mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF THE NEW MEXICO STATE REPRESENTATIVE HENRY ``KIKI'' SAAVEDRA
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , I rise today in honor of New Mexico state Representative Henry ``Kiki'' Saavedra, who passed away earlier this week. prgtoken Kiki was a legend in the Roundhouse. A longtime friend and colleague of my father, I grew up playing with his young sons as our dads worked together. I remember his laughter, and later, as I grew up, I saw how that infectious spirit brought people together politically. prgtoken He was well liked and respected by everyone, regardless of party. And, whether it was infrastructure projects or funding issues, he got things done because of it. prgtoken Kiki was truly a special person, and I know his impact will be felt in the Legislature for decades to come. prgtoken My prayers are with Kiki and his loving family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING THE LIFE OF FIRE CHIEF TOM SCHULTZ
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Fire Chief Tom Schultz, the thirteenth Fire Chief for the city of Garden Grove. prgtoken Fire Chief Tom Schultz began his career in firefighting at the age of 21 as a Fire Prevention Specialist with the Fullerton Fire Department. He soon became a firefighter, and later a captain. After 2 decades, he became the Training and Disaster Preparedness Officer, responsible for the department's overall professional Fire training and for updating and implementing the citywide disaster preparedness program. prgtoken In 2007, his diligence earned him the position of Shift Battalion Chief which allowed him to oversee the daily activities of the department. In 2011, while serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations, he was assigned to facilitate the management integration of the Fullerton and Brea Fire Departments. His extensive work ascended him to become the acting Fire Chief. prgtoken In 2015, after an established 30-year career, he was chosen to be the Fire Chief for the city of Garden Grove. Since then, he had proudly and wholeheartedly served the residents of Garden Grove. prgtoken Fire Chief Tom Schultz was known as the ``firefighter's firefighter''. For more than 25 years, he had been a Fire technology instructor at Santa Ana College, training hundreds of students with a passion for saving lives and serving the community. prgtoken Anyone who knew Fire Chief Tom Schultz can attest to his integrity, dedication, and humility. While he is a hero to many, he was also a loving son, husband, and father to his prgtoken family. Today, Fire Chief Schultz is survived by his wife of 27 years and children. prgtoken Madam , I had the opportunity to work with Fire Chief Tom Schultz; and I ask that the House join me in a brief moment of silence in honor of Fire Chief Tom Schultz's memory. We are forever in debt to his service. Shall his legacy live on.
GUN SAFETY
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-1-30

when it comes to gun violence, we talk about Parkland, we talk about Trayvon Martin, and we talk about Jordan Davis. But I want to take a moment today for the victims whom we don't always talk about. prgtoken I want to talk about the nearly 100 Americans who lose their lives to gun violence in this country every single day. prgtoken I want to talk about the mothers and the fathers who have suffered tragic loss--the voices that we don't always hear. prgtoken Just last week, four lost their lives in a shooting just a few miles outside of my district in Georgia. Those four families are torn apart forever. prgtoken Each day, nearly 100 families are torn apart forever. For those loved ones, thoughts and prayers are simply not enough. We need policy and we need change. It is on us here in Congress to do something. prgtoken , I pray that my colleagues here and in the Senate will support me in acting to pass meaningful gun safety legislation
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2019-1-30

. Madam , I was unable to have my votes recorded on the House floor on Monday, January 28, 2019 due to flight cancellations from heavy snow in Wisconsin. Had I been present, I would have supported the passage of all bills considered on the floor. In particular, I strongly supported the passage of H.R. 502, the FIND Trafficking Act, as this bill is an important step forward in preventing online marketplaces used for sex trafficking or illegal drug trafficking.
FEDERAL CIVILIAN WORKFORCE PAY RAISE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2019
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-1-30

I thank my friend from Massachusetts, and I congratulate her on this amendment. prgtoken I can't believe that the distinguished ranking member of our committee would continue to engage in conspiracy theories that have been, in fact, disproved and, worse, would actually paint the entire 41,000 or more workforce of the IRS with one brush. They are all, apparently, out to get us. prgtoken You would never know these are hardworking public servants who serve their country nobly and often under very difficult circumstances, because they are hardly the most popular agency in town. prgtoken Of course they deserve a pay raise. They were affected by the shutdown. Many of them were called back by the administration to come back without pay because certain industries needed paper being processed. They did it because they are noble public servants and they are patriots, as the distinguished chairman of our committee indicated. prgtoken So instead of slandering public servants, we want to honor them. prgtoken You are right. We are proud of this amendment, and it is anything but the most ridiculous to come to the floor. It is a very important amendment. I support it.
Introductory Statement on S. 296
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-1-31

