mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT PAUL VANCE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-5-19

it is with respect and admiration that I rise today to join all of those gathered in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to Lieutenant Paul Vance as he celebrates his retirement after forty-three years of dedicated service to the Connecticut State Police force. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished career in law enforcement and the Connecticut State Police will simply not be the same without him. prgtoken Lieutenant Vance entered the Connecticut State Police Training Academy as a member of the 85th Training Troop in July of 1974. Following his graduation later that year, he embarked on a career that earned him a respected reputation amongst colleagues and civilians alike. Serving in a variety of posts, including Troop L in Litchfield and as a Resident State Trooper in Prospect, Lieutenant Vance rose through the ranks and is perhaps best prgtoken known for his leadership as a member of the Connecticut State Police force's Public Information Office. prgtoken In a position he held for nearly one third of his career, Lieutenant Vance became, for many in Connecticut, the public face of our State Police. As a Public Information Officer, it was he who so often brought a sense of calm and order to very difficult circumstances. That composure was put to the ultimate test as he guided a grieving state and stunned nation through the aftermath of tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in December of 2012. prgtoken I hold a deep respect for the men and women who dedicate their professional careers to law enforcement--facing situations and circumstances that few of us can even imagine. Lieutenant Vance is a reflection of the very best of our law enforcement community. Over the course of his career, his commitment and leadership has made all the difference and we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never fully be paid. Lieutenant--though it does not seem enough, thank you for all of your good work on our behalf. You leave a legacy of service that will most certainly serve as an inspiration to others for years to come. prgtoken Lieutenant Paul Vance has led a remarkable career, leaving an indelible mark on the Connecticut State Police force as well as the State of Connecticut. Today, it is my great privilege to stand and join his wife, Meg, their three children and six grandchildren, as well as family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him the very best for many more years of health and happiness in this next chapter of his life.
HONORING GUSTAVO BRAMBILA
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to honor Gustavo Brambila, who owns and operates Gustavo Wine. Passion, skill, and dedication to his craft led Gustavo to the successes he sees today. prgtoken Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Gustavo immigrated to the United States with his mother and brothers to join his father in Oakville, California in 1957. The family moved to Rutherford, California in 1960, where Gustavo's father Jose worked in winery maintenance. Surrounded by the culture and devotion of famous winemakers from an early age, Gustavo grew up with a keen interest in winemaking. He attended the University of Oregon on a baseball scholarship, but his heart remained in wine country. He transferred to the University of California Davis, where he was one of the first Latinos to obtain a degree in Fermentation Sciences. prgtoken In 1976, Gustavo joined Mike Grgich and Jim Barrett at Chateau Montelena to begin his career. Soon after, he joined Grgich Hills Cellar, where, in his first harvest, he produced the winning Chardonnay in the Great Chardonnay Showdown of 1980. Gustavo continued with Grgich Hills Cellar for 23 years, honing his craft and working to define wine excellence. prgtoken Gustavo started his own wine enterprise, Gustavo Wines in 1996. Today he makes Napa Valley wines inspired by old-world winemaking techniques, with a dedication to small vineyards and quality fruit. He believes each wine should take you back ``to a memory of each vintage''. prgtoken Gustavo traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican-American vintners to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution. They shared their amazing stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination and helped the attendees understand the vital contributions Mexican Americans make to our economy and community. prgtoken , Gustavo Brambila has built a successful business and is producing extraordinary wines. I am proud to have such a dedicated business owner living and working in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID DiCHIERA FOR HIS LIFETIME OF ADVOCACY AND WORK WITH THE ARTS
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to recognize David DiChiera for his outstanding legacy. As founder and artistic director of the Michigan Opera Theatre, Mr. DiChiera has built a culture of artistic excellence in Michigan. prgtoken After earning a doctorate in musicology from UCLA, Mr. DiChiera joined the faculty of Oakland University in Michigan in 1962, where he was eventually elected chairman of the school's Department of Music. During his time, he also oversaw the Detroit Grand Opera Association's education initiative known as the Overture to Opera. Under the leadership of Mr. DiChiera, Overture to Opera began performing full- length productions in 1970 and was officially reestablished as the Michigan Opera Theatre in 1971. The Michigan Opera Theatre has grown to become an internationally recognized institution that has brought world-class performances to Michigan while inspiring a new generation of artists and musicians. Mr. DiChiera had the vision to push for the restoration of the Detroit Opera House in 1996, and this effort played a critical role in revitalizing downtown Detroit. The Theatre has hosted renowned musicians like Luciano Pavarotti, as well as performances by the American Ballet Theater and other notable groups. prgtoken Mr. DiChiera's lifetime of artistic advocacy and passion for theatre has been critical to the growth and development of the arts in southeast Michigan. His love of the arts has taught and inspired generations to appreciate the importance of the arts to a community. He also galvanized so many to experience the opera and engage with the arts for their entire lives. Throughout his career, Mr. DiChiera has received numerous accolades for his work, including the National Endowment for the Arts' Opera Honors award, as well as recognition by the governments of France and Italy. In addition to this outstanding record of achievement, Mr. DiChiera is well known in the Detroit community for his kindness and generosity. He has been a true champion for Michigan, and his energy and dedication to our state and the arts will be missed as he retires from his current position with the Michigan Opera Theatre. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring David DiChiera for his lifetime of work with the arts. Mr. DiChiera's work with the Michigan Opera Theatre has inspired generations of performers and helped the city understand the importance of arts in the community.
