mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PAYING TRIBUTE TO A TRUE AMERICAN HERO, MIKE KUPER
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a friend and a true American hero. prgtoken Mike Kuper passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 70. He is survived by his lovely wife, Yong; his son, Thomas; his daughter, Melissa; and five grandchildren. prgtoken Mike dedicated his career and life to service. He served in both the Army and the Air Force. He protected our community for three decades working for the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. He influenced hundreds of young men and women as the Law Enforcement Explorer Mentor. prgtoken Mike even continued to work as a reserve deputy after his retirement. Simply put, he went above and beyond to help others his entire life. prgtoken Mike Kuper was a great father, a great husband, and a public servant. He will be missed by his family, his friends, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, and the Lancaster communities. prgtoken Madam , may God bless Mike Kuper and all of our peacemakers.
CONGRATULATING BREVARD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today to congratulate the Brevard High School boys' cross country team for winning the 2A State championship. This is the second 2A State championship title that this team has won in the last 3 years. prgtoken The Brevard Blue Devils dominated the championship race with a score of 45 points, scoring well ahead of the runner-up team. The Blue Devils also had three runners finish in the top 10. prgtoken I congratulate the Blue Devils. Their recent success is a testament to the countless hours of training, hard work, and a genuine passion for athletics and a quest for knowledge. prgtoken They have each made western North Carolina proud. May the future bring many more years of success as we continue to celebrate the legacy of their exceptional cross country program.
CONGRATULATING LIBERTY UNIVERSITY FLAMES FOOTBALL
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the Liberty University Football Team. prgtoken On November 25, my alma mater and hometown team earned their 12th straight victory and secured the first undefeated regular season in the program's 50-year history. prgtoken Led by new head coach Jamey Chadwell, the Flames set a new school prgtoken record and became the first FBS football team in Virginia history to win 12 games. prgtoken As an alum, former student-athlete, parent of three graduates, and a former employee in the Liberty University Athletic Department, I am incredibly proud of this team. prgtoken The Flames' 12-0 record and current number 20 national ranking reflects the discipline, commitment, and work ethic of these talented young men. prgtoken Their individual sacrifice, unselfishness, and willingness to play for one another and give everything for a cause bigger than themselves has placed them in tonight's Conference USA Championship game, after which they will have the opportunity to play in a prestigious bowl game. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate the Liberty Flames on their historic season, and I am honored to represent them in Virginia's Fifth Congressional District.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-12-1

