mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-2-12

I am looking forward to this debate. As Senator Hatch has indicated, it is going to be a robust debate, and it could produce the best of what the Senate can produce: a bipartisan agreement, which it will have to be in order to get to 60 votes. prgtoken I am glad to come here to the floor to support the Dreamers. Six months ago, the President said he was eliminating protections for Dreamers, and some of them have already lost that status. These young people, of course, were brought here sometimes as infants, they grew up here, and they only know America as their country. We owe it to them to enact permanent protection and a path to citizenship. It is long past time for Congress to act and to make sure this becomes law. This week presents a very good opportunity to do that after we have been waiting for almost two decades. This Senator is a sponsor of the Dream Act, and I have supported Senator Durbin in his efforts ever since I came to the Senate. Now, this is the third term. prgtoken I have always been inspired by the story of Elisha Dawkins. I found out about him because I read a news clip that he was in jail. Here was a fellow who grew up in America, only knowing that he was American because he was brought to America from the Bahamas at age 6 months. He served two tours in Iraq. He came back and joined the Navy Reserves. He had a top secret clearance. His Reserve duty was in Guantanamo, with that top secret clearance. Then, because of an application for a passport, he was suddenly swept up and put in jail. prgtoken Fortunately, we found out about it and started raising a stink about it. It was brought to the attention, in one of the court hearings, of a Federal judge, and the Federal judge said to the assistant U.S. attorney: What in the world are you doing putting a fellow like this in jail? prgtoken Of course, after that tongue-lashing from a Federal judge, we got involved with Elisha. I am happy to report that today Elisha is a U.S. citizen. Elisha is a productive member of the Jacksonville community, he is educated, and he is contributing to his community. prgtoken Our country is so much better off having the Dreamers. They are our people. They are among the best and the brightest. prgtoken The Senate has voted overwhelmingly to pass a bipartisan bill that includes victories and concessions from both sides. That was the comprehensive immigration reform in the past, about 5 or 6 years ago, but of course the House wouldn't take that up. So the only way to achieve a solution to the DACA crisis is to keep it simple: on one side, a path to citizenship for Dreamers, and on the other side, what is required by the White House--a path for funding for border security. prgtoken I have been working with the next Senator who is going to speak in what we call a bipartisan group that has been carefully trying to put together a balanced approach to find a solution. Neither side is going to get everything
REMEMBERING FONG GAY LEON WU
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-2-12

today I wish to pay tribute to the remarkable life of Fong Gay Leon Wu, who passed away peacefully on January 24, 2018. prgtoken Fong Gay Leon Wu was born in a village in Guangdong, China, in the early 1920s. She was the first female in her large extended family to finish her secondary education. This was not a common practice in China in those days because girls were not generally allowed to go to school. prgtoken Subsequently, she married Yung Chi and settled to care for her new family during very turbulent times in China. She survived the Chinese civil war and the rise of the Communist Party. In 1949, her new family was facing increasingly belligerent villagers. Motivated by the presence of imminent danger to her family and armed with courage, strength, and ingenuity, she led her infant daughter and mother-in-law out of their fratricidal home village in the early days of communism in China, narrowly escaping death. Fong Gay and her family fled Guangdong to a safe haven in Hong Kong, where they were protected by family and friends, until she was able to rejoin her husband and start a new life in Santiago de Cuba. In her new home in Cuba, she gave birth to her second daughter. prgtoken Shortly after the Cuban Revolution succeeded in 1959, she recognized signs of communism in the early days of Castro's Cuba and once again planned her family's escape from a communist regime. With her family in tow, Fong Gay Leon Wu arrived to the United States. prgtoken Her indomitable spirit, her strength, and her courage, which she has shown throughout her life, helped the family forge a new life here in the United States. Twice in her life, she had to start all over again, with little or nothing but the clothes on her back. Although raised as a child of privilege, Fong Gay was not afraid of hard work and challenges. She was dedicated to the ideals of America, most importantly to the importance of freedom, because she experienced firsthand what it meant to live under a regime that limited freedom. In those early days after she arrived with her family in the United States, even though she could not speak English, she helped supplement the family income by helping with a family business startup in Chicago and later by working in the garment industry in New York City's Chinatown. prgtoken After overcoming countless hardships and challenges throughout her life, Fong Gay never lost her big heart. Her love for her family and courage on their behalf has set an example for us all and especially for her daughters and granddaughters, each of whom has followed her lead and committed herself to a life and career of service. Her spirit and warmth will be missed.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-2-12

