mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE MAJESTIC METRO--HOUSTON'S HISTORICAL HUB
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-12-20

after speaking on the House floor more than 2,000 times since joining Congress some fourteen years ago, I can promise you the majority of the many hours spent in this chamber were focused on history. This comes as no surprise. You could say I am a history buff of sorts. Heck, everyone knows it. My walls at home in Texas and here in Washington have been filled with memories from the past. Texas history in particular is what I love most. prgtoken Well, , today I want to talk about a little piece of Houston, Texas history that many Houstonians may not know about, the Majestic Metro. The Majestic Metro is the last remaining in-tact theater in Houston built before 1930. It is safe to say that parking garages have taken the place of many former historical theaters. But, not for the Majestic Metro. It still stands strong in the vibrant heart of downtown Houston. prgtoken Originally owned by sisters Stella and Lillian Scanlan, and opened April 15, 1926 under its maiden name, the Ritz, the primary role of this theater was to entertain the masses. Its grand opening showcase was the Buck Jones feature, ``The Fighting Buckaroo.'' What better way to start off its tenure than with a country-western film. But, there is one unique aspect about this movie and others during its time, there was no sound, except for that of the live music in the background. That's right, no fancy high tech sound systems, just a pipe organ. So, the only thing movie-goers were hearing was the chuckles, sniffles, and gasps of their neighbors with the organ in the background. With tickets ranging from 5 cents and 15 cents during the beginning of the Ritz, many Houstonians found their way to Preston Street in downtown Houston for a night out. prgtoken The history of the Ritz is so rich because of the many stories its walls can tell. From different owners and styles such as silent country-western films to Spanish films, the Ritz became the Cine Ritz during the 1940's. Decades later, in the 60's and 70's, the name that Houston now knows, the Majestic Metro, was born. The Majestic Metro at this time saw a transition from the old fashion silent country-western and Spanish films to exploitation and kung fu films, then to more mature films, a little too explicit for the Record I'm afraid. prgtoken Well , times were tough, and the theater came to a close. However, like every good feature film, or at least the ones I like, there was light at the end of the tunnel for this Houston landmark. Local businessman, Gary Warwick, and history buff like me, had a vision for this unique piece of the past. prgtoken Instead of allowing the theater to be demolished or showing those old westerns the theater had once known, Gary turned this historical landmark into a place where history would continue living. Today, the Majestic Metro captures the beauty of the past by maintaining many stylistic features of the original architecture. prgtoken The Majestic Metro wasn't
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-21

on May 21, 2018 the House took roll call votes on a series of bills which included, H.R. 4451, the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018. Unintentionally, I voted no on this legislation when I meant to vote yes. My recorded vote does not reflect my position on the important programs and support services for homeless veterans that were reauthorized in H.R. 4451 and I look forward to working with my colleagues to expand services that help our veterans thrive as civilians after their brave service to our country has concluded.
TRIBUTE TO IAN JANNETTA
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-12-21

I wish to recognize an excellent prgtoken former member of my staff, Ian Jannetta, who is leaving Capitol Hill after 8 years of service. Having worked for his home State Senator Casey of Pennsylvania, on the Joint Economic Committee, as part of my team in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and finally with Senator Heitkamp of North Dakota, Ian has many friends on Capitol Hill and will be missed. prgtoken During his time in my office, Ian never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. He worked tirelessly on issues ranging from providing equal rights for all people, protecting our environment and the Chesapeake Bay, to building an economy that works for all Americans. His strong communications skills, coupled with his kindness, calm presence, and sense of humor, served my team and the people of Maryland well for over 4 years. prgtoken As Ian tackles his next project at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, he continues his commitment to public service, a proud tradition set by his mother Heather and his father David, who both started their careers in the U.S. Air Force and continued their service in State government. I know he will make a tremendous impact. I join his many colleagues, friends, and family to wish him well, and I look forward to hearing about the extraordinary work he does next.
TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-21

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of this measure. This is another good measure to strengthen our government's response to the horrific practice of human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken , I urge all Members to join me in supporting its passage, and .
DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE CERTAIN CORRECTIONS IN THE ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 4174
Elijah E. Cummings (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-12-21

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the resolution before us would change the enrollment of H.R. 4174 to make several corrections to the bill. Concerns were raised earlier today about the impact H.R. 4174 would have on independent agencies, particularly financial regulators. prgtoken The changes would make clear that the bill should not apply to monetary policy. It would also make clear that title 1 of the bill applies only to the 24 largest Federal agencies. prgtoken The underlying bill would establish a framework to support greater access and use of government data and help ensure that Congress and the Federal agencies are able to make important policy changes based on the best available evidence. prgtoken I urge Members to support this resolution and the underlying bill, and .
TRIBUTE TO FRANK BORMAN
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-12-21

