mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NORTHWEST DOUGLAS COUNTY CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION-- "WOMEN WHO SOAR"
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of three outstanding women. Ashley Ferris, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and Alice Jackson who will be honored by the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation as ``Women Who Soar.'' prgtoken Ashley Ferris, a law enforcement officer, left an indelible mark in Denver from 2018 to 2023. Even before her tenure as a dedicated law enforcement officer, her background as a United States Army Intelligence Analyst and project manager showcased her remarkable skills. prgtoken Ashley's heroic efforts were exemplified during the critical incident on December 27, 2021, prgtoken where she confronted and took down the Lakewood, CO mass shooter, despite sustaining injuries herself. This act of bravery earned her accolades, including the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 2022 by the National Police Hall of Fame and the Valor Award. Her unwavering determination and resilience, even in the face of adversity, make her an inspiration. prgtoken Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, a celebrated cookbook author and Emmy Award-winning creator and chef, blends her Texan roots into culinary masterpieces. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother's Mexican traditions and her mother's home-style dishes, she crafts delectable creations showcased on MuyBuenoBlog.com. Besides her blog, Yvette, based in Colorado, is a sought-after brand ambassador and recipe developer, engaging her audience on social media. prgtoken Alice Jackson is a trailblazer in the energy sector, shining as Xcel Energy's Senior Vice President of System Strategy and Chief Planning Officer. Her leadership in this male-dominated field has been transformative. With a decade of contributions, Alice has redefined the standards of excellence in executive leadership. Her success story is not just inspiring but a testament to her resilience, making her an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the industry. prgtoken From saving lives during a mass shooting to Emmy winning inspiration, this year's recipients have made a lasting impact on those around them and in our community. It is leaders like these women who will allow us to achieve a more prosperous and inclusive future and I congratulate them all on being recognized as ``Women Who Soar.''
Border Security (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-24

over the weekend, the southern border crisis set a sobering new record. In the past year, CBP conducted more border apprehensions than in any year on record. Officials reported more than 2.4 million apprehensions since last October, and this number doesn't even count the illegal entries that actually evaded authorities. prgtoken Most alarmingly, this news isn't actually new. Last year was the third straight year we set an all-time record for border apprehensions. In other words, every year that President has been in charge of border security, his administration hasn't simply failed; it has failed to a historic and catastrophic degree. prgtoken America has had functionally open borders for years. Along with millions of illegal aliens, we have allowed Chinese fentanyl and other lethal drugs to literally pour into our country and kill thousands of Americans every year. prgtoken So the ' border crisis isn't new. What is new is their supposed desire to finally do something about it. Now that blue State mayors and Governors are starting to feel the consequences of this catastrophic policy failure, the administration says it now wants to take action. Of course, the administration mostly just wants to throw money at the problem and at its friends in local government. Apparently, the preferred response to a border crisis is a blue State bailout. prgtoken Meanwhile, a particularly dangerous consequence of the President's border crisis is making history of its own. In the past year, southern border apprehensions of individuals on the terror watchlist broke an alltime record, the record that was just set the year before. prgtoken Even President 's Department of Homeland Security has admitted in its 2024 ``Homeland Threat Assessment'' that ``record encounters of migrants arriving from a growing number of countries have complicated border and immigration security.'' prgtoken The American people have watched the administration spend their way into plenty of problems, but they haven't managed to spend their way out of a single one yet. prgtoken Our country deserves real law enforcement and real borders. Border security is national security. And on that front, the Senate has a lot of work to do.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE LEGAL OPINION NO. B-335488
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-24

I ask unanimous consent that the attached legal opinion of the Government Accountability Office, no. B-335488, titled ``U.S. Department of Transportation--Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Department of Transportation's FY 2023-2024 Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Opportunity,'' issued on October 18, 2023, be printed in the Congressional Record.
Cloture Motion (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-10-24

