mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING THE JONES FAMILY
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize two of Rock Hill's greatest former athletes and loving parents, Tim and Jackie Jones. It has been my privilege to learn of the successes of Tim and Jackie and their talented daughters, Jada and Layla. prgtoken Tim was a standout Bearcat at Rock Hill High who played in the 1989 Shrine Bowl before dominating in football as a collegiate level linebacker. He was a two-time All-ACC starter who led the Clemson Tigers in tackles for three consecutive seasons. Only one player has accomplished that feat since. Nicknamed ``The Hitman'' for his punishing tackles in high school, Tim went on to accumulate 338 tackles in college. Among a plethora of distinguished titles and awards, he was a sophomore All-American in 1992, an Honorable Mention All-American in both 1993 and 1994, and the team's Most Valuable Player in 1994. Tim pursued a banking career in Charlotte before returning to Rock Hill High as an assistant football coach. He will always be remembered as Clemson's best No. 56. prgtoken Before running cross country at the University of South Carolina, Jackie set records in track and field at Rock Hill High. She shared pointers with her daughter, Jada, who broke those records as a freshman in 2019. The elite athlete has also persevered through extreme hardship. Jackie was previously diagnosed with both stomach cancer and breast cancer. Despite undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, her breast cancer returned shortly after. She remains optimistic and continues to fight this ongoing battle with persistence and grace. Currently, Jackie serves her community as principal of Mt. Holly Elementary School. She is a faithful and inspirational leader to all. prgtoken Tim and Jackie are blessed to have raised two high-achieving Bearcats of their own. An unmatched high school basketball star, ``eternal optimist'' Jada has the speed, build, and athleticism to carry her teammates through any season. As a varsity guard, she led her basketball team through the playoffs and plans to rejoin the soccer and track teams this spring, as well. Her little sister Layla, who plays on the Junior Varsity team, seeks advice from Jada and hopes to soon follow in her footsteps. prgtoken Madam , please join me in celebrating the Jones family's athletic accomplishments. They are living legends, and I am proud to acknowledge their substantial contributions to our community.
RECOGNIZING THE FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize, celebrate, and honor the frontline healthcare workers of the great state of South Dakota. prgtoken Some of these South Dakota heroes are: Maria Lee, Samantha Lee, Ann Lee, Lisa Lee, Lynn Lee, Sherrie Lee, Mary Lee, Tara Lee, Darcie Lee, McKenzie Lee, Rhonda Lee, Melanie Lee, Christy Lee, Rebecca Lee, Michael Lee, Payton Lee, Taylor Lee, Mary Leedom, Marcia Leemhuis, Peggy Leenknecht Roberts, Tracey Leet, Merri Leetch, Ashley Lefdal, Renee Leffers, Dedra Leffring, Heather Legel, Kristen Legner, Kila LeGrand, Peggy Lehman, David Lehnen, Tiffany Lehnen, Joann Lehner, Britt Lehr, Melissa Lehr, Yvonne Lehrke, Corey Lehrman, Debra Leibel, Kelly Leibel, Jenna Leibel, Michele Leibfarth, April Leichtenberg, Lauren