mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING TOP SCHOOLS IN GEORGIA'S FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-3-10

I rise today to acknowledge the academic accomplishments of several school systems in Georgia's First Congressional District. prgtoken Niche is a website which analyzes data gathered from the Department of Education that focuses on academics, student life, test scores, and college enrollment. With this data, they rank each school system and help families find the best schools for their children. prgtoken This year, Georgia's First District had the honor of placing 10 school systems in their top 100 school districts in Georgia. It comes as no surprise to me that so many of these outstanding school districts made this great achievement. prgtoken Camden County School District ranks as the top school system in the district and even cracked the top 10 for the State, ranking as the number 7 overall school system in Georgia. Camden County scored top marks in the categories of diversity, teachers, health and safety, administration, and sports. prgtoken In addition to Camden County, I am proud to recognize, today, the other school districts to reach the top 100: Pierce County, Lowndes County, Ware County, Effingham County, Glynn County, Bryan County, Bacon County, Echols County, and Chatham County. prgtoken Congratulations to each school's administration, teachers, and students whose hard work and dedication made this accomplishment possible. prgtoken I look forward to the future success that will surely come from these schools.
FRED D. THOMPSON FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-3-10

Fred Thompson was a neighbor and trusted friend. prgtoken He was embraced by the people of Tennessee because of his dedication to first principles and strong conservative values. prgtoken To most Americans, he was an actor, usually taking roles that exuded confidence and integrity. prgtoken To those of us that knew him personally, he was a devoted public servant that spent a large part of his life service to the people of the United States. prgtoken He began his public career as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tennessee before working with Senator Howard Baker, a man who was a role model for generations of Tennesseans looking to serve the American people. prgtoken He would go on to spend 8 years in the U.S. Senate himself, famously touring the state of Tennessee in his red pickup truck. prgtoken After conducting a life well-lived, naming this federal courthouse to honor him is a great way to show our respect for his commitment to the people of Tennessee. prgtoken I am glad this bill to give him that honor is on the floor today, and I hope all my colleagues will join me in passing it
CONGRATULATING THE GENEVA VIKINGS
Randy Hultgren (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-3-10

I rise today to congratulate the Geneva Vikings girls basketball team on winning their first Class 4A State championship at ISU's Redbird Arena on Saturday. prgtoken Facing the Edwardsville Tigers, the Geneva High School girls fought a close back-and-forth game until its final minutes. prgtoken Beating an unbeaten team is no small feat. With just 3.7 seconds left on the clock, junior guard Stephanie Hart made a shot to give the Vikings a one-point lead. As center Grace Loberg then stole the ball from the Tigers to run out the clock, the Tigers were unable to answer, giving Geneva the win, 41-40. prgtoken Virtually the same thing had happened in the semifinal the day before, when junior guard Margaret Whitley scored the game-winning point with just seconds left. prgtoken Clearly, the Vikings do well under pressure. I applaud Coach Sarah Meadows and the Geneva Vikings on their achievement and their hard work. prgtoken Go, Vikings.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-3-10

. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I appreciate the gentleman's comments. prgtoken , I do want to remind people, when you use reconciliation, what is the process? Well, the process states you have the authorizing committee post and they mark up. We did that. Budget Committee marks up. They will do that next week. Rules Committee will meet, then it comes to the House floor. prgtoken I will never apologize for having 113 hearings on repealing and replacing Care. I will never apologize for having all the witnesses in. prgtoken And I love that you bring a lot of quotes of people inside that are elected, but I will be very frank. The quotes I love and the quotes I care most about are the ones that come from my constituents. prgtoken For some reason, this idea that this is a complex issue but you had hearings before so you are going to forget all about those hearings, why do we have committees? Why do you keep Members on your own side of the aisle on the same committees? To build expertise, to solve big problems. So, no, they don't forget what they learned in those hearings. prgtoken But let me read you quotes from a few constituents. ``Dear Kevin, thank you for your diligence in these disruptive political times. I have several concerns. ``Care blew us out of the water. I retired early as an RN due to health problems, so I have to pay for my entire health insurance. I am not complaining about that, but I am tired of having premiums go through the roof. I lost my doctor and my plan. ``In 2017 there were few options without a $5,000 deductible. If I have to pay that much first, then why pay for insurance? Our income is not huge. We cannot afford this.'' prgtoken Or from another constituent: ``Dear Kevin, I just wanted to convey that I strongly feel legislative action is needed to fix the ACA. ``My family deductible has increased over $3,000 a year--it used to be $1,000 8 years ago--and I practically only have health insurance in case a catastrophic accident were to occur. ``Also, my sister-in-law can no longer work more than 29 hours a week since her employer does not want to have to provide insurance. That is ridiculous.'' prgtoken Or: ``Dear Kevin, I just got my 2017 health insurance renewal notice, $650 per month, up 20 percent. I am 60 years old, have worked and saved all my life, so I don't qualify for subsidies. I can't go without insurance, but I can't pay for it either. Something needs to be done. I am so upset that I am crying right now.'' prgtoken But my friend, , on the other side of the aisle says to wait to help these people. Forget about the 113 hearings, even though it is more than the 70-some that Care had, or 123 pages is too much instead of 2,700. prgtoken I will never apologize for having the wisdom to listen and, now, the courage to lead. But I will promise you this, , and my friend on the other side of the aisle: I have never come to this floor to offer to adjourn just t
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DEPUTY CURTIS ALLEN BARTLETT
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-3-10

