mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
OUTSTANDING COBB COUNTY LEADER RETIRES
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , today I rise to pay tribute to Jerri Barr's thirty-five years of exemplary service to the families within Georgia's 11th Congressional District and the greater Atlanta area. Jerri is the retiring CEO for the Center for Family Resources, a non- profit social services agency in Marietta, Georgia. The Center for Family Resources was founded in 1960, based on the community's need to streamline and simplify emergency assistance in Cobb County. Community leaders recognized that their current system, which spread responsibility among six different agencies, created opportunities for miscommunication and slow response times when families needed urgent aid. By consolidating these responsibilities into one agency, families were able to receive necessary assistance in a timely manner. With Jerri at the helm, the CFR grew substantially, and is now widely recognized and emulated due to its successful practices; as the CFR has become the gold standard for similar agencies across the country. This unique program not only provides vital resources during difficult times to families in Cobb County, but works with them long- term to provide the resources necessary to become self-reliant, free from the vicious cycle of government-funded resource dependency. The Center achieves this success by offering a series of life-classes on topics such as budgeting and parenting; they also provide GED classes as well as help with resume writing and how to interview for a job. The Center for Family Resources benefits greatly from its outstanding staff of employees and volunteer workers, along with a highly engaged and motivated Board of Directors. The bond that has held all this together for the past 35 years has been CEO Jerri Barr. As this remarkable community leader prepares for her much-deserved retirement, I want to personally thank her for her dedication to families in need, as well as her continued commitment to supporting a high quality of life for the citizens of our Cobb County communities.
CELEBRATING OUR NATIONAL LIBRARIES
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2019-5-2

recently we celebrated our national libraries. I rise today to discuss the important role they play across many Kansas communities. prgtoken I have visited libraries throughout The Big First, stopping in Manhattan, Salina, Dodge City, Quinter, Great Bend, and Scott City. I recently visited the Marion City Library that was awarded the 2019 five-star honor for its welcoming facility with well-targeted programs. prgtoken Communities from Colby to Abilene have partnered with organizations such as the Library of Congress, National Archives, and Smithsonian Institution to shine a spotlight on the great qualities and rich history that is unique to Kansas. These programs, run by our local libraries, are vitally important to our small communities and reached more than 27,000 Kansans in 2018. prgtoken I am so proud of our Kansas libraries that are constantly going above and beyond.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-2

today we observe the 68th annual National Day of Prayer, a day dedicated to bringing men and women of all faiths together in prayer for this great Nation. prgtoken Statistically, only about 14 percent of Americans read the Bible and pray on a daily basis. That is why this year's theme focuses on our love for one another, just as we learned in the teachings of Jesus in John 13:34: Love one another just as I have loved you. prgtoken This theme is just as important in our Nation today as it has been throughout our history. Right now, prgtoken America is a divided nation, and we are fighting for the values that this great country was founded upon. More than anything else we need unity. prgtoken Mark 3:24 says: If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. But to find unity, we must put our faith before our politics. We must do what is right for the American people. Why? Because our faith unites us in Christ. prgtoken Jesus prayed for us, in John 21:17, that: All of them may be one, Father, just as You are in me and I am in You. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent me. prgtoken I encourage all Americans to join me in celebrating the National Day of Prayer and humbly come before God to seek his guidance on how we may become one America.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , I rise today to bring attention to the National Day of Prayer, a day that exists to encourage prayer for America. prgtoken Since our country's founding, from Washington to Lincoln to Kennedy to , prayer to our Creator has served as our most important resource during times of celebration and days of trial. prgtoken With the same spirit as those who fled the shores of Europe to escape religious persecution, we welcome this day as one in which we can come together as a people in gratitude for our freedoms and our prosperity, but also in earnest petition for forgiveness, unity, mercy, guidance, and favor. prgtoken The National Day of Prayer is a day for all Americans to reflect on our many blessings and to recognize where our ultimate source of strength and hope comes from--our Creator. prgtoken At a time in history where our Nation is more divided than ever, I call for us to commit ourselves to prayer this day, to seek the God which has blessed this Nation for 242 years, and to begin again to live out this year's theme, to love and serve one another.
Nominations (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-5-2

