mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING PUERTO RICO YOUTH AT RISK, INC.'S 25 YEARS OF SERVICE AND ITS FOUNDER, DR. MERCEDES CINTRON
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I want to recognize the work of Puerto Rico Youth at Risk, Inc.--Jovenes de Puerto Rico en Riesgo, Inc in Spanish--on its 25 years of service. I also want to congratulate the organization's founder, Dr. Mercedes Cintron, who was recently selected as a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Mentoring Summit's 2022 Excellence in Mentoring Award Ceremony. prgtoken Puerto Rico Youth at Risk is a non-profit organization focused on developing school dropout and delinquency prevention programs for at- risk youth in Puerto Rico. Since 1996, they have carried out multiple initiatives to help at-risk students on the Island achieve their full potential, including through one-on-one mentoring services, personal and social development workshops, academic support, and community service experiences. Puerto Rico Youth at Risk has been highly successful, as 98 percent of students who participate in its various programs remain at school; 95 percent graduate from high school; and 70 percent of the program's graduates have gone on to pursue higher education studies. prgtoken On January 28, 2022, Dr. Mercedes Cintron was nominated and selected as a finalist for the 2022 Excellence in Mentoring Award Ceremony's Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their life's work to supporting youth through mentoring. Dr. Cintron is a psychologist and social worker who has dedicated the last 28 years of her career and volunteer work to promote and facilitate the use of ontological mentoring to prevent school dropout and antisocial behavior in teens. She has witnessed over 3,000 successful mentoring experiences that have changed the lives of both mentors and mentees, many of whom have continued to serve in their communities. prgtoken In 1993, Dr. Cintron pioneered the use of formal mentoring in Puerto Rico. She was inspired and committed to establishing Puerto Rico Youth at Risk after completing her term as Administrator of Puerto Rico's Juvenile Correctional Institutions, where she saw firsthand the need to carry out evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to reach at-risk young individuals before it is too late. prgtoken Dr. Cintron's selection as a finalist for the Excellence in Mentoring Award Ceremony's Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to Puerto Rico Youth at Risk's impact and valuable work during the past 25 years. It also represents a historic milestone, as Dr. Cintron was the only Puerto Rican among this year's nominees and the first individual from Puerto Rico to have been nominated for this prestigious award. prgtoken I'm honored to join Puerto Rico Youth at Risk to celebrate Dr. Cintron's achievement and the organization's 25 years of service on behalf of Puerto Rico's at-risk and vulnerable students.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MAXWELL HUNTLEY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Maxwell (Max) Huntley and his service to Virginia's First District and the Nation. prgtoken Max earned his bachelor's degree in English and master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Military Operations from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College. As a NCAA All-American athlete, Max dominated the mats as the University of Michigan's first three-time wrestling team captain in the school's history. prgtoken Max joined my office in April 2017 and became my Military Legislative Assistant in February 2019 and Senior Advisor in May 2021. During his time serving Virginia's First District, Max admirably staffed my House Armed Services Committee, including my role as Sea power and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman and Ranking Member. Max labored tirelessly to advance the shared goal of a larger and more capable United States Navy and Marine Corps in an era of Great Power Competition. prgtoken Max has devoted his talents to the common good and the nation's defense as he follows the distinguished Huntley family tradition of service to the United States. I would like to thank Max for his contributions over the last 4 years. l wish Max the best as he continues his journey on the other side of the Capitol with Senator John Kennedy. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing Max Huntley for his dedicated service to Virginia's First District. May God bless Max as he continues his career in public service.
IN MEMORY OF JOHNNIE LEE PATRICK II
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of a patriotic American, Johnnie Lee Patrick II. Mr. Patrick lived in Estill County, Kentucky and passed away on January 10, 2022, at the age of 46. prgtoken Mr. Patrick served our nation proudly in the Kentucky National Guard for more than twenty years. Following the terrorist attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001, Mr. Patrick joined the 149th Infantry ``Charlie Company'' in Ravenna. He was attached to posts in Louisville, Burlington, Richmond, and Jackson. He was deployed for two tours in the Middle East. prgtoken Mr. Patrick attained the rank of Sgt. 1st Class and was a member of the 207th Engineer Company in Jackson, Kentucky. While on active duty with the Southwest Border Mission in El Paso, Texas, he passed away on January 10, 2022. He was laid to rest with full military honors. prgtoken Mr. Patrick is survived by his wife, Jackie Lynn Bowling Patrick, his sons Alexander Matthew Patrick and Ryan Alan Patrick, and a large, loving, extended family. prgtoken Sgt. 1st Class Johnnie Lee Patrick II was a true patriot and a great American. His service and sacrifice are greatly appreciated and must never be forgotten. It is my honor to lift up the life of Johnnie Lee Patrick II.
