mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-13

. 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: Deborah Potter, Lonna Potter, Megan Potter, Sarah Pottratz, Marcia Potts, Shayla Potts, Trevor Potts, Amber Potts, Pamela Poulisse, Kylee Pourier, Karen Powell, Debra Powell, Robert Powell, Kelly Powell, Barry Powell, Jennifer Powell, Erin Powell, Caitlin Powell, Amy Powell, Emily Powell, Shorna Lee Powell, Alexis Powell, Jennifer Powell, Linda Powers, Kanchana Prasain, Tamara Prasek, Damiane Prasnicki, Jessica Praster, Barbara Pratt, Kristin Pratt, Jennifer Pratt, Brianna Pratt, Brandi Pravecek, Korie Pravecek, Carna Pray, Beth Preheim, Rebecca Preheim, Jessica Preheim, Stephanie Preister, Adam Preister, Janet Premus, Sarah Prenger, Renee Presuhn, Esther Preszler, Abby Preszler, Hannah Preusser, Erin Preys, Suzanna Pribbenow, Vanessa Pribil, Mary Pribyl, Danelle Price, Marita Price, Amy Price, Cari Price, Gabrielle Price, Kacey Price, Rayce Price, Rochelle Prickett, Kindra Pridey, Caroline Priebe, Rebecca Prill, Lisa Prindiville, Tami Prins, Tracy Prins, Krysta Prior, Ericka Privitt, Douglas Probst, Amanda Proefrock, Michele Profeta, Larry Prokop, Jessica Prouty, Shannon Prouty, Evelyn Provell, Carole Provencial, Danielle Prudich, Rachelle Pruis, Susan Prunty, Hannah Pruss, Linda Pudenz, Allan Pudwill, Alexandra Pudwill, Lisa Puetz, Lyudmila Pugach, Charles Pugsley, Erick Pugsley, Lexi Pugsley, Isabella Pulaski, Tammie Pulling, Heather Pullins, Tiffany Pullins, Karen Pullman. prgtoken Paula Pulse, Jolene Pulse, Erin Pulse, Bonnie Punt, Joshua Punt, Jodi Purdy, Darcy Purdy, Kjerstin Purintun, Lannese Purtell, Margie Puthoff, Judy Putnam, Nicole Putnam, Dianna Puttmann, Jennifer Putzke, Michal Putzke, Jennifer Puumala, Patricia Pyburn, Ronald Pyburn, Jennifer Pynduss, Hannah Pyrlik, Donna Quade, Kari Quail, Shayla Quail, Stacy Quam, Andrea Quam, Eric Quanbeck, Renee Quanbeck, Lori Quanbeck, Marie Quaschnick, Kevin Queen, Sandra Quenette, Janice Questad, Flordelisa Quidilla, Michael Quinlivan, Emma Quinn, Melissa Quinn, Emily Quissell, Lisa Raabe, Scott Raabe, Sara Raabe, Melinda Raak, Nancy Raba, Joni Rabenberg, Aubrey Rabenberg, Kenda Ractliffe, Jana Rademacher, Claire Raders, Kathryn Radigan, Summer Radke, Krista Radke, Natasha Radtke, Miranda Radway, Katherine Raecke, Jason Raether, Cristian Raether, Heidi Raftevold, Anne Raga, Nola Ragan, Lynnette Ragatz, Shayna Ragatz, Keirsta Ragels, Daniel Rager, Linda Rager, Carol Ragle, Danielle Ragnone, Melissa Ragon, Sheila Rahja, Cheryl Rahm-McGrath, Allie Rahn, Rebecca Rakowicz, Sr Mary Rakowski, Sally Anne Rall, Judy Rall, McChyne Rall, Joey Rallis, Misty Rallis, Ann Rames, Jessica Ramey, Karina Ramirez, Mayra Ramirez, Melanie Ramiscal, Sarah Raml, Jaclyn Raml, Karen Raml, Sally Ramos, Amy Ramos, Jennifer Ramos, Jessica Ramse, Marcella Ramsey, Cendy Ramsey, Andrea Ramsey. prgtoken Chast
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF GERALD IRONS, SR.
