mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-5-16

let me join the majority leader in best wishes to our colleague Chris Van Hollen. prgtoken It came as a surprise this morning, but we are heartened by the news that he is recovering, and we hope he will be back with us very, very soon. He is a wonderful Senator, who is representing his State effectively, and he is very close to Members on both sides of the aisle. So we wish him and his family all the strength and recovery as quickly as he can. Gun Violence prgtoken , this was another weekend of bloodshed and loss in America. prgtoken In Chicago, five people were shot dead, including a 16-year-old boy-- killed near ``The Bean,'' which those of us in Chicago know automatically as that sight in Millennium Park where people race to gather and take photographs. It is one of the most popular attractions in our city, and just this last weekend, it was the scene of a murder, with one teenager killing another. prgtoken In California yesterday, a gunman walked into a church and opened fire, killing one person and critically wounding four others. That same afternoon, another gunman opened fire at a flea market in Houston, killing two and injuring three. prgtoken A weekend in America. prgtoken But both of these mass shootings happened less than 24 hours after a White supremacist massacred innocent shoppers at a grocery store in Buffalo, NY. The shooter was wearing tactical gear and carrying an AR- 15 assault rifle--a weapon designed to kill people. He shot 13 people, 11 of whom were Black, in an act of racist violence; 10 of the victims died. Each of these 10 people had left home Saturday, maybe to grab dinner or to buy groceries for the week, and they never returned. Now their families are facing the unimaginable trauma of loss. In an instant, they lost a grandparent, a child, a spouse. prgtoken To those families, I say: You do not grieve alone. America grieves with you. prgtoken One of the victims was Aaron Salter. He was a retired police officer who was working as a security guard at the grocery store when it was attacked. Officer Aaron Salter was a hero. When the gunman entered the store, Officer Salter didn't flinch; he leapt into action to save the lives of the shoppers and employees, but there was only so much he could do. He was armed with a handgun while the person who attacked the store was wearing a tactical vest and firing an assault rifle. Like so many of our police who risk their lives for us every day, Officer Salter was outgunned. prgtoken As we mourn Officer Salter's loss this week, our Nation's Capital is welcoming law enforcement from across the country for Police Week. prgtoken To every officer who protects our communities like Officer Salter did so valiantly, we give our thanks. prgtoken No officers should ever find themselves in a situation where they are outgunned by an assailant, but that is exactly what happened in Buffalo this weekend, and i
HONORING MR. ARNOLD FIELKOW AS A 2022 AVODAH AWARD RECIPIENT
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-5-16

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate my constituent Mr. Arnold Fielkow on the occasion of his recognition as a 2022 Avodah Award recipient, one of the highest awards granted to a social justice leader in the Jewish Community of New Orleans. prgtoken Arnold Fielkow with his wife, Dr. Susan Fielkow, and their three boys, Justin, Michael and Steven, moved to New Orleans in 2000 from Wisconsin when Fielkow took the position of executive vice president with the New Orleans Saints organization. Fifteen years ago, after years of working their way through the international adoption process, and after Hurricane Katrina washed away their original documents, the family adopted half-sisters Yana Shira, 9, and Svetlana, 6, from the Ukraine. To this very day, Arnie and his family are watching the turmoil as it unfolds in Ukraine, hoping to find a safe passage for the sisters and their children of his adopted daughters. prgtoken A leader with a knack for business and an expert coalition-builder, Mr. Fielkow worked with the NFL's New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2005, In this role, he served as the top senior management official presiding over all administrative and business departments for the organization, including community relations and youth programs. Fielkow was instrumental in enhancing the team's influence--internationally, nationally, and locally--throughout Louisiana. He was the key negotiator achieving a landmark 10-year agreement for Saints facilities here in the state, putting his entire career at risk on such a deal. prgtoken Fielkow also oversaw tremendous growth in the Saints' youth programming, highlighted by the organization's involvement in the NFL's Junior Player Development program, and the administration of summer youth clinics throughout greater New Orleans. Teaming with the NFL and the Orleans Parish School Board, the Saints were instrumental in returning tackle football to the city's public middle schools. prgtoken Arnie left the Saints Organization for public service, elected to the position of Councilmember At Large for the City of New Orleans. As a City Councilman, he helped rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, introducing legislation to improve education, economic development, public safety and youth recreation across the storm- ravaged city. Fielkow played a major role in ensuring that recreation and athletics remained a significant focus for the youth of the city. prgtoken Upon stepping down from the City Council in a second term, he served as the President and CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), the official association for all former NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotter players. Under his tenure, the association achieved an all-time high in membership, built strong partnerships with other organizations, and developed a full menu of member programs and new youth-based national community service initiatives. prgtoken This new community mission directly l
CONGRATULATING THE FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ON ITS NEW EXHIBITION--NATIVE TRUTHS: OUR VOICES, OUR STORIES
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-5-16

