mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE CHANGE
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-12-19

I am very grateful to the distinguished senior Senator from New Jersey for joining me again this week to bring attention to the challenges that climate change and rising seas pose for our coastal communities. Our States--New Jersey and Rhode Island--shared the unforgettable experience of Superstorm Sandy, which roared ashore on higher tides and warmer oceans. We know, in New Jersey and Rhode Island, how vulnerable we are. prgtoken As sea levels rise and storms intensify, the National Flood Insurance Program should be one of our government's best tools to educate and prepare our communities for the changes that carbon pollution is driving to our coasts. But the program falls well short of this basic goal. Instead of tackling its shortfalls head-on, ahead of the next big storm, for instance, we are getting set to punt again on the Flood Insurance Program. prgtoken My Ocean State, much smaller than New Jersey, has 400 miles of coastline threatened by sea level rise and storm surge flooding, so telling homeowners and coastal businesses that we will get to it eventually is not good enough. Our coastal risk is growing, not shrinking. prgtoken A 2017 Zillow chart shows that over 4,800 homes in Rhode Island-- 4,800 families' homes--valued at nearly $3 billion would be under water by 2100, using an optimistic assessment of only 6 feet of sea level rise. Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council is now planning for our State to see up to 9 to 12 feet of sea level rise by then. New Jersey, of course, has even more at risk with its bigger shoreline, with over $93 billion worth of property predicted to fall to rising seas. prgtoken This problem does not wait until the year 2100. It hits earlier. It hits as soon as 30-year mortgages and insurance get hard to come by because banks and insurers foresee these risks, and that inhibits buyers, so prices fall--perhaps prices even crash, as Freddie Mac is predicting. prgtoken Last year, GAO reported that coastal areas face particularly high financial risks and that annual coastal property losses from sea level rise and increased storms will run into the billions of dollars every year in the short run and over $50 billion every year by late century. GAO pointed to an EPA estimate of $5 trillion in economic costs to coastal property from climate change through 2100. Our coastal States can't laugh that off because it makes the oil industry uncomfortable to talk about climate change. prgtoken Investors, creditors, appraisers--everybody who works coastal markets--is taking notice. Last December, the credit rating agency, Moody's, adopted indicators ``to assess the exposure and overall susceptibility of U.S. states to the physical effects of climate change.'' This is Moody's. Moody's looks particularly at coasts and at the share of a State's economic activity generated by its coastal communities. It counts the homes built on flood plains, and it counts the r
TRIBUTE TO LARRY SHELLITO
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-12-19

today I wish to recognize and celebrate the career of retired lieutenant general and current Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner Larry Shellito. Commissioner Shellito will be retiring from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on January 7, 2019, after leading the department for the past 7 years. His leadership has ensured the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to provide excellent care and services for years to come. prgtoken Commissioner Shellito began his career in 1968 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, during which time he served in Vietnam as a mobile advisory team leader. In 1973, he joined the Minnesota National Guard where he served for the next 37 years. Starting as a rifle platoon leader, Commissioner Shellito went on to serve in nearly every command position within the Minnesota National Guard, and in 2003, he was appointed adjutant general by Governor Tim Pawlenty. In this final position, Commissioner Shellito diligently led the Minnesota National Guard in responding to domestic incidents, transforming the force from a ready reserve to an operational force through multiple deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He made sure the needs of his soldiers and their families were met when they returned home through the creation and implementation of the Nation's first Yellow Ribbon Program. Commissioner Shellito's leadership transformed the Minnesota National Guard into one of our Nation's most respected and well-known organizations. prgtoken While most people would retire after such an extensive career, Commissioner Shellito stepped up to the plate when Governor Mark Dayton asked him to serve as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs in 2011. At the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Commissioner Shellito has assisted Minnesota's 337,000 veterans and their dependents get the benefits and services they have earned. His stewardship has ensured veterans can find a place to call home, can find jobs in the public and private sectors, and have access to the services they need to help them heal from physical and psychological wounds. prgtoken In the past year alone, Commissioner Shellito has led the department in obtaining funding for three new veterans homes, improving residential satisfaction at Minneapolis veterans homes, opening a new state-of-the-art 100-bed skilled nursing care facility in Minneapolis, and establishing the Nation's first veterans home fixed dental care facility. The work Commissioner Shellito has done these past 7 years has set the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs up for success for years to come and is a testament to Commissioner Shellito's character and commitment to service. prgtoken On behalf of myself and all Minnesotans, I want to congratulate Commissioner Shellito on an amazing career. Your more than 45 years of excellent public service, on Active and civilian duty, repre
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF LYNCHING ACT OF 2018
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-19