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Gerald Irons, a treasured member of my community, who sadly passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021. prgtoken Born May 2, 1947 in Gary, Indiana, Gerald Irons, Sr.'s life was marked by outstanding achievement and service. After graduating from Gary Roosevelt High School, Gerald attended the University of Maryland- Eastern Shore. During his time in college, he excelled prgtoken both on and off of the football field, serving as captain of the football team and as student government vice president. prgtoken After being selected in the third round of the 1970 draft by the Oakland Raiders, Gerald continued his run of excellence at the professional level. After six years starting at linebacker for the Raiders, Gerald spent four years with the Cleveland Browns before retiring in 1980. Named an ``Oakland Raiders Legend, ``listed among the ``100 Greatest Cleveland Browns'' of all time, and named to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2013, Gerald's athletic career proved truly remarkable. prgtoken Even so, his time off the field proved as noteworthy as his time on it. During the off seasons of his NFL career, he continued his pursuit of education, earning a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Gerald put his skills and experiences to quick use. He spent a distinguished 32 years working with The Woodlands Development Company, helping hundreds of businesses relocate to The Woodlands. Gerald also served for 22 years on the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees during a period which saw student enrollment double. Because of his continued commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for others, Gerald D. Irons, Sr. Junior High School was named in his honor. prgtoken Gerald and his family were a driving force behind the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Drum Major Awards held each January in the Woodlands. Gerald was integral to the founding of Impact Church in the Woodlands where he served as an elder. Due to their exemplary lives of active involvement in the community, the Irons were named Hometown Heroes. prgtoken In the words of his family, ``He lived a life of service to his family, church and community; to know Gerald was truly to love Gerald.'' Gerald is remembered by his loving wife, Myrna, and many loving children and grandchildren. prgtoken I join the entire community in honoring Gerald Irons for his dedicated life of service to others. His amazing legacy will always be cherished in our community.
APPRECIATING BILL BROCK
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , The Wall Street Journal on March 31, 2021, published a fitting tribute to Ambassador William ``Bill'' Emerson Brock, III, who died on March 25th. prgtoken General, Executive, Representative, Senator, National Chairman, Ambassador, Cabinet Secretary, Senior Counselor Bill Brock was correctly recognized as ``a statesman of the highest caliber, leading by example, with freedom and humility.'' prgtoken I especially appreciate his achievements of developing the modern Party in the South from virtually no presence to my home state of South Carolina now appreciating the largest majorities in 140 years. prgtoken His obituary from The Journal is clearly deserving for his service for the American people. In Memoriam West Palm Beach--BROCK, William Emerson III ``Bill,'' former Tennessee Senator, United States Trade Representative and Secretary of Labor, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on March 25, 2021. Born and raised in Chattanooga, TN, Bill Brock graduated from McCallie School and Washington & Lee University. When Mr. Brock returned from serving 3 years in the Navy, he went to work in his family's candy company. Mr. Brock served in the House for 8 years, working closely with s and to solve problems and get things done for his constituents. In 1970, Mr. Brock ran against three-term incumbent Albert Gore, Sr. for the Senate and won. In 1976, as he was elected to serve as Chair of the National Committee and spent the next 4 years rebuilding the Grand Ole Party. Four years later, the s took control of the senate for the first time in a quarter of a century, gained 49 seats in the House of Representatives, and elected Ronald Reagan to the Presidency. Reagan appointed Brock United States Trade Representative. He was recognized for his leadership in promoting the expansion of international trade rules to encompass for the first time intellectual property, services, and investment. He founded the Quad Forum, a quarterly informal meeting of the Trade Ministers of Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United States and founded the Rio Group of seventeen leading trading nations to facilitate greater coordination between trade and finance ministries. Ambassador Brock was recognized by The Wall Street Journal, along with a number of others, as one of the ``fathers'' of the Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations and subsequently the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 1985, President Reagan asked Mr. Brock to bring his arbitration skills to the Department of Labor. As US Secretary of Labor, Secretary Brock was widely praised for his strong executive leadership in a major reform of pension laws, restoring constructive labor-management relation