. Madame President, today I wish to honor a Montanan and an astronaut who, 50 years ago, set off on a journey that took him further from home than any man had been before. prgtoken On December 21, 1968, Commander Frank Borman, and his crew Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, sat atop a Saturn V rocket and were blasted into space, destined to become the first men to orbit the moon and return safely back to Earth. prgtoken Apollo 8 flew a dangerous mission at a perilous time for both the space program and our Nation which, much like today, was struggling to heal itself after a year of discord and division. prgtoken In late December, those differences were put aside as 1 billion souls turned their eyes towards the cosmos and watched as grainy images of the lunar surface were transmitted back to Earth. The magnitude of the moment was undeniable: When we work together, humanity is capable of greatness. prgtoken That was Commander Borman's last time in space. He now lives in Billings; he and his wife Susan have called Montana home for the past 20 years. prgtoken As we remember Commander Borman's history-making flight, we must also remember the sense of optimism and pride that it inspired and strive to find it once again.
GUATEMALA
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-12-21

like many Members of Congress who have long supported efforts to help build an independent judiciary and reduce public corruption and impunity in Guatemala, I have observed a pattern of alarming actions by President Morales's administration and his allies in Guatemala's Congress to thwart these efforts. prgtoken In the latest development, earlier this week, the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew the diplomatic immunity of 11 investigators and other personnel of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, CICIG, and ordered them to leave the country. This followed an announcement by the Minister of Interior of the removal of another 15 high-ranking police officials from their posts. prgtoken Over the years, the United States has invested many tens of millions of dollars to support the national police, the attorney general's office, and CICIG. These actions by the Morales's administration directly undermine those investments and indicate that it cannot be trusted to keep its word and is not serious about upholding the rule of law. prgtoken Working jointly with the Attorney General's Office, CICIG has investigated cases of public corruption and other serious crimes. It has helped to strengthen the investigative capabilities of the attorney general's office and the police and promoted key criminal justice reforms. For this reason, CICIG, its commissioner, and the former attorney general have been the target of acts of intimidation and a smear campaign orchestrated by the Morales's administration and its allies in the military and the media. These actions by the government threaten CICIG' s independence and its ability to function effectively. According to information I have received, the professionals whose diplomatic immunity and visas were revoked include investigators and lawyers involved in some of the most sensitive cases related to alleged corruption and illicit campaign financing by top government officials. prgtoken Other actions by Guatemalan authorities are equally disturbing. Since assuming office in January 2018, Minister of Interior Enrique Degenhart has, on multiple occasions, removed or relocated senior national police officers and detectives. Most of these officers had many years of experience in criminal investigations, counternarcotics, and other specialized areas. Most were trained by the United States. Even worse, the Minister has reportedly appointed police officials with alleged links to the military and promoted officers without transparent, merit- based processes, undermining efforts to build a professional, transparent, and accountable police force. This threatens our ability to continue working with the police, which has in the past been infiltrated by organized crime, to combat narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and other transnational criminal activity. prgtoken In 2009, working with key Guatemalan law enforcement agencies, prgtoken CIC
HONORING THE GREATER HARLEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-21

I include in the Record the following Proclamation in honor of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce: prgtoken Whereas, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce has been a steadfast presence in Harlem since its establishment in 1896 originally chartered as the Harlem Board of Commerce; and later to the Uptown Chamber of Commerce to better represent itself as the first and ongoing business organization in Upper Manhattan; and now as the omnipresent Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; prgtoken Whereas, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce has been committed to Harlem and Upper Manhattan with a demonstrated focus on commercial development, educational services, as well as special attention to arts & culture, travel, and tourism; prgtoken Whereas, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce for over 130 years has been a key community stakeholder integral to the development of major infrastructure including the construction of the George Washington and Tri-Borough Bridges connecting Manhattan to the outer boroughs and New Jersey and New York's first subway line, the IRT (No. 2 & 3 Train); prgtoken Whereas, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce brought Harlem out of the Great Depression and into the national discourse as a beacon of social-commentary and expression through the Harlem Renaissance and home to the 1939 World's Fair; prgtoken Whereas, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce has been at the vanguard of the development and revitalization of Harlem including Strivers Gardens, an extraordinary example of mixed-use residential and commercial development projects, and the Striver's Center Development Project that has been a tremendous benefit to the community at large; prgtoken Whereas, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce to elevate Harlem, created a singular celebration of Harlem's unique culture and history which began as ``Harlem Day'' and has since grown and scale and breadth to ``HARLEM WEEK''. This extraordinary celebration of Harlem Life features a diversity of cultural events: Afro-Cuban, Gospel, R & B, and Jazz music, sports, cinema, business fairs and vintage automobiles, and a unique ``Taste of Harlem'' at local eateries and clubs. In 2017, Harlem Week attracted more than 3.5 million people. In 2018, it included the celebration of Aretha Franklin's legacy and featuring Janet Jackson as an honoree; prgtoken Whereas, The visionary leadership including Lloyd Williams, President and CEO; Voza Rivers, 1st Vice President; Andrew Reddick; Michele Scott; and, Valerie Roberson among others who have lent their talent and passion to the concern for the next generation; acknowledging historical contributions of Women and LGBTQ in the African-American community as well as creating opportunities for recruiting youth to be trainees for Wall Street firms; prgtoken Now, therefore I, Adriano Espaillat, Representative of the Thirteenth Congressional District of New York in the United States House of Representatives,
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Collin C. Peterson (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-12-21

due to my attendance at the Presidential signing of H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 also known as the Farm Bill, I was unable to be present for several votes taken on December 20, 2018 on bills considered under suspension of the Rules. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted: prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 448; YEA on Roll Call No. 449; YEA on Roll Call No. 450; YEA on Roll Call No. 451; YEA on Roll Call No. 452; YEA on Roll Call No. 453; YEA on Roll Call No. 454; YEA on Roll Call No. 455; YEA on Roll Call No. 456; YEA on Roll Call No. 457; YEA on Roll Call No. 458; YEA on Roll Call No. 459; YEA on Roll Call No. 460; YEA on Roll Call No. 461; YEA on Roll Call No. 462; YEA on Roll Call No. 463; YEA on Roll Call No. 464; YEA on Roll Call No. 465; and YEA on Roll Call No. 466.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-21

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I, too, rise in support of this legislation, S. 3628, and the gentleman, Tom MacArthur, is absolutely correct. We have to do a short-term reauthorization. And because of the previous vote, some people are a little bit confused, but they do not have to worry. prgtoken The previous bill that we voted on was one where Chairman Hensarling was attempting to add some language. That failed. So now we have a clean bill before us with one little correction in it, and I would simply ask for an ``aye'' vote so that we can get on with ensuring we have short-term reauthorization. prgtoken And I am pleased to say that we have the support on both sides of the aisle to begin to work on a long-term reauthorization, and I think we are going to have good agreement on that. So I would simply ask for an ``aye'' vote today and get this out of the way so that we can move on. prgtoken , .
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-21

the events of the past week should concern every American. This may have been the most chaotic week of what is undoubtedly the most chaotic Presidency ever in the history of the United States. prgtoken The stock market is in a tumult and in decline. The Secretary of Defense, one of the only pairs of steady hands in our government, is resigning from the administration in protest. The United States is pulling out of Syria and likely Afghanistan, abandoning our coalitions, allies, and the Kurds, and surrendering the field to Putin, Iran, Hezbollah, ISIS, the Taliban, and Bashar al-Assad. prgtoken The positions of Defense Secretary, of Attorney General, of Ambassador to the United Nations, of Interior Secretary, and even of Chief of Staff to the President are all in flux. prgtoken The institutions of our government lack steady and experienced leadership. With all of these departures, it is about to get even more unsteady. The President is making decisions without counsel, without preparation, and even without communication between relevant Departments and relevant Agencies. All of this turmoil is causing chaos in the markets, chaos abroad, and it is making the United States less prosperous and less secure. To top it all off, President has thrown a temper tantrum and now has us careening toward a shutdown over Christmas. prgtoken In a short time, the Senate will take part in a pointless exercise to demonstrate to our House colleagues and the President what everyone here already knows: There are not the votes in the Senate for an expensive, taxpayer-funded border wall. prgtoken President , you will not get your wall. Abandon your shutdown strategy. You are not getting the wall today, next week, or on January 3 when take control of the House. prgtoken Just 2 days ago, the Senate came together to support a proposal by Leader McConnell--unanimously, every , every --to extend government funding through February without partisan demands. What it would accomplish would be that the government would not shut down, the fights we are having would be postponed to a later day, and millions of Americans would not be hurt this Christmas week. prgtoken Let me repeat that. The Senate--every and every -- has already unanimously supported a clean extension of government funding. prgtoken supported the measure because we do not want to see the government shut down. We have no demands other than that. We had every indication that the President would sign the legislation--as did our friends the s on the other side of the aisle in the Senate-- but yesterday President , hounded by the radical voices of the hard right, threw another temper tantrum, and here we are once again, on the brink of what the President has spent months saying he wanted--a shutdown. prgtoken The President will try to do his best to blame , but it is fl
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2018-12-21

