mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL HAL MOORE
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most courageous and distinctive military leaders of our time, Lieutenant General Harold ``Hal'' G. Moore, the commander at the Battle of la Drang in the Vietnam War in 1965. Sadly, LTG Moore passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Auburn, Alabama, followed by a memorial service and internment at Fort Benning in Georgia. prgtoken Hal Moore was born in Bardstown, Kentucky on February 13, 1922. He began his military career in 1945 upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. His first tactical assignment was with the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment in Sapporo, Japan. After being reassigned, he made more than 130 test jumps with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he also jump-tested experimental parachutes. LTG Moore went on to serve in the Korean War as a regimental operations officer. In 1964, he was stationed at Fort Benning and commanded the newly formed air mobile 11th Air Assault Division. prgtoken As a lieutenant colonel during the Vietnam War, Moore was commander of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment during the first major battle between the United States and the North Vietnamese forces in November 1965, the Battle of la Drang. Arriving with about 450 soldiers at Landing Zone X-Ray, a field near the Drang River in South Vietnam situated six miles from the Cambodian border, LTG Moore quickly realized he and his men were vastly outnumbered. Nevertheless, he vowed: ``I'll always be the first person on the battlefield, my boots will be the first boots on it, and I'll be the last person off. I'll never leave a body.'' During the battle, American forces were able to gain the upper hand and lead the U.S. to a triumphant victory. prgtoken Alongside award-winning journalist Joe Galloway, who was in la Drang as a war correspondent, LTG Moore documented his experiences during the battle in the highly acclaimed 1992 book, We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young. The book received such recognition that it was made into the film, We Were Soldiers. The proceeds from the book helped establish the la Drang Scholarship Fund, which aimed to help the children and prgtoken grandchildren of veterans of the la Drang battle. prgtoken LTG Moore has certainly accomplished many things in his life but none would have been possible without the love and support of his late wife, Julia; his children, Harold Gregory Moore III, retired Lt. Col. Stephen Moore, Julie Moore Orlowski, Cecile Moore Rainey, and retired Col. David Moore; his eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. prgtoken , today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, the nearly 730,000 people in Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation to Lieutenant Genera
ALL PERPETRATORS OF CHILD ABUSE MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-2-16

today, I am introducing important legislation to ensure that all perpetrators of child abuse are held accountable. It closes a Federal loophole that wrongly denies justice for some survivors, like Penny Saum from Washington State. prgtoken Last month, I heard from Penny directly about the horrific abuses she faced at the hands of her father. He was convicted, sentenced to prison, and ordered to pay $5 million in damages. But because he is a military retiree, Federal law has shielded him from paying a cent of the restitution that he owes. It is unacceptable. prgtoken Congress already passed a law in 1994, holding Federal retirees accountable for abusing a child. Now it is our responsibility to apply the same standard to all perpetrators. prgtoken I am honored to be working with my colleague from Washington State, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler, to close this heartbreaking loophole. In these challenging times, this is exactly the kind of bipartisan solution we can all work together on.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-2-16

. Madam , an additional 30 seconds. prgtoken Let me say that again. ``Patients and doctors should be making the big decisions--not government bureaucrats.'' prgtoken Who said this? prgtoken Margaret Sanger? No. prgtoken Cecile Richards? No. prgtoken Hillary Clinton? No. prgtoken The person who said this this afternoon is the of the House, Paul Ryan. I couldn't agree with him any more when it comes to title X family planning money. This should be made by patients and their doctors, not by bureaucrats in Washington. prgtoken Madam , .
Prescription Drug Prices (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-2-16

