mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
OBJECTING TO UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2334
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2017-1-5

. . prgtoken , as a strong supporter of a two-state solution, as a Jewish Member of Congress and as someone who has been to Israel and has seen the settlements firsthand, I rise in strong opposition to this resolution. prgtoken Settlements are an impediment to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. This resolution only provides ammunition to those who oppose a two-state solution--the approach that is our only hope for lasting peace. We all agree that the incitement of violence and terrorism must end, which U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334 discusses. But as Secretary Kerry so eloquently stated in his speech on December 28: Some seem to believe that the U.S.' friendship means the U.S. must accept any policy regardless of our own interests, our own positions, our own words, our own principles--even after urging again and again that the policy must change. Friends need to tell each other the hard truths, and friendships require mutual respect. prgtoken Well, my friends, Israel must end settlement expansion, close their outposts, and get to the negotiating table. Prime Minister Netanyahu has not treated the administration with respect, and this resolution does not offer the American people the honest, true debate we should be having about this critically important issue. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure. prgtoken , I want to thank the administration, especially Secretary of State Kerry, for their dedication in trying to find a path forward for a two-state solution. It is my hope that the principles laid out in Secretary Kerry's December 28, 2016 speech will help guide serious negotiations in the days ahead. To ensure that his remarks are a part of this debate, I will now read his entire statement. prgtoken Secretary Kerry said: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very, very much. Thank you. (Coughs.) Excuse me. Thank you for your patience, all of you. For those of you who celebrated Christmas, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy Chanukah. And to everybody here, I know it's the middle of a holiday week. I understand. (Laughter.) But I wish you all a very, very productive and Happy New Year. prgtoken Today, I want to share candid thoughts about an issue which for decades has animated the foreign policy dialogue here and around the world--the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. prgtoken Throughout his Administration, President has been deeply committed to Israel and its security, and that commitment has guided his pursuit of peace in the Middle East. This is an issue which, all of you know, I have worked on intensively during my time as Secretary of State for one simple reason: because the two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It is the only way to ensure Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state, living in peace and security with its nei
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-1-5

today I am proud to introduce the Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2017. prgtoken This bill, a decade in the making, charts a commonsense path forward for the California desert. The goal is simple: to manage California's fragile desert resources in a sustainable and comprehensive manner. prgtoken This bill provides something for everyone that appreciates the national treasure that is the California desert. That this bill provides something for everyone is a result of the painstaking effort to build consensus among the array of groups that use the desert, including: environmental groups; Federal, State, and local governments; the off-road community; cattle ranchers; mining interests; and energy companies and California's public utility companies. prgtoken As I will further describe later, the bill preserves 230,000 acres of wilderness and another 44,000 acres of national park land, each unrivaled for their unique natural landscapes. The bill also safeguards 77 miles of free-flowing rivers and the abundant life and rich biodiversity these rivers and streams often support. prgtoken Importantly, the bill provides certainty to off-road enthusiasts, establishing 142,000 acres of permanent off-highway recreation areas--a first for the Nation. I made a commitment to off-roaders to enact the entire bill, not just parts of the bill. I hope to fulfill that promise. prgtoken The efforts to protect the desert are a long time coming. This effort first began with the original California Desert Protection Act, signed into law more than twenty years ago. prgtoken Picking up where my predecessors left off, I introduced that bill only three months after I was sworn in as a senator. Through hard work and perseverance, we were able to pass that law on the last day of the 103rd Congress, and President Clinton signed the bill into law in October 1994. prgtoken The original Desert Protection Act was a crowning achievement for desert conservation, establishing 69 new Wilderness areas, creating the Mojave National Preserve, and converting Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Monuments into National Parks. All told, we were able to protect, or increase protections for, about 9.6 million acres. prgtoken It continues to attract millions of tourists to southern California, which is a boon for the economy. prgtoken It has ensured that these enduring landscapes will be preserved for future generations. prgtoken Since we passed the 1994 desert conservation bill, we've tried to build on this legacy of conservation. After years of collaboration with an array of stakeholders, we introduced new legislation in 2009. prgtoken The goal of that bill was simple: to help manage California's desert resources through a comprehensive approach that balanced conservation, recreation, energy production, among other needs. prgtoken After years of work, including two hearings in the Senate, we reached a major milestone this past February, when Pre
HONORING STEVE PENLEY
Tom Graves (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-6

