mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE MEMORY OF SENATOR DANIEL K. AKAKA
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today in memory and in celebration of my friend and mentor, Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka, who took his final breath exactly 1 week ago today. prgtoken I was in Hawaii and woke up very early to a text message from one of his children, who let me know that he had passed away around 5 o'clock that last morning. We all took that day to remember him and his life and to think back on the memories that we have of how he dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawaii and our country. prgtoken From his service in the U.S. Army back during World War II, to his years that he spent taking care of our ``children,'' ``keiki,'' as a public school teacher and a principal, his work in the State, and then serving more than 36 years in the United States Congress. prgtoken He was the first Member of Congress to serve of Native Hawaiian ancestry and made history in many different ways. prgtoken He is known throughout Hawaii for so many reasons, but when you say the word ``Akaka,'' it is synonymous with ``aloha,'' because that is what he represented throughout his life. And the warmth and the fondness, the love and the kindness that he shared with everyone, made it so that he was not known so much as Senator Akaka so much as Uncle Danny. prgtoken He did all of this with his wife, Millie, by his side. Mother of five children, Auntie Millie herself is a force of nature. She was ever- present here in Washington, with Senator Akaka in his travels, and expressed aloha in her own way. prgtoken In everything he did, Senator Akaka put service before self. He truly walked the talk. He carried the spirit of aloha with him in his heart and at the forefront of his actions. prgtoken Now in the last week, the people of Hawaii, many people across the country, many of our colleagues here in Washington have been sharing their own personal stories about how Senator Akaka touched and inspired their lives, talking about the legacy that he left behind and the example that he set with his life. prgtoken And the central theme in each of these stories that I have heard all comes back to aloha. ``Aloha,'' which means kindness, respect, and love for others, regardless of any differences that we may have, whether they be by race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or anything else. prgtoken To this day, here in the Capitol, sometimes I will bump into some of his former colleagues in the U.S. Senate, even here people he served with in the U.S. House, and as soon as you mention his name, you can kind of see their shoulders fall, their stress fall away, and they get a smile on their face as they think about the time that they had serving with him. prgtoken They will have little stories about a codel that they went on with him or a committee that they served on with him, and they always talk about how kind he was. No matter who you were, no matter what was going on around you, he always took that moment to share the warmth of his own heart with
TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA ANNE KINAGA--28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise to honor Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Patricia Anne Kinaga, of Pasadena, California. A third generation Japanese American, Patricia Anne Kinaga was born and raised in Los Angeles County. Her parents, Rose and Thomas Kinaga, met when they were interned during World War II. After the war, her parents moved the family to Palos Verdes Estates, where she experienced discrimination, and it was this negative childhood experience that set Patricia on a life-long path to advocate for the lives of Asian Pacific Islanders everywhere. Patricia received a B.A. cum laude in urban anthropology at University of California Los Angeles and obtained a Master in City Planning at the University of California Berkeley. Upon graduating from UC Berkeley she secured a position with the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development in Sacramento, where she was selected to participate in a White House sponsored program in the Sierra Nevadas to improve housing and economic conditions for the rural impoverished in that region. She graduated from Georgetown Law in 1984 and moved back to Los Angeles to begin her legal career at the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and in this position, she served as a prosecutor specializing in domestic violence and child abuse cases and as a civil trial attorney in the Employee Relations Section. After working as a partner in serval prestigious law firms including her own, Ms. Kinaga joined LTL Attorneys LLP as a partner. A community leader for well over thirty years, Patricia served on the board of directors of Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles, is a founding member of the Los Angeles chapter of Asian Pacific Islanders for Choice, Co-Founder of The Center for Asian Pacific American Women, and the Chair and Co-Founder of Asian and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California. She is a former member of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, an alumni of the Japanese Leadership Delegation, past president of the Japanese American Bar Association, and is an appointed member of the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights. Ms. Kinaga has received numerous awards, including from Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, the State Assembly and Senate Women in Business Award, and the prestigious Peter E. Haas Public Service Award from UC Berkeley. In addition, Patricia is also an award winning writer/producer who received a Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards nomination for the film ``About Love'' on domestic violence. Other major works include a documentary on the 442 Regimental Combat Team, which has been distributed to schools by the History Channel. Pa