I just have to say a couple of words about the economy. Since my colleague from Ohio was speaking of the economy, I will say this: Showing respect for workers and for work means that you show respect by realizing that the best way to stimulate the economy is with a job. That is something we have seen this administration and, I will say, a -led Senate, and, previously, a -led House do--generate tax reform, which is giving us economic growth that we have not seen in years. Economic growth of 3.2 percent is what our GDP numbers were last Friday--3.2 percent. We haven't had that in a decade. prgtoken How do you respect people? You create opportunity. How do you show respect for workers? You open doors. That is what you realize. It is not the government that creates jobs. It is the men and women who build businesses, who grow businesses--the men and women who say: I have an American dream, and I want the opportunity to make that dream come true. prgtoken That is an element of respect, and this President and leadership have delivered on that with every single opportunity we have had. prgtoken I disagree with the philosophical approach that my colleague from Ohio has expressed, and I would encourage all Senators to look at what is happening in their communities and look at the jobs growth. Tennesseans are so excited that there is a growing economy and that they have more money in their paychecks at the end of the month.
Tribute to Bruce D. Benson (Executive Session)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-5-2

today I come to the floor to celebrate the life and career of Bruce Davey Benson or, as so many people know, Bruce D. Benson or, to all of us, just Bruce. prgtoken I first met Bruce Benson in 1994. Now, he will not remember this at all, but I remember that I was a young college student at Colorado State University. We were in the parking lot before a game. I had the incredible honor of being one of the chosen ones to take the ram, our mascot, around the football team at the football game before sporting events throughout Colorado State University. prgtoken I remember, in 1994, when the campaign for Governor began, Bruce Benson threw his hat in the ring to run against Roy Romer. He was working the crowd at this Colorado State football game, and he came up to those of us who were the ram handlers that were with the mascot, shook our hands, and introduced himself. So from that moment, the first chance I got to meet Bruce Benson in 1994, I knew it was going to be an incredible opportunity and relationship that would lead into years of public service for myself because of how incredible his public service had been to the State of Colorado and the legacy he built. prgtoken This July, Bruce will be retiring as the president of the University of Colorado system, which currently oversees four campuses in Colorado: the University of Colorado Denver, CU Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the CU Boulder campus--the campus where I earned my law degree. prgtoken He has a long history of bettering the lives of Coloradoans. Prior to his appointment as president of the University of Colorado, Bruce established himself in business, philanthropy, politics, and education. prgtoken Bruce graduated from the University of Colorado in 1964 with a bachelor of arts in geology and founded the Benson Mineral Group. This is a great story of somebody pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps--taking the education he was able to earn himself and using it to build an incredible life of opportunity for his family and the people of Colorado. What started out as a $6,000 drilling rig on the back of his truck turned into a hugely successful operation, with a reach extending into banking, real estate, and even cable television. prgtoken Bruce prioritized his community and the education of others within it. Over the next 20 years, he would serve on the Colorado Commission of Higher Education, the board of trustees for the Metro State College of Denver, P-20 Education Coordinating Council, and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel for Higher Education for the 21st Century, all of which he chaired at one point. prgtoken He was involved in Colorado politics, serving as the chair for the Colorado Party, helping to identify candidates and being an instrumental part in candidates' campaigns over many decades. prgtoken Bruce was appointed to the board of directors for the National Park Foundat
CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA RANGER CHALLENGE TEAM
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-2

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Ranger Challenge team for placing third overall in the 2019 Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. prgtoken The Sandhurst competition is the world's premier international military skills competition with over 50 teams traveling to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point each year to compete against the best military academies in the world. The competition is designed to test each team's mental, physical and leadership readiness that is necessary to foster group cohesiveness and achieve excellence. prgtoken Established in 1873, the University of North Georgia is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States. The University established the ROTC program in 1916, and their Corps of Cadets currently encompasses over 700 members. These cadets compete and succeed on a national scale, winning the ROTC cup for the second year in a row and placing third overall out of 49 teams. UNG was the only team not from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to finish in the top five, and they finished ahead of 14 of West Point's 16 teams, in addition to teams from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard. prgtoken As an alumnus of the University of North Georgia, I know the level of commitment and courage it takes for the Corps of Cadets to compete on a world stage. With the team improving from their Fourth Place position in 2018, it is no surprise that they are already diligently working to achieve first place in the coming years. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Northeast Georgia, I want to congratulate the University of North Georgia Ranger Challenge team for their success. They continue to produce hardworking and dedicated cadets that serve our country honorably in the United States and abroad.
Barr Hearing (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-2

