mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN MEMORY OF FURMAN RAYMOND YOUNGINER
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-5-19

on February 16, 2017, South Carolina lost a dedicated public servant with the death of Furman Younginer. As the Mayor of Irmo for 16 years, he was a crucial part of the modernization and transformation of the town from a sleepy village to one of America's fastest growing communities. He was also a committed Christian, dedicated family man, and U.S. Army veteran. He will be greatly missed. prgtoken The following thoughtful obituary was published in The State on February 18, 2017: Furman Raymond Younginer passed peacefully into eternal life Thursday, February 16, 2017. Born November 14, 1923, in Irmo, SC, he was the son of the late Raymond Samuel Younginer and Gertrue Petty Younginer of Irmo. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Louise O'Sheal Younginer. A lifelong resident of Irmo, Mr. Younginer was educated in the Irmo schools and graduated from Irmo High in 1941. After graduation, he began working in the Accounting Department with the Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens (CN&L) Railroad and continued in this position until he was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 19. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from April 15, 1943 until he was honorably discharged December 14, 1945. His years of service for his country began with basic training at Fort Jackson. He was sent to Washington, D.C. for a short while and in September 1943 he was sent to Camp Patrick Henry (Newport News, VA) where he boarded a Liberty ship. He traveled across the ocean for 17 days to begin his service in the European theatre of operations. He first landed in Casablanca and then traveled via train, in boxcars, across North Africa. He was sent to Italy to serve in the Allied Control Commission (Military Government for the Italy 2675th Regiment) under the command of General Mark Clark. Mr. Younginer was based in a number of Italian cities, but he was assigned to Rome for the majority of his time and while there, he attended classes at the University of Rome. He often recalled that while in Rome, he learned the good news of the wars end and that he would soon return home. Following the end of World War II, he returned to Irmo, attended the University of South Carolina, and continued his work in accounting for the CN&L Railroad (now, part of CSX Railroad). His job position was Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and he was responsible for the financial and managerial junctions in the Columbia office of the CN&L. He was employed by the CN&L Railroad for 42 years and retired in March 1983. As a member of America's Greatest Generation, Mr. Younginer's experiences in World War II gave him many insights which he related to and envisioned for his hometown of Irmo. He acknowledged the positive aspects of the many places
DRUG COURT SUPPORT
Steve Womack (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today in recognition of drug courts and veterans treatment courts in America. prgtoken No one disputes the issues of rampant drug use and abuse in our Nation and the tremendous hardship it is placing on families, on businesses, and our criminal justice system. Recently, I met a remarkable young man from Arkansas who epitomizes the critical need to expand these lifesaving programs. prgtoken Blayne was facing 20 years in prison because of a 10-year addiction to opioid prescription drugs that spiraled out of control while experimenting in college. Today he is a father to three beautiful children, owns his own home, and is giving back to his community--all because a drug court in Arkansas saved him. prgtoken This month is National Drug Court Month. Drug courts represent one of our Nation's most successful strategies for intervention. prgtoken I support drug courts and veterans treatment courts. I am counting on my colleagues to ensure they are properly supported and funded. The return on investment is incalculable.
BIKE TO WORK ACT
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-5-19

