mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Orrin G. Hatch (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-4-26

on Saturday, we lost a remarkable former colleague: Senator Orrin Hatch. prgtoken Orrin rose from poverty to become one of the longest serving Senators in U.S. history and the longest serving Senator ever. During his more than 40-year Senate career, he built a record of accomplishment that included landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which he authored with his close friend from across the aisle, Senator Ted Kennedy. At the time of Orrin's retirement, no Senator alive had had as many pieces of legislation signed into law. prgtoken I was privileged to serve under Orrin's leadership at the Senate Finance Committee, one of three influential Senate committees that he chaired during his tenure in the Senate. In addition to being an outstanding legislator and a principled conservative, Orrin Hatch was also a cherished and good-humored colleague and a deeply kind human being. It is no surprise that his friendships spanned both sides of the aisle or that both the and leaders paid tribute to him yesterday. prgtoken , I know I speak for more than myself when I say that I have missed his presence in the Senate. His death is a loss for our country and especially for his beloved State of Utah, which he served so faithfully and so well during his long career. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers this week are with Orrin's wife of more than 64 years, Elaine, with Orrin's six children, and with his dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
HONORING YARELIS HERNANDEZ
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-4-26

I rise today to honor the accomplishments of an engineer from my district. prgtoken Yarelis Hernandez of Clinton was recently recognized by the National Association of Manufacturers with the Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Awards. This award is awarded to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the manufacturing field. prgtoken Diversity is a passion of Yarelis' as she serves on LyondellBasell's Diversity, Equity, and Leadership Council striving to implement diversity in the workforce. prgtoken In the community, Yarelis also sits on the local economic board leading development between schools and corporations to create jobs for Iowa students. Yarelis volunteers in the local Introduce a Girl to Engineering program, which is a mentorship for girls interested in STEM careers. prgtoken Yarelis' dedication to promoting diversity and STEM for young girls is why she is worthy of receiving such a prestigious award. I am so proud to represent distinguished women like Yarelis and cannot wait to see her continued impact in the district.
CELEBRATING JOHN E. QUATROCHE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-4-26

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Dr. John E. Quatroche's 100th birthday on May 2 of this year. prgtoken Mr. Quatroche is a longtime resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He is an accomplished veterinarian and a World War II veteran. prgtoken At 22 years old, John enlisted in the Army Air Corps, which is now the United States Air Force. He was a transport pilot and flew C-47s. Throughout his service, he had many jobs, but one of the most important was towing gliders during the last airdrops of the Second World War. prgtoken After service, John returned to Punxsutawney, earning his veterinary degree, and he served as a local veterinarian for nearly 60 years. prgtoken I had the privilege of being with John and his wife, Irene, on Sunday. We celebrated his birthday a little early as a part of Loyalty Day in Punxsutawney. prgtoken John, congratulations on this magnificent milestone. I pray that God will continue to richly bless you; your wife, Irene; and your family. Happy birthday.
VIRGINIA THEATRE, CHAMPAIGN, IL 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-4-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois, which celebrated 100 years of business on December 28, 2021. prgtoken In 1921, Charles ``C.C.'' Pyle made the decision to build a major entertainment venue in downtown Champaign, an area that had been known as a cultural hotspot. He initially had a vision of a 12-story hotel with a large theatre space, but that quickly changed. The final building resulted in a stand-alone, multipurpose performing arts center. prgtoken In January of 2000, the Champaign Park District made countless efforts to prevent this landmark from demolition. Once they assumed control of the theatre, it went on to grow into a $10 million restoration project to bring the theatre back to life. prgtoken Through the years, the Virginia Theatre has been the ``place to be'' for friends, families, and colleagues in the community. The Theatre hosts local productions, concerts, movies, live theatrical plays, stand-up comedy events, and many more. prgtoken Congratulations to the Virginia Theatre on their 100th anniversary, and I wish them all the best in the years to come.
CLOTURE MOTION
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-4-26