Leichtnam, Kelsey Leif, Chesney Leiferman, Meghan Leifheit, Debra Leige, Hunter Leighton, Kerry Leighty, Caitlin Leimbach, Emily Leinen, Monica Leins, Heidi Leischner, Darci Leisenring, Bernice Leite, Mandi Leite, Constance Leiter, Susan Leitheiser, Elena Leitheiser, Maurine Lembke, Melita Lemer, Lisa Lemer, Stephanie Lemer, Katie Lemier, Diana Lemke, Marti Lemke, Kori Lemler, Shelby Lemler, Hope Lemler, Cara Lemmage, Brittni Lemmel, Sr Corinne Lemmer, Kelsie Lemmon, Jill Lemon, Andrea Lemon, Lisa Lemon, Mollie Lems, Kathryn Lengkeek, Melinda Lenhart. prgtoken Tereasa Lennemann, Amanda Lenning, Sophia Lenter, Laura Lentsch, Savanna Lentsch, Valerie Lentz, Beth Lentz, Beth Lentz, Jaime Lenz, Tracy Lenz, Traci Lenz, Emily Leon, Rebecca Leonard, Mark Leonard, Lisa Leonard, Sydney Leonard, Jessica Leonard, Nathan Leonard, Jodi Leonardi, Kyrine Leopardas, Ellie Lepel, Sarah Lepke, Tina Leppert, Jani Lerback, Kylee Lerback, Sandra Lerdal, Peggy Leslie-Smith, Kari Lesselyoung, Catherine Lessly, Rita Lester, Heather Lester, Alysia Lester, Rayne Lester, Deborah Letcher, Shawna Letcher, Suzanne Letcher, Vicki Lettau, Kathryn Leuning, Melissa Leuning, Holly Leusink, Stephanie Leuthold, Emily Leuthold, Angela Levene, Sally Levengood, Melissa Levering, Sharie Levi-Pifer, Taylor Lewandowski, Nancy Lewellen, Michele Lewellen, Kari Lewis, Teresa Lewis, Lelia Lewis, Steven Lewis, Connie Lewis, Judy Lewis, Theresa Lewis, Sheena Lewis, Brittany Lewis, Katelyn Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Olivia Lewis, Billie Jo Lewis, Grant Lewis, Sara Lewis, Amanda Lewis. prgtoken Katelyn Lewis, Tracey Lewis, Janet Lewis-Kusler, Nichole Lewison, Debra Lewison, Daniel Lewison, Cindy Lewno, Laura Lewno, Kathy Leyden, Cheri Leyendecker, Ashley Liang, Michelle Lichtenberg, James Lichty, Timothy Lichty, Rebecca Lick, Angela Liddell, Tara Liddiard, Janet Liefeld, Christine Lien, Katherine Lienke, Vicki Lieuwen, Mary Liggons, Christine Light, Rosalie Ligtenberg, Emma Lilleberg, Michaela Lilleberg, Ashley Lillebo, Daysha Lilly, Christine Anne Lim, Jessica Limke, Julie Limmer, Janet Limoges, Laura Limoges, Kami Lindberg, Mariah Lindberg, Jill Lindberg, Lori Lindblom, Rebekah Lindbloom, Amanda Lindbloom, Peter Linde,
IN RECOGNITION OF COOKIES FOR CAREGIVERS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-4-8

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Cookies for Caregivers on winning the Special Merit Award from the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce. The award is given to an organization that demonstrates outstanding achievement in the community. prgtoken Cookies for Caregivers is a national program that was established by Huntingdon residents in April 2020. The groups founders, Scott McKenzie and Jeremy Uhrich, began baking cookies for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started a local community service project has transformed into a national movement. With more than 100 bakers joining the group, Cookies for Caregivers has made more than 10,000 cookies to share with essential workers. prgtoken It is my privilege to recognize Scott and Jeremy for their leadership and ingenuity through the development of Cookies for Caregivers. This is a remarkable service to our community and beyond, and I wish them continued success in their efforts.
Infrastructure (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-4-12

I am here on the floor of the Senate this evening to talk about our shared national priorities for addressing the Nation's infrastructure needs and my concerns--really deep concerns--about the plan the administration has outlined and specifically the way they intend to pay for it. prgtoken I don't think there is a single Member in this Chamber who does not recognize the need for us to invest in upgrading America's aging infrastructure. Our network of roads, bridges, prgtoken ports, railroads, and more has played an integral role over the decades in growing our world-class economy. Yet, according to a 2019 report, the most recent one we have from the World Economic Forum, the United States now ranks only 13th in the world in infrastructure based on factors like the quality of our roads, how efficient our trains are, and access to electricity and water. prgtoken So we can and should do more to improve our infrastructure, particularly as competitors like China make substantial investments in their own infrastructure every year. We can do so in a bipartisan way, just as we have always done. In fact, last Congress, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved bipartisan infrastructure legislation by a unanimous vote of 21 to 0. That was just last Congress, 21 to 0. This bipartisan approach last Congress totaled $287 billion--a substantial amount and one we have yet to figure out how to pay for. prgtoken The current Transportation bill that is in play, the so-called infrastructure bill from a few years ago, is about $310 billion. Yet, even as we have to figure out how to fund the bipartisan $287 billion package for roads and bridges from last year--a substantial amount in its own right--the administration recently introduced its own infrastructure plan that totals $2.7 trillion, almost 10 times as much. prgtoken At the core of this administration proposal is $620 billion in infrastructure broadly defined. It has a generous definition of the roads, bridges, and other physical transportation and water components that have traditionally been considered infrastructure. So a generous definition would be that out of the $2.7 trillion, $620 billion could be called infrastructure based on the way s and alike have always looked at it, and again, that would include water, electricity, and other forms of transportation, not just roads and bridges. So about 20 percent of the administration infrastructure bill actually fits the bill. prgtoken The reason the overall package costs $2.7 trillion is because they have included a broad set of liberal priorities that are a far cry from what has ever been defined as infrastructure by either or s. So, I guess, knowing the popularity of infrastructure--and it is popular; people want to see their roads and bridges repaired--the administration has simply redefined the word to include hundred
TRIBUTE TO OFFICERS JACOB CARLSON AND RANDI GARRETT
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-4-12

I rise today to honor the service and bravery of Officer Jacob Carlson and Officer Randi Garrett of the Casper Police Department. prgtoken On May 6, 2018, Jake and Randi responded to a call of children driving a car around a dirt lot in Casper near Fairdale Avenue. When Officer Garrett arrived on scene, she found a 3-year-old driving the vehicle with an adult and another child in the vehicle. The adult was uncooperative in providing identification and attempted to flee after Officer Carlson arrived on the scene. While Jake attempted to stop the assailant from fleeing, he was shot multiple times with a concealed weapon. Despite being shot with heavy blood loss, Officer Carlson returned fire, and both officers found cover behind the car. Officer Carlson's firearm was hit by gunfire. His actions allowed Officer Garrett to find cover and eventually expose herself to fire a single shot, rendering the assailant no longer a threat. Jake and Randi's actions were selfless and ultimately saved the lives of two young children. prgtoken When officers in our community put on their uniforms, they know that at any time during their shift, they could walk into harm's way. Without hesitation, they still put on their uniform every day. This speaks louder than words can describe. It speaks to their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to the people of Wyoming. prgtoken In 2008, Congress passed the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act, CBOB, establishing an honor for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement officers. prgtoken On April 24, 2021, the Wyoming congressional delegation will present Officers Carlson and Garrett the Congressional Badge of Bravery for their heroic actions. It will be a high honor to participate in this ceremony. prgtoken I want to thank Officers Carlson and Garrett for their exceptional valor on this tragic day. The example and professionalism they have set will shape future generations of police officers throughout Wyoming and across our great country. prgtoken All of Wyoming and the law enforcement community are so thankful for Officer Carlson's recovery and Officer's Garrett's resolve.
Infrastructure (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-4-12

I have one short issue and another issue of about 10 minutes. prgtoken Over the Easter break, I held a Q&A in 24 counties to hear what was on the minds of Iowans. It was my constituents' agenda, not my agenda, that we discussed. From my cattle market transparency bill to Second Amendment issues, COVID-19 vaccines, and the crisis at the southern border, Iowans are always up to date on the issues most important to them. prgtoken One prominent question: Why can't you guys in the Senate get along? In other words, ``Why not more bipartisanship?'' is a constant question I get. prgtoken Iowans want Congress to work in a bipartisan way to enhance our Nation's infrastructure through increased funding for roads, bridges, highways, waterways, and rural broadband, among many other infrastructure issues. prgtoken Unfortunately, what I have heard so far about President 's plan is that it is everything but the kitchen sink and not enough focus on just the big, big issue and the long-term issue of infrastructure. prgtoken Iowans expect us to work in a bipartisan way, and I hope will agree to work together with us, unlike the passage of the $1.9 trillion bill.