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-4-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , when the gentleman from Michigan started his remarks, he prgtoken accused me of wanting to talk about housing. He is absolutely correct. I want to talk about housing. I believe that if we really understood the needs of our constituents all over this country, instead of talking about megabanks and how we can give them whatever they want in order to make more profits, we should be talking about housing. We should be talking about housing needs in this country. prgtoken As a matter of fact, I have said to the chairman more than once that I really would like to have a hearing on homelessness because homelessness is exploding all over the country. In the city of Los Angeles, we have probably over 53,000 homeless people every night without a place to lay their heads. prgtoken Oh, yes, we should be talking about housing. You cannot separate trading from housing in the way that maybe some would attempt to do: Oh, this is about Volcker; it has nothing to do with housing. prgtoken Oh, yes, it does. prgtoken Because, instead of this risky trading that the banks are doing, they should be investing in our communities and providing for affordable housing. prgtoken And let me just tell you, African-American homeownership today is as low as it was when housing discrimination was legal. There is not a single county in the United States with sufficient affordable housing. prgtoken So, yes, we should be talking about housing, and thank you for bringing it to my attention. Thank you for accusing me of wanting to talk about housing. prgtoken Last year our Nation's banks reported $164.8 billion in profit. Had it not been for the s' new tax law which required them to take a one-time charge, the FDIC estimates that the banks would have profited to the tune of $183.1 billion, which is an all-time high and an increase of 7.2 percent from 2016 and a 26 percent increase from 2006. prgtoken So I think it is a little hard to argue that banks don't have enough money to lend, but let's look at what they did with that money. prgtoken The Wall Street megabanks returned a lot of that money to their shareholders in the form of dividends and stock buybacks. For example, in June 2017, J.P. Morgan announced a stock repurchase program of up to $19.4 billion, its biggest buyback since the financial crisis. Citigroup also announced its largest ever stock buyback program, worth up to $15.6 billion, and doubled its dividend. prgtoken The Wall Street megabanks also handsomely rewarded their CEOs with some of the biggest paydays since 2006. Five Wall Street banks, combined, paid their CEOs a total compensation of $126 million, the highest amount since before the financial crisis. Each chief of the banks--which includes Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley--received an average $25.3 million for their work, and that was up 17 percent from 2016. prgtoken , we listen to Chairman Hensarli
RECOGNIZING EL PASO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK
Beto O’Rourke (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to honor El Paso Community Development Week, held by the Community and Human Development Department (DCHD) of El Paso from April 2 to April 6, 2018. El Paso has celebrated Community Development Week for 42 years to commemorate the success of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME programs in creating safe, affordable housing opportunities for the El Paso community. Since 1975, these programs have brought nearly $500 million in grant money and private and public funds to the city of El Paso, which provide essential public services, economic opportunities, street and drainage improvements, public facility and infrastructure improvements and other quality of life improvements to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. These successes are thanks to public and private partners, community volunteers and neighborhood associations who work to support continued funding for the programs. Even after Community Development Week comes to a close, the work of El Paso DCHD will continue to ensure the city of El Paso can respond to current and emerging community development needs, including job creation, development of affordable housing, improvement of existing housing stock, the delivery of vital services, and the development of important infrastructure improvements. Please join me in recognizing the employees and volunteers that make El Paso Community Development Week a success.
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``MIKE'' McMICHAEL
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to honor and congratulate William ``Mike'' McMichael, a dedicated public servant, upstanding Delawarean, and recipient of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians' (NAEMT) 2018 Emergency Medical Services Advocate of the Year Award. prgtoken For more than 30 years, Mike's experience as a skilled ER Patient Care Technician for the Delaware City Fire Company has saved countless lives and provided comfort to those experiencing unimaginable tragedy and trauma. He is a man who genuinely cares about his community and the well-being of those who live in it. Through Mike's three decades of hard work, he has day-in and day-out made a difference for Delaware City and touched the lives of countless First Staters in need. prgtoken As the Delaware State Advisor for NAEMT and member of the Delaware State Emergency Medical Services Association, he has been a powerful voice on behalf of the broader EMS (emergency medical services) community in our state. His leadership and commitment to our EMTs is evident through his tireless advocacy work at the local, state and federal levels of government. Mike's passion and selflessness is a testament to his service and character. prgtoken Mike is an extraordinary ambassador for the EMS community and a dedicated civic leader. The First State is lucky to have Fire and EMS professionals like him who put their lives on the line every day. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and sincerest congratulations to Mike for receiving the 2018 EMS Advocate of the Year Award and for his years of service to the people of Delaware.