this week, along with Congressman Crowley, we reintroduced the Bike to Work Act. As an avid biker myself, I am thrilled to bring forth an initiative that encourages more biking. This is fitting, given that today is National Bike to Work Day. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation we have introduced will allow workers to use their pretax commuter benefits for bikeshare programs, just as they already can do for other forms of transportation. prgtoken According to one report, from 2000 to 2013, the number of bicycle commuters grew by more than 62 percent. As these programs grow, putting them on equal footing with other modes of transportation that commuters use to get to and from work is important. prgtoken Bikesharing is very popular in Minnesota, and through this initiative, we can ensure that more Americans have the opportunity to get to work with more flexibility and more convenience.
RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE WASHINGTON SPY TRAIL ON LONG ISLAND AND THE SERVICE OF THE CULPER SPY RING IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today alongside my colleague Mr. Suozzi to recognize the dedication of Route 25A on Long Island's North Shore as the Washington Spy Trail and to pay special tribute to the brave men and women of the Culper Spy Ring, considered the first organized espionage ring in the United States. We thank these dedicated patriots for their loyalty and bravery. During the American Revolution, Long Island's North Country Road (now State Route 25A) was the road traveled by George Washington in 1790 to thank patriots for helping him win the American Revolution. It is also the road that Culper Spy Austin Roe traveled to cross enemy lines to pick up and deliver secret messages to other brave men and women serving in the Continental Army's military intelligence and espionage units in New York City. Today, a special dedication ceremony will take place at the Brewster House (built in 1665) in Setauket, NY, where three historical markers will be unveiled across this route to commemorate the unsung sacrifice of the Culper Spy Ring and the critical role they played in our nation's struggle for independence. prgtoken The Culper Ring, also known as the Setauket Spy Ring, was a group of operatives whose purpose was to make General George Washington aware of the movements of the British in New York City and on Long Island. The Long Island Culper Spy Ring was a band of dedicated and brave patriots who served valiantly at a time when getting caught as a spy could mean certain death by hanging or rotting to death on a British prison ship. The Culper Spy Ring's strategic location on Long Island's North Shore, situated between patriot New England and British occupied New York City, had a tremendous impact on the outcome of the war. The ring was of great military importance and contributed to many of the decisive victories of the Continental Army, including those at Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown. The critical intelligence gathered by the Culper Spies also uncovered the betrayal of Benedict Arnold and his treasonous plan to surrender West Point to the British. The brave work of the Culper Spies was also critical in thwarting a planned British assault on newly arrived French allied forces that landed at Rhode Island in 1780 to help turn the tide of the war. prgtoken , many of these brave men and women, through the nature of their clandestine service to the American Revolution, never had their names recorded in history. For the names that we do know, I ask my colleagues to honor their bravery and service, and I include their names in the Record. prgtoken Benjamin Tallmadge: (Code Name: John Bolton.) He reported directly to General George Washington, and was his director of military intelligence. He created the patriot spy ring operating out of New York City and headed the Culper Ring out of the village of Setauket on Long Island. prgtoken Robert Townsend: The Chief informant of the Culper Spy Ring and Benjamin Tallmadge's right ha
DISAPPEARED, JAILED, AND TORTURED IN CHINA: WIVES PETITION FOR THEIR HUSBANDS' FREEDOM
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-5-19

lawyer Xie Yang was tortured for the better part of two years because he dared to represent China's poor and persecuted. The account of his detention is both harrowing and horrible. prgtoken Xie Yang was sleep deprived and kept in isolation. Squads of police punched and kicked him for hours at a time. He was forced to sit still for hours on a precarious stack of plastic chairs; his feet dangling painfully off the ground. Police made threats to his wife and children and said they would turn him into an ``invalid'' unless he confessed to political crimes. prgtoken Xie Yang and his fellow human rights lawyers wanted the best for China, but they got the very worst. prgtoken Since July 2015, almost 250 lawyers and legal assistants were detained sending a chilling message to those fighting for legal reforms and human rights. prgtoken At yesterday's hearing in the human rights subcommittee that I chair, we came together to shine a light on the brutal, illegal, and dehumanizing use of torture and forced disappearance of human rights lawyers and rights advocates in China. prgtoken We shine a light on dictatorships because nothing good happens in the dark. And, as we learned yesterday, there are some very dark places in China. prgtoken Chinese officials repeatedly tell me I should focus more on the positive aspects of China and not dwell so much on the negative. prgtoken That is a difficult task when you read Xie Yang's story, read Gao Zhisheng's account of his torture, or read the accounts of Yu Jie or Golog Jigme or Yin Liping. prgtoken It is a difficult task when you look at Li Chunfu and his brother Li Heping. prgtoken These are some of China's best and bravest--now with broken bodies, shattered minds and faces that have aged 20 years after two years of solitary confinement and torture. prgtoken It is shocking, offensive, immoral, and inhumane. It is also completely possible that Chinese officials believe the international community will not hold them accountable. prgtoken While President Xi Jinping is feted at Davos and lauded in foreign capitals for his public commitment to openness, his government is torturing and abusing those seeking rights guaranteed by China's own Constitution and its international obligations. prgtoken One Oxford university scholar has said that Xi has built the ``perfect dictatorship''--an increasingly repressive garrison state that avoids any international censure. prgtoken Through the UN and the sanctions available in the Global Magnitsky Act, we should be seeking to hold accountable any Chinese officials complicit in torture and illegal detentions. prgtoken Xie Yang identified at least 10 police officers who tortured him. We are in the process of gathering names and identifying information. I will then send those names to President , Secretary of State Tillerson, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, and the Chairs and ranking members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Rela
CELEBRATING THE 2017 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-5-19