I submit these remarks in honor of the life and service of Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Curtis Allen Bartlett, 32, who passed away while on duty in a tragic crash on March 9, 2017. prgtoken Deputy Bartlett was a graduate of Galax High School. From 2004 to 2007, he dutifully served as an infantry soldier with the U.S. Army. Deputy Bartlett spent time working in the private security field and graduated from the New River Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2013. prgtoken He joined the Carroll County Sheriff's Office in June of 2013 and since that time Deputy Bartlett was dedicated to serving the people of Carroll County. The Sheriff's Office will remember Deputy Bartlett for his commitment to public safety and said that his loss is being felt by everyone within his family at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken An accomplished public servant, Deputy Bartlett earned instructor certifications through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) for firearms, Taser, and fitness training. Furthermore, he was certified through the U.S. Department of Defense as a K9 handler. prgtoken Deputy Bartlett also achieved an FAA Airmen Certification as a successful pilot from the Federal Aviation Administration. He will be remembered for his dedication to health and fitness, as well as motivating others and promoting a healthy lifestyle as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. prgtoken I ask that you, and my fellow Members of Congress, join me in keeping his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers, including his parents, Sam and Linda Bartlett of Galax, and four siblings. prgtoken Deputy Bartlett dedicated himself to protecting the people of Southwest Virginia and I am honored to pay tribute to this great man.
HONORING THE CAREER OF MASTER POLICE OFFICER EDWARD B. ASHWORTH
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-3-10

I rise today to honor Master Police Officer Edward B. Ashworth for his 28 years of dedicated service to our community. prgtoken Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Officer Ashworth has always had a profound sense of duty to his community and fellow man. In 1989, he began his career of public service as a Patrol Officer for the Kannapolis Police Department. Twenty years later, he was transferred to the newly restructured Traffic Unit where he continued his service for the rest of his career. prgtoken Throughout his career, Officer Ashworth has exhibited a deep dedication to this community and we are fortunate to have had him as a leader for all these years. His accomplishments during his time on the force include being named the St. John's Grange Number 729 Officer of the Year in 2013 and the Rowan Optimist Officer of the Year in 2014. Furthermore, he has earned several certifications as an instructor and holds an Advanced Law Enforcement certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. prgtoken Officer Ashworth has also remained an active member of the community outside of his career by volunteering his time to give back to others. A member of the Piedmont Baptist Church, Officer Ashworth dedicates his time to helping the less fortunate through their missions program. He is a man of principled values and strong faith who continues to embody the true meaning of public service. It is my hope that Officer Ashworth will enjoy his retirement and remain a role model for all of those he has helped over the years. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring the career of Master Police Officer Edward B. Ashworth for his service to our community and wishing him well as he begins the next chapter of his life in retirement.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO LTC JAMES MEGELLAS, U.S. ARMY (RET.)
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-10