I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that would ensure geriatric education for our current workforce while it would optimize resources to bolster academic careers in geriatrics and help to attract the best and the brightest into this field. Together, these programs would develop exactly the kind of highly qualified workforce that we need to care for Americans as our Nation grows older. prgtoken I thank the Presiding Officer.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-1-31

I want to continue talking about a subject that I talked about yesterday, and that is our situation in the Middle East--specifically, but not exclusively, with respect to Syria. prgtoken To focus my thoughts, I want to begin talking about S. 1, which we are considering and will be considering shortly. We have been considering the procedural matters. prgtoken S. 1 is the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act. Its sponsor is the senior Senator from the Presiding Officer's State, Senator Rubio. He has done an extraordinary job with this bill. We both know Senator Rubio. He is whip-smart, as I said yesterday. Speaking for me, he has forgotten more foreign policy than I will ever know. prgtoken This is a good bill. I will just mention a couple of things. Senator Risch has worked very hard on it as well. He is, of course, the chairman of our Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken There is a lot to like in S. 1. I just made a list walking over here. No. 1, S. 1 is going to reaffirm our commitment to protecting Israel. Israel is easily our most important ally in the Middle East and is easily our most important friend in the Middle East. On some days, I think they are easily our only friend in the world, and we should support our friends. Let me say that again. We have to support our friends, and Israel is a friend. This bill will support Israel, and I like that. So I am going to vote for the bill. prgtoken No. 2, Senator Rubio's bill strengthens our bond with Jordan, another key ally. Jordan is a key ally in fighting terrorism and the humanitarian catastrophe caused by Assad's butchering of his own people in Syria, along with the help of Vladimir Putin in Russia. prgtoken No. 3, Senator Rubio's bill will combat a radical economic welfare campaign against Israel. That is very important. You either support Israel or you don't. It is time for everybody to stand up and be counted. I do. prgtoken Finally, Senator Rubio's bill creates new sanctions on the Government of Syria. I am not sure they are going to be enough, but it is a start. It targets those who have been laundering money to help the Assad regime. prgtoken I support all of these things. I support S. 1, sponsored by Senator Rubio. I thank him, Senator Risch, and everybody who has worked so hard on S. 1. prgtoken There is a way to make S. 1 better, and I have an amendment pending that will do that. I have heard some of my colleagues correctly say that S. 1 is about standing with our allies, and that is important. Certainly, America's foreign policy is centered, in part, around interests but not exclusively around interests. Values are important too. If you have a foreign policy just based on your nation's interests, all you do is go from deal to deal to deal, and everything becomes expendable, depending on what day it is. prgtoken America's foreign policy has never been based exclusively on interests. I am not saying interests aren't invo
HONORING WILLIAM MARVIN AND BETTY ANN KNIGHT
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-1-31

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize William Marvin and Betty Ann Knight, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on January 26, 2019. prgtoken Bill and Betty have spent their lives serving their community. Whether Betty's service in the County Treasurer's office and guiding Platte County as the Presiding Commissioner for 16 years, or through their volunteer efforts on boards and community organizations, Bill and Betty have always been pillars of the community. It is my hope that they can enjoy this time of celebration and look back on all of the joyful times they have shared as a couple, from quiet family moments to trips in far flung locations across the continent. prgtoken Madam , I proudly ask you to join me, their friends, daughters, and grandchildren in congratulating William Marvin and Betty Ann Knight on their 50th wedding anniversary and in wishing them many more years of continued health and happiness.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-1-31

