mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NOMINATION OF JULIE A. SU
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise to share with my colleagues and with our country my enthusiastic support for Julie Su, my gratitude for her ongoing work as Acting Secretary of Labor, and my support for President 's nomination of Julie Su to lead the Department of Labor. prgtoken Throughout her career, Julie has worked tirelessly to level the playing field for American workers as an advocate for trafficked garment workers, running our Nation's largest State-level labor department. prgtoken Two years ago, this Senate confirmed her to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor. And as Deputy to Secretary Marty Walsh, Julie helped lead a resurgence in workforce training: expanding apprenticeships in in- demand industries like trucking, teaching, and cyber security; building pathways to jobs and advanced manufacturing and clean energy technology and semiconductors; ensuring that our country has the workforce we need to meet the needs of our economy and ensuring that those jobs are good jobs. prgtoken Julie has now led the Department for 5 months and has continued her focus on creating good jobs, empowering workers, and enforcing our labor laws. prgtoken Last month, she worked tirelessly to help avert a strike at our west coast ports, bringing labor and management together to reach an agreement that kept our ports up and running and our economy moving forward. prgtoken This is the kind of leadership that we need on labor issues, in the Department of Labor and across our country. Someone who will persevere through difficult, tense negotiations. Someone who will work through challenging issues and drive outcomes that are good for workers, businesses, and our country. prgtoken Julie has done this hard work even while facing unwarranted attacks on her record--a coordinated campaign of misrepresentation about a dedicated public servant. I am confident that her toughness and drive to serve will allow her to endure this opposition and continue to do right by the American people and American workers. prgtoken In her time as Deputy Secretary, and now as Acting Secretary, Julie Su has proven to this Senator and to the Senate as a whole that it was wise for President to nominate her and for the Senate to confirm her 2 years ago. prgtoken I urge my Senate colleagues to once again support Julie Su and empower her to lead the Department with the experience, expertise, and deeply held values she brings to the job.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELATING TO "ENDANGERED AND THREATENED...
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise to speak in opposition to S.J. Res. 24, which relates to the endangered species status of the Northern Long-Eared Bat. prgtoken S.J. Res. 24 is a resolution of congressional disapproval to legislatively down-list the Northern Long-Eared Bat from ``endangered'' to ``threatened.'' prgtoken Not only would this downgrade the Northern Long-Eared Bat's status today, but it would effectively block the species from being moved up to a higher endangered threat level, no matter how close the species comes to extinction. prgtoken It would be irresponsible to use extreme legislation, not science, to down-list the Northern Long-Eared Bat, thereby effectively scaling back its protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). prgtoken Without ESA protections, states, industries, and other entities will have little incentive to conserve or recover the Northern Long-Eared Bat. prgtoken It is highly likely that the bat populations would dwindle further toward extinction. prgtoken Moreover, by using the Congressional Review Act Process, this Congress is effectively limiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from making similar future listings for this bat species. prgtoken This proposition would prevent the agency from using its discretion to take the necessary measures for species conservation and will impede long-term recovery efforts. prgtoken Ultimately, Congressional action in this regard gives industries, not science, the upper hand in species listings. prgtoken It is clear that some of my colleagues are doing the bidding of the timber and agriculture industries, despite the consequences that Northern Long-Eared Bat extinction could have on biodiversity and long- term agriculture and timber industry practices. prgtoken Down-listing this species would be especially dangerous in the current moment because the Northern Long-Eared Bat population is actively under threat from white nose syndrome, a deadly fungus that has caused a rapid decline in bat populations. prgtoken The Northern Long-Eared Bat's current endangered status provides adequate protections while wildlife scientists work to address the underlying causes of white-nose syndrome. prgtoken Congress should not be interfering with the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under its Endangered Species Act authority. prgtoken Species populations are constantly fluctuating based on environmental factors, invasive species, climate change, and other emerging threats. prgtoken To remain up to date, the ESA requires periodic study and updates to ensure protections align with the best available science. prgtoken By blocking future up-listing decisions, using the Congressional Review Act undercuts the ESA's inherent flexibility and agencies' science-based decision-making for species conservation. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support science-based decisions for endangered and threatened species and oppose this bill.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-27