today I wish to recognize the Glucksman Ireland House of NYU as they celebrate 25 years of dedication to the promotion of Irish studies and providing a valuable, vibrant center for the appreciation and understanding of Irish and Irish- American culture and scholarship. prgtoken Established in 1993, the Glucksman Ireland House strives to form enriching, comprehensive connections to Irish and Irish-American culture for students at New York University and other members of the community. The house uses an integrated approach that combines academic curricula for undergraduates and graduate students with an impressive array of public programming. prgtoken For a quarter of a century, the Glucksman Ireland House has earned its status as the hub for one of the world's top-ranked academic Irish Studies programs. Boasting a faculty that specializes in Irish and Irish-American language, cultural studies, literature, history, and music, the house proudly hosts lectures, concerts, and other stimulating events, often headed by notable guests with personal expertise on a wide range of Irish topics. prgtoken This month, the house will celebrate its milestone anniversary at its annual gala, where it will honor Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon and entrepreneur Carl Shanahan. This year's gala focuses on Irish-Jewish themes, in a tribute to Loretta Brennan Glucksman and the late Lewis L. Glucksman, whose joint vision helped transform the house into the lasting institution it is today. Lew strongly believed the ethnic and immigrant experience is universal and strongly supported the open cultural exchange that occurs so often at the house. prgtoken The Glucksman Ireland House continues to build a distinguished legacy as a key forum for discussion and learning, starting relevant conversations, and commemorating rich histories. I applaud their numerous accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Glucksman Ireland House of NYU on their 25 years of education, awareness, and community.
TRIBUTE TO CASSANDRA LEVESQUE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-2-12

I also rise today to announce the next Granite Stater of the Month, a young woman who is well known among people in the New Hampshire State House and across the Granite State. prgtoken Cassandra Levesque, an 18-year-old from Barrington, is an advocate at the forefront of an important fight: outlawing the practice of child marriage in New Hampshire and across the country. prgtoken Last year, after learning that child brides face a higher likelihood of domestic violence and divorce and a lower chance of professional success, Cassandra set out to close the legal loopholes that allow children as young as 13 to wed in New Hampshire. As she took on this fight, she heard stories of women in her community who had been abused by their spouses after being married as minors. Cassandra bravely shared the story of her own grandmother and great-grandmother, both of whom were married as young teenagers and were subsequently abused by their husbands. prgtoken With encouragement and support from her Girl Scout community and with the help of a State representative, Cassandra got a bill introduced in the legislature that would have closed the loopholes that would allow childhood marriages to occur. She testified during a hearing on the bill, closely followed debate on the bill in the full house of representatives, and spoke out in the media to explain why the legislation was so important. prgtoken While the bill ultimately failed by a close margin, Cassandra has continued to speak out and raise awareness, and just last month, the legislative efforts to end child marriage began anew. prgtoken Cassandra exemplifies New Hampshire's strong tradition of civic engagement, especially by women, and she has inspired other young people to become active in their communities too. Cassandra launched a program in libraries around the State that helps kids learn about issues they are passionate about and gives them the tools they need to become advocates. prgtoken In New Hampshire, we roll up our sleeves and work together to address injustices and solve problems in our communities, and Cassandra is a perfect example of that spirit. prgtoken I am deeply grateful for Cassandra's hard work, and I will continue to follow her efforts closely. I look forward to the day when we can say that thanks to people like Cassandra, child marriage is a thing of the past in New Hampshire. prgtoken Thank you. prgtoken .
NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE ACT OF 2018
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-2-13

first of all, let me thank the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, Representative Randy Weber, for yielding me time on his bill, which is H.R. 4378, the Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act. prgtoken H.R. 4378, cosponsored by full committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, Energy Subcommittee Vice Chairman Steve Knight, Representative Dan Lipinski, and Representative Randy Hultgren, authorizes funds within the DOE Nuclear Energy budget to construct their versatile neutron source, a DOE fast neutron user facility that will facilitate the development of the next generation of nuclear reactors by the private sector. prgtoken This legislation builds on and implements Chairman Weber's Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which passed the House three times with bipartisan support in the last Congress. prgtoken Advanced nuclear reactor technology provides the best opportunity to make reliable, emission-free electricity available throughout the industrial and developing world. This user facility will ensure that U.S. companies develop critical advanced reactor technology here in the United States. prgtoken Today, the only source of fast neutrons available for civilian research is in Russia, making it impossible for American entrepreneurs to conduct the testing and validation needed to deploy commercial advanced reactors. prgtoken America must also maintain our edge in nuclear science in order to influence global nonproliferation standards. The user facility authorized in this legislation will ensure the next generation of nuclear technology is safely developed here at home. This allows America to export nuclear technology which helps prevent civilian nuclear energy technology from being misused for weapons development overseas. prgtoken I want to thank this bill's cosponsors, Chairman Weber and Ranking Member Johnson, for their longstanding support of nuclear energy innovation and commitment to ensure that we have the best nuclear research facilities. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. It is a bipartisan piece of legislation.
BROADER OPTIONS FOR AMERICANS ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-2-13

