mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-4-19

this week marks the 26th anniversary of the worst domestic terrorist attack in history, and that was the Oklahoma City bombing. Each year, we mark this solemn occasion, and this year, we come together to do it again. prgtoken I remember that day so clearly where 168 people were murdered. I remember the thundering cadence of the police officers, the firemen, and all the first responders as they were going into the--standing there watching them going into a burning building, risking their lives, and many of them died. I had close friends who died that day, and I know there were so many others who lost family and friends and loved ones. It was a day that forever changed our proud State. prgtoken I was flying my plane back from the Mexican border to Tulsa, and I didn't have quite enough gas. I had to make a stop in Dallas. I looked up at the FBO, and there were crowds of people around that TV set in Dallas. I went to see what they were watching, and I recognized it. It was our downtown Oklahoma City buildings. The disaster had taken place, and everyone was watching. prgtoken We could have let that moment define us and change us for the worse, and it would have been a lot easier to do that, but that is not the Oklahoma way. Second Corinthians reminds us to not lose heart in times of struggle and tragedy, and Oklahoma did not lose heart. What arose from the rubble that day was the Oklahoma Standard--strangers helping strangers, giving sacrificially, and performing acts of service for each other. prgtoken I also want to take a moment to recognize the work of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. For the past two decades, they have upheld their charge to honor those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever. prgtoken So, today, please join me as we remember the victims, their families, and loved ones, as well as extend our thanks to all the first responders who were forever changed on April 19, 1995. Let's honor them by taking a moment to rededicate ourselves to live the Oklahoma Standard embodied in the actions of so many on that fateful day. We owe it to them. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING OFFICER JACOB CARLSON
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-4-19

I rise to honor the true heroism of Officer Jacob Carlson of the Casper, WY, police department. On May 6, 2018, Officer Carlson risked his life to save his fellow officer and the lives of several young children when a routine traffic stop turned deadly. Every day, police officers must remain vigilant because, as we have seen, even routine enforcement actions can go sideways at a moment's notice. That happened to Officer Carlson, and his actions speak to his character. He put his life on the line to protect his fellow officer and his community. His courage is inspiring, and I am proud to call him a son of Wyoming. For this action, Officer Carlson has been awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery, and it is a badge he earned. prgtoken His years of service and dedication to the Casper Police Department were cut short by what happened, but Officer Carlson's career of service as a police officer and former service in the U.S. Army is a legacy for which he can be proud. prgtoken Officer Carlson is a remarkable example of the highest caliber of law enforcement professionals. He is the hero we describe when we teach our children and grandchildren about the police officers who protect our communities. prgtoken Officers such as Officer Carlson who protect our great State reinforce my belief that Wyoming truly is the best State in the Nation. When Americans want to see an example of how police officers should comport themselves, they can look upon Wyoming as the shining example. Officer Carlson's actions on May 6, 2018, exemplify why. prgtoken The State of Wyoming is blessed to have not only one brave officer deserving of this honor. The second officer is one of the people Officer Carlson protected in the face of adversity, Officer Randi Garrett, whose courage and heroism was also on display that day, is equally deserving and will be honored with a Congressional Badge of Bravery. prgtoken My sincere thanks to Officer Carlson for making Casper and the State of Wyoming one of the greatest, safest places to live.
ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO INNOVATION ACT OF 2021
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2021-4-19

from North Carolina for yielding to me. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Eliminate Barriers to Innovation Act. As the ranking member of the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee, I am looking forward to digging in on the many issues surrounding digital assets, particularly digital commodities. prgtoken Digitally native assets represent a new way for people to interact with each other and potentially organize productive activities. Whatever promise this innovative technology may hold, it will not be realized if it is subjected to outdated and unworkable regulations. prgtoken One of the great strengths our financial system in the U.S. has is that the rules are well-formed, longstanding, and fit for purpose. While we may argue about the details, the basic principles of the U.S. financial markets, and the rules which apply to legacy assets, are well understood. prgtoken Digital assets, on the other hand, present new challenges. While the principles won't change, the rules that bring those principles into effect may have to change. prgtoken This working group will give the CFTC, the SEC, and the market participants a critical venue to examine those principles and bring needed clarity to the application of existing rules on digital asset transactions. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
RECOGNIZING THE FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-19