I want to thank my dear friend Senator Gillibrand for her work on this amendment and for being such a fierce advocate for 9/11 responders and survivors. prgtoken I would like to thank the cosponsors, including Senators Braun and Lummis, for their support. And Senator Wicker, I thank him as well as thanking Leader McConnell. prgtoken This amendment is a huge step forward in making sure the first responders and those injured on 9/11 are never left behind. prgtoken Before the smoke even cleared on 9/11 and before the rubble even quit burning, our first responders--our firefighters, our police officers, EMT, FBI agents, construction workers--were just running to danger, trying to do their jobs and save lives. For their sacrifice, many first responders developed severe health complications from working in the aftermath of the attack--lifelong injuries, serious cancers. Many of them are no longer with us, and some of them were friends of mine. Twenty-two years later, people are still getting sick from the dust, the air, the poisons. prgtoken We have created the World Trade Center Health Program so that 9/11 responders could afford the necessary healthcare, but we can't let funding for the program dry up. We cannot fail to properly care for those who answered the call of duty. Our work is not done. Just as the first responders have been there for us and for America, we will continue fighting for them. prgtoken This will fund $450 million to the World Trade Center Health Program and another over $200 million for the military employees who rushed to danger at the Pentagon and in Shanksville. It will be fully paid for. It will also, for the first time, help those, as I said, at the Pentagon and the DOD. prgtoken I hope, from all of my colleagues, that we can have unanimous and broad support for this amendment. prgtoken I yield to the Senator from New York, my colleague, who is such a leader on this legislation.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF TEXAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-7-27

extreme MAGA s have gone from 's caging children to Abbott's trapping children in the river. prgtoken Razor wire-wrapped barrels in the river, pushing children back into the river, and denying water during extreme heat are simply acts of deliberate, inhumane, and horrific torture. It goes beyond politics and crosses a line into human rights violations. prgtoken These buoys by the Governor will not stop migrants from crossing the Rio Grande. Instead, they will pose a grave threat to Border Patrol agents and increase the risk of drowning for children, disabled people, mothers and others. prgtoken , what if this were one of your own children, your niece or nephew, or your grandchildren? prgtoken , how would you respond if you saw your family treated this way? prgtoken Governor Abbott's anti-life actions do not reflect our Texas values. It is just simply bad and inhumane actions. prgtoken Migrants deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion, not by this relentless dehumanization.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THE WOOD COUNTY FAIR UPON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise today to congratulate the Wood County Agricultural Society on the 150th Anniversary of the Wood County Fair. Since 1873, the Wood County Fair has been a proud tradition of Northwest Ohio and has served as an outlet for county residents to showcase their talents, skills, and benevolence. Over the course of 150 years, the Fair has continued to promote the county's heritage, bring the community together, and encourage friendly competition with the junior fair. prgtoken The first Wood County Fair was held near the corner of today's W. Wooster and N. Grove Streets in Bowling Green, Ohio. Between 1851 to 1885, it was held in various locations around Wood County including Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Portage, and Tontogany. From 1882 to 1927, the fair was held in what is now the Bowling Green City Park. Although there was not an official fair between 1928 to 1950, events that highlighted and celebrated the county's agriculture base included Tomato Festivals, Harvest Festivals, and Fall Festivals. The fair has been held at the current location since 1951. prgtoken Although the first fair wasn't held until 1873, Wood County's beginnings set the foundation for the agricultural spirit that is still felt today during the fair. Wood County was once home to the Great Black Swamp. This made settlement of the area extremely difficult, but the pioneering spirit of early residents produced an extensive system of ditches, which drained the swamp and revealed the rich farmland beneath. There are still more than 3,000 miles of drainage ditches keeping the county dry to this day, and agriculture continues to power Wood County's economy. prgtoken Even after the population spiked due to the discovery of oil and natural gas in the late 1800s, agriculture continued to dominate Wood County's economy. The county supports the rural traditions and history of the area that fosters agricultural ingenuity, manufacturing developments, and educational success. All of these factors have contributed to a successful fair that highlights all aspects of the county. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Wood County Agricultural Society on this significant milestone. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish the Wood County Agricultural Society continued success on this 150th Wood County Fair.
RECOGNIZING DEAN A. PRESTON FOR RECEIVING THE FRENCH LEGION D'HONNEUR
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2023-7-28

today, I would like to recognize World War II Veteran, Dean A. Preston for receiving the French Legion d'honneur, which honors World War II Veterans for their service as they fought to secure France's liberation. prgtoken The National Order of the Legion of Honour was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and serves as the highest order of merit awarded by the French government for military and civil honors. The Legion d'honneur has been awarded to Veterans from various countries for their bravery and service during D-Day military operations who assisted in the security of France. prgtoken Dean A. Preston graduated from Pekin Community High School and enlisted to serve his country. He attended an advanced radio repair school which equipped him with a skillset to manage wireless radio networks following his completion of basic training. Dean was inducted into the United States Army on March 20, 1943, and served as a member of 927th Signal Battalion, Separate, Tactical Air Command. prgtoken Dean earned several distinguished honors throughout his service including the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle East Campaign Medal with 5 Campaign Stars, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Dean's strong communication, bravery, and commitment to service distinguishes him as a recipient of the French Legion d'honneur. prgtoken We live in the greatest country in the world because of men and women like Dean. Dean is proud to have served and contribute to liberty and freedom. I extend my sincere congratulations to Dean A. Preston for receiving the French Legion d'honneur.
