mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE MUELLER INVESTIGATION IS OVER
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-3-25

I rise today to express my relief that this political witch hunt into the President's alleged and now disproven ties with Russia is finally over. prgtoken Most of us knew all along there was no smoking gun, including the majority of my colleagues who have been parroting these lies for more than 2 years. Now, Special Counsel Robert Mueller has all but confirmed the President's innocence, his report finding there was no evidence of collusion with Russia. prgtoken This whole thing started because the left couldn't accept that they had lost an election, and the American people have suffered through this divisive investigation as a result. prgtoken Those in Congress or in the media who perpetrated this false narrative for 2 years should be ashamed of themselves. Believe me, the American people know who you are, and they will not soon forget. prgtoken Even worse, still now the response by some--the lack of acceptance of Mr. Mueller's findings, the need to dig deeper and deeper--shows they still haven't learned a thing. prgtoken But I believe Americans will accept this truth, as most have all along. I pray that we as a people can now finally begin to move on from this disgraceful chapter in American history.
OPPOSING GREEN NEW DEAL
Rob Bishop (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-3-25

I appreciate the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) taking the lead this evening and talking about this important issue. prgtoken Look, one of the things we always need to do is learn the lessons of history, so we simply do not repeat them. prgtoken In the late 1800-1900s, communism was the new government concept that excited the elites of that particular era to the point that it was such an expansive idea, that part of the reason that Woodrow Wilson wrote his 14 points was to intellectually challenge communism and restate the significance of democracy and republican forms of government. prgtoken When communism did obviously take root in the Soviet Union and China, it was not a philosophical statement, it was simply an excuse for the good, old-fashioned dictators to tell people how to live their lives. prgtoken So as Lenin called it, it was important to have the vanguard of the proletariat, so the government would tell people how to think until people realized that the government was right in the first place. prgtoken Those are some of the parts of history that we never want to repeat again. prgtoken Now, if the Green New Deal, this toothless wish, was merely a one- and-done manifesto, then maybe that would be one thing, but my fear is, it becomes an opening salvo into the dangers that are stated when we decide that the government must find the solutions, the government must tell people what to think and what to do, that elites are the ones who have all the ideas; when in reality, history has shown us that solutions always come from people who were empowered to find and make decisions for themselves, and find solutions for themselves. prgtoken People need to be given options. People need to be given choices, people need to be able to chart their own destiny. prgtoken My fear is elitism enriches and empowers would-be autocrats, denigrates the roles of individuals, and those are dangerous attitudes that must be discussed and must be understood in some way. prgtoken And let's face it, some of the people--the cheerleaders for the Green New Deal--they simply don't get it. prgtoken When they live in areas where commutes, family errands are measured in blocks and subway stops, that is different from other people in America who, when they take a drive into town to buy school clothes that is going to take the entire afternoon. prgtoken It is different than people who realize that they have to make a choice between healthcare and heating their home; and that is a real responsibility for them, and a real problem. prgtoken The burdens imposed by the Green New Deal, which have been outlined by several speakers already, are those that land squarely on the shoulders of humble, hardworking Americans while the elites pat themselves on the back. prgtoken For the rural west, my State of Utah, it is not really a Green New Deal; it is, rather, a green raw deal for them to live. prgtoken Now, recently in my committee where I am the ranking mem
IN HONOR OF ANGELA GARVIN
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Madam , I, along with Representative Ocasio Cortez, rise to recognize Angela Garvin, who received a women's history month award from us and from Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas at a ceremony in Queens on March 22nd. Ms. Garvin, who is now 12 years old, is being celebrated for her innovative proposal to develop rain gardens as part of the renovation of Astoria Park. These gardens will improve sustainability and make good use of stormwater. prgtoken Although Angela Garvin was just 10 years old when she developed her plan, her idea attracted the attention of New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, who decided to incorporate it into the design for Astoria Park, which is in the process of being renovated as part of the Anchor Parks initiative. Commissioner Silver said that he was ``blown away by what she wrote about the importance of our future, about sustainability and how we have to do the right thing here in Astoria Park.'' The 60 acre park was selected to receive $30 million of funding for major capital improvements. Ms. Garvin's rain gardens will be part of phase 1 of the renovation plan, which calls for the reconstruction of 12 acres of the park, including its track and field facilities and improvements in the surrounding area, including new seating areas, an adult fitness area, pathway realignments, bleachers and plantings. The plan includes the development of site drainage and grading improvements, including