unfortunately, due to a family health issue that required prompt attention, I missed two suspension votes last night regarding our greatest ally, Israel. Had I been present, I would have voted yes--without reservation--for both measures: I unequivocally reaffirm Israel's right to exist, and I support the immediate release of all hostages taken by the jihadist terrorist organization Hamas. I am thankful that my colleagues in Congress voted overwhelmingly in favor of these measures. Anyone familiar with my voting record knows that I have always stood foursquare in support of Israel and will continue to do so. Hamas must be eradicated, all prisoners must be released, and we must continue to remove any shred of doubt about Israel's right to exist.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION RELATING TO "SMALL BUSINESS LENDING UNDER THE EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (REGULATION...
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , of course, I rise in favor of S.J. Res. 32, a joint resolution to disapprove this dumb idea from the CFPB. prgtoken I am proud to stand with our chairman of the Small Business Committee who is a humble small business man from Texas. prgtoken I know the ranking member of the full committee knows that Mr. Williams, being a humble small business person, knows how to borrow money, knows how to be turned down for a loan, have a loan accepted, and he knows that banks tell him and explain that to him. I am proud to stand here. prgtoken I think it is so interesting that I have heard from the opposition today, Madam , well, this is a voluntary thing. prgtoken Well, if it is voluntary, then you should vote for this resolution because it is obviously unnecessary because it is voluntary. prgtoken Mr. Meuser makes a very good point, because he says that a sign that a bank has constant small business lending where they don't report because every customer for that bank voluntarily said they don't want to provide that data, it will be a sign of noncompliance. The bank will be out of compliance. They will be in trouble. They will have an exam. They will fail that exam. prgtoken This rule, Madam , is not the right approach. prgtoken I have spent 30 years of my 40-year career lending money to small businesses, raising equity capital for small businesses. prgtoken We want every loan we can make and the bank made. We are in the business to make loans. We are not in the business to turn down loans. We want them for Black people, White people, LGBTQ people--all people-- banking in our bank, helping us make a profit, helping us serve the community. prgtoken This is overdoing bureaucracy. It is applying a set of rules to collect a bunch of data that is not going to make small business loans more affordable or more available in this country. It is not. prgtoken Madam , s are standing here and in the Senate. in the Senate voted for this resolution. They know this is governmental overreach. It shouldn't be imposed on the private sector. It is going to hurt small business, raise the cost of small business. This body stands on the side of those community lenders and those borrowers who want available capital at a reasonable cost to bring their idea, their dream to life. prgtoken So five ic Senators joined with s to say: Bad idea, send it back to the drawing board. prgtoken We are standing on this side of the aisle asking our friends on the other side of the aisle: Bad idea, send it back to the drawing board. prgtoken Madam , I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for this resolution.
HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO CAPTAIN KENNETH ZACHARIE
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dallas Fire-Rescue Captain Kenneth Zacharie. Earlier this month at a Nimitz High School basketball game, Kenneth, alongside an Arlington Lamar High School Athletic Trainer and Arlington EMS supervisor, worked to save a young athlete when she collapsed on the court during pregame warm-ups. The young athlete went into cardiac arrest and Kenneth swooped into action, using chest compressions and a defibrillator. As a result of his heroic actions, the student-athlete is now on the road to recovery. prgtoken Kenneth's wife coaches the Nimitz High School girls' varsity basketball team. Luckily, Kenneth brought their three sons to the game earlier than usual and was there when the student-athlete collapsed before the game began. As the Captain of the Rapid Intervention Team, Kenneth is no stranger to serious situations and was able to work with others to provide a swift, lifesaving response. prgtoken I'd like to thank Captain Kenneth Zacharie for being a shining example of the heroes that make North Texas such an amazing community to live in.
WYFF 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today not just as a South Carolinian but also as co-chair of the Broadcasters Caucus to celebrate the 70th anniversary of WYFF News 4. prgtoken Known originally as WFBC, the station started broadcasting on December 31, 1953. The first anchor for the station was Norvin Duncan who worked for WFBC radio before joining the newly created WFBC-TV. prgtoken Channel 4 was the first broadcaster in South Carolina to televise a live game, which was a basketball game between Furman and Newberry Colleges. prgtoken By the 1970s, technology had advanced, and WYFF's staff had to increase as well to ensure accurate, timely news for upstate South Carolina, Georgia, and western North Carolina. prgtoken WYFF was also the first station in South Carolina to have an African- American anchor when Deborah Lee began anchoring ``The Scene at 6.'' prgtoken For 70 years, WYFF news has kept the upstate informed on innumerable local events, heartwarming stories, storms, and national emergencies. prgtoken WYFF has even lost staff members in the field who were just working to keep citizens informed as storms raged. I remember specifically Mike McCormick and Aaron Smeltzer who passed away in 2018. prgtoken I thank Carol, Nigel, Jane, and the rest of the WYFF team for continuing prgtoken the station's legacy. I look forward to the next 70 years of WYFF keeping the upstate informed and safe with local, live, and breaking news.
HONORING THE LIFE OF NESTOR R. WEIGAND, JR.
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-12-4

