mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR KYLE SCHULL
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Major Kyle Schull who will receive an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps after over eleven years of service. I had the distinct pleasure of hosting Major Schull in my office as a Defense Fellow in 2015. Major Schull's extensive military experience benefited the office tremendously and he offered a unique perspective, was always prepared, and took on any task with a smile. prgtoken Major Schull was born in 1984 and grew up with his three younger siblings, Katie, Kari and Collin, in the beautiful, albeit chilly, town of Watertown, South Dakota where his parents, Lee and Jan, still live today. In 2003, Major Schull graduated from Watertown High School. prgtoken Upon his graduation, Major Schull was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he earned a B.S. in Political Science. Upon his graduation from the Naval Academy, Kyle was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken Following commissioning, Major Kyle Schull served at his first duty station, the Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Okinawa, Japan, from June 2008 through December 2010 as a Logistics Officer. He was then assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as the Future Operations Officer from January 2011 through April 2012. Major Schull was then promoted to Transportation Support Company Commander at Combat Logistics Battalion 6; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he remained from April 2012 through February 2014. He was then assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 2; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as the Assistant Regimental Operations Officer from March 2014 through August 2014. In 2014, Major Schull was selected for the Department of Defense Congressional Fellowship Program where he severed as my Defense Fellow in support of California's 42nd Congressional District from January to December of 2015. During his time as my Defense Fellow, he met his lovely future wife, Chelsea Schull. Following his fellowship, he was assigned to be the Staff Secretary and Legislative liaison to the Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Installations and Logistics from January 2016 to May of 2018. He served in an array of positions within Headquarters Marine Corps Installations and Logistics Command and currently serves as the 04xx Occ Field Sponsor and LPC-3 Section Head. prgtoken As a civilian, Major Schull enjoys traveling, helping others realize their love of traveling, and hopes to one day see the Pyramids. Kyle is also an entrepreneur at heart and will begin working for his family's company, Building Products, Inc. and Schull Construction Co after separating from the Marine Corps. I have no doubt that he will succeed in this new phase of his life. prgtoken During his time in my office, Kyle focused his efforts on defense acquisition, defense appropriations, the intelligence community, veterans affairs, and ma
HONORING VETERANS DAY
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-11-14

every time I go home, the people of Kansas never cease to inspire me. This Veterans Day, it was my hometown of Great Bend and my home county of Barton County who inspired me. prgtoken On Veterans Day, not only did we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War I, but we also dedicated a new veterans memorial and veterans cemetery. I was so proud to be part of this dedication ceremony and join the 300 Kansans who braved snow and sleet in freezing cold to honor our veterans. prgtoken , I am honored to be part of such a community which holds veterans in such high esteem.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6784, MANAGE OUR WOLVES ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2018, THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2018
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-11-14

. So, , to close, I would just like to say that, as a farmer and a lifelong resident of central Washington State, I consider myself a conservationist and a steward of our rich natural heritage, and that includes our incredible wildlife. prgtoken State governments are fully qualified to responsibly manage gray wolf populations and are better able to meet the needs of local communities, ranchers, livestock, wildlife populations, and ecosystems. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation. prgtoken , .
TRIBUTE TO TIMOTHY J. GOODE
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2018-11-14

I wish to recognize Timothy J. Goode on the occasion of his retirement as Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia. Chief Deputy Goode is stepping down after a long career of accomplishment and service to his country and to West Virginia. prgtoken Since he came to West Virginia, my staff and I have had the pleasure of working with Chief Deputy Goode and his colleagues in the Southern District office. He has been a consistent advocate for the U.S. Marshals Service and served as a valuable liaison between the Service and my office. Before he came to West Virginia, he had already accrued a number of accomplishments in a storied career. prgtoken Chief Deputy Goode received his bachelor's degree from Indiana State University in 1983, entering the U.S. Marshals Service as a deputy in 1986. Over the next three decades, he served as a mentor to numerous deputies, coordinated and led operations that resulted in the arrest of dangerous criminals, and served in various administrative and informational capacities, including two stints as Acting U.S. Marshal. Among his many approbations was a special recognition by the Indiana General Assembly in 1990 for his role in the arrest and extradition of General Manuel Noriega. prgtoken In addition to his long record of service, Chief Deputy Goode serves as a Sunday school teacher and holds a master's degree in Christian Ministry. An outdoorsman, he is also an avid hunter and fisher. Finally, and most importantly, he is a devoted husband to his wife, Kyle. prgtoken Exemplary public service should be praised, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Deputy Goode for his service. I wish him well in retirement and in his future endeavors. It is an honor to call him a friend and fellow West Virginian.
COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-11-14

