mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-3-8

later this afternoon President plans to announce sweeping steel and aluminum tariffs. Let me say once again, I believe the President's instincts on China are correct. All those who are trying to push him away from his instincts will allow China over the next decade to become the dominant economic power and greatly hurt American jobs and American prosperity as well. So I would say: , stick to your instincts. prgtoken But while the President's instincts are correct, the execution on these tariffs is poor. That is the difference here--not the instinct, not that we shouldn't go after China, and not that we have to do more to bolster American wealth and American workers against rapacious policies of China's. China will stop at nothing, nothing, nothing, to steal our intellectual property and to manipulate its currency to exclude American companies from being there. prgtoken China has been rapacious about trade, and I have spoken about this problem for years. Early on--I think it was 2004 or 2005--Senator Graham and I discovered that China was manipulating its currency. I heard it from Crucible steel up in Syracuse, NY. prgtoken The great thinkers said: They don't manipulate their currency. This is protectionist. prgtoken In the same week--I was quite proud of this--the New York Times editorial board, which is liberal, and the Wall Street Journal editorial board, which is conservative, both said: There is no such thing as currency manipulation, and Schumer and Graham ought to back off. prgtoken Of course, we proved to be right on that and other issues. prgtoken China is rapacious. If we don't stop China, America will be a weaker place with fewer good-paying jobs, with less wealth, less strength, and we probably won't stay the greatest country in the world--although we deserve to because we play by the rules. prgtoken President has identified the right opponent--China--much better than both the and administrations did. Both and s have been blind to this issue, and isn't. Good. But I would say to the President: Don't swing blindly and wildly at our foe, China. Establish a well-placed jab at China. Set them back. Let them know we mean business. prgtoken President ought to rethink his plan so it actually achieves what he says he wants it to achieve. prgtoken U.S. steel and aluminum workers have been battling heavily subsidized products from China for decades. I know. I have Nucor in my State, in Auburn and in Chemung County. On aluminum, I have Alcoa in my State, in Massena. Our steel and aluminum workers deserve a more level playing field against these countries like China that heavily subsidize their products or other countries that purchase Chinese steel at artificially low prices and ship it to the United States. A targeted trade action against China would be very helpful not only in providing relief for the steel and aluminum workers in
FOREVER WELCOME PEACE WALK
Kevin Yoder (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-3-9

I rise today to highlight the work being done at home in my community by my friend Sunayana Dumala. prgtoken Sunayana is the widow of Srinivas Kutchibotla, the Indian immigrant worker who was tragically murdered in a hate crime in Olathe last year. prgtoken Understandably, Sunayana questioned her existence here in the United States following the loss of her husband--asking ``do I really belong here?'' prgtoken The man that took her husband was pure evil. He did not represent what is right and true about Kansas or America. But our community stepped up to answer her call loudly and clearly that she does belong. We responded with love. prgtoken And that love has given Sunayana a renewed purpose and a mission. prgtoken She's spreading that love and acceptance with her newly formed organization called Forever Welcome--sharing the stories of immigrants like herself who are here in America trying to build a better life. prgtoken This Friday she's hosting a Peace Walk to honor her late husband and spread her message. prgtoken , I call upon all of us in this body to join in her mission of love.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FORMER TUPELO MAYOR EDWIN CLYDE NEELLY III
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-3-9

today I rise in memory of former Tupelo Mayor Edwin Clyde Neelly, III, who died on February 21, 2018. Mr. Neelly strived to excel in every pursuit, from his distinguished military service to a long and successful career in banking. He would also add public service to his list of accomplishments. prgtoken Mr. Neelly, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi, was born on October 2, 1939. His childhood was spent in Grenada, where his father, Edwin Clyde Neelly, Jr. operated a business and served as the mayor of Grenada from 1936 until 1940. Upon graduation from Randle High School, Mr. Neelly attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing. Mr. Neelly earned a master's degree in banking from Louisiana State University and he was a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Finance for Senior Executives program. prgtoken Mr. Neelly entered military service, joining a long line of family members who have served our nation. His predecessors served in the Indian War under George Washington, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and Korea. Mr. Neelly served eight years in the Mississippi Army National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserve. He was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. prgtoken Mr. Neelly pursued a career in the field of commercial banking for 44 years. In Grenada, he began his career in banking as a management trainee and worked his way up to bank president. In 1980, his family moved to Tupelo, Mississippi, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Peoples Bank and Trust Company. Following a brief retirement, Mr. Neelly returned to the banking business as President of the First American National Bank. prgtoken In 2000, Mr. Neelly's desire to serve the citizens of Tupelo led him to run for a councilman-at-large seat on the Tupelo City Council. Then, he served as mayor of Tupelo from 2005 until 2009. His also served as chairman of the Community Development Foundation and the United Way of Northeast Mississippi. Mr. Neelly was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the 4-H Advisory Board. For eight years, he served on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Additionally, Mr. Neelly served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo. prgtoken Claudia Neelly, Mr. Neelly's wife, said they had a happy life together. ``Ed was wonderful to his family,'' Mrs. Neelly said. ``He was also wonderful to everyone he met. He always wanted to help others.'' prgtoken Ed Neelly, IV, Mr. Neelly's son, said he had a special relationship with his father. ``My father and I shared a lot of experiences together,'' Ed said. ``He was my best friend.'' prgtoken Mr. Neelly's funeral was held on February 24, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada,
RECOGNIZING FAIRMOUNT FIRE DEPARTMENT
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-3-9