I rise today to honor the life of Nestor R. Weigand, Jr. who passed away on November 1, 2023. He was a pillar of the Wichita business community, a strong advocate for Kansas values, a devout Catholic, and a dedicated father. He will be missed dearly by those who knew him. prgtoken Nestor was born and raised in Wichita, calling the city home for most of his life. After serving honorably in the Army Reserve, he joined the family real estate business, J.P. Weigand & Sons, in 1961. In 1983, he became President and CEO of the company and for the next forty years he built one of the most respected businesses in the state of Kansas. Friends, customers, and even competitors recognized his devotion to his businesses and the real estate profession. In 1978, he was elected by his peers the president of the Kansas Association of Realtors. Ten years later he would go on to become president of the National Association of Realtors where he advised President Ronald Reagan and worked to strengthen fair housing laws across the country. prgtoken Nestor was proud to be a lifelong Wichita resident and made it a priority to give back to his community. He served in leadership roles at the Institute of Logopedics (now Heartspring), the Kansas Health Foundation, the Kansas Highway Commission, Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Kansas Policy Institute. One of his passionate roles was serving on the board of Wesley Hospital, where he served both as a member and as Chairman for over forty years. prgtoken Nestor's contributions to his business, his community, and his country cannot be understated. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends as they say goodbye to their beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and companion.
CAREGIVER OUTREACH AND PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT ACT
Jennifer Kiggans (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-12-4

I rise today in strong support of my Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act. Known as the COPE Act, this bill takes an important step toward providing mental health resources to those who care for our Nation's veterans. Specifically, this legislation would authorize the VA to provide grants to organizations that support family caregivers' mental health. prgtoken Caregivers play a critical role in the lives of older Americans, especially our veterans. As the only geriatric nurse practitioner in Congress, I have seen firsthand the positive impact caregivers have in the lives of the people they care for. prgtoken When I was practicing in clinic settings, I had countless conversations with the people who cared for my patients. I know that this genuinely rewarding role comes with immense emotional challenges, as well. These dedicated individuals frequently put aside their own needs to care for their loved ones and desperately need to have the resources at their disposal to effectively handle the stress of taking on such a role. prgtoken By ensuring veteran caregivers can properly take care of their mental health, the COPE Act will improve the lives of our Nation's heroes and solidify the support system they need to age with dignity. The VA offers so many great benefits and programs, unfortunately navigating the wide range of these benefits and programs is so complicated that many are unaware that they might qualify for them or that these services even exist at all. prgtoken My legislation also seeks to fix this problem by requiring the VA to reach out to eligible veteran caregivers and make them aware of the mental health benefits available to them. prgtoken I am very proud that another bipartisan bill of mine, the VA Medical Center Security Reporting Act, is included in this version of the COPE Act that is being considered today. prgtoken From 2018 to 2021, violent crimes at VA medical center campuses more than doubled from 3,141 to 6,505. prgtoken There is a significant lack of important statistics and information relevant to crime and safety on VA campuses, including the vacancy rate for VA police departments, availability of issued equipment, and recommendations to address and reduce criminal activity at medical centers. prgtoken By ensuring these statistics are properly reported, my legislation will equip us with the information we need to address the increasing crime at VA medical centers, support our law enforcement officers, and provide veterans with a safe environment to receive the quality healthcare they have earned and deserve. prgtoken , I am the granddaughter of a veteran, the daughter of a veteran, the wife of a veteran, and the mother of future veterans, and I served 10 years myself in the Navy as a helicopter pilot. I am also blessed to represent one of the largest veteran populations in the country in Hampton Roads, Virginia. prgtoken Improving the lives of our Nation's heroes is and always
Vote on Ramirez Nomination (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-12-4

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Braun), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley), the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Johnson), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). prgtoken Further, if present and voting: the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley) would have voted ``nay.''
ONE SEAT RIDE ACT
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-12-4

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , H.R. 1547 represents an important step in improving the commuter experience for all individuals who rely on transit, and the bill also ensures, as it reviews the broad issue, that the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line is examined specifically. prgtoken Madam , I urge the support of this bill, and .
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF SURFING SANTAS
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-12-4