for the last 47 years, the EPA has enforced science-based environmental policies that have resulted in cleaner air and water, the cleanup of some of our Nation's most contaminated lands and waters, and has improved our understanding of our changing climate. All of this has led to a healthier America. prgtoken Bipartisan Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency-- everybody from the great Washingtonian Bill Ruckelshaus to most recently Gina McCarthy--took on the role and responsibility as EPA Administrator, knowing that it was their responsibility to protect existing environmental law and to let science be the guide on research and new policies. They took the EPA mission to heart, and they fought to protect human health and the environment. prgtoken I have questions about whether the nominee, Mr. Pruitt, follows those same values, and I come to the floor to oppose his nomination to be the Administrator of the EPA. prgtoken Mr. Pruitt has repeatedly attacked needed EPA regulations, and he supports polluters at the expense of the environment and health laws. He doesn't believe the scientifically proven causes of climate change are real. prgtoken Less than a year ago, then-Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt, working in their State, wrote: ``Scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connection to the actions of mankind.'' That was written in the Tulsa World. prgtoken When questioned by my colleagues during the hearing process, he said: ``The climate is changing, and human activity contributes to that in some manner'' but the degree of that contribution is ``subject to more debate.'' prgtoken The reason I raised these issues is that this issue of climate and climate impact is so real in the State of Washington. It is already happening, and it is already affecting our industries. prgtoken As EPA Administrator, Mr. Pruitt would have the responsibility for setting the Agency's agenda, including how to respond to climate change, yet the fact that he doesn't support the existing climate change science puts him in a role where I think he would not protect the economic interests of our State. prgtoken We cannot have a lackadaisical attitude about these issues. It is not a hypothesis. It is here. It is happening. prgtoken In the Pacific Northwest, it is altering our region's water cycle, putting Washington's farming jobs and our $51 billion agriculture economy at risk. Wildfire seasons are longer and more severe than ever before. It is costing our Nation billions of dollars. prgtoken Warmer water temperatures in our streams and rivers have degraded salmon spawning habitat, led to massive die-offs, and certainly our shellfish industry has been very challenged. prgtoken With 25 percent of carbon dioxide emissions being absorbed by our oceans, it is raising the acidity level, and that is impacting the chemistry of Puget Sound. Oceans and their absorption of ca
Executive Branch Investigation (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today on two topics--the need for Attorney General Sessions to recuse himself from the executive branch investigation into General Flynn and the nomination of Attorney General Pruitt to be the EPA Administrator. prgtoken First, on the matter of executive branch investigations into General Flynn's contact with the Russian Ambassador, I rise again to stress my expectation that Attorney General Sessions will recuse himself from this investigation. prgtoken This morning we learned--according to reports in the Washington Post--that General Flynn may have lied--lied--to FBI investigators about the content of his phone call with the Russian Ambassador prior to the election. That is a potential felony offense, and it must be looked at and, if validated, potentially prosecuted by law enforcement officials at the Department of Justice. That review must be independent and thorough and completely by the books. In order for it to be so, the Attorney General must recuse himself pursuant to Department of Justice guidelines that prohibit members of the Department from participating in investigations of close political allies or friends. prgtoken The guidelines are crystal clear. I have read them on the floor before, but they are worth reading because there is no wiggle room here. It is absolutely clear: No Department of Justice employee may participate in a criminal investigation or prosecution if he has a personal or political relationship with any person or organization substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution. . . . Political relationship means a close identification with an elected official, candidate, political party, or campaign organization arising from service as a principal adviser or official. prgtoken Those are the words of the DOJ guidelines. Those are not my words, but they are common sense. We don't want conflict of interest in our prosecutors. We don't want the appearance of a conflict in something as sacred as law enforcement here in America. prgtoken It is patently absurd to think that the Attorney General--a man who served alongside General Flynn on Candidate 's campaign council-- is prepared to lead this investigation in an impartial way and in full compliance with those longstanding Department of Justice rules. There would be a complete appearance of a conflict and might, indeed, be a conflict itself. By the guidelines, it certainly is. There is no wiggle room here. AGs have recused themselves at least eight times over the past two decades to avoid the appearance of bias--twice under President , five times under President , and once under President Clinton. prgtoken To conclude my remarks on this topic, I want to show--and I ask unanimous consent that an op-ed coauthored by then-Senator Sessions calling on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to recuse herself in the matter
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF GRADUATING SENIOR BUFFALO STATE BENGALS WOMENS BASKETBALL PLAYERS SHYASHA SPENCER, TAYLOR GRAHAM AND JASMINE SHIRLEY
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-2-17