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Crapo), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Romney), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott), and the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott). prgtoken Further, if present and voting: the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott) would have voted ``yea.''
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MRS. CINDY CASTELLO
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Cindy Castello for the vital role she has played in the development of Cherokee County, Georgia as a stronghold of conservative values. prgtoken Cindy and her husband, Pete, have been friends of my family for many years. We have witnessed her character and dedication to our shared cause in all of her numerous roles as a community servant. As a dedicated leader, Cindy has been instrumental in recruiting and developing many community activists to become public servants and run for public office. She has utilized her extensive network of relationships and years of experience within the Georgia Party, the 11th Congressional District, and the Cherokee County Party to lay a foundation which will impact Cherokee County for years to come. prgtoken She has devoted countless hours volunteering her time, talents, and energy to serve eleven years on the Zoning Board of Appeals; and, during her eighteen years of service on the Tax Equalization Board, she played a vital role for Cherokee County in steering the future of the county by applying commonsense conservative values. prgtoken In her thirty-three years of dedicated service on the Cherokee County Board of Elections, Cindy has helped to set a standard of excellence, and helped develop the Board into one of Georgia's finest and most innovative entities. prgtoken She has provided invaluable support and has been instrumental in the development of the Cherokee County Party for the past forty years. She exemplifies the very best of public service and is truly an inspiration to so many. It is abundantly fitting and proper that Cindy's dedication to the cause of faith, family, and freedom be appropriately recognized in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken On behalf of the citizens of Cherokee County, Georgia's 11th Congressional District, and myself and my family, I offer my sincere appreciation to Mrs. Cindy Castello for her decades of faithful public service to our community.
Israel (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-10-24

last week, the administration proposed a spending package that included funding meant for humanitarian relief--$3.5 billion for migration and refugee assistance in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza; $5.7 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development. The administration says that our money will pay for ``life-saving humanitarian programming in Israel and areas impacted by the situation in the West Bank and Gaza.'' prgtoken We have two problems to address. First, the U.S. Government is scared to call the terrorist attack a terrorist attack. Second, this is just one more embarrassing example of the administration's two-faced approach to the people of Israel. prgtoken I have spoken at length about the money pipeline between Iran and Hamas, but there is a similar pipeline that appears to be running between Hamas and the U.S. taxpayer. Every dollar we send that is earmarked for Gaza or the West Bank is another dollar Hamas can put into their pocket. prgtoken Last week, I spoke about the U.N. Relief and Works Agency and how this false humanitarian mission has been corrupted by Hamas and terrorist sympathizers. This has been confirmed by multiple NGOs, the media, 's own advisers, and whoever published and then deleted this post from the UNRWA Twitter account. prgtoken Hamas stole those supplies and UNRWA covered it up. Remember, this is a U.N. body that pulls 93 percent of its funding from global government. In 2021 alone, UNRWA took $338 million from the United States, $118 million from the European Commission, and prgtoken hundreds of millions of dollars from individual European nations. prgtoken Since 2021, has sent UNRWA a billion dollars. A billion dollars. USAID funds more than $21 billion worth of UN programming, and they sent millions of dollars to UNRWA. And now the President is ready to send them billions more. If the American people knew what their tax dollars were actually being used for, they would be outraged. And I believe it is time for them to know. prgtoken We know that Hamas steals UNRWA money and supplies and stores their weapons in UNRWA facilities. We also know that they fill those facilities with human shields. But something that hasn't gotten nearly enough attention is how our tax dollars are radicalizing the next generation of Hamas extremists. prgtoken UN Watch published a report in March exposing UNRWA-affiliated schools for what they are: indoctrination centers. Bear in mind, this is UN Watch that published this report and exposed the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees for what they were doing. One employee shared an Instagram post calling a teenage Palestine Islamic Jihad fighter who was killed in a shootout a ``little cub who fights like a thousand lions.'' That was an employee of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency who shared that Instagram post calling a teenage Jihadi fighter a ``little cub who fights like a thousand lion
RECOGNIZING SECRET SERENITY SALON AND SPA
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-10-24

