mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2, AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-12-12

American agriculture is a dynamic part of our national economy and a significant part of our local communities. Agriculture impacts the life of every American, and it is important that this industry can continue to meet the needs of our nation. prgtoken This Farm Bill Conference Report strikes a strong balance of reforms while providing the stability that our nation's farmers and rural communities need. Over the past five years rural America has endured some of the toughest economic times seen in generations. These hardworking men and women get up every day to put food not only on their table, but yours and mine as well. prgtoken This Farm Bill provides the stability they need to run a successful business and take care of their families. It strengthens rural development initiatives and makes significant investments in rural broadband. prgtoken Additionally, while promoting sound agriculture policy this legislation legalizes the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity and removes it from the list of controlled substances. In 2017, the sale of hemp products totaled an estimated 800 million dollars in the United States, however the majority of those products were imported from China and Canada. American farmers will now be able to prgtoken take advantage of this untapped market and begin growing hemp to capitalize on its many commercial uses. prgtoken In closing, I would like to commend Chairman Conaway and his staff for their unrelenting work on this Farm Bill. It has been a privilege to fight alongside you on the House Agriculture Committee to ensure prosperity for rural America. I am proud to support this important legislation and it has been a true privilege to represent the interests of farmers from Virginia's Sixth District. I urge a yes vote
HONORING SERGEANT DYLAN ELCHIN
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-12-12

I rise today to honor Army Sergeant Jason Mitchell McClary, a western Pennsylvania native who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty. prgtoken Sergeant McClary grew up in Export, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Lillie, graduated from Kiski Area High School in 2013. A true patriot as a student, Jason dreamed of serving his country. prgtoken In January 2014, he achieved his dream and enlisted in the Army. Jason went on to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two Purple Hearts and three Army Commendation Medals, including one for valor and one for combat. prgtoken Tragically, this courageous soldier was taken from us too soon. On November 27, 2018, Jason was injured from an IED explosion and died 5 days later, leaving behind two little sons, a heartbroken wife, and a grieving community of family and friends. prgtoken Jason is fondly remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, and hardworking soldier. prgtoken May the good Lord welcome home this son of western Pennsylvania with open arms, and may He bless Jason's family with peace and consolation.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-12-12

when we set out to update and reform our criminal justice system, we sought the expertise from a broad range of stakeholders and advocates. Our focus has always been to reduce crime and recidivism and improve fairness in a way that promotes safety and respect for the law. We could not have done this without the essential input from a number of key law enforcement organizations that partnered with us in this endeavor. prgtoken The Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives played a formative role in the updated text we released earlier today. Their continued leadership and good faith engagement have cut a path forward on a once-in-a-generation chance to improve American justice. I would also like to thank the National District Attorneys Association, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration, who gave valuable input on this bill. Their engagement offered important law enforcement perspective in the initial stages of our work. prgtoken While some groups have chosen to stay on the sidelines or even undermine our work, these organizations have provided us with critical feedback needed to refine and strengthen the First Step Act. They have helped to advance law enforcement priorities and the goals of reform. prgtoken With President 's continued leadership, the wealth of input from voices across the political spectrum, and Senator McConnell's work in bringing this up for a vote, I look forward to getting this bill signed into law.
EXPRESSING GRATITUDE FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-12-12

