mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-3-14

a few weeks ago, I was talking with my staff, in advance of the President issuing the emergency order, and I told them I wanted to put together an op-ed to really express two things; one, my concern with the manner in which funds were being appropriated but also that there is a real crisis we have to address. In fact, I am very sympathetic to what the President did, and the only question is how he went about doing it. prgtoken I received a lot of feedback over the past few weeks, but what it allowed me to do was to engage in a discussion with some of my colleagues here and with the White House over the past couple of weeks that have been very productive. prgtoken My main concern with this Executive action is future potential abuses. I have a concern with the Executive action the President took, the emergency order, and that is why I voiced it, but I am sympathetic to what he was trying to do. prgtoken I think we can view this as an opportunity--I thought we could view this as an opportunity where maybe we could have a discussion about the National Emergencies Act and potentially make a real difference. prgtoken So today, I come to the floor to say that I do not intend to vote for the resolution of disapproval, and here is why. A lot has changed over the last 3 weeks--a discussion with the Vice President and a number of senior administration officials, a lot of collaboration with my colleague from Utah. There is serious discussion about changing the National Emergencies Act in a way that will have Congress speak on emergency actions in the future. prgtoken The White House has been very gracious and I should say very patient, given my initial position, in working with us and as late as today having the President make a statement that he is willing to work with us. I suspect that we will hear more from the President. prgtoken We also heard today from Leader McConnell. I was trying to remember-- I don't know whether it has been done before--Leader McConnell took to the floor this morning and said that he encourages this discussion through the regular order and working on a bipartisan basis to move a measure forward through the Homeland Security Committee and to this floor for a vote. I, for one, am going to work on that and hopefully get consensus on a bipartisan basis after the temperatures have cooled and we can move on. prgtoken In the meantime, I think we have to recognize that we have a crisis at the border, with 76,000 people crossing illegally in February alone. We have narcotics flooding our country, poisoning our children and adults of all ages. A lot of it has to do with the porous border and the seemingly unending and spiraling-out-of-control crossings. prgtoken One of the challenges that I have to communicate to my constituents, and I am sure everyone does, is how do I reconcile--first, I should say that my colleagues on this side of the aisle who will vote for the resolution of disapproval
RECOGNIZING THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , today I recognize the Michigan Public Health Association (MPHA) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. This organization was founded in 1919 and has been advocating for public health ever since. prgtoken For 100 years, the MPHA has worked diligently to eliminate and reduce gaps in health and health outcomes by improving the quality of life of Michiganders through advocacy, knowledge, practice and research. They perform valuable work in a field that has an immeasurable impact on the lives of all Americans. prgtoken In addition to raising the standard of care throughout Michigan, the Michigan Public Health Association works to increase access to care in all counties of Michigan and assure that no child is uninsured. MPHA advocates for good health policy through community organizing and collaboration. prgtoken On this momentous occasion, I want to congratulate the visionary founders and members of the Michigan Public Health Association, as well as MPHA's current President, Ms. Lorena Disha, and all the leaders of the MPHA for their important work. I look forward to their continued work for the health of our nation.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , due to my attendance of a funeral I was not present for the vote, on March 14, 2019, on H. Con. Res. 24, expressing the sense of Congress that the report of Special Counsel Mueller should be made available to the public and to Congress. Had I been present for rollcall vote 125 I would have voted ``yea.'' I am pleased that this resolution calling for the release of Special Counsel Mueller's report to the public and to Congress passed decisively.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF REVEREND DOCTOR MYRON PANCHUK
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I rise today as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, and as a Chicagoan, to honor the memory of Reverend Doctor Myron Panchuk, a widely respected religious leader and community activist whose sudden passing on March 9th brought tremendous sadness and reflection to the Ukrainian-American community in Chicago and beyond. prgtoken A pillar of Chicago's Ukrainian-American community, Father Myron served countless parishioners throughout his 37 years of Priesthood for the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Diocese of Chicago. In addition to assisting thousands of Chicagoans from all faiths and backgrounds, Fr. Myron was actively involved in more than half a dozen community organizations, including during his tenure as Vice President of the Ukrainian Genocide Famine Foundation. prgtoken After decades of community service, Fr. Myron turned to academia and activism. In 2017, he earned a Ph.D. researching the effects of intergenerational trauma on ethnic Ukrainians. He was committed to building coalitions to fight for ethnic and racial justice, especially in the area of genocide prevention. prgtoken In recent years, as Ukraine's sovereignty has been challenged and outside interference appears unrelenting, Fr. Myron, as an example to us all, continued to pray, and to work, to end the violence and corruption that has marred his ancestral homeland. prgtoken He will be especially remembered for his optimism and courage, and for his faith in a young, new wave of Ukrainian-Americans who face the challenge, and opportunity, of healing the scars of the past and building the future of the Ukrainian-American community. While the City of Chicago and Ukrainian-Americans everywhere mourn his loss, Fr. Myron's legacy is sure to live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.