HONORING PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS RICHARD BARANCIK
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise today to commemorate the life of Private First-Class Richard Barancik who passed away on July 14, 2023. He was the final surviving member of the ``Monuments Men'', the World War II heroes who were responsible for finding and safeguarding the artistic and cultural achievements of western civilization stolen by the Nazis. prgtoken Private First-Class Barancik enlisted in the Army and joined the 42nd Division, 232 Infantry in Austria, where he learned of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, and, applied for duty. For several weeks, Private First-Class Barancik and his unit assisted in the movement of stolen art treasures to the central repository of Property Control Branch and served as its guards. From his arrival in Salzburg, he was enamored with the dedication of the citizenry to art. After his service, he would go on to attend Cambridge University in London, finish his architecture degree at the University of Illinois, and found an eponymous architecture firm that designed numerous buildings, campuses, and dwellings throughout Illinois. Private First-Class Barancik is remembered as a man of sharp mind and strong conviction, a lover of art, and a devoted father and grandfather. prgtoken When I first learned about the Monuments Men and Women, I was struck by their story and wanted to recognize the brave men and women of this unit for their contributions during World War II. In 2014, I had the opportunity to sponsor the Monuments Men Recognition Act which awarded their unit with the Congressional Gold Medal, and I was thrilled when it was signed into law. I was lucky to have the opportunity to meet Richard Barancik, and 4 of the other Monuments Men and Women in 2015 at the presentation ceremony of their Congressional Gold Medal. They fought tirelessly against an unwavering evil to preserve the greater parts of our history and I am immensely proud to say that I have been a supporter of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation from its inception. prgtoken The closing of Richard Barancik's final chapter again underscores the reality that our Nation's veterans of World War II have already begun to recede from our present, and into the endless window of our memories. His work, viewed through this lens, has bestowed to younger generations the highest legacy to which any man could aspire. Without the service of his unit, great treasures of history and art would have been irrevocably lost. prgtoken Our country, and our world, owes Mr. Barancik the greatest honor, both in memory and in practice. Rest in peace Private First-Class Barancik, an irreplaceable part of our Nation's greatest triumph, and an American hero in his own right.
MARC FOGEL
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise today with a heavy heart on Marc Fogel's 62nd birthday. Marc, a native of Butler County, Pennsylvania, isn't celebrating with his family today because he's wrongfully detained in Russia. prgtoken On August 14, 2021, Marc was returning to Russia for the start of the school year at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, where he teaches. But instead, he was arrested at the airport. prgtoken Since his arrest, Marc was sentenced and is currently serving an exorbitant 14-year hard labor sentence. His situation qualifies for a ``wrongly detained'' status from the U.S. Department of State, yet this determination has not been made despite repeated requests from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including me. prgtoken , I proudly support a resolution calling for Marc's immediate release and I urge my colleagues to do the same, today, on his birthday. prgtoken I also encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4388, the Marc Fogel Act, to ensure transparency and accountability at the State Department when wrongful determinations are considered. prgtoken , we have not forgotten Marc. It is time to bring him home and I implore the President and Secretary of State to do everything they can so he may rejoin his family--his wife, Jane, and sons Sam and Ethan--as soon as possible.
