mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY SILICON VALLEY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise to congratulate the San Mateo County Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau on the 50th anniversary of its founding. It was 50 years ago that the Space Shuttle program was officially launched. It was fitting that the convention and visitors bureau began at that same time because the hope was to boost hotel occupancy to stratospheric levels, and to entice conventions to the fairgrounds in the City of San Mateo. It worked. prgtoken As the local economy transitioned away from agriculture and towards high technology, the fairgrounds became the site of a national semiconductor convention--SEMICON--and since that time has hosted hundreds of business and nonprofit events. Hotel rooms available in San Mateo County have exploded, from 81 hotels and 5,972 rooms in the Convention and Visitors Bureau when it was first formed to 140 hotels and 15,794 rooms today. prgtoken The economic impact of our visitor-serving industries is enormous. Pre-pandemic, the sector generated $4.5 billion in visitor spending and well over $500 million in local tax revenue. It employed 45,000 people. The bureau doesn't claim credit for all of these jobs or the money spent but given the reach of its promotional efforts it certainly has an impact. For decades, the bureau represented its membership at national shows dedicated to explaining to convention organizers the benefits of coming to San Mateo County. Many conventions came and tens of thousands of tourists annually are typically greeted in their hotels and event locations by further promotional advertisements for local attractions. prgtoken The San Mateo County Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has been an indispensable source of information for me during the pandemic. Under the leadership of its outstanding President and CEO, John Hutar, the organization arranged for owners and managers to explain the steps they were taking to keep their doors open, or to avoid going into foreclosure, during the emergency. I was proud to be able to vote for the Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL loans and restaurant prgtoken relief, all of which nourished this sector when the pandemic threatened to permanently destroy the industry in San Mateo County. For example, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund brought $214 million in relief to almost 500 San Mateo County restaurants. I held many meetings with bureau members and listened closely as they explained their concerns. prgtoken Madam , San Mateo County is the site of many amazing companies including those that discover new treatments for cancer or diabetes, program and design electric vehicles, arrange electronic payments for trillions of dollars in transactions annually, and that provide amazing medical care to our entire population. Key to our local quality of life are our visitor-serving hotel and restaurant providers. Not only do they serve visitors, but they provide fine service to residents, and jobs for tens of thou
VOTE EXPLANATION
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-5-3

I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 144. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yea. prgtoken I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 145. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yea. prgtoken I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 146. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yea. prgtoken I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 147. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted nay.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-3

reserving the right to object, we learned last week that the Department of Homeland Security has established a ``Ministry of Truth.'' They are calling it the Disinformation Governance Board--how Orwellian. prgtoken Now, the details are scarce of this effort, but one would assume that the DHS Intelligence and Analysis would be part of that effort. prgtoken The nominee being considered today was one of the architects of administrations's bulk metadata collection at the NSA-- what a great recommendation for him. Sarcasm included--which gathered the private electronic communications of millions of Americans without warrant. prgtoken Is this someone we would want to be involved in the administrations's new ``Ministry of Truth''? prgtoken I will not provide my consent to expanding the surveillance state and the suppression of First and Fourth Amendment rights of Americans. prgtoken I oppose this nominee and object.
HONORING CHARLES MINOT DOLE FOR HIS FOUNDING OF THE NATIONAL SKI PATROL AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor and remember the extraordinary life of Charles Minot ``Minnie'' Dole. Minnie Dole played a pivotal role in founding the National Ski Patrol and creating the 10th Mountain Division as we know it today. prgtoken Minnie Dole was born in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts on April 18, 1899. He attended Phillips Academy and then graduated Yale in 1923. Mr. Dole was an outdoor enthusiast and a member of the prestigious New York amateur Ski Club. He recognized the need for an organization that would supply first aid and rescue support at ski races and downhill skiing venues, so he established the National Ski Patrol in 1938 and served as its national director until 1950. His leadership and vision allowed for greater safety, accessibility, and enjoyment in skiing. Thanks to Mr. Dole's contributions, the National Ski Patrol is the largest prgtoken rescue organization in the world, and its members are world renowned. prgtoken During World War II, Mr. Dole convinced the United States War Department that success against the Germans in the mountainous Italian terrain required troops trained in mountaineering. His persistence led to the formation of the United States Army Ski Troopers in the 10th Mountain Division. After intense training in skiing and climbing, the 10th Mountain Division deployed to Northern Italy and began a series of daring and successful assaults against the German army in the northern Apennine Mountains of Italy, proving Mr. Dole to be correct. prgtoken Minnie Dole has made an indelible impact on the National Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to remember and celebrate the life of Minnie Dole. The contributions he has made to the safety and security of Americans through the 10th Mountain Division and the National Ski Patrol cannot be overstated.
NOMINATION OF JOSHUA FROST
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-5-3

