mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
The Inflation Reduction Act (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-9-8

a month ago yesterday, Senate shoved another partisan spending bill through the Senate--this one, the inaccurately named ``Inflation Reduction Act.'' I say ``inaccurately named'' because the so-called Inflation Reduction Act will do nothing to reduce inflation. That is right. The so-called Inflation Reduction Act will not actually reduce inflation. You don't have to take my word for it; the nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model said this about the bill's impact on inflation: ``The impact on inflation is statistically indistinguishable from zero''--``statistically indistinguishable from zero.'' prgtoken also claim that the bill will lead to deficit reduction, but that is not really true, either. In the first place, arrive at their deficit reduction assumptions using some extremely fuzzy math. A substantial part of their deficit reduction claims depend on not extending a program that they have already called for extending and on supposedly eliminating a rule that at this point was never going to be implemented anyway. prgtoken But even using their rosiest assumptions, the deficit reduction they would have achieved with the Inflation Reduction Act was wiped out completely 8 days after the bill was signed by the President's costly, reckless student loan giveaway. prgtoken have clearly been seeing the polling on Americans' opinion of the economy and their lack of faith in President and to deal with the economic challenges we are facing. That is unquestionably why named their bill the ``Inflation Reduction Act'' and touted their commitment to deficit reduction in an attempt to suggest fiscal responsibility. The problem, of course, is that their commitment to deficit reduction, inflation reduction, and fiscal responsibility was and continues to be nothing more than window dressing. prgtoken At its core, the Inflation Reduction Act, like the so-called American Rescue Plan before it, is just another big government, big spending piece of legislation. It will do nothing to address the real economic challenges facing our Nation. Instead, it will waste taxpayer dollars on ' big government fantasies. It will drive up energy costs in the service of ' Green New Deal agenda. It will push people off private insurance and into government-run healthcare, driving up the cost to taxpayers. The legislation imposes socialist-style price controls that will discourage medical innovation and reduce the number of new treatments and cures. It imposes new taxes on businesses that will slow economic growth and result in lower wages and fewer jobs. And the list goes on. prgtoken In case there was any doubt about their intentions with this bill, made their priorities very, very clear when the Senate considered amendments. ' so-called Inflation Reduction Act hikes taxes on domestic oil and gas production--something that will
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT--EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-8

I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the leader, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider Calendar No. 1096, David Pekoske to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration; that there be 10 minutes equally divided in the usual form on the nomination; that upon the use or yielding back of the time, the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that any statements related to the nomination be printed in the Record; and that the President be immediately notified Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.
REMEMBERING SAMUEL F. SANDOVAL, SR.
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2022-9-8

it is my honor to recognize the heroic life of Samuel F. Sandoval, Sr who passed away on July 29, 2022. Mr. Sandoval had been one of the last four remaining Navajo Code Talkers who served during World War II and whose unbreakable code using the Navajo language delivered military communications and played an indispensable role in America's victory in the Pacific. prgtoken Mr. Sandoval was Naasht'ezhi Dine'esh, Zuni Clan, and born for Tl'aashchi'i, Red Cheek People. He was born on October 24, 1923, in Kimbeto, NM, near Chaco Canyon and graduated in 1942 from the Navajo Methodist Mission School in Farmington, NM, where he was discouraged from using the Navajo language. prgtoken He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in March of 1943 and completed his basic training Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA, where the original 29 Code Talkers had arrived the previous fall. After transferring to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA, he and other Code Talkers created more than 600 codes using words from the Navajo Language. As one of the 418 Navajo Code Talkers, he used the 813-word Navajo code to securely send and receive military communications. prgtoken Mr. Sandoval served in five combat tours, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Peleliu, and Okinawa, before his honorable discharge in January 1946. In recognition of his military service, Mr. Sandoval received the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, a Combat Action Ribbon, a China Service Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, a Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp, and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a silver star, in lieu of five bronze stars. prgtoken After the war, Mr. Sandoval earned a degree in substance abuse counseling from the University of Utah. He worked for many years as a counselor, assisting Navajo people experiencing alcohol addiction and substance use disorders at his clinic, To-Tah Alcohol Counseling. prgtoken Like other Code Talkers, Mr. Sandoval had strict orders not to discuss their secret mission during the war or until it was declassified decades later in 1968. After their role was revealed publicly, Mr. Sandoval and his late brother, Merrill Sandoval, took immense pride in their experiences as Code Talkers and worked to educate the public about their contributions. Mr. Sandoval told his personal account in both a book and documentary titled, ``Naz Bah Ei Bijei: Heart of a Warrior.'' prgtoken In 2001, Mr. Sandoval received a Congressional Silver Medal from President in recognition of his service as a Code Talker. Earlier this year, during his last trip away from home, Mr. Sandoval received American Spirit Award for Bravery from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA. He was looking forward to attending the groundbreaking for the Navajo Code Talker Museum in Tse Bonito, NM, which took place on National Navajo Code Talkers Day on August 14. prgtoken My thoughts are with his widow, Malula, his surviv
Nomination of Andre Mathis (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-9-8