I rise to recognize Mr. George Trosset of Rockledge, Florida, for his charitable work in creating and organizing a popular local event called Surfing Santas. Surfing Santas is an annual event hosted by the Florida Surf Museum Charity in Cocoa Beach that raises money for charities like Grind for Life, which helps individuals with cancer. prgtoken Surfing Santas is a Christmas Eve spectacle where participants are encouraged to wear Christmas attire and surf on Cocoa Beach. When Trosset began the organization in 2009, there were two participants, himself surfing as Santa, and his son, George Jr surfing as an elf. Trosset also had two spectators, his wife Nina, and their grandson Anderson. prgtoken Today, Surfing Santas regularly has 400 to 500 participants and close to 10,000 spectators. The Christmas event, which is now in its 15th year, has grown to include a costume contest, live music, and a show by a local Hawaiian Dancers group. prgtoken Surfing Santas is a widely beloved event that has made at least 8 billion people around the world smile and has raised close to $250,000 dollars towards charity. Last year a Surfing Santa plush toy blasted or aboard a private Blue Origin space mission. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing George Trosset and his family, as well as saluting all the Surfing Santas participants for their charitable spirit and their efforts to bring people together in a fun and festive way during the holidays. SurfIng Santas is an incredible community event that has quickly become a tradition for families on the Space Coast.
RECOGNIZING FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL'S UNDEFEATED SEASON
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-12-4

I rise today to honor the undefeated Florida State University Seminole football team, who recently secured the 2023 ACC Championship title. prgtoken Under Head Coach Mike Norvell's leadership, the Seminoles are 13-0 despite a devastating injury that prematurely ended the collegiate career of Quarterback Jordan Travis. This team plays with their hearts, and it shows. Throughout this season, they've displayed incredible grit, determination, and perseverance even when the odds were against them. prgtoken Sadly, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee failed to recognize this team's incredible talent by excluding them from the 2023-24 College Football Playoffs. This was a devastating blow to the team and the city of Tallahassee, who proudly displayed the Seminole spirit all season. prgtoken It's a shame that an undefeated team, who earned every bit of their perfect season, won't get a shot in the College Football Playoffs. Make no mistake, Florida's Second Congressional District knows our Seminoles are champions even if the selection committee denies them a chance to prove it. prgtoken I congratulate Florida State University on a perfect season. I thank them for playing with their hearts and making our district proud. Go Noles.
DOE AND NSF INTERAGENCY RESEARCH ACT
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-12-4

once again, I rise in support of H.R. 2980, the DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act. prgtoken This will accelerate U.S. competitiveness in emerging technology areas and key economic sectors while enabling taxpayer dollars to be used more efficiently, allowing more to be done with less. prgtoken I appreciate all the work done by my colleagues, Representatives Stevens and Baird, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken , .
Remembering Sandra Day O'Connor (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-12-4

I would like to begin today with a few words about the late Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. prgtoken Justice O'Connor was a transformative figure in the history of our country and of our highest Court. She was a trailblazer in both legislative politics and constitutional jurisprudence, and I am grateful for her extraordinary life and for her dedicated service. prgtoken I know our colleagues join me in offering our deepest condolences to Justice O'Connor's children, grandchildren, and the entire O'Connor family.
Nomination of Irma Carrillo Ramirez (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-12-4

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Irma Carrillo Ramirez to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. prgtoken Born in Brownfield, TX, Judge Ramirez received her B.A. from West Texas State University and her J.D. from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. She then entered private practice at a law firm in Dallas before going to work in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas. During her 11 years as a litigator, she tried nine cases to verdict, including four jury trials. prgtoken Since 2002, Judge Ramirez has served as a magistrate judge in the Northern District of Texas. As a magistrate judge, she has presided over 13 trials. She also served as the presiding judge in over 440 consent cases, and she has been assigned more than 2,400 cases for full case management. In addition to her service as a magistrate judge, Judge Ramirez currently presides over the reentry court in the Northern District of Texas and helps oversee the district court's civil pro bono panel. prgtoken Judge Ramirez is strongly supported by both of her home State Senators--Mr. Cornyn and Mr. Cruz--and the American Bar Association unanimously rated her as ``well qualified'' to serve on the Fifth Circuit. She has deep ties to Texas, and her significant experience as both an advocate and magistrate judge will serve her well on the Fifth Circuit. prgtoken If confirmed, Judge Ramirez will be the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Fifth Circuit and the only active Hispanic judge on the Fifth Circuit. prgtoken During Judge Ramirez's confirmation hearing, Senator Cornyn called her ``exceptionally qualified'' and said that ``[y]ou can tell that Texas is very proud of Judge Ramirez.'' I am proud to support her nomination, and I urge my colleagues to join me.