over 2 months ago, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act of 2018, which I introduced proudly with Senators Booker and Scott. This is a historic piece of legislation that would criminalize lynching, attempts to lynch, and conspiracy to lynch, for the first time in America's history. prgtoken Lynching is a part of the dark and despicable aspect of our country's history that followed slavery and outrageously continued unabated in our country. According to the Equal Justice Initiative, lynching was used as an instrument of terror and intimidation 4,084 times during the late 19th and 20th centuries. These lynchings were needless and horrendous acts of violence motivated by racism. We must acknowledge that fact, lest it be repeated. prgtoken Lynching is a crime committed against innocent people. These crimes should have been prosecuted. There were victims who should have received justice, but they did not. prgtoken With this bill we are finally able to change that and correct a burden on our history as a country. We finally have a chance to speak the truth about our past and make clear that these hateful acts should never happen again without serious, severe, and swift consequence and accountability. prgtoken From 1882 to 1986, the U.S. Congress failed to pass anti-lynching legislation when it had an opportunity 200 times. We now have an opportunity to pass this bill and to offer some long overdue justice and recognition to the victims of lynching and their families-- recognition that these are crimes for which there should be severe consequence and accountability. prgtoken I now yield to my friend, the Senator from the great State of New Jersey, Cory Booker.
PASSING OF LARRY ``PETE'' PETERSON
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-19

Larry ``Pete'' Peterson of Yuba City, CA, was born on April 23, 1936, and passed away on October 11, 2018 at Rideout Hospital in Marysville. Pete retired from the United States Air Force as a Tech Sergeant after serving 43 years and served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Pete continued to serve his community as an officer with the Yuba City Police Department and after retiring, served 25 years as a Reserve Officer. Pete was a member of the Episcopal Church and participated in the activities of the VFW Post 2563, Yuba City American Legion post 705, Disabled American Veteran Chapter 6 Sacramento, CA, and the Thomas T Smith Masonic Lodge No. 78 in Marysville, CA. Pete was an active participant in the Kiwanis Club. He served as past president and past Lt. Governor. Pete was the founder of The Hope Of America Scholarship Program. He was also a George F. Hixson Fellow. He received numerous awards and recognition from retired Police Chief Richard Doscher and retired Deputy Chief George Carey. Pete is preceded in death by Debra Peterson and Sandra Pankey- Peterson, wives; his daughter, Nicole Peterson; his son, Lawrence F. Peterson, Jr.; and his brother, Paul Peterson. He leaves to grieve a stepson, Aaron Pankey; his stepmother, Vivian Peterson; his sisters, Florence Dent-Hunter and Loretta Johnson; his brother, Vincent Peterson; daughters-in-law, Alfreda Peterson and Connie Peterson; five grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins and friends.
RECOGNIZING WILLIAM GRAY
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-12-19

I rise to recognize Mr. William Gray on his retirement from Gray-Bowen-Scott, a company William founded and served as President of for over 30 years. prgtoken Before founding Gray-Bowen-Scott, William served as the Chief Deputy Public Works Director of Contra Costa County. He served as an active participant in supporting major civic efforts regarding transportation issues in the region. It should then come as no surprise that William is credited with spearheading several innovative and successful land development plans such as Pleasant Hill BART, the first transit- oriented development in the county. prgtoken After his tenure as Chief Deputy Public Works Director of Contra Costa County, William founded Gray-Bowen-Scott and through his leadership and vision championed many collaborative ventures that impacted economic vitality, improved movement of goods and people, and enhanced the quality of life for the East Bay. Though his accomplishments over more than 30 years are innumerable, there are a few achievements we should mention for the extraordinary impact they had on our community. prgtoken William was instrumental in the completion of the Interstate 680/ Highway 24 Interchange. He helped facilitate the three-county partnership for the I-680 Sunol Grade Express Lane Project. And, he was a key figure in the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel. prgtoken William also had vision beyond singular projects and helped shape two specific pieces of legislation. These were Measure C, the original ``self-help'' transportation sales tax measure, which included the model for growth management policy and state congestion management agencies, and Measure J, which ensured continued progress for Contra Costa County of meeting the transportation infrastructure needs of the region. prgtoken I want to thank William Gray for the significant contributions he has made to the Bay Area and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.
FAREWELL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-12-19