I rise today to give my final speech in the United States House of Representatives to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Arizona's Second Congressional District. prgtoken It has been a tremendous honor to deploy here to the people's House over the past 4 years as an advocate and champion for Tucson, Sierra Vista, Douglas, Bisbee, and all the other amazing communities in southeastern Arizona. prgtoken I am grateful to my dedicated staff in Arizona, who were omnipresent in our community and fought for constituents who needed help with Federal bureaucracies. They were able to solve nearly 6,000 cases, returning nearly $2.5 million to seniors, veterans, and others--money that was rightfully theirs in the first place. This is one of the most meaningful and impactful parts of our job. prgtoken My D.C. staff tirelessly helped push our legislative initiatives forward. Because of them, we saved the A-10 Warthog, put the Douglas port of entry project on the map, kept the Cherrybell postal processing facility open, fast-tracked our veterans for jobs at the border, opened Arlington again to our World War II female pilot heroes, improved mental health access, stopped a harmful tax increase on seniors and the middle class, led bipartisan efforts to break the gridlock on healthcare, border security, immigration, and so much more. prgtoken A heartfelt thanks to all my staff, but especially those who were with me all 4 years: my chief, Justin Roth; district director, C.J. Karamargin; LD, Pace McMullan, and deputy district director, Rosa Ruiz. prgtoken As I reflect on my two terms in the House, I will cherish many memories from this time of service. I was honored to have a front row seat to history here in our Nation's Capitol. prgtoken I will never forget sitting next to an American hero, Sam Johnson, on the day I was sworn in, or being on this floor as two Presidents delivered their State of the Union speeches and when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis addressed a joint session of Congress. prgtoken I was blessed to pay final respects to American icons like Senator John McCain, Reverend Billy Graham, and President George H.W. in the sacred grounds in the Capitol rotunda. prgtoken To my fellow Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, those who have been here awhile and those who will be sworn in soon, I humbly ask that you never forget the privilege it is to serve here and why you are here. Membership in this body is a precious opportunity. Don't take it lightly, and don't squander it. prgtoken It is not about us. As soon as we leave here, this institution will move on and, candidly, few will remember us. Use the time wisely. We have been entrusted to solve our Nation's problems and chart its course for a better future. Do the right thing. Do it for the right reasons. And get things done. This is why we are here. prgtoken The people of our great country--the people
HONORING P.E. MacALLISTER
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-12-12

I rise today, on behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District of Indiana, to recognize P.E. MacAllister for his contribution to our state. prgtoken P.E. is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished Hoosiers to ever grace our state. P.E. built a business empire at MacAllister Machinery. Some have referred to him as the ``founding father of modern Indianapolis'' for his extraordinary commitment and service. It has been an honor to work with him in advancing our shared principles. prgtoken I have had the pleasure of knowing P.E. for nearly two decades. To me, P.E. has been a friend, supporter and trusted advisor during my entire tenure in Congress. Simply put: there is no one I admire more than P.E. MacAllister. prgtoken I want to thank P.E. for his friendship and loyalty to me over all these years. I wish him continued success in all that God has planned for his family.
HONORING THE CALIFORNIA DELEGATION
Jeff Denham (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-12-12

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for scheduling this time for all of us to address each other, as well as address our country. prgtoken I rise to express my gratitude to the men and women of California's 10th Congressional District for allowing me the honor of serving them and representing them here in our Nation's Capitol for the last 8 years. prgtoken Together, we were able to accomplish incredible things for the Central Valley. The recent passage of the farm bill ensures greater prioritization of the Central Valley and will help our farmers, our farmland to keep the valley productive for future generations. The bil includes my VET-2-FARMS Act; crop insurance, dairy, and specialty crop protections; and several key animal welfare provisions. prgtoken We also advanced the debate on immigration reform. I am proud to have stood with my friend, Pete Aguilar, as we fought to protect our Nation's Dreamers and secure our borders in a bipartisan manner. prgtoken My Veteran Skills to Jobs Act, which passed in 2012, has helped many veterans find employment using the skills that they learned while serving their country. There is no greater way to show respect to our men and women in uniform than allowing them to use the credentials and the service and the expertise that they had on Active Duty to gain gainful employment once they depart service. prgtoken We passed the Civilian Property Realignment Act, which allows us to sell off the properties we don't need so we can reduce our debt, including the first property, which was the hotel, the old post office. prgtoken The Passenger Railway Authorization bill, which forced Amtrak to run more like a business, actually having pets on trains for the first time, which allows them to create a new profit center. prgtoken The Sandy Recovery Act, which allowed us to not only serve in FEMA reform, but actually allowed us to build smart policies across the entire country so that we are building stronger communities resistant to some of these natural disasters. prgtoken Additionally, in our own area, I am proud to have secured the funding and authorization for the French Camp veterans healthcare facility, which will start construction early next year. prgtoken We made real progress on the issue of human trafficking as well. In our community, we have fought to make sure that we were working with all levels of law enforcement, utilizing the best techniques to stop the human trafficking, which has much larger impacts even in California. prgtoken But to have Uber as a partner, now for the first time, the 10th Congressional District has the technology available to align our law enforcement with the victims that could be stuck in harm's way in an Uber or some other type of transportation. prgtoken Through my work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we secured big wins for the 10th District: two different highways, $29 million in TIGER grants and BUILD grants for lo
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-12-12