RECOGNIZING JANICE FULLER'S TEN YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Janice Fuller, who has served as one of my most trusted advisors for the last decade in her roles as District Director and then Chief of Staff. Janice is leaving my office after 10 years of distinguished service. prgtoken For 10 years now, my constituents in New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District have had a fierce advocate in Janice. She has a passion for constituent services and has always been a champion for the district's municipalities, counties, organizations and businesses as they explore funding or partnerships from federal agencies. prgtoken Janice's commitment to and advocacy for the people of my Congressional District was never more on display than in the days, weeks, months and years following Superstorm Sandy, which devastated my district. She was relentless in her efforts to ensure the federal government provided the assistance needed to New Jerseyans impacted by Sandy. Janice fought for increased temporary housing for those who lost their homes, worked to secure funding for critical flood control projects and highlighted flood insurance fraud that was perpetrated against homeowners. Her determination to improve the response and recovery process from this historic storm had an impact on countless people throughout New Jersey. prgtoken Over the last four years, Janice has served as my Chief of Staff, leading my legislative, communications and constituent relations staff. prgtoken Prior to joining my staff in 2009, Janice served the people of New Jersey in the offices of two governors. First, she served in the McGreevey Administration in 2001 and 2002 as an Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff, and from 2006 through 2009 she was the Director of Cabinet Affairs in the Corzine Administration. prgtoken Janice is also well respected throughout New Jersey as one of the state's top political minds. From 2003 through 2006, she was the Executive Director of the New Jersey ic State Committee. In this position, she ran the day-to-day operations of the state political party--this is no easy task. prgtoken Throughout her entire career, Janice has been a fierce advocate for the people of New Jersey. And that advocacy spills over into her free time--if that time even exists for Janice. Not only has she served as a Board Member on the Covenant House New Jersey-Asbury Park Program and the New Jersey Equal Opportunity Fund, she recently won an election to serve on the Ocean Township School Board. prgtoken It goes without saying that public service runs in Janice's blood. She may be leaving my office, but I have no doubt that she will continue to find ways to serve the people of New Jersey throughout the remainder of her career. prgtoken Over the last ten years, Janice has spent a lot of late nights representing me and my constituents at meetings or events throughout the district. I want to acknowledge the support Janice always received from her husband, John, and her three
IN RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM J. WILLIAMS, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY SONS' SWINGLE AWARD
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize William J. Williams, who will receive the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons' Swingle Award. William was honored on Sunday, March 17, at the Friendly Sons' annual St. Patrick's Day event. prgtoken William was born to William and Susan Rudick Williams on May 25, 1955. He is a graduate of Pittston Area High School (class of 1973), and he earned an associate degree in industrial electronics from Luzerne County Community College and a real estate license from Penn State University. prgtoken William found success in a variety of fields throughout his career, in the medical field as prgtoken a respiratory therapy technician, in commercial building sales, and as a real estate agent with Atlas Realty. William has been involved with the Pittston City Ambulance Association since 1973, and he earned his EMT certification in 1977. He is also a member of the Hughestown Hose Company, president of the Eagle Hose Company, and the secretary of the Pittston Volunteer Fireman's Relief organization. prgtoken In 1990, William was hired by the City of Pittston as a firefighter. In 1998, he received commendations for valor from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate after valiantly rescuing an elderly woman from her gas-filled home. William retired from the profession in 2018 as an Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Inspector. prgtoken In addition to having an impressive professional career, William has always been actively involved in his community. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1998, achieving 4th degree in 2003. William has been a member of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons since 1998, serving as president of the organization in 2009. He currently serves as the co-chair of the Friendly Sons Scholarship Committee. prgtoken William resides in Pittston and has been married to his wife Irene for 42 years. He is the proud father of three daughters: Amy, Jennifer, and Samantha. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize William for his many years of service to our community. I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.