RECOGNIZING THE UTAH DIAPER BANK
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-4-13

today I offer my recognition of the unique service of the Utah Diaper Bank to the people of Utah and, seecifically, to the children of our great State. Their service, now spanning nearly a decade, officially started in March 2013 when a few dedicated individuals recognized the necessity fof an organized, community-based approach to collecting and distributing diapers. Today, after years of careful planning and hard work, hundreds of thousands of diapers are being distributed throughout Utah to those who need them. prgtoken Some years ago, Victor Velivis, a Utah information technology professional, was watching television when he noticed an vertisement placed by a crisis nursery. The nursery requested diapers, not to stockpile them, but because they were out--flat out--of diapers. Vic donated what diapers he could and kept tabs on the nursery for a year. A year later, the same nursery ran out again. Puzzled, he set out to investigate. prgtoken After investigating, Vic realized that safety-net programs such as the food stamp program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children do not cover the cost of diapers. He also realized that low-income parents cannot take advantage of free or subsidized childcare if they cannot afford to leave diapers at childcare centers. This prevents parents from accessing daycare and prevents them from being able to work or attend school on a consistent basis. prgtoken Vic began. to think about alternatives. What about cloth diapers? he thought. He soon realized, however, that most people living in poverty do not have access to washing facilities. Thus, they are unable to use cloth diapers for health and sanitary reasons. prgtoken The more he learned, the more Vic realized how hard it can be for parents in need to put diapers on their children. prgtoken In some Utah families, children suffer multiple days in the same diaper. Not only is this tremendously uncomfortable, it also puts the child at risk of serious illness and disease. In fact, according to one expert source, to prevent complications, it is recommended that parents change their newborn baby's diaper every 2 to 3 hours. That is 8 to 12 diapers each day; and, at about 25 cents per diaper, a total of nearly 100 dollars per month. But what if you can't afford that? The Utah Diaper Bank was created to address this problem directly. prgtoken The Utah Diaper Bank serves the needs of infants and young children by overseeing an organized approach to collecting and distributing diapers to organizations and individuals who need them. The bank fulfills this mission by supporting diaper drives, collecting and stockpiling diapers, and then distributing diapers throughout the State. What began as a loosely connected group of friends operating out of their homes, now operates out of a warehouse and distributes hundreds of thousands of diapers annually. prgtoken The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbat
PREVENTING PAYGO SEQUESTRATION
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the legislation before us today is clearly a wiser course of action than that which my House colleagues pursued just a few weeks ago. As a reminder, despite House s specifically raising the concern over the risk House were taking with the healthcare of America's seniors, our colleagues first dismissed the fact that their recently enacted $1.9 trillion bailout bill would lead to billions in cuts to Medicare. Then, after passing their bill, and after the President signed into law a plan that would lead to $36 billion in cuts to Medicare, suddenly felt compelled to acknowledge that fact. prgtoken Unfortunately, when they chose to act, chose a course of action that completely failed. I say chose that course of action because they could have protected America's seniors and offset the impact to the budget by adopting the Protect Seniors and Cut Waste Act put forward by House s, which would: prgtoken Stop benefits and payments to prisoners and illegal immigrants; stop funds from the bailout bail for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities; stop special handouts for Federal employees; and rescind billions in bailouts that go to State governments. prgtoken Our colleagues were unwilling to accept such a commonsense approach. They wanted to simply pretend $1.9 trillion in spending is not happening and erase the evidence. prgtoken Thankfully, the Senate, in a bipartisan vote of 90-2, agreed to the bill that is before us today--legislation that postpones the Budget Control Act's reduction in Medicare spending that is otherwise set to begin this month. It offsets and achieves those savings by extending future funding restraints an additional year. prgtoken It avoids a cut to Medicare that is smaller than that which is set to occur because of the bailout bill, but it also does not simply shove under the prgtoken rug the cost of the debt-inducing actions taken by Washington thus far. They will have to deal with those actions and their spending. prgtoken In the meantime, we can and should act on the legislation before us to do what is prudent and possible to protect America's seniors. prgtoken Madam , .