. 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: Katherine Weyer, Kimberley Weyer, Nicole Weyer, Megan Weyerbacher, Morgan Weyer-Coates, James Weyh, Brandon Weyh, Joseph Whalen, Beverly Wharton, Kelly Wharton, Jeanne Wheeler, Rikki Wheeler, Kasandra Wheeler, Kurt Wheeler, Lindsey Wheeler, Kelly Wheelhouse, Andrea Wheelhouse, Nancy Whillock, Deborah Whipple, Alyce Whipple, Jessica WhirlwindSoldier, Barry Whisenant, Sandra Whitcher, Debra White, Janii White, Timothy White, Amy White, Lynn White, Robin White, Tanya White, Nicole White, Melanie White, Arlene White, Tamber White, Shannon White, Tanner White, Nadine White, Kyle White, Amanda White, Emma White, Haley White, Bridget White, Victoria White, Rebecca White, Shaleigh White, Whitley White, Brandon White, Jessie White Hat, Kathryn Whites, Brenda Whiting, Jennifer Whiting, Tawnya Whiting, Hannah Whiting. prgtoken Samantha Whitley, Richard Whitlock, Abigail Whitlock, Teresa Whitmore, Sarah Whitney, Kylee Whitney, Jessica Whitney, Morgan Whittle, Ashley Wibeto, Kathleen Wick, Andrea Wickersham, Kristy Wickett, Kara Wickman, JoAnn Widrig, Valerie Wiebe, Jeri Wiebe, Kristin Wiebe, Paula Wiebe, Daxx Wiebelhaus, Betty Wiebelhaus-Vosler, Margie Wiebers, Cathy Wiebers, Angie Wiebers, Barbara Wiechmann, Hilary Wieck, Alison Wieczorek, Lacey Wieczorek, Krista Wiedenman, Lisa Wiederhold, Brent Wiederholt, Jeannie Wiege, Jean Wiekamp, Sarah Wielenga, Sarah Wielocha, Jill Wieman, Tanya Wiens, Bonnie Wierenga, Lindsay Wiese, Jaime Wiese, Shanna Wiese, Michele Wieseler, Abbie Wieseler, Emily Wiford, Daylon Wigart, Pearl Wigdahl Aldrich, Miranda Wiggs, Wendy Wight, Elisabeth Wightman, Jennifer Wiik, Vickie Wilbur, Glenda Wilcox, Susan Wilcox, Kimberly Wilcox, Linda Wilcox. prgtoken Lauren Wilcoxon, Gail Wild, Pamela Wilde, Jacqueline Wilde, Mandy Wilde, Kristina Wildeman, Michael Wildermuth, Deborah Wile, Alysen Wilen, Cynthia Wiles, Madison Wiley, Lori Wilford, Melanie Wilgers, Jill Wilgers, Holly Wilgers, Katie Wilk, Patty Wilkening, Meridith Wilkens, Richard Wilkins, Kimberly Wilkins, Moriah Wilkinson, Lesley Wilkinson, Sarah Wilkison, Elizabeth Will, Beverly Willadsen, Chantelle Wille, Elizabeth Willers, Kelli Willging, Candace Willhite, Debra Williams, Darlene Williams, Lori Williams, James Williams, Charlene Williams, Gordon Williams, Paul Williams, Marie Williams, Barbara Williams, Lisa Williams, Christy Williams, Jennifer Williams, Katherine Williams, Vanessa Williams, Aileen Williams, Kirstin Williams, Autumn Williams, Britt Williams, Kathy Williams, Sarah Williams, Jennifer Williams, Rebecca Williams, Blair Williams, Kristin Williams, Jael Williams, Rebecca Williams. prgtoken Barbara Williams, Melissa Williams, Amie Williams, Amy Williams, Carrie Williams, Danielle Williams, Teryn Williams, Hanna Williams, Erin Williams, Brandis Williams
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JOSEPH McKNIGHT
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2021-4-19

