mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PUBLIC TELEVISION IS IMPORTANT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-2-28

. Madam , this week we are having a public media summit in our Nation's Capital, with representatives from independent television stations from across the country. prgtoken Thirteen years ago, the prospects were not particularly encouraging. We had just had a takeover in the House of Representatives with people intent on reducing government spending, and public media was in the crosshairs. Today, 13 years later, the Federal funding is still flowing at record levels to America's public broadcasters. We noted the retirement of the head of America's Public Television Stations, Pat Butler, who helped guide us through these difficult times. prgtoken Congress has enacted a new infrastructure investment program for public media nearly three times as large as the one it replaced. When COVID struck, the economy imploded. Congress provided $250 million in emergency financial assistance to America's public media. Our partnership for public radio and television includes our State governments, as well, who will commit a record $365 million to support public media. prgtoken There are hundreds of advocates who will hit Capitol Hill to share the strong positive message of public broadcasting. In a way, this should be the easiest of lobbying assignments. Public broadcasting is the most trusted name in media; 180 million people watch or listen to it every week. prgtoken The Senate passed the appropriation out of committee 24-2, at a funding level overwhelmingly approved last spring by Congress with the agreement with the President to avert a shutdown. It included 149 s. The benefits are powerful and almost universally supported, and it is not just news, but most point out that PBS and NPR are where even the critics go when they need to know what is actually going on. prgtoken Part of our challenge now is that there are a handful of people who are holding the budget hostage, which is unfortunate, because there is overwhelming support in the House and the Senate if we are able to see our way clear. It is perplexing because funding for public media is overwhelmingly supported by rural and small-town America. prgtoken There is always going to be public broadcasting in New York, San Francisco, Boston, or even Portland, Oregon, but there will not be as much and the programming won't be as good, but it will be there. However, that is not the case for rural and small-town America, in the mountain States, in the rural Midwest, in Alaska. prgtoken That is why the late dean of the House, Don Young, was such a fierce champion for public broadcasting in his State and nationally. He knew that it was more important in rural America where there are fewer choices, and it is more expensive. Federal support was critical. prgtoken News, entertainment, culture, think of where we would be during COVID without the public educational component. It is also increasingly important for public safety. The network supplied by public broad
HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD MAGUDA
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-2-28

I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Mr. Donald ``Don'' J. Maguda of Rockville, Connecticut. Aged 90, Donald passed peacefully on December 9, 2023, surrounded by family. Donald was a leader in his community and embraced a love for helping others that he held dear throughout his life. prgtoken Born July 11, 1933, to Joseph Maguda and Stella Taylor in New Britain, Connecticut. Donald purposed his life toward protecting his community and leading with compassion. He graduated from Rockville High School, immediately after which he began a long and rewarding career as a fireman. Donald began his service with the Snipsic Hook and Ladder Company. Here, Donald was identified as a born leader and rose through the ranks of the Rockville Fire Department. In 1967, Donald's attention to detail and devotion to his work was rewarded when he became Chief of the department. prgtoken As Chief, Donald used his leadership to coordinate and oversee the consolidation of the Rockville Fire Deparlment and Vernon Fire District into the Town of Vernon Fire Department. After the merger, Donald served as Fire Chief of the newly formed Vernon Fire Department in 1980, still leaving time for his other passion, running his business, Maguda's Woodworking Shop. After decades of leadership with the fire department, in 1986 Donald transitioned to the role of Town of Vernon Fire Marshal until his retirement in 2002, concluding a remarkable nearly 50-year career during which he never lost a firefighter in the line of duty. prgtoken Equipped with extensive knowledge in his field and a desire to share that knowledge with anyone who needed it, it is no surprise that Donald was a member of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association and the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association. Donald presented to numerous groups and individuals for better fire education and community involvement. prgtoken Donald's work ethic and dedication to his community rubbed off on his son David, who followed in his footsteps to serve as a firefighter for 42 years--most of which he spent serving under his father. prgtoken In addition to this incredible work as a firefighter, Donald spent innumerable hours giving back to his community in other ways as well. In the 1960s, he was integral in starting ``Toys for Tots'' in Vernon, assisting children and families during the holidays and ``Christmas in April.'' , as a citizen of the town of Vernon who held elective office over the years, I had the privilege to know Don and see up close his intelligence, kindness, and unstinting devotion to duty. Our town was so blessed to know Don and to have his positive, critical contribution that saved lives and protected property. prgtoken In his free time, Donald spent time with his family, those most important to him. They enjoyed taking vacations and cruises. Donald could also be found landscaping, woodworking, playing golf, and playing cards with friends and family. <|p
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 3612 (Executive Calendar)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-2-28

