mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THOMAS J. SCHWARZ
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise to honor Thomas J. Schwarz, President of State University of New York, Purchase College, as the College honors him this month for his 17 years of distinguished leadership on the occasion of his retirement. prgtoken Since Mr. Schwarz was appointed as Purchase College's fifth President in 2003, the college has seen substantially improved retention and graduation rates. He prioritized social responsibility throughout his presidency. In 2007, he signed the ``American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment,'' expressing the sense that Purchase College would chart a course toward climate neutrality. In 2015, Purchase College constructed its first LEED Gold-certified campus building and continues to renovate existing buildings with more energy- efficient technology. Mr. Schwarz oversaw the development of the Broadview Senior Living Center, a senior living community on the Purchase College Campus that will promote lifelong learning. prgtoken Throughout his career, he was deeply committed to public service. He served as mayor of the Village of Ocean Beach, New York; Special Counsel to the New York State Commission on Government Integrity; Chief Judge to the Commission to Promote Public Confidence in Judicial Integrity, and Counsel to the Governor's Judicial Screening Program. The Legal Aid Society recognized him with its Pro Bono Award in 1998. prgtoken Madam , I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join me in expressing thanks to Mr. Schwarz for his many years of outstanding public service and student advocacy.
BLUE WATER NAVY VIETNAM VETERANS ACT OF 2019
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-5-14

I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. As a Navy veteran myself, this issue hits close to home, specifically in coastal Virginia, the district that I have the honor of representing. prgtoken At my first townhall after taking office, the wife of a Virginia Beach Vietnam veteran posed a deeply personal question. She said to me: Where is the blue water Navy sailor bill? I have a dying vet at home from Agent Orange who wants his country to respond to his service during Vietnam. prgtoken After the townhall, I talked with her more in depth on the issue, and with tears in her eyes, she asked me again for help and to make sure Congress did not forget her husband's service and what he sacrificed for our country. prgtoken I stand today to speak on behalf of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act so that my constituent and prgtoken so many others across the Nation will know that we have not forsaken their service. prgtoken I am thankful to the House of Representatives for stepping up to the plate and fulfilling our responsibility to our veterans and their service to America. I am proud to support their cause today. prgtoken This bipartisan bill on the floor would finally correct an injustice for veterans who are suffering and dying from conditions related to Agent Orange exposure and who have been unfairly denied VA disability and health benefits for more than four decades. prgtoken For those who may not know, blue water Navy Vietnam veterans are servicemembers who served at sea off the shore of Vietnam during the Vietnam war. prgtoken A Federal Court, in January, ruled that the VA was wrong in denying disability and health benefits to blue water Navy Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the toxin Agent Orange; however, the administration has not yet committed to implementing this decision. As a result, the blue water Navy veterans are still in limbo, and Congress must act to secure their benefits. prgtoken , I urge quick House passage of our bipartisan legislation so our Senate colleagues can do the same and get this to the White House and pass it into law.
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEK 2019
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise during National Law Enforcement Week 2019 to honor the valiant men and women who protect and serve the city of Haverhill, Massachusetts. The Haverhill Police Department consists of outstanding public servants who devote their lives to keeping the citizens of the city safe, while improving the lives of countless individuals. prgtoken Like most Americans each day, they get up, say goodbye to their loved ones, and head to work. But their work, and the work of police officers around the country, is like no other. From the moment they put on their uniform they have answered a call that at any moment may put their lives in harm's way. prgtoken I thank the Haverhill Police Department for their continued and unwavering service and wish them well in their careers and future endeavors to come. prgtoken Madam , it is with great honor that I recognize the Officers of the Haverhill Massachusetts Police Department.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. DOUG JEFFE
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Doug Jeffe. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Doug was both a prominent figure in California politics and an invaluable member of our community. It was an honor for me to have known Mr. Jeffe, and I am incredibly sad he is no longer with us. prgtoken For over two decades, Doug was the aide and protege of California State Assembly Jesse M. Unruh. He later put this experience to work as a campaign manager, policy advocate, and writer. In 1995, Doug founded Issues Management Network, a firm that specializes in message engineering and ballot measure campaigns. Doug used his policy experience and campaign skills to promote measures that would help others: for example, in 2002, Doug led a successful ballot measure campaign that secured funds to save and support trauma centers in Los Angeles County. No matter what he was working on, Doug's colleagues always noted his unflagging good humor and genial nature, an attitude that garnered him many friends over the years. prgtoken In addition to his work as a political professional, Doug was also the president of the Board of Directors of L.A. Theatre Works and served on the board of the Venice Family Clinic, two important community institutions in our region. He also contributed to the political blog Fox & Hounds Daily and lectured on political communications at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. prgtoken Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, with whom he spent over 50 years traveling the world. Doug is also missed by his rescue pit bull, Kennedy, and his innumerable friends and colleagues. He will forever be remembered for his selflessness and work to make a positive meaningful impact on his community.
QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2019
Xochitl Torres Small (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-5-14

this legislation will see that the Department of Homeland Security remains focused on its primary mission. prgtoken It is important that the Department complete this review so that it, in partnership with Congress, can continue to evolve with the threats that face our homeland. prgtoken I would also add that this measure passed the House last Congress by a vote of 415-0, and I would hope my colleagues would do the same today. prgtoken Finally, I urge DHS to deliver the long-overdue 2018 QHSR to Congress. prgtoken , I urge passage of H.R. 1892, and .
HONORING BEATRICE ``BEBE'' COKER
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise today, on behalf of my colleagues Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, to honor and congratulate Beatrice ``Bebe'' Coker, a mother, sister, artist, advocate, mentor, leader, and recipient of the 2019 John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award. Bebe, as she is affectionately called, is a lifelong advocate for quality public education, the arts, and diversity and inclusion. She was honored by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce affiliate, The Partnership, Inc at Superstars in Education Reception and Awards Ceremony on May 13, 2019, for her unrelenting dedication and leadership in advancing education for all children and making our community a better place to live and work. Ms. Coker is a revered community mobilizer and literacy advocate, as well as a champion of social justice in Delaware. Among her many contributions to our state, Ms. Bebe was appointed by former Gov. Pierre S. du Pont to join the Citizens Alliance for Public Education to ensure the peaceful desegregation of Delaware schools. She has volunteered for countless organizations, including The Christiana Cultural Art Center, the NAACP Young Adults Group and the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. She chaired the State Civil Rights Commission and has aided numerous organizations focused on literacy. Bebe holds a bachelor's degree from Morgan State University and a Doctor of Humanities from Delaware State University. She is a playwright, poet, and lyricist. She is, quite simply, a renaissance woman. Never one to shy away from fighting for what she believed in, her work throughout Delaware has had a tremendous impact on us all. As a writer, or through her work in the community, she has always been an honest story teller--the stories of our past, our present, and those that inform the work we do to create a better future. A mentor to many young people, Ms. Coker's greatest source of pride and support is embodied in her three ``daughter/best prgtoken friends'', retired Capt. Laurie Coker, U.S. Navy Public Health Services, CDC, Atlanta, GA; Dr. Joan Coker, Head and Neck Surgeon, Wilmington, DE; and Julie Coker Graham, President & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. While each has accomplished much in the ``career-world'', Ms. Coker's pride stems from each embracing a love of service to others as their privilege and responsibility. A community activist in Delaware for over 50 years, Bebe is an inspiration to me. I am proud to stand here today with my fellow Delawareans honoring an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary heart, who is steadfast and unmovable in our community and who consistently sacrifices her time and talent to improve the lives of others. Ms. Coker's anchor is her strong faith in God and lifelong words she was taught to live by, ``Don't let your talents take you, where your character can't keep you. It is all about the ``integrity of one--you''.
INTRODUCTION OF THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST FUND ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , America's water systems are in crisis. While our clean water needs are estimated to be nearly $14 billion per year for the next 20 years, funding has averaged less than $1.5 billion annually since 2011. Drinking water infrastructure is in worse shape-- the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that we need to invest over $23 billion annually for the next 20 years to ensure the provision of safe drinking water, while Congress typically appropriates less than $1 billion a year. Though most of our water and wastewater systems are 75-100 years old, these growing challenges are not due to age alone: federal investment has fallen more than 85 percent since 1977. Last year alone, American communities suffered more than 250,000 water main breaks and saw overflowing combined sewer systems. These problems will only increase with inadequate and inconsistent funding. That is why I am introducing the Water Infrastructure Trust Fund Act of 2019. prgtoken This legislation will provide a small, deficit-neutral source of revenue to help states replace, repair, and rehabilitate critical clean and prgtoken drinking water facilities. Half of the trust fund revenue will be distributed to local governments as grants and loans through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for wastewater treatment construction, while the other half will be distributed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to finance projects to meet federal drinking water standards. The Water Infrastructure Trust Fund will be capitalized by a voluntary labeling and fee system, to which businesses that rely on a clean water source can opt-in. Participating businesses would include a small label on their products indicating their commitment to protecting America's clean water, contributing $0.03 to the trust fund per labelled unit. Businesses and products that could take advantage of the labeling system include: water-based beverages, products disposed of in wastewater, and pharmaceuticals. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to reduce pollution, protect public health, and provide the funding communities need to ensure clean tap water.
