mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
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
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-11-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the gentleman from Washington State, my good friend, Mr. Newhouse, seemed to imply that it would be an inconvenience for us to have the House consider a measure on Yemen, and I am a little bit puzzled by that. The reason why Representative Khanna took the step is because, for months, while this terrible carnage has unfolded in Yemen, this House has done nothing. prgtoken We just learned that the Saudi Government was directly involved in the killing of a Washington Post journalist and, again, nothing-- nothing at all. The s took the unprecedented step of basically derailing this privileged resolution. It is unprecedented. prgtoken Over 100,000 Yemeni children have already perished because of war- triggered prgtoken hunger and disease over the past 2 years. Why is the leadership stripping us of the right to debate? prgtoken According to the U.N 14 million people in Yemen--half the population--face an imminent and catastrophic famine not seen in 100 years if this war is not ended. prgtoken Why is the leadership stripping our right to debate? I don't understand what they are afraid of. It is not like they have a lot to do. We are going to be talking about gray wolves today, and we are not voting on this until Friday. They have nothing going on. Certainly, we should have time to debate this important humanitarian issue. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan).
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-11-14

today I wish to recognize a leader who has devoted more than three decades to Nevada's kids, its schools, and its educators: Dr. Dotty Merrill. For more than 35 years, Dr. Merrill has been an educator, an advocate, and a leader in fighting for the best possible opportunities for our students and teachers. She continues to be a leader as the executive director of the Nevada Association of School Boards, a role she has held since October of 2006. prgtoken Dr. Merrill graduated with a bachelor of arts from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, a master of arts in English from the University of Nevada, Reno, and finally with a doctorate in educational leadership, also from the University of Nevada, Reno. Nevada is truly blessed that Dr. Merrill has taken her education, experience, and passion and devoted it to our State's education system. Her work in the Washoe County School District was instrumental in developing a set of education standards that aligned with Federal standards and strengthened the 21st century education our kids need for a brighter future. She has continued the fight for our kids on behalf of the Washoe County School District at the Nevada Legislature where she has been a key voice for local educators as the Silver State has debated how best to improve our school system, train our teachers, and ensure that every child in Nevada has the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in the classroom. prgtoken I would like to thank Dr. Merrill for all she has done for our kids, our schools, and our teachers in the Silver State, especially in her commitment to improving classroom instruction, developing initiatives that ensure accountability, and fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders that achieve the best results for our kids. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Dotty Merrill's lifelong commitment to education and service to the Washoe County School District, the city of Reno, and the State of Nevada. Thank you to Dr. Merrill for all that you have done and for your life's work fighting for a quality education for Nevada's children and standing up for the necessary support and resources for the Silver State's teachers.
IN RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL B. TRISTER
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I rise today to recognize the life of civil rights attorney Michael B. Trister, who passed away on October 20, 2018. As family, friends and colleagues mourn the loss of a loving family man, a steward of justice, and a voice for the underrepresented, I ask my fellow members of Congress to join me in honoring Mike for his unwavering commitment to defending civil rights and his rich legacy as a lawyer, advocate, teacher, husband, father and grandfather. prgtoken Mike's legal career was marked by profound dedication to serving those in need. His first job out of law school was teaching and developing a legal services program at the University of Mississippi School of Law in the 1960's. There, his work serving the poor and marginalized drew the ire of the state's political hierarchy. When the University terminated its relationship with the program and told Mike he could not both continue to teach and work in the program, he sued in federal court--in Trister v. University of Mississippi--and won the right to do so. prgtoken Upon his reinstatement, and as part of his groundbreaking legal practice as the first Executive Director of North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (NMRLS), he focused on advancing the civil and economic rights of African Americans--in the process, contributing greatly to the transformation of poverty law practice in the state. In addition to overseeing school desegregation cases, Mike represented NMRLS lawyers targeted by local law enforcement and defended African American student protesters at the University who were facing both criminal prosecution and calls for expulsion. prgtoken In 1970, Mike moved to Washington, D.C to work at the Children's Defense Fund, eventually serving as Vice President and General Counsel. He later co-founded the firm currently known as Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold, PLLC. Over thirty years, he worked with a multitude of clients, providing counsel to progressive labor, advocacy, charitable, and political organizations. Mike's practice, at its core, focused on supporting social, economic, and political movements. Beyond his law practice, he also sought to improve the legal profession through teaching and community engagement. Among other things, Mike served as the Chair of the DC Bar Legal Ethics Committee and the DC Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee. He has been honored for his lifetime of advocacy, and for his many contributions to the profession. prgtoken , as Mike's wife Nancy Duff Campbell, son Noah Trister, daughter Karen Trister Grace, son-in-law Peter Grace, and grandchildren Jeremy and Mara Grace celebrate his lifetime of achievements and his devotion to his family, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Mike's dedication to advancing civil rights and progressive causes, which began during an era that sorely needed courageous voices.
COAST GUARD REAUTHORIZATION BILL
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-11-14