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 Secret Serenity Salon and Spa of Harlan, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week during National Women's Small Business Month. prgtoken Founded by Tami Kloewer in 2007, Secret Serenity Salon and Spa is a full-service salon serving customers in western Iowa communities. Secret Serenity Salon and Spa offers hair, nail, and skin care services, as well as a spa and retail store in their shop. Secret Serenity Salon and Spa started with Tami as the only employee but has grown to now employ 21 full- and part-time employees. In addition to their in-store services, their retail store offers a variety of beauty care products for all types of skin and hair needs. In 2023, Secret Serenity Salon and Spa celebrated its 16th business anniversary. prgtoken In addition to providing beauty services, Secret Serenity Salon and Spa is also actively involved in the Harlan community. In February 2022, Secret Serenity Salon and Spa participated in a Women's Health Night event hosted by Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan. The event provided local women with routine health screenings while Secret Serenity Salon and Spa offered free chair massages to participants. The team has also supported philanthropies to help the local schools, retirement centers, and hospital. Secret Serenity Salon and Spa is a member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry and has hosted the chamber's annual Holiday Open House. Owner Tami Kloewer is also involved in the Iowa community. In 2020, Tami Kloewer was nominated to serve on the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences by Gov. Kim Reynolds and served on the board until 2023. prgtoken Secret Serenity Salon and Spa's commitment to providing beauty care in prgtoken Harlan, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Tami Kloewer and the entire team at Secret Serenity Salon and Spa for their continued dedication to providing beauty care to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
TRIBUTE TO SHERM ANDERSON
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2023-10-24

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Sherm Anderson of Powell County for his long-standing dedication to Montana's timber industry, carrying out his family's entrepreneurial spirit in his hometown of Deer Lodge and for selflessly serving the greater Powell County community. His perseverance in his personal and professional life helps the State of Montana maintain its vital wood products industry. prgtoken Sherm's dedication to healthy Montana forests first began when he was a teenager driving a logging truck. Years later, he and his wife Bonnie went on to form the Sun Mountain Lumber forest products company, which employs hundreds of people and serves as the Treasure State's largest lumber mill and North America's largest finger joint plant. Sun Mountain Lumber plays a vital role in the Deer Lodge Valley economy and continues to have an impact across the State. Earlier this year, Sherm purchased R-Y Timber, a Livingston, MT, sawmill, that was shuttered following a devastating fire--and saved even more logging jobs. Montanans are lucky to have this forest products powerhouse right in our backyard. prgtoken When it comes to Sherm's accomplished work history, he served in the Montana State Legislature, branched out into real estate and construction, operates a fitness center, contributes to a local auto museum, maintains his own 1,200-acre ranch, and most recently invested in the town's old hospital complex in order to renovate it into workforce housing. As Sherm continues to weather the volatility of the timber industry, he understands that collaboration is critical to keeping important wood product jobs viable and also ensuring our forest lands remain healthy for generations to come. It is clear Sherm understands the importance in working with folks from all backgrounds to make southwestern Montana a better place to live and work. prgtoken It is my distinct honor to recognize Sherm Anderson for his passion to preserve our shared Montana way of life. The Anderson family has created a multigenerational legacy that promotes fruitful forest stewardship.``Montana Proud!''
RECOGNIZING DR. FRED LUTHER HAYNES
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Fred Luther Haynes, who passed away on September 2, 2023, and to thank him for his more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Bakersfield City School District. Dr. Haynes was born in Clarksville, Oklahoma to Harvey Haynes and Mable Haynes-Harvey. He was the eldest of five sons. At an early age, his mother instilled in him the value of education, which inspired him to become an educator. He attended college at Langston University in Oklahoma, where he received his bachelor of science degree in education. Dr. Haynes pursued his post- graduate studies at Fisk University in Tennessee, where he obtained his master's degree in education. Over the course of his career, he earned additional credentials and teaching certificates at the California State University of Fresno and Bakersfield, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Dillard University. In 1977, Dr. Haynes attended Brigham Young University, where he received a doctorate in education. prgtoken In 1951, Dr. Haynes married Marcy Alice Williams in Tulsa, where they would start their family of eight children. Ten years later, he moved his family to Bakersfield, California, where he began his extensive teaching career in the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD). Dr. Haynes was first a teacher at Colonel Baker School before becoming the school's Assistant Principal. He later moved to the district office, where he worked as a Resource Teacher and became BCSD's first African American district-wide supervisor. During his time as supervisor, Dr. Haynes was focused on parental involvement, even creating the Parent Involvement and Community Relation Division to strengthen the relationship between students, parents, and teachers at BCSD. For 26 years, Dr. Haynes served as Principal across multiple BCSD elementary schools and at Emerson Jr. High School. Throughout his tenure as Principal, Dr. Haynes was dedicated to the achievement of all students and was instrumental in district-wide changes that supported underrepresented students. prgtoken In 1996, the Dr. Fred Haynes Award was established to honor the leadership, strength, and courage displayed by Dr. Haynes over the course of his career. Each year, the award is given to male students in the district who exhibit the qualities of Dr. Haynes in their academic pursuits. In 2016, Dr. Haynes was inducted into the BCSD's Hall of Fame, to honor him for his 40 years of exceptional service to the district. After his retirement, Dr. Haynes became a Board Member for BCSD, a position he held until 2020. As a member of the board, he continued to advocate for the well-being and success of students in the district. prgtoken Outside of the classroom, Dr. Haynes was passionate about the lives of members of the community. He was the author of African American Women Trailblazer, which celebrates the sacrifices and achievements of African American women in Kern
HONORING DICK COOK
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-10-24

