mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING TRACEY ANN TIPPETT FOR BEING NAMED 2022 UPPER PENINSULA VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-8-19

. Madam , it's my honor to recognize Tracey Ann Tippett for being named the 2022 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Through her dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and steadfast devotion to her community, Tracey has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. prgtoken The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection committee consisting of past commanders of various service organizations throughout the peninsula. It is given to recognize Yooper Veterans who go above and beyond in their service to their local communities and fellow Veterans. None are more deserving of this honor than Tracey. During her military career, Tracey served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where she was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Letter of Appreciation, and Certificate of Appreciation. Her devotion to the people of her country and community has not wavered since she returned from military service. prgtoken It is impossible to fully list all the ways in which Tracey works to better the lives of U.P. Veterans. She is an active member and has served in a variety of leadership positions in the Marine Corps League and Military Order of the Devil Dogs, and she is currently the U.P. Zone Vice Commandant and Department Adjutant and Webmaster for the State of Michigan. At her own expense, she makes copies of the Michigan Marine News and the Woof-O-Gram and mails them to members who do not have access to the Internet. Tracey serves on the Board of Trustees for the Marquette County Veteran's Alliance Committee and as the Secretary of the Marquette County Veteran's Board. She regularly volunteers at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, and is a member of American Legion Post 44, MODD Northern Wolves Pound 174, and Lake Superior Detachment 764. Within the Detachment, she is a member of the Color Guard, and she volunteers at Memorial Day services, Flag Day celebrations, 4th of July services and parades, Veteran's Day services, and Marine Corps Birthday celebrations. Tracey is dedicated to her fellow Marines and other Veterans, and she graciously does whatever is asked of her to ensure the Detachment's success. She has devoted decades to the people of Michigan, and her tireless efforts have directly improved the lives of thousands of U.P. Veterans. prgtoken Outside of her work for Veterans, Tracy is an active volunteer for Toys for Tots, the Marquette and Ishpeming Christmas parades, Negaunee Pioneer Days, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Her contributions to her community were also previously recognized when she was named the 2021 Marquette County Veteran of the Year, the 2021 State of Michigan Veteran of the Year, and the 2022 Marine Corps League Central Division Marine of the Year. Additionally, she is the recipient of the 2022 U.P. Michigan Credit Union League Distinguished Service Award thanks to the 28 years of servi
DENOUNCING POLITICAL PERSECUTION, ESPECIALLY THAT OF DR. SIMONE GOLD
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-8-19

. Madam , I rise today to denounce political persecution. prgtoken As of Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 860 people have been charged with crimes for actions on January 6, 2022. A large percentage of these people were peaceful protestors who did not even know they were violating the law. prgtoken As long as defendants groveled to the judges by renouncing their support of and insisting that he made them do it, they received plea deals of little or no jail time. If not, you might find yourself in jail for seven years, as happened with Guy Reffit, whose son the Department of Justice encouraged to turn against his father. Another man, activist Brandon Straka, who did not even enter the Capitol on January 6th, was given the choice by the FBI to either admit to saying an incendiary remark he in fact did not say, or go to trial. prgtoken Perhaps the person most hated by the Deep State was Dr. Simone Gold. Not only did she have a problem with massive electoral fraud, she also was a leader in combatting COVID-19 misinformation. That is a bad twofer. Anyone who dares to speak out against a dangerous, deadly, and useless vaccine or abusive and illegal lockdowns that led to countless deaths and immeasurable suffering deserves maximum cancellation. prgtoken A judge sentenced her to prison for two months just for trespassing. She remained completely peaceful throughout her brief time in the Capitol. And now she fears for her safety and has complained of terrible treatment by prison officials, as have so many January 6 defendants--whose constitutional rights to due process and a speedy trial have been shredded and annihilated. prgtoken The left gets on its high horse about human rights abuses by the likes of Putin and deservedly so. But what about our own secret police and rotten justice system who pick and choose who