I am pleased the Senate is finally debating S. 1 after three inexplicable ic attempts to filibuster the bill. This package of Middle East policy bills, all of which have bipartisan support, addresses a number of key issues. prgtoken For starters, this legislation will further strengthen our relationship with our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel. It authorizes 10 years of military support funding to Israel. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to ensuring that Israel has better weapons and equipment than its enemies. It will also foster increased technical cooperation between Israel and the United States to support the security of both of our countries. prgtoken The legislation also strengthens our relationship with another close ally of ours in the Middle East, the Kingdom of Jordan. The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Tuesday was a timely reminder of the importance of investing in our alliances. Senior intelligence officials testified that China and Russia are becoming increasingly aggressive in seeking to increase their influence, not just in their own regions but in other parts of the world. Russia's support in the Syrian regime is a prime example. prgtoken Now, more than ever, it is vital that we maintain close relationships with our allies. The legislation before us also contains the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. This legislation will help hold accountable individuals who have supported the atrocities of the Assad regime. It directs the Treasury Department to investigate whether the Central Bank of Syria launders money for the Syrian Government. prgtoken The conflict in Syria has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and driven literally millions of Syrians from their country. While the United States cannot solve every conflict around the world, it is vital that we make it very clear the United States will not tolerate those who have contributed to the brutality of Bashar al-Assad's government. prgtoken Finally, the legislation we are considering today will protect the right of State and local governments to decline to do business with entities that have chosen to boycott Israel. As I said, all of the bills in the legislation before us today have bipartisan support, and I hope the Senate will pass this legislation with a strong bipartisan majority. Amendment No. 65 prgtoken , I also would like to take a few moments to talk about an amendment the leader has proposed. As I noted, this week, our intelligence community leaders gave a frank assessment of the threats we face to our national security and to our interests, from ISIS and al-Qaida to the danger posed by a growing alignment between Russia and China, to Iran's destabilizing activities in the Middle East. As intelligence officials made clear, the U.S. faces numerous persistent threats, and we should be wary of letting our guard down or becoming complacent about
IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE JACK T. BRINKLEY, SR.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-1-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor a distinguished public servant, dedicated statesman, mentor, and dear friend of longstanding, The Honorable Jack T. Brinkley, Sr. Sadly, Jack passed away on January 23, 2019, at the age of 88. His passing marks the close of a long and prolific life, and his departure leaves a void in the hearts of many Georgians. He leaves behind an impeccable legacy of service that will never be forgotten. A funeral service was held on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Evangel Temple in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken Jack Thomas Brinkley, Sr. was born on December 22, 1930, to the union of the late Lonnie and Stella Brinkley in Faceville, Georgia. A product of the Decatur County Public School System, he graduated from Attapulgus High School in 1947 and Young College in 1949 before working as an educator and basketball coach from 1949 to 1951. In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 5 years as a combat crew pilot. After honorably serving his country, he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, was admitted to the bar, and became a prominent lawyer with Young, Hollis, and Mosely and later with Coffin and Brinkley, both in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken He served in the General Assembly of Georgia for two one-year terms from 1965 to 1966. While serving as the State Representative for District 112, he was appointed Chairman of the Local Affairs Committee, authored legislation to require phenylketonuria (PKU) testing for newborn infants, and spearheaded the protest against the closure of the Warm Springs Institute for which he later sponsored funding legislation. prgtoken In 1966, he was elected to Congress from the 3rd District of Georgia at age 35, and served for eight terms, retiring from the 97th Congress in 1983. While serving as the representative for Georgia's Third Congressional District, Jack authored several key pieces of legislation. Following the Vietnam War, he was the author of legislation establishing the Gold Star Wives Charter. He also authored dual use legislation in Civil Defense during the Carter administration which authorized, by statute, federal response to natural and wartime disasters. Jack was also the author of legislation designating Andersonville as a National Historic Site, which transferred it from the Department of the Army to the Department of Interior. With the help of his Co-Chairman, the Honorable Rudy Hayes of Americus, he was able to place the Georgia Memorial at the site. prgtoken During his last Congressional term before retirement, he was Chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee, which had jurisdiction over military acquisitions and disposals, and as such, blocked the transfer of land at Fort Gillam chosen for the Region IV Veteran's cemetery. Subsequently, under Jack's leadership, the Fort Mitchell VA cemetery was approved by the Reagan Administration. prgtoken During the
RECOGNIZING MS. RITA VIDAURRI EDEN
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-1-31