COMMON SENSE
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-5-19

the healthcare repeal bill is a giant step backwards. It will leave millions of Americans without any insurance and many more paying more money for less coverage. Worse, it will reduce protections requiring insurers to treat fairly those of us with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Instead of this disastrous plan, we should be working together to improve healthcare, building on the progress of the ACA, and finding solutions to what isn't working. prgtoken Let me offer one example. I recently introduced the Common Sense Employer Notification of Special Enrollment Act, or Common SENSE Act. This bill would require employers to inform people leaving a job that they not only qualify for COBRA but also qualify for a special enrollment period to purchase insurance on the ACA marketplace or enroll in Medicare, which is often less expensive than COBRA. prgtoken , this bill will help Americans save money and seniors avoid last-minute enrollment penalties. I urge my colleagues to support the Common SENSE Act and join me in finding commonsense ways to improve our healthcare, not to dismantle it.
DIRECT CONNECT TO SUCCESS ACT
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to introduce the Direct Connect to Success Act. prgtoken In my district and across the State of Florida, hundreds of thousands of striving students start in community colleges and automatically get admitted into our 4-year universities if they graduate with a minimum of 2.0. A 4- prgtoken year degree opens up even more opportunities for these students, many of whom come from underserved and rural areas. prgtoken This has been a nationally recognized program that is only available in a few States, but by expanding this simple, proven program nationwide, we will extend the opportunity to continue higher education to millions more hardworking, deserving students. prgtoken We can all agree that government has a role to play in reducing barriers to success, and this guaranteed admission is a low-cost, highly efficient way to remove this big barrier. I ask you and others to join me in support of the Direct Connect to Success Act to create more opportunities to pursue the American Dream for all students.
POLICE WEEK
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today in honor of Police Week and to say ``thank you'' to the men and women in New Jersey and in our country who keep our community safe, and especially to honor those who paid the ultimate price in their efforts to do so. prgtoken Sadly, this year alone, we have lost 48 police officers in the line of duty across the United States. We cannot repay the debt our communities owe to these heroes and their families, but we can start by expressing appreciation for their bravery, dedication, and service, and making sure law enforcement knows that they have our full support. prgtoken Our police officers and all first responders can't protect us and themselves without the resources they need to do their job safely and effectively. Not only do police protect us from criminals, but they are on the front lines of the war on terror, especially as we have seen the rise of homegrown and lone-wolf terror after 9/11. prgtoken To close, I want to reiterate my deep appreciation for the work of local, county, and State police officers in my district in New Jersey and across our country who keep our communities safe.
