mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MARK BURKE
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today because on April 22nd Colorado and our nation lost an invaluable public servant--City Council Member Mark Burke of Breckenridge, Colorado. Mark was renowned throughout his community for the many things he did to help the town grow. During his time in office, he worked tirelessly to better the city's education system and protect the community's natural environment. He also led efforts to develop the city's infrastructure and helped it to recover following the Great Recession. In addition to being a devoted leader, Mark was also a loving friend to all those around him. Many recall numerous times where he went out of his way to help those in need, or even just to brighten someone's day. To Mark, lending a hand was not a challenge, but an opportunity. Mark's love of life and those he shared it with fundamentally changed my home state of Colorado and our entire nation for the better. His leadership and devotion to others brought changes to his community that will be enjoyed for years to come. I hope others in this body and throughout this nation will join me in remembering Mark and the tremendous service he gave to his community and country.
WELCOMING THE MT. CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL BAND TO THE U.S. CAPITOL
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to welcome the Mt. Carmel High School Band to our nation's capital. They are performing this afternoon in front of the United States Capitol to showcase their impressive musical talent, and drill team. This exemplary group of students are a fine representation of Pennsylvania's legacy of educational and musical excellence. prgtoken I have a great appreciation for the hours these students have dedicated to preparing for their concert. I am certain that they will impress us all and be a highlight for many other visitors to the Capitol today. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I proudly welcome the Mt. Carmel High School Band to Capitol Hill and extend my best to them in their performance.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican, AS) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of Vice Chairman Sablan's amendment to provide much-needed emergency funding to repair the wastewater treatment plants devastated by Typhoon Yutu. prgtoken I thank the vice chairman for his leadership on disaster assistance and for securing a Medicaid hearing for the U.S. territories. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for territory Medicaid issues to be brought to the forefront of Congress so that we can solve our access and funding issues, ensuring future equity and accountability for our Medicaid programs. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
HONORING OFFICER JORDAN HARRIS SHELDON
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Officer Jordan Sheldon. He was killed in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop recently. Mr. Sheldon honorably served the Mooresville Police Department for 6 years as a K-9 officer. prgtoken I know that the Mooresville Police Department and the community are heartbroken by this news, as am I. Our men and women in blue put on the uniform every day not knowing what their fate could be, yet they continue to serve their communities without question. prgtoken Madam , I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to represent a place like Mooresville in the U.S. Congress, and I know that I speak for the good folks of Mooresville when I say that Officer Sheldon will not be forgotten. prgtoken I ask Members to join me in praying for Officer Sheldon's family, the Mooresville Police Department, and the community during this difficult time.
PIKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU 100 ANNIVERSARY
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the Pike County Farm Bureau. prgtoken On May 10, 1918, leaders in Pike County met with the goal of helping farmers and our strong agriculture community in west-central Illinois. prgtoken Exactly one hundred years later, the Pike County Farm Bureau continues to thrive supporting rural communities by educating our farmers and providing them with best practices to succeed. prgtoken It's a busy time of year for our farmers who are in the middle of planting season. As we have seen heavy rains and flooding, the Pike County Farm Bureau continues to generate awareness to support those in the agriculture community who are in need. prgtoken With over 2,000 active members, the Pike County Farm Bureau is engrained in our community and their commitment and dedication is clear to our farmers. prgtoken As we celebrate the last 100 years, I want to thank the Pike County Farm Bureau for their unwavering support of our farmers. prgtoken Their support and guidance will lead the Pike County farming community into the next 100 years.
IN RECOGNITION OF JAMIE LAND'S SERVICE TO KENTUCKY
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Chief Jamie Land of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, for his retirement from the Elizabethtown Police Department. Chief Land prgtoken has honorably served in the Elizabethtown police force for over 21 years, and he will be missed when he retires at the end of this month. prgtoken Before joining the Elizabethtown Police Department in 1998, Chief Land served as a military policeman in the United States Marine Corps. Land's distinguished career at the department started as a patrol officer, and he has held many roles at the as he has risen through the ranks, including detective, a leader of the police department's special response team, patrol sergeant, and deputy chief of operations. Throughout his tenure with the Elizabethtown Police Department, Chief Land has dedicated himself to his community and proven himself to be a trusted leader. prgtoken I thank Chief Lind for his years of service to the Elizabethtown community. I wish Chief Land and his wife Brandi nothing but the best in his retirement.
NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today during National Nurses Week to celebrate America's hardworking and professional caregivers, our nurses. prgtoken National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6 through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. prgtoken Men and women who enter the nursing profession care for bodies and minds and educate and empower patients. prgtoken This rewarding profession allows nurses to deeply impact their patients' lives. Often, nurses help those facing serious health challenges. prgtoken Nursing is a science; it is an art; and it is a profession for the most giving, caring, and compassionate individuals. prgtoken Nurses help patients and their families enter new stages of life. From the birth of a child to the challenge of an aging parent, nurses are there, providing expertise and encouragement, delivering care and compassion, and working to deliver positive outcomes. prgtoken Madam , some nurses travel the globe caring for others. Others are the well-known caregivers in their small communities. prgtoken Wherever they practice, I say thank you to our nurses for caring so deeply for all of us.
IN HONOR OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY'S 150TH BIRTHDAY
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor my alma mater, Purdue University, as we celebrate 150 years of ``giant leaps'' and academic excellence. prgtoken Since Purdue's first classes with six instructors and 39 students in 1874, upcoming generations have been equipped to push boundaries in innovation and entrepreneurship. prgtoken Now, with more than 200 areas of undergraduate study and over 69 graduate disciplines, students continue to pave the way for tremendous advances in medicine, agriculture, space exploration, engineering, and numerous other professions. prgtoken Through partnerships with world-renowned programs like NASA and serving the manufacturing sector with technical assistance programs, Purdue's mission to increase economic prosperity touches every aspect of life in Indiana and across the nation. prgtoken I am proud that this university stands as a pillar of excellence in our community. prgtoken Since its 1869 groundbreaking, Purdue University has evolved in response to a changing world, but one thing remains the same: a commitment to integrity and service that has been embodied since the very beginning. prgtoken I join all current and former Boilermakers in wishing Purdue a very happy 150th birthday.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of this amendment to H.R. 2157, increasing funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. prgtoken Last year, Utah, like many States in the West, faced devastating wildfires that affected areas of my district. The Pole Creek fire and Bald Mountain fire, which started on Federal land, collectively burned over 117,000 acres and left, damaged, infrastructure and watersheds. prgtoken Many of my communities affected by the fires need assistance to rebuild and repair the critical watersheds that they rely on, but they have not been able to receive it. For example, Utah County has been approved for over $9 million in aid from NRCS through this program, but inadequate funding means they won't receive those promised dollars. prgtoken Cleaning up and rebuilding after a wildfire is an important step in protecting against future disasters. I am pleased to support this amendment that will bring aid to communities like Utah County that have been affected by catastrophic natural disasters.
HONORING NATIONAL CORRECTIONS OFFICERS WEEK
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor our nation's correctional workers during National Correctional Officers Week. Twenty-five years ago this week, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the first week in May as National Correctional Officers Week. He did so ``in recognition of the contributions of correctional officers to our Nation.'' I believe it is important to continue to recognize the contributions and critical work that correctional officers engage in on a daily basis, often risking their own safety in the course of carrying out their duties. prgtoken It is estimated there are over 2 million people incarcerated in jails and prisons throughout the United States. Correctional officers are tasked with keeping these inmates and our communities safe, as well as the thousands of staff that support the operation of our detention facilities. Correctional officers are an integral part of our criminal justice system and play a key role in helping maintain public safety. prgtoken Equally important are correctional officers' interactions with prisoners, the vast majority of whom will be released at some point. Correctional officers are partners in our efforts to reduce recidivism by providing prisoners with the tools and resources that they need to succeed once released from custody. Correctional officers are the individuals who spend the most time with the prisoner population and investing in them so they can help inmates become productive members of society is a worthwhile endeavor. prgtoken I wish to take this opportunity to thank the over 400,000 correctional officers in the United prgtoken States for the often-thankless job that they do. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these key public servants.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAWTOOTHS AND OTHER RANGES OF IMAGINATION: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM IDAHO