I have to say it is sad and shameful to hear the chairman suggest, which he has done repeatedly now, including on the Senate floor, that there is some kind of racial bias against Black women that is a motivation for s. prgtoken I would like to point out, for the record, the fact that on the Senate Banking Committee, every single Senator has voted in favor of confirming five different Black women to different posts in just this Congress, President 's nominees who are Black women, and they include Cecilia Rouse, Nuria Fernandez, Adrianne Todman, Alexia Latortue, and Alanna McCargo. And yet we hear this preposterous notion that somehow the race of the candidate is what is going on here. prgtoken The fact is, we have a difference of opinion about what qualifies a person to serve on the Fed. And it is not some tiny, obscure minority that is concerned about Lisa Cook's qualifications to be fighting inflation when she refused to articulate any plan for dealing with inflation; it was the majority of the Senate who just voted. We just had the vote. prgtoken I should also point out that what is the difference here? The difference is, we want to vote, and you just heard the chairman block a vote on President 's nominee to Chair the Fed, Jerome Powell, and Professor Philip Jefferson. The chairman doesn't want votes on either of them, apparently, and certainly not on both of them; he just objected. prgtoken I would remind everyone that for months now, we have been trying to process the Fed nominees, and our ic colleagues refused. What we said was, there are five nominees. Only one of them we are going to object to processing. The reason was because of her radical views about using the supervisory powers of the Fed to allocate capital throughout the economy. That was a pretty radical idea. And guess what? The majority of the Senate agreed with us, and so she withdrew her candidacy. prgtoken We had offered for months now to process the other four. Earlier today, we were willing to do all three, but I think the record should show our ic colleagues refuse to allow us to have a vote today or tomorrow or this week--that is what we asked for; we used the exact same language the chairman had used earlier--on the Chairman of the Federal Reserve and Professor Philip Jefferson. prgtoken .
Border Security (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-4-26

the administration's bad decisions have brought many crises upon our country. One of the worst is the collapse of law and order on our southern border. prgtoken Last month, Customs and Border Protection reported over 221,000 apprehensions. That is up 33 percent just since February. It is the highest monthly total in 22 years. We have already hit more than 1 million encounters in just the first half of this fiscal year. But, alas, this could still be just the beginning. The Department of Homeland Security is bracing for an even bigger surge in the weeks and months to come. Authorities are steeling for the possibility that we could see 18,000 new people showing up every single day. prgtoken In 2020, President-elect said that ``end[ing] up with two million people on our border'' would be ``the last thing we need,'' but his own policies went on to produce exactly that outcome. prgtoken In 2021, on President 's watch, 2 million people from at least-- listen to this--160 different countries were stopped along our southern border, and now immigration officials are anticipating totals that could more than triple--triple--last year's record. prgtoken Against this backdrop, with illegal immigrants and deadly fentanyl pouring into our country, any administration living in reality would be working overtime to actually secure the border. Instead, even now, President is trying to throw away what little security still exists. prgtoken For 2 years, since the start of the pandemic, a legal authority called title 42 has empowered the government to simply turn around a large share of the people they catch and send them right back where they came from. Every prgtoken month, CBP uses this tool to keep tens of thousands of illegal immigrants out of the catch-and-release pipeline and send them back to their home countries, but now, unbelievably, President has announced he is going to cancel these legal authorities. He wants to rip off the one remaining bandaid that has preserved at least some shred of law and order. prgtoken The administration is claiming the pandemic is over and finished on our southern border. Now, they don't believe the pandemic is over, however, for American citizens--oh, no. actually want Congress to approve more funding specifically because COVID is not finished. The administration's official position is that the pandemic is over for illegal immigrants but not for the American people. prgtoken Every day brings more confusing spin from President and his staff. Their latest claim is that Congress needs to fix their problem for them--that if these title 42 authorities end after President has announced he will end them, it will somehow be Congress's fault. That is absurd. The administration has the discretion. The legislative branch has already given them the tool. It is the same tool they have been using this whole time. They just need to
AMERICAN FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT
Cliff Bentz (Republican, OR) \u2014 2022-4-26

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of S. 497, the American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act, introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska. prgtoken This legislation is simple: It directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reestablish an American Fisheries Advisory Committee for the purpose of selecting grant projects that meet the research needs and priorities of the commercial fishing industry. prgtoken This committee will include a board of experts, with members chosen regionally and across all sectors of the fishing industry, and will help provide significant input on how research grants will be focused on fishing communities. prgtoken One goal of this bill is to keep fishing communities healthy and viable through local collaboration. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, which was introduced in the House our late colleague, Representative Don Young, and commend Representative Young and Senator Sullivan for their efforts. prgtoken Madam , I urge adoption of this bill, and .
Remembering Johnnie Jones (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-4-26