yesterday, we had what I believe will be viewed as a historic hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is a committee I have been on for now about 4\1/2\ years. prgtoken The Attorney General, Mr. Barr, came before the committee to answer questions about the special counsel investigation--an investigation that took 675 days, cost more than $25 million, had 34 people indicted, including Russian nationals, more than 2,800 subpoenas, 500 witnesses, 500 search warrants, more than 230 orders for communication records, and 13 evidence requests to foreign countries. I think by those measures, that is considered a pretty extensive investigation. prgtoken Back about 2 years ago, in August of 2017, Senator Graham and I and a couple of other Members actually filed a bill to make it difficult to have a special counsel removed before an investigation had been completed. I actually took a fair amount of heat from people on my side of the aisle for doing that, but I believed we needed to have this investigation run its course, and it did. It culminated in a more than 400-page report that now is largely available to the public. In fact, of the 400--I think it is almost 440 pages--90 percent of volume I, which is the volume that talks about Russia tampering with U.S. elections, 90 percent of that is available to the American public. Volume II--the volume focused on whether there was obstruction of justice--98 percent of that was made available to the American people 3 weeks after the Department of Justice received the unredacted report. prgtoken Now, for the leaders of the Senate, 99.9 percent of the special counsel's report is available. You could say: Why not 100 percent? Because we have rules here--and I think it is also important to point out that the Attorney General prgtoken had no legal obligation to release any of this. This could have been deemed a confidential matter, and it could never have been available to the general public. The Attorney General took the extraordinary step of making sure that as much as possible could be made available, and he did a great job. prgtoken I might add that throughout the entire process, the White House had the opportunity to assert Executive privilege. They could actually have portions of the report blocked out or have it redacted, which falls short of that. The White House never reached out and requested any omissions or, actually, redactions of the report, which means you can't read it publicly--not one in the nearly 3\1/2\ weeks it took for the Attorney General to get the report ready for public consumption. prgtoken Some people are wondering, why did it take so long? Because the process of redaction has to take into account basically three different considerations. You have to determine whether there is a matter there that could be embarrassing to a party who had no involvement; they were just a witness in the investigation. It could be because there are ongoin
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-2

I have 5 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 9.30 a.m to conduct a hearing on the nomination of General James C. McConville, USA, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Chief of Staff of the Army. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Daniel Habib Jorjani, of Kentucky, to be Solicitor, and Mark Lee Greenblatt, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, both of the Department of the Interior. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 9:30a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Humanitarian impact in the Syrian war.'' Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a business meeting and hearing on the following nominations: Jeffrey Vincent Brown, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, Robert J. Colville, and Stephanie L. Haines, both to be a United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Brantley Starr, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Virgil Madden, of Indiana, to be a Commissioner of the United States Parole Commission, and Jeffrey A. Rosen, of Virginia, to be Deputy Attorney General, Michael G. Bailey, to be United States Attorney for the District of Arizona, Timothy J. Downing, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, Brent R. Bunn, to be United States Marshal for the District of Idaho, and Eric S. Gartner, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, all of the Department of Justice. Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations prgtoken The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing.
HONORING ORANGE COUNTY POLITICAL LEGEND FRANK BARBARO
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-3

