hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1415-S1416] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. TESTER: today I would like to honor the life and service of a distinguished Montanan and World War II veteran, Mr. Harry A. Arvidson. Harry was a proud patriot who loved his country. Never one to shy away from service or sacrifice, he answered the call to duty during World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy submarine service in 1942 and left high school before graduation to serve. During his time in uniform, Harry served as a ship cook third class for his regular duty and radar observer for his battle station post. His first assignment was on the USS Pollack, where he was a member of the Pollack's ninth war patrol, a patrol that sunk and damaged more ships than any of the other Pollack patrols conducted in the Pacific. At the end of the war, Harry was assigned to a 40-man prize crew which boarded and seized a surrendering Japanese I-400 submarine. Harry and the prize crew sailed submarines into Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremonies. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, Harry returned to civilian life, married his wife Lola, and had two children, Lynda and Scott. While Harry was deployed during the war, Lola also contributed to the wartime effort as a member of the Rosie the Riveters, working on airplane gliders. In 1956, Harry and Lola moved to Conrad, MT, where they established the Home Cafe on Main Street in Conrad. Harry and Lola ran the Home Cafeuntil 1982, when they retired and passed the torch over to Scott and their daughter-in-law, who continue to run the family business today. Soon after, Harry and Lola moved to Lincoln, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Harry was immensely proud of his service to the Nation. Since 1972, he was a member the U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII organization, even serving as the Montana State commander for many years. In that role, he helped host the 53rd national convention in Billings alongside his family. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 9 in Lincoln and a member of the Montana Honor Flight that traveled to Washington, DC, in 2012. On October 18, 2022, Harry passed away at the age of 97 at the Fort Harrison VA Hospital, joining Lola--his wife of 72 years--who passed in 2019. Today, it is my honor to commemorate his service and legacy. Harry's exemplary service and that of the entire Greatest Generation is what makes our country the greatest in the world. He is a true patriot who made Montana proud, and he will be sorely missed.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1415] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Ms. HASSAN: I am honored to recognize Robert and Linda Burlock of Berlin as April's Granite Staters of the Month. For half a century, the couple has shown tremendous dedication to their community by continually welcoming new families and residents moving into the East Side of Berlin. Throughout the time that Robert--``Bobby''--and Linda have lived on Grafton Street in Berlin, every time newcomers have arrived, they have made it their personal mission to welcome them. They are the unofficial ambassadors for the neighborhood. One time, when Bobby saw from across the street two newcomers struggling to move their furniture, he sprung up to help. He originally had taken days off of work to relax and lay back, but instead, he spent the next few days helping the newcomers settle in. Another time, when a neighbor's father passed away, Bobby helped her clean out her father's garage, a task that would have been daunting if done alone. When heavy snow covered Grafton Street, Bobby would send over a buddy with a snow plow to his neighbors' yards, and when their front yards were overgrown with grass, he would offer to mow their lawns. Linda worked in lockstep with her husband to welcome the newcomers, always inviting them over for drinks and quickly forging strong friendships. For every new neighbor, she would always make a dish to send over as a welcome gesture. Beyond any single act of assistance, Bobby and Linda have developed a sense of community in Berlin that is truly special. When their longtime neighbor and good friend passed away a few years ago, a newcomer moved in from New Jersey. Although he kept to himself at first, Bobby and Linda were determined to get to know him, and soon enough they were good friends. Bobby says that he now sees his new neighbor as another son. Bobby and Linda's generosity leaves a lasting impact on the people that they assist, showing neighbors, new and old, that everybody counts. And they set an example for all Granite Staters by showing that each and every one of us can make a difference in our own community. I hope that all Granite Staters are inspired by Bobby and Linda's story and follow their example of extending kindness to strangers, since our communities are only as strong as their individual members. Bobby and Linda are a shining example of the Granite State spirit of kindness and generosity, and I am glad to honor the neighborhood spirit that they have created on the East Side of Berlin.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1415] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Ms. ERNST: as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Simply Blooming of Traer, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Simply Blooming was founded in 2006 by Lisa Eikamp as a one-stop shop for all of your floral needs. Simply Blooming has flowers from all over the world in store. As an experienced floral designer, Eikamp is able to design and accessorize an arrangement for a variety of events and occasions. Simply Blooming's website boasts a broad portfolio of floral designs including prom corsages, wedding bouquets, and sympathy flowers. In addition to flowers, you can also find a variety of plants, home decor, stylish clothing, and even boots for sale. This year has been a momentous one for Simply Blooming. They opened a new location in Vinton on the exact day of their 17th anniversary of the flagship store opening in Traer. The second store is called Simply Blooming, Too, and has already become an integral part of the Vinton community. They had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion, and an Elvis Presley impersonator even stopped by for the festivities. Part of what makes Simply Blooming special is their attention to customer service. They maintain active social media profiles updating customers on the arrangements they design, community events hosted at Simply Blooming, and information on all of their new products. Simply Blooming's commitment to providing flower arrangements for every occasion is clear. In 17 years, Ms. Eikamp has been able to provide quality customer service by treating her customers like family. I want to commend Lisa Eikamp and the entire team at Simply Blooming for their work. This business exemplifies the innovative spirit and leadership skills of the Iowa entrepreneur. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1415] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. BARRASSO: I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Kody for his hard work as an intern in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Kody is a native of Idaho. He recently graduated from Boise State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in health informatics and information management. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Kody for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1415] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. BARRASSO: I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Bryan for his hard work as an intern in my Casper office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Bryan is a native of New Hampshire. He attends Arizona State University, where he studies political science. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Bryan for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1414-S1415] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. BARRASSO: I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Gunner for his hard work as an intern in my Casper office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Gunner is a native of Mississippi. He is currently attending Casper College and plans to attend the University of Wyoming in the fall. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Gunner for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. BARRASSO: I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Katie for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Katie is a native of Casper. She attends the University of Wyoming, where she studies international relations, philosophy, and Spanish. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Katie for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. BARRASSO: I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Sophia for her hard work as an intern in the Senate Republican Conference. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Sophia is a native of Tennessee. She attends the University of Mississippi, where she studies journalism and Spanish. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Sophia for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. BARRASSO: I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Riley for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Riley is a native of Upton. She recently graduated from the University of Wyoming, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in international studies. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Riley for her dedication to our office. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. MURPHY: I rise today to honor the 10-year anniversary of an organization that has been instrumental in our efforts to protect kids and families from gun violence: Giffords, the organization founded by former Congresswoman and gun violence victim, Gabby Giffords. This anniversary is particularly important to me because Gabby Giffords and I were in the same House of Representatives freshman class in 2007. Our offices were right next to each other, and we became fast friends, dreaming up the idea for supermarket office hours called ``Congress on Your Corner.'' Four years later, on January 8, 2011, Gabby was shot in the head at one of those events. Eighteen others were also shot, and six died. She almost lost her life that day and began a very long road to recovery. But my friend Gabby is a fighter, and she doesn't back down. Two years after she was shot and just 25 days after 20 children and six educators were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, she launched an organization dedicated to the fight to end gun violence. Today, that organization is known as Giffords. Giffords and the gun violence prevention movement spent the next decade growing stronger, more determined, and more convinced that the righteousness of our cause would eventually prevail. Gabby and her organization channeled the outrage and frustration of millions Americans into action. Across the country, they helped to pass 525 lifesaving laws that make sure guns only end up in the hands of responsible, law-abiding Americans. They took on the gun lobby in State legislatures and the courts. They raised awareness, recruited volunteers, and registered new voters. On May 24, 2022, at Robb Elementary School, an all too familiar tragedy struck, 19 children and 2 teachers shot and killed in their classroom. A weary American public once again called on Congress to act, and for the first time in 30 years, it did. One month later, President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation to tighten our gun laws, invest in mental health services, and make our schools and communities safer. That historic piece of legislation would not have been possible without Gabby Giffords. In the face of unimaginable adversity, Gabby spent a decade helping to build a gun violence prevention movement more powerful than the gun lobby. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is just the beginning, and we will keep fighting to end the scourge of gun violence in this country together. In reflection of Giffords' 10-year anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their tireless advocacy to end gun violence and honoring my personal hero, Gabby Giffords.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1408-S1409] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. SCHATZ: I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of PN284, PN354, and the names sent to the desk under PN285; that the Senate proceed to their en bloc consideration and vote without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action. There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the nominations en bloc.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1408] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. SCHATZ: I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nominations: all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1403-S1406] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. CARDIN: we will shortly be voting on the cloture motion for S.J. Res. 4, and we are joined by Senator Murkowski. I first want to start by thanking her for her extraordinary leadership on this issue and so many other issues that involve equality and opportunity for all Americans. It has been a journey that we have shared together, and I really want to thank her for her leadership on S.J. Res. 4. It is bipartisan, and I know we are going to have a strong vote. I would just urge our colleagues not to filibuster equality. Let's get onto this resolution and complete the work that we have done. The States have already completed the work. Three-fourths, 38 States, have already approved and ratified the constitutional amendment for equal rights.  It is now necessary for us to take the final step and remove any doubt on the validity of the previous actions of Congress and the ratifications by the States. The courts have held what we have done before. It is up to Congress to do this. We have the authority, and we have the opportunity today by the vote that is going to take place. We just got a statement on the administration's policy. President Biden strongly supports S.J. Res. 4. So we now have the support of the executive branch, and I hope that we can get the votes today in order to move forward on this. It is necessary. We know that there are still systemic challenges based upon sex in our workplace, in healthcare, and domestic violence. This will be helpful, and most Americans already think it is part of the Constitution. So let's get the job done. We will have an opportunity to do so in a few moments. Again, I want to thank my colleague, who has been a true leader on this, Senator Murkowski of Alaska. I yield the floor.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1403-S1406] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. CARDIN: once again, I want to thank Senator Murkowski for her leadership. This is a bipartisan effort, this joint resolution that we have, and it has been what the Equal Rights Amendment journey was about. It started with action in the Congress. There was strong bipartisan support for the resolution for no discrimination based upon sex in our Constitution. It was passed by the House and Senate by bipartisan majorities. The States' ratification process--I can tell you about the one in Maryland that I was part of when I was in the House of Delegates in our State legislature when we ratified the Equal Rights Amendment. There was strong bipartisan support. And I am proud today that I am joining with Senator Murkowski for the need for the Equal Rights Amendmentto be ratified. This is a bipartisan effort. I hope our colleagues will not filibuster it. I understand the concern. This will be our first vote in the Senate on the resolution. The House has already passed it in two previous Congresses. I know that our House colleagues are watching, and I thank them for their leadership in the House. This will be our first opportunity in the Senate. I am glad we are having this opportunity. With that, Mr. President, I would ask consent that, despite the previous order, we start the vote immediately.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1403-S1406] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. SCHUMER: let me explain. I switched my vote to no, not because I am not strongly for ERA--I wanted to bring it to the floor--but it will allow us to go back and cast a vote again in the future. This issue is too important, so we are not giving up. So I am moving to reconsider so I can bring it back up at a later time. I yield the floor.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)] [House] [Page H2081] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-27
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. STEVENS: I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 18 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, April 28, 2023, at 9 a.m.