I rise today with the great honor and privilege of recognizing a true American Hero, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) James Megellas of Colleyville, Texas, in celebration of his 100th birthday. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel James Megellas received his military commission on May 28th, 1942 as he walked the stage at his graduation from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin. Simultaneously receiving his diploma and military orders, James became a newly commissioned officer in the United States Army. Since receiving his commission on that fateful day, LTC Megellas' incredible courage and selfless dedication to his country enabled him to become the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His exemplary service to our nation and outstanding bravery during the Second World War helped to liberate a continent and defend the freedom of millions of civilians in the European Theater. prgtoken LTC Megellas reported for duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky on June 8, 1942 and began preparing to enter the war. Soon thereafter, he was selected to become a paratrooper within the 82nd Airborne Division where he served for the duration of the war on the front lines of the European Theater. His experiences during the war brought him to Anzio, Italy where he fought in the Battle of Anzio; The Netherlands for Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Nijmegen where he crossed the Waal River; and in Belgium where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. prgtoken For his service during Operation Market Garden, LTC Megellas was the first American awarded the Military Order of Wilhelm, the oldest and highest honor awarded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Furthermore, LTC Megellas was awarded the Belgium Fouragere, by the Kingdom of Belgium for his bravery in defense of the Kingdom. prgtoken In addition to his foreign honors, LTC Megellas has received over 25 awards for service and valor while serving in the U.S. Army. These honors include: the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, and six Campaign Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge to name but a few of his awards. prgtoken Selfless action in the face of unspeakable atrocity is one of the defining characteristics of the Greatest Generation. LTC Megellas and his outstanding service stands as a shining example of how truly great this generation is. This example has set a high bar for which we as patriots and defenders of freedom should strive to achieve. prgtoken After leaving active duty in 1946, LTC Megellas continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves for an additional 16 years where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his retirement from the Army Reserves, in November 1961, LTC Megellas was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to serve as Mission Director within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) where he served i
2017 SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT, MARCH 25, 2017
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-13

today I rise to honor my friend, Don Polden, who has received Santa Clara University School of Law's 2017 Edwin J. Owens Award. prgtoken In his nearly forty years in legal education, Don has trained a generation of young lawyers in the classroom and as Dean of the University of Memphis Law School and later as Dean at Santa Clara University School of Law. prgtoken At Santa Clara, Don developed curriculum for leadership education and fostered the growth of clinical programs. He secured the gift to launch the Katherine & George Alexander Community Law Center, which offers free legal services for consumer, labor, and immigration issues. During his tenure, Santa Clara Law became nationally recognized for its Intellectual Property law curriculum. prgtoken Don's twenty years as law school Dean ended in 2013, but he continues his work on leadership education at the Center for Creative Leadership. prgtoken Returning to the classroom has offered Don the opportunity to explore his areas of expertise, antitrust and federal and state labor law. He continues to serve in the American Law Institute's College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in addition to serving as chair of the Advisory Board of the Institute of Sports Law and Ethics. Don has written extensively on the topic of labor law, from authoring a law school textbook to providing commentary in the Huffington Post about how the emerging sharing economy tests conventional labor classifications. prgtoken Not your ordinary legal educator, Don can also be described as a legal thespian for his role in the 1997 film Legal Commentator. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Don for his decades of service to his students and for receiving the 2017 Edwin J. Owens Award.
HONORING PASTOR GILLETTE O. JAMES
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-13

I rise today to honor a great religious, spiritual, and civic leader, Pastor Gillette James, of Beth Eden Baptist Church as he retires after more than 46 years of faithful service to his community. prgtoken Pastor James graduated from the University of San Francisco with Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, and completed additional studies at Oxford University in England. prgtoken Pastor James joined the Beth Eden community in 1970 as an Assistant Pastor. Then only a year later, he accepted the call to lead the congregation of Beth Eden Baptist Church after the retirement of Pastor A.C. Dones. Under his strong leadership, the church built fifty-four units of senior housing and purchased other rental housing units for the community. Beth Eden also built a new sanctuary and administrative wing, and hired an architect for a new Family Life Center that is under development, vastly increasing the resources offered to the community of West Oakland. prgtoken Pastor James is truly an inspiration to other aspiring clergy, helping forty two other members complete coursework at accredited seminaries during his tenure, and twelve of those received advanced degrees. His leadership has been invaluable to those who have worked under his guidance to achieve their dreams of becoming ministers themselves. prgtoken Pastor James has also been a strong advocate for the role of women in church leadership positions. At one point, he was ousted from the California State Baptist Convention for his strong stance for women's involvement in the ministry. He has since been restored in the Convention, and they heeded his direction to keep churches that fully recognize women clergy. Pastor James' commitment to the rights of women in leadership positions has never wavered, and I am sure owes much to the example of his wonderful wife, the late Dr. Rosa James. prgtoken Additionally, Pastor James has emphasized education as a key area of importance in his service to Beth Eden's community. Beth Eden's Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to high school graduates and college students to ensure that the youth of Oakland remain engaged and committed to their education. prgtoken On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I take great pride in joining the Beth Eden community to salute the extraordinary Gillette O. James as he retires as Pastor of Beth Eden Baptist Church, and wish him many years of joyful retirement.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-13