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Andre Mathis to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Mathis is an outstanding nominee with extensive litigation experience and deep ties to the Tennessee legal community. prgtoken Over the years, he has litigated hundreds of civil cases and has defended approximately 150 criminal cases as a member of the Criminal Justice Act panel in the Western District of Tennessee. Mr. Mathis has tried 19 cases to verdict or final judgment and has briefed 23 appeals. And if confirmed, he would be the first Black man to sit on the Sixth Circuit from Tennessee. Mr. Mathis was rated unanimously ``well qualified'' by the American Bar Association, and he received a bipartisan vote in committee. Despite his extensive experience, some on the other side have questioned Mr. Mathis' credentials, as well as his confirmation process itself. prgtoken Let's set the record straight. Mr. Mathis is highly qualified for this job. And any claim that there was no meaningful consultation between the White House and the Tennessee Senators on this vacancy is simply false. Over a period of 6 months, the White House asked the Tennessee Senators for proposed candidates, interviewed one such candidate, and made Mr. Mathis available to the Senators to conduct their own interviews. There is a clear record of good faith consultation regarding this vacancy, consultation that far exceeded that afforded by the White House to several ic Senators. prgtoken Remember, under the former President, Senate s regularly supported circuit nominees who were nominated, even though the White House did not seek any input from home-State ic Senators. I have said it many times: There cannot be one standard for s and another for . prgtoken With Mr. Mathis' nomination, this Senate has an historic opportunity to confirm a lifelong Tennessean and a person of outstanding credentials and integrity to serve the community that raised him. I look forward to supporting him and urge my colleagues to do the same.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-9-8

last weekend, 10 people were tragically killed in a plane crash near Whidbey Island, WA, sending waves of shock and sadness through the entire State. Today, I join with communities across Washington in honoring their memories and grieving this immeasurable loss for their families and friends. prgtoken One of these 10 people was Sandy Williams, a beloved member of the eastern Washington community, and a powerful civil rights advocate who worked to lift up Black voices across the State. Sandy Williams was born and raised in Spokane Valley and, starting at a young age, worked hard in pursuit of equality and justice. In fact, when her middle school offered a home economics class for girls but wouldn't allow them to take the shop class with the boys, she refused to take no for and answer and pushed back until she and other girls were allowed to take shop. Her fight for fairness and equality would lead her to leave an indelible mark on eastern Washington which she loved so dearly, in so many ways. prgtoken Sandy helped establish the Pride Center at Eastern Washington University to support LGBTQ+ youth. Sandy also served eastern Washington as its member of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs. And she worked nonstop to lift Black voices and create a community where everyone is heard, included, and empowered. prgtoken In 2016, Sandy started publishing a newspaper called ``Black Lens''-- that she ran out of her home--to tell the prgtoken stories that mattered most to Black Washingtonians. Sandy was dedicated to a vision of eastern Washington where Black people could come together as a community and worked hard to make that vision a reality by helping create the Carl Maxey Center. The Carl Maxey Center is a testament to Sandy's legacy; it remains a hub of economic, social, and cultural activity in Spokane. It provides rental assistance, social services, business support, resources for students, and more. It helps plan beloved events like Unity in the Community and the Riverfront Park Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. And it will continue to be an example of Sandy's steadfast commitment to community. prgtoken Through her advocacy, through her example, and through her action to make dreams realities, Sandy made Washington State a fairer, more just place, and her legacy and impact will endure for generations to come. prgtoken Sandy is survived by her daughter Renika, her brother Rick, and many loved ones in Spokane.
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LLOYD LEWIS
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-9-9