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 13; further, that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of S.J. Res. 54 under the previous order.
HONORING CAPTAIN ANDREW P. ROSS
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-12-12

before I begin, I want to express my sincere thanks to General Vincent Brooks, my classmate from West Point, upon his retirement day after 38 years of active military service. prgtoken , I came down to the floor to read a Facebook post from another West Pointer honoring his close friend who died on November 27 of this year in Afghanistan. prgtoken Time will not permit me to go through his entire post, but I think for many of us who have served in the conflicts that we have today, it underlines the sacrifice that our men and women pay to the service of our country. prgtoken And I will end with this. It was Captain Andrew Ross who died on November 27, 2018. And the last verse of our alma mater which was sung at the second singing of alma maters at the Army-Navy game, it ends with this, and I think it is appropriate: And when our work is done. Our course on Earth is run. May it be said, `Well done; Be thou at peace.' E'er may that line of gray. Increase from day to day. Live, serve, and die, we pray. West Point for thee. prgtoken God bless the family of Captain Ross and all the men and women who serve overseas in dangerous locations. prgtoken , I rise today in memory of Captain Andrew P. Ross, who passed away in Afghanistan on Tuesday, November 27th. prgtoken Captain Ross was a Virginian native who earned his education at West Point, my alma mater. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. Afterward, Captain Ross joined Special Forces and led Green Berets. prgtoken On November 27th, Captain Ross was killed when an IED detonated underneath his vehicle in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. His friend, Michael Shepherd, shared the following words to honor his memory: I am still numb and perhaps still in disbelief. I have been dreading writing this post, but I am going to get this out because I believe people should know. ``Apocalypse 36, this is master 36. I am providing overwatch from your northwest as you move north along the route.'' I knew that voice better than anyone when it came over the radio. That was Drew Ross, my best friend. My West Point classmates and fellow platoon leaders know nothing is more calming than knowing your battle buddy is looking out for you. I met Drew on July 2, 2007 when we started West Point together. We were in the same cadet basic training platoon and in the same cadet company (Go Frogs!) for three years. Then, we found ourselves together again at Fort Stewart, GA in the same cavalry squadron (Mustangs!). By the time we deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, we knew more about each other than we probably would've liked. Drew was the third platoon leader in B Troop and I was the third platoon leader in A Troop. After 9 months, we sat next to each other on the flight home. When the pilot announced that we were over U.S. airspace, Drew and looked
TRIBUTE TO BILL NELSON
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-12

I rise today to recognize my distinguished colleague and friend, Senator Bill Nelson. He has represented the people of Florida in the U.S. Senate for 18 years now. prgtoken Today it may seem that there is very little that unites people of different parties in this Congress. It may seem a strange notion to say good things about your political rivals and opponents. But this is America. I think the prgtoken day will never come where men and women of honest hearts and good faith cannot come together and find common goals worth fighting for together. prgtoken Bill and I have served together on the Senate Armed Services Committee and on the Senate Commerce Committee, but the principal area where Bill and I have had the privilege of working closely together concerns space. Bill and I have worked hand in hand promoting and protecting America's program of space exploration and supporting the critical institutions in the State of Texas, the State of Florida, and throughout the country that have made our country a world leader in space. It has been a truly bipartisan partnership. Both Bill and I believe that America is and should be going forward the leader in space, that we have a responsibility, and that there are great and glorious things to accomplish for mankind through space exploration. In this time of bitter, partisan division, of nasty personal rivalries, we have been able to see truly bipartisan cooperation. prgtoken We worked together hand in hand on the 2015 commercial space bill, passed into law and signed into law by President . We worked hand in hand on the NASA Authorization Act of 2017. We worked hand in hand and passed that into law, signed into law by President . There are very few major, substantive areas that have major legislation, one signed by and one signed by . I think that is a reflection of the bipartisan cooperation we have seen. prgtoken We worked hand in hand on the Space Frontier Act, and we are working together to extend the operation of the International Space Station to 2030. That accomplishment, that cooperation is good for America, and it is good for our leadership in space. prgtoken I have to say that I am still jealous that, unlike Senator Nelson, I haven't been on an actual trip to space for a hands-on experience, but I suppose anything can happen. prgtoken Bill, I promise you, our work will continue. America's leadership in space will continue. We will persevere and constantly show those who say it can't be done that there is still the will to drive, to explore, to create, to learn, and to search the unknown for answers. prgtoken Bill, you are right--I believe that in our lifetime, a human being will step foot on the surface of Mars and that the first boot that lands on the red planet will be the American boot of an American astronaut planting the flag of the United States of America. prgtoken There is still a will in our Nation to tame the stars an
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF AFCM (AVIATION PILOT) JOHN L. CULBERT
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-12-12

