mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 2019 NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL FINALISTS FROM NAPERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the National Science Bowl team of Naperville North High School and to commend them on reaching the national finals of the high school academic competition. prgtoken Since 1991, the Office of Science's National Science Bowl has hosted some of the nation's prgtoken most intelligent students for one of the largest and most prestigious academic competitions. Every year, teams from 64 schools around the country compete to demonstrate their understanding of the great issues in mathematics and science. prgtoken I want to congratulate the Naperville North High School team on reaching the national finals and on placing first in SLAC Division Team Challenge. The talent and knowledge present in these students are truly impressive, and as Congress' resident PhD-trained physicist, I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
PROTECTING AMERICANS WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-5-7

I rise this afternoon to spotlight that, a couple days from now, the House of Representatives will be voting on H.R. 986, which is an act protecting Americans with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Again, this is a measure to reverse a decision that was made last October by the administration. It was an administrative guidance in the Department of Health and Human Services which basically opened the doors for States to submit waivers from the Affordable Care Act's protections for patients, which, almost universally, are supported by the American people. prgtoken For example, in the law, it banned the use of preexisting condition exclusions by insurance companies both for individuals applying for insurance and for those who actually got insurance but then had their bills denied because of preexisting conditions. prgtoken With the stroke of a pen, in March 2010, the Affordable Care Act abolished that practice by insurance companies, which basically was a discriminatory practice for people, again, who, through no fault of their own, had medical conditions which they could not control. prgtoken It also eliminated lifetime limits. In other words, insurance companies capped the amount of medical bills that they would pay, so somebody with a cancer or a serious chronic condition would run into those caps and basically be in bankruptcy land. prgtoken And lastly, it established essential health benefits, which were defined by the Institute of Medicine, not a political organization, based on what, in fact, health insurance should cover, for example, behavioral health, maternal and child benefits, et cetera. prgtoken This decision by the administration last October basically knocked out the guardrails in the ACA waiver process, which, again, every observer and commentator said would open the door again to insurance companies using the practice of preexisting condition exclusions. prgtoken For those who maybe have forgotten what that looked like, I have beside me here a chart which includes a brochure, which Humana insurance was using back in 2009 when it was selling health insurance. Again, it is touting great news for people who buy their own health insurance, new, flexible health coverage. prgtoken However, if you read the fine print, it went on to say that there is important information about preexisting conditions for these conditions which would prgtoken not be covered: AIDS/HIV, alcohol or drug dependence, cancer, COPD, connective tissue disorder, Crohn's disease, diabetes, emphysema, heart attack or stroke, hepatitis, inpatient emotional or mental illness, organ or tissue transplant, or ulcerative colitis. Just in case maybe you survived that litmus test, it does go on to say: ``This list is not all inclusive; other conditions may apply.'' prgtoken That is what health insurance looked like before 2010: People who, in good faith, were paying premium dollars for coverage, whether they were individuals, smal
HONORING DR. JOSEPH M. JULIANO FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-5-7

I rise today to honor Dr. Joseph M. Juliano upon his retirement from the City of Orange Fire Department after 30 years of service. prgtoken Dr. Juliano's commitment to the people of Orange, New Jersey, was inspired by his mother, Patricia, who was the first woman elected to the Orange City Council. prgtoken Dr. Juliano joined the Fire Department in 1988 and rose through the ranks during his 30-year career. He retired with the rank of fire captain. prgtoken In addition to being a firefighter, Dr. Juliano has served on the Orange Housing Authority for the past two decades, with the motto of ``getting Orange back on track.'' prgtoken Dr. Juliano is a community leader and a role model from Orange, New Jersey, and I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring his service to the people of my district.
Violence Against Women Act (Executive Calendar)
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-5-7