IN HONOR OF JD LAMBRIGHT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , today I rise to honor the memory of JD Lambright, a larger-than-life Texan and dedicated leader in Montgomery County. He leaves behind a legacy of outstanding service to the great State of Texas and I know our entire community will miss his presence dearly. prgtoken A product of the Texas Panhandle, JD was born and raised in the town of Pampa, Texas. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering at Texas Tech University, and remained a proud Raider for all his life. Law was another passion of his, and JD later went on to earn his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. prgtoken JD made good use of his Master's and worked as a geophysicist and electrical engineer for Shell Oil Company and Shell E&P Technology Company in Houston. Following his successful career in the energy industry, he started his own private law practice in Conroe, where he focused on a variety of family, criminal, and civil law issues. prgtoken First elected to the Montgomery County Attorney's office in 2012, JD later became the chief legal advisor for Montgomery County. He not only possessed a shrewd legal mind, but a warm and caring heart. Those who were lucky enough to work with him remember most his genuine affection for his co-workers, and he was twice awarded Montgomery County's ``Boss of the Year.'' prgtoken JD was an inspirational leader who used his positions of power for the good of the entire community. During his time at the County Attorney's Office, he was responsible for the passage of the first Code of Ethics in Montgomery County. He worked tirelessly to make this public office more accessible to those who needed it most--the residents. Under his leadership, the office kept more cases in-house, saved hundreds of thousands of tax-payer dollars, and brought in a new normal of government transparency across the Montgomery County area. prgtoken Though I could spend hours listing the many positions held by JD and professional honors he accumulated, I know he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Belinda Cates, herself a prominent figure in the Montgomery County area, and they were married for forty-two wonderful years. prgtoken There is no doubt that JD left a positive professional impact on Montgomery County and the state of Texas, but what I will miss most about him is his old-fashioned friendship, his love for his community, and his infectioustly positive outlook on life. I join JD's family, friends, and the entire Eighth District of Texas in mourning. JD will be greatly missed.
RECOGNIZING EMERY COUNTY, UTAH LEADERS
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the leaders in Emery County, Utah, who fought for over two decades to resolve long standing issues facing their county through federal legislation. On March 12th, 2019, President signed into law S. 47, a sweeping public lands bill that included the Emery County Public Lands Management Act, with broad bipartisan support. prgtoken With this historic achievement, I would like to pay tribute to the exceptional efforts and years of dedication from the Emery County Commissioners, Emery County Public Lands Council, and many other state and local leaders who played an integral role in making this cooperative effort possible. This law will benefit Utahns for decades into the future. prgtoken This law is a model for how Utahns can work together to solve public land management questions in one of the most unique landscapes of the country. After years of input and stakeholder engagement, this law resolves a number of issues affecting the region through a school land trust exchange, conveying certain lands to Emery County, expanding Goblin Valley State Park, conservation designations, and the creation of the new San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. The bill also decreases the amount of land owned by the federal government in Emery County. prgtoken There are countless individuals over the years who deserve recognition and made this law possible. Over the last year, since I sponsored the Emery County bill in the House, I would particularly like to recognize: prgtoken Emery County Commissioners Lynn Sitterud, Kent Wilson, and Gil Conover. prgtoken Emery County Public Lands Council Members Rod Play (Chair), Edward Geary (Vice Chair), Laren Huntsman, Leon McElprang, Kim McFarlane, J.R. Nelson, Randall Stilson, Sherrel Ward, Les Wilberg, Bruce Wilson, and Ray Petersen (Public Lands Administrator). prgtoken House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop. prgtoken Governor Gary Herbert. prgtoken Senator Mitt Romney. prgtoken These leaders should all be very proud of what was accomplished with this bill.