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , we are living through a major international event. My position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has not changed, this is not our war and American forces need not be involved. Yet, Americans are still feeling the impact of this conflict, reminding us how dangerous our current policies of foreign reliance are in an international system inhabited with rogue regimes vying to be great powers. prgtoken Over the course of several decades, through two hot wars, and one cold war, the U.S. went abroad to defeat forces of evil and tyranny threatening America and the freedom loving world. After leaving the international system based on the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, America came home but its officials remained abroad placing international affairs above American security, economic development abroad over economic prosperity at home, and foreign supply chains over American ones. prgtoken In 2016, the American people through a collective voice announced its intention to return to our own domestic affairs, as the Founders intended, to disentangle from the system where foreign treaties and global corporations set our policy instead of the American people through their representatives. In short, to enjoy the security and liberty we had obtained for ourselves. But Mr. has instead reverted to the old status quo. prgtoken Ukraine is over 6,000 miles from my state of Arizona, yet my constituents are still feeling the consequences of bad policy and poor governance. The Administration's decision making since the beginning has led to this conflict, signaling to foreign powers that such aggressive behavior is acceptable and intertwining the daily security and prosperity of the American people to actions of foreign adversaries, undermining their liberty as citizens of a secure power. prgtoken Mr. from the first day tied the energy security of the American people to foreign regimes in the name of politics. To appease radical climate change activists, Mr. cancelled the Keystone pipeline and crushed oil and gas permitting on federal lands. With domestic demand not changing, we went from energy independent and a net exporter to purchasing 600,000 barrels per day from Russia which has some of the worst emitting pipelines in the world. These oil and gas profits grant it geopolitical leverage over America and its allies and fuels the Russian war machine now attacking another nation. prgtoken U.S. imports of Russian goods since the Administration are up over 22 percent. $13 billion annually in mineral fuels, $1.4 billion in iron and steel, nearly a billion in fertilizers, and the list goes on. A trade deficit of over $13 billion with Russia who is attacking a neighboring state. With Russian economic production slowed due to conflict and the possibility that it could retaliate against sanctions, Russia can cut the U.S. and its allies off from products we critically need. prgtoken The damage r
CONGRATULATING DR. NORIS PRICE
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Noris Price for being named the Georgia 2022 Superintendent of the Year. prgtoken Dr. Price has more than 35 years of experience in public education. She has served as an Associate Superintendent for Clarke County Schools, a Principle in Fairfax, Virginia, and as an elementary school teacher in New York City. prgtoken Dr. Price was selected by the Georgia School Superintendents Association for her leadership ability, communication skills, and unwavering dedication to education. prgtoken During her tenure in Baldwin County, Dr. Price made tremendous strides to increase the high school graduation rate from 66 percent to 90 percent. She is also responsible for securing more than $ eight million in grants for Baldwin County Schools. prgtoken This year brings additional recognition for Dr. Price's success and dedication as she was named a top four finalist for the 2022 U.S. National Superintendent of the Year award. These educators represent the bold and innovative work that is needed to ensure student success in communities across the country. prgtoken I am proud of Dr. Price's dedication to the future generation of Georgia's 10th Congressional District, and I wish her continued success.