I am honored to commemorate the 60th anniversary of one of our top educational institutions in south Florida: Christopher Columbus High School. prgtoken Since its inception in 1958, Christopher Columbus has graduated bright and talented young men who have made lasting contributions to our community and our country. Through superior academics, dedicated staff, and a strong commitment to its students, it is no surprise that Christopher Columbus has been awarded numerous accolades, such as ranking in the top 50 Catholic schools in the Nation. prgtoken As you might expect, an institution with a reputation like this one is fortunate to have some world-class alumni. Christopher Columbus graduates include: Mayor Carlos Gimenez of Miami-Dade County; members of the Florida Supreme Court and State legislature; and even Pedro Jose Greer, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. prgtoken , it is institutions like Christopher Columbus High School that define the pinnacle of education for young men in our country, and I congratulate the school for this fantastic milestone. I thank Christopher Columbus for all that it has done for our beloved south Florida community, and here is to the next 60 years. prgtoken Go Explorers.
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-14

now, on to the work that is currently before us: We voted yesterday to advance important legislation that will preserve our national security, ensure our readiness, and expand economic opportunity. The bill before us to reauthorize the Coast Guard funding will ensure that the brave men and women who put themselves in harm's way every single day have access to the resources they need. prgtoken America calls on our Coast Guard to protect our ports, to protect our coasts, to safeguard the shipping lanes that enable American commerce, to stem the tide of illegal drugs before they reach our shores, and to brave even the fiercest natural disasters that save American lives. They always answer the call. They are always ready. So it is our obligation as a Congress to keep the Coast Guard authorized and adequately resourced to do the job. prgtoken When we pass the legislation before us, we will do just that, and we will do even more because this bill also includes important reforms that will streamline needlessly complicated government regulations and help communities and small businesses harness the great resource that is America's waterways. prgtoken In my home State of Kentucky alone, we have 1,900-plus miles of navigable waterways. They support 13,000 jobs. This bill includes a major victory for those Kentuckians and for Americans in a number of other States. prgtoken The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act will unwind the confusing, redundant tangle of rules and regulations that States, the EPA, and the Coast Guard have all piled on to vessel owners and barge operators who are, frankly, just trying to make a living. With this legislation, that tangled mess will go away. It will be replaced by a single, efficient, and uniform standard, which the Coast Guard will enforce. It is a commonsense step, and it is something that has been thoroughly bipartisan. prgtoken This legislation passed the Commerce Committee on a voice vote. It has actually been reported out several different times, including when the Senate was controlled by . So I look forward to delivering these important measures for the Coast Guard, for Kentuckians, and for many more Americans when we pass this legislation later today.
BIG HEROES, TINY HOMES--STUDENTS HELPING VETERANS
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-14