HONORING THE MEMORY OF OFFICER WILLIAM FRANCIS ``BILLY'' EVANS OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE FOR HIS SELFLESS ACTS OF HEROISM ON THE GROUNDS OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL ON APRIL 2, 2021
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-4-13

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m Wednesday, April 14; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the nomination of Gary Gensler to be a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission; further, that the postcloture time on the Gensler nomination be considered expired at 11:45 a.m.; finally, that if cloture is invoked on the Mallory nomination, all postcloture time be considered expired at 3:30 p.m.
TRIBUTE TO JUDGE TOD KAUFMAN
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2021-4-13

I rise today to honor longtime Kanawha County Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman upon his retirement after more than 32 remarkable years of service to the 13th Judicial Circuit. prgtoken I have often said there is no greater accomplishment than to find yourself in a position to give back to the community you love. As a Charleston native, Judge Kaufman has served the people of Kanawha County with professionalism, fairmindedness, and great respect from the day he took office in 1988. prgtoken Following his undergraduate education, he worked as a paralegal in the Washington, DC, law firm of Covington & Burling and received a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1980. He served a clerkship on the U.S. Tax Court during law school before joining his late father's Charleston law firm of Kaufman & Ratliff in 1980. Prior to his appointment as judge, he served as my colleague in the State legislature and was appointed to the State senate in 1982 by then- Governor Jay Rockefeller and was elected in 1984. Judge Kaufman's lectured internationally at prestigious law schools and conferences and is a former member of the Mass Litigation Panel of the West Virginia Supreme Court and past president and executive officer of the West Virginia Judicial Association. prgtoken Shortly after graduating law school, Judge Kaufman tragically lost his parents, former Senator and World War II veteran Paul Kaufman and Rose, and brother, Steven, in a car accident. I know their unfailing love and influence had a tremendous impact on the person he was to become. Both of his parents were extremely active in their community and passionate about many social issues. I will always be personally grateful to them that they passed their work ethic and compassion on to Judge Kaufman, because he has done so much good in our home State due to their influence. In 2011, the 35th Street Bridge over the Kanawha River between the East End and Kanawha City was renamed in their honor, and I am certain they would be so very proud of Judge Kaufman's legacy and personal values. prgtoken Throughout the years, Judge Kaufman has witnessed the drastic changes in the judicial landscape. Technology in the courts has played a crucial role, especially with current events as they are, but Judge Kaufman has always promoted the value of interpersonal communication and protecting the humanism in our court processes. He has been fiercely protective of the interests of the people in front of him in the courtroom, acknowledging the heavy responsibility of representing the justice system. He and I served in the State senate together, and in the many years I have called him a friend, Judge Kaufman has never taken his position lightly and has always seen himself primarily as a servant of the people of Kanawha County and of West Virginia. His view of the law is something I will always admire, and I know it has also inspired countless young judges and la
IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF THE LIFE OF DR. BERNARDINE LACEY
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of my dear friend, Dr. Bernardine Lacey, who passed away on March 26, 2021. It is with deep sorrow that I mourn her loss, and deep affection that I honor her beautiful legacy. prgtoken Dr. Lacey was born on July 28, 1932, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Despite her humble beginnings, she successfully went on to build a formidable and impactful career in the nursing profession. Dr. Lacey's expansive education began when she received her nursing degree from the Gilfoy School of Nursing at the Mississippi Baptist Hospital in Jackson. This would be one of the first of many pioneering efforts Dr. Lacey would trailblaze to break barriers as one of the first Black students admitted into Georgetown University's Nursing program, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) in 1969. Thereafter, Dr. Lacey earned her Master of Arts from Howard University in 1985. Her tenacity did not allow her to stop there. She would go on to earn her terminal degree in her 50's with her Doctor of Education from the prestigious