hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. TUBERVILLE: this month, I am proud to recognize U.S. Army Veteran Jason Guyton of Toney, AL. Some of Jason's favorite childhood memories were trying on his dad's Navy uniform and flipping through photo albums from his grandad's time in the Navy. Even as a young boy, he recognized the importance of their military service and admired their sacrifice. After a successful wrestling career at Howard University, where he became the first freshman in school history to compete for a NCAA Division I Championship, Jason decided to follow in his dad and grandad's footsteps. But instead of joining the Navy, Jason enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a chemical operations specialist, while also keeping his day job as an operations manager at West Corporation. During his time in the Reserves, Jason was deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, where he ensured sites were safe from nuclear chemicals and biological threats. Like many veterans, the challenges of serving our country did not end after Jason's 12 years in the military. He experienced several personal setbacks, causing him to fall on hard times financially and become homeless. But thanks to his military training and support from veterans' groups, Jason overcame his situation and channeled his experience into a career in financial services. Now, Jason serves as a member experience advocate for Avadian Credit Union at its Huntsville location. He is very open about his struggles because he wants other veterans to know that they, too, can overcome any challenges they face after their military service. Additionally, Jason is very active in Madison County, where he is involved in several local outreach efforts. Although he is not an Alabama native, after finding out Huntsville was the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center through an Internet search, Jason decided he wanted to call Madison County home. So he moved to the area nearly 30 years ago, and has been giving back ever since. He uses his talents to coach wrestling for students between ages 5 and 12, serving as a positive influence for hundreds of athletes whom he has mentored throughout the years. Jason says his greatest success is watching those he has coached compete at a higher level. And his influence doesn't end with being a coach. Jason's son, Tre, also decided to join the Navy and become a fourth-generation servicemember in the Guyton family. Jason's story is an example of overcoming hardship and using it to help others, and we salute his service to the Madison County community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. TILLIS: I rise today to honor 57 students in North Carolina for their commendable decision to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Of these 57, 31 have elected to join the U.S. Army: Andre Hall, Angie Lopez, Antonio Graham, Chicoria McKeithen, Corbin Thompson, Corwin Pedersen, Daniel Spear, Emily Vera, Emma Steward, Eric Bravo, Ervin Martin, Evan Wesolowski, Gordon Castleberry, Jacob Martin, Jaheim Wade, Jayden Romani-Alamo, Jazyre Clark, John Pippin, Johnathan Atherton, Jonathon Taylor, Joshua Arnette, Joshua Sims, Julia Perez, Landen Nelson, Mauricio Vera-Brito, Nicholas Brewington, Nimrod Castillo, Omarion McCune, Warren Avery, Xavier Mathis, and Zachary Viburs. Fourteen have elected to join the U.S. Navy: Angelina Allen, Madison Thomas, Micah'Ra Granum, Teigen Passage, Indigo Scott, Nakiya Burch, Eric Jones, Kaylee Neff, Elizabeth McNeill, Phillip Vincent, Gustavo Guevara, John Hitchcock, Najae Brown, and Brihanna Bryant. Four have elected to join the U.S. Air Force: Erykah Bordeaux, Mari Collins, Kasey Quick, and Mateo Ray. One has elected to join the United States Marine Corps: Daylon Lewis. One has elected to join the North Carolina Army National Guard: Oscar Soto Flores. Six have elected to join the Army Reserve: Cristal Ventura, Dillon Knight, Jayden Romani-Alamo, Jimella Ameyaw, Landen Nelson, and Raul Fuentes-Garcia. All 56 students will be recognized today, April 17, at the 2023 Our Country Salutes High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony in Fayetteville, NC. These North Carolinians represent the very best of America, and they should rest assured that they are backed with the full support of the Senate as well as the American people. Their decision to serve our country is extremely admirable. I want to personally thank these graduating seniors for the courage and honor that they have shown by volunteering to defend our Nation. We owe them, along with all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, an immeasurable amount of appreciation.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. OSSOFF: I rise today to commend Ms. Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson for her lifetime of public service on behalf of her beloved Latino community and her constituents in Columbus, GA. A native of Puerto Rico, Councilor Woodson became the first Latina elected to office in Georgia and went on to serve on the Columbus Council for over 28 years. Councilor Woodson's public service career extends beyond her remarkable leadership on the Columbus City Council. For 15 years, she served our country honorably in the U.S. Army and was one of the last members of the Women's Army Corps. The contributions of Georgia's Latino community have brought people across Georgia together to address some of the greatest challenges facing our State, and Councilor Woodson's career is a testament that positive change is possible if you believe in yourself and open doors of opportunity for others. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Councilor Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson for her dedication to Georgia and the Columbus community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1132-S1133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. OSSOFF: I rise today to commend Sister Theresa Sullivan of Macon, GA, and her entire team for their dedication and commitment to serve those in need across Middle Georgia. As Director of Daybreak Day Resource Center Macon, Sister Sullivan oversees the organization's mission to ensure that everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. Growing up on the North Side of Chicago, Sister Sullivan found a passion for volunteering as a member of the Daughters of Charity, dedicating her time to helping people experiencing mental illnesses. From housing placement, to food and transportation assistance and a free health clinic, Sister Sullivan brings members of the community together to help those experiencing homelessness receive vital services to help them overcome their current situation. Their partnerships with religious organizations, businesses, andcommunity leaders keep the mission alive to support people experiencing homelessness. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Sister Theresa Sullivan and her team for their dedication and service to the Macon community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. OSSOFF: I rise today to commend Reverend Dr. J. H. ``Johnny'' Flakes III for his mentorship and leadership in the Chattahoochee River Valley. Like his father before him, Pastor Flakes III has become a mainstay at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and in the greater Columbus faith community. As a student, Pastor Flakes III earned the distinction of being one of 21 students chosen by the Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion for inclusion in ``Who's Who Among Students in American Universities'' across the United States. Alongside his work as a local spiritual mentor, Pastor Flakes' work has also made an impact nationally and internationally, delivering the keynote address at the American Baptist College convocation in Nashville and speaking at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation's event on Black health and wellness, where he celebrated the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine with other leaders from the faith and medical communities. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Pastor J.H. Flakes III for his mentorship, leadership, and enduring commitment to the people of Columbus.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. OSSOFF: I rise to commend Nichole Campbell, a leader in the Augusta community working to empower women in business and give back to others. In 2018, Ms. Campbell founded The Sisters Social, Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to unite women of different backgrounds and provide entrepreneurial education, professional networking, and community outreach. After seeking out an organization of women business owners and failing to find one in her community, Ms. Campbell stepped up to found The Sisters Social, Inc., for women in Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area, CSRA. During the pandemic, the group provided countless business owners with invaluable advice during a challenging time for many. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Nichole Campbell on her leadership and great successes empowering women business owners and giving back to her community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. MARSHALL: I rise today to honor, recognize, and celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Smoky Valley Roller Mill in Lindsborg, KS. On October 14, 1897, the Smoky Valley Roller Mill went up in flames, and while the communities' efforts to fight the fire saved the town, the mill was lost. One week later, Theodore Teichgraeber, owner of the mill, vowed to rebuild. By May of 1898, the mill was back in operation turning wheat into flour. The Smoky Valley Roller Mill would serve as a vital agricultural and commercial hub to Lindsborg and the surrounding region for over a half century, as the mill was in operation from 1898 to 1955 under the leadership of the Teichgraeber, Hagstrom, and Runbeck families. Through the efforts of community members and the leadership of Malcom Esping, Mary Borg, and George Teserek in particular, the historic mill and original equipment were restored and preserved throughout the 1960s, `70s, and `80s. Through their hard work, Smoky Valley Roller Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The mill continues to be in good, working condition under the ownership of the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum and continues to serve as a historical treasure, cultural center, and landmark of the community. In fact, it is the only operable flour mill in the Midwest still using roller mills. This year marks the 125th anniversary since Smoky Valley Roller Mill was rebuilt, and the city of Lindsborg will be celebrating the Mill's quasquicentennial anniversary at their annual Millfest on May 6, 2023. I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 125th anniversary of the Smoky Valley Roller Mill, as well as celebrate all those who have contributed to the mill's 125 years of history and success.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
