mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF EVELYN DESROSIERS
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-1-5

I rise today in recognition of Evelyn Desrosiers, a resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who will turn 100 years young on January 12th. prgtoken A lifelong Massachusetts resident, Evelyn was born in Fairhaven and grew up in Freetown. Her father worked on a farm while her mother raised Evelyn and her siblings. After she attended grammar school, Evelyn was hired by the billing department at Hemingway Transport. prgtoken Evelyn has always been a committed member of her community. Through her dedicated involvement with St. Julie's Church in Dartmouth, she received the Marian Medal in 2013. She is also a member of the Legion of Mary. Evelyn has many talents and even played the violin in the New Bedford Symphony. prgtoken Today she enjoys spending time with her nephews Jim and William, grandnephew Adam, and grandnieces Angela and Elizabeth. She lives in Whaler's Cove in New Bedford and attributes her good health to eating well and having great genes. prgtoken , I am proud to honor Evelyn Desrosiers on this joyous occasion of her prgtoken 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.
HONORING 50 YEARS OF MARDI GRAS HIDDEN FIGURES: THE COLOMBOS
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2018-1-5

I rise today to honor the legacy of two prominent individuals of Carnival Season, Suzie and Anthony Colombo, for their tremendous contribution of costume-making. The Colombos will be celebrating their 50th anniversary of costume making this upcoming Mardi Gras season 2018. prgtoken Mr. Colombo first began designing costumes nearly five decades ago. He believes that the importance of a costume is to bring it to life as if it was telling a story, and that is exactly what Mr. Colombo executes with each headpiece he designs. Mr. Colombo has also been able to transcend from the original size of collars to much larger, ornate pieces. His dazzling designs have become very distinctive among krewes as they would gleam along the parade routes being worn by many notable clubs such as Zulu, Endymion, and Caesar just to name a few. prgtoken Working alongside Mr. Colombo is his daughter, Suzie Colombo. Suzie would often joke about her father's concept of size when it comes to his head piece designs due to them constantly getting bigger and bigger. Suzie is known as the brain in the family business. She puts together costume design ideas and executes them thoroughly. From the head piece on down to the shoes, she has it all planned out and ready within a year. prgtoken The designs created by this father and daughter team have caught the attention of many and contributed to the excitement of Mardi Gras. Mr. Colombo, who is now 83 years of age, is often asked how long he plans to continue this business. In response, he'll always reply, ``For as long as God allows me to.'' prgtoken , I am honored to celebrate the legacy of Mr. Anthony and Ms. Suzie Colombo, two Mardi Gras legends.
HONORING VICTOR B. WILLIAMS
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-1-5

I rise today to honor Special Agent Victor B. Williams, who after 34 years of service with the federal government, is retiring to independently pursue his efforts to end human trafficking. prgtoken Victor began his career as a Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he conducted search and rescue/law enforcement missions from 1982 until 1991. He then joined the U.S. Customs Service, which later became the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As a special agent in ICE's Homeland Security Investigations Unit, Victor participated in both domestic and international law enforcement investigations dealing with a wide range of activities, including terrorism, narcotics, money laundering, identity and benefit fraud, maritime smuggling operations, container security, and human trafficking. prgtoken Victor's experiences during these investigations triggered a lifelong determination to not only combat human trafficking, but also to educate law enforcement personnel and the public about the importance of victim-centered approach. He has served and represented over 250 entities, including non-governmental organizations, churches, private organizations, and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels in his fight against the exploitation of people. prgtoken Victor B. Williams is an extraordinary man who has dedicated his life to serving others. I could not be prouder of the time and devotion he has given to his community and his country. I am honored to recognize Victor today for his invaluable contributions to combat modern-day slavery.
CONGRATULATING BOBBY HAGER ON BEING NAMED TO TEAM USA
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-1-5

I am pleased to rise today to recognize Bobby Hager, an exceptionally talented young man from the Sixth District of Illinois. Bobby was recently selected to compete for Team Illinois in the 2018 Special Olympics USA National Games. prgtoken As the first student ever chosen from Barrington High School, Bobby is one of the 46 Special Olympic athletes from Illinois selected to compete in the Special Olympics USA National Games. Bobby will join with more than 4,000 athletes and coaches from across the United States in Seattle for the games. prgtoken After winning a gold medal at the district tournament in May followed with a bronze medal at the statewide competition in June, Bobby has earned his way to Seattle. He will be competing in the track and field portion of the Olympics. His event is throwing a softball for distance. His athletic prowess does not end there. He is also a member of the Special Olympics basketball team and has been active in the Special Olympics since the 5th grade. Bobby serves as a role model to all those with a dream and I look forward to following his progress come the Olympics in July. prgtoken Bobby has immense potential and a strong work ethic. I have no doubt these traits will serve him well this summer please join me in recognizing Bobby Hager for his remarkable achievement.
HONORING THE 165TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOLOMON NORTHUP'S FREEDOM
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-1-5