. Madam , I am fortunate to represent a District with so many wonderful museums and cultural organizations that help make Chicago such a vibrant city. prgtoken One of these is the world-famous Field Museum of Natural History, which was founded in 1893 and whose exhibitions, research, education, and conservation programs attract more than one million onsite visitors each year. prgtoken The Museum's 1,300,000-square-foot, 1921 landmark building on Chicago's lakefront resides on the ancestral homelands of the Three Fires Confederacy: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. The area was also a site of trade, gathering and healing for more than a dozen other Native tribes. The state of illinois is currently home to more than 100,000 tribal members. prgtoken I rise today to congratulate the Field Museum on its groundbreaking new exhibition, Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories, which replaces and reimagines its former Native North America Hall and opens to the public on May 20. prgtoken Over four years in the making, Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories features stories by Native American people of self-determination, resilience, continuity, and the future. It was conceived through extensive collaboration with more than 100 partners and Tribes, including Native American scholars, community leaders, artists, and museum professionals. prgtoken Throughout opening weekend, May 20, 21 and 22, 2022, visitors can engage with artists and collaborators through a series of free demonstrations and workshops that celebrate the thriving, modern culture of today's Native communities from across the country. Visitors can learn about basket weaving, see bead making, hear hand drums, listen to poetry, and more. prgtoken I commend the Field Museum for undertaking what many are saying is a fresh, dynamic, and more representative depiction of the Native American experience both past and present. prgtoken Madam , I invite you and my esteemed House colleagues to come to Chicago and experience the Field Museum's newest exhibition first hand.
TRIBUTE TO STEVEN E. BERGER
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-5-16

I rise today to honor the legacy and impact of Steve Berger, follower of Christ and beloved pastor, leader, mentor, and friend. prgtoken Since Steve was called to serve the ministry more than 30 years ago, he has been a giant in the faith. His passion, his boldness, and his resolve in spreading love and the glory of God has been an inspiration to so many, and has truly been a force for good in our community. prgtoken I commend the devotion to faith that marks Steve's life and has marked the lives of many others in turn. Through Steve's courageous preaching and wise leadership, Grace Chapel has transcended the walls of the local church and has seen such success across our great State. prgtoken Steve has always been one to lead by example, constantly showing his relentless love for the hurting, oppressed, and impoverished across the globe. Steve's profound devotion has taken him to some of the farthest comers of the world to serve, help, and save those who are suffering. Steve has brokered peace in war-torn countries and has been a faithful, generous, and loving friend to Israel. He has brought God's healing to the wounded, His Word to the burdened, His sustenance to the poor, and His hope to the persecuted. prgtoken And so it is with a glad and grateful heart that today I rise to affirm and honor the tremendous influence of Steve Berger.
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-16

Lions Clubs International is on Capitol Hill this week for their annual meetings with Members of Congress. I am a member of my hometown prgtoken organization, the Howard Area Lion's Club, so I know firsthand the good that this club does around the world. prgtoken Just a few years ago, during a Lion's Club reception at the Capitol Visitor Center, I spoke with a Lion named Jimmy Ross. Jimmy is a past president of Lions Club International, and he organized the Capitol Hill visit that year. He shared an idea to create a congressional caucus to highlight the work and the policies of nonprofit service organizations like Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, and others, and I loved the idea. prgtoken Together with Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California, who is a Rotarian, we founded the Congressional Service Organization Caucus in 2019. Tomorrow, the Congressional Service Organization Caucus will host its first briefing. s from Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Optimist clubs will share how their members strive to make the world a better place one community at a time. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join the Congressional Service Organization Caucus to ensure that service to others remains a vital part of American life for generations to come.
HONORING CHIEF COREY SIANEZ
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-5-16

during this National Police Week, I am delighted to rise today to honor Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez and his more than four decades of selfless service to our community, including 11 years as police chief. prgtoken Throughout his many roles, Chief Sianez set an example of excellence in our police department and created the first 5-year strategic plan in the department's history. prgtoken While he is a well-known, active member of our Buena Park community, his impact can also be seen across neighboring cities. He helped create the North Orange County Public Task Force, which is a partnership between cities that works to address pressing public safety issues such as homelessness, incarceration, and gang and youth violence. prgtoken Chief Sianez, thank you for your unrelenting dedication to safety and the well-being of our community. I wish you a wonderful retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-5-16

