mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING DON GUINNIP'S CONSISTENT PRODUCTION OF HIGH-QUALITY SOYBEANS
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise to recognize Don Guinnip, a member of my Ag Advisory Board in the 15th district of Illinois, who was recently cited by the Illinois Soybean Association High Yield PLUS Quality program for consistently producing soybeans that rank very high in livestock feed value. prgtoken Don is a farmer in the Wabash River Valley near Marshall, IL who makes a point to know the nutritional makeup of the soybeans he grows. He feels that this knowledge is essential to meeting the specific needs of the soybean industry's largest and most important customer, the livestock producer. Livestock consume more than 70 percent of the U.S. soybean crop each year. prgtoken Don has submitted soybean samples for nutritional analysis for seven years. His 2018 sample of Stine Seed Company variety 38LE02 yielded a composite feed value of $347.40 per ton, putting him in the top 15 growers in Illinois for feed value. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Don Guinnip on choosing soybean varieties that best serve livestock producers, and I encourage other farmers to maximize the U.S. feed-market opportunities as well.
IN HONOR OF TROY REICHERT RECEIVING THE 2019 MEDAL OF HONOR EXCELLENCE IN CHARACTER EDUCATION AWARD
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Troy Reichert, of Guernsey, WY on receiving the Medal of Honor Excellence in Character Education Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. prgtoken Troy is an industrial technology teacher at Guernsey-Sunrise High School and is known for his commitment to his students and passion for teaching. This year Troy has been awarded several grants from national organizations and has earned a reputation as a leader among his peers, and beloved teacher by his students. prgtoken The Medal of Honor Excellence in Character Education award is given to a teacher who has taught students about the Congressional Medal of Honor and the character and leadership of the those who have earned it. The fact that this award was presented by Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta, a Medal of Honor recipient, is a testament to the honor that comes with this prestigious award. prgtoken Again, Madam , I extend my congratulations to Troy Reichert on this incredible honor, and for his continued leadership in his community.
RECOGNIZING AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary, the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization. prgtoken The American Legion Auxiliary is a premier service organization that has been a vital asset to our community. By providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families, the American Legion Auxiliary shapes a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, and peace. prgtoken Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary boasts almost one million members from a range of different backgrounds. This past year, the organization oversaw more than 40 million volunteer hours and raised $37 million for charities across the US. prgtoken Specifically, the American Legion Auxiliary's West Michigan chapter, Roger B. Chaffee Post 154, has been a pillar in our community through their support of veterans, sponsorship of local events, and youth development. Their tireless work has dramatically increased the quality of life for veterans and their families across West Michigan. prgtoken The post gets their name from the late Roger B. Chaffee, an American naval officer, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut in the Apollo program. Roger B. Chaffee grew up in West Michigan and graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he excelled in academics and became an Eagle Scout. Sadly, Roger perished in the Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967, but his legacy continues to live on throughout our country and in West Michigan. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating the American Legion Auxiliary and the Roger B. Chaffee Post 154 for their 100 years of dedicated service to veterans throughout our country and in West Michigan.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I missed votes last week (10/28 through 10/31) due to full-time military duties with the South Carolina Air National Guard. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 585; YEA on Roll Call No. 586; NAY on Roll Call No. 587; NAY on Roll Call No. 588; NAY on Roll Call No. 589; NAY on Roll Call No. 590; YEA on Roll Call No. 591; YEA on Roll Call No. 592; YEA on Roll Call No. 593; YEA on Roll Call No. 594; YEA on Roll Call No. 595; YEA on Roll Call No. 596; NAY on Roll Call No. 597; YEA on Roll Call No. 598; YEA on Roll Call No. 599; YEA on Roll Call No. 600; YEA on Roll Call No. 601; NAY on Roll Call No. 602; NAY on Roll Call No. 603; NAY on Roll Call No. 604; YEA on Roll Call No. 605; YEA on Roll Call No. 606; YEA on Roll Call No. 607; YEA on Roll Call No. 608; and NAY on Roll Call No. 609.
CONGRATULATING YOUNG AMERICA'S FOUNDATION ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR FOUNDING
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Young America's Foundation (YAF) on 50 successful years of promoting Conservative ideals to the youth of our Nation. prgtoken Beginning in 1969 at Vanderbilt University, YAF has shaped itself as the preeminent organization in promoting and defending American prgtoken values. In 1974, the organization began its fruitful relationship with then-Governor Ronald Reagan, asking him to take on a nationally syndicated radio program. President Reagan continued his strong support of YAF by hosting the organization's annual summer student conference at the White House from 1981 until 1988. In gratitude to this giant of American Conservatism, YAF saved and took ownership of the colloquially-dubbed ``Western White House'' in 1998, using it as a space of learning for our Nation's Conservative-minded youths. prgtoken YAF' s incredible grassroots success is a direct result of investing in the future of America. Young people are provided with seminars, conferences, educational materials, access to prominent speakers in the Conservative movement, and internships. I saw YAF's broad impact firsthand when asked to speak to their student audiences this past July at the organization's National High School Leadership Conference. It was inspiring to see so many young people devoted to carrying on the legacy of President Reagan and our Nation's founding values. So long as YAF continues its vocation of service to our Nation's youth, the future of America's Conservative movement remains bright. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's Tenth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Young America's Foundation for 50 years of tireless advocacy on behalf of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.
RECOGNIZING THE 2019 TABLE ROCK LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD WINNERS
Billy Long (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to commend Terry Plumb, Ken Bowling, Tanco II Lumber Company, and the Reeds Spring unit of Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks for their dedication and selfless contributions to the Table Rock Lake community. On November 15, 2019, Lake Splash will recognize these four individuals and organizations by presenting them with awards for their service, and I join Lake Splash in applauding these recipients. prgtoken Mr. Terry Plumb is a volunteer battalion chief with the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District and is this year's recipient of the Guardian Award for the bravery he exhibited in the line of duty. The Guardian Award is presented to a first responder in recognition of their fearless or selfless service to the community. Mr. Plumb didn't hesitate to risk his own life to assist a motorist whose car had caught fire; his actions and rapid response prevented casualties or injuries during the incident. I applaud him for his selfless actions and receiving this well-deserved recognition. prgtoken Tanco II Lumber Company is this year's Business of the Year for exemplary and high-quality customer service while maintaining a strong commitment to the community. This year, Tanco II recently completed a new local facility, expanded their product offerings, and created several new jobs, making them an attractive candidate for this award. They have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to investing in their local community, and I congratulate them on receiving this award. prgtoken Mr. Ken Bowling, owner of Ken Bowling Construction, will receive this year's Trailblazer Award for his contributions to the community during his tenure as a Stone County Commissioner, and for his work as a member of the Kimberling City Board of Alderman and former Chairman of the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bowling has always tirelessly served his community so it is only fitting that he receives an award that recognizes leaders that forge a path for others in their community. prgtoken The final award is presented to the Reeds Spring unit of the Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks for providing vital after-school care and education programs for children within this community. The Community Service Award is presented to an individual or organization who, through their service or commitment, has improved the quality of life, economy, educational opportunities, beauty, serenity, or safety in their community. The Boys and Girls Club of America offers invaluable resources to families across the nation, and I applaud this local branch's work in the Table Rock Lake area. prgtoken All of the recipients of the 2019 Lake Splash Awards have made a significant impact on their community and deserve this recognition. I am honored to recognize their achievements, and I thank each recipient for their contributions to Missouri's 7th District.
HONORING THE EVANS MILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL 1ST AND 2ND GRADE VETERANS DAY CONCERT
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Evans Mills Primary School 1st and 2nd Grade Veterans Day Concert. prgtoken For the past five years, the Evans Mills Primary School Veterans Day Committee and its chair, Mrs. Lewis, have organized this wonderful concert in honor of our veterans. Beyond the concert itself, the committee has led a food drive for veterans with all donations going to ``Feed Our Vets,'' a local program in Watertown. In addition, the committee arranged for veterans to come to the school and speak directly with students about their experiences. Students have created art projects around the theme of honoring our veterans and those pieces will be displayed during the concert alongside real uniforms and gear. The committee has partnered with Fort Drum's 1st Brigade Combat Team, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel MacDonald, to organize this and other veteran's events at the school. prgtoken Events like this highlight the community spirit in the North Country. Veterans and active duty service members make up a large part of our community and it is important for individuals of all ages to recognize and celebrate their service to our nation. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank the Evans Mills Primary School Veterans Day Committee and everyone who donated or helped organize this event for their work honoring our veterans.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF W. GEORGE ALLEN
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-11-12

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, W. George Allen, a selfless member of our community who spent his life serving others. I had the great privilege of working alongside George as his law partner for many years. Throughout his more than four-decade career practicing law, he established himself as one of our state's most influential civil rights advocates. I will never forget the years we spent working together to fight and end segregation in Broward County. prgtoken George was born in Sanford, Florida in 1936. He attended Florida A&M University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics, before continuing his education at the University of Florida Law School, where he became the first African American to receive a Juris Doctor degree. prgtoken Between 1958 and 1960, George served in the United States Army as a special agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps, before being honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant. Following his military service, George was accepted into law school, where he became involved in social activism by organizing lunch counter sit-ins around Gainesville, Florida. After graduating and being admitted to the Florida Bar Association, he decided to open his own firm in Fort Lauderdale. Here he practiced for forty-two years, specializing in trial work, probate, personal injury, insurance defense and wrongful death. prgtoken Throughout his career, George was recognized time and again for his hard work and dedication to those around him. He was a member of the Urban League of Broward County, the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, the University of Florida Foundation, and the Florida Bar Association. He also served as the Broward County Bar Association's president. Additionally, he received numerous awards for his achievements, including the University of Florida Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2000, and the National Conference for Community and Justice Silver Medallion Award in 2001. In 2003, George was inducted into the National Bar Association's Hall of Fame, and in February of 2005, Governor Jeb appointed him to the Florida A&M University's Board of Trustees. prgtoken Madam , W. George Allen was a champion for our community and positively impacted the lives of all those he met. He was a South Florida icon, whose life and legacy has left an indelible mark on our state and nation. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his children, Jonathan, Timothy, Frederick, and Amy Carole and the entire Allen family during this heartbreaking time. W. George Allen was a blessing to our community. I am so truly honored to have called him my friend. He will be dearly missed.
HONORING RIVER ROUGE POLICE LIEUTENANT RON GUFFEY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-12

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Ron Guffey who served on the City of River Rouge's Police Department on the occasion of his retirement. During his twenty-three years with the police force, Lieutenant Guffey has served with dedication and bravery. He first joined the City of River Rouge's Police Department as a patrol officer in 1996. Lieutenant Guffey served the force in several capacities and rose through the ranks, serving as Corporal, Detective, and Sergeant before ultimately retiring as Lieutenant. Lieutenant Guffey's presence will be missed and is a loss for the community and the City of River Rouge. In short, Lieutenant Guffey has served bravely and nobly. Please join me in saluting him for his twenty-three years of public service as we wish him well on his retirement.
SMALL REFINERY WAIVERS AND ETHANOL
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-12

I support the sentiments of my colleague from Illinois in objecting to the ``small refinery relief'' language in the fiscal year 2020 Interior appropriations bill. In the past, this language has been invoked by the administration's prgtoken Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to disregard the Department of Energy's recommendations regarding small refinery hardships under the renewable fuel standard, RFS, and waive additional gallons of renewable fuels from our fuel supply. These actions, permitted by President , hurt rural America and our farmers. prgtoken The RFS is an important driver of Michigan jobs and our bio-based economy. This Administration's continued abuse of refinery waivers undermine the integrity of the RFS program and hurt our farmers, biofuel producers, and rural communities in Michigan and across the country. I strongly oppose this report language and encourage my colleagues to support rural America's interests by calling to end the administration's abuse of small refinery exemptions.