I rise today in appreciation of the people of Guam for their trust, support, and respect and for allowing me the honor of representing Guam and their interests here in the Congress of the United States for eight terms. prgtoken I also rise this final time in appreciation to my colleagues in this wonderful institution, the U.S. House of Representatives, for their support over the years as we have worked on many impactful issues for the betterment of our constituents and our Nation. prgtoken It has been my honor to serve in Congress for the last 16 years, and I leave here proud of what we have accomplished not just for Guam, but for our prgtoken Nation and our allies in the Asia-Pacific region. prgtoken As the nonvoting delegate for 168,000 Americans who live on the westernmost territory of the United States of America, I worked with my congressional colleagues to support policies, programs, and legislation that have benefited the people of Guam. I have also secured billions of dollars in Federal investment in Guam and our people. prgtoken With the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we saw the passage of landmark legislation for Guam, including passing war reparations to recognize the survivors of the occupation of Guam during World War II, enshrining the independence of Guam's judiciary as a coequal branch of government, enhancing regional security with the relocation of marines to Guam, holding the military accountable to its responsibilities to Guam's civilian population, promoting Guam's Chamorro culture, protecting our environment, and improving healthcare for veterans and all Guam residents. prgtoken In just this last year, I have worked with entrepreneurs to jump- start the process for Guam to eventually become a commercial spaceport. I have also engaged leaders in the renewable energy industry and sponsored legislation passed unanimously by the House to develop offshore wind energy that will benefit Guam's electricity needs for decades to come. prgtoken We have strengthened relations with our neighbors in the Asia-Pacific and enhanced tourism, Guam's largest nonmilitary industry and employer. prgtoken Finally, through engagement and cooperation with our regional allies, we have enhanced the security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and our national interests, countering growing threats and safeguarding against rogue countries. These are just some of our successes. prgtoken My colleagues would often tease me by saying: ``Here comes Miss Guam. What does she want now?'' While this was often said jokingly, and I have always accepted this as good-natured humor, I hope that it speaks to the dedication that I brought to effectively representing my constituents as the first woman to serve as Guam's elected Delegate to the United States Congress. prgtoken , Guam residents have no other voice or voting representation in their Federal Government to champion their interests and causes. Despite the succ
NOMINATION OF CHAI FELDBLUM
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-12-19

I come to the floor today to raise concerns about the unprecedented and partisan obstruction of a highly qualified nominee to a critical agency. prgtoken In this country, it is illegal to discriminate against someone in the workplace because of the traits that make them who they are--their race, religion, sex, disability, and more--and it is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's responsibility to enforce those laws and give every person the opportunity to make a living for themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment. prgtoken Right now, a single Senator is threatening to derail the confirmation of Ms. Feldblum for another term on the EEOC. Ms. Feldblum has served two terms on the EEOC, where she has earned the respect of her professional colleagues on both sides of the aisle. She has strong support from s and in the Senate, and she has been confirmed by this Senate twice. prgtoken When it comes to independent boards and commissions, including the EEOC, the Senate has a longstanding practice of pairing nominees--one from the majority party and one from the minority party. This is so important because it allows the minority party the opportunity to have a voice. In this case, it allows my ic colleagues and me to ensure that employers are held accountable for workers' rights and safety on the job. This practice is also important to bipartisanship in the Senate. Part of that longstanding practice is that the majority cannot railroad prgtoken the nomination of a well-respected and well-qualified individual chosen by the minority. prgtoken If Ms. Feldblum's nomination is blocked by this Congress, it will be an unprecedented power grab by the majority that would permanently shift the balance of power in the Senate. I hope all of my colleagues take seriously what it would mean if yet another power of the minority in the Senate was taken away. Most importantly, if one Senator insists on blocking Ms. Feldblum's nomination, the work of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission--an agency workers rely on to protect their rights and safety on the job--is going to come to a grinding halt. prgtoken Over the past 2 years, we have seen a shift in this country toward acknowledging and taking action against sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. For far too long, this epidemic of powerful men taking advantage of their subordinates, employees, or those without a voice was swept under the rug. Women and men were told to brush it off or have a sense of humor or just endure the harassment or abuse they were facing in the workplace. Many did because they knew they would be punished, retaliated against, or even fired. prgtoken After the Presidential election and the Women's March, when so many women and men around the country made their voices heard and fought back against misogyny, sexism, racism, and tilted the playing field t
THANKING NEVADA'S FOURTH DISTRICT
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2018-12-19