in 1964 Steve Penley was born into a family of musicians in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The family soon moved to Athens, Georgia and then Macon, Georgia where Penley attended First Presbyterian Day School. Following high school, he studied at The School of Visual Arts in New York and at The University of Georgia. prgtoken After college, Penley was working odd jobs while painting when his talent was recognized by an attorney and art enthusiast, Robert Steed. Penley quickly gained recognition for his bold brush strokes, vivid colors and historical icon paintings. prgtoken Penley is now one of America's most celebrated artists with works exhibited across the globe. He has created multiple projects for Fox News, major companies such as Coca-Cola, AirTran/Southwest, Kaiser Permanente, as well as several U.S. Presidents and foreign heads of state. His work can even be found in the U.S. Capitol, where it's displayed on loan for visitors from across the country to enjoy. prgtoken Penley's paintings represent the very best of America and serve as a reminder of the leaders and institutions that make our country great. prgtoken In addition to his paintings, Penley has authored and illustrated several books, including books written by legendary University of Georgia football Coach Vince Dooley. He has also donated countless paintings to charities and organizations in his community and state, as well as across the nation. He is particularly honored to be involved with numerous organizations that benefit our active-duty servicemembers and our veterans. prgtoken Despite all of his professional accomplishments, Penley is proudest of his role as a father of three very talented artists and musicians: Lyall, Abbey and Parker. prgtoken Steve Penley is a legendary artist and a great American
COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTES--JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2
Gregg Harper (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-1-6

the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Nevada seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Hillary Clinton of the State of New York received 6 votes for President and Tim Kaine of the Commonwealth of Virginia received 6 votes for Vice President. prgtoken Senator KLOBUCHAR the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of New Hampshire seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Hillary Clinton of the State of New York received 4 votes for President and Tim Kaine of the Commonwealth of Virginia received 4 votes for Vice President.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JESSE WILLIAM ``J.W.'' RAY
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-6

I rise today to honor the life of Jesse William ``J.W.'' Ray, who died on January 2, 2017. J.W. lived an impressive life. He served as a Seabee 24th NCB in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was among the soldiers who fought in the Philippines and Okinawa before being honorably discharged on April 20, 1946. After leaving the U.S. Navy, J.W. married and was blessed with four children. He spent thirteen years working with Texaco refinery as a pipefitter and two years working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. As a family man, J.W. decided to leave the railroad because it took him away from his loved ones for days at a time. He entered the insurance industry and founded his own insurance company in Woodville, Texas, which he ran for forty years. When his first wife Cecil passed away in 2004, J.W. began Cecil's Pantry at the United Methodist Church in Warren, Texas. It still continues to help others today. J.W. Ray was a kind man and I feel honored and privileged to have known him. He will be missed, and his family will continue to be in our prayers.
TRIBUTE TO PAUL MUNDT
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-1-6

I rise today to honor the life of Paul Mundt of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Known in Southern Colorado as KRDO's Paul Richards, he passed away on December 11, 2016. Paul leaves behind five children and his wife, Julie Halling, along with a lasting legacy. prgtoken Paul was the voice on five radio stations in Colorado Springs during his broadcasting career. Most recently, he was at KRDO where I had the privilege of getting to know him. After hearing of his passing, Paul's listeners immediately took to social media to share their memories of the man who played such a big part of their days and grieve with his family. prgtoken Paul was known to so many around the community as a morning broadcaster, but he will be especially missed for his volunteer work outside of the recording studio. Paul never missed a moment to help others. prgtoken , Paul's life ended much too early, but he truly lived it to the fullest while he was with us. It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Paul's work, service to his community, dedication to helping others and commitment to his family and friends. On behalf of Southern Colorado, and to the family and friends of Paul Mundt, I offer my condolences for the loss of their husband, father, and friend.
-HONORING WILLIAM HUDNUT, III
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-1-6