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 Geothermal Eco Options, Inc., of Cresco, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. With over 60 years of construction experience, owners Larry Leliefeld and Frederic ``Reed'' Carlson provide a one-stop shop for geothermal heating and cooling. Geothermal Eco Options, Inc., was founded in 2011, serving Iowa and the surrounding States with drilling and installation of geothermal loops. Geothermal loops, a unique technology using the thermal temperature below the frost line to regulate temperature, can be used for year-round indoor climate control in buildings. The company boasts equipment and personnel that can provide drilling to even the most closely packed areas. Each project is different for the team. They offer different types of loop options including those that run vertical, horizontal in the ground, adjacent to a pond, or even retrofitting an existing geothermal loop to provide adequate heating and cooling. Due to the expertise of the Geothermal Eco Options team, a geothermal loop installed by the team can last decades and require little to no maintenance. Geothermal Eco Options is an established leader in the industry and has an impressive list of certified staff. They have both State and national certification for the drilling and installation of heat pump loops. Geothermal Eco Options, Inc.'s commitment to innovation and hard work is clear. In 12 years, Leliefeld and Carlson have been able to provide an innovative way to heat and cool commercial, residential, and new properties. Their years of experience in the construction industry has culminated in owning a thriving small business that has grown throughout the region. I want to commend Larry Leliefeld, Reed Carlson, and the entire team at Geothermal Eco Options, Inc., 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 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1131-S1132] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
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 Dirt Road Candle Company of Atlantic, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. What started as a hobby for Michelle Myers has turned into a full- time business through passion, a quality product, and rural Iowa inspiration. In 2016, Myers and her husband Steve Myers bought a farm on a dirt road. The farm was a dream come true for them. At first, creating candles was Myers' hobby, but as demand for her candles increased, she began to make it her second job, which led to the creation of her small business. Soon after, Myers sold her candles on consignment at a local boutique and started selling her candles online. The growth has led Myers to hire six employees to join her at Dirt Road Candle Company. The vision statement of the company is ``happiness does have a smell.'' Each candle is named after different moments or ideas that are inspired by rural Iowa. Myers started giving her candles fun names when she discovered that her customers engage more with the meaning of candles. She has had candles named ``Call Your Mom,'' which was inspired by Myers' time at Iowa State University, candles named ``Iowa Nice'' or even ``Backyard Lilacs,'' which embodies the Iowa spring spirit. All of the candles are hand poured on the farm and are made with 100 percent USA-raised soy wax. Myers has even expanded her product line to include room sprays, car freshies, counter sprays, wall diffusers, wax melts, hand soap, and pet products. Dirt Road Candle Company continues to look out for the community. Candle proceeds have been donated to various charities. A couple of years ago, she had a county-fair inspired candle. Proceeds went to support a child to go to the county fair or to buy a child a chicken. She also had a candle called ``Love Your Neighbor,'' with profits supporting the 2019 Iowa flood victims. Further, Myers opens up her candle workshop twice a year to sell her products in person. On those days, she also invites other entrepreneurs to sell their products in her shop. Dirt Road Candle Company's commitment to its values has paid off. In 6 years, Myers and team have been able to grow from a hobby to a thrivingsmall business that brings the joy of rural Iowa to many satisfied customers. Myers' farm life is her inspiration, and she has been able to use this muse to create a truly one of a kind Iowa experience from the comfort of your home. I want to commend Michelle Myers and the entire team at Dirt Road Candle Company for their continued dedication to spreading joy through their candles. This business exemplifies the perseverance and grit of the Iowa entrepreneur. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1131] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. OSSOFF: I have conducted further oversight into the treatment of military families in privatized housing at Fort Gordon, GA. The report summarizing the findings and conclusions of my oversight can be found at http://Ossoff.senate.gov/ MilitaryHousingOversight.