to prosecute based on political beliefs? Hillary, Hunter, Peter Strozk, Lisa Page, Andrew McCabe, Black Lives Matter and antifa rioters, and those who destroy pregnancy care centers are free to egregiously break the law however they please. But innocent people like Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, , and the majority of January 6 defendants must go to jail. prgtoken If all protestors who trespassed in D.C. were thrown in a D.C. gulag for six months or several years, that would be one thing. activists have invaded the Senate floor and halted official business. No one went to jail. activists illegally stalked and harassed conservative Supreme Court justices, and no one went to jail. Indeed, the halls of the Capitol have been subjected to leftist sit-ins, demonstrations, and other misbehavior for decades, and no one was sentenced to months or years in prison. Further, just recently, members of a film crew for the left-wing activist Stephen Colbert were caught vandalizing a house office and trespassing. They then lied to Capitol Police. All charges were dropped and they
LILLIAN CLAMENS
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-8-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Lillian LaDae Clamens, who was born on May 9, 1972, in Omaha, NE. As a proud graduate of Omaha's Central High School, Lillian enlisted in the United States Army, and served as an Administrative Assistant Specialist from 1990 to 2007, eventually attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. prgtoken During this time, she served at stations in Korea, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Germany, Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While enlisted, she took advantage of her travels where she encountered many different people and made lots of friends from diverse cultures. She greatly valued the different perspectives on life she learned from the people she met. prgtoken Lillian was also an adored mother. She gave birth to her first son Ayinde in 1993 and later remarried to Sergeant Raymond Clamens and had two more children, Lana and Vitoria. As a devoted wife and a role model to her children, family was always at the center of her life. prgtoken On October 10, 2007, Staff Sergeant Lillian Clamens was tragically killed by a mortar attack on Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. At the time, she was 35 years old and had already served 17 years. Sergeant Clamens was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. prgtoken From the people who knew her best, Lillian was known as a woman who loved everyone who crossed her path and she demonstrated that when she sacrificed her own life to save others during the attack before she was tragically killed herself. As a soldier, she demonstrated the courage to defend American freedom, so that democracy may continue to grow and prosper for future generations to come. prgtoken This past spring, I was glad to see the City of Omaha honor our hometown hero by renaming a stretch of Caldwell Street as ``Lillian Clamens (Cobbin) Street''. The renaming of this North Omaha street near where she grew up, will ensure our community carries on her legacy and brings recognition to Sergeant Clamens' heroic service and sacrifice for others. We owe Lillian and her family a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ELLA SEWELL
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and service of Ella Sewell. prgtoken Ella was born in Houston, Texas to Walter and Octavia Lee Taylor. She was a dedicated student and was named valedictorian of her high school. She married her husband, Lowell Giddings Sewell, and the couple moved to Richmond, California when Lowell was offered a job at the Kaiser Shipyards. prgtoken Throughout her life, Ella has been heavily involved in activism and has shown her passion for serving her community. In the 1940s, Ella advocated for equal voting rights for African Americans and helped to get many members of the community registered to vote. Additionally, for over 16 years Ella served on the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission. As a part of this program, Ella hosted ambassadors from Japan and shared African American culture and history with them. Ella also took on multiple leadership roles within the Easter Hill UM Church and helped to introduce several programs to the congregation. prgtoken In her personal life, Ella enjoyed spending time with her family and expressing her creativity through dancing and cooking. Ella's love for cooking was passed along to her by her father and uncles. She also loved playing cards and enjoying barbecues with her family and friends. prgtoken Sadly, Ella passed away on July 10, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Gloria, her sons, Michael (Gladys) and David, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two god-sisters, and three god-granddaughters. She was a cherished member of our community and she will be remembered for her compassion, intelligence, and dedication. Please join me in honoring Ella Sewell for her many contributions to our community.