today I rise to recognize the legacy of New York native Solomon Northup on Solomon Northup Freedom Day. prgtoken 165 years ago, Solomon Northup was set free from his enslavement. Born a free man in New York, Mr. Northup made a living as a farmer and as a professional violinist. Unlike many African American free men during this time period, Mr. Northup was a landowner in Hebron, New York. prgtoken In 1841, Mr. Northup was offered the position of violinist with a traveling circus. In Washington, D.C. the very same men who hired Mr. Northup drugged him, and sold him into the abhorrent institution that is slavery. Mr. Northup was sent to Louisiana, and lived in captivity for 11 years, 8 months, and 26 days. prgtoken During his horrific enslavement, Mr. Northup worked with a Canadian who helped get word to New York about his whereabouts. New York State provided aid to free New York citizens who had been kidnapped and sold into slavery. Mr. Northup's family and friends did not abandon hope. They sought the support of Washington Hunt, the Governor of New York, who helped Mr. Northup regain his freedom on the morning of January 4, 1853. prgtoken No longer enslaved, Mr. Northup took little time to rest after being freed from his captors. Mr. Northup became a fierce abolitionist. He began to lecture on his experience and appear at anti-slavery conferences throughout the northeast. His memoir, ``Twelve Years A Slave,'' recounted the horrors and injustices that he faced, and received domestic and international acclaim. prgtoken Today, on Solomon Northup Freedom Day, I am proud to join the cities of Saratoga Springs and Auburn in recognizing the story of Solomon Northup. Central New York is such an important part of the Abolitionist Movement. After escaping from slavery, Harriet Tubman lived in Auburn, New York until the day she died. Tubman fought her whole life for the eradication of slavery. Today, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn represents her legacy, and the importance of human rights, gender equality, and ending racism. prgtoken Solomon Northup Freedom Day also reaffirms the necessity of eradicating modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and racial prejudice. This January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month, and the United Nations estimates that more than 40 million men, women, and children continue to be enslaved globally. prgtoken Solomon Northup will be remembered for his dedicated efforts to fight for those who prgtoken were vulnerable and did not have a voice. May we honor his legacy each and every day by following in his footsteps.
HONORING ARTHUR KOEPP'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-1-5

I rise today to extend the happiest of birthday wishes to Mr. Arthur Koepp of Stephentown, New York who will be celebrating his 100th Birthday on January 15, 2018. Arthur has lived a life characterized by hard work and an unyielding selflessness, making him a pillar of his community. prgtoken From an early age, Arthur exhibited an outstanding work ethic and a profound concern for others and the environment. As a boy, he worked on his family's 100-acre farm, ran his own farm stand, and was an active member of the local 4-H club. Arthur's curiosity about horticulture and farming led him to attend Cornell University to study agriculture. The active lifestyle of Arthur's youth has not diminished, however. He continues to live a fruitful life, one of passion, excitement, and variety. prgtoken A man of family, community, and faith, Arthur was a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher for most of his adult life. Alongside his wife, Esther, Arthur was also actively involved with missionary work to help strengthen communities and aid vulnerable populations throughout the country. Arthur's legacy of dedicated service is a source of inspiration, instilling the values of perseverance, confidence, and civility in his community. prgtoken Arthur's zeal for life has made him a great role model for the people of Upstate New York, and I am proud to be his Representative in Congress I wish Mr. Arthur Koepp a very happy and healthy 100th birthday.
EL SALVADOR TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-1-8

I rise to express my disappointment with the administration's decision to terminate temporary protected status--TPS--for hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans. This decision comes just after it terminated TPS for Haiti and Nicaragua. prgtoken In 2001, El Salvador was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that left destruction and tragedy in its wake, resulting in 250,000 Salvadorans coming to the U.S. seeking safety. Since then, they have been key parts of our communities and important contributors for our economy. It is cruel and inhumane to tell them that they will no longer be afforded temporary status here in the U.S. and that they have to go back to unsafe and uncertain conditions. prgtoken , I urge the administration to reverse the decision to terminate TPS for El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Haiti. I ask my colleagues to join me in a letter to the administration asking it to right this wrong and to also extend this status for Honduras.
DACA (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-1-8