I rise to recognize three exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Shyasha Spencer, Taylor Graham and Jasmine Shirley. During their collegiate careers, these young women have proven to be talented and dedicated scholars and athletes. Their achievements on and off the court are worthy of praise and I congratulate them on the completion of their undergraduate degrees. As members of the Buffalo State women's basketball team, these students are known as leaders among their peers and teammates. I commend these young women for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers. Shyasha Spencer is from Geneva, New York and a graduate of Geneva High School. Shyasha is a Guard on the Buffalo State Bengals and will be earning a degree in Criminal Justice. Taylor Graham is a senior on the Buffalo women's basketball team. The Guard leads the team in assists and steals. Taylor will receive her degree in Business Administration. She attended Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa, CA. Coming from Bronx, New York, Jasmine Shirley attended Lehman High School. She is majoring in Health and Wellness and is a Guard on the team. Balancing the responsibilities demanded of student athletes is a true challenge, and each of these students handled the test with dignity and grace. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-2-17

I was not present for the following Roll Call votes. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted the following: prgtoken 1.``NAY'' on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 428 and H.J. Res. 42 prgtoken 2. ``NAY'' on H. Res. 99 prgtoken 3. ``NAY'' on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of both H.J. Res. 66 and H.J. Res. 67
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
David A. Trott (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-2-17

due to the funeral of a personal friend, I was unable to vote on Thursday, February 16, 2017. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 99, H.J. Res. 43, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule submitted by Secretary of Health and Human Services relating to compliance with title X requirements by project recipients in selecting subrecipients and YEA on Roll Call No. 98, H.J. Res. 69, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Department of the Interior relating to Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.
RECOGNIZING KEEP TENNESSEE BEAUTIFUL ORGANIZATION
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-2-17

it's with great honor that I rise today to recognize the Keep Tennessee Beautiful organization for receiving the Keep America Beautiful State Affiliate Innovation Award for their publication of Nancy and Sluggo Love Tennessee: A Story About Keeping Tennessee Beautiful. prgtoken Written and illustrated by Guy Gilchrist, this story showcases the remarkable attractions, natural resources, and historic landmarks of the great state of Tennessee, all while promoting the importance of taking care of our community by recycling and not littering. Nancy and Sluggo Love Tennessee is a treasured keepsake that educates children and instills a sense of pride in being a Tennessean. prgtoken As proven by their achievement, Keep Tennessee Beautiful does outstanding work in innovatively educating and engaging the young minds in our community and I applaud their dedication to our state.
TRIBUTE TO LEOMA LOVEGROVE
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-2-21

I rise today in honor of a creative visionary in Florida's 19th district--Leoma Lovegrove. As an excerpt from the Fort Myers News-Press says, ``Walking into Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens is like walking into a rainbow full of eye-popping neon pinks, oranges, purples, greens and blues . . . She applies her paintbrush to everything from cats to hearts to The Beatles.'' prgtoken Leoma Lovegrove is an impressionist-expressionist painter known for her vivid paintings and colorful imagery. Leoma first started her art career making pottery, belt buckles and even decorated cow skulls. Then, a little over 20 years ago, she made her way to Matlacha--a small island community that became her home and her headquarters. Her artwork is represented in numerous galleries all over the world, including England and France. In fact, Leoma was the first American to paint on the replica of Claude Monet's floating studio in Giverny, France and the first American painter to have an exhibition in the famous Pierre Bonnard home in Vernon, France. prgtoken I applaud Leoma and her art studio, Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, which has brought thousands of visitors to Matlacha and all of Southwest Florida. Leoma is inspired to paint with endless imagination, and her contribution to the arts, culture and economy of Southwest Florida deserves our recognition. She has inspired artists in us all.
HONORING KATHERINE (KITTY) MARY GEISSLER
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-2-21

communities thrive when hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are set by voluntary example. Katherine (Kitty) Mary Geissler has served her community with honor, and it's a pleasure to wish her well on her 104th birthday year. prgtoken Kitty was born in County Limerick, Ireland. She immigrated to the United States in 1930, prgtoken where she met and married her husband George R. Geissler on October 7, 1942. prgtoken Kitty joined the LAOH, Division 9 in Portchester, and transferred to the Tarrytown Division in 1951 when she and her family moved. The division was renamed The Kitty Geissler Division 11 following her tenure, a testament to her work there. Kitty served at every level of leadership, including ten consecutive terms as President. She held several offices on the County level, and has been a delegate to many of the New York State and National Conventions. prgtoken In addition, Kitty has been a delegate to the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, while also being an active member of the American Irish Association of Westchester, the Catholic Daughters of America, The Ladies of Charity, The Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Tarrytown Senior Citizens. prgtoken In 1979 Kitty was honored by the American Irish Association and became the First A.I.A. Irish Woman of the Year. In 1986, Kitty was Aide to Grand Marshall Patrick Grimes in the Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade to Grand Marshall Bill Burke in the New York City St. Patricks Day Parade. Kitty was the first Grand Marshall of the Sleepy Hollow St. Patrick's Day Parade, served again in honor of her 100th birthday. Kitty's dedication was recognized by the New York State LAOH after she was awarded the Mother Teresa Medal. prgtoken Kitty's real love though is family. She is the proud Grandmother of eight and great Grandmother of nine. Kitty's life is a true inspiration, and it is an honor to celebrate her incredible 104th birthday in Congress. I am honored to represent such a special constituent, and I am thankful for all she has done in the community.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE JONATHAN WAY
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-2-24

I am honored to use this time to recognize my constituent and friend, the Honorable Jonathan Way for his 9 years of service on the Manassas City Council, both as a Councilman and later as Vice Mayor, and to celebrate his many accomplishments as one of the Commonwealth's most dedicated civil servants. prgtoken Prior to retiring and moving to Manassas 18 years ago, Vice Mayor Way had a 37-year career for various Exxon international affiliates in the U.S. and overseas and also served 6 years as a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer. He decided to first enter government service in the City of Manassas when he saw an advertisement in the local newspaper for an opening on the Planning Commission. From that point forward, Vice Mayor Way embarked on a journey of dedication to the city. In 2001, he was appointed to the commission, where he served as a member and as Chairman for 2 years until his appointment to the City Council in 2007, a position he held until 2015 when he was unanimously selected, by the Manassas city council members, to serve as Vice Mayor. He, along with Mayor Hal Parrish, have played a vital role in revitalizing downtown Manassas, establishing strong local relationships, and helping build new housing developments in the area. prgtoken During his tenure on the Manassas City Council, Vice Mayor Way served on various committees, including the Budget and Finance Committee, the Economic/Community Development and Land Use Committee, the Virginia Railway Express and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Committees, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the Virginia Municipal League. Additionally, Vice Mayor Way volunteered with various local groups, including the Rotary Club of Manassas, which he joined in 2001. Here he has served on the Club Service Committee for many years and has previously held the position of Secretary. Impressively, he was chosen as Rotarian of the Year in both 2003 and 2008. Despite having to temporarily resign from the rotary in 2013 due to workload demands of City Council, he happily rejoined last year. prgtoken Most impressively, throughout the years, Vice Mayor Way kept a near perfect attendance record in attending city council meetings. This is not only a testament to the commitment he has always felt to the council, but also the commitment he felt to the citizens of Manassas. On behalf of the entire 10th District, I thank Vice Mayor Way. It has truly been a privilege to work with him and his colleagues on the Manassas City Council over the years. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Vice Mayor Way for his service to Manassas, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States. I wish him, his wife, Shirley, his children, and his grandchildren the best in their future endeavors.