. Madam , I, along with Representative Diana DeGette, rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Lloyd Lewis and congratulate him on receiving the World Citizenship Award from Civitan International for his nearly two decades of tireless advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. prgtoken Lloyd made the transition to advocacy following the birth of his son, Kennedy, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. This diagnosis led Lloyd to leave a successful career in finance to begin his journey as CEO of Arc Thrift Stores of Colorado--an organization that supports advocacy services for Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities since its founding in 1968. prgtoken Under Lloyd's extraordinary leadership, Arc has become one of Colorado's largest employers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through their Ambassador program--which Lloyd created. The Ambassador program provides employment with full pay and benefits to individuals with disabilities, in addition to free social, educational, and professional development support. prgtoken The impactful work by Lloyd and Arc doesn't stop there. Arc has donated money, supplies, and vouchers to several non-profits throughout Colorado when the need arises. In recent years, Arc has donated to the Boulder Marshall Fire Relief, COVID relief, and to Ukrainian refugees. prgtoken With this award, Lloyd joins the ranks of distinguished recipients such as former President prgtoken Dwight D. Eisenhower and Sir Winston Churchill. The World Citizenship Award is not given out annually, rather presented based on merit to those who have made a significant difference to mankind. prgtoken Lloyd is a shining example for how we should all strive to live our lives--as passionate, dedicated advocates for the diversity and inclusion of all people. There is no doubt our community is a better place because of Lloyd's leadership at Arc. We congratulate him on receiving this award and thank him for his tireless work advocating for vulnerable communities in Colorado.
AUGUST CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH STATEMENT
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-9

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Beatriz Palmer as my August Constituent of the Month. As we begin another school year, we must continue to support and uplift the work of local educators and community leaders who are going above and beyond to help students succeed. prgtoken Palmer is the Program Manager for the Service Learning and Volunteer Center at MiraCosta College, where she focuses on helping students combine their studies with community service and civic engagement. Her passion for public service is evident in her work at the college and the community, where she is helping to foster the next generation of young people and adults who understand the power of civic engagement and giving back to their community. prgtoken In addition to her role at the college, Palmer serves as the new board president of Operation HOPE-North County, a shelter for families with children and single women experiencing homelessness. Operation HOPE-North County provides critical wrap-around and case management services for families with children and single women, and the families who graduate from their program. Prior to her board role, Palmer and her family volunteered preparing and purchasing meals for the shelter residents, supported the kids program, brought others to OHNC, and created fundraisers and drives for the shelter. She continues to advocate for housing needs throughout the community, connecting college students to the organization for service opportunities, and providing other support to advance Operation HOPE-North County's vital mission. prgtoken I am incredibly grateful for constituents like Palmer who are committed to helping our students succeed and growing a generation of community members who appreciate the value of public service. Our District is brighter because of her dedication to her students and her community. I have no doubt that Palmer will continue to inspire future leaders, and I'm honored to recognize her as my August Constituent of the Month. prgtoken Representative Levin's Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin's July Constituent of the Month was local reproductive health doctor Dr. Pratima Gupta. Rep. Levin's June Constituent of the Month was Carlsbad native and LGBTQIA+ advocate Kevin Lee. To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, visit https:// mikelevin.house.gov/services/constituent-month.
HONORING WAYNE T. WIRICK, JR.
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor Wayne T. Wirick, Jr. for 40 years of outstanding service to the City of Sonoma. Mr. Wirick has demonstrated his commitment to the local community through various roles in service to the City of Sonoma, and volunteer work with emergency response departments. prgtoken In the last 40 years, Mr. Wirick has fulfilled several roles in the City of Sonoma. He has served as Building Inspector, Building Official, Project Manager, and Interim Public Works Director. In these roles, he was involved in ensuring that buildings were updated and secured to the correct standard, especially as the area experienced earthquakes. Mr. Wirick was also the Planning Section Chief when the city experienced several disasters, including the Nuns fires. Currently, he is Sonoma's Acting City Manager and on-site Information Technology specialist prgtoken Volunteer service is an important part of Mr. Wirick's life, as he volunteered with the City of Sonoma Fire Department for 17 years. Volunteer firefighters are a valuable addition to fire departments everywhere, and by participating, Mr. Wirick put himself in danger in order to protect the people in his community. prgtoken Mr. Wirick has also been recognized for his involvement with the Sonoma Valley Boys and Girls Club. He has been recognized by the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation in 1988 for his involvement in preserving Sonoma City Hall and in 1993 for the City of Sonoma Seismic Upgrade Ordinance. prgtoken Mr. Wirick is a family man at heart. He and his wife Carol have three children, Matt, Danny, Emily, and two grandchildren, Luke and Reagan. His community views him as a mentor and a leader, with a sense of humor. He holds himself and others in his community to a high standard, while also maintaining patience and kindness. prgtoken Madam , it is evident that Mr. Wirick has worked endlessly to serve his community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
RECOGNIZING SYLVIO DUPUIS
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-9-9