Border Security (Executive Session)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-4-12

once again, I am here today to talk about the crisis at our southern border and the continued dismantling of our Nation's immigration system by this administration. prgtoken The border has been dominating the headlines, but if you talked to the liberals, you wouldn't know it. While we were back home working in our States, focused on everything but the border. President released a so-called infrastructure proposal that is not actually about infrastructure; it is nothing more than the Green New Deal in disguise, and it raises taxes on hard-working Americans. prgtoken Additionally, large corporations and Major League Baseball decided to give in to the demands of the woke, liberal mob based on nothing more than pure disinformation. prgtoken I know President and would rather talk about those issues than confront the dire situation at the southern border. They are trying to pull a con job on the American people. Well, we are not going to let President distract from a crisis of his own making. prgtoken In a recent House hearing, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas made a ridiculous claim that ``the border is secure.'' To say the border is secure is laughable. I recently joined Senators Cornyn and Cruz and other colleagues on a visit to the southern border to see for ourselves, and I can tell you and the American people without hesitation, the border is not secure. Reports just don't do it justice. It is a disaster. As an American who believes in the rule of law, I was embarrassed. This is not a ic or a problem; it is an American problem. This crisis is a stain on our Nation. prgtoken What we saw on our trip broke my heart--so many young, unaccompanied children sent on a dangerous journey north by their parents because this administration promised to take them in. The compassion shown by the Border Patrol agents was clear. These brave men and women are doing all they can to make the best out of a terrible situation--a situation created by our President and his administration. prgtoken I have said it before, and I will say it again: The situation happening at our southern border was predictable and preventable. The Border Patrol folks know this will happen and that it would happen. They told us how they asked the Border Patrol before the inauguration to give them time to prepare for any changes to the immigration policy, but President didn't listen. He was more interested in appeasing the globalists who demanded he immediately end President 's successful border policies. prgtoken On his first day in office, President reversed President 's policies and signaled to the world that the American border was open. President gave Border Patrol little to no warning. The result has been a border that is not run by the United States; it is run by the Mexican cartel and human smugglers. prgtoken What is worse, it is not
Honoring Officer William F. Evans (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-4-12

on Good Friday, the U.S. Capitol Police were subjected to another violent attack. Once again, our uniformed heroes wound up in harm's way, and Officer Billy Evans, a friend and favorite of many here on the Senate side and a faithful protector of the Capitol, was killed. prgtoken Investigators are still assessing what drove the perpetrator to attempt this attack on the Capitol and whether domestic, violent extremism played a role. He appears to have been captivated by the Nation of Islam--a racist, anti-Semitic, extreme group under the openly hateful leader, Louis Farrakhan. prgtoken His attack injured Officer Ken Shaver, and it stole away the life of Officer Evans from his children Logan and Abigail, his mother Janice, his entire family, and all of his friends and colleagues decades too soon. prgtoken Officer Evans was famous within the Senate for his friendly spirit and easy manner. He was the first face that many would see on the way to work here in the Capitol every day. His particular post often meant he was literally the first line of defense of the Congress--the interface between these grounds and the outside world. We could not have had a kinder and more likeable ambassador at this juncture or a more faithful protector to keep us safe. prgtoken It will be with tremendous grief, but tremendous gratitude, that we will welcome Officer Evans to the Capitol for a final time tomorrow where he will lie in honor in the Rotunda. prgtoken I think I speak for the entire Senate when I salute all of our U.S. Capitol Police officers for the heroism, courage, and resilience they displayed the Friday before last and which they display every single day. The Senate and the Nation are profoundly grateful for your selfless service.