today, I stand before the House to thank the people of Nevada's Fourth Congressional District. It has been the honor of my life to serve as a Member of Congress and represent my constituents in the 115th Congress. I have worked tirelessly on their behalf every single day to make Nevada a great place to live and raise a family. prgtoken As many of my colleagues know, I was not born in this country. I don't come from a wealthy or politically connected family. My family emigrated from Mexico when I was 8 years old. My parents, a housekeeper and a former farm worker, came to America because they knew that, if they worked hard and sacrificed, in America, they could achieve the American Dream. prgtoken Less than 30 years later, thanks to the wonderful opportunities that only this country has to offer, their son is standing before you as a Representative of the United States of America. That is the American Dream. prgtoken There are still so many people who have hopes and aspirations of achieving that American Dream. Unfortunately, under this administration, immigrants have been denigrated. Before even being given a chance, they are labeled as criminals and murderers. prgtoken But America is a Nation of immigrants and the land of opportunity. As the first Dreamer and one of the first two former undocumented immigrants to serve in Congress in our Nation's history, I have used my personal experience to fight for other Dreamers so that DACA recipients are able to remain in America and thrive. prgtoken I have fought to ensure that our asylum process is upheld and that young, innocent children are not separated from their families at the border. I have advocated for comprehensive immigration reform. prgtoken My ic colleagues and I have also fought relentlessly to protect people's healthcare and the Affordable Care Act, especially as s have tried time and time again to get rid of preexisting conditions. prgtoken I was proud to announce my support for the Medicare for All Act because healthcare is a human right, and all Americans deserve quality and affordable healthcare. prgtoken I joined my union brothers and sisters in championing workers' rights, fighting for a $15 minimum wage, the right to join a union, and equal pay for women. prgtoken I fought against the unconstitutional travel ban, fiercely defended funding for Planned Parenthood, and stood side by side with our LGBTQ community in the fight for full equality. prgtoken As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I have fought to keep people in their homes and advocated for affordable housing and the immediate need to address homelessness in America. prgtoken I was proud to join the Nevada delegation in standing strong to fight against efforts to bring nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain. Yucca Mountain is not safe and should remain closed forever. prgtoken I introduced the STEP for Veterans Act, which would provide grants to community colleges to trai
IN MEMORY OF SERVICEMEMBERS WHO PERISHED DURING THE U.S. MARINE CORPS TRAINING EXERCISE ON DECEMBER 5, 2018
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-12-19

it is with profound sadness that I rise today with my colleagues who have helped organize this, particularly my colleague Congressman Rutherford, to pay tribute to the servicemembers who tragically perished on December 5 during a training exercise off the coast of Japan: prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Herrmann of New Bern, North Carolina; prgtoken Major James M. Brophy of Staatsburg, New York; prgtoken Captain Jahmar Resilard of Miramar, Florida, who was raised in my district and whose mother I have spoken with; prgtoken Staff Sergeant Maximo Flores of Surprise, Arizona; prgtoken Corporal Daniel Baker of Tremont, Illinois; and, prgtoken Corporal William Ross of Hendersonville, Tennessee. prgtoken These decorated marines served our Nation with distinction. Listing their achievements does little to pay adequate tribute to their bravery, courage, and dedication to our country. prgtoken On behalf of my colleagues, I express our heartfelt condolences to the families of these honorable servicemembers, their friends, and their colleagues in the United States Marine Corps. Our Nation grieves with you, and we pray that you find comfort during these extremely difficult times. prgtoken , I request that the House of Representatives observe a moment of silence in memory of these American heroes.
TRIBUTE TO BOBBY OLGUIN
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-12-20

it is an honor to recognize Bobby ``Buckhorn Bob'' Olguin for his decades of serving the best green chile cheeseburgers in the State of New Mexico. prgtoken Over the years, the Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio became one of my favorite places to stop by and grab a bite to eat while driving through the State or after hunting trips with my sons Carter and Micah. prgtoken The Buckhorn earned international acclaim in multiple food and travel publications for its delicious burgers. When Food Network celebrity chef Bobby Flay tried to take on Bobby Olguin in a grilling competition in 2009, the winner was never in doubt. However, the real magic in going to the Buckhorn was not just in the burgers; it was Bobby's friendly conversations and the kindness he showed every single person who walked in his door. prgtoken After beating cancer, Bobby rightly wants to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. I am grateful that Bobby is healthy, and I wish him and his family all the best as they start this new stage in life. But speaking for myself, and many other New Mexicans, I am sure going to miss those burgers.
VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2018
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-12-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of S. 2679, the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act. prgtoken Currently, the Federal agencies make their excess property available to other agencies and eligible organizations that serve the public. Today's bill is a commonsense expansion of the list of eligible entities that receive surplus property. prgtoken By adding qualified veteran-owned small businesses to the list, it ensures veteran entrepreneurs have the resources they need to start and grow. With more than 2.5 million veteran-owned small firms, this bill puts them on equal footing with other entities that provide important services to our country. prgtoken , I urge Members to support this legislation, and .