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-4-13

on top of this blanket exemption, the bill also hands complete rulemaking power to the Fed rather than having checks and balances inside the executive branch, paving the way to completely gut the Volcker rule. prgtoken You know, Fed Chair, formerly Paul Volcker, had said: ``I know from my long experience in banking and savings and loan regulation that plausibly small loopholes can be `gamed' and exploited with unfortunate consequences.'' prgtoken Again I say: Remember Countrywide? prgtoken African Americans lost half their accumulated wealth since the founding of the Republic, Latinos a third, and everybody else a fifth. You know what, it is time to keep prudent banking elevated and curb the speculators.
REMEMBERING DR. TALBERT O. SHAW
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the former president of Shaw University, Dr. Talbert O. Shaw, who passed away in January and will be honored at a memorial service in Raleigh on April 14. Lisa and I extend our condolences to Dr. Shaw's family, friends, and many admirers in the Shaw University community and beyond. prgtoken Born in Jamaica as the ninth of ten children, Dr. Shaw began his career as an ordained minister before moving to the United States in the 1950s to pursue higher education. He earned a doctorate in ethics from the University of Chicago and taught religion and ethics there for a decade before being asked to serve as Interim Dean of the Howard University Divinity School. He next became Dean of Arts and Sciences at Morgan State University. In 1987 he was called to serve as President of Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina--the oldest historically black university in the south and the birthplace of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the Civil Rights Movement. prgtoken Dr. Shaw served as President for fifteen crucial years in the school's history, from 1987 to 2002. He led successful efforts to reverse the university's financial difficulties, significantly increased the endowment, doubled enrollment, renovated numerous buildings on campus, and constructed what is now called the Talbert O. Shaw Living Learning Center. Dr. Shaw also developed the ``Strides for Excellence: Why Not the Best?'' campaign, a student empowerment and community involvement initiative that helped propel Shaw to the national renown it enjoys today. prgtoken I was first elected to Congress at about the same time Dr. Shaw began his tenure at Shaw. Early on, at a time when appropriations earmarks could still be secured for worthy purposes, we collaborated in the restoration of historic Estey Hall, the first structure built for the higher education of African American women in the United States. I developed great respect for him. He took the helm at Shaw when the school's future was highly uncertain, and by virtue of his remarkable vision, dedication, and the credibility he earned, enlisted many partners in bringing the school to health and charting a positive future course. prgtoken Dr. Shaw's dedication and leadership also extended to the broader Raleigh community. He engaged with local organizations such as Rotary International and the Chamber of Commerce. He renovated Shaw's chapel with the help of local Baptist churches and strengthened ties with the General Baptist State Convention. He had a serious demeanor, which reflected his steady sense of purpose, but that was combined with a personal warmth and a gift for collaboration and colleagueship--all in all, rare qualities of leadership. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents and other North Carolinians, I join with Dr. Shaw's family, his many friends and admirers, and members of the communities he served in mourning his passing and gi
INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL 2018 AS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-4-13

since 2003, April has been recognized as ``National Donate Life Month'' across the country. Every year, the month serves as a chance to encourage organ and tissue donor registration, recognize those individuals who continue to wait for a transplant, and honor living and deceased donors and their families for their gift of life. prgtoken Every ten minutes, a person is added to the national transplant waiting list. As of April 2018, more than 114,000 people are awaiting an organ donation. Unfortunately, despite over 130 million people registered as donors, the need for donated organs outweighs the supply. Sadly, on average, 20 people die each day while waiting for a needed transplant. prgtoken The simple truth is that organ donation and transplantation saves lives. In fact, organ donation from a single deceased donor can benefit up to eight individuals. And living kidney and liver donors provide transplant candidates with the chance to live longer. prgtoken Today, on Blue & Green Day, during which the public is encouraged to wear blue and green to raise organ donation awareness, I am proud to introduce a bipartisan resolution to recognize April 2018 as ``National Donate Life Month'' and support its goals and ideals.