TRIBUTE TO DUKE PRESIDENT RICHARD BRODHEAD
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise to honor the career of Duke University President Richard Brodhead, who is stepping down after 13 years of service. prgtoken Dick Brodhead succeeded Nan Keohane in 2004 as the 9th president of Duke University, attracted by what another president, former Governor Terry Sanford, defined as the university's ``outrageous ambition.'' President Brodhead has led the university on a new trajectory of growth and international renown. In one of his first major actions as president, he led an effort to greatly expand the endowment for financial aid, which has allowed academically talented students to pursue a Duke degree regardless of their financial circumstances. President Brodhead's time at Duke has been transformative, from the renewal of campus gems such as Duke Chapel, Baldwin Auditorium, West Union, and athletic facilities to the construction of a series of stunning new research facilities. prgtoken Dick Brodhead also embraced and amplified one of Duke's enduring themes: knowledge in the service of society. He launched DukeEngage, a civic engagement program that provides undergraduates the opportunity to apply their knowledge to challenges in communities in the U.S. and around the globe. Under his leadership, Duke established the Duke Global Health Institute, which translates research to address health inequities around the world. prgtoken Further expanding Duke's global reach were the creation of Duke Kunshan University in China and the construction of the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. Closer to home, he enriched Duke's relationship with the City of Durham by investing in K-12 education, community health clinics, and neighborhood revitalization and helping spark the renaissance of downtown Durham. prgtoken President Brodhead had the opportunity to help Duke celebrate ten NCAA national championships won by men's basketball and lacrosse and women's golf and tennis teams, while a host of Duke student-athletes were victorious as individual national champions and Olympic medalists. At the same time, Duke ensured that athletics upheld the academic mission of the university. prgtoken An expert in 19th-century American literature, President Brodhead came to Duke after a distinguished teaching and administrative career at Yale University. He has authored or edited more than a dozen books on America's great writers, including analysis of the works of Hawthorne, Faulkner, and Welty. prgtoken President Brodhead has also assumed a national leadership role in higher education. Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2004, he was named the Co-Chair of the Academy's Commission on the Humanities and Social Sciences, created at the request of a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, including myself, to bolster teaching and research in the humanities and social sciences. The Commission's 2013 report, The Heart of the Matter: The Humanities and Social Sciences for a Vibrant, Competitive, an
HONORING THE LIFE OF PEGGY DIETRICK
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to commemorate the life of Mrs. Peggy Dietrick, a beloved artist and entrepreneur from Laredo, Texas. prgtoken Mrs. Dietrick was born on July 24th, 1924, to parents Adolph and Flavia (Branch) Dietrick in Salem, Illinois. Over the course of her career, she traveled throughout the world to perform. Her career led her to Las Vegas, where she performed for several years before ultimately moving to Texas. After moving to Laredo in 1965, Dietrick established the Laredo Beauty College, which is still in operation today. prgtoken An actress, musician and singer, Dietrick was unquestionably an instrumental force in the local theater community. She was involved in productions with the Laredo Little Theater, where she starred in many plays, performed with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and was a patron of the Laredo Theater Guild International. Her dedication to the arts serves as a model that all should strive to emulate. prgtoken Serving others was at the heart of all that Dietrick did throughout her life. Her commitment to improving the lives of others, such as through helping people to find employment opportunities after graduating from the beauty college, exemplifies her passion for serving others. In addition, her commitment to the arts highlights her firm belief in the value of education for the public. Without a doubt, her life clearly demonstrates what it means to be a charitable and caring person. prgtoken Peggy is survived by her husband, John of St. Louis, Missouri; nephew, Michael Rhoads of San Antonio, Texas; niece, Deborah Dietrick; great-nephews, Christopher Holm (Ashley), Andrew Holm (Anne), Scott Holm (Susan) and Chad Rhoads; as well as many great-great nieces, nephews, other family members and countless friends. Both her family and the community as a whole will remember Peggy for her unforgettable charm, utter kindness and commitment to service. prgtoken , I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the life of Mrs. Peggy Dietrick.
CONGRATULATING LEIGHTON DURHAM IV
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to congratulate Leighton Durham IV of Dallas, Texas, as he and his family celebrate his selection as an Eagle Scout. prgtoken The Boy Scouts of America has a long tradition of preparing young men for leadership, and the Eagle Scout award recognizes the highest rank within that program. Only 4 percent of Boy Scouts are granted this recognition, after a lengthy review process which includes the verification of 21 merit badges, a demonstrated Scout spirit, and a youth-led service project. prgtoken For Leighton, his involvement in the service organization began when he was only 8 years old. Since then, the Boy Scouts program has helped foster a sense of service and leadership. prgtoken This past year, as part of his Eagle Scout project, Leighton led efforts to refurbish a previously neglected classroom at the Tyler Street United Methodist Church in Oak Cliff. As a result of Leighton's project, the classroom is now in use for middle school youth. prgtoken Please join me in congratulating Leighton in his latest achievement. I look forward to seeing his continued leadership in our community.
SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF REFUGIO OIL SPILL
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise this morning to recognize the second anniversary of the devastating Refugio oil spill off the Gaviota coast in my district. prgtoken I remember all too well the horrifying sights and smells when over 100,000 barrels of crude oil poured from the Plains All American pipeline rupture. Our local funds were stretched as we mounted our cleanup effort that ended up costing over $100 million. The full extent of the damage to our local economy and environment in our region won't be fully known for years. prgtoken I was pleased that President signed into law last year the SAFE PIPES Act, directing the Department of Transportation's pipeline safety program, PHMSA, to increase the frequency of their pipeline monitoring on the California coast. We must ensure that PHMSA is fully funded to ensure that it can effectively monitor our oil pipelines and hopefully prevent future disasters like the Refugio Plains All American pipeline oil spill.