today, the Senate will vote on the nomination of Joshua Frost to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets. While by most accounts Mr. Frost is qualified for this position, I will vote against his nomination out of growing concerns that the Treasury Department has been derelict in its responsibilities to the Senate Finance Committee and its members. prgtoken The most recent example of Treasury thumbing its nose at the committee is the unprecedented delay of Secretary Yellen in agreeing to testify before the committee on the President's budget. Typically, the Treasury Secretary agrees to testify before the Finance Committee the week that the President releases his budget. Since 2005, the only other time a Treasury Secretary testified before the committee more than 3 days after the release of the President's budget was Secretary Geithner in 2009, and he appeared just 6 days after the President released his budget. prgtoken This year, 37 days have passed since the President unveiled his budget, and Secretary Yellen has yet to agree on a date to come before the committee. Finance Committee members have been informed that the earliest Secretary Yellen will appear before the committee is sometime in June, more than 2 months after the release of the President's budget. The reason given for this unprecedented delay is that Secretary Yellen is too busy to fit the Finance Committee into her schedule. This excuse rings hollow when just last week she was able to find time in her busy schedule to give the keynote address at an event held at the liberal Brookings Institution. prgtoken So Secretary Yellen has time in her busy schedule to address the D.C. liberal intelligentsia at the Brookings Institution, but can't find time to answer the questions of elected Members of Congress and their constituents? This is unacceptable, and the Treasury Department must be held to account for shirking its responsibilities. In light of this, I intend to vote against the nomination of Mr. Frost to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets. Vote on Frost Nomination
HONORING JEFF PRICE OF MILLIKEN AND COMPANY
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , today, I rise to honor Jeff Price on his well-earned retirement from Milliken and Company, headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Milliken, a global leader in textiles and materials science, has a clear commitment to innovation, growth and leadership--which makes it a tough place to stand out. Yet, for 43 years, Jeff Price has done exactly that. prgtoken Jeff joined Milliken after graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1979. Jeff started in Milliken on the plant floor and worked as a business manager before he was selected to run an essential division at Milliken: the global airbag and non-woven automotive division. Think about that level of responsibility. Countless South Carolinians, countless Americans, rely on airbags every day to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We don't think about it when we get in our cars, to go to work or school or soccer practice, but we know we can do so with the highest level of safety because of the work of Jeff Price and his teams at Milliken. prgtoken Jeff's demonstrated success in airbags and non-woven automotive led him to serving as president of Milliken's textile business, where he continued to focus on innovation and solutions-driven leadership. In that role, he co-chaired the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) and was instrumental in the decision to merge AMTAC with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), where he also served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Board member. prgtoken In 2019, after Jeff had held 13 different roles at the company, Milliken CEO Halsey Cook tapped Jeff to stand up a new position-- Executive Vice President of Operations--where he oversees corporate logistics and sourcing, environmental health and safety, corporate engineering and global security. If that sounds like a lot, that is because it is. Jeff's leadership in both manufacturing and general management make him an effective strategic leader in global operations for the company, and, by extension, for all communities in South Carolina and around the world where Milliken has locations. prgtoken Earlier this year, Jeff's decades of success at Milliken were recognized when he was awarded the Roger Milliken Award--an exclusive recognition that honors individuals who have created lasting and measurable differences within the company and have built a legacy of their own at Milliken. prgtoken Yet, greater than all the achievements and professional success I have shared, Jeff is the loving husband of Terri, proud father of Jennifer (husband Amine) and Christopher (wife Amanda), and grandfather of eight. I know his family joins me in celebrating his accomplishments for Milliken in and out of the manufacturing plant. Terri, pastor at Providence Presbyterian Church in Powdersville, South Carolina, is also retiring this year. prgtoken I am pleased to be joined by Representatives Tom Rice (SC-02), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Ralph Norman (SC-05
TRIBUTE TO ANDREW SULLIVAN
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-5-3