there was some sobering data that came out from the CDC last week. It was a new set of preliminary data on overdose deaths. Last year, we lost almost 108,000 people to the ravages of drug abuse. Almost 4,000 of those 108,000 were Tennesseans. Those 2021 numbers are the worst that we have ever seen, and I am concerned because it seems that my ic colleagues and their friends in the White House are not seeing the big picture on this issue. prgtoken Now, the White House claims they have a plan to address the drug crisis in this country, but they have intentionally ignored a key vulnerability when they do this. It is as if they are turning a blind eye to a key component, to a key contributing factor, of this drug crisis, and they are refusing to talk about it. It is the reason that crime is on the rise in most of our American communities. It is also the reason it is easier for drug dealers to get their hands on fentanyl than on just about anything else, and it is the same reason that human traffickers now are pushing people--the sex trafficking gangs, the labor gangs--into communities all across this country. Indeed, every town is a border town and every State a border State because of this key vulnerability. prgtoken They don't want to talk about this because I don't think they want to admit that they have been so wrong. Of course, that vulnerability, whether you are talking about drugs, whether you are talking about crime in the streets, all comes down to talking about that wide-open southern border. Don't take my word for it. Go talk to sheriffs in Tennessee. They will tell you that, with the open border, they are seeing the results of that on their streets and in their counties. prgtoken Indeed, one of the sheriffs I visited with last week said 80 percent of the drug overdoses, 80 percent of the apprehended drugs in their county--fentanyl. Why is it there? The southern border being wide open. prgtoken This is an area in which Tennesseans are wanting to see something done, and they can't figure out why the won't make a priority of securing the southern border when they want to talk issues that stem from what is transpiring at the southern border. They feel that the are deliberately sabotaging our economic recovery, our recovery from the pandemic, and they are making bad situations worse because they won't talk about the root causes. prgtoken The administration never was interested in securing the border. Indeed, he hasn't been to the border. In fact, their official policy from day one has been: Let's make that southern border more insecure. Isn't that amazing? You have an administration and you have a DHS Secretary who don't believe in a secure border. prgtoken The radical left didn't like the optics of border security, so stopped building the wall. Even though everything is purchased and it is there--the wall can be completed--he chose not to secure o
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-5-16

by the time the average American worker retires, they will have worked over 16,000 days. Put another way, by the time an individual reaches the average retirement age in the United States, they will have clocked approximately 133,000 hours-- the point being, Americans work hard to retire comfortably. prgtoken To help them reach their retirement goals, many employers offer retirement savings and investment plans, commonly known as a 401(k). In fact, 91 million Americans invest in a 401(k). Many of these plans have what is called a brokerage window, which is a tool used by retirement savers to self-select some of the things that they buy within their brokerage account. They can do it themselves. The brokerage company does not do it. Simply put, they get to choose what their hard-earned money is invested in. prgtoken If someone in Lamar County, AL, is getting up at the crack of dawn, clocking 14 hours at work, and knows their retirement goals and personal circumstances very well, who better to decide how to invest the money they are making? Who better to decide but them? But, as we have seen time and time again, common sense and individual freedoms are the enemy of the administration. The administration has their eyes set on Americans' financial freedom yet again. This time, the Department of Labor is specifically targeting workers' ability to invest their 401(k) savings and assets as they see fit. prgtoken Recent regulatory guidance released by the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration attempts to bar 401(k) accounts from investing in cryptocurrency, singling out this specific investment type. The guidance threatens to investigate plans that allow participants to select investments in cryptocurrency, including plans where retirement savers use brokerage windows to self-select investments in cryptocurrency. prgtoken This is inconsistent with longstanding practice. The Department of Labor has long permitted employers to offer brokerage windows as an option to employees who prefer to personally invest their own money and manage their own money within these windows. The Agency's new guidance ends this tradition of economic empowerment in favor of Big Brother government control. prgtoken The Employee Benefits Security Administration goes a step further by seeking to place a massive new regulatory burden on 401(k) plan fiduciaries by requiring them to assess the suitability of investments accessed using a prgtoken brokerage window. This would undermine the ability of retirement savers to invest as they see fit. It is their money; they should be able to invest it how they want to invest it. prgtoken The administration's Department of Labor--their guidance singles out this cryptocurrency for some reason, but it is clear retirement savers want to have that option to invest their own money. prgtoken Fidelity, one of the Nation's No. 1 financial agencies, is the lar
IN RECOGNITION OF PRIMROSE HILL ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-5-16