WOMEN'S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-28

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act and pleased to submit my remarks regarding this critical legislation. I regret that I am unable to attend the full Senate vote on this bill today due to a death in the family. prgtoken The Women's Health Protection Act would guarantee the right to an abortion. The bill would allow a patient to access an abortion and ensure providers are able to deliver those services prgtoken without the burden of medically unnecessary restrictions. prgtoken Now more than ever, we need to protect this fundamental right. Nearly 50 years after the Supreme Court guaranteed the right to safe and legal abortion in Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights are under direct attack. prgtoken States are introducing laws at an alarming rate that seek to dramatically limit or outright ban abortion access. Some of these restrictive laws ban abortion after the 6th week of pregnancy, before many people know they are pregnant. prgtoken Even more concerning, we may no longer be able to rely on the Supreme Court to protect reproductive rights. The Supreme Court recently finished hearing oral arguments in a case about Mississippi's restrictive abortion law. Many Americans, including myself, are worried that the Supreme Court could significantly diminish or altogether overturn Roe v. Wade. prgtoken The repercussions of such a decision would be devastating. According to the Guttmacher Institute, more than half of U.S. States are poised to ban or severely restrict abortion access if this landmark decision is overturned. I remember what it was like prior to Roe v. Wade. I understand the heartbreaking and often unsafe situations that pregnant individuals face. prgtoken We must respond by passing the Women's Health Protection Act. Congress must do everything it can to ensure that individuals are able to access critical medical care and make the best decisions possible for their health. I am proud to cosponsor this important bill, and I won't stop fighting to protect fundamental reproductive rights.
COMMEMORATING THE VICTIMS OF THE SUMGAIT AND BAKU POGROMS
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-28

. Madam , I rise today to mark the 34th anniversary of the pogrom against the Armenian residents of the town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. prgtoken On February 27, 1988, and for three days following, Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed Armenians--leaving hundreds of civilians dead and injured and women and girls were raped. Some victims were thrown from windows and burned alive. Tens of thousands were forced to flee. prgtoken After two years, it was estimated that only 40,000 of the 250,000 Armenian residents of Baku remained in Azerbaijan. On January 13, 1990, organized Azerbaijani mobs turned on them, too, killing hundreds and injuring many more. prgtoken The pogroms came as a direct result of years of vicious, racist anti- Armenian propaganda by Azerbaijani authorities, dehumanizing the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan and laying the groundwork for mass violence. Azerbaijani authorities made little effort to punish those responsible, instead attempting to cover up the atrocities and deny the government's role in instigating the attacks. prgtoken On such an anniversary, we honor the victims of this ghastly injustice, and pledge to speak out against hatred so that history will not repeat itself. But tragically, more than three decades later, that is exactly what has happened. Beginning on September 27, 2020, and over 44 days, Azerbaijani forces once again targeted and murdered innocent Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, and displaced tens of thousands more. Today, Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Armenia and Artsakh continues. Armenian soldiers are still illegally detained and subject to torture while thousands of civilians still live in danger. Religious and cultural Armenian sites that have fallen under Azerbaijani control are under constant threat. prgtoken These are the horrific consequences when aggression and hatred grow unchecked--and it is why, whether these crimes against humanity occurred one year, thirty years, or a hundred years ago, we can never allow them to go unrecognized. More than that, it is why the United States must fully step into its role as a defender of democracy and peace around the world. We must not relent in our calls for the safe and unconditional release of the remaining Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians, for the end of U.S. assistance to the Aliyev regime, and for stronger efforts to support democracy in Armenia and a free, independent Artsakh. prgtoken So on this tragic anniversary, let us pause to remember those who suffered in the atrocities of the Sumgait and Baku pogroms. But let us also recommit ourselves and our nation to doing everything we can, today, to bring liberation to our Armenian brothers and sisters abroad, once and for all.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LILLIE E. PERKINS
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-2-28