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Ms. Rita Vidaurri Eden, who passed away on January 16, 2019. A true Latina musician and icon, Ms. Vidaurri Eden hails from my hometown of San Antonio. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Palewich Alvarado; her sister Henrietta Rodriguez; a stepbrother, Ruben Vidaurri; four stepsisters, Yvan, Rita, Sofia, and Ellena Vidaurri; numerous nephews, nieces, and 5 generations of grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. prgtoken Ms. Rita Vidaurri Eden was born in San Antonio on May 22, 1924 to Juan and Maria Castillo Vidaurri. At an early age, Ms. Vidaurri Eden showed a keen interest in the performing arts and was encouraged most notably by her mother who passed when she was a teenager. prgtoken Left with the care and responsibility of her younger siblings, Ms. Vidaurri Eden persisted, keeping her passion for singing alive while attending night school by performing on Mexican radio, competing in music contests, and working as an advertising model. prgtoken Ms. Vidaurri Eden was known for her unrivaled performance in Ranchera, a traditional Mexican country music genre that often features love ballads and odes to home. She soon earned the nickname ``La Calandria,'' or the ``Lark'' whose powerful voice resonated throughout every venue where she performed. By the late 1950s and at the height of her career, Ms. Vidaurri Eden retired from the stage, only later reviving her singing career at the age of 80. In 2001, Ms. Vidaurri Eden along with Beatriz Llamas, Blanca Rodriguez and Janet Cortez, formed a group of elder cantantes--referred to as ``Las Tesoros del Westside,'' or the beloved ``the Treasures of the Westside.'' prgtoken Ms. Vidaurri Eden performed across Latin America and the nation. She performed on stage with Mexican artists such as Jorge Negrete, Cantinflas, and sang alongside Nat King Cole, Eydie Gorme, and Celia Cruz. She continued to sing until the end of her life. prgtoken Madam , I stand with confidence knowing that the passing of Ms. Rita Vidaurri Eden does not mark the conclusion of her legacy. Ms. Vidaurri Eden's journey will be forever carried by her timeless music, by fans, and the countless aspiring singers who look to her as a beacon of possibility. prgtoken Ms. Vidaurri Eden's passion for music could only be matched by her perseverance. Her prgtoken legacy will forever be marked by countless admirations and accolades. I am proud to call ``La Calandria'' a pillar in our San Antonio community.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-1-31

I am pleased to reintroduce the ``Santa Ana River Wash Plan Land Exchange Act.'' This legislation would help implement a consensus-driven regional land management plan by directing the Bureau of Land Management to exchange land with the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District in San Bernardino, California. prgtoken Before I continue, I would like to thank Senators Lisa Murkowski and Maria Cantwell, as well as their staffs, for their hard work to move this bill forward last Congress. With their assistance, this legislation passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in August 2018 and was included in a bipartisan public lands package. prgtoken I thank Senator Murkowski for introducing a bipartisan lands package bill this Congress and including this legislation in it. I look forward to working once again with Senator Murkowski, as well as the newly designated Ranking Member, Senator Manchin, to maintain our momentum and pass this bill as quickly as possible. prgtoken I also would like to express my gratitude to Representative Paul Cook and his staff for their continuing work and collaboration on this legislation. Lastly, I welcome working with Representative Cook and Representative Aguilar who are cosponsoring companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Lastly, I thank Senator for cosponsoring this legislation. prgtoken This bill is an excellent example of how smart, sustainable, land planning can be accomplished through interagency cooperation. Federal and State agencies, private industry, and municipalities representing mining, flood control, water supply, wildlife conservation, and other interests all came to the table to develop a land management plan that accounts for the array of land uses in this area. prgtoken The land exchange facilitated by this bill is broadly supported, including by: County of San Bernardino, City of Redlands, City of Highland, San Bernardino Water Conservation District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, East Valley Water District, Endangered Habitats League, CEMEX Construction Materials Pacific, Robertson's Ready Mix, Inland Action. prgtoken This diverse group of entities formed the ``Wash Committee'' in 1993 to address mining and land management in the upper Santa Ana River wash area. prgtoken I applaud the Committee, along with federal, state and local stakeholders, for working together to develop a strategy for comprehensive land management planning for the area. This group has shown that through cooperation, it is possible to both protect the environment and support local business and community interests. prgtoken The land exchange between the San Bernardino Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management will consolidate open space for conservation purposes and optimize the efficiency of mining operations and water conservation efforts. prgtoken The exchange will also set aside new land for