once again, I come to the floor to recognize the great success of strong local schools working with dedicated parents and teachers. I rise today to congratulate and honor a number of outstanding high school artists from the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. Each of these talented young men and women participated in the 2017 Congressional Arts Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' Their works of art are exceptional. prgtoken Fifty-five participated. That is a wonderful response, and I would very much like to build on that participation for future competitions. prgtoken , I would like to congratulate the winners of our art competition. First place was awarded to Barbara Benda from Nutley High School for her digital tablet painting entitled, ``Don't Look.'' Second place was awarded to Emma Jang from West Morris Mendham High School for her acrylic entitled, ``Wide Awake.'' Third place was awarded to Emily Wang from Wayne Valley High School for her pen and ink entitled, ``Black Rain.'' prgtoken Honorable Mentions were awarded to: Michelle Tolochko from Boonton High School for her acrylic entitled, ``Self Portrait,'' Ashley O'Brien from Montville Township High School for her watercolor entitled, ``Aphrodite,'' Jaclyn Larsen from Hanover Park High School for her digital photo entitled, ``Messi,'' and Christopher Cortez from the Passaic County Technical Institute for his acrylic entitled, ``Shades of Beauty.'' prgtoken , I would like to recognize each artist for their participation by indicating their prgtoken high school, their name and the title of their contest entries for the official Record. boonton high school Kristen Dalrymple, ``Ghost of you'' Amanda Roberts, ``Bitter Cold'' Michelle Tolochko, ``Self Portrait'' Giancarlo Venturini, ``My Friend Liz'' Delbarton School Tim Adami, ``Victory'' Sean Taylor, ``The Alpine Adventurer'' Eastern Christian High School Steve Blanco, ``Epitaph'' Juliana Struyk, ``Perception Of Fruit'' Hanover Park High School Valentina Mattfeld, ``Dallas'' Megan Canzonieri, ``Ophelia'' Jac1yn Larsen, ``Messi'' Sarah Court, ``Dash'' Livingston High School Rachel Kogut, ``Imagination'' MeWe Art Julia Hou, ``Fire and Water'' Montville Township High School Madeleine Morris, ``Wildflowers'' Ashley O'Brien, ``Aphrodite'' Darrel Tsinadze, ``Red Pearls'' Alexander Tullo, ``Samantha's Columns'' Morristown High School Deanna C. Swanson, ``Vanitas'' Morris Knolls High School Alyssa DeFilippis, ``Melodic Vibes'' Megan Ramos, ``Angel'' Divya Patel, ``Lola'' Claire Weber, ``Livid''
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN SOLDIER ARMY SERGEANT (SGT) JASON WALTER VAUGHN
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-5-19

today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Sergeant (SGT) Jason Walter Vaughn who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 10, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Vaughn died of wounds from an improvised explosive device that detonated near his vehicle in Baqubah, Iraq, during his second tour of duty. prgtoken SGT Vaughn was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. He joined the Army in 2002, serving in Iraq from November 2003 to November 2004, and then returning in July 2006. He received his initial training at Fort Benning, Georgia. SGT Vaughn held the rank of Specialist at the time of his death and was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. During his military service, SGT Vaughn received the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. prgtoken SGT Vaughn was born in Memphis, TN, moving a few times before his family settled in Iuka, MS. He graduated from Tishomingo County High School in Iuka, MS in 1996. He later attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University. prgtoken According to his mother, RaNae Vaughn, ``Jason was a kindhearted, selfless person. He was a beautiful person inside and out. His memory inspires us to be better, do better and dream big.'' His father, Walter Vaughn, told the Associated Press, ``The world lost a leader. My son was a born leader.'' prgtoken SGT Vaughn's survivors include his wife, Contessa Williams Vaughn; stepdaughter, Ashley Martin; father and stepmother, Walter and Pat Vaughn; mother, RaNae Smith Vaughn, as well as a brother, sister, and two step-sisters. prgtoken In 2011, H.R. 2213, introduced by Representative Alan Nunnelee, designated the Iuka, MS Post Office as the ``Sergeant Jason W. Vaughn Post Office.'' As of July 1, 2017, the portion of Mississippi Highway 25 within the city limits of Iuka, MS will be known as the ``SGT Jason Vaughn Memorial Highway.'' prgtoken The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.
CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN OF TAIWAN
Joe Barton (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