HONORING VERKILYA ELESHIA HOGAN
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to honor a remarkable person, an unsung hero, Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan. prgtoken Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan was born on July 25,1999 to her proud parents Vernon and Sheronda Jackson. She is an intelligent, obedient, and outgoing young lady. She is also very passionate and dedicated to every task that she takes on. prgtoken Ms. Hogan very actively participates in many organizations and programs. She has been a cheerleader since the fifth-grade and currently serves as Captain of the Holmes County Central High Varsity Cheer-Squad. She has remarkable leadership skills and continues to be a positive influence to those around her. prgtoken At an early age Ms. Hogan proudly experienced an amazing miracle of God which encouraged her to serve Him more daily. On May 18, 2016, she was involved in a detrimental UTV accident. A portion of her left forearm had to be amputated on May 24, 2016. As a teenager, this was disheartening because she didn't know how her future would be with her condition, but she knew God had already worked things out in her favor. She never lost faith through her circumstances, because she appreciated the simple fact that she could see and breathe each day. The Bible says, ``From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another'' John 1:16. This scripture, she believes, gives her good reason to give all glory and praises to God. prgtoken She will finish her senior year in high school with honors and attend the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Kinesiology and pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist. She is determined to go above and beyond to reach her goals and continue to walk in a positive direction. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan, an unsung hero, for her dedication to the community.
GLOBAL CHILD PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-5-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Children are the most vulnerable and innocent members of our society, and we have a duty to make sure our laws protect them to the fullest extent possible. H.R. 1862, the Global Child Protection Act of 2017, closes regrettable loopholes in existing child exploitation statutes to do just that. prgtoken Currently, dangerous sexual predators who violate children overseas can avoid culpability simply by engaging in what the United States Code defines as sexual contact rather than what the law defines as illicit sexual conduct. That is, they can go abroad, cause a child to sexually touch them, and return, without exposure to the criminal liability they would face had they engaged in what the law defines as illicit sexual conduct. prgtoken I am sure my colleagues would agree that it should not matter whether the offender engages in sexual conduct or contact with a child. Either way, he is a child predator. This is the very definition of a loophole, and it is putting children at risk. That is because these predators are aware of this loophole, and they are able to share this information quickly in chat groups on the internet. They plot their foreign sex tourism accordingly, to circumvent criminal liability. prgtoken H.R. 1862 closes this loophole by expanding the definition of illicit sexual conduct to include sexual contact. No longer will these predators be able to escape justice and continue to offend with impunity. prgtoken This bill also closes a loophole for recidivist offenders. It is estimated that only between 8 and 20 percent of victims of childhood sexual abuse report they have been abused. That is why it is vitally important that, when we do become aware of these offenses and secure convictions, our justice system imposes penalties to adequately punish and deter this evil. prgtoken Current law provides that an offender convicted of committing a Federal sex offense against a minor shall be sentenced to life imprisonment if that offender has a prior conviction for a sex offense against a minor. In defining sex offense, however, this provision inexplicably excludes two serious offenses. It is missing offenses covering abusive sexual contact with a minor under 12 and also does not apply to offenders who commit their sex crimes against children overseas. H.R. 1862 fixes these oversights--and they were clearly oversights--by adding these provisions into the definition of Federal sex offense. prgtoken When an offender has previously harmed a child, been punished for that offense, and goes on to harm another child, the risk that he will go on to abuse again is extremely high, and we must ensure our children are safe from such a dangerous predator. That dynamic of deterrence, ensuring repeat offenders face harsher penalties, is at the core of our system of justice. It is even more important here where the victims are our children. Children are one-third of
MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-22

. Madam , if history has taught us anything over the years, it is that freedom is not free. It comes at a great price. prgtoken It is easy to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, but this Military Appreciation Month I pray that we all reflect upon the sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces have made for our liberty and our security. prgtoken Specifically, I am reminded today of the 5,100 dedicated men and women serving at Dyess Air Force Base, home of the 7th Bomb Wing and the 317th Airlift Group, and the 40,000 veterans in my district in west Texas. prgtoken It is with them in mind, Madam , that I would like to express my gratitude for those who have served, my sorrow for those who did not make it back home, and my condolences to those who have lost someone dear in service to our great country. Let us never forget them. Let us always remind our children and grandchildren of the sacrifices of those who gave up their today so that we can have our tomorrow. prgtoken God bless our men and women in uniform. And God bless these United States of America.