mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF GUY E. CARR
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today to honor Korean War Veteran Guy E. Carr. prgtoken Mr. Carr served in the U.S. Air Force from December 27, 1950 until November 3, 1953. prgtoken Mr. Carr was trained as a Senior Turret Systems Mechanic and Gunner, but upon arriving in Kunson, Korea he was retrained to be a flight systems engineer as they did not have a need for gunners. prgtoken He nonchalantly likes to state ``we only crashed once''while in Korea. prgtoken Mr. Carr flew 54 combat mission while serving in Korea, and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, the United Nations Korean Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. prgtoken Mr. Carr truly exemplifies the Warrior Spirit that has seen our Nation through trying times. prgtoken I'm honored to present Guy E. Carr replacement medals for his service in Korea and for his sacrifice to our nation.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5515, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise in strong support of the conference report and want to congratulate my friend and fellow Texan, Chairman Mac Thornberry for his leadership and hard work to get us to this point and his willingness to work with the Financial Services Committee on a number of provisions where we have shared jurisdiction. prgtoken I wish to address one title in particular: the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, or FIRRMA, which reforms the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). FIRRMA represents the first significant update to CFIUS since passage of the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007. In the intervening 11 years, a number of gaps in CFIUS's jurisdiction have emerged that FIRRMA now seeks to close, particularly in the realm of sensitive non- controlling investments and real estate transactions near national security-related sites. prgtoken This is not to say that everything outside CFIUS's jurisdiction qualifies as a gap. Far from it. Although the House and Senate both produced their own versions of FIRRMA, the House approach was generally more cautious in the authorities it delegated to CFIUS. If CFIUS needed to review transactions that genuinely posed a national security risk, the House worked in good faith to determine which additional powers were called for, but also circumscribed those powers appropriately to prevent overreach and unintended consequences. prgtoken The final version of FIRRMA adopts many important provisions from the House's bill (H.R. 5841), which passed this chamber in June by a vote of 400 to 2. prgtoken For instance, the text that we have negotiated focuses on U.S. businesses that own, operate, or supply--and by ``supply,'' we mean provide--critical infrastructure, targeting specific information or influence that could be transferred. This approach is designed to prevent CFIUS from sweeping up entire economic sectors regardless of a business's connection to national security. prgtoken Even within the scope of ``critical infrastructure,'' FIRRMA makes explicit that CFIUS is only to focus on the subset of systems and assets that are likely to be important to national security. There are technically a number of assets that fall within critical infrastructure sectors broadly, including everything from restaurants to amusement parks, but the bar for inclusion under FIRRMA is much higher. FIRRMA makes this clear. prgtoken CFIUS must also limit its new jurisdiction to certain categories of investors, which is meant to include foreign persons connected with problematic countries. Those categories of foreign persons are not intended to target our allies. prgtoken As under current law, CFIUS will continue to have jurisdiction over foreign investments in U.S. businesses when a transaction could result in control of the business. Under FIRRMA--and we have confirmed this point with the Treasury Department--CFIUS will continue to be limited to transa
CONGRATULATING THE FULTON CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATION ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today to honor and congratulate the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association on its 50th anniversary. prgtoken Upon discovering pollution in the waters of the Adirondack Mountains, a group of lakefront property owners organized a network of dedicated volunteers to form the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association in 1968. Since then, the FCLA has worked tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of the North Country's waterways. With the help of over 600 members, the organization works to maintain water quality and promote boating safety in the chain of eight lakes connected throughout Herkimer and Hamilton counties. The FCLA's members have been excellent stewards of this unique area, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying all the water has to offer and ensuring that these magnificent lakes will endure for generations to come. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association for 50 years of service to the North Country, and I wish them all the best in their next 50 years.
SPRING WOODS HS SPEECH AND DEBATE
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-3

as the 2017-2018 school year came to a close, the Spring Woods High School Speech and Debate Team concluded another successful year with a strong performance at the National Speech and Debate Association's National Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. prgtoken Two members of the team logged notable performances in Florida. Anahi Torres, a senior, advanced to the semi-finals of the Prose Interpretation. Coming off of a 3rd place finish at the state tournament, junior Hunter Brown rose above the field to qualify for the finals of the Congressional Debate. In the finals, he rose to speak on proposed legislation addressing the U.S. Navy, oversight of the Justice Department, and other topical issues. He ultimately placed 13th, earning him the right to return to Nationals next year as a senior. prgtoken Success at the national and state level has long been a part of Spring Woods Speech and Debate team history. This year marked the 18th time Spring Woods appeared at Nationals, and Brown's performance this past June made it seven consecutive years that Spring Woods has advanced to the final round of the Congressional Debate at this particular tournament. The team has qualified for the University Interscholastic League State (UIL) tournament for the past 11 years, boasting UIL state champions and finalists during this period. Currently, SWHS is ranked 10th in the state of Texas for qualifications at the Texas Forensic Association's State Tournament, and at this year's tournament, SWHS had quarter-finalists, semi-finals, and finalists. prgtoken It is often said that a team takes on the personality of the head coach. No statement could be truer for the SWHS debate team. Under the phenomenal leadership of Victoria Beard, director of Forensics at SWHS for the past 13 years, the team has not only put in impressive performances at local, state, and national tournaments, but also provided valuable skills to its members. The students experience gained through the tournaments and the long, arduous hours of practice balanced between studying for AP exams and finals pays off after graduation. Quite literally, as many Spring Woods debaters earn full scholarships to prestigious institutions around the country such as Yale, George Washington, and the University of Texas. This past spring, a SWHS alum and former debater, Christian Rice, gave the commencement address at Yale. The other speaker that day--former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. prgtoken , as a proud graduate of Springwoods Senior High School and a former member of the debate team myself, it is my honor to recognize the debate teams hard work and achievements. Congratulations to all who took part this year, and may there be many more that follow in your footsteps in the future. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
MITCHELL RECOGNIZES LIEUTENANT COLONEL DENNIS SURGRUE
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-8-3

I would like to recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Sugrue of the United States Army Corps of Engineers for completing his tour of duty as the Commanding Officer for the Detroit District. Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue received his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999, and during his career he completed two deployments in Afghanistan and one in Kosovo. He served as the Brigade Engineer and Executive Officer for the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division before becoming the Deputy District Commander of the Los Angeles District for the Army Corps of Engineers. After successfully serving and leading in these positions, Sugrue assumed command of the Detroit District for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for 4,000 miles of coast line along four of the Great Lakes and processing nearly 2,000 regulatory permits a year. I have had the pleasure of working with Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue on several projects, most notably on upgrading the Soo Locks; critical infrastructure essential to our nation's defense and economy. He is an articulate, consummate professional; always receptive to concerns and understanding of the complexities of the issues at hand. I am thankful to have worked with Lieutenant Colonel Sugrue in his current posting and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO CONVEY CERTAIN FACILITIES, EASEMENTS, AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO THE KENNEWICK IRRIGATION DISTRICT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today to introduce an important piece of legislation authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to transfer title of certain Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) assets to the Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) in Central Washington. prgtoken This straightforward legislation, in accordance with a December 2017 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Kennewick Irrigation District and BOR, will transfer title of works beginning at the KID's head gate and extending 40 miles east. The transfer includes the conveyance of land and project facilities and should be completed no later than two years after the enactment. prgtoken In working toward a successful transfer, the KID will include an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act as well as all necessary Endangered Species Act review, National Historical Preservation Act review, and a hazardous materials review. The KID and BOR have also committed to ensure that all stakeholders, tribal concerns, and local interests have a seat at the table throughout the process. In addition to ensuring the proper reviews are completed, KID will repay their allocated share of construction costs to the federal government. prgtoken Throughout Central Washington, there are several irrigation districts which work to manage and maintain reliable water supplies to cities, farmers, tribes, and recreational interest and they have done so successfully for many decades. The KID is no different. By completing this title transfer we can ensure there will be a safe, reliable, and efficient water supply for the next generation.