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Primrose Hill Adult & Teen Challenge for their years of devotion to helping women receive faith-based recovery care. Primrose Hill recently received the Champion for Drug-Free Missouri Award. prgtoken Primrose Hill is a residential recovery center for women and women with young children who have drug and alcohol addictions, located in Clark, Missouri. They are associated with the Adult & Teen Challenge, which is a non-profit faith-based organization that helps women find freedom from addiction. When women join the Primrose Hill Adult and Teen Challenge as students, they are given an opportunity to confront their choices, behavior, and any unhealthy views with the love of God and the guidance of Biblical principles. By allowing the women to bring their young children, Primrose Hill has also provided a space for mothers and children to experience mutual healing. prgtoken Primrose Hill has proven to be a recovery center like no other, serving fifteen women in 2021 alone. Women from all over the United States come to Primrose Hill to experience physical, mental, and spiritual healing. They contribute to their own recovery by doing everyday activities such as cleaning the house, cooking their meals, or working at one of the nearby colleges. These women also attend chapel services, Christian growth classes, church, and receive Christian mentoring. prgtoken To further forward their cause, Primrose Hill started PrimGoods, a bath and body care company. The natural products are made by the women in the program as another way for them to experience recovery. The products include homemade bar soaps, lip balms, and much more. All the proceeds raised from selling their products are used to supplement the cost of running the program. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Primrose Hill Adult & Teen Challenge for their hard work and dedication, and I thank them for their years of selfless devotion to recovery and restoration.
SUMMER SHADE 150TH
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-16

. Madam , I stand today to honor and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the small town of Summer Shade, Kentucky in Metcalfe County. prgtoken Home to just a few hundred people in the southwestern comer of Metcalfe County, Summer Shade is known for its strong sense of community spirit. Its unique name is thought to be derived from the large trees that once protected the town from nearby wildlife. prgtoken With loyal, hard-working locals and a town full of character and tradition, Summer Shade is a prime example of the values that our state and country stand for. prgtoken A rural and close-knit community at heart, Summer Shade is marked by its beautiful land and caring citizens. prgtoken As this town commemorates 150 years of establishment, I want to thank the citizens of Summer Shade for their patriotism and community pride. I am honored to represent them in Congress, and fight for the values that we hold dear.
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-5-16

. Madam , it has become painfully obvious in recent months how important energy and the energy supply is in all aspects of our lives here in the United States and to our allies around the world. prgtoken The effect of not enough energy indeed has been very harmful to our economy, yet we are at a space where prgtoken we have so much abundance, so much potential, and so much we were doing just before this administration came into place. We are sitting on the largest untapped oil reserve in the world--amazingly enough--here in the United States. prgtoken If we had been utilizing this properly, instead of launching an assault on domestic energy production, our Union would be in a much better state. As we know, on the first day in office, President shut down the Keystone Pipeline, on and off, on and off over the years, suspended pending oil and gas leases, halted domestic energy production, which stopped exports on liquefied natural gas to our allies overseas. prgtoken We have seen how important that is when Europe has become so reliant on Russian natural gas. Poland recently just cut off supply buying from Russia so they would not be so dependent, as well as the Germans and other Eastern European countries. prgtoken Now, what we have seen since all this lack of exploration and shortness of supply is the prices have skyrocketed on everybody. It is really hurting rural America, especially with the need for farming crops, fertilizer, all the different aspects that go into food production, and that in return causes food shortages. prgtoken We are really putting ourselves in a bad, bad position by having a lack of energy policy or one that is really an anti-energy policy. We have seen the national average for a gallon of gas up to $4.48. In California, it is getting closer to $6 on average. prgtoken What bothers me is that over time do people get lulled into this as being normal? No, folks, this is not normal, and it is not necessary. It doesn't need to be this way because, as I mentioned, we have so much untapped energy in this country. The miracle of hydraulic fracturing has made natural gas so abundant that we have been able to be a strong exporter of it. prgtoken I remember not too many years ago we were figuring out, are we going to have to find a way to have our gas imported and upgrade our ports to bring it in? No. Hydraulic fracturing has made possible cheap natural gas to export to our allies, such as in Western Europe. We need to be doing much, much more of that so we don't have our friends, the Germans, and Poland, and others, that are reliant upon energy coming from Russia. prgtoken With the regulatory and tax policies that have discouraged gas production, California only produces, for example, a fraction of what it is capable of when it was once one of the leading oil and gas- producing States. prgtoken What would our Nation look like if we were producing to our full potential? It would probably look a lot