today the Senate will complete work on a new 2-year authorization for the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Maritime Commission, and on regulations related to vessel discharges and other matters. prgtoken This bill is intended to give our Coast Guard the certainty it needs to operate in a constantly changing environment, and I appreciate the significant bipartisan work that has gone into the legislation we vote on today. Maryland is prgtoken home to the Coast Guard yard in Curtis Bay, our Nation's facility for maintaining and repairing the Coast Guard fleet, and I am proud of the work they do every day to support the security of our Nation and ships at sea. However, I remain concerned with title IV of this bill, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, VIDA, which would regulate ballast water discharge from ships in the United States. While these provisions have improved since they were first brought to the floor, the title continues to preempt State authority on ballast water discharge from ships. The State of Maryland currently has a more protective standard that is critical to maintaining a healthy Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is enormous: 64,000 square miles, part of six States and the entire District of Columbia, and almost 18 million people. prgtoken The Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland's crown jewels, and it is of upmost importance to me that we continue the progress in cleaning up the bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a delicate ecosystem that is particularly sensitive to invasive species that can be spread through ballast water discharge. These invasive species could compete with our native species in the bay like blue crab, oysters, and striped bass. prgtoken There are many provisions of this bill that I will support through the conference process, including additional funding for operating expenses and acquisition funding and $30 million for environmental compliance and restoration. The Coast Guard yard in Curtis Bay is currently on EPA's National Priorities List and the Coast Guard's priority list and is eligible for this funding. prgtoken The bill also includes a provision that allows for incentive payments to go to Curtis Bay's wage-grade employees who demonstrate improvements in performance or delivery during a project. prgtoken I hope to gain clarity on section 310 of the bill, which claims to provide more flexibility to choose where ship alterations or repairs can occur. I am concerned that this provision may have unintended consequences in certain situations, particularly with respect to the Coast Guard yard. As this bill moves to conference and eventually the President, I hope to work with my colleagues to clear up this provision and will continue to advocate for the rights of States like Maryland to protect their clean water. prgtoken I will vote no today, but believe that we can continue to improve this bill in the conference process. I look forward to working with my coll
TRIBUTE TO GARRY J. AUGUSTINE
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-11-14

today I wish to honor the service and career of veteran and dedicated advocate Garry Augustine. prgtoken As the executive director of the Disabled American Veterans, DAV, since 2010 and a 46-year life member, Garry has helped shaped the legislative landscape for disabled veterans and their families by advocating before Congress, the White House, and the VA. Back home, Garry has led DAV's efforts to make sure disabled veterans can access the healthcare and benefits they need and earned. prgtoken A native of Cleveland, OH, Garry enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1969. As a member of the 198th Infantry Brigade in South Vietnam, he served on the Batangan Peninsula. During a combat patrol operation on April 9, 1970, he was severely wounded by a land mine explosion. prgtoken After 18 months and multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Army Hospital, Garry returned home to Cleveland, where he continued physical rehabilitation and underwent additional surgeries at the Cleveland VA hospital. In December 1972, he was medically discharged from the U.S. Army. prgtoken Following his service, Garry went on to earn a bachelor's degree with honors from Ohio University in 1978. In 1983, he completed a master's degree in sociology from Cleveland State University, the same year he became a life member of DAV Chapter 42 in Mentor, OH. prgtoken In Mentor, he served in various positions, including chapter commander and adjutant, and on statewide committees, as well as director of service for the DAV Department of Ohio. In 1989, he was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America. prgtoken Along the way, Garry met and married Kellie Lambing and raised two children, Chelsea and Kyle. prgtoken Garry began his tenure with DAV as a hospital service coordinator in 1988 at the Cleveland Wade Park VA Hospital. That same year, he joined DAV's professional staff as a national service officer apprentice. He remained at the Cleveland national service office where he was promoted to assistant supervisor in 1997 and supervisor in 2000. prgtoken He served as supervisor at the Cleveland DAV National Service Office until being appointed assistant national service director at DAV's Washington Headquarters in 2002. In January 2004, he was appointed deputy national service director and was named national service director in 2010. prgtoken As executive director of DAV, Garry has helped lead an organization that has always been at the forefront of advocating for veterans and securing the resources, healthcare, and benefits veterans have earned. Garry has been a fierce advocate for VA healthcare reform, expanding caregiver benefits, securing critical resources for veterans initiatives, modernizing the disability appeals system, and improving VA services and resources for women veterans. prgtoken As ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, it has been a joy to work with Garry and DAV on important pieces of legislatio
TRIBUTE TO STEVE MAGRUDER
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-11-14