I rise today to recognize the selfless actions of several members from the Fairmount Fire Department who went above and beyond the call of duty to help an elderly couple. prgtoken On January 12, 2018, members of the Fairmount Fire Department were called to the residence of an elderly couple in Camillus, New York. Heavy rains and melting snow had flooded their basement, leaving their hot water heater and furnace submerged under a foot of water. To make matters worse, temperatures that evening were expected to plummet to below freezing, putting the couple's safety in danger. With no family in the area to assist, and unable to relocate for the night, the Fairmount Fire Department came to the rescue. prgtoken Exhibiting consummate professionalism, the first responders replaced a broken sump pump to drain remaining water from the couple's basement. Fairmount's Fire Chief personally arranged for a last-minute heater installation. Ernie Kreis, the owner of Ernie Kreis and Sons Heating Co. Inc rushed to the couple's home, and placed heaters throughout the house to keep the couple warm. The following day, Fairmount firefighters returned with dehumidifiers while Mr. Kreis and his crew finished installing a new furnace and hot water tank. prgtoken Today, it is my distinct honor to recognize Fairmount Fire Department's President Greg Popps, Chief of Fire Scott Clarke, Lieutenant Chris Barlow, Jesse Belon, Stephanie Barlow, Billy Spinelli, Zachary Benjamin, Chris Sheedy, and Lucas Patchen for their selfless actions. Fairmount Fire Department is comprised of countless community volunteer firefighters, and I am grateful for their countless hours working to keep the public safe.
RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNUAL BRENT BERRY FOOD DRIVE
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-3-9

compassion, goodwill, and the strong desire to help others in need are all characteristics embodied by my constituents, Brent Berry and his family, of onburg, Virginia. I am honored to represent the Sixth Congressional District in the House of Representatives, home to kind-hearted and caring Virginians like the Berry family. prgtoken This March marks the 10th annual Brent Berry Food Drive. For a decade, Brent has worked countless hours, often in below freezing temperatures, collecting food for local families in his hometown of onburg. The food drive benefits the Salvation Army, collecting most of the food the organization needs to feed over 300 families per month. In 2017, the Brent Berry Food Drive collected nearly 11,000 food items. prgtoken Brent's strong desire to serve the community is remarkable, and he's a familiar face around onburg. You'll find him outside of grocery stores, shopping centers, and on local university campuses. Brent has also recruited the help of the local fire, police, and sheriff's departments to assist in collecting donations. I've participated in the food drive several times myself, and I am often amazed by the support it receives from friends and neighbors. prgtoken And what's most touching is that Brent's partner in service is his father, Bucky, who prgtoken once relied on the services from the Salvation Army himself. He recalls living in a shack as a 5-year-old boy, his family not having enough to eat. The same organization that his son now passionately volunteers for provided young Bucky and his family with meals and even presents at Christmas. prgtoken Brent's passion for service and selfless nature are unmatched. So much so, that in February of this year, he was presented with a key to the City of onburg by the City Council. This is a well-deserved honor. prgtoken It is hard-working and dedicated volunteers like Brent Berry who make real differences in our communities. I thank Brent, his father Bucky, and his team of volunteers who make the good work of the Salvation Army in onburg possible. I wish Brent continued success as he works to positively impact the lives of many Virginia families and ensure no family in onburg goes hungry.
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTH COUNTRY PUBLIC RADIO
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-3-9