about 20 minutes ago, our majority leader, Senator McConnell, tried to move debate along on an immigration bill, and I am puzzled that our minority leader, Senator Schumer, objected. The reason I am puzzled is, for a long period of time--maybe 10 years--some of the Senators on the other side of the aisle and even some Senators on our side of the aisle have been advocating for giving certainty to the young people who have been brought here by their parents whom we call either Dreamers or DACA people. They have been advocating for giving them legalization. prgtoken The majority leader, 2 weeks ago, promised the minority an opportunity to have a debate on that issue--the first debate on immigration since 2013, I believe. The majority leader, today, tried to carry out that promise and get this bill moving, and we had this objection. It is very puzzling. prgtoken I think it is legitimate to ask the minority leader, in his objecting to a unanimous consent agreement, why the objection is coming with regard to the very debate that he has, on his side of the aisle, been demanding of the majority for a long period of time. Hasn't the minority leader and the entire ic Party been asking for this debate? Yes, they have been. prgtoken Leader McConnell has honored his commitment and allowed us to have an open, fair immigration debate this week. The key words are an ``immigration debate,'' not a DACA-only debate, not an amnesty-only debate but an immigration debate. An immigration debate has to include a discussion about enforcement measures. An immigration debate has to include a discussion about how to remove dangerous criminal aliens from our country. A real immigration debate has to include discussions about how to protect the American people. prgtoken The leader has asked unanimous consent to allow us to start debating these issues, and the are refusing. Puzzling, I say it is, because they have been the ones to demand this debate. Why don't they want to debate things like sanctuary cities, as one example, which was asked for? Are they unprepared to discuss the vital public safety issues or is it more likely they are worried that some bills on enforcement on this side of the aisle could actually pass? Maybe that is the case, but it is no reason not to allow this body to start debate on this very important issue. prgtoken The American people deserve a real immigration debate about the four pillars we agreed to at the White House and not just a debate about the ' preferred policy preferences. Yes, DACA is an important part of that discussion, but it is only one part. If the are insisting that we debate their preferred policies only, that is not a real debate at all. prgtoken We have filed an amendment that takes into consideration the four pillars that were agreed to at a bicameral, bipartisan meeting at the White House, with the President presiding on January 9. Those fo
IN HONOR OF RAYMOND SIMS BAUM
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-2-13

I thank Congressman Cramer. I appreciate his coming down here tonight and sharing his thoughts. I think he really summed it up well. prgtoken Now the chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, Bob Latta, who was the vice-chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee when I chaired that. Ray was a big part of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and ended up as the staff director. I thank Bob for coming down to share his comments tonight. prgtoken , from Ohio (Mr. Latta).
PHOENIX-MESA GATEWAY AIRPORT
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-2-13