RECOGNIZING CHIEF BRETT McVANNEL FOR HIS SERVICE IN THE GAYLORD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , it's my honor to recognize Brett McVannel for his retirement as chief of the Gaylord City Police Department. Through his exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion to his community, Brett has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken Born and raised in Gaylord, Chief McVannel dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to the people of Michigan, serving in Kalkaska and Otsego County before becoming chief in Gaylord. During his tenure Brett thrived as a leader and communicator, working productively with other local leaders and forming a familial bond in the department he oversaw. His exceptional leadership skills are reflected in the excellence of the officers who have served under him and the trust placed in him by the people of Northern Michigan. Chief McVannel's constant dedication to the public good is commendable, and the impact of his work on the people of Northern Michigan cannot be overstated. prgtoken Madam . it is my honor to recognize Chief Brett McVannel for his decades of service to the people of our state. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a devoted individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Brett all the best in his future endeavors.
HONORING LEIGHA PETERSON
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Leigha Peterson, the first student to earn a doctoral degree from Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She graduated this weekend with a Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science. prgtoken This is just Leigha's most recent landmark accomplishment during her impressive tenure at Coastal Carolina University. She is the first to earn all three levels of undergraduate and postgraduate education from Coastal Carolina. While earning her Ph.D she was Coastal Carolina's first doctoral student representative and helped other students successfully interact with their professors. In addition to coauthoring 25 research papers, she also participated in research trips to Antarctica, Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, Jamaica, and Canada to further her studies. prgtoken Leigha's graduation is not only a huge personal achievement, but a major success for Coastal Carolina University. I know Leigha will be the first of many innovators and entrepreneurs that earn prestigious degrees from Coastal Carolina University before making their mark on the world. We are all very proud of Leigha, and wish her success in her future endeavors.
TRANSIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT
Peter T. King (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-5-14

I thank Mr. Joyce for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 1313, the Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act. prgtoken The Transit Security Grant Program provides needed funds to transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. With billions of riders using surface transportation annually, and limited security screening, it should come as no surprise that surface transportation has been, and continues to be, a terror target. prgtoken We have witnessed multiple attacks overseas: the bombings of commuter trains in Madrid, the metro station bombing in Brussels, the bombing of the tube in London. prgtoken In New York, we saw, in 2019, there was an attempted liquid explosive attack, which, if successful, would have killed many, many hundreds. prgtoken And then, soon after that, there was a planned attack against the Long Island Railroad, in my own district, carried out by Bryant Neal Vinas, who was then in Afghanistan plotting the attack. prgtoken And more recently and much closer to home, we witnessed the 2017 New York Port Authority bombing, which the is well aware of, involving our city. prgtoken With the continual calls from ISIS and other extremist groups for lone-wolf attacks to target crowded areas, we must ensure the first responders and transit agencies have the tools needed to secure our transit systems. prgtoken Based on previous work done by the subcommittee under the leadership of my good friend Congressman Dan Donovan, we learned of the challenges associated with the fluctuating period of performance for Transit Security Grant Program projects, especially for completing vital large- scale capital security projects. prgtoken The Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act addresses this challenge by codifying the period of performance for this grant program at 36 months for the majority of eligible projects. It also extends the period of performance for large-scale projects to 55 months. This ensures that these major projects can be successfully completed in the allotted time. prgtoken Transit security grant program awards can be used to provide personnel with essential security training. However, recipients of these awards are not currently permitted to use the grant program funds to pay for backfilling personnel attending such training, which may, in turn, inhibit some transit agencies from sending their staff to vital security training. prgtoken H.R. 1313 will permit Transit Security Grant Program funds to be used for this purpose, consistent with other homeland security grant programs. prgtoken Given the evolving threat landscape, it is imperative that the Transit Security Grant Program provide flexible solutions for grant recipients. It is of the utmost importance that transit agencies have the ability to enhance the protection of these soft targets and crowded places to keep ev
HONORING THE LIFE AND HEROIC ACTIONS OF RILEY HOWELL
