mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-2-10

I come to the floor today to support three extraordinarily qualified Department of Defense nominees: Melissa Dalton, to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs; Dr. David Honey, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; and Dr. Celeste Wallander, to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. prgtoken These three individuals have been nominated to serve in critical national security positions, and they are tasked with confronting those challenges of national security and securing U.S. interests at home and abroad. prgtoken As a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, I attended the committee nomination hearings for all three nominees, and I came away convinced that all three were qualified for their positions and deserving of swift confirmation. prgtoken Melissa Dalton previously served as a career civil servant in various positions at the Department of Defense--for a decade--under both President and President . So she had bipartisan support, clearly, in that position. She also was a senior fellow and director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. prgtoken If confirmed, one of Ms. Dalton's core responsibilities as Assistant Secretary for Homeland Defense would be overseeing the Department's ability to operate through impacts to critical infrastructure, an area in which we have increasingly seen our adversaries are trying to exploit, particularly through cyber attacks. As Ms. Dalton has said, the resilience of our capabilities and infrastructure at home strengthens deterrence of aggression abroad, and DOD must be able to demonstrate its resilience. prgtoken The recent news of increased threats from Russia's cyber attacks, associated with their unprecedented troop buildup near Ukraine, underscores the need for this position to be filled as quickly as possible. prgtoken I also want to express my support for Dr. David Honey, who has dedicated a lifetime of service to the defense of this country. Dr. Honey has served in various research and development positions at the Department of Defense, including roles at the Defense Advanced prgtoken Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, which is so important to our innovation. He has also served on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research. prgtoken Today, more than ever, we need talented, qualified individuals like Dr. Honey at the forefront of DOD's innovation and technological efforts. Seemingly every few weeks we hear in the press about shocking technological breakthroughs made by the Chinese military that raise concerns about eroding our technological advantage. Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Hyten, described the Chinese test of a fractional orbital bombardment system last summer as ``stunning.'' prgtoken Our technological advantage has been a foundatio
RECOGNIZING THE SPRING SWING SUN SAFETY PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
W. Gregory Steube (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , my colleague, Mr. Donalds from Florida, and I are grateful to recognize the Spring Swing Sun Safety partnership between Moffitt Cancer Center and Major League Baseball. This partnership works to prevent skin cancer by offering sun safety education and free skin cancer screenings at Spring Training baseball games. Such efforts are important here in Florida, the Sunshine State, where we see a high incidence of melanoma and other deadly forms of skin cancer. prgtoken We are pleased, therefore, to join with Moffitt Cancer Center and Major League Baseball to raise awareness to combat this disease. It is important to limit sun exposure when possible, wear sunscreen if you are in the sun, and have your skin checked by a health care professional once a year. We hope all baseball fans safely enjoy Florida's sunshine and the great tradition of Spring Training baseball in our state.
CONGRATULATING COLIN DEMAREST
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , congratulations to Colin Demarest, an appreciated journalist of Aiken, South Carolina, for his new assignment at C4ISRNET, a publication covering emerging issues and trends in global military transformation in Washington. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Colin began his journalism career at The Berkshire View as