REMEMBERING MR. ANTHONY ``TONY'' BRUSCATO
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-8-19

. Madam , today, I rise in memory of Mr. Tony Bruscato, a passionate public servant and member of the 11th prgtoken District, who passed away on May 6th of this year. Mr. Bruscato was an admired reporter, a dedicated public servant, and beloved partner, father, grandfather, and friend to many. prgtoken In 1953, Mr. Tony Bruscato was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Anthony and Angela Bruscato. A talented writer, Mr. Bruscato was proud to continue his education at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, earning a bachelor's degree in broadcasting. Upon completing his degree, Mr. Bruscato put his talents to use as he began his broadcasting career in Iowa, before then moving to Port Huron, Michigan, to sharpen his skills. As his skills in broadcasting sharpened, Mr. Bruscato advanced to the larger metropolitan market, taking a position as Journalist for the Plymouth Observer Newspaper and serving with integrity through 2010. In addition, his work with the Observer and Eccentric in Wayne County made Mr. Bruscato a recognizable and trusted voice for many. prgtoken While Mr. Bruscato's broadcasting education and work led him across the Midwest, Southeast Michigan served as home for much of his professional career and later life. His knack for communication and love for community made Tony the best choice to ascend to the role of Plymouth Downtown Development Director. His skills served him well as he assumed this position, coordinating activity for the City of Plymouth and liaising with the various development committees. Undoubtedly, Tony Bruscato's work as Director contributed to the vibrant culture that makes Plymouth a highly sought place to live. A coworker of Mr. Bruscato attests to his work, saying ``he helped grow many [City of Plymouth] events over the last decade, helped develop a new downtown Master Plan, assisted our businesses during the pandemic, and much, much more.'' prgtoken Mr. Bruscato was preceded in death by his parents and son, Matthew Bruscato. In addition to the love of his life, Lucia Morrison, Mr. Tony Bruscato's legacy continues through his beloved children, Andrew (Jamie) Bruscato, and Sarah (Craig) Bruscato-Newsom, and grandchildren, Charlotte Bruscato, Andelina Bruscato, and Luciana Bruscato. Along with cultivating a reputation of integrity and excellence professionally, Tony Bruscato was also known as a lifelong Hoosiers fan, periodically attending basketball games, and was a regular attendee of shows at Fisher Theater in Detroit. Those who knew Mr. Bruscato say that ``he found every way to live life to the fullest'' and will be greatly missed. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Anthony Bruscato led by example, demonstrating how one person can create significant positive impact on their community through service to others. The 11th Congressional District of Michigan and the greater region has benefited from the work of Mr. Bruscato. Although he will continue to be missed by so many, it is certai
HONORING CAROLYN SAXTON, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF LEGACY FOUNDATION, UPON HER RETIREMENT
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-8-19

. Madam , it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor Carolyn Saxton and to wish her well upon her retirement from her position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Foundation. For her lifetime commitment to philanthropic efforts throughout the region, she is to be highly commended. Carolyn will be honored at a retirement celebration taking place at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville, Indiana, on Friday, August 19, 2022. prgtoken Throughout her career, Carolyn has served in numerous capacities in the not-for-profit arena and has been a certified fundraising executive since 1992. Among her many noteworthy leadership roles, she served as executive director for Community Hospice in Ashland, Kentucky, the Oak Park--River Forest Community Foundation and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City. prgtoken In 2014, Ms. Saxton became President and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Foundation, Lake County's community foundation. Throughout her tenure, she led multiple fundraising initiatives and secured millions of dollars for several important philanthropic projects and grants throughout Northwest Indiana. The foundation has been responsible for more than $30 million in grant disbursements across the region and manages nearly $50 million in assets in Lake County. Under Carolyn's leadership, Legacy Foundation has received numerous prestigious awards including the Secretary's Award by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Foundation of the Year Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Indiana Chapter, to name a few. Those who have worked with Carolyn can attest to her unwavering commitment to the foundation's standard of excellence, as well as her enthusiasm for community investment and improvement. prgtoken Carolyn's dedication to the community of Northwest Indiana and her career is exceeded only by her devotion to her beloved husband, Bill, her children and her grandchildren. I am sure she will be enjoying quality time with her family in the years to come. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Carolyn Saxton for her outstanding leadership and in wishing her well upon her retirement. For her remarkable contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, Carolyn is worthy of our gratitude and praise.
HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RIVERBANK
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Riverbank, California's incorporation, Riverbank is a beautiful town located along the Stanislaus River and in the heart of the Central Valley. For a century now, Riverbank has continued to grow and thrive by living up to their motto: ``The City of Action.'' prgtoken Riverbank traces its roots back to a small ferry that, before there were roads and bridges in the area, would take people across San Joaquin County and into Stanislaus County. The town truly expanded and began to take shape thanks to the Santa Fe Railroad, which quickly turned Riverbank into a transportation hub. prgtoken Today, Riverbank is a diverse, tight-knit community with a vibrant and expansive economy. Like much of the Central Valley, Riverbank has a strong history of farming that remains to this day. The town's trademark warmth is on constant display at events like the annual Riverbank Wine and Cheese Festival, which celebrates the city's diverse population and agricultural roots. Riverbank has also seen economic growth through a variety of industries. The Riverbank industrial complex reflects the broad reach of the town's economy, as it is home to over 40 different businesses that specialize in fields ranging from security systems and recycling to traditional manufacturing. prgtoken Riverbank's growth and success are the direct products of the hard work, dedication, and fearless spirit that reverberate throughout the city. Rather than sit and wait idly by, Riverbank has been aggressive and seized every opportunity available. I am immensely proud to represent this extraordinary town and am certain that its best days still lay ahead.
HONORING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHIEF CHRIS R. JENKINS WITH THE CULPEPER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Chief Chris R. Jenkins on his 45th anniversary of service to Virginia with the Culpeper Police Department. prgtoken On August 15, 1977, Chris Jenkins began his law enforcement career at age 18 serving the Town of Culpeper as a dispatcher. In the 45 years since, Chief Jenkins has honorably served his community and worked to make Culpeper a safer place to live and raise a family. prgtoken Chief Jenkins was first appointed as the Culpeper Police Department's fifth Chief of Police in 2010. In this role, he has implemented many successful programs including a community policing model, mental health co-responders, and Body-Worn Cameras. Beyond his career, Chief Jenkins has also helped raise thousands of dollars for local non-profit organizations--such as Team Jordan, a coalition which supports suicide prevention and response in Culpeper--and served on multiple boards and committees to support his community. His dedication and integrity to make Culpeper a better place is inspiring and deserving of commendation and celebration. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Chief Jenkins on 45 successful years in law enforcement and a lifetime of making Culpeper a better place.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-8-23

. Madam , I rise in support of our historic legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA or the Act). The Act establishes incentives and actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other forms of health-harming pollution throughout every major sector including transportation, electricity production, industrial, manufacturing, and buildings while also lowering energy costs so Americans across the country will see savings. At the same time, the Act reinforces the longstanding authority and responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate GHGs as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The IRA combines new economic incentives to reduce climate pollution with bolstered regulatory drivers that will allow EPA to drive further reductions under its CAA authorities. prgtoken The IRA contains the most important and far-reaching amendments to the CAA in more than a generation. EPA's responsibility to address GHG air pollution under the CAA is long-standing and time tested. By passing the IRA, Congress underscores and reinforces that responsibility. To the extent the Supreme Court has suggested otherwise under the so-called ``major questions'' doctrine, the IRA is abundantly clear. prgtoken As Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce (the Committee), I would like to specifically address the provisions related to EPA rulemaking within the Committee's jurisdiction. These specific provisions include those provisions supporting EPA rulemaking to address climate change, providing clean energy incentives that EPA may take into account in developing regulatory requirements, and imposing additional requirements that EPA must implement through rulemaking. I am proud to say that many of these provisions were developed by the Committee, so I would like to explain how Congress intends these provisions to work, state our intent for EPA action under them, and clarify the legislative requirements. prgtoken The IRA is expected to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 40 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The Act achieves this objective in large part by amending the CAA to give EPA the authority and funding to collect fees on excess methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, and to spend tens of billions of dollars to provide grants, make assessments, conduct monitoring and outreach, provide technical assistance, and undertake other actions to reduce GHG emissions. (See Sections 60101, 60102, 60103, 60114, and 60201, which add new CAA Sections 132, 133, 134, 137, and 138, respectively). It also provides EPA with additional funding to support rulemaking under the CAA to reduce GHG emissions. prgtoken Of particular note, Section 60107, the Low Emissions Electricity Program, adds CAA Section 135, which directs EPA to conduct an assessment of the reductions in GHG emissions that result from changes in domestic electricity generation and use that are anticipated to occur on an annu