I have been really awed and humbled by the eloquence of the women Senators who have preceded me, and I hesitate to add to what they have stated so powerfully already. But, of course, I am a man, and this bill is about women's reproductive care and women's rights, but it is also about the rights of all of us. The name of the act is the Access to Family Building Act. It is about families. It is about men, like myself, whose most awesome moment in life was the time they held their newly born child. prgtoken Men have an equal stake in the issue that brings us here today. Men should be as scared and angry as women are about this trend, which is so destructive to basic rights and liberties. Women's rights are human rights. The rights at stake here are rights that are American. What could be more American than wanting to bring a child into the world? prgtoken And what could be more heartbreaking? We have all been through it, through friends, neighbors, maybe our own family. A man and woman in love, wanting to have a child, miscarriages, other obstacles that prevent it, and there is a hole in their hearts, a hole in their homes and their families, as they struggle with issues of fertility and childbirth. This measure very simply guarantees the right for women and families everywhere--in Alabama, in Connecticut, in every State in this country--to access the fertility care they need to bring children into the world. prgtoken You know, over 3 years ago, before Dobbs was decided--and we never could have imagined that Roe v. Wade would be overturned--and the Party eviscerated access to abortion care, I posed what I thought was a really easy question to a Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. I asked: Is it constitutional to criminalize IVF treatment? She dodged. She dodged. She refused to answer. I thought it was self-evident. It is not constitutional to criminalize IVF treatment. That was before Dobbs. That was before the legal landscape was volcanically uprooted by this Supreme Court, which has been captured by a far-right fringe. prgtoken Some may have wondered why at that time I asked what seemed like a very far-fetched, obtuse, arcane question. A lot of people probably didn't even know what it meant, and they may have also wondered why Justice Barrett refused to answer such an obvious question with such a self-evident answer. Wasn't it settled that IVF treatment is not only legally protected but also a scientific miracle? Think of it for a moment, the science here that is now accessible to every American, everyone in the world. Wasn't IVF pro-family, having children, parents who wanted a child? And they may have wondered as well, wasn't IVF the last, best hope for so many people struggling with infertility, desperately seeking to experience the miracle of childbirth for themselves? Who could possibly object to that miracle in the lives of a family who would not only relish but rais
IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM K. (BUDDY) WHEELER
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-2-28

I rise today to honor the life of a special man, William K. (Buddy) Wheeler of Lexington, Kentucky. He passed away on February 8, 2024. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler was born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. He met his future wife Lucy Clay in grade school. He graduated in 1952 from Mt. Sterling High School. He went on to the University of Kentucky, where he graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 1956. He opened Wheeler Pharmacy in 1958 in the Chevy Chase neighborhood, which was on the outskirts of Lexington at that time. Wheeler Pharmacy is a Lexington landmark, enjoyed by many regular patrons including myself. In addition to the pharmacy, customers enjoy the soda fountain, serving breakfast and lunch and providing a warm neighborhood atmosphere. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler was an innovator, implementing a computerized dispensing system, compounding service, and a medication management program and much more. He welcomed pharmacy students for their rotations and served as a mentor to them. Mr. Wheeler sold the pharmacy to his daughter in 2020 but remained an active presence. He was known for his unwavering dedication to his profession and for his kindness to all. prgtoken Mr. Wheeler is survived by his wife Lucy. They had been married for nearly 70 years. prgtoken He also leaves 4 children and their spouses: William Kendall (Tammy) Wheeler, Jr Stuart (Karen) Wheeler, Margaret (Kevin) Meredith, and Claire (Darrell) Lewis. They are all involved in the family business. He also leaves nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. prgtoken Buddy Wheeler will long be remembered as a kind and caring person, and he will be greatly missed. It was my honor to know him and call him my friend. I am grateful for the opportunity to lift up the life of Buddy Wheeler before the United States Congress.
HONORING SERGEANT RANDY ARMSTRONG AS VETERAN OF THE MONTH FOR MICHIGAN'S 9TH DISTRICT
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-2-28