Ms. Garvin's rain gardens to collect and treat stormwater, as well as a detention system under the synthetic turf field to reduce discharge into the East River. prgtoken Rain gardens are low-impact, sustainable landscaping that are designed to mitigate the effects of rainfall on impermeable surfaces. The gardens slow the flow of stormwater with plants that can absorb excess nutrients and filter pollutants. prgtoken Since she was very young, Ms. Garvin has wanted to improve the facilities in her community. When she heard that Astoria Park would be renovated, she became passionate about the idea of incorporating sustainability into the plans for the park. She began attending meetings with her grandmother, Mary Baker. prgtoken The oldest of three daughters, Ms. Garvin is a 4th generation native of Astoria who attended PS 122 from kindergarten to 5th grade, just as her mother, grandmother and great-grandfather did before her. She now attends The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine in Manhattan for middle school. prgtoken Madam , we ask our colleagues to join us in celebrating the creativity and vision of Angela Garvin who persuaded the Parks Department to use a sustainable design in its reimagining of Astoria Park. Her forward thinking will benefit generations of New Yorkers and can be implemented at parks around the city.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-3-25

let me commend Senator Whitehouse for his consistent efforts to illuminate and discuss the problem of climate change, which affects not just the United States but the entire world. It is a pleasure to join him and once again call attention to this urgent threat. prgtoken We know that climate change impacts our health, our communities, our economy, and our infrastructure, but today I would like to focus on how climate change is affecting our national security--some of the points Senator Whitehouse also made. prgtoken Beginning with the 2008 National Defense Strategy, the administration of President stated that ``changes with existing and future resource, environmental, and climate pressures may generate new security challenges . . . These risks will require managing the divergent needs of massively increasing energy demand to maintain economic development and the need to tackle climate change.'' prgtoken With increasing frequency in recent years, climate change has been commonly referred to as a threat multiplier. Simply put, climate change can and will exacerbate conditions in regions with already tenuous stability. prgtoken Numerous intelligence assessments have reached the same conclusion. Climate change will have broad impacts for U.S. national security interests over the next 30 years and beyond. prgtoken In their words, the National Intelligence Council has found that ``rising sea levels, flooding, droughts, higher temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events will increasingly threaten military capabilities and facilities on both U.S. and foreign territory, including military bases and training ranges.'' prgtoken Furthermore, the National Intelligence Council identified six key pathways: threats to the stability of countries, heightened social and political tensions, adverse effects on food prices and availability, increased risks to human health, negative impacts on investments and economic competitiveness, and potential climate discontinuities and secondary surprises. prgtoken The former Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, has stated to the Senate Armed Services Committee that ``where climate change contributes to regional instability, the Department of Defense must be aware of any potential adverse impacts.'' He also noted that ``climate change is impacting stability in areas of the world where our troops are operating today.'' prgtoken More recently, Gen. Joe Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was asked about climate change at an event held by Duke University's Program in American Grand Strategy. He said: When we look at, when I look at, climate change, it's in the category of sources of conflict around the world and things we have to respond to. So it can be great devastation requiring humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, which the U.S. military certainly conducts routinely. In fact, I can't think of a year since I'
COMMERCE CITY BUSINESS APPRECIATION 2018 AWARD--MAGNOLIA STREET ART SPACE
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Magnolia Street Art Space for receiving Commerce City's Business Appreciation 2018 Business on The Move Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award recognizes a company or entrepreneur that demonstrates a pioneering spirit toward a business start-up, new product development, or a company/product with growth into new markets. Jeanie Nuances King, a champion of the arts and one of the founders of the Santa Fe Arts District, created Magnolia Street Art Space at 6600 E. 74th Ave. This 5,200-square-foot building houses studio and gallery space for artists at an affordable rate of $1 per square foot. Together with photographer Mark Sink, Ms. King is working to establish a Derby Arts District. Magnolia Street Art Space and the Derby Studio Project are the first two buildings in the plan to offer affordable art studios, gallery spaces and other amenities that will support the arts in the Derby neighborhood of Commerce City. I extend my deepest congratulations to Magnolia Street Art Space for this well-deserved recognition from Commerce City.
Climate Change (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-25

again, this language was good enough for every in the Senate, as well as every . The President himself says it should be released. It is hard to understand why the majority leader should stand alone in objections no one else found to be reasonable or sustainable and oppose this resolution. The report should be made public, and the Senate should resolve that it should be. prgtoken .