today my State and I think the entire country should both mourn the loss and celebrate the life of an American hero and dedicated civil rights leader--Johnnie Jones, who recently died at age 102 but in his 102 years fought for our country, fought for the free world, and also fought to bring civil rights to a better place. prgtoken During World War II, Johnnie Jones helped storm the beaches of Normandy as part of D-day, liberate France from Nazi occupation--along the way, being part of the Battle of the Bulge. He was injured during the D-day invasion when his ship hit a mine, and he suffered shrapnel wounds from German air attacks, but he never stopped fighting. prgtoken When he came back, he attended Southern Law School and then led civil rights efforts in Baton Rouge. He legally represented the organizers at the Baton Rouge bus boycott, which served as a forerunner or a template for the Montgomery bus boycott. Throughout his career, he took on several civil rights cases, advocating for equality under the law, and served a term in the Louisiana House of Representatives. prgtoken His commitment to service and his love of our country was not just admirable but inspiring. prgtoken Last year, I had the honor to present him with a Purple Heart for the wounds he received during the D-day invasion in 1944. prgtoken My grandson has been to the World War II Museum in New Orleans--a tremendous museum--and he is now very much into the heroism of our soldiers who were in both World War II and World War I. So I took my grandson to meet Mr. Jones because I wanted him to meet a real-life hero. prgtoken Here you see him at 102--so proud of his medals, saluting. prgtoken My grandson, just the other day, said: Papaw, remind me of that man we met. So his meeting Mr. Jones 2 years ago has inspired a 7-year-old to live his life a better way. prgtoken So, as Mr. Jones salutes us, shall we all be inspired, shall we always remember the heroism abroad and the heroism here. prgtoken .
Remembering Orrin G. Hatch (Executive Calendar)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-4-26

Orrin G. Hatch will be remembered for many things. His 42 years of service in this body are marked by successes; historic and prolific legislation; and, of course, statesmanship. He served longer as a U.S. Senator than any other in the history of the State of Utah or in the history of the Party. prgtoken At his retirement, he had passed more bills into law than any other legislator alive, an astounding 750. While the record of his service is remarkable and memorable, I invite the Senate and the Nation to remember Senator Orrin Hatch by the things that he remembered every day, here in the Senate and in his private life. prgtoken Every day upon entering his Senate office, Orrin Hatch would look upon a prominently hung painting depicting his Utah pioneer grandfather and great-grandfather as they were fording a stream on horseback. This image, like so much else in his life, was a reminder of Senator Hatch's pioneer legacy, his ancestry, and destiny. prgtoken In Utah, there is almost no more honorable title than that of pioneer. In the particular parlance of our State, a pioneer is not merely someone who goes where others haven't gone before. No, a pioneer looks toward the future without forgetting who he or she is. A pioneer, like those who settled the Salt Lake Valley and much of the western United States, does so not out of conquest or in search of glory; a pioneer goes and works out of duty and responsibility and faith. prgtoken Orrin Hatch always remembered his roots. Raised the son of a mechanical laborer, he grew up in a family of little means. Orrin was one of nine children raised in a cramped Depression-era home without indoor plumbing. Two of Orrin's siblings died young. Another, his older brother Jesse, gave the ultimate sacrifice as a turret gunner flying over Austria mere months before the Allied victory in Europe. prgtoken Orrin always remembered this example of work and sacrifice from his parents and from his brother Jesse. The sense of duty to God, family, and Nation was the primary driver throughout his life. prgtoken He served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints in Ohio. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, attending Brigham Young University. He met Elaine Hansen, and the couple married in 1957. They later returned to Pittsburgh, PA, and Orrin completed law school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, while living in what had previously served as a chicken coop in his parents' backyard. He worked as a metalworker and as a janitor to provide for his family while attending law school. prgtoken Never one to make much of a fuss about it, Orrin Hatch just did the work that was expected of him, and he did it remarkably well. He knew that life was not easy and that he couldn't expect handouts. He developed the reputation of a fighter, and while a dedicated friend with an inviting laugh, he would never forget the lesso
CHIEF BEN MAJETICH
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-4-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Chief Ben Majetich, who is retiring as West Richland's Police Chief after 34 years of service to the Tri-Cities. prgtoken Ben came to Central Washington in 1980 and spent the next 26 years with the Pasco Police Department. He worked in multiple leadership roles, from street patrol division to leading investigations, to being the lead defensive tactics instructor for the city. prgtoken His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was soon promoted to captain of West Richland's Police Department, where he would take the lead in developing their newly-opened, state-of-the-art facility. prgtoken Chief Majetich truly represents the best of Central Washington: a man of courage and grit, a man not afraid to roll up his sleeves to get the job done. He has proudly served the Tri-Cities for 34 years, going above and beyond to ensure the safety of our community. He is leaving the department in good hands with his successor, Captain Thomas Grego, but he will certainly be missed. prgtoken I extend my sincerest gratitude to Chief Majetich for his leadership and wish him the best in his retirement.
SCORE FOR SMALL BUSINESS ACT OF 2022
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-4-26