I rise today to recognize the remarkable valor and contributions of Randy Armstrong, our esteemed Veteran of the Month from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. It is with great honor that I highlight the exemplary service and dedication of this true American hero, whose courage and commitment have certainly left a mark on our Nation's history. prgtoken Randy Armstrong, born and raised in Brown City, dedicated his entire childhood to the community that shaped him. His passion for baseball and humble beginnings, including his initial employment at the Brown City Bank, illustrate a profound--and proud--connection to his roots. In 1966, answering the call of duty, he enlisted for a three-year term alongside his brother at Fort Knox. prgtoken Following his graduation from ordnance supply school, Randy's journey took him to Fort Lee, Virginia, and later to Scott Air Force Base, where he served with distinction in the Air Defense Command. His expertise as a radar operator led to his promotion to the rank of E4. In 1967, orders arrived for deployment to Vietnam, and before 1968, Randy found himself across the world. By January 1969, he had attained the rank of Sergeant E5. prgtoken Completing his tour of duty, Randy returned to the United States, making his way to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was there, in acknowledgment of his honorable service, that he was discharged from the Army, marking the conclusion of a chapter defined by profound dedication to his country. prgtoken In honoring Randy Armstrong, we pay tribute to a man whose journey from Brown City to the heart of Vietnam embodies the sacrifices and resilience of our armed forces I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this American patriot.
Farm Bill (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-2-28

America needs farmers and ranchers. We need the men and women--and often entire families--who are willing to do the hard work to feed our country and the world. In places like my home State of South Dakota, farming and ranching are just part of our way of life. prgtoken But this important work involves a great deal of risk. Few jobs, for example, are as subject to the whims of the weather and fluctuations of the market. So, for almost 100 years, Congress has regularly passed a farm bill to back agriculture producers with programs and policies that mitigate risk and help them to keep going through the tough times. prgtoken And with the 2018 farm bill expiring last year, Congress needs to take up this important task once again. And while I am glad Congress passed an extension of critical farm bill programs through the 2024 growing season, a temporary extension is no substitute for a full, updated bill. prgtoken I have been able to help craft four farm bills during my time in Congress, and, for me, the process always begins and ends with farmers and ranchers. In prgtoken addition to my regular discussions with farmers and ranchers as I travel around our State, I have held a number of roundtable discussions across South Dakota, focused on the next farm bill, to receive direct input from our State's agriculture producers, and most of my priorities for the farm bill come directly from the conversations that I have had. prgtoken One thing I consistently hear from farmers and ranchers is the importance of a farm safety net. Crop insurance, commodity, and livestock programs play a critical role in helping producers manage risk in their operations. prgtoken Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the safety net, and we need to strengthen it wherever possible in the next farm bill. And while crop insurance has historically supported row crop production, I am pleased with the progress we have made in recent years to improve and expand insurance options for livestock producers. prgtoken But commodity programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage need to be improved so that they sufficiently mitigate producers' losses. And livestock programs like the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program need to be modified to improve the assistance that they provide and make them workable for producers. prgtoken So one of my top priorities for the next farm bill is improving commodity and livestock programs so they provide the support that farmers and ranchers need during tough times. prgtoken As I said, while I am glad we have extended key provisions of the 2018 farm bill through this growing season, we are overdue for a full, updated, multiyear farm bill, and s on the Agriculture Committee are ready to get to drafting a bill. prgtoken I am disappointed, however, that some of my colleagues don't seem to share our sense of urgency. prgtoken The a
RECOGNIZING THE MARITIME SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL'S PLAN TO MODERNIZE THE USMMA CAMPUS
Andrew R. Garbarino (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-2-28