HONORING MARY PAT SHELY
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today to honor Mary Pat Shely from Clark County, Kentucky. Pat has deep roots in Kentucky, as her ancestors settled in historic Boonesboro shortly after its founding by Daniel Boone. prgtoken As a young woman, Pat was a talented athlete and a champion in tennis, fencing, swimming, and golf. She taught herself to fly the Piper Cub that her father purchased for her. She was one of the first females allowed into the Civil Air Patrol in 1942. She served her nation honorably as part of the Kentucky Wing and earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. prgtoken Following her service during World War II, Pat graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1946. She later earned a master's degree from Columbia University. Pat had a career in education, teaching in colleges across the country. In 1963, she returned to Kentucky and began a career in agriculture on her family's farm in Clark County. prgtoken Mary Pat Shely is a well-respected member of her community, a good steward of the land, and an American patriot. As part of what has been described as The Greatest Generation, she served her nation well during World War II. For her faithful wartime service during this time, 2nd Lieutenant Shely and other members of the Civil Air Patrol were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious award, one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the United States government, was presented to ``unpaid volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II providing extraordinary humanitarian, combat, and national services during a critical time of need for the nation.'' prgtoken It is my honor today to recognize this extraordinary Kentucky woman, Mary Pat Shely.
HONORING YDS CHICAGO
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-8-3

today I rise to recognize YDS Chicago for its outstanding service to our community and its work to promote peace, material well-being and spiritual growth. prgtoken YDS Chicago is an international faith-based organization which practices the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. Under the guidance of its spiritual leader, H.D.H. Hariprasad Swamiji, YDS has a long history of community engagement, focusing on health care, education and spiritual development to promote harmony among all people. YDS temples and cultural centers have provided free medical care, education and relief to victims of natural disasters and to the impoverished around the world. prgtoken We are honored to celebrate YDS Chicago as it moves forward with building its new temple and community center--the first Hindu temple constructed in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Nutan Haridham Temple is the product of years of planning, investment and close cooperation with local, state and federal government, and the success of this project required the sustained attention and devotion of the temple's members and its leadership. prgtoken The addition of the Nutan Haridham Temple to the 8th Congressional District is significant. The temple will serve as a center of religious practice, and as a home for Hindu culture in the greater Chicago area. Furthermore, in keeping with the focus of Hariprasad Swamiji on the education and spiritual development of our youth, the temple will be an important cultural center in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, offering camps and other educational programs for the next generation of Hindu- Americans in the area. prgtoken , I want to recognize the great achievements of YDS, and acknowledge its tireless community service in the 8th Congressional District, as well as to all in need throughout the world.
HONORING THE MAMIE JOHNSON LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Mamie Johnson Little League for winning the District of Columbia's Little League championship title on July 24, 2018. Only three years since its inception, Mamie Johnson is the first all-African American team to win the Little League championship title in the annual tournament's 31 years in the District. prgtoken Mamie Johnson won the title game against Capitol Hill Little League, and will move on to compete in the regional tournament, in Bristol, Connecticut, with their sights on the Little League World Series. prgtoken Keith Barnes, president of the Mamie Johnson Little League, founded the league just four years ago in Ward 7, here in the District of Columbia. He named the team after Mamie ``Peanut'' Johnson, the first female pitcher in the Negro Leagues, who lived and died in D.C. Johnson herself was present to see her namesake Little League make it to the finals in last year's tournament. This year's championship game was played at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, located in Fort Dupont. One of the reasons the District had no teams east of the Anacostia River is there was no place to play until recently. The land for the Academy was secured through a federal land transfer from the National Park Service to the District in 2010--an effort in which I was proud to play an essential role. prgtoken In 2017, Major League Baseball's opening-day rosters had the lowest percentage of black players since 1958. In 2018, that number of 7.1 percent increased to 7.8 percent, or 68 African Americans. This modest increase has been attributed to youth programs such as the Academy's ``YBA Play'' program. prgtoken At a time when African American participation in America's favorite pastime has been declining, the Mamie Johnson Little League presents a different future for baseball. They have already been an inspiration to kids in the District and have reintroduced an appetite for the sport in young children. prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Mamie Johnson Little League for their win in the District's Little League championship and for making tournament history as the first all-African American team to take the title.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-3