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Dick Cook of Crystal City, Missouri, a legend in high school sports who is being inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. prgtoken For 49 years, Mr. Cook coached at the high school level--34 of those years at Crystal City. Most of the time, he coached track and field, leading his 1984 and 1989 girls' teams to state championships in Class 2. During his time as coach, Crystal City earned 16 state championships by individuals and relay teams in track. prgtoken In the 1970s, he started the Jefferson County Jets Track Club, an AAU program that produced athletes who competed in the Big 8 Conference with one reaching the Olympics. He began his career in Poplar Bluff and coached a season at Herculaneum as well. But he spent most of his career in his hometown of Crystal City where he graduated high school in 1956 and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1960. prgtoken No one could be prouder of his achievements than his wife Mary Ellen, his son Richard, and daughters Mary Beth, Jill, and Amy Jo. I congratulate Coach Cook on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame this year and I am pleased to share his accomplishments today before the United States House of Representatives.
COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VAN RAALTE FARMHOUSE
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-10-25

I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Van Raalte Farmhouse. The Van Raalte Farmhouse has been a staple of our West Michigan community for generations, and we thank the City of Holland for preserving not only this site but the legacy of the Van Raalte family. prgtoken The farmland was purchased by the founder of Holland, Reverend Albertus Van Raalte, in 1847. The Reverend split the land between two of his children, Albertus and Benjamin, as a gift for their valiant service during the Civil War. Benjamin, a soldier in the Union Army who served in Michigan's 25th Infantry, purchased his brother's half of the land and constructed a beautiful neoclassical farmhouse on the property in the early 1870s. Benjamin cultivated the land for the remainder of his life, producing peaches and peony flowers. The farm became known as ``The Maples'' due to the large sugar maples grown on the property. prgtoken The farm stayed in the family for multiple generations until it was sold in the 1980s to the city of Holland, Michigan. Holland helped transform the farmhouse and its land into a beautiful park. In 1989, Van Raalte Farmhouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, community members continue to enjoy hikes and picnics as well as cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter at the park. prgtoken , please join me in commemorating 150 years of history at the Van Raalte Farmhouse as the Van Raalte family's story and the farmhouse's beauty continue to inspire the people of Michigan's Fourth District.
STANDING WITH ISRAEL AS IT DEFENDS ITSELF AGAINST THE BARBARIC WAR LAUNCHED BY HAMAS AND OTHER TERRORISTS
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-10-25

I thank my friend, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, for yielding me time. prgtoken On the morning of Saturday, October 7, Hamas launched the most brutal and expansive surprise attack on Israel since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago. prgtoken The world stood in shock as reports and images began to surface of civilians murdered, young children beheaded, and Holocaust survivors being dragged into Gaza as hostages. Like many of my colleagues in this Chamber, I spent the past weeks engaging with the Jewish community leaders in my district, reassuring them of their communities' safety and speaking with constituents who had to flee back to the United States. prgtoken I stand here in support of this overwhelming bipartisan resolution, which has almost every single Member of the House of Representatives as a cosponsor. prgtoken As the House of Representatives, we support Israel's right to self- defense and survival. We stand against Hamas, against its terror, and against its masters in Tehran. We stand with Israel in its fight for survival and against anti-Semitism in all of its forms.