I rise today to honor and recognize North Country Public Radio on its 50th anniversary. prgtoken North Country Public Radio (NCPR) is a public radio network with a mission to inform, enrich, and connect the community. Based out of Canton, New York, the network is the NPR affiliate for the North Country, providing NPR programming as well as music and award-winning regional news coverage. In addition, NCPR serves as the emergency broadcast system for many communities within the North Country. Established in 1965 with a single transmitter covering St. Lawrence County, NCPR expanded to operate 34 transmitters today, serving not only the entire Adirondack North Country region, but also western Vermont and southeastern Ontario. prgtoken NCPR provides a particularly important service to my district, delivering invaluable content to the people of the North Country. The hard work of NCPR employees has greatly expanded the options available to North Country residents, whether they are looking for entertainment programming or for news and information. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank NCPR for prioritizing the enrichment of our community during its 50 years of broadcasting.
IN HONOR OF RICHARD ``DICK'' MORRIS ON HIS RETIREMENT
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-3-9

I rise today to thank a dedicated public servant, Richard Morris, at the time of his retirement, for his lifelong career in service of the residents of East Lyme, CT. As town fire marshal for the past 27 years, Dick has become an institution in the community, and his commitment and leadership will not be forgotten. prgtoken Dick's first foray into firefighting came as a teenager, when he began volunteering with the Niantic Fire Department. This general interest eventually became a professional career for Dick and in 1986, he became fire inspector. Over the years, Dick climbed the ladder to deputy fire marshal, assistant fire chief, and finally fire marshal in 1991. In this role he also served as emergency management director for the town, guiding residents through difficult situations, including storms and power outages. prgtoken In addition to being fire marshal, Dick is also Chairman of the board for the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association and serves as the town's harbormaster. In that position he advocated at the state and federal level for policies and funding to upgrade Connecticut's homeland security and improve training for first responders. Previously he was President of the Connecticut chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. prgtoken The town of East Lyme has been lucky to have Dick and I'm confident he will find new ways to contribute to the community for years to come. I ask my colleagues to please join me in wishing him a happy retirement.
TRIBUTE TO SENIOR CHIEF HARRY OLIVER
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-9

I would like to take some time today to honor Harry Oliver, also known by his rank as Senior Chief, an exemplary constituent who I am immensely proud to represent. Mr. Oliver is retiring for the second time, after serving in the United States Navy for 23 years and then serving our nation's youth for another 20 years. Mr. Oliver is retiring as a teacher and NJROTC instructor for Santa Ana High School, as well as carrying his Senior Chief military rank. Though his teaching journey is coming to an end, the impact he has made will live on forever. prgtoken Mr. Oliver is a teacher in every sense of the word. He carries the qualities that every teacher should strive for--dedication, genuine interest, and being a role model for all his students. His time in the Navy unearthed his passion for guiding future generations as a Company Commander, teaching Damage Control prgtoken to over 10,000 new recruits. His understanding and natural talent for helping recruits develop into their best selves led to his astounding success. It was after this time that he retired from the Navy to be with his wife and four children. After a short stint working for a delivery company, Mr. Oliver was inspired to become a teacher again and sought the Santa Ana High School NJROTC program. His dedicated focus on his students became evident to all that witnessed him teach. He was not only a teacher, but a mentor, friend, and at times even a father figure to his students. It is because he genuinely loved his students that they loved him. While working with Santa Ana High School's NJROTC unit for almost 21 years, he helped develop one of the most distinguished units in the country. They received numerous awards including ``Distinguished Unit'' for 17 years in a row, ``Most Improved Unit,'' and honored as one of the top 5 NJROTC units in the nation. prgtoken Mr. Oliver has enriched the lives of everyone he encounters and is a pillar of his community. His time in both the Navy and NJROTC will be remembered, and we are saddened to see him leave. His actions deeply impact all his students who will carry on his legacy. Even though he is retiring, he will continue to be a teacher, leading by example and demonstrating the best qualities of a life lived in service. I am truly honored to recognize Mr. Oliver today for his service in the U.S. military and for improving and guiding the lives of future generations.
SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL: RACISM AND POVERTY 50 YEARS AFTER THE KERNER REPORT
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-3-9