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sawtooths and Other Ranges of Imagination: Contemporary Art from Idaho. prgtoken In 1983-84, the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) featured an exhibition titled Sawtooths and Other Ranges of Imagination: Contemporary Art from Idaho that exclusively showcased artwork by acclaimed Idaho artists. The exhibition was shown at SAAM and then at the Boise Art Museum. Curated by Barbara Shissler Nosanow from the Smithsonian, the exhibition was realized thanks to the strong influence of Louise McClure, wife of U.S. Senator Jim McClure (Idaho). prgtoken Louise, Senator McClure, Barbara, and one of Senator McClure's staff toured Idaho in a five-seat plane, stopping in at least five locations to jury entries submitted by Idaho artists. The opening reception featured Idaho food, including a special potato chip made by Ore-Idaho and fresh huckleberries. prgtoken In 1991, President George H.W. appointed Louise to the National Council on the Arts, the body that oversees the National Endowment for the Arts. She helped guide the National Endowment for the Arts through a challenging period during her six-year term of service. In addition to this important role in arts policy, Louise also advanced the arts in Idaho, including service on the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival Board, Boise State Public Radio Community Advisory Board, Boise Philharmonic, Women's and Children's Alliance, and many others. Louise's work has supported and fostered a strong arts culture in the capital city that continues today. In 2010, Idaho Governor C.L. ``Butch'' Otter honored Louise and Jim by bestowing the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Governor's Awards in the Arts. prgtoken On May 15, 2019, the James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research, along with the University of Idaho's College of Art and Architecture, will partner with the Boise Art Museum to host a reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of this exhibition and the policymakers who value and support the arts, including Louise McClure. prgtoken There is no question that Senator McClure had a huge influence on me and my political career. I strive every day to represent Idaho in the manner which he did, and Louise has always been a close, personal friend of Kathy and mine. It is truly an honor to recognize her today and thank her for all she has done for Idaho.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam Chair, I rise to reflect on the importance of the disaster supplemental bill we are considering today. prgtoken In Nebraska, we continue our work to recover from the storm which hit our State at the end of February. The storm brought with it blizzard conditions and large amounts of rain, followed rapidly by destructive flooding. prgtoken The impact of this storm continues to be felt across our State, particularly by our ag producers. In the west, the extreme blizzard conditions compounded an already hard winter, leading to severe cattle losses. In the east, stored grain was actually washed away or damaged by the floods, and extensive silting of fields has impeded planting as the season is now underway. prgtoken I particularly appreciate both this bill and the most recent Senate package including language to ensure our disaster programs can address losses of stored grain. While crop insurance covers producers from planting, including coverage for prevented planting, up through harvest, it does not provide coverage for harvest grain which is stored and has not yet been sold. Our producers need this relief. prgtoken I realize this bill is not perfect, and there are a number of issues I hope we can address moving forward. I would prefer to be considering legislation which addresses the concerns of some Senators and the President and would be signed into law. This bill does not, and I hope negotiations will get us there soon. prgtoken I have long advocated for disaster packages to be paid for; this package is not, and my amendment to cover the cost was, unfortunately, not made in order. prgtoken We have traditionally extended a number of tax relief provisions to families and businesses in disaster areas. I have introduced legislation to do this, and I hope we can act on this relief soon as well. prgtoken Madam Chair, Nebraskans need relief. Considering this bill moves us closer to providing them relief and, for that reason, I do support it.