I thank Senator Cortez Masto for her talk today. I can tell that she is very passionate about this issue. Both of us were State attorneys general from Western States. We have significant Native American populations, and we are very familiar with the jurisdiction issue. prgtoken I have seen Senator Cortez Masto question many times in the committee on the issue of jurisdiction. And what I am talking about there--you have Tribal jurisdiction, and then you have Federal jurisdiction, and many times there is some State jurisdiction. So when the Supreme Court in 1978 came out with a ruling in the Oliphant case, they created a big hole, and for almost 30 years, there was a zone that really wasn't being prosecuted. Senator Cortez Masto is very familiar with this. Because of that, we had kind of a situation in Indian Country where, without enforcement, I think some of this violence grew. prgtoken I am sure that ever since Senator Cortez Masto has been in law enforcement, she has seen this problem and advocated for changes to it, and we have seen dramatic changes with VAWA 2013, which allowed prosecution to take place. I don't know whether any of Senator Cortez Masto's Tribes within Nevada took cases and initiated things, but I think that across Indian Country, it is fair to say that there was very, very extensive effort. I think there have been a number of arrests--143, I think; 74 convictions--and things have really been moving along. prgtoken Has that been your experience in terms of watching what has happened both at the State level and the Federal level since 2013? Have we been making some progress here?
CLIMATE CHANGE
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-5-7

pick up the paper these days, and it is hard to miss the headlines about corporate America getting serious about reducing carbon emissions. Companies are purchasing renewable power. They are moving into carbon-neutral office buildings. They are purchasing electric vehicle fleets. They are developing new technologies and products for the transition to a carbon economy. Many are forcing some degree of sustainability out of their supply chains. All of this is important work and the companies that are leading in these areas deserve real applause. prgtoken But--you knew there was going to be a ``but,'' and here it is-- corporations alone reducing their own carbon emissions or designing new low-carbon technologies will not win the fight against climate change. If you want to fail on climate change while looking good, that will work, but if you actually want to win--if you want to keep us between 1.5 and 2 degrees in temperature increase--you will fail. prgtoken A new report, ``The Blind Spot,'' from the Environmental Defense Fund, makes crystal clear that individual corporate efforts to reduce their own carbon emissions will not be enough. Here is what it says: ``While voluntary actions by companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are important, only public policy can deliver the pace and scale of reductions necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.'' ``Public policy''--that is us. That is Congress. prgtoken EDF is not alone. Report after report has shown that we will fail without government action. But as engaged as so much of corporate America is in greening its own operations, they are almost totally absent from the halls of Congress when it comes to climate change-- AWOL, no place. prgtoken So government sits, stalled by the fossil fuel industry, and does nothing serious. As a Senator, I am an inhabitant of this political ecosystem. I observe how this works. Consider this the field report of the biologist who lives in the jungle. prgtoken The sad reality of our political ecosystem is that post-Citizens United, the power of big industries seeking influence in Congress has exploded. Where previously, big special interests had muskets, Citizens United gave them artillery. On climate change, one industry, the fossil fuel industry, is deploying its artillery of big money and big threats here in Washington like nobody else. prgtoken It is no surprise. They are defending a $700 billion per year fossil fuel subsidy just in the United States, according to the International Monetary Fund. They have a huge interest--a multihundred billion dollar interest--in preventing legislation that would reduce consumption of their fossil fuels. prgtoken So they spend hundreds of millions of dollars on lobbying and elections. They fund dozens of phony front groups and trade associations to engage in all sorts of climate denial and obstruction. They hide their influence in dark-money channels. They pollu
Violence Against Women Act (Executive Calendar)
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-5-7