Steve Magruder has devoted his life to helping working families. For more than 40 years, Steve faithfully served as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers International Local 176. Last week, Steve retired as the business manager of Local 176, a position he held for 8 years. prgtoken The IBEW is as old as commercial electricity. In 1891, 2 years before electricity made Chicago the White City, the IBEW formed to protect the rights and safety of those brave workers willing to work on electrical and telecommunications. They would be the ones who brought power across the country, and today, they have a membership of 750,000 worldwide. prgtoken Steve started out in the storied electrical industry while he was still in high school. He worked as a shop assistant for Bradley Electric. He eventually became the owner of the residential division of Bradley Electric. prgtoken In 1975, he was initiated into the IBEW Local 963 in Kankakee, IL, as a residential wireman. The next year, the local IBEW chapters merged to form IBEW 176. In 1982, he became a journeyman wireman and moved into companies such as Comstock and Company and Meade Electric. prgtoken By 1990, Steve became an agent in the Local 176 business office. He founded the IBEW 176 sick, injured, and needy committee, which helps members in difficult times. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been used by the committee to help so many people through the tough times. prgtoken Through all of this, Steve stayed involved in politics and helped candidates who would help working families of Illinois. In 2010, he became business manager of Local 176 and apprenticeship program numbers increased. He also expanded political work by chairing the 176 PAC committee and a committee on political education. If a business hired in Kankakee or Iroquois County hired from outside, Steve was at the frontlines fighting for families to keep them from being left behind by the local economy. prgtoken Steve is retiring now to spend more time with his wife of 45 years, Candy. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.
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
Ro Khanna (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-11-14

I thank Congressman McGovern for his moral leadership. prgtoken , I rise in strong opposition to this rule that will deny Members of Congress an up-or-down vote about whether the United States should be complicit in the war in Yemen. prgtoken Let's be very clear. This is unprecedented in American history. Never has the of the House and the majority denied a Member of Congress a vote on matters of war and peace. This is basically rendering ineffectual the War Powers Act. prgtoken The War Powers Act was passed in a bipartisan fashion after Vietnam because our Nation said never again are we going to make the mistake of Vietnam. We are going to make sure that, if a Member of Congress calls for a vote, Members of Congress have the Article I, Section 8 responsibility to vote on matters of war and peace. What the majority is saying is that if the President of the United States and the believe we should be in war, then we should be in war, and it doesn't matter what Members of Congress think. prgtoken That is what they are doing with this rule. prgtoken Now, they are arguing that we are not complicit in the hostilities of Yemen to invoke the War Powers Act. But you can read every article written on this in the international press or the national press, and it starts with a simple line: the U.S.-backed Saudi coalition efforts in bombing. prgtoken Of course we are complicit. Do you think people in Yemen don't think we are complicit? Do you think people in the Middle East or our allies don't think we are complicit? prgtoken With due respect, Congressman Newhouse says: Well, why not wait? Why not wait a few weeks until we are in the majority? prgtoken , special envoy Griffith in every report has said that 500,000 children will die in a matter of months. They don't have aid. They don't have nutrition. prgtoken Let's be very clear on what we are doing. While we are bombing the ports of Hodaida, we are not allowing food and aid to get to those kids. prgtoken When history is written, they are not going to say that Jim McGovern did this or Ro Khanna did this or Newhouse did this. They are going to say: How did the Congress not allow a vote while hundreds of thousands of kids were not allowed food and medicine? prgtoken That is not the America that I believe in. It is not the America that so many colleagues believe in. There is a reason that our Founders gave Congress the power over war and peace, because we have to go and answer to our constituents. prgtoken I will tell you something. There is not a single American who wouldn't want the violence to end and allow food and medicine to get to those kids who are going to face death if we do nothing. prgtoken I plead with my colleagues: Please vote ``no'' on this resolution. Let's have a debate. Let's have a debate about the starvation and the killing going on there and do the right thing for our Constitution and the world.
Remembering Claiborne Pell (Executive Calendar)
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-11-14