HONORING THE LIFE OF MARIA ANTONIA OJEDA
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Madam , today I rise to honor the life of Maria Antonia Ojeda who passed away in Buffalo, New York surrounded by her loved ones on March 10, 2019 at the age of 82. prgtoken Born in Puerto Rico, Maria, lovingly referred to as Tonia, enjoyed expressing her creativity through her cooking, entertaining, and gardening. She was well known for opening the doors to her home to help those in need and was well-respected in the communities in which she lived and served. Her greatest pride was her family, whom she loved dearly, and her happiest moments were always when she was surrounded by them. No amount of words could wholly describe her, but she was best known and revered for her determination, perseverance, beauty, charity, wisdom and courage. prgtoken Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her husband of over 55 years, Francisco Ojeda, as well as by her eight children: Conception, David, Jose Antonio, James, Eva, William, Christine, and Margie. She will also be remembered well by her sisters Maria Isabel, Abigailee, Ramona, Margie, Clara, and Rosa, and her brothers Gilberto, Luis, and Ramon, as well as her 20 grandchildren, 29 great- grandchildren, and her many loved nieces, nephews, and godchildren. prgtoken Madam , I honor the life of Maria Antonia Ojeda, and I ask my colleagues to join prgtoken me in extending our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF WALTER LOEBENBERG
Charlie Crist (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Madam , I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of Walter Loebenberg, a community leader, advocate for the less fortunate, philanthropist and founder of the Florida Holocaust Museum. prgtoken As a young man, Mr. Loebenberg was forced by the Nazis to flee his native country of Germany for the United States. Mr. Loebenberg returned a few years later, where he honorably served the United States during the Battle of the Bulge. His service was so distinguished he was personally awarded a Bronze Star by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. prgtoken After the war, Mr. Loebenberg returned to the United States and moved to Florida where he managed local hospitals, became a philanthropist, and fought to improve the lives of the blind, the hungry, and those who could not fight for themselves. He dedicated his life to improving the world, one act at a time. prgtoken In 1992, Mr. Loebenberg founded a Holocaust Museum at the Jewish Community Center of Pinellas County in Madeira Beach. This rapidly expanded into the Florida Holocaust Museum, opening in downtown St. Petersburg to great fanfare in 1998. prgtoken Mr. Loebenberg understood the importance of building a lasting tribute to the horrors and lives lost in the Holocaust--so that history might never repeat itself. His work, and his museum, will stand the test of time, as a testament, and a warning to all of us, and all who come after us. For the people of Pinellas County, the state of Florida, the U.S. House of Representatives, and a grateful nation, we honor the life of Walter Loebenberg.
HONORING DEPUTY RILEY MICHELE JARECKI
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor Deputy Riley Michele Jarecki, whom I have named a Public Safety Hero of the Year in Napa County, California. prgtoken Ms. Jarecki was born in Napa, California and has a family history of public service. She is a third generation Napa County law enforcement officer, following the footsteps of her father, a Sergeant with the Napa County Sheriff's Office, and her grandfather, who was a Police Captain with the City of Napa Police Department. prgtoken On February 17, 2019, Ms. Jarecki displayed her dedication to public safety. Around 11:00 pm, Ms. Jarecki was performing a vehicle check on a rural road in Napa County. After speaking with the driver from the passenger side window, Ms. Jarecki moved to the driver side window and asked the driver to roll down the window. After rolling down the window, the driver presented a firearm and fired prgtoken at Ms. Jarecki. Ms. Jarecki remained calm under pressure and radioed in her situation. She moved to a better position and returned fire to protect herself. Ms. Jarecki protected herself and was not hit by the gunfire. Ms. Jarecki's immediate and calm response not only saved her life, but also prevented harm from being done to additional people. Deputy Jarecki's professionalism amidst intense pressure is commendable and shows her commitment to public service within our community. prgtoken Ms. Jarecki began her college career at Napa Valley College before transferring to Boise State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and received a certificate in public relations. Ms. Jarecki has also coached girls soccer for Napa Blaze and the Napa Sheriff Activities League. prgtoken Madam , we thank Riley Michele Jarecki for her dedication. For this reason, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-3-25

I understand that this week it is the intention of the majority leader to put on the floor of this Chamber a resolution that is related to taking on the enormous challenge of climate chaos. If I just heard that announced, I would say ``well done'' because it is way past time for us to wrestle with this calamity affecting all of our States and all countries around the globe. prgtoken Temperatures across the planet are going up. All kinds of impacts are being felt. So if the majority leader said, ``Yes, we are going to rise to our responsibilities and have a serious debate on the floor; we are going to take a bill to committee; we are going to wrestle with how we in America cannot only take on carbon pollution here but show the type of leadership that mobilizes countries around the world and mobilizes leadership around the world,'' well, then, I would say ``well done.'' prgtoken But, unfortunately, that is not what is about to happen. The majority leader says he doesn't want to talk about climate. So he wants to put a resolution on the floor with no debate in the committee, no serious effort to develop a series of policies to take on this calamity, and just to create a farce out of this Chamber. This Chamber, which I love, is being used in this horrific fashion, taking very serious issues that threaten our economy and threaten our natural resources and making fun of them and choosing to do nothing. prgtoken It was Henry David Thoreau who said: ``What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?'' But I am sure that when Henry David Thoreau spoke he had no inkling of the challenges we would be facing here in the year 2019. prgtoken The challenge in this year of 2019 is that in a single human lifetime the carbon dioxide in the air has gone up 30 percent--trapping enormous quantities of heat, raising the temperature of our oceans, where 90 percent of the heat is trapped, changing the weather that we experience in all kinds of ways, and driving a huge increase in forest fires in our country. If that alone were the impact, that would be enough to take action. In fact, if we just look at that one issue of forest fires, looking at the Fourth National Climate Assessment, it is estimated that the change in climate has doubled the acres burned by forest fires--just that one issue. prgtoken In my home State of Oregon, we really see this. In the Northwest there is a beautiful forest. The landscape, particularly west of the Cascades, has the most incredible old-growth forest and timber stands you would ever see, and it is burning at an unprecedented rate. prgtoken Why is that? Well, for one, we have summers that are hotter and dryer than before. That hot, dry period extends for about 2 months longer than before. Then, we have storms that are more likely to have lightning strikes than before. Combine this very dry forest with lightning strikes, and you have a huge problem on your han
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-3-25

I rise today to honor Women's History Month and the important role that New Hampshire has played in our proud tradition of women breaking barriers. prgtoken In 1870, 50 years before passage of the 19th Amendment, Marilla Ricker attempted to vote in New Hampshire. She was denied the ballot, but she refused to stand by and continued to attempt to vote over the coming decades. prgtoken Ms. Ricker was denied admittance to the New Hampshire Bar, but fought all the way to the State supreme court, and in 1890 became the first woman admitted to our State bar. prgtoken Women hold many firsts in elected office in New Hampshire. Dudley Dudley, the first woman on the New Hampshire Executive Council; Jeanne Shaheen, Governor; Beverly Hollingworth, Senate President; and Donna Sytek, of the New Hampshire House, all served together in 1999. Linda Dalianis became our first Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. prgtoken In 2012, I was honored to be a member of the first ever all-female congressional delegation with Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Kelly Ayotte, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Now, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan are the only women ever in American history to serve as Governor and U.S. Senator. prgtoken For Women's History Month, I am proud of New Hampshire's contribution to advancing women.
IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF VETERANS ADVOCATE AND AMERICAN LEGION AUXILLARY LEADER DALE ``ANN'' MORAN
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-3-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory of the late Dale ``Ann'' Moran, a dedicated and selfless advocate for the veterans community across the Commonwealth of Virginia, especially here in Virginia's 10th Congressional District. prgtoken Ann was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, unit 293 of Purcellville, VA for 35 years. Mrs. Moran truly lived the Auxiliary motto, ``Service, Not Self''. Ann demonstrated this commitment through her tremendous leadership over the course of her time with the Auxiliary. Her roles included the Department Historian for the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Virginia, 2-time Northern Zone Vice President, and multiple chairmanships. She served as the 16th District President and held various chairmanships at the district level. In her home office, Unit 293, Ann at one time served in every office, in every chairmanship, and served as a mentor to countless members. She played a major role in the Unit's successes at the Department and National Level, including receiving national awards for her Department Chairman reports. prgtoken In addition to her various leadership positions, Ann played an important role in directly assisting veterans through her work as a Veteran Service Officer where she worked with veterans in identifying and correcting a need, and helped them obtain the services that they had earned. She also established the ``Blanketing Veterans with Love'' initiative. Through this initiative Ann enlisted the involvement of her family, friends, and community to craft more than 300 blankets for veterans returning from combat. Ann also worked with the Martinsburg Vet Center to bring a satellite vet center to Loudoun County, and was a tireless supporter of Boulder Crest retreat, a local retreat for Military, Veterans, and their families. Ann was also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her legacy lives on through her husband, Thomas R and son Thomas D. Moran, daughter in law Shannon, and two grandchildren. Mrs. Moran was also a 25-year employee of the Loudoun County School system. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions that Mrs. Ann Moran so graciously made to our veterans, our district, the commonwealth, and nation. While we join her family in mourning her loss, we stand today to celebrate her commitment and legacy, on behalf of a grateful nation.