first, I just want to say, as Senator Udall knows, I was born in New Mexico, so I have a strong affinity for his wonderful State, my home State--my original home State--and I learned so much about the amazing cultural assets of indigenous people and Native American people in the Southwest. prgtoken When I moved to Minnesota and I had an opportunity to get to know Minnesota's 11 sovereign Tribal Nations, that was sort of my foundation for that work. When I became aware of how Native women, who were so often the victims of sexual violence, are literally invisible in the criminal justice system, I was just really horrified. prgtoken First, notice this: As Senator Udall and I were talking about this issue with many others in the Indian Affairs Committee, I became aware that there are thousands and thousands of women who have been reported missing, yet the Justice Department has on their big list only about 100 of them. Literally, these women are invisible. prgtoken In the roundtable that I had with Lieutenant Governor Flanagan last prgtoken week and in other conversations I have had, I have heard personal stories so many times of women, like Savanna Greywind, who are murdered in terrible and violent ways and don't end up ever--their family never has the opportunity to feel the sense of justice and healing that you have from knowing that the perpetrator of this terrible violence has been brought to justice. prgtoken I am just going to--I would like to tell one story about a woman whom I spoke with in Saint Paul whose daughter was murdered in January of 2018. To this day, she still awaits the release of her daughter's body because of mixups and snafus in the system. Imagine what that would be like. This is just one example of how Native women in the criminal justice system don't get the dignity and the respect they deserve. prgtoken .
IN HONOR OF REVEREND DOCTOR C. MEDLEY HAYES
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor an outstanding Man of God, a dedicated public servant, and dear friend of longstanding, Rev. Dr. C. Medley Hayes, who celebrated his 30th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 3 p.m. prgtoken Rev. Dr. Chester Medley Hayes was born in Miami, Florida and grew up in Alabama graduating from Warren Smith High School in New Brocton, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor of Ministry degree in 1984, his Master of Ministry degree in 1987, and his Doctorate of Ministry degree in 1989. He was trained in Ground Surveillance and Ground Control Approach Radar through the U.S. Army and has 21 years experience in telecommunications. He founded and managed Companion Medical Equipment Company in 1994 and has been involved in Network Marketing with some of the strongest companies in the industry since he was 22 years of age. prgtoken At the age of twenty-six, Rev. Hayes accepted his call to preach the Gospel of Christ beginning his pastoral ministry at Big Creek Baptist Church in Clio, Alabama, a rather small church that consisted of about seventy members. From there, he pastored Morning Star Baptist Church in Troy, Alabama, Saint Paul Baptist Church in Pinckard, Alabama, prgtoken and Morning Star Baptist Church in Enterprise, Alabama. In 1989, Rev. Hayes was called to be the pastor and spiritual leader of Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia and he and his family moved to the Fountain City. prgtoken For the past 30 years, he has served as a guiding light and beacon of hope for the congregation of Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church and the Columbus community. Rev. Hayes believes that you enter the church to worship, but you leave to serve. Therefore, his ministry has been to take the church and the teachings of Christ beyond the church building into the community and throughout the world. prgtoken Outside of the church, Rev. Hayes has also proved himself a true servant of the communities in which he has lived. At the age of 26, he became the Chairman of the Coffee County, Alabama branch of the Alabama ic Conference, a post that he held for eight years. Years later, he was appointed by then Georgia Governor Zell Miller and later Governor Roy Barnes to serve on Georgia's Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. Having seen issues arise with human trafficking, he was moved to open two group homes for girls. Because of his love for young people, he opened a counseling center called ``Mentoring Youth.'' As a result of his tremendous advocacy and support for the Columbus community, on August 8, 2017, the Council of the Columbus Consolidated Government named the intersection of 6th Street and 6th Avenue as ``C. Medley Hayes Way.'' prgtoken Always seeking to improve his craft in discipleship and Christian ministry, he has been a longtime member of the National Baptist Convention,
LET'S VOTE ON USMCA
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-5-7

we must set a vote on USMCA. prgtoken Wisconsin farmers are struggling. Low milk prices and limited access to international markets are hurting our farmers. prgtoken NAFTA was implemented over 25 years ago. Farming, technology, and markets have changed. It is time for a modern trade deal. It is time to protect workers and farmers. prgtoken I recently met with Wisconsin's agricultural industry in Burlington, Wisconsin, and there was one takeaway from our meeting: The USMCA will help Wisconsin's farmers. Our farmers will see increased access to markets. Our products will be able to compete on the global stage. Our workers will have the opportunity to succeed. prgtoken , let's vote on USMCA. Wisconsin farmers need our help.
RECOGNIZING VETFRIENDS
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-5-7