according to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, 28 percent of Houston's homeless population are veterans. That is over 3,600 homeless veterans in Houston alone. These same veterans admirably served our nation and have dedicated their lives to the service and protection of the United States. prgtoken Across the nation, ``micro homes'' are being used as transitional homes for those in need. A micro home is defined as a residential structure with utilities and built for full time occupancy, in less than 350 square feet. Micro home communities have been created by charities in Austin, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Olympia, Portland, Seattle, and Syracuse. Now, students at Humble lSD are trying to add Houston to that list. prgtoken More than 70 students at Summer Creek High School and Kingwood Park High School are working to create a community of micro homes for homeless veterans--designing tiny homes for big heroes. The students have spent the last several months designing the blueprints and a 3D model for the 200-square foot home and working with architects to make sure it works. From paint colors, to roofing, to electrical wiring, they have designed and obtained prices for everything necessary to complete their vision. Unlike usual school projects, this student-led initiative requires marketing to prospective donors and could take years to successfully complete this micro home community. These passionate students have given pitches and presentations to countless potential donors, the City of Humble council members and mayor as well as the City of Houston. prgtoken So far, the students, along with the help of faculty and staff, have raised $40,000 to level a piece of land next to the school where they can begin the next phase of constructing the homes. Both Summer Creek and Kingwood Park will build a model tiny home by the end of this school year. The goal is to eventually partner with a nonprofit and also raise money to buy land to place the homes. prgtoken Before giving a presentation to potential donors, a senior from Kingwood Park High School, Nicholas Logan, told Texas School Business Magazine: ``It's given me a purpose. I'm not just going to school today. I'm going to school so I can attend a meeting, so I can get the funding to help other people, so they can have a home.'' It is because of the actions of selfless minds like Nicholas, that this great country will be in the good hands of our future leaders. prgtoken Good deeds do not go unnoticed. I know that the residents of Lake Houston Area are proud of these students and I applaud not only the students for their tremendous achievements and commend them for giving back to our community, but their parents as well. They are truly making a difference and represent all that is right and good in America. prgtoken And that's just the way it is.
Introductory Statement on S. 3621
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-11-14

for Americans struggling with high health care expenses, the tax deduction for certain medical expenses continues to be of significant assistance for many taxpayers. But unless it is extended, the income threshold for this vital deduction will increase at the end of this year. prgtoken That is why I rise to introduce with my colleague, Senator Cantwell, a bill that would provide for a permanent extension of the medical expense deduction for unreimbursed health care costs that exceed 7.5 percent of a taxpayer's income. prgtoken For those who suffer from pre-existing medical conditions, have chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or find that long-term care services are a necessity but are not covered by insurance, health care expenses can quickly become an unbearable burden. Too many Americans are forced to choose between purchasing medical services and making other equally necessary expenditures. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased the income threshold for taxpayers to deduct their medical expenses from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. For individuals under 65, the increase went into effect in 2013. Those over 65 would have been exposed to this higher threshold for the first time in 2017. prgtoken When the ACA increase was phased in, individuals under 65 struggling with serious health conditions saw their financial health worsen. For example, a 2016 study estimates that parents, including many with limited means, already provide nearly $36 billion annually in uncompensated medical care at home to children who have special health care needs, such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. A 2016 survey of cancer survivors showed that one-third go into debt and of those more than half incurred more than $10,000 in expenses. prgtoken Medical debt is a serious challenge facing millions of families in our country, and as we endeavor to moderate rising health costs, we should also make every effort to ensure that we lower their tax burden as well. prgtoken Some erroneously believe that this deduction only benefits the wealthy, when in fact, lower and middle-income Americans felt the impact of the increase. According to AARP, nearly 70 percent of taxpayers taking the deduction in 2014 reported income of $75,000 or less, and nearly half reported incomes of $50,000 or less. In my home state of Maine, according to AARP, 35,764 Maine residents claimed this deduction in 2014, while 18,788 of these individuals reported an income of $50,000 or less. prgtoken This is why during tax reform last year, I introduced an amendment that rolled back the income threshold to 7.5 percent for all taxpayers to deduct their medical expenses for 2017 and 2018. My amendment expanded upon the efforts of Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, who had worked to prevent this increase from going into effect for individuals over 65. prgtoken The AARP and 44 other consumer groups strongly end
Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (Executive Calendar)
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-11-14