TRUMP CABINET'S SPENDING HABITS
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-4-13

in closing, if you wonder why these Cabinet members feel that they can get away with this, if you wonder why some of these lifelong career politicians and executives think that this is a good idea, it is because they look at the top. They look at the top and they say: Well, my leader, President , is allowed to do this, why can't I also take part? prgtoken It is the leadership at the top that is creating this culture. It is the leadership at the top that is not draining the swamp, but only making it swampier. prgtoken That is why you see Secretary Mnuchin, that is why you see Pruitt, that is why you see all of these people basically acting like the President: wasteful with our tax dollars, abusing our tax dollars, and not even trying to explain why, or feeling bad about why they did it.
HONORING COMMUNITY MATRIARCH MARY NAOMI GINWRIGHT SANKS
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise to recognize a hero of our district and a wise woman of Haines City. prgtoken Mary Naomi Ginwright Sanks is 99\1/2\ years old, and a living legend. prgtoken As a resident of Haines City, she is a community matriarch, who has and continues to dedicate her life serving others. prgtoken Ms. Sanks has provided a home to more than 20 foster children, and adopted 4 children of diverse races and gender. prgtoken She is a hard worker who continuously extends her hand to help by volunteering to serve at her church and community. prgtoken Mother Sanks, as she is affectionately known by the community, is a devoted and compassionate mentor and caregiver who continues to routinely cook and serve food for those who are sick and bed restricted throughout the community. prgtoken When residents seek Mother Sanks' advice regarding how to navigate the complexities of life, she can often be heard responding with a smooth smile and warm words of wisdom and advice to say, ``keep it moving.''
HONORING THE LIFE OF JORDAN McILDOON
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-4-13

today I rise to remember the life of Jordan McIldoon. Jordan, who came from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, was an only child with a big heart who worked hard and loved his family. He was just days away from his 24th birthday and was about to start trade school to further his knowledge as a mechanic's apprentice. prgtoken Jordan was always making jokes and loved trucks, motorcycles, and country music. He died saving his girlfriend, Amber Bereza, from gunfire at the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. prgtoken Jordan was a selfless person who only wanted to make people happy. He always wanted to have a good time and was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Jordan is remembered for his sense of humor and laugh that could light up a room. prgtoken I would like to extend my condolences to Jordan McIldoon's family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.
RECOGNIZING MS. MELANIE MENDIOLA ON RECEIVING THE 2018 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S MINORITY SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR GUAM
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to commend and congratulate Ms. Melanie Mendiola on receiving the 2018 Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for Guam. Melanie is being honored for fulfilling a commitment to support and assist minority entrepreneurs and small business owners. prgtoken Melanie is the Executive Director of the University of Guam Endowment Foundation and the project director of Farm to Table Guam, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the agricultural industry on the island of Guam through supporting farmers and agriculture based businesses. These small businesses include food manufacturers, restaurants, and food trucks. Since its formation in 2012, Farm to Table Guam's mission has been to grow the local agricultural community for the good of Guam's long-term sustainability. The organization operates a farm and engages in technical and business planning assistance with farmers and agricultural procedures, assisting in the process of obtaining bank financing, pursuing federal funding, and increasing the profile of local farmers among businesses and consumers. prgtoken Farm to Table, through its project beneficiaries have created 18 direct jobs and 50 indirect employment opportunities with restaurants, farms, and other business. Farm to Table has also assisted farmers in Guam and Saipan through their ``Leafy Green Farming'' project to give farmers training in areas of business development, diversification, and planning for expansion. prgtoken Farm to Table has also given the community greater access to fresh farm produce through projects such as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes of produce for delivery or pickup. Farm to Table also heavily focuses on improving access to fresh farm produce through person to person outreach such as ``pop-up'' shops, bringing the produce of over 35 local farmers out into the community. This has positively contributed to the local economy by putting thousands of dollars into the pockets of local farmers. Melanie's ``Tanom, Fa'tinas, Yan Sustansia'' project has assisted island farmers through services such as creating business plans, budgeting, record keeping, and facilitating farmer certification. Additionally, under Melanie's leadership, Farm to Table entered a partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide training to individuals with disabilities and has trained multiple individuals in areas of farming, marketing produce, and building the farm from the ground up. prgtoken Melanie has demonstrated that she is an effective advocate for minority small business interests and has been recognized for these efforts multiple times. Melanie was the 2017 Businesswoman of the Year Nominee for Guam, the 2017 Guam Young Professional of the Year Winner, 2014 KUAM Careforce, Environment & Sustainability Category Winner, and the 2013 Financial Planning Association Diversity Scholar. Melanie also dedicates her