the remarks just concluded by my friend and colleague from Tennessee help make it clear why many of us do not look forward to his departure at the end of the upcoming Congress to the better vales of retirement. We are so grateful for the balance and the measured leadership of the Senator from Tennessee. He reminds us of the best of our history and what it is that the Senate has stood for and the role that we play in our constitutional order. I will simply briefly thank him for his remarks. prgtoken I thank the Presiding Officer for her hard work to make sure this letter was presented to the leaders of both caucuses with 61 signatures. We frankly could have gotten more, but in the press of the work of that day, April 7, 2017, we thought it important to get on the record, in signature, individual Senators saying that we are committed to not change the rules of the Senate on the Senate filibuster rules regarding legislation. I am committed to never voting to change the legislative filibuster. prgtoken I will simply conclude by saying to my friend, my colleague from Tennessee, that I think there is important work for us to do here to strengthen our role. A number of the retiring Members gave floor speeches in recent days where they talked about the ways in which this body--we do not listen to each other enough, we do not debate each other enough, and we do not work across the aisle enough. If we are to play the role the Founders intended, we must do more of that, not less. prgtoken The agreement just reached here that will allow us to negotiate in good faith towards a resolution of the impending shutdown--the fiscal standoff between the White House, the House, and the Senate--is exactly the kind of example I would like to point to where Members listen to each other and work out the kind of resolution that allows us to skip dozens of intervening test votes and move right to the resolution. prgtoken This body has a critical role to play. As my friend and colleague from Tennessee pointed out, rule of law is at the very foundation of our constitutional Republic. We are at a moment in our history where many question the stability of our commitment to the rule of law. Nobody will play a more important role in reassuring our markets, our communities, our society, and the world that democracy--the deliberative, respectful resolution of disputes, not through violence but through debate and through votes by the elected representatives of our people--is the best system for the governance of societies on Earth. No better proof of that can be given than by this body conducting itself in the sort of disciplined, reasonable, appropriate way that the rules of the Senate allow for. Thus, I will not vote and I will suggest that the signature of the Presiding Officer also reinforces that she and many others here, on a bipartisan basis, will not vote to take the rash step of changing the rules of the Senate to tu
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM COMPETITION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2018
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-12-21

I oppose this last-ditch effort to attach harmful policy riders to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization. While H.R. 7388 reauthorizes the NFIP through May 31, 2019, House s have attached controversial policy reforms that have been rejected several times by the House and Senate to a bill that would keep the NFIP's doors open. This harmful policy change was recently implemented administratively by the administration. prgtoken This policy reverses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) ``Write Your Own'' non-compete clause and would allow private insurance companies partnering with and servicing NFIP policies to sell their own competing private policies to unsuspecting consumers. We should not allow private insurers to cherry-pick the best risk policies for their own private businesses and force taxpayers to pick up the rest. prgtoken The Senate has already unanimously passed a clean extension that does not include this toxic rider. The House should ensure that flood insurance remains available to millions of homeowners, businesses, and renters across the country that rely on it and pass a clean extension.
CONGRATULATING MARGO PRICE ON HER GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR BEST NEW ARTIST
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-12-21

I rise today to recognize Margo Price, who has been nominated for a 2019 Grammy Award for Best New Artst. Ms. Price is a talented country musician and I would like to congratulate her on this achievement. prgtoken Ms. Price grew up in Aledo, Illinois, where she played piano and sang in church choir before studying dance and theater at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. At age 20, she moved to Nashville where she worked a number of jobs while pursuing her music career. She and her husband, Jeremy Ivey, were part of the band ``Secret Handshake'' before they started ``Buffalo Clover'' and ``Margo and the Pricetags.'' Ms. Price has been on Saturday Night Live and her music was featured on the show ``Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.'' Her first album, ``Midwest Farmer's Daughter,'' went to number 10 on the U.S. Country chart and her second album, ``All American Made,'' went to number 12 on the U.S. Country chart. prgtoken It is because of talented artists such as Ms. Price that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr I would like to again formally congratulate Ms. Price on her Grammy nomination and her commitment to making music for so many fans to enjoy across the country.