I rise today to honor a beloved and iconic member of the Hoosier community, William Hudnut III. Bill, who served as Mayor of Indianapolis from 1976 to 1992, passed away on December 17th, 2016 at the age of 84. Bill was a vibrant, enthusiastic, and passionate individual. His larger than life persona and animated approach to being Mayor will not soon be forgotten. He was a mentor to many and will be sorely missed by our community, but we will remember him forever through the spectacular legacy he left behind. Bill entered political life with his election to Congress in 1972. After which he served 16 years as Mayor of Indianapolis, making him the longest serving Mayor of Indianapolis. Through his time as Mayor he transformed Indianapolis into a dynamic metropolitan city and the amateur sports capital of the world. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Bill's contributions to our Hoosier community, and it is my privilege to honor him today. prgtoken Bill was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1932. He attended the Darrow School in New York for high school, and graduated from Princeton University as an undergraduate, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1957, he graduated with a Master's Degree in Theology from the Union Theological Seminary in New York, and, like his father and grandfather before him, Bill became an ordained clergyman. At the age of 30, Bill first became a Hoosier when he moved to Indianapolis and began work as the senior pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. He served as Senior Pastor from 1964 to 1972, during which time he became interested in politics. prgtoken In the 1972 primary for Indiana's 11th Congressional District, Bill defeated future Congressman Dan Burton and went on to win the general election against four-term Congressman Andrew Jacobs, Jr. During his term in the 93rd Congress, he was an original sponsor of seventeen bills and a cosponsor of 179 bills, five of which became law. He was a true statesman focused on good governance with dedication toward bipartisan solutions. After his time in Congress he came home to Indianapolis to run for, and serve in, the office of Mayor. Bill's interest in politics came from his passion for helping his community and his belief that politics was where he could make the greatest change for his community. prgtoken As Mayor he aimed to generate job growth, improve infrastructure, and develop projects to attract businesses to downtown Indianapolis. He aimed to not only draw businesses back downtown, but to bring back many citizens who had previously fled to the suburbs. Through his dedicated efforts to revitalize the city, he made Indianapolis a more attractive place to live and to do business. Over his tenure from 1976 to 1992, he oversaw more than 30 building projects, including renovations and expansions to Monument Circle, Indianapolis Union Station, the Indiana University
HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS MARTIN AND MARTHA JOHNSON
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-1-6

I rise today to recognize two of my constituents from Western Pennsylvania, Martin and Martha Johnson. The Johnson's are the founders and directors of Downtown Ministries INC. as well as several other groups serving under its umbrella including Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse, Sans MOCO Gallery, His Work--His Way, Keystone Bibles and Community Health Ministry. Created in 1994, Downtown Ministries is a charitable organization that serves as an avenue for Christians to connect, socialize and minister. Downtown Ministries strives to provide opportunity and vision to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our community. In April 2010, Downtown Ministries established the Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse to connect with even more people in our community and positively impact our community. Fresh prgtoken Grounds Coffeehouse is the face of Downtown Ministries and has been designated as Greenville, Pennsylvania's latest landmark. Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse is not just a meeting place but, more importantly, it is a ministry. The main objective of Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse is to honor and glorify God and create a special place where God's presence is felt and embraced. While it's not a traditional church ministry, Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse creates countless opportunities for Christian growth and allows customers to engage one another in nurturing relationships, which Martin and Martha Johnson have strived for over the years. Martin Johnson had a vision, which ultimately became a reality, with the help of countless friends, volunteers, local businesses and churches. The unwavering dedication exhibited by Martin and Martha Johnson, as well as all volunteers involved, is heartwarming and speaks volumes about the giving spirit of the Greenville community. As a unique ministry, the main focus of Downtown Ministries, and all groups that fall under its organizational umbrella, is to bring individuals to come to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In serving God, the community, and all those in need of God's Grace, Martin and Martha Johnson are inspirations to us all. Their compassion and generosity have clearly influenced the lives of so many and will continue to do so for years to come. Therefore, on behalf of the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation of Martin and Martha Johnson, they are true Community Champions.
COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTES--JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-1-6