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1123] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. DURBIN: I welcome back my self-described, hardheaded Republican leader in the Senate. It is good to see you, Mitch. I'm glad you are back. I want to welcome Senator McConnell as well as Senator Fetterman, who will be here today as well. I spoke to him by Zoom several weeks ago, and I was really heartened by his message. He had the courage to step up and ask for help when he faced depression, to seek professional and medical advice, and I could tell by his responses and the tone of his voice that that decision had already made a difference in his life for the better. I told him at the time I was so happy to speak to him personally, that what he had done publicly to address the issue of his own personal depression and the overall issue of mental health would save lives across America. I believe people will be inspired to follow his example and seek help. We are, fortunately, living in a time and an age and a generation where the attitude toward mental health is much different than it was many years ago. There was a time when mental illness was considered not just an illness but a curse, and people didn't speak about it. I know I had similar examples in my own family of people who were just speaking in whispers about the issues that related to my relatives. That is changing for the better. Our honesty and openness in dealing with mental health makes us a better nation, and people will have better lives as a result of it. I thank my colleague Senator Fetterman for stepping up and making the right decision in his life, and I am looking forward to his return.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1121] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. SCHUMER: first, let me begin by welcoming back our friend, Leader McConnell, to the Senate. It is great to have him back here in this Chamber. We are all happy to see he is recovering well. I also want to welcome back our colleague from Pennsylvania and friend, Senator Fetterman. We are all glad he got the support he needed, and he is sending an important message to millions of Americans that asking for and getting help works.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1758] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. BIGGS: I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 48 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1755-H1757] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. BIGGS: we are going to talk tonight about this debt ceiling, this mysterious debt ceiling that we hear so much about. I am joined by two of my colleagues who have strong ideas about this, as well. I want to just relate something to America, so you can hear this. We had a meeting several weeks back talking about the debt ceiling. I don't think anybody had ever asked this question, and I started asking it at every meeting. I said: How much does the Biden administration want to raise the debt? We stand at $34.1 trillion now. We spend $6.1 trillion a year, but we raise $4.9 trillion. Every month, we fall short by about $100 billion. I said: How much do they want? Well, when I first started asking the question, everybody says: I don't know. We don't know. Now, it is $4 trillion. That is what I am hearing, $4 trillion. Tonight, we heard $3.5 trillion. In any event, it is $3.5 trillion to $4 trillion. I asked the next question. I said: Look, I really want to know what happens if we don't lift the debt ceiling. I don't know. These guys might have been there. The fellow was nonplussed. This former deputy at the OMB, the Office of Management and Budget, an economist, stood there for probably 2 minutes. Nobody had ever asked him that question before. He says: Nothing. Nothing will happen. I said: How can that be? I am hearing that it is collapse city. Tell me, how can that be? He said: All the bills go to OMB. They get forwarded on to the Fed, and they all get paid as they come due. They just keep paying them. I am here to tell you that the debt ceiling is mysterious. It is a black box. It is the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. And it is time for us to face the facts. If they are going to try to leverage us, then we have to do something to make this more responsible, this spending more responsible, and get our budget back together. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rosendale).
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1755-H1757] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. BIGGS: I thank the gentleman from Montana. He mentioned unauthorized programs that we are continuing to fund. There are more than 1,200 Federal programs that are unauthorized right now. $500 billion. That is what we spend every year for those 1,200 unauthorized programs. Congress hasn't authorized them. They have expired. We haven't reauthorized, but we are still spending $500 billion a year. People wonder what is crazy about D.C. Well, let me give you one more datapoint. That same meeting that we were talking about, the gentleman was getting ready to leave, this economist, and then we had a former head of OMB there with us. I asked them: Can you tell me how many agencies there are in the Federal Government? The answer was ``no.'' I said: What? He said: Nobody knows. That is hard to believe. I couldn't believe it. I did some more digging. Nobody can tell me. Nobody can tell me how many Federal agencies there are. We can tell you how much we are spending. We are spending over $100 billion every month more than we bring in. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).