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Reverend Joseph McKnight who passed away February 27, 2021. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in mourning his loss. prgtoken Born to Reverend Richard Franklin McKnight and Flora Hicks on January 4, 1956, Rev. McKnight was raised with the conviction of service to God. He grew up near Nashville, Tennessee and graduated high school before continuing his education in Theology and Psychology. At the age of 16 he recognized his call to ministry. In September of 1988 he was ordained as a Licensed Minister with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. prgtoken Rev. McKnight married Roxan Prater on June 10, 1977. Throughout his ministry he has served as Pastor at Milledgeville Pentecostal Church, Youth President of the Tennessee District ALJC, and Youth Pastor for the Pentecostal Church of Blue Mountain. He has also served on the board of Iron Hill Christian Academy, Chairman of the Board of Blue Mountain Children's Home, and New Beginnings International Children's & Family Services Board. prgtoken Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Roxann; brothers Robert, Richard, Ron, and Steve; sister, Glenda; and many nieces and nephews. prgtoken Rev. McKnight had an immeasurable impact on the faith community across Mississippi and I am grateful to his service to God, family, and state.
HONORING COLONEL BOBBY GINN, UNITED STATES ARMY
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2021-4-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the outstanding military service of Colonel Bobby Ginn. Colonel Ginn, his wife Vicki, and their four children hail from Tylertown, Mississippi. Bobby comes from a long line of family members rich in military tradition. His grandfather served in WWI and his father served in WWII, both mobilizing through Camp Shelby MS, the very same military post that Colonel Ginn commanded from July 2017 through November 2020. prgtoken Colonel Ginn grew up working on a dairy farm, later becoming a cattle rancher. However, he had a desire to serve his country and, in 1990, enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. prgtoken He received his commission in 1993 through Officer Candidate School and served in numerous leadership positions including Company and Battalion Command. He became a prgtoken federal technician in 1996 and was assigned to the Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site at Camp Shelby. prgtoken In 2007, Colonel Ginn deployed to Iraq as a Company Commander serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military career spanned three decades of exemplary service including his most recent leadership role as Commander of the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center. prgtoken Colonel Ginn has received numerous prestigious awards including the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and many other commendations including Federal and State Awards. prgtoken Colonel Ginn is a graduate of the Command and General Staff Officer Course and earned a master's degree in Strategic Studies at the prestigious U.S. Army War College. prgtoken Colonel Bobby Ginn is a true American patriot who chose to answer the call to serve our country. It is an honor to recognize his unwavering dedication to our country.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-4-19

Kentucky has a rich cultural history and is the birthplace of musical artists from every genre and era. Proudly showcasing this heritage is the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Mount Vernon, KY. prgtoken John Lee Lair, who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII, returned to the States and joined WLS radio in Chicago, where he turned his lifelong love of music into a career. He founded the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, which was broadcast by several powerful AM stations and eventually moved to its final home in Renfro Valley, KY. prgtoken Today we honor one of John Lair's three daughters, Ann Lair Henderson, who developed the plan to house the hall of fame and museum in the family's vintage horse stable. Following an act of the Kentucky General Assembly in 2002, this special tribute to Kentucky's storied musicians was born. prgtoken The iconic building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with memorabilia and tributes to over 60 artists as diverse as Rosemary Clooney, Ricky Skaggs, Lionel Hampton, Boots Randolph, and Mary Travers. Nearly 20 years since its founding, Ann Lair Henderson, who recently celebrated her 98th birthday, is still a vital part of the organization that helps recognize the enormous contribution of Kentucky's incredible musical talents. We are grateful for Ann's passion for preserving history and for promoting some of the Commonwealth's finest treasures. She is a treasure in her own right to her local community and a great reminder for us all to keep pursuing those things about which we are truly passionate through every season of life.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM ACT OF 2021
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-4-19

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 408, the ``Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2021,'' which provides statutory authority for the mentor-protege program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under which a mentor firm enters into an agreement with a protege firm to assist the latter to compete for prime contracts and subcontracts of DHS. prgtoken The Mentor-Protege program is designed to motivate and encourage large business prime contractor firms to provide mutually beneficial developmental assistance to small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns. prgtoken The participating Mentor-Protege Companies, program is also designed to: prgtoken 1. Improve the performance of contracts and subcontracts. prgtoken 2. Foster the establishment of long-term business relationships between large prime contractors and small business subcontractors. prgtoken 3. Strengthen subcontracting opportunities and accomplishments through three incentives. Eligibility for Participation prgtoken All firms must be in good standing in the federal marketplace. prgtoken The program excludes firms that are on the Federal List of Debarred or Suspended Contractors. prgtoken A Mentor Firm is open to any large business firm that demonstrates the commitment and capability to assist in the development of small business proteges. prgtoken A Protege Firm can partner with all small businesses that meet the definition of small business concern at FAR 19.001, based on their primary NAICS code, are eligible to be protege firms. prgtoken This includes small business, veteran-owned small business, service- disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns. prgtoken Benefits for Mentors to participate in this program include for acquisitions that require for a subcontracting plan, mentors are eligible to receive credit in the source selection/evaluation criteria process for mentor-protege participation. prgtoken Additionally, a post-award incentive for subcontracting plan credit is available by recognizing costs incurred by a mentor firm in providing assistance to a protege firm and using this credit for purposes of determining whether the mentor firm attains a subcontracting plan participation goal applicable to the mentor firm under a Homeland Security contract. prgtoken The program benefits the Protege by allowing them to receive technical, managerial, financial, or any other mutually agreed upon benefit from mentors including work that flows from a government or commercial contract through subcontracting or teaming arrangements. The assistance could result in significant small business development. prgtoken The benefits to the Department of Homeland Security is the opportunity to move f
FAYTHE WILLIAMS
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Faythe Williams for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken Faythe Williams is an 11th grader at Legacy High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Faythe Williams is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Faythe Williams for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-4-19