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Andrew for his hard work as an intern in the Senate conference. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Andrew is a native of Vermont. He is a graduate of Gettysburg University, where he studied philosophy. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Andrew for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
HONORING OF JAMES MABE
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise in honor of James Mabe of Abingdon, Virginia, who passed away on April 10, 2022, at the age of 66. Mr. Mabe was a well-known voice in the community as a radio host for more than 30 years. prgtoken Mr. Mabe was born on April 30, 1955, to Eugene and Easter Mabe. He was educated at Fort Chiswell High School. He always held a great love for music. As a young man, he performed with many local bands and worked in his family's truck stop until he started in radio. His first on-air appearance was with a station in Pulaski, Virginia, in 1983. He went on to be a voice in radio for more than three decades but spent most of his career as the host of the ``More Music Morning Show'' in Marion, Virginia. prgtoken His voice was in the ears of community members in their homes, on their daily commutes, and during their workdays. His candor and lively personality made it easy for him to connect with his listeners. He was known for his witty one-liners. He loved his job and the ability to reach so much of the community. In 2020, the American Advertising Federation of Southwest Virginia awarded him the Silver Medal for Lifetime Achievement. prgtoken Mr. Mabe was predeceased in death by his parents; his sister, Janie Mabe; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, WR and Evangeline Humphreys. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Annette Mabe; daughters, Kaci Willis and her husband, Jon; Stacey Burton and partner, Jesse Blevins; and Jenny Mabe; grandchildren Caleb, Jaden, Noah, Laine, Avery, Archer and Gunner; brother, Gerald Mabe and wife, Kathy; as well as many other beloved friends and family, including many listeners of his show. I offer my condolences to them on the loss of this great man.
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-5-3

I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Memorial Baptist Church of Arlington, VA, for faithful ministry and service to Arlington and the greater Washington, DC area. For decades, they have lived up to their covenant to engage in Christian care for each other, through bible study and dedicated work for the advancement of Christianity. prgtoken Memorial Baptist Church's first public service was held on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947, at the old Glebe Theater near what is now Langston Boulevard. Memorial Baptist was officially organized on April 28, 1947, less than a month after its first service, with Reverend James Farmer becoming the church's first pastor. One year later, on April 28, 1948, they celebrated the groundbreaking of their chapel, a building that is still the center of the church today. Since construction finished in 1949, locals from all over the area have come to worship and be a part of their congregation. prgtoken Since Memorial Baptist's inception, they have been a catalyst of community engagement, worship, and service. Along with being a center for Christian prayer and values, they have brought people together in weekly bible studies, adult classes, and family picnics. Memorial Baptist Church also has a long history of faithful ministry and service to the Arlington community and around the world, including mission partnerships in Kentucky, Ukraine, and India. prgtoken Memorial Baptist Church has forged 75 years of history and tradition for the local community. Memorial Baptist Church will continue to minister and serve in the name of Christ with a variety of services, programs, and activities in anticipation of a bright and productive future.
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-5-3