tonight, I recognize the incredible expansion of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. prgtoken After originally serving as an Air Force base for over 50 years, and closed due to the BRAC process, Gateway reopened in 1994 and now provides commercial airline service to more than 35 destinations. This airport is a significant economic asset to Arizona's economy, contributing $1.3 billion every year. prgtoken Each month, Gateway sets new records. Last year, the airport saw a 9 percent increase in passenger traffic, making 2017 the second busiest year in the airport's history. I fully expect Gateway to shatter expectations in 2018. prgtoken The construction of SkyBridge Arizona will help facilitate trade between the United States and Mexico. We anticipate this project will create thousands of jobs and unleash millions of dollars for our economy. prgtoken I thank the board of directors, staff, employees, and East Valley residents who are committed to Gateway Airport's success. Gateway Airport would not be the pride of the East Valley without their dedication.
LEXINGTON VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-2-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 4533, as amended, a bill to designate the collective healthcare facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, in Lexington, Kentucky, as the Lexington VA Health Care System; to designate the Lexington VA Medical Center Leestown Division as the Franklin R. Sousley Campus; and to designate the Lexington VA Medical Center Cooper Division as the Troy Bowling Campus. prgtoken The bill is sponsored by my good friend Congressman Andy Barr from Kentucky, and I am grateful to him for introducing this legislation in honor of two American heroes. prgtoken One healthcare facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 2250 Leestown Road in Lexington, Kentucky, would be named the Franklin R. Sousley Campus in honor of Private First Class Franklin Runyon Sousley. prgtoken Private First Class Sousley was born in Hilltop, Kentucky, and became a marine in 1944. Following basic training, he was assigned to the newly formed Fifth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, and slated for the upcoming invasion of Iwo Jima. prgtoken A force of 70,000 marines, including Private First Class Sousley, landed on February 19, 1945, on the south side of the island of Iwo Jima. On the fourth day of the invasion, Private First Class Sousley was one of the six men in the famous photograph of United States Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi. Tragically, he was killed in action by a Japanese sniper 27 days later. prgtoken Private First Class Sousley was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation with a Silver Star, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal. prgtoken The other healthcare facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, located at 1101 Veterans Drive in Lexington, Kentucky, would be named the Troy Bowling Campus in honor of Private Troy Bowling. prgtoken Private Troy Bowling was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and was another proud marine who served during World War II. Private Bowling's unit was among the first to land at the beaches of Iwo Jima. His unit came under intense and concentrated fire, completely overwhelming his unit. prgtoken Two projectiles struck Mr. Bowling, leaving him critically wounded on the battlefield. At that moment, Private Bowling said he looked to the heavens and committed to serving mankind for the rest of his life if he survived. Miraculously, a combat photographer and medical team then carried Mr. Bowling to the safety of a landing craft, where he witnessed the planting of the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. prgtoken Private Bowling followed through on his battlefield promise to God, devoting over 78,000 hours of volunteer service at the Lexington VA Medical Center and rising through the ranks of the Disabled American Veterans, eventually holding nearly every posi
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. JAMES E. CARTER
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-2-13

I rise today to remember Dr. James E. Carter from my hometown of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, who passed away on February 12, 2018. prgtoken For over 50 years, Dr. Jimmy served generations of families in Monroe County as their physician, earning the title of Doctor of the Year by the American Academy of Family Physicians, as well as being named one of America's Top Family Doctors. prgtoken Throughout his years of service to his community, he was not only a beloved doctor, but was widely respected for being the leader of one of Kentucky's greatest political families: the Monroe County Carter family. prgtoken Dr. Jimmy's father, Abe, also held countless political offices. His uncle, Tim Lee, was a U.S. Congressman. His grandfather, James Carter, and his uncle, James, Jr held the same circuit judgeship for nearly a century. Dr. Jimmy served on the Monroe County Board of Education and as Monroe County GOP Chair for most of my life. prgtoken Although Monroe County has lost one of our greatest public servants, I join with the entire community in celebrating his accomplishments and reflecting on his meaningful, compassionate presence in our life. prgtoken May God continue to bless his children, Jim, Tom, Cindy, and Mary Catherine, through whom his legacy lives on.
CALLING ON GOVERNMENTS TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO INVESTIGATE, RECOVER, AND IDENTIFY ALL MISSING AND UNACCOUNTED-FOR PERSONNEL OF THE UNITED STATES
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-2-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken As I close, I want to commend the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which continues the noble work of accounting for our missing troops and personnel day in and day out around the world. prgtoken I also want to express gratitude to those groups that continue to keep the home fires burning bright for the many families still awaiting concrete information on their loved ones. These include: prgtoken The National League of POW/MIA Families; prgtoken The American Legion; prgtoken The Veterans of Foreign Wars; prgtoken The Disabled American Veterans; prgtoken The Jewish War Veterans;
HONORING JACKIE BUSH ROORDA
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-2-13

I rise today to recognize the selfless action of Jackie Roorda, of LaFayette. Jackie donated her kidney to a complete stranger, who would have died without a kidney transplant. Jackie wanted to do something brave. She donated her kidney to Gary Schmidt, who she had never met before, and who needed a kidney transplant in order to live after a lung transplant. Jackie's altruistic act gave her recipient another chance at life. Research shows that while most New Yorkers support organ donation, only 28 percent of New York's eligible population is enrolled as an organ donor. I'm proud to honor Jackie today. Her selfless act made a real difference, and changed Gary's life forever.