I rise today as a member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Congressional Board of Visitors to thank the experts of the Maritime Security Infrastructure Council. prgtoken Recognizing the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in our national security and concerned about outdated and deteriorating conditions across campus, they assembled a straightforward, multi-year plan to bring the campus up to a standard commensurate with its crucial function. I am pleased to include in the Record a summary of their plan to modernize the Academy's 80-year-old infrastructure as well as a link to the Full Speed Ahead Plan in its entirety, which can be found at https://wearetheusmma.com/fullspeedahead/. prgtoken Graduates of the USMMA, one of our Nation's five federal service academies, make up more than 80 percent of the U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift Officer Force. Without these service-committed mariners, the Nation would have no assured source of trained, licensed officers to crew the vessels which move materiel, fuel and supplies to foreign shores in wartime. Without a comprehensive capital improvement plan and its timely execution, conditions on the USMMA's Kings Point, New York campus will continue to worsen, adversely impacting mission-critical training and hindering recruitment of dedicated service-obligated midshipmen. prgtoken For far too long, Congress has ignored the infrastructure required to provide USMMA midshipmen the specialized education and training they need to fulfill their mission. It is now time to make the institution worthy of their commitment to serve our Nation. Maritime Security Infrastructure Council U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Full Speed Ahead Plan prgtoken Full Speed Ahead: A Plan to Address Critical Infrastructure Needs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Background: In January 2021, the Maritime Security Infrastructure Council (MSIC), a group with expertise in major construction project management and concerned about the deterioration of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) infrastructure, developed a comprehensive plan to bring the campus up to the standards necessary to prepare USMMA Midshipmen to lead our Nation's maritime mission in the 21st century. The Full Speed Ahead Plan is an intensive 8-year program to execute a decades overdue, comprehensive modernization: new academic buildings, physical readiness/training facilities, midshipmen morale and welfare spaces, parking structures, faculty and senior staff housing, utilities, IT, and campus security upgrades, and renovations of many existing buildings. This plan is adaptable, e.g it can be adjusted for longer construction timelines and funding schedules, and--importantly--it is intended to be executed while keeping USMMA fully operational throughout construction. Previou
CONGRATULATING MARK BURNS ON RECEIVING LIFETIME AVIATION INDUSTRY LEADER AWARD
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-2-28

I rise today to congratulate Mark Burns, who recently received the Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award. prgtoken The Living Legends of Aviation Awards was founded in 2003 by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy to recognize notable individuals who contributed to the aviation industry. prgtoken Prior to being named Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation's president in July of 2015, Burns worked in various areas spanning the company, including engineering and customer support. While president, Burns has guided Gulfstream during a time of rapid growth, innovation, and investment. prgtoken Additionally, Burns sits on the board of directors for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Georgia Power, and the Corporate Angel. He is a board member of the National Air and Space Museum, and he is a member of the National Committee for the Performing Arts, amongst others. prgtoken Burns is also a proud alumnus of Georgia Southern University, where he received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and from there, built a career worth applause and appreciation by Georgia residents. prgtoken Congratulations, Mark.
DOE AND SBA RESEARCH ACT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 4669, the DOE and SBA Research Act, sponsored by my good friend, Representative LaLota, from the great State of New York. prgtoken Our national laboratories provide some of the most cutting-edge scientific research initiated by the U.S. Government. The 17 national labs across the country help ensure we remain world leaders in a variety of disciplines, including our Nation's self-defense. prgtoken This legislation will ensure that the great work of our national labs and SBA are ensuring small businesses can play a part in these crucial activities. Small businesses play an important role in American innovation. The Committee on Small Business has heard countless testimonies from entrepreneurs who have found inefficiencies in many different industries and have since gone to work fixing these problems. prgtoken This is very similar to the work of our national labs as this bill, establishing a memorandum of understanding, will prove mutually beneficial to both parties. prgtoken The DOE and SBA Research Act is vital to increasing the opportunities that innovative small businesses must work with some of the most innovative federally funded research organizations in the world. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 4669, and . House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Washington, DC, December 1, 2023. Hon. Roger Williams, Chairman, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Williams: I am writing concerning H.R. 4669, the ``DOE and SBA Research Act'', which was referred primarily to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, with an additional referral to the Committee on Small Business. H.R. 4669 contains provisions within the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. As a result of your having consulted with the Committee and in order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the bill. This is being done on the basis of our mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in in the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely,