Mr. Black was truly a man dedicated to his community and endearing children to civic engagement. I am proud to have enjoyed his shows growing up, and I know he will be marching on among the angels in heaven. Buckskin Bill will be fondly remembered by myself, his family, and all the lives he touched through his performances.
HONORING JOE QUATTRONE
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-2-26

I rise today to honor one of the hardest working men on Capitol Hill, Joe Quattrone. prgtoken Joe's 84th birthday was Saturday, February 10. He has been cutting hair in the House for 47 years. Joe embodies the principles of hard work, dedication, and humility. He has cut the hair of the most powerful people in Washington, including: President Gerald Ford; President , Sr.; Vice President Al Gore; and almost every single of the House. He has cut hair in hospital rooms, before inaugurations, and even for foreign Presidents and ambassadors. prgtoken Joe grew up in Reggio Calabria, Italy, and came to the United States in 1952. He served as an Italian translator with the American Air Force during the Korean war. Along with an honorable discharge, Joe received his American citizenship upon leaving the Army. In 1960, Joe came to D.C. and held a number of jobs before cutting hair in the House. He even worked construction on the Rayburn House Office Building. prgtoken Emigrating from Italy, Joe is so proud of his American citizenship. Growing up in Italy, Joe was first introduced to America when American troops flew over his town during World War II. He said they would get so close to the town that he even made eye contact with the pilots flying those planes. When American troops came through his city, Joe remembers waving a small American flag, along with his family, welcoming them to his hometown. prgtoken After serving with the Air Force, in 1955 he joined the Metropolitan D.C. Police Force, where he was active for 25 years. When you speak to Joe, you see the pride and joy he takes in his job and his country reflected in his attitude. It is because of Joe and the hardworking staff in the Capitol buildings of the Congress that Congress is able to perform its duties every day. prgtoken Today I honor Joe and the lifetime of service he has given to the Capitol and to the United States of America.