. Madam , I would like to honor Frank Barbaro, of Orange County, a prominent attorney, humanitarian and a political legend. Mr. Barbaro passed away on April 15th. prgtoken Born in Detroit, Michigan of Italian-English-Irish parents and raised by his mother and grandmother, the family, arrived in Orange County in 1954, exactly 65 years ago, settling in the City of Garden Grove. prgtoken After attending Garden Grove High School, Mr. Barbaro attended the University of Southern California and graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in June of 1965. In June of 1965, Mr. Barbaro was accepted to law school at the University of Southern California and graduated in 1968. During law school, Mr. Barbaro was awarded the Warner Trust Grant, he was a Bauer Fellow and received the Legion Lex Scholarship. prgtoken During college Mr. Barbaro worked as a lifeguard at the Disneyland Hotel and the Balboa Bay Club and later worked as ``Fearless Frank'' on the Disneyland Jungle Cruise as a skipper/narrator. Mr. Barbaro was Walt Disney's favorite jungle cruise narrator and allowed him to escort John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger and many other celebrities through the Jungle Cruise. prgtoken In 1977, Mr. Barbaro was one of the founding partners of Horton, Barbaro & Reilly and practiced as a partner until its dissolution in 2005. Mr. Barbaro has practiced in all areas of civil litigation. Mr. Barbaro has been involved in many high-profile cases including representing the 23,000 investors in Lincoln Savings against Charles Keating and victims of the MGM Grand Hotel Fire in Las Vegas. prgtoken Taking over from Richard J. O'Neill, Mr. Barbaro initially chaired the ic Party in 1977-78 at the ripe old age of 34. During these two years Mr. Barbaro ran a registration campaign for voters that resulted in a ic majority in Orange County for the only time in modern history. Mr. Barbaro was also responsible for the creation of the ic Foundation of Orange County. prgtoken Mr. Barbaro has served in many positions with the ic Party of Orange County or the ic Foundation of Orange County. He returned to the role of Chairman of the DPOC from 2003 until 2013, becoming the longest serving chair in the DPOC's history. During that time, Mr. Barbaro invested his own money to bring in a professional staff and set the foundation that would lead to the Orange County ``Blue Wave'' of 2018. prgtoken Mr. Barbaro was named chair to the Orange County campaigns of many prominent elected officials, including President , prgtoken President Jimmy Carter, Governor Jerry Brown, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator John Kerry, and Secretary Hillary Clinton. prgtoken Mr. Barbaro's proudest accomplishment are his two sons, Brett and Casey. His oldest, Brett, graduated from Harvard in biochemistry is working at Scripps in La Jolla mapping atoms and cells in a worldwide network to find a cure f
WELCOMING THE 492ND ATTACK SQUADRON ACTIVATION UNIT TO MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-3

. Madam , I rise today to welcome the 492nd Attack Squadron Activation Unit to March Air Reserve Base (ARB). The Activation of the 492nd Attack Squadron and the Assumption of Command ceremony will be held on Friday, May 10th, on March Air Reserve Base. While I will be unable to attend, I want to send a special welcome to the new unit. prgtoken The introduction of the 492nd Attack Squadron will provide an additional 14 instructor sensor operators, 17 maintenance positions, 21 instructor pilots, and 61 positions with the Commander, Director of Operations, and the First Sergeant. This expansion will bring added capabilities to March ARB, and will enable the Air Force Reserve Command's Fourth Air Force to attract and retain incredible new talent as it fulfills its various missions in the region. The expansion sends a strong message to our community that March ARB serves a vital strategic role, not only for California but also the Air Force Reserve at large. prgtoken Again, I want to welcome to the new 492nd Attack Squadron Activation Unit to March Air Reserve Base. I am continually humbled by the dedication and hard work that the men and women at March ARB perform each day, and I am excited to see our capacity at March ARB expand even further.
IN RECOGNITION OF ANNA DIAZ-WHITE
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-5-3

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Anna Diaz- White as she is honored by 180 Turning Lives Around at their annual celebration on May 3, 2019. Ms. Diaz-White's exemplary leadership and contributions to 180 Turning Lives Around are truly deserving of this body's recognition. prgtoken For over 40 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has provided a safe outlet for victims of domestic and sexual violence, providing shelter, resources, counseling, and advocacy. The support that the agency provides to the community is truly immeasurable and Ms. Diaz-White's 35 years of service at 180 Turning Lives Around are indicative of her dedication to the agency and the care of the individuals and families they serve. prgtoken Joining 180 Turning Lives Around in 1985, Anna Diaz-White brought her experience from the financial sector to the non-profit in her role as Fiscal/Grant Administrator. Less than 10 years later, Ms. Diaz-White was unanimously selected by the Board of Trustees to serve as 180's Executive Director. Under her leadership, the agency has grown immensely, serving over one million people and expanding its outreach and services. Her vision and innovative thinking have created new standards of service in the field and serve as a model for other domestic violence agencies in New Jersey. prgtoken With her direction, 180 Turning Lives Around has built one of the largest and most inclusive domestic violence shelters in New Jersey, engaged and educated local law enforcement, created the Monmouth Family Justice Center, Amanda's Easel Creative Arts prgtoken Therapy Program, and the Shore Regional Outreach Program, among many other programs and initiatives. Ms. Diaz-White's advocacy and professional relationships have established important partnerships within the community to enable 180 to offer integrated services that have changed countless lives. prgtoken Madam , I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in thanking Anna Diaz-White and 180 Turning Lives Around for their invaluable impact on the community.