I thank Mr. Luetkemeyer and Chairwoman Velazquez for their leadership on the Small Business Committee. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 6450, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2022. This bipartisan bill reauthorizes the SCORE program for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, and it will allow SCORE to expand counseling and training through online prgtoken webinars, electronic mentoring platforms, and online toolkits to better serve small businesses and entrepreneurs across U.S. communities, including the rural and underserved areas. prgtoken Additionally, this bill would better protect taxpayers' dollars through oversight mechanisms. Since 1964, SCORE has helped over 11 million entrepreneurs to establish, expand, or service a small business. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began early 2020, SCORE has seen a 30 percent increase in demand for their services. Despite challenges faced, 89 percent of SCORE clients stayed in business throughout 2020. prgtoken In 2021, the SCORE chapter in Orange County in my district helped start 269 new small businesses and create nearly 4,000 jobs. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, Orange County SCORE delivered 11,154 total services. In 2021, they delivered 25,146 total services. This is a 125 percent increase and over double the rate of pre-pandemic levels. prgtoken Thanks to the volunteers and mentors in SCORE, countless small businesses in my district have been able to keep their businesses running and keep their employees on their payroll. prgtoken , , Representative Craig, for her partnership on this. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6450 and allow SCORE to continue this public-private partnership to support small businesses across the country.
Biden Administration (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-4-26

from the second that they wake up in the morning to the moment they put their heads on the pillow at night, the American people are burning through cash. And, as I have spent the last 2 weeks talking with Tennesseans, talking with people in the real world, this is a sentiment that they continue to talk about. prgtoken Now, they know inflation is real. It wasn't temporary. It wasn't something that was just a problem for the rich. It is a problem that hits every single individual, and the spin that is coming out of the White House really is not resonating with hard-working taxpayers anymore. prgtoken When I am out and about in Tennessee, people are talking about inflation, the border, and the sense of despair that they see taking over their communities. And they cannot get over the lengths to which this White House and this administration have gone to try to convince them that everything is OK, you don't have anything to worry about, and things are better than they have ever been. prgtoken They can't believe it. They can't believe that this administration is living in the land of denial, because they know that this message doesn't add up with the reality of their lives, and they have spent 16 months digging themselves out from under massive gas and grocery bills. Every time they fill up the tank or they fill up the grocery cart, they know that it is probably more than 8 percent inflation. Every time they go to the hardware store, they see it. When they are buying a gallon of paint or fertilizer for their garden, they see it. And the few discretionary dollars they used to allow themselves for some new clothes or the occasional food delivery now go to essentials, and, even then, they still are making tough choices. As I said, from the second they wake up in the morning to the moment their heads hit the pillow at night, the American people are burning through cash almost as fast as and the are burning through our taxpayer dollars. prgtoken The administration might not take this seriously. They may say: We will just go print more money. prgtoken Look at the amount of debt they have run up. Tennesseans do take this issue seriously, and at this point, they laugh at the alternate reality coming from DC, and they know that the ``Putin price hike'' is something that is so divorced from reality. prgtoken It wasn't enough for to abandon his responsibilities. He had to take the extra step of exploiting the more than 2,500 innocent civilians Vladimir Putin has murdered in Ukraine. It is just disgusting. But that is the ' playbook--isn't it?--never let a crisis go to waste; pick up words that you can use in your spin. prgtoken If the White House had stopped to think about what American taxpayers do when they are broke, when they have gotten to the end of their money before they get to the end of their month, when they have debt rolling prgtoken over them, then the White
ONE STOP SHOP FOR SMALL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE ACT OF 2021
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-4-26

in closing, having the rules of the road clearly and succinctly in one location for all small business owners is instrumental. The One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021 will ensure this occurs at the SBA. prgtoken , for advancing this legislation that better informs the Nation's small businesses, and I urge my colleagues to support it. prgtoken , .