I rise today to introduce bipartisan legislation with my colleague Senator Portman that would align HUD homeless assistance with existing Federal children and youth programs and provide flexibility to local communities to use available resources to meet the needs that they identify. prgtoken According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 1.2 million children were homeless during the 2014 to 2015 school year; this is a 34-percent increase from the 939,903 homeless students in the 2009 to 2010 school year. prgtoken In California, over 229,000 children experienced homelessness in 2015, nearly four times the 65,000 homeless children in the State in 2003. prgtoken Unfortunately, the numbers reported by the HUD Point-in-Time count fail to reflect these increasing numbers. prgtoken According to the national 2015 HUD Point-in-Time count, there were only 206,286 people counted as homeless in households that included children, a fraction of the true number. prgtoken This is important because only those children counted by HUD are eligible for vital homeless assistance programs and included in local planning efforts. The rest of these children and families are simply out of luck. prgtoken The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2017 would allow HUD homeless assistance programs to serve extremely vulnerable children and families, specifically those staying in motels or in doubled-up situations because they have nowhere else to go. prgtoken These families are especially susceptible to abuse and trafficking because they are often not served by a case manager and thus remain hidden from potential social service providers. prgtoken As a result of the current narrow HUD definition, communities that receive Federal funding through the competitive application process are unable to prioritize or direct resources to help these children and families. prgtoken This bill would provide communities with the flexibility to use Federal funds to meet local priorities. The bill requires the Secretary to assess the extent to which Continuums of Care use separate, specific, age-appropriate criteria for determining the safety and needs of children and unaccompanied youth and divert people to safe, stable, age-appropriate accommodations. prgtoken And I would note that the bill does not impose any new mandates on service providers. prgtoken Finally, this legislation improves data collection transparency by requiring HUD to report the point in time PIT count and the Annual Homeless Assessment Report, AHAR to include data on all categories of homelessness. prgtoken , I am pleased that Senator Rob Portman has joined me as an original cosponsor on this bill. Homelessness continues to plague our Nation. If we fail to address the needs of these children and families today, they will remain stuck in a cycle of poverty and chronic homelessness. prgtoken It is our moral obligation to ensure that we do not erect more ba
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. DRAGO CVITANOVICH
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2017-3-13

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Drago Cvitanovich, co-founder of Drago's Seafood Restaurant, who passed away on February 4, 2017 at the age of 94. prgtoken Mr. Cvitanovich was born in 1922 in Yugoslavia, now Croatia, and fled the communist rule of his homeland after World War II. He fled to Germany and worked as a civilian employee of the United States Army. Later, Mr. Cvitanovich moved to Canada and worked for a lumber company. In the spring of 1958, he took a trip to New Orleans to visit family and experience his first Mardi Gras. It was there that he met Ms. Klara Buconic, a fellow Croatian, who was also visiting her family. Three weeks later, they were married in Buras, Louisiana. prgtoken The first Drago's restaurant in New Orleans was in Lakeview, but it was not named for Mr. Cvitanovich. It was owned by his sister, Gloria, who named it after her husband, Drago Batinich. Mr. Cvitanovich would work for nine years at his sister's restaurant and two years with Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. In 1969, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich opened their restaurant in Metairie's Fat City neighborhood. Since that time, Drago's Seafood Restaurant has grown to three locations and more than 450 employees. prgtoken Mr. Cvitanovich cultivated relationships with hundreds of other Yugoslav immigrants who had settled in south Louisiana and made their living in the fishing, shrimping and oyster industry. Mr. Cvitanovich's restaurant became popular for the quality of its seafood. prgtoken In 1995, Mr. Cvitanovich served as the king of Metairie's Argus parade on Mardi Gras. In 2013, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich were inducted into the Louisiana Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. In 2014, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich received the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation also created an award honoring his legacy, the Drago Cvitanovich Award for Outstanding Philanthropy by an Entrepreneur. prgtoken Mr. Cvitanovich's wife preceded him in death. His survivors include his two sons Tommy and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich and eight grandchildren. prgtoken , I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Drago Cvitanovich, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.