I want to thank the Senator from Delaware, Mr. Coons, and the Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Booker, for doing this together with us to make sure that we have this bipartisan piece of legislation here on the Senate floor. prgtoken It is not unremarkable to have such a bipartisan piece of legislation pass out of the Judiciary Committee. We don't have very many bipartisan pieces of legislation coming out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, but this one was--by a vote of 14 to 7, including the chairman of the committee. prgtoken There is no reason it shouldn't be brought to the floor. It was passed out of the Judiciary Committee on April 26. prgtoken I should note that the Judiciary Committee has been busy sending things to the floor during the intervening time. In fact, since April 26, when this bill passed the Judiciary Committee, we have sent 49 nominations through to the floor that we have voted on and confirmed here on the floor. Since that time, the floor actually has voted on 50. There was one that was already in the queue. prgtoken So on the floor, since this bill passed the Judiciary Committee, we have voted on 50 confirmations of the President's nominees. Many of these nominees were blue-slipped in ic States; some, in . We have been able to move on all of them. There is no reason we shouldn't move on this vital piece of legislation to protect the special counsel. prgtoken When the leader said in April that there was no move on the special counsel, nobody was being fired, nothing to worry about here--if that was the case then, that certainly is not the case now. Since then, the Attorney General has been fired, and the oversight for this investigation, which sat with the Deputy Attorney General, has been wrested from him and turned over to someone who has not received Senate confirmation, someone who has expressed open hostility to the Mueller investigation. Does that not ring alarm bells around here? If that doesn't, what will? Why are we so sanguine about this? This would provoke a constitutional crisis. Yet, when we have the opportunity to pass legislation to protect the special counsel, which received a bipartisan vote in the Judiciary Committee, we fail to bring it up on the Senate floor. Why? prgtoken Why do we do this to protect a man, seemingly, who is so incurious about what Russia did during the 2016 elections? Why do we do that? prgtoken Do we have no more institutional pride here? Don't we more jealously guard our prerogative as Senators than to simply let this go? What will it take? prgtoken I am prepared--and I know that the Senator from Delaware is, as well--to bring this up again. We will bring it up again until we can get a vote on the Senate floor. prgtoken I hope in the next few days and in the coming weeks that the public will rise up and say that this needs to be done. A bipartisan piece of legislation that has passed the Judiciary Committee ought to be broug
HONORING MARK PARR
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-11-14

I proudly pause to recognize Mark Parr. Mark is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1393, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. prgtoken Mark has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Mark has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Mark has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mark completed landscaping at St. Therese North Catholic Church in Kansas City. prgtoken , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mark Parr for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
HONORING WAR HERO WALTER ``BERT'' MINTUS
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to honor the memory of western Pennsylvania native and war hero, Petty Officer Third Class Walter ``Bert'' Mintus. prgtoken Hailing from Portage, Pennsylvania, in 1942, Bert enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radioman for Torpedo Squadron Fifty-One during World War II. This was the same torpedo squadron in which our 41st President, George H.W served during the war. prgtoken On July 27, 1944, during a mission over the Pacific, his aircraft came under enemy fire from the Japanese and was shot down. Afterward, Bert and his brothers in arms on the plane were listed as missing in action and later presumed dead. prgtoken For nearly 74 years, the Mintus family was unsure of the fate that befell their beloved family member. That changed this year. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the U.S. Navy, this past June, Bert's remains were identified; and last Thursday, Bert's family finally welcomed their war hero home. prgtoken May God grant this son of western Pennsylvania eternal rest.
HAMILTON COUNTY JR. HIGH LADY FOXES SOFTBALL
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to salute the achievements of the Hamilton County Jr. High ``Lady Foxes'' softball team, who are now the Illinois Class L State Champions. prgtoken The Lady Foxes had an impressive season this year. They swept through their regional and sectional victories, and beat Wolf Branch and Triad in the first two rounds of the State Finals. The Hamilton County team beat Carterville 13-12 in their championship game. prgtoken I want to congratulate team members Carson Belangee, Breanna Blades, Ellie Deen, Emma Erwin, Kaelee Karcher, Alexandra Kolts, Mallorie Millenbine, Chayli Phelps, Elizabeth Weaver, Kaylie Brake, Cambria Currie, Whitley Miller, Hannah Moore, Brianna Sanders, Cady Zellers, and coaches Lynn Braden and Kelsey Bowman for such an amazing accomplishment. As a former baseball player, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. I am proud there is such promising talent in our community, and to see them represent McLeansboro throughout the state. prgtoken , these student-athletes and their coaches have represented themselves, their school, and the 15th district of Illinois in an exemplary fashion. I join the rest of the community in wishing them all the best in their future academic and athletic endeavors.