Honoring Officer William F. Evans (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-12

the Senate returns to session in the shadow of tragedy. A week ago last Friday, the senseless attack on the Capitol by a lone actor injured one Capitol Police officer and claimed the life of another, Officer William ``Billy'' Evans. prgtoken All of us in the Capitol and all of us across the Nation wish for the speedy recovery of Officer Shaver and mourn the loss of another fallen hero. prgtoken To pay tribute to his final act of bravery, Officer Evans will lie in honor under the Capitol Rotunda, at the very center of the democracy he gave his life to protect. A service in his memory will take place tomorrow morning. prgtoken For everyone who works in the Senate, his loss is particularly painful. He was a familiar face who greeted lawmakers, reporters, staffers, and employees at the north entrance as we entered the Senate side of the building. Whether you knew him or not, his wide smile was often the first thing you would see in the morning. prgtoken This has been an immensely difficult few months for members of the Capitol Police Force and for everyone who works behind the scenes to safeguard the Capitol Complex. Senate committees are conducting bipartisan and comprehensive reviews to ensure the Capitol is as secure as possible while also remaining accessible to the public. That is a top priority. prgtoken But also, in this moment of profound loss, we need to comfort each other and support members of the Capitol Police, who, in 4 short months, have suffered a brutal attack by a violent mob and lost four of their friends and cherished colleagues. We must never, never take for granted the work they do, day in and day out, to guard this citadel of democracy. prgtoken I will have more to say tomorrow when we pay tribute to the life of Officer Evans. For now, I wish to extend my deep condolences to his friends and family, especially his two young children, and everyone whose lives were enriched by knowing this incredible, incredible public servant.
REMEMBERING BRIGID McDONOUGH
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-4-12

today I rise in remembrance of my dear friend Brigid McDonough. Many years ago, she agreed to be the treasurer of my Senate campaign and stayed in that volunteer job for over a decade. That was a courageous thing to do in this political climate. But that was the kind of friend Brigid was: loyal and always there. She wanted to serve the people. prgtoken She loved her family. She loved her husband, Reid. I know how hard it was for Reid and Brigid at the end, and the last few years the two of them had together were so precious. Brigid loved her extended family of course. I will always remember being at the Lumberjack Days Parade in Stillwater, and Brigid would run up and give me a big hug--and her sister would run up and give me a big hug and then some other McDonough would. Her affection was contagious. prgtoken Since her admission to the Minnesota bar in 1984, her life and career were rooted in how she could best lift others up. She believed that government and the law can be used to help people achieve equity and social justice in a world where playing fields are not often level. She used her impressive legal acumen to achieve good things on behalf of many people in our State. prgtoken Brigid recognized the power of political and community organizing, of getting involved. She was inspired by the DFL tradition and the honest conviction to fight for what is just. If you asked me what politician she was most inspired by, I would have to say Senator Paul Wellstone. He was her hero. Campaigning for Paul is how I first met Brigid; She was a true believer, happily working at a law firm by day, and spending her free time out there holding up those green signs for Paul. prgtoken Providing affordable housing to underserved communities was a major goal for Brigid, and she approached her volunteer work with the same focus she had at the law firm. Whether she was representing immigrant and refugee families through her pro bono work, supporting her alma mater and community by serving on the Macalester College alumni board and the Hmong Partnership board, or chairing the St. Paul DFL--that alone is a career unto itself--Brigid always brought this earnest conviction to fight for what was good, often on behalf of people who couldn't always do it for themselves. prgtoken Brigid did so much through the valuable guidance she offered to dozens of local, State, and national political campaigns. She was especially dedicated to electing women and people of color to public office, and she was really good at it. prgtoken Brigid was kind and generous, loyal to friends and colleagues, and compassionate, smart, and really funny. She and Reid loved traveling and both were voracious readers. I always admired her adventurous spirit and valued hearing her opinions on everything from Minnesota politics to Bruce Springsteen. Friends considered her a font of wisdom and ideas, and she always shared recommendations on books, movies,