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize the life and actions of prgtoken Riley Howell, a true hero who sacrificed himself to save countless lives on May 1st at UNC Charlotte. prgtoken Riley was a 21-year-old student who had just transferred to UNC Charlotte last fall after studying at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. When a former student began shooting in his classroom, Riley was the first to ignore the danger and charge towards the gunman. Despite being shot three times, he still tackled the shooter with enough force to knock him off his feet. Riley's actions prevented the shooter from reloading and allowed campus police to intervene before any more damage could be done. However, Riley's courageous actions came at a dire cost--he passed away from his wounds. prgtoken Since Riley's passing, I have read story after story that speak to Riley's ingenuity, kind heart, love of Star Wars, and upstanding character. When folks heard about his heroic actions, they said it sounded exactly like what Riley would do to help someone in need or protect those who couldn't protect themselves. I'm as much in awe of Riley's actions as I am devastated that such carnage could happen at a place that made such a lasting impact on my life. prgtoken As a proud UNC Charlotte alumnus, my thoughts and prayers are with Riley's parents, Thomas Howell and Natalie Henry-Howell, his eight younger siblings, and all who loved him. As a father, I cannot imagine the depth of their grief and I offer my deepest condolences. prgtoken I know I speak for the entire community when I say, Riley will always be remembered for his heroic and selfless actions and I will do everything in my power to honor his memory and sacrifice. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in commemorating the life of Riley Howell and his heroic actions.
IN HONOR OF THE WYOMING STATE SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Wyoming State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which will hold its annual conference May 16-19, in Lander, Wyoming. prgtoken The Daughters of the American Revolution has a long tradition of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism across the country and state of Wyoming. This year at their conference, members from around the state will come together to celebrate their contributions to Wyoming history and society, and hear from a host of speakers, including other D.A.R. members from across the country. prgtoken I would also like to thank the members of the Daughters of the American Revolution for all they do to preserve the history of our great state and country and to promote the importance of education and patriotism of our great nation. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to acknowledge the many contributions the women of the Daughters of the American Revolution have made throughout history, and continue to make today.
OPINION PIECE BY U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL DAVID M. FRIEDMAN
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to include in the Record the following piece authored by U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman in honor of the one-year anniversary of the U.S. embassy opening in Jerusalem: A Year After Opening the Jerusalem Embassy: On the Right Side of History On May 14, 2018, the United States finally opened its embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem. In making the courageous decision to take this historic step, President not only fulfilled a 23-year-old mandate from the United States Congress but he also recognized a 3,000- year-old truth that Israel's enemies have long sought to erase. America has been fascinated by Jerusalem since the early days of our republic. In 1844, Warder Cresson, the first consul general, announced after his appointment by the secretary of state that the United States was thereby extending its protection to the Jews of Jerusalem. The first permanent consular presence opened just inside the Jaffa Gate in 1857, and diplomatic presence has remained constant in and around the Old City ever since. President Abraham Lincoln, just before his death, told his wife how he longed to visit Jerusalem. And President Ulysses Grant and Mark Twain both visited Jerusalem in the mid-19th century and wrote extensively about their experiences. Neither Grant nor Twain were all that impressed with Jerusalem in those days. It was poor, inhospitable and undeveloped. The Old City of Jerusalem remained that way well into the 20th century, whether under the rule of the Ottoman Empire until 1917, the British Mandate until 1948, or the Kingdom of Jordan until 1967. In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as a single city under Israeli rule. Almost immediately, Jerusalem began to bloom, to flourish and to become, for the first time in its history, a free city open to the worshipers of all three Abrahamic faiths. Many in the United States took notice and, in 1995, Congress, by overwhelming majority votes, passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and requiring the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Presidents Bill Clinton, and all found reasons to avoid the implementation of this law. All in all, more than 40 presidential waivers were signed delaying the move of the Embassy. And then came President . recognized the truth--that Jerusalem was, is and will always be the capital of Israel. He saw the dishonest and shameful efforts of UNESCO and the United Nations Security Council to deny Israel's biblical, historical and practical connection to Jerusalem. And he refused to pursue a foreign policy b