I rise with my colleagues to offer remarks about the current status of the negotiations on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA Program, as it is known in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Unfortunately, this body still isn't closer to a legitimate and fair deal that accomplishes two goals: First of all, to promote and protect the interests of the American people in a lawful immigration system and, two, provide a fair and equitable solution on DACA. prgtoken Back in December, I introduced a bill, along with Senators Cornyn, Tillis, Lankford, Perdue, and Cotton. The bill, with the acronym SECURE Act of 2017, was a product of months of discussion between this Senator, these other Senators I just named, and the White House. Our plan, simply put, has five pillars. prgtoken First, based on the hard work and leadership of Senator Cornyn, our bill provided real, robust border security by mandating the construction of tactical and technological infrastructure at the border. prgtoken Second, our bill took meaningful steps to end the lawlessness of dangerous criminal aliens by cracking down on sanctuary cities, ending the misguided catch-and-release policies of the previous administration, and, finally, taking steps to address intentional visa overstays. prgtoken Third, our bill took steps to eliminate many of the ``pull'' factors that encourage people to immigrate illegally by permanently authorizing the E-Verify Program and by taking meaningful steps to reduce immigration court and asylum adjudication backlogs. prgtoken Fourth, thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Senators Graham, Perdue, and Cotton, our bill eliminated the phenomenon known as chain migration and made a major downpayment toward transitioning to a merit- based immigration system. prgtoken Fifth, and finally, our bill provided a bipartisan solution to protect undocumented young people brought to the United States as children by adopting Senator Durbin's Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy--that has the acronym BRIDGE Act. prgtoken Our plan was fair, serious, and bipartisan. Most importantly, it was and is pro-American. As I have continually said since the bill's introduction, this group of Senators is ready and willing to negotiate with our counterparts in good faith and to find an equitable solution to the DACA situation that incorporates our bill's five pillars of reform. prgtoken I said negotiate. I had at least one ic Senator infer that I could not negotiate in good faith because I did not vote for the Gang of 8 immigration bill in 2013. So, sadly, our good-faith offers have consistently been rejected by ic leadership. Instead, they decide to engage in a game of brinksmanship. prgtoken So I ask several questions: Why doesn't ic leadership negotiate with us? Because we refuse to simply pass what is referred to as the Dream Act, as is, with no proportional border security and interior
DACA (Executive Session)
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-1-8

over the past couple of months, we have seen a lot of effort with regard to immigration reform and in particular to address the situation of the so-called DACA kids, the Dreamers who were brought here through no fault of their own and are now protected--many of them--through the DACA Program. But those protections will run out on March 5. In fact, some have lost their protections already. So there is a great impetus and urgency to deal with this program. prgtoken I have said from the beginning that in order to establish a long-term resolution and to provide regulatory certainty, a true DACA fix must be a bipartisan solution. Over the past year, the two big items this Chamber and the Congress have dealt with--healthcare reform and tax policy--have been done under rules of reconciliation, meaning that if we could get a bare majority of votes, that would be enough, if we could keep all the s together. That is no longer the case with our approach to DACA. We are not under rules of reconciliation. It will require 60 votes, meaning that only a bipartisan solution will do. That is why I have been working on such a measure with my and ic colleagues in Congress, as well as the White House. prgtoken As I have said repeatedly, on this issue, I believe that the President's instincts are better than some of the advice that he gets. I truly believe that he does want a solution for these young immigrants. I hope we can get there. We will have a meeting tomorrow at the White House--a bipartisan meeting--to try to get a little farther down the road. prgtoken Let me stress that a lot of words that are highly charged are thrown around this immigration debate. No word is perhaps more highly charged than the word ``amnesty.'' That has been thrown around by a number of my colleagues. I would suggest that is not the case here with the DACA kids. Amnesty, by definition, is an unconditional pardon for a breach of law. I don't think a child who was brought across the border by the parents has committed a violation of the law--not the child; certainly the parents but not the child. To provide relief for those kids and to allow them to stay in the only country they know I don't think should be called amnesty. Yet that highly charged word is often used. To suggest that anyone pursuing a bipartisan solution is proposing amnesty I think is misleading, and it sets back the cause of trying to fix the situation. prgtoken A proposal that we are drafting--this bipartisan group--offers a pathway to citizenship for only a specific group of young immigrants-- as I mentioned, those who were brought here through no fault of their own. These are immigrants who are serving in the military, who are seeking education, who are holding good jobs. They will be required to continue to do so before they prgtoken can have a chance to earn citizenship. As for the parents of these young immigrants, nobody
DACA (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-1-8