. Madam , it is with a deep sadness and immense gratitude that I stand to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to remember Mrs. Lillie E. Perkins, a New Haven institution in our education community. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Lillie was not only that kind of educator, but she was also that kind of community leader. She inspired your students and colleagues alike and will be deeply missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known her. prgtoken At the tender age of 7 Lillie knew that she was ``born to teach.'' In pursuit of this dream, she earned her bachelor's degree at Fayetteville State University before moving to Connecticut with her husband, James, and earning her master's degree from the University of Connecticut and an Administrative Sixth Year Certificate from Southern Connecticut State University. She and James raised their daughters, Tiara and Sharon, and Lillie began her thirty-six-year career with the New Haven Public School system. Lillie was an extraordinarily gifted teacher with a passion and compassion that was felt by the students in her classroom as well as kids across the community. prgtoken In addition to her work in the classroom, Lillie's invaluable contributions to young people and the community have left an indelible mark. Early in her career she recognized the need for young people to have the opportunity to express themselves in a positive way after school hours. Whether with the Dr. Martin Luther King Choir, the Helene Grant School Choir, or the remarkable Unity Boys Choir, she found ways for these young people from across Greater New Haven to come together and achieve extraordinary accomplishments for which they can be very proud. I have had the opportunity to hear the angelic voices of the Unity Boys Choir and have seen first-hand the light in their eyes that comes with the excitement and adoration of the crowds they are entertaining, Lillie touched their lives in a very special way--not only allowing them to share their musical talents with others but teaching them the importance of and satisfaction in giving back to the community. prgtoken Lillie's engagement in the community also extended beyond her service to the school system. She volunteered her time and energies to a number of other programs community initiatives including the Mayor's Youth Service Program, the Toys/Teas/Toys Closets program at Yale Children's Hospital, the 1995 Special Olympic World Garnes in Connecticut, the Kids Protection Network Program, Christian Community Action's Food program, and the New Haven Board of Young Adult Police Commissioners. Lillie was also an active member of Bible Gospel Church as well as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and served as a community assistant for senior citizens. The myriad of awards and commendations she received over the lifetime are a testament to th
Introductory Statement on S. 3712
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-2-28

today I am introducing the Auto Reenroll Act of 2022, alongside Representative Kathy Manning, who has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Enacting this bill would improve financial security for Americans by strengthening their private retirement savings. prgtoken Nearly 7 in 10 Americans working in the private sector have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, but a quarter of those with access do not participate in those plans. This means less money saved for retirement. Often, it means leaving money on the table, in the form of employer-matching contributions. Encouraging more employees to participate in their workplace plans would increase their overall compensation and improve their financial security and retirement outlook. prgtoken The Auto Reenroll Act of 2022 would boost participation through a simple change to the automatic enrollment safe harbor. Automatic enrollment plans have been tremendously successful at encouraging workers to participate in employer-sponsored plans, but employees who opt out of participating at the beginning of their tenure will likely never reconsider that decision. This bill would build on the success of auto enrollment by having employers reenroll nonparticipants once every 3 years, providing them another opportunity to consider participation. This would encourage those employees to reassess their nonparticipation as their financial situation evolves. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to bolster private retirement savings.
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. JANICE B. YOST
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-2-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. Janice B. Yost, a passionate advocate whose efforts to improve health care and health outcomes has saved countless lives over the course of the last two decades. prgtoken In 1999, after serving in leadership roles at both health care and educational organizations, Dr. Yost relocated from South Carolina to run a new organization in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. A prolific grant developer, Dr. Yost helped the Health Foundation allocate over $50 million in grants throughout her 23-year career. Dr. Yost was able to develop results- oriented grantmaking and grant implementation, which enabled her to successfully push for significant changes in health care policy. prgtoken Dr. Yost has worked hard to focus the Health Foundation's mission not only on health care, but also on social determinants of health. Her ethos requires looking at the whole of a person's life to determine the state of their health, and she engrained that belief in prgtoken the work of the Health Foundation from its start. As a result, she has been a catalyst for systemic and policy changes in everything from community development and affordable housing to food insecurity and nutrition. prgtoken Madam , the impact of Dr. Yost's advocacy in the field of public health cannot be understated. She has helped the foundation fund grants supporting everything from reentry programs for formerly incarcerated people to initiatives to address childhood trauma--Dr. Yost has been relentless in her pursuit to help others. prgtoken Dr. Yost is driven by a genuine desire to do good. She has beautifully blended the work of philanthropy, government, and the nonprofit sector in a way that alters the trajectory of people's lives and serves as a model for public health across the country. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the United States Congress and all the people in whose lives Dr. Yost has made positive and immeasurable differences, it is my great privilege to thank and recognize Dr. Janice B. Yost for her service to the people of Massachusetts and her tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable world.