I rise today to speak on the United States Climate Leadership on International Mitigation, Adaptation, and Technology Enhancement Act of 2021--the U.S. CLIMATE Act climate change represents a clear and present threat to the stability, security and prosperity of nations around the world, including the United States. The cost of climate-induced disasters becomes more indisputable and devastating with every passing year. Barring swift and ambitious action, the situation will only worsen. prgtoken We've all seen the devastating impacts of climate change. For years, unprecedented tropical storms have destroyed communities in Mozambique, Central America, and the United States, including communities in my home state of New Jersey. This past February, incredibly abnormal and brutal winter weather, exacerbated by climatic disruption to the Arctic's polar vortex, killed eleven people and left thousands in Texas without power and water. Less than a year prior, deadly wildfires, exacerbated by climate change engulfed California, killing 31 people, and Australia, killing 34 people, and forced thousands to flee their homes and lose their livelihoods. And yet, while hurricanes and storm surges are horrific, climate change is also increasing the intensity, length and geographic expanse of droughts around the world contributing to food insecurity, natural resource scarcity and desertification. prgtoken Likewise, intensifying effects of climate change pose an existential threat to hundreds of millions of people and exacerbate global forced migration. Nations like Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia are incredibly vulnerable to mass displacement due to rising sea levels. Island nations like Tuvalu, Seychelles, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Kiribati are already managing internal migration due to climate change induced sea-level rise. Without ambitious action to both keep global leverage temperatures well below an increase of two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels it is forecasted that the entirety of certain nations may become uninhabitable within my grandchildren's lifetime. It is a moral imperative for the Senators in this body, and humanity, to act to ensure that is not the world we leave for the generations that will come after us. Today's generations are the first people to personally and regularly experience the effects of climate change on the natural world and its impact on humanity . . . and we are also the last generations that can, and must, act to prevent the worst forecasts from becoming reality. prgtoken Changing climate and weather patterns intensification of global food insecurity and resource scarcity especially threaten the lives and security of the world's most vulnerable populations. For months, heavy rainfall and warmer temperatures have triggered a locust plague in East Africa that has lasted more than an entire year. This historic locust plague--triggered
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-19

I also rise today to offer my strong support for the nomination of Ms. Vanita Gupta to be the Associate Attorney General of the United States. prgtoken In the 44-year history of the position, a woman of color has never served as Associate Attorney General of the United States. We have the opportunity to confirm a qualified, proven, and respected woman of color in Ms. Gupta, and the Senate should not delay any longer. prgtoken As Associate Attorney General, Ms. Gupta would help restore professionalism, empathy, and dignity to the highest levels of the Justice Department. Through more than 5 hours of testimony--5 hours-- before the Judiciary Committee and in a lengthy career in public service, Ms. Gupta has demonstrated exactly why our Nation would be well served by her leadership in the Department of Justice. prgtoken Throughout her career, Ms. Gupta has paid particular attention to the most marginalized and often the least heard among us. From representing wrongfully convicted individuals as a young lawyer to her time in leadership roles at the ACLU, the Leadership Conference, and the Department of Justice, Ms. Gupta has demonstrated her deep commitment to pursuing justice, equity, and equality for all people. prgtoken In pursuit of that goal, Ms. Gupta has also demonstrated her desire and ability to work with anyone, including those who might normally disagree with her. Indeed, Ms. Gupta's endorsements from groups like the Fraternal Order of Police and individuals like Grover Norquist confirm that she is a thoughtful listener, a bridge builder, and a consensus seeker. prgtoken In this charged political era, it is hard to imagine that any other nominee for Associate Attorney General could give my colleagues more assurance that their views will be fairly considered at the Department of Justice. Yet, our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee requested that Ms. Gupta's nomination be indefinitely stalled and that she be required to testify before the committee again. When those demands were rightfully declined, they chose to vote en bloc against referring Ms. Gupta's nomination to the floor. prgtoken But the opposition to Ms. Gupta's nomination is, frankly, frivolous. For 4 years now, the now-minority members of the Judiciary Committee refused to even comment on, let alone criticize, President 's tweets antagonizing judges, Senators, everyday Americans, and so many others. Yet now they argue that Ms. Gupta's occasionally impassioned tweets over the last 4 years are somehow disqualifying, despite her sincere apology, her expression of respect for Members of this body, and her promise to participate in turning down the rhetorical temperature. My colleagues' double standard could not be more clear. prgtoken Similarly, our colleagues spent the last 4 years hastily confirming judges and nominees who refused to answer basic questions, like whether or not B