RECOGNIZING GOODFELLOWS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise today in recognition of Goodfellows, a charitable organization, based in the city of Dearborn in Michigan's 12th District Strong, as they celebrate 100 years of giving. prgtoken Founded in 1923 as the Good Cheer Club, Goodfellows is Dearborn's oldest charitable organization. Local business owners came together to raise money by selling newspapers to ensure ``no child without Christmas.'' That became the organization's motto. Over the years, Goodfellows has grown in its reach and capacity, partnering with local fire and police departments to serve families in need from far beyond its beginnings in Dearborn. Countless families can count on their holiday gift distribution program, an event I happily volunteer my time to each year. And even more families are served by their school supply drives, scholarships and even emergency funding. Dearborn prgtoken Goodfellows relies heavily on committed volunteers every year who bring heart to everything they do. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Goodfellows of Dearborn for its outstanding work and commitment to serving families in need.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JEROME A. VANDEMARK
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Jerome ``Jerry'' A. Vandemark of Huguenot, N.Y a devoted husband; beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; dedicated public servant; and cherished friend, who passed away at home with his family by his side on July 24, 2023. prgtoken Jerome Vandemark was born on May 12, 1954, in Middletown, N.Y. to the late Joseph T. Vandemark and the late Eleanor Simon Vandemark. He married the love of his life, Louise Burch, 48 years ago on November 16, 1974, in Brooklyn, N.Y. prgtoken Jerry worked as a Transportation Supervisor for the New York State Department of Transportation in Middletown, N.Y. He also worked in the rubble during the September 11 recovery efforts. He was passionate about his community, serving as a past Chairman of the Deerpark Recreational Committee, New York State ic Committee Person, and a member of the Town of Deerpark ic Committee. prgtoken He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Steven Burch. prgtoken He is survived by his wife Louise; children Michael and Stephanie; grandchildren Alexandra, Sophia, Theona, Mikaela and Jacob; brother John and his wife Nancy; sisters JoAnn, Ruth, and Jodie and her husband Dominick; brothers-in-law Joseph Burch and his wife Kanda, and Andrew; sister-in-law JoAnn; good friends Susan Burch and Michael Witt, who was like a son. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mr. Jerome A. Vandemark. It is my privilege to rise in recognition of his accomplishments and to honor his memory.
HONORING WORLD HARVEST UNITED CHURCHES
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise to commend the work of World Harvest United Churches during their 2023 National Holy Gathering in Dumfries, Virginia. prgtoken An annual event, the National Holy Gathering brings people together in the spirit of service. This year's theme is ``Ignite 2023,'' and it is guided by Matthew 5:14-16: ``You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.'' prgtoken Guided by Presiding Prelate Bishop Calvin B. Davis, Sr and hosted by Virginia State Bishop Kenneth W. Jones, Sr this gathering provides attendees with activities, classes, and worship events. It culminates with a day of volunteerism and outreach in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Women of Worth, and Project-Mend-A-House. prgtoken Finally, ``Ignite 2023'' would not be possible without the hard work of community leaders like Bishop George W. Thigpen, III, Bishop of Outreach, Pastor Kathleen Deane, National Director of Outreach, Elder Daniel M. Deane, Sr Adjutant General, Bishop Rick Boykin, Co-Adjutor to the State Bishop, and Lady Michelle Thigpen, Director of Women of Worth Virginia. prgtoken , l ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating World Harvest Churches on 11 years of service to the community through their annual National Holy Gathering. Their outreach and community-oriented mindset is invaluable to Virginia.
HONORING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD MAJOR MIRANDA SUMMERS LOWE
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-28

I rise today to honor an exceptional member of the Army National Guard, Major Miranda Summers Lowe and her distinguished service and dedication to my office and her work to connect me and my office better with the National Guard. prgtoken A native of Muncie, Indiana, Major Summers Lowe enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard and was later commissioned as an intelligence officer. She has served 21 years in Indiana, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. National Guards in a broad range of drill status and Active-Duty assignments, including deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and to Djibouti in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently, she is excelling as a military personnel liaison for the National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaison, where she is working on ways to improve the quality of life for our National Guard Servicemembers and Airmen. prgtoken This work builds off of her years of experience in the Legislative Liaison Division as the Congressional Activities Branch Chief and an Army Congressional Fellow in my office. Major Summers Lowe has served Active-Duty tours in the Chief of Staff of the Army's Operation Enduring Study Group and the Office of the Director, Army National Guard. Her attention to detail and responsiveness strengthened the relationship between my office and the National Guard immeasurably. It's my understanding that Major Summers Lowe formulated the congressional engagement plan and prepared National Guard leadership for over 130 meetings and hearings, as well as playing a pivotal role in informing congressional members about the National Guard Bureau's legislative priorities. Her efforts played a pivotal role in developing National Guard healthcare access improvements. prgtoken In my office, Major Summers Lowe answered hundreds of congressional inquiries and was an integral part of my office's process in reviewing and making amendments to the prgtoken National Defense Authorization Act. After concluding her current assignment in August, Major Summers Lowe will take on another challenging role as the deputy director of the National Guard History Office. prgtoken She embodies the qualities that our country expects from our officer corps. It's clear she has a promising career ahead in continued service to our Nation. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to Major Summers Lowe for her work with my office and her steadfast dedication to National Guard missions. I want to thank her for the work she's done for me, my office, and wish her all the best in her next chapter.