Nomination of Chad F. Wolf (Executive Session)
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-11-12

I rise today in opposition to this administration's nomination of Chad Wolf to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the Department of Homeland Security. I stand here today opposed not only to Mr. Wolf's nomination but also to the way in which this administration is circumventing the constitutional requirement of advice and consent to make Mr. Wolf the head of the third largest Department in the Federal Government. prgtoken By the President's own admission, Mr. Wolf is slated to immediately be appointed to serve indefinitely in the position of Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. Thus, our votes tonight and tomorrow are effectively to confirm Chad Wolf to be Acting Secretary of the entire Department of Homeland Security, despite limited vetting, no committee vote, and no confirmation hearing for this position. prgtoken But this is about more than just an egregious attempt to bypass the Senate's role of advice and consent for Cabinet nominees. Rather, this evening's vote will advance a nominee who played an integral role in this administration's cruel family separation policy, and tonight's vote is about the refusal of this administration to address its treatment of detained children. prgtoken That is why I was so disappointed to see cloture filed on Chad Wolf's nomination. I placed a hold on Mr. Wolf's nomination to be Under Secretary as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the southern border, which began and grew during Mr. Wolf's tenure as chief of staff to DHS Secretary Nielsen. prgtoken Between July 2017 and June 2018, while Mr. Wolf held the position of chief of staff, 2,800 migrant children were separated from their parents and held in DHS custody under this administration's cruel, so- called ``zero tolerance'' immigration policy. prgtoken Even today, we don't know the extent of the damage. Just last week, reports identified 1,500 more children who were separated from their parents during that time. We do, however, know from emails that Chad Wolf played a leading role in developing, suggesting, and implementing this inhumane policy. prgtoken When I asked him if he had helped to develop the administration's family separation policy, he said: ``No, ma'am.'' When I asked him if he had concerns with the policy of indefinitely separating children from their parents, Mr. Wolf said: ``My job wasn't to determine if it was the right or wrong policy.'' prgtoken When I asked him how he became aware of the policy, he stated that he learned about it in April of 2018. Emails now show that Mr. Wolf had been participating in meetings discussing family separation as far back as December of 2017. The emails showed that Mr. Wolf provided then- Secretary Nielsen a list of 16 options to limit immigration, one of which was to separate families. prgtoken Even before these emails came to light, I found Mr. Wolf's failure to take responsibility for his direct involvement in the administra
CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF AUSTIN TICE
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-11-12

I want to thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia, the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, for leading this special order today on the life of Austin Tice. prgtoken In November 2016, I had the privilege of meeting for the first time, Austin Tice's mother, Debra. It was at the Newseum, where Reporters Without Borders and the Newseum were launching a campaign that ran a banner on the Newseum's facade featuring Austin. prgtoken The banner was showing on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The banner had a simple message next to a photo of Austin's face, ``Held captive for being a journalist since August 2012.'' prgtoken Austin Tice is the only American journalist being held captive in Syria. The banner at the Newseum is supposed to continue to run until he is safely returned home to his family. prgtoken Today, November 12, 2019, Austin remains in captivity. I had the privilege of meeting his parents Marc and Debra Tice in September. They brought me up-to-date on Austin's captivity, and the many efforts to press for his freedom. prgtoken Austin Tice is a graduate of the Georgetown School of Foreign Service and many of Georgetown's students and faculty have taken up his cause. He served as a Marine officer and returned home to study at the Georgetown School of Law. But when he saw the carnage inside Syria, he felt a calling to report on the Syrian human crisis. Working as a freelance journalist and photographer for McClatchey newspapers, his images, interviews and reports soon appeared in the Washington Post, McClatchey, Agence France-Presse and other news media. prgtoken He intended to leave Syria after his 31st birthday, on August 11, 2012, after he filed his last story. On August 14th, he left for Lebanon by car from Damascus. Shortly after, we know that he was stopped and detained at a checkpoint, most likely in rebel control. Five weeks later, a video was posted on a pro-government website by people who appeared to be Islamist militants. There has been no contact with his captors. prgtoken Marc and Debra continue their efforts to find and release their son. The State Department believes that he is still alive. Other countries have offered their services as intermediaries. And national and international campaigns have been mounted to support him, his family, and the many other journalists from many nations who are in captivity or held hostage around the world. prgtoken Congress has sent several letters, introduced bills, and like today, taken to the floor of the House of Representatives to raise his case and declare our sympathy and solidarity with his family, friends and colleagues. prgtoken We will not stop until Austin is free and reunited with his family.