as a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to honor a South Carolina small business during the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week. In my State, small business owners work hard to contribute to our local economy and serve South Carolina communities. Today, it is my honor to recognize VetFriends of Mount Pleasant, SC, as the Senate Small Business of the Day. prgtoken Dale Sutcliffe, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Desert Storm, founded VetFriends nearly 20 years ago with the mission of reuniting veterans. Following his service, Dale realized the benefit that a national registry of veterans could have and quickly set up a platform where veterans can reconnect with their fellow servicemembers during their time serving our country. The VetFriends platform has over 2.5 million members and has brought together thousands of veterans with their former associates. In the process, the platform has helped veterans share stories and photos, as well as stay informed about upcoming reunions and events. Currently, the business employs over 25 South Carolinians, and almost all have a close relative or partner who is enlisted or has served. prgtoken The team at VetFriends has a longstanding tradition of supporting the veteran community and are regularly seen volunteering at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Additionally, the business has taken an active role working with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Charleston. It is clear that VetFriend's values and goals not only enhance their business plan but also improve the community that they belong to. prgtoken As we highlight the role that small businesses play throughout this week, it is my pleasure to honor the hard work that VetFriends is doing in the great State of South Carolina. They are a tremendous example of the way small businesses create innovative solutions, as well as give back to the community; I wish them nothing but success in their future endeavors.
IN RECOGNITION OF DWIGHT SPARKS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dwight Sparks, who retired from the Davie County Enterprise and Clemmons Courier on June 1, 2018. prgtoken Mr. Sparks began his journalism career in 1985, helping turn the Davie County Enterprise into a traditional newspaper. At one point, the Enterprise delivered roughly 10,000 copies a week to subscribers. This may not seem like a large number, but perhaps the next fact will highlight how successful Mr. Sparks was in growing the Davie County Enterprise. prgtoken During the 1980s, the Davie County Enterprise had the second largest paid circulation in North Carolina among the weeklies. For a small, rural county like Davie, this is a big deal. prgtoken He initially worked for the Salisbury Post. And after years in Salisbury, he moved over to the Winston-Salem Journal where he eventually became editor and remained for seven years. Not only was Mr. Sparks a very talented journalist, but I think that his Davie County roots helped him tell important stories in a unique way. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in celebrating Dwight Sparks and wishing him a wonderful retirement.
TRIBUTE TO SANDRA McMILLAN
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-5-7

today I recognize Sandra McMillan, the Gadsden County Teacher of the Year from Greensboro Elementary School in Quincy, FL. prgtoken Sandra considers this important recognition a new motivation for her and has inspired her to do more for her students. She describes her passion for teaching and learning as the key to developing a curriculum that sets the best example for students to take with them after they graduate. prgtoken Sandra provides her students with a template for hard work and dedication to success through her time teaching at the college level. Sandra's students describe her class as a great learning environment that inspires them to achieve success. prgtoken Sandra has been a teacher for 11 years, with the last 5 in the Gadsden County School District. She has taught exceptional students education at Greensboro Elementary School for the past 2 years and previously taught at the college level for 6 years. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Sandra for her dedication to teaching her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.
IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. C.O. GRINSTEAD AT TRINITY BAPTIST MINISTRIES
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-5-7

. Madam , I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Dr. C.O. Grinstead's ministry at Trinity Baptist Church of Oxford, Alabama. prgtoken June 23, 2019 will mark Dr. Grinstead's 50th anniversary at Trinity Baptist Church. Dr. Grinstead is a native of Gary, Indiana, and a graduate of Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He met his wife, Sherry, at a college fellowship in 1957, and they were married June 4, 1960. prgtoken Dr. Grinstead came to Trinity in 1969 from Jacksonville, Florida. He bought some radio equipment and began a 15-minute daily radio program of Trinity highlights on WHMA in December of 1969. prgtoken In the 1970s, Trinity began Trinity Christian Academy, built the school and the gymnasium. In 1975, Dr. Grinstead left to travel with Evangelist Tom Williams and sent tithe back each month. In 1978, he returned to Trinity and became Associate Pastor with 100 percent vote of the church. prgtoken In 1981, he became pastor of Trinity. In 1989, Dr. Grinstead received his Doctorate from Florida Bible College and the next year, he became moderator of the Southwide Baptist Fellowship. In 1994, Truth Radio came on-air and has been running in 24 counties in East Central Alabama and a few counties in West Georgia. prgtoken Dr. Grinstead has served as Chaplain of the Calhoun County Party, Oxford Police Department and Assistant Chaplain at Calhoun County Jail. prgtoken He and Sherry were blessed with three children and nine grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing this milestone for my good friend, Brother Grinstead.