I rise today to honor Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman John Culbert. Master Chief Culbert, a native of Dodge City, Kansas who faithfully served his country for 30 years. prgtoken Upon his enlistment into the Navy in December of 1940, Master Chief Culbert attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes Illinois. Soon after he completed Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD) A-School at Naval Air Station (NAS), Jacksonville, Florida in 1941. After graduation, Master Chief Culbert received his first duty assignment at Rodd Field, Corpus Christie, Texas and went on to transfer to NAS John Rogers, Honolulu, Hawaii in 1944. In 1945, Master Chief Culbert was accepted into flight school at the Naval Air Training Base Pensacola, Florida where he received his golden wings as an enlisted Naval Aviation Pilot. prgtoken In December of 1948, Master Chief Culbert reenlisted and received orders to Utility Squadron Three, as part of a four-year tour of drone control. In 1952, he returned to Pensacola, Florida, for helicopter school. Upon his graduation in April 1954, Master Chief Culbert transferred to Helicopter Squadron One at NAS Imperial Beach, California, serving in air and sea rescue. It was during this time he rescued an Aviation Ordnanceman who fell overboard. prgtoken In September 1955, Master Chief Culbert began flying air and sea rescues at Naval Station Sangley Point, Cavite City, Philippines. In September 1957, he transferred to NAS North Island Operations, where he flew transports. After finishing his final overseas deployment at NAS Naples, Italy from July 1960 to July 1963 as copilot for a Rear Admiral and helicopter pilot for a four-star Admiral, Master Chief Culbert transferred to NAS Miramar in San Diego, California as a test pilot for the Navy's invention of Aqueous Film Forming Foam. Master Chief Culbert retired on July 1, 1970. prgtoken During Master Chief Culbert's career, he qualified to fly 22 different types of fixed and rotary-winged aircrafts and received multiple medals across his 30 years of service. Master Chief John Culbert selflessly served this great country and his service is an inspiration for generations to come.
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. CLAUDE EUGENE JORDAN
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-12-12

I rise today in recognition of the service of Mr. Claude Eugene Jordan and his long and honorable career as a firefighter. Mr. Jordan has honored his country with over 30 years of service in civilian firefighting, demonstrating not only skill at his craft, but devotion to our nation. prgtoken Before his career in firefighting began, Mr. Jordan grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland where he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department since 1980. On May 11, 1987, he began his employment with the Dahlgren, Virginia Fire Department. prgtoken By November 5, 1989, Mr. Jordan was promoted to Supervisory Captain. Over his long career at Dahlgren, Mr. Jordan has served in nearly every position starting as a firefighter and ultimately, on February 5, 2015, he was promoted to his current role of Battalion Chief of Operations for Naval District Washington Fire and Emergency Services at Naval Support Activity South Potomac in Dahlgren, Virginia. prgtoken Mr. Jordan is married to Tina Jordan, and together they have happily raised five daughters: Brittany Lambdin, Emilie Jordan, Madison Jordan, Kaleigh Jordan, and Makenzie Jordan. prgtoken Today, we honor Claude Eugene Jordan and his 30 years of exemplary service to the Navy as a civilian firefighter. His hard work, devotion, and strong character will be missed by his fellow firefighters as he transitions to a joyful retirement. His spirit of selflessness is an enduring example to us all as I am told that Mr. Jordan is the type of man who spent his career worrying about his colleagues rather than himself. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Claude Eugene Jordan's lifetime of accomplishment and dedication. An admirable illustration of leadership and service, and an outstanding member of our community, may God bless Mr. Jordan and his family as they begin a new chapter in life. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.