Columbia University's Teacher's College in 1991. prgtoken Throughout her career path, Dr. Lacey served Howard University Hospital for more than 30 years. While there is a robust list of accomplishments that are too many to exhaust here, to name a few, Dr. Lacey became the Founding Dean and Professor at Western Michigan University's School of Nursing, where she remained until 1999. Thereafter, she went on to act as Special Assistant to the President of Western Michigan University. Other notable titles held include: Professor and Chair in the Department of Nursing at Prince George's Community College; Executive Director of Children's National Medical Center, School Health Program; and Chairperson in the Department of Nursing at Bowie State University. In 2018, coming out of retirement, Dr. Lacey was led back to Howard University, where she served as Vice- Chair for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. In this role, she acted as a trusted advisor to the Dean, worked to expand clinical affiliations, and established best practices for accreditation visits and scholarship and grant opportunities. prgtoken Throughout her 88-years of living life to the fullest, Dr. Lacey received numerous accolades--which are tangible testaments to her undeniable impact on the intersection of nursing and our nursing education communities. Dr. Lacey became a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing; was honored as a Distinguished Alumna at Georgetown University; a recipient of the Legacy of Leadership Award from Howard University; and in 2014, Dr. Lacey was inducted as a ``Living Legend'' by the American Academy of Nursing where they inducted her into the Academy's Hall of Fame. In addition, the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University will continue to recognize Dr. Lacey's impact by initiating an
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING VAISAKHI
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , today I reintroduce the House resolution celebrating Vaisakhi: an annual harvest festival widely celebrated in northern India and throughout the world. prgtoken This resolution recognizes the historic, cultural, and religious significance of the festival of Vaisakhi. This annual harvest festival is celebrated globally by people of many different faiths including Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists. It is particularly significant for Sikhs because it coincides with the formation of Khalsa in 1699. prgtoken In the United States, Vaisakhi is celebrated with large processions, celebrations, and community service. Vaisakhi celebrates community, prosperity, and continued progress in the year ahead. As our country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we celebrate the strength of our communities and the sacrifice it will take to defeat the coronavirus and look toward the future. prgtoken As the co-chairman of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I am honored to reintroduce this biennial resolution recognizing the importance of Vaisakhi. April 13 marks the start of the beginning of the Sikh religion and the start of the Punjabi New Year. Late 2020 and early 2021 has tested the Indian Sikh community, and I hope the coming months will be marked by peace, prosperity, and respect for all faith communities. prgtoken Madam , I encourage all Members of the House to join me in recognizing the significance of Vaisakhi and those who celebrate it.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2021-4-13

today, I rise to recognize the Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County for 50 years of service to the Billings community. prgtoken The Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County first opened its doors in 1971, serving 70 kids out of the basement of the old public library in downtown Billings. Over the past half century, the club has grown to serve well over 500 kids and operates five clubhouses and five microsites across the Magic City. prgtoken Throughout the pandemic, the club never stopped doing what it does best serving the kids who need it most. Like many other schools and organizations, the club initially had to close their doors when COVID- 19 came to Montana. But they put in the hard work and managed to reopen carefully and safely so they could continue providing a welcoming place for kids to learn together, make lifelong friendships, and build skills and confidence that will serve them for the rest of their lives. I commend president and CEO Brian Dennis and his staff for navigating these challenging times and for their steadfast commitment to ensuring every child in our community is set up to succeed. prgtoken The Boys and Girls Clubs of America challenge each and every one of us to reach our full potential and be great. For the past 50 years, the Yellowstone County club has done exactly that. Congratulations, thank you, and best of luck as you continue this truly commendable work.