next week will mark what would have been the 100th birthday of my predecessor, Senator Claiborne de Borda Pell, who was born on November 22, 1918. This year, appropriately enough, the date falls on Thanksgiving. prgtoken We lost Senator Pell nearly 9 years ago after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease, which robbed him of his mobility but not his spirit. He was sustained by the love of his wonderful family, especially his beloved wife, the late Nuala Pell. prgtoken A person who dedicated his life to selfless service to Rhode Island and the Nation, Senator Pell would not want a showy commemoration of his centenary. He was not one to seek the limelight. Moreover, for him, his birthday--November 22--became a somber day for remembrance and mourning the loss of his dear friend, President John F. Kennedy. prgtoken But at a time when differences seem more striking than our common cause and when there is a question of whether America's role in the world community should be guided solely by narrowly defined self- interest or by our democratic ideals, it is helpful for us to recall the example and standard Senator Pell set--both his accomplishments and the civility he maintained throughout his career. prgtoken He was born into a family of great wealth and privilege, yet Claiborne Pell never exhibited a sense of entitlement. At a defining moment in the history of our country and a defining moment in his life, Claiborne Pell demonstrated that privilege and wealth was not a way to avoid the rigors of life. Rather, for him, they offered the opportunity and responsibility to meet the challenges of the times with vigor and wisdom and optimism. prgtoken As World War II approached, Claiborne Pell, with family connections, poor eyesight, and a high draft number, could have easily secured a sinecure, a safe posting to ride out the war. Instead, before Pearl Harbor, he decided on his own to enlist in the Coast Guard and eventually sailed the dangerous North Atlantic convoy runs. Significantly, Claiborne chose to enlist not as an officer but as a seaman so that he could get a chance at sea duty. prgtoken The complete lack of regard for status or pretense, which he showed in his World War II service, would continue to mark his public service and endear him to generations of Rhode Islanders. For 36 years, Claiborne Pell did not simply represent Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate; he represented the ideal of what a public servant should be. prgtoken He said that his motto or statement of purpose was to ``translate ideas into action and help people.'' And that is what he did. One hundred years after his birth and 58 years after his first election to the Senate, millions of Americans continued to be helped by his ideas translated into action. prgtoken He believed that government had a critical role in providing opportunity, particularly the opportunity for a good education for every American, and he knew that there were unb
TRIBUTE TO SARAH CARPENTER
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-11-14

it is with great appreciation and a touch of sadness that I note the upcoming retirement of Sarah Carpenter. Her retirement culminates 20 years of dedicated service as the executive director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, VHFA. Through her enduring commitment to affordable housing, Sarah has helped tens of thousands of Vermonters into homes and helped to establish and shape our State's affordable housing infrastructure. prgtoken Sarah's career spanned four decades during which time she was a consistent leader in the affordable housing community. As executive director of Cathedral Square Corporation between 1983 and 1998, Sarah worked to develop and manage housing that met the needs of differently abled and aging Vermonters. She oversaw the operation of 430 units of supportive housing and provided housing development and management assistance to 20 projects across the State. prgtoken As executive director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Sarah advanced the agency's mission to finance and promote affordable, safe, and decent housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Sarah oversaw $2.2 billion in lending in Vermont, and in her time with VHFA, the agency closed over 10,000 home loans, making a significant contribution to homeownership in the State of Vermont. She has been an effective leader whose work has expanded the amount of permanent supportive housing dedicated to people experiencing homelessness. Not only was Sarah an inspiring leader, she was also a strong and compassionate manager. Since 2015, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine have included VHFA on their list of Vermont's Best Places to Work. prgtoken Sarah's contribution to the affordable housing community extends into her community service. She is a founding member of the Housing Vermont board and a founding member of the Burlington Community Land Trust. She has been a member of dozens of boards and special committees dedicated to various aspects of housing finance and the promotion of safe, affordable, and decent housing for Vermonters of all means. Her service has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Senator Patrick Leahy Leadership Award from the Committee on Temporary Shelter in 2007. prgtoken Sarah is a lifelong Vermonter who has dedicated her career to ensuring those in her home State can afford a home. She was a key architect of the system that today creates and finances the production and preservation of affordable rental housing across the State. She has worked closely with my office to improve the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, including ensuring priority is given to projects that propose to target 25 percent of their units to Vermonters who have experienced homelessness. Sarah's informed advocacy has strengthened this and other Federal housing programs so they can work for Vermont and Vermonters. I commend her service to the State and thank h