AMERICAN LEGION CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the American Legion. The Legion was first chartered on September 16, 1919 to serve as a patriotic veteran's organization. prgtoken One of the oldest veteran non-profit organizations, the American Legion also stands as the nation's largest wartime Veterans Service Organization. The Legion is devoted to supporting service members, veterans, communities, and families. In its 100 years of existence, the Legion has made remarkable strides in advancing the cause of our veterans and service members through legislative accomplishments like the GI Bill, Flag Code, and the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, a forerunner of the Veterans Administration. The Legion is also active in our local communities, with programs like Operation Comfort Warriors, Boys State, and the American Legion Baseball. Since its charter, the American Legion has made it their mission to mentor youth, advocate for patriotism and honor, and promote strong national security and a continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. prgtoken I applaud the Legion for passing the century mark in their never- ending quest to improve the lives of service members and veterans. I'm proud to be a member of such an excellent organization, and I wish them another 100 years of excellence.
TRIBUTE TO CHAD PADGETT
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I want to pay tribute today and thank Chad Padgett for his years of service on my staff, the great state of Alaska, and to the United States of America. prgtoken Chad Padgett first came to work in my office in 1994 and has served as my State Director for more than a decade. Madam , to put the magnitude and demands of his job into perspective requires some explanation. There are only seven other states in the U.S. House of Representatives that have State Directors. In the other 43 states, the position is commonly referred to as District Director. For example, the State of California has 53 House District Directors. prgtoken During Mr. Padgett's tenure in my office he has traveled to almost every city, town, village and road stop in the state. That's quite an accomplishment in and of itself, when you think about how large the 49th state actually is. Alaska has 6640 miles of coastline representing 50 percent of our nation's total coastline and is one-fifth the size of the entire country. Many of the places Mr. Padgett has traveled to have only been accessible by air or water. Remember, even our state capitol, the third largest city in the state, can only be accessed by plane or ferry. He has traveled by car, truck, jet, single-engine plane, helicopter, state ferry, and boats of all sizes and makes. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Padgett has had a lot of geography to cover in Alaska--more than California, Texas and Montana combined. These three states have 90 people doing what Mr. Padgett does. prgtoken As mentioned earlier, Mr. Padgett joined my team in 1994 as a Campaign Assistant. In 1995, he became a Special Assistant in my congressional office and quickly became my Deputy State Director. He remained in that position until, under President 's administration, he received a Presidential nomination to serve as State Director for the Farm Services Agency. From there, he became the State Director for USDA Rural Development. He remained with the USDA until 2009, when he chose to come back to work as my State Director. prgtoken As much as I hate to see Mr. Padgett leave my office, I am equally pleased that he has been selected to serve as the State Director for the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska. prgtoken Mr. Padgett will excel in his new position. He brings to the job the right temperament, integrity, experience and knowledge necessary to provide leadership and stewardship overseeing our federal lands. prgtoken Mr. Padgett has proven himself as a loyal, competent and respected public servant. He has shown care and compassion for literally thousands of Alaskans by helping them resolve their problems and navigate the bureaucratic mazes. prgtoken He is well-liked by his co-workers and has helped mentor many young staffers by instilling his core values of hard work, loyalty, responsibility and maintaining a positive attitude. prgtoken To me, Chad Padgett is more than my State Director. Most of all, he is
HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAYNE HIGH SCHOOL AFJROTC
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Wayne High School's AFJROTC's 25th anniversary. AFJROTC Unit IN-941 was established in 1994 at Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, under the leadership of Major Ed Bennett and Senior Master Sergeant Bill Tester. Since its inception, AFJROTC Unit IN-941 has prepared over 2,800 cadets for military service and success in and out of the classroom. prgtoken The mission of the AFJROTC is to develop citizens of character, dedicated to serving their nation and community. Now, two decades after its establishment, the Wayne High School AFJROTC continues to uphold the mission. Over the last five years, an average of 122 cadets have joined Unit IN-941. The unit has recorded an impressive 1647 Leadership Development Requirement hours with extracurricular activities such as Model Rocketry, the Academic Bowl and Junior Shooting. Cadets give back to our community by providing Color Guards for events and assisting with Honor Flights from Ft. Wayne. In fact, Unit IN-941 has logged over 4143 hours of community service and has set a goal of 1200 hours for 2019. prgtoken Unit IN-941 has prepared its cadets for success. About five percent of all cadets pursue military-related careers after graduation. I recently had the privilege of appointing Wayne High School AFJROTC cadet Wendy Samayoa to the United States Air Force Academy. Every cadet who served in Unit In-941 at Wayne High School gained valuable skills and experiences that prepared them for life after high school. prgtoken Congratulations to Wayne High School's AFJROTC Unit IN-941 on their 25th anniversary.