1968 was a watershed year in our nation's history. That year saw the deadliest period of the Vietnam War and the peak of protests against that conflict. It saw the passage of the Fair Housing Act but the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. 1968 saw President Johnson announce that he would not run for a second term and Richard Nixon elected to succeed him. prgtoken In the midst of that tumultuous year, the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, known as the Kerner Commission, issued its report examining the cause of riots and unrest that had occurred in inner cities and communities of color around the country. prgtoken After visiting those cities, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts, the Kerner Commission submitted its findings to President Johnson. That groundbreaking report remains important five decades later, not only as an historical document, but also because it describes the same issues of race that we struggle with today and how we can overcome them. prgtoken The Kerner Commission's report identified twelve grievances that were shared in the communities of color where the unrest had taken place. Among these were lack of economic opportunity, discrimination in the administration of justice, and inadequacy of education, housing, and social welfare programs. prgtoken These same problems persist today. prgtoken Employment: In 2018, the unemployment rate for African-Americans is 7.7 percent, compared to just 4.1 percent overall, and black workers made 83 cents on the dollar compared to white workers. prgtoken Housing: only 41 percent of black households own their home, virtually the same as 1968, while over 70 percent of white families own their homes. prgtoken Education: schools are more segregated now than they were thirty years ago, and blacks are half as likely as whites to have a college degree. prgtoken Justice: blacks are incarcerated at a rate of 3.5 times higher than whites. prgtoken So we now find ourselves in the same situation as the one described in the Kerner report 50 years ago: ``Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white--separate and unequal.'' prgtoken Fortunately, the Kerner report also described a path to reverse the trend of racial division. It called for ``the realization of common opportunities for all within a single society'' that requires ``a commitment to national action--compassionate, massive and sustained, backed by the resources of the most powerful and the richest nation on this earth. From every American it will require new attitudes, new understanding, and, above all, new will.'' prgtoken , I am proud to stand with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus who embody the commitment to national action and the new will that the Kerner Commission called for 50 years ago.
HONORING CATHY IVERS
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-9

I rise today to honor Cathy Ivers upon the occasion of her retirement from the Shell Martinez Refinery. prgtoken Ms. Ivers was born in Galesburg, Illinois and grew up in Anoka, Minnesota and Pleasant Hill, California. She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School and moved to Martinez. She attended classes in Environmental Studies and Geology at Diablo Valley College and California State University East Bay. prgtoken Ms. Ivers began her association with Shell on their Community Advisory Panel, where she worked to ensure balance between the needs of the company and the values of her community. She later joined Shell as the Shell Community Liaison and was the epitome of ``bringing the outside in.'' During her tenure she played a valuable role in helping Shell better understand the community. Some of the programs she helped launch include Community Appreciation Days and neighborhood ice cream socials. prgtoken One of the personal highlights of Ms. Ivers' career at Shell, and an important contribution to the community, was her work on the Save Mount Diablo Beacon Restoration Project in 2013, which restored the Beacon at the peak of Mount Diablo. Ms. Ivers also led Shell's efforts to refurbish historic buildings, developed many valuable environmental partnerships and was a key supporter in the development of two important programs--Shell's 5k Run for Education and the Shell essay contest. Through these efforts and many more, Ms. Ivers played an integral role in building an exceptional community and social performance program. prgtoken Ms. Ivers has been committed to Martinez since she moved here over 30 years ago. She has served in multiple leadership roles at many organizations. She is currently a Board Member of the Martinez Historical Society, the Martinez Community Foundation and the John Muir Association. Additionally, she is the only Martinez Kiwanian to have served two consecutive terms as President. prgtoken , Ms. Ivers is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. She seamlessly blended her professional and personal passions, leaving a legacy of community collaboration. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Cathy Ivers here today.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. KURT TOPPEL
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-9

I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Kurt Toppel--a beloved father, husband, and Los Angeles community leader--who passed away on February 9, 2018 at the age of 85. prgtoken Kurt Toppel was born in Cologne, Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 1954. He served prgtoken in the National Guard in the late 1950's and later moved to Pacific Palisades in 1960 where he became very active in the community. prgtoken Kurt served as president of the Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC), and was instrumental in formulating its Guiding Principles which are still used today. He played a critical role in securing funds to assure the construction of the new gym in the Palisades Park, which led to him being honored with the Pacific Palisades Citizen of the Year Award. He served as the president of the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association for over 10 years, serving as an important advocate for homeowners' rights. prgtoken Through his prodigious community involvement, Kurt became President of PRIDE, a non-profit designed to improve and enhance the aesthetics of Pacific Palisades. He was also a member of the Community-Policy Advisory Board for 10 years. prgtoken Additionally, Kurt was a member of American Legion Post 283 Pacific Palisades. He served on the Palisades Park Advisory Board, and on his 80th birthday his family donated $20,000 in matching funds to build a Veteran's Garden at the Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades. prgtoken Kurt believed that the residents of Pacific Palisades should continue working together to maintain the beauty of Pacific Palisades here in Los Angeles. May Kurt's memory be a blessing to us all.