COMMENDING SHERIFF JASON ARD
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam , I rise today to commend Sheriff Jason Ard for winning the Destination Zero Officer Traffic Safety Award. Talking about change is easy, as this body well knows. Making change happen is a different thing altogether. Sheriff Ard earned this recognition by taking decisive action to solve a real problem affecting the performance of his deputies. In January 2017, Sheriff Ard was advised that Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office had a `bad driving' problem and that his deputies were spending too much on vehicle maintenance and repairs, having at-fault accidents, and dealing with crash injuries and even lawsuit settlements. So he stepped in and initiated change. First, he identified those among his deputies with safe driving records and rewarded them with an extra week off. He also installed GPS devices on all Sheriff's office vehicles and required all deputies to complete the NADA pursuit driving class--some of his drivers ended up becoming trainers. The result? An immediate 28 percent reduction in at fault crashes, a 62 percent reduction in damage costs, a 25 percent reduction in lawsuits, and an 87 percent reduction in lawsuit settlement payments. Sheriff Ard's leadership and decisive action serve as a model for law enforcement teams across the country that may be facing the same issues. I thank him for his service to our community and to the State of Louisiana--and for setting the example.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-5-10

. Madam Chairwoman, I thank Congresswoman Kay Granger for yielding me the time, and I thank the gentlewoman for offering this amendment. You will see me vote for this amendment. prgtoken Madam Chairwoman, I rise to ask a simple question to this body: What is our mission? Are we here to make positive change for our fellow Americans, to solve problems, to respond in times of hardship, or are we here to message? prgtoken I would say, collectively, together, the answer should be we are here to make the change to help those in hardship. These are the moments in time when people do not ask if you are a or a . prgtoken When Houston was flooded, I was down there that week touring with Members from both sides of the aisle, and nobody was arguing from either side. prgtoken When Puerto Rico was hit, it was then, as I was the majority leader and Congressman Steny Hoyer, at the time, was the whip, now the majority leader, that we put a codel together with the s and . We just didn't go to the Keys. We went to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands together to work to help to make sure we rebuilt. prgtoken When California had the devastating fire, one of the worst we have ever seen, I flew with the President. When we landed, we were met by the Governor of California and the Governor-elect. Not only did we tour together and were of different parties, but we talked about how to rebuild. We flew down because California has more than just one devastation and one fire. We talked and we bonded on the basis of how we would work together. That is what America expects. prgtoken The bill that we will have on the floor today does not meet the criteria of both of us working together, and that is just not right. But yesterday, with the work of Congresswoman Kay Granger and the others in the Appropriations Committee, we put together one in working with the Senate s on Senate Appropriations and made an offer to the ic side. prgtoken I want to publicly say that to everyone. I know we can do better, and I know we can solve this. I made a commitment to the majority leader, Steny Hoyer: let's work together and be right back here next week and get this solved. This has gone on too long, too much hardship, and we could rise to the occasion. prgtoken The information I have gotten back from the majority leader is that, yes, he wants to work with us; yes, they want to move this bill today. But I don't want to move a bill for the sake of saying I moved a bill. I want to make law and help those in need. prgtoken I have spoken to the President, and I have spoken to the leader on the Senate side. I believe we can solve this all by next week. prgtoken So today when this vote is done, and the messages are given, let's not stop. Let's put our committee together, and let's work through this weekend and the beginning of next week. I know the very best of us will rise to this occasion, and we could be right back
PRESIDENT TRUMP STANDS WITH ISRAEL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-5-10

I rise today to highlight the recent violence taking place in Israel and the Gaza Strip. prgtoken It all started when snipers from the Gaza Strip, unprovoked, fired over the border upon Israeli soldiers. This was an unprovoked attack by Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization. Israel has every right to defend itself, so they did, as they should. prgtoken Following a responsive Israeli airstrike, hundreds of rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel. People died on both sides of this bloody conflict. Hamas fired these rockets from schoolyards, hospitals, and everywhere else they could use human shields that they thought would keep them safe from retaliation. prgtoken While some in the media and even in this Chamber attempt to blame our allies in Israel and downplay the actions of Hamas, most of us have a firmer grip on reality. Israel is not the bad guy here. prgtoken This is yet another example of peace being interrupted by Hamas terrorists. If any other country in the world were on the receiving end, no one would dare question the right to respond accordingly. prgtoken I can assure you that I join President in standing 100 percent with our friends in Israel. They have every right to defend themselves from terrorist attacks.
WELCOMING DR. THOMAS E. LEUTHER
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-5-10

it is my distinct privilege and a personal blessing to recognize my friend and today's guest chaplain, Dr. Tom Leuther, and to welcome him to the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken Dr. Leuther is the pastor and founder of the Family Worship Center, alongside his wife, Vicki, in Columbia, Missouri. Together, they minister hope to hundreds of families and provide a Christ-centered education to children from kindergarten through eighth grade at the Family Worship Center Academy, which they established in 1997. prgtoken Pastor Leuther has been a leader throughout his life, attaining his Eagle Scout badge in 1973 and his doctorate of pastoral theology in 2010. He is well respected in the community and is a sought-after speaker nationwide. prgtoken I have been blessed to get to know Dr. Leuther and Vicki over the past several years. They are truly a special couple. I appreciate their love of the prgtoken Lord, love of the families in their community, and love of our country. prgtoken I am thankful that Pastor Leuther could be with us today, and I know that the Lord will bless us as a result of his prayer. May the Lord continue to bless this caring leader and the entire congregation at the Family Worship Center.