I just want to briefly associate myself with the remarks of the leader, prgtoken Senator McConnell, with respect to the alleged breach of the Supreme Court and reiterate that this is a lawless action. If it turns out to be what we believe to be true, it should be investigated, punished as fully as possible. The Chief Justice has to get to the bottom of this. And, if applicable, the Department of Justice needs to pursue any criminal charges. prgtoken Let me just say, too, that I believe, as Senator McConnell pointed out, that all nine Justices on the Supreme Court should tune out the bad-faith noise and feel totally free to do their jobs following the facts and the law where they lead. We need an independent Supreme Court, and we should, at every turn, be defending the independence of our Supreme Court.
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF TONY DIMARE
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the incredible career of my good friend Tony Dimare. Going back to my days as Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Tony has been a pillar of leadership in the agricultural community of South Florida for over thirty years and I am honored to join the Dade County Farm Bureau in recognizing him and all he has done for the agriculture industry. prgtoken Tony Dimare began working for his family's business in 1983 and has worked in the produce industry for nearly forty years. His family's business, The Dimare Company, is a 94-year-old family produce company four generations deep with operations in four states--Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. He has taken his family's business to another level and has created countless jobs in South Florida and across the country. prgtoken Along with bringing countless jobs to South Florida, Mr. Dimare serves on countless boards and does philanthropic work for South Florida. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, one of the organizations he serves on hosted daily food drives to help families experiencing food insecurity in the Miami-Dade County area. Mr. Dimare has always proven to be an integral part of the community. prgtoken I am always honored to recognize individuals who spend their lives bringing invaluable services to the South Florida and District 26 communities. Tony and I have worked together throughout the years, and I am certain he will continue to be a strong leader in the agricultural industry and in the community.
Semiconductors (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-3

over recent decades, globalization--and by that, I mean depending on the cheapest producer of a particular good and disregarding the vulnerability of supply chains--has characterized our global commerce. By and large, that has been a good thing, particularly for consumers, if you are talking about toys for your children or an appliance, let's say. Everything from ag products to innovative technologies can find a place in global markets. And that can benefit consumers. prgtoken But this interdependence creates serious risks, as well. Over the last couple of years, we have seen how supply chain vulnerabilities can bring an entire industry--or perhaps even an entire country--to its knees. prgtoken Some of the clearest examples have surfaced during the pandemic. The U.S. leans heavily on Chinese manufacturing for masks, gloves, gowns, and ventilators, otherwise known as PPE--not the ventilators, but the masks and gloves. For a long time, that didn't seem to be a problem. Then COVID-19 showed up on our front doorstep. China held most of the supply for its own prgtoken healthcare workers, leaving the rest of the world to scramble and compete for what little product was available here at home. Suddenly, we were unable to protect our healthcare workers with PPE and the equipment they needed in order to deal with people sick with the virus. prgtoken As the American people now know all too well, the pandemic taught us supply chain lessons that extend far beyond personal protective equipment and medical equipment. One of the biggest vulnerabilities that came to light was the semiconductor supply chain. prgtoken Now, chips or semiconductors or microcircuits are critical components in the most used products here in America, whether it is your smartphone, computer, your TV, your car, airplanes that you may fly in, cell towers--just about anything with an ``off'' and ``on'' switch. That is what semiconductors power. It also includes critical defense articles, everything from fighter jets, like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, our fifth-generation jet, to the Javelin missiles now being used to take out Russian tanks in Ukraine. prgtoken As much as we depend on a strong supply of these microcircuits or chips currently, we also depend on other countries to make them. Ninety percent of the most advanced semiconductors in the world are made in Asia, with the lion's share being made in Taiwan. prgtoken I recently visited Taipei and the Taiwan Semiconductor Company, where they manufacture chips designed by other companies all around the world. It is a great business model for TSMC, and it is good for the designers of the chips because TSMC, being located in Taiwan, can make them for about 30 percent less than a fab or manufacturing facility here in the United States. But the problem is, we make zero percent of the advanced semiconductors in the world right here at home, and that is a huge risk. prgtoken In the summer of