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Sylvio Dupuis and his life-long service to the city of Manchester, where he was born and raised. A proud alumnus of Manchester schools and Saint Anselm College, Syl became an optometrist and built a successful private practice while also serving in the Air National Guard. This spirit of service was best embodied by Syl's two terms as Mayor of Manchester and his emphasis on finding community-based solutions for the Queen City's most pressing issues. prgtoken Syl's steadfast leadership and expertise led to a major revitalization effort in Central Manchester, which saw funding secured from HUD used to purchase the former Sacred Heart Hospital. Today, this facility is home to ninety-five subsidized rental apartments operated by the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Syl's involvement in the community extended well past his two terms as Mayor, including his roles as a founding President of Catholic Medical Center, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, and later Commissioner of Insurance. prgtoken Syl's leadership on housing issues also benefited NeighborWorks in their formative years, resulting in the organization converting the Straw Mansion at the former Notre Dame College into affordable rental apartments for Manchester's workforce. It is both fitting and proper that Syl's service to the community be recognized with the David P. Goodwin Outstanding Neighbor Award, and I can think of no one more deserving of the title ``outstanding neighbor.'' prgtoken Syl's vision for a safer, cleaner Manchester has made the Queen City one of the largest metropolitan centers in New Hampshire, and we owe him and his wife, Cecile, a debt of gratitude for their dedication to our state. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Sylvio Dupuis for his tireless commitment to Manchester and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the community.
RECOGNIZING KINGS COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING COUNCIL
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-9-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Kings County Commission on Aging Council as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. prgtoken Founded in 1970, the Kings County Commission on Aging Council (KCCOAC) was established to provide information, assistance, support, and advocacy for senior citizens throughout Kings County. Originally, their mission was centered primarily on providing community events for seniors and promoting social prgtoken gatherings for the elderly--many of whom find themselves alone. prgtoken Since then, the KCCOAC has greatly expanded its services for seniors through their work providing health and legal services, nutrition programs, rent and utility assistance, tax preparation assistance, health insurance counseling, and senior center activities. These are just some of the many different programs offered to senior citizens through the KCCOAC and essential to thousands of elderly Americans throughout Kings County. prgtoken For 50 years, the work done by the Kings County Commission on Aging Council has been crucial to lifting the spirits of thousands of seniors in the Central Valley. Their work has directly impacted their lives and provided a source of community and necessary services to those who need help. prgtoken I ask all my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Kings County Commission on Aging Council as they celebrate 50 years of incredible work on behalf of seniors.