I object to the certificate from the State of Alabama on the grounds that the electoral votes were not, under all of the known circumstances, regularly given and that the electors were not lawfully certified, especially given the confirmed and illegal activities engaged in by the Government of Russia that were designed to interfere with our election and the widespread violations of the Voting Rights Act that unlawfully suppressed thousands of votes in the State of Alabama.
REGARDING JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS TO COUNT ELECTORAL BALLOTS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-1-6

as a senior member of the House Committees on the prgtoken Judiciary and Homeland Security Committee; Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, and the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, I rise today to offer thoughts and reflections on the congressional responsibility to bear witness to the counting of electoral votes to determine formally the persons elected President and Vice President of the United States and on the campaign and election that brought us to this day. prgtoken Historians will surely record that the 2016 presidential campaign was one for the ages. prgtoken The two leading protagonists could not have been more dissimilar. prgtoken The ic candidate, Hillary Clinton of New York, was widely considered the most qualified person ever nominated for the office, having served as Secretary of State; elected by landslide margins to two terms as U.S. Senator from New York, the nation's only First Lady to win high elective office in her own right; valedictorian of her class at Wellesley University, a graduate of Yale Law School, and the first woman ever to win the presidential nomination of one of the nation's two major political parties. prgtoken of New York, the other candidate, was sui generis as well, since he is the first person to gain an Electoral College majority with no experience whatsoever in elective or appointed governmental office or public service but possessing a remarkable talent for attracting media attention. prgtoken The 2016 was notable also for a number of other unprecedented occurrences. prgtoken For example, it was the first time in history that a Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation had ever injected himself and his agency, unintentionally or not, in a presidential campaign when FBI Director James Comey held a July 5, 2016 news conference, during which he announced that the FBI had completed its investigation regarding the email server of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and had concluded that no violation of law had been committed but offered unfavorable personal opinions ex cathedra regarding Secretary Clinton's conduct. prgtoken Compounding the damage inflicted on Secretary Clinton's campaign by his gratuitous commentary, FBI Director Comey exacerbated the damage already done when, a mere eleven days before Election Day, he sent a vaguely worded letter to partisan Congressional opponents of Secretary Clinton allowing them to leak the letter to the media and claim falsely that the FBI had reopened the investigation for the sole purpose of inflicting electoral damage on Secretary Clinton. prgtoken These actions were taken in contravention of long-standing Department of Justice policy, practice, and custom enjoining Justice Department officials and employees from engaging any conduct or taking any legal action that could impact the outcome of an election t
HONORING PAMELA DUNLAP PATTERSON
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-1-6

I rise today in recognition of Pamela Patterson, as she retires from her career as the Chief Executive Officer of West Company and the Director of the Mendocino Small Business Development Center. Born and raised in Virginia, Pamela Dunlap Patterson later obtained an Associate Degree at Massey Junior College in Atlanta and began a career in the retail industry. Pamela headed west to California in 1979 to become the Retail Merchandising Teacher for the Fort Bragg High School Regional Occupation Program. She then went on to serve as the literacy coordinator for the Mendocino County Library in Fort Bragg, and eventually, the coordinator for the ``Read Right'' program through Georgia Pacific where she helped improve literacy for workers in the timber industry. In 1998, Pamela Patterson began her long career with West Company, a pilot Women's Business Center funded by the Small Business Administration. In 2004, she took the helm of the organization which at the time was struggling financially. Under Pamela's leadership, West Company stabilized funding sources, and secured a contract as the Small Business Development Center in 2007. Over her term as the Chief Executive Officer she has secured millions of dollars in funding to help micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses to start and grow as means of improving the local economy. Pamela Patterson's legacy is one of dedicated service to entrepreneurship and an educated workforce. Please join me in congratulating Pamela on her retirement and expressing our deep appreciation for her long and exceptional career, and her outstanding contributions to Mendocino County's workforce and economy.
COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTES--JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2
Robert A. Brady (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-1-6

the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Iowa seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. of the State of New York received 6 votes for President and Michael R. of the State of Indiana received 6 votes for Vice President. prgtoken Senator BLUNT the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Kansas seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears prgtoken therefrom that Donald J. of the State of New York received 6 votes for President and Michael R. of the State of Indiana received 6 votes for Vice President.