I thank Chairman Grassley for his leadership on this issue and for offering the SECURE Act, which I and some of the other Senators have supported. prgtoken I wish to continue this debate where Senator Tillis left off. We have heard a lot today about the so-called DACA Program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and the negotiations in which we are currently engaged. Hopefully, those negotiations will reach a solution that will satisfy all the parties and give certain legal protections to the DACA population. prgtoken We have heard a lot today about border security and the wall. I want to focus on one other element of a needed, negotiated solution, and that is chain migration--putting an end, once and for all, to chain migration. When you give legal status to an illegal immigrant, that is a permanent change in law; it will never be reversed. Therefore, you can't simply accept some window dressing at the border--1 year of funding for demonstration or pilot projects. You have to have a permanent change in return for a permanent change, and an end to chain migration will be one of the most important permanent changes to U.S. immigration law in 52 years. prgtoken What is chain migration? Under the current law, which dates back to 1965, if you are a citizen, you can bring any one of your relatives to this country, not just your spouse and your unmarried minor kids--your nuclear family--but also your adult kids and their spouses and their children and your adult brother and your adult sister and your parents and then their siblings and so on and so forth. That is why it is called chain migration. Each person is a potential link in a never- ending chain. The vast majority of people who immigrate to our country legally every single year do so for the sole reason that they just happen to be related to someone who is already here. prgtoken We have heard a lot of talk about the American dream in recent days-- that we are a nation of immigrants; it is part of our core, and that is absolutely right. We are a nation of immigrants. We are a nation where blood ties are not supposed to dictate the path of your life, where you can fulfill your dreams. But we have an immigration system that does the exact opposite--an immigration system that favors the ties of blood, the ties of kinship, the ties of clan, and the ties of tribe. What could be less American than that? prgtoken As a result, we have also had a massive wave of low-skilled and unskilled immigrants, over the last 52 years. Today, of the million- plus immigrants who come here every year, only 1 in 15 comes here because of education, job skills, or a job offer. That means we have thousands and thousands of workers, with absolutely no consideration for what it means for the workers who are already here--the workers who are American citizens, who are earning a wage. In many cases, the most recent immigrants are going to face competition from the next wa
DACA (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-1-8

it is an interesting conversation we can finally have about immigration. This has been that topic which has been discussed for a while but not settled. prgtoken For 20 years, this body has talked about solving some of our immigration issues. National security immigration hasn't been a partisan issue until of late. Suddenly, when President brings it up, we have a bunch of folks who used to be for border security but are now against border security because President wants border security--with some of the exact same ideas that have been in the Gang of 8 bill or were in previous versions or were even talked about with a secure wall or fence before. Almost every in this body voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006. prgtoken It is interesting to me the number of people who contact us saying: We do not want to build a wall. I have said: What about the 650 miles of wall that already exists and was put in place after 2006, which, by the way, President , when he was Senator , wholeheartedly supported and voted for? prgtoken This is suddenly a partisan issue. I am trying to help our entire body take a step back and say: Immigration should be a humanity issue and a legal issue, not a political issue. prgtoken I had a conversation with a friend of mine this weekend. We have known each other for years. He is a pastor. We started talking about the immigration issue. In that dialogue, he said to me: In the church, we look at every individual as an individual created in the image of God, and the church has a ministry to be able to reach out, regardless of legal status. prgtoken Then he said, right behind it: But, in government, we understand there is a different responsibility. The church engages with every person equally, but the government has the responsibility of looking at laws--what is legal and what is not legal--and helping abide by those laws and enforcing those laws. prgtoken He is correct. There is an issue of humanity in this. These are people caught in a system, and oftentimes those children in the DACA Program are caught in a gap in which literally they have no home country. They were brought as infants or as young children with a parent who violated the law but did so with a child who came in and has now lived in the country, in some cases 20 years, and they know only this country. They are literally caught in the middle. While we have great compassion, we are walking this interesting balance between compassion for people, which we as a nation have, and also consistency with the law. The law applies to every person. Whether you are the President of the United States or an undocumented individual who has come in, the law applies to everyone. prgtoken What do we do with this? The first thing I think we need to do is take a deep breath and pull the politics out of this and to say border security--in fact, security as a whole is not a controversial issue. I will tell