tomorrow, May 20th, is the first anniversary of President Tsai Ing-wen's inauguration. Having met President Tsai twice during her first year in office, I would like to congratulate her and the people of Taiwan on this occasion. Taiwan has become a vibrant democracy, where power at the presidential level has been peacefully transferred from one political party to another three times--most recently in last year's election. Taiwan's democracy is a shining example for both the Asia-Pacific region, and for the world. At the same time, Taiwan has endeavored to be a good global citizen I treasure the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, which is one between like-minded friends who share the same values. I admire the distance the people of Taiwan have come in the face of many challenges. As a friend to Taiwan, I commend its people and President Tsai on this anniversary.
RECOGNIZING MR. WALTER PARRISH
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to recognize Mr. Walter Parrish, a 98-year-old World War II veteran in Georgia's First Congressional District. prgtoken Mr. Parrish was born on March 12, 1919, less than 6 months after the end of World War I. Originally from New Jersey, Mr. Parrish served 5 years in the Navy as a signalman on destroyer ships, where he used lamps and visual objects to communicate with others in the water. prgtoken Mr. Parrish served both in the Atlantic and the Pacific theaters of the war, and it is undoubted that his role was crucial to the success of his shipmates. prgtoken Although winning World War II is a major accomplishment, Mr. Parrish enjoyed another important milestone during the war when he married his prgtoken wife. He asked her hand in marriage on a Sunday and married her less than a week later, on Wednesday. prgtoken Mr. Parrish, thank you for your service to our country, and I hope your inspiring life will serve as a lesson for all those who know your story. prgtoken With Memorial Day approaching, I encourage everyone in our Nation to take time to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans, thank our Nation's veterans, and understand the importance of their service.
HONORING DEPUTY MICHAEL SCOTT WILLIAMS
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to honor the memory of fallen Taylor County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Scott Williams. prgtoken On the morning of October 31, 2016, Deputy Williams put on his uniform and climbed into his patrol car, heading to the job he loved. He was tragically killed in a collision that morning. prgtoken Deputy Williams joined the Taylor County Sheriff's Department in May of 2015, and was promoted to officer in charge, serving as his sergeant's second in command. He dedicated his life to law enforcement. For him, it was not just a job; it was a calling. Friends and family described Deputy Williams as a quick study and an experienced lawman who loved to make people laugh. prgtoken This week, Deputy Williams was honored at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service in Washington, a fitting reminder that his heroism will not be forgotten. prgtoken Please join me in honoring Deputy Michael Scott Williams and all of our fallen law enforcement heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our safety.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-5-19

I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the National Association of Home Builders. prgtoken For three-quarters of a century, the NAHB has been fighting for homeowners, home builders, and communities across the country. Today, the federation includes over 700 local and State home builder associations who are committed to fostering a pro-growth climate and sensible, cost-effective housing policies. prgtoken How do I know? Because my family has been involved in our local chapter for decades. prgtoken The NAHB has long supported the builders who create beautiful homes in west Michigan--my home--as well as across the Nation. Many of these builders are small-business men and women who represent the backbone of the American economy. prgtoken By standing up to regulatory overreach and promoting a pro-growth environment, the NAHB is helping these entrepreneurial small businesses to have a voice. Thanks in part to the efforts of the NAHB, builders and consumers throughout the country are back on their feet, housing production has increased, and builders are increasingly confident in the market. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the National Association of Home Builders as they work to keep the home building industry moving forward. prgtoken Congratulations for those 75 years.
RECOGNIZING E COMPANY, 141ST INFANTRY REGIMENT
Beto O’Rourke (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-19

I am honored to rise today to recognize E Company, 141st Infantry Regiment, which served with valor and distinction during World War II. prgtoken In 1940, E Company, along with the entire 141st Infantry Regiment was federalized and assigned to the 36th Infantry Division. E Company was distinct in its heritage and was composed almost entirely of Mexican- American soldiers. A vast majority of E Company's soldiers hailed from El Paso. prgtoken The 141st Infantry Regiment shipped off to North Africa in April 1943. The regiment was one of the units in the amphibious invasion of Italy at Salerno, and they suffered heavy casualties. As the 141st fought its way through Italy, the regiment, as well as E Company, fought with distinction. The 141st reinforced units at Anzio, helped tip the scales to rout the Germans, and entered Rome in June 1944. This culminated 137 days of combat during which the 141st Infantry Regiment suffered over 3,000 casualties. The Germans called the 141st ``wild men from Texas, skilled in fieldcraft and fighting.'' prgtoken The regiment then participated in a third amphibious landing, its second combat assault against a fortified beachhead, and entered Southern France. The 141st continued to fight through Central Europe. E Company participated with the regiment in all its major campaigns and battles. The unit deactivated in December 1945 after the war. The regiment had suffered 1,126 killed, more than 5,000 wounded, and over 500 missing in action. Its soldiers were awarded an astonishing three Medals of Honor, 31 Distinguished Service Crosses, 492 Silver Stars, and 1,685 Bronze Stars. prgtoken The valor and bravery of the soldiers of E Company, 141st Infantry Regiment must not be forgotten. As America prepares to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members this Memorial Day, I ask that we take a moment to remember the soldiers of E Company. They represented the best of El Paso, Texas, and the nation as our brave service members valiantly fought the forces of tyranny. I am honored to represent the men and women of El Paso who carry on the legacy of E Company as they continue to stand against injustice and pursue the American dream.