I was unable to be present for votes taken Tuesday, June 5, due to it being primary election day in California. I also missed votes on Tuesday, June 12. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 231 (Passage of H.R. 5005): YES prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 232 (Passage of H.R. 2991, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act): YES prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 233 (Passage of H.R. 5655, the Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument Act): YES prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 258 (Passage of H.R. 1815, the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act): YES prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 259 (Passage of H.R. 5041, the Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act): YES prgtoken Roll Call Vote Number 260 (Approving the Journal): NO
HONORING AGAPITO MOLINA
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today to commemorate the life of beloved Jim Hogg County Judge Agapito ``Cuate'' Molina, who passed away on July 3, 2018, in Corpus Christi, Texas. prgtoken Judge Molina began working for his community after being elected County Commissioner Pct. 2 in 1978. Because of his continued devotion, he was elected County Judge in 1999. Judge Molina became the first elected official from Jim Hogg County to obtain membership in the Texas Association of Counties (TAC), in which he served as Chairman of the TAC Health Insurance Committee for 11 years. prgtoken In addition to the Health Insurance Committee, he was also a member of the Risk Management Committee and Chairman of the Occupational Region of Community Affairs. Throughout his time with the TAC, Judge Molina advanced projects to improve his county and serve his constituents. Judge Molina routinely visited Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C to advocate for communities in Jim Hogg. prgtoken Aside from his accomplished career in public service, Judge Molina led a distinguished personal life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a devout Catholic. He was a regular amongst friends at the U.S. Post Office. Moreover, he had a loving wife, children, and family who succeed him. prgtoken , South Texas lost one of our most excellent and beloved public servants. Judge Agapito Molina will be missed dearly by family, friends, and constituents alike.
OATH CEREMONY ON AUGUST 10, 2018
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2018-8-3

it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on August 10, 2018. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. prgtoken America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. prgtoken On August 10, 2018, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in prgtoken Hammond, Indiana: Mark Andrew Abraham, Vanesa Anabel Miseres, Emeterio Garcia Betancourt, Abdullah Al Mamun, Adan Boussart Cruz, Haider Mohammed Abbas Al Kilidar, Marjorie Eldora Garbutt, Doaa Ayad Khalid Al Dulaimi, Eleftheria Nikolaos Fitousis, Maria de Jesus Ramirez Trejo, Lea Estialbo Tan, Oswaldo Rafael Gutierrez Mercado, Miguel Angel Morales Hernandez, Jai Prakash Agrawal, Hina Naz Chaudhry, Alaa George Issa Tadros, Xiaoyan Yang, Abdelhafid Erramnati, Yuliya Maroz, Gerardo Alvarez, Nana Kwesi Ampadu Annoh, Claudia Andrea Cespedes, Moon Tek Fisher, Maria Alejandra Hernandez, Jordan Dong Van Hoang, Patricia E. Leyva, Sandip Singh Lidhar, Himansu R. Parikh, Sherida Antoinette Parkes King and Julio Cesar Salazar. prgtoken Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. prgtoken , I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on August 10, 2018. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.
HONORING CARYL CASTLEBERRY
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-3

I rise today in memory of Caryl Castleberry, who passed away in May of this year. prgtoken Born in Iowa and raised in southern California, Caryl Castleberry earned an Associates of Arts Degree at Citrus Junior College before going to Pitzer College on an arts scholarship. Caryl began her more than 30-year sculpting career in 1985 while working for the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. She would go on to become a renowned wildlife sculptor over the course of her career, and her work was on display at numerous museums, galleries, zoos, nature preserves, and private collections. prgtoken Caryl also cared deeply for the community, volunteering with organizations such as the Valley of the Moon Children's Home and Friends of the Petaluma River. Caryl is survived by her husband of 51 years, three siblings, two children, and four grandchildren, and she will be missed by her family and many friends. prgtoken , it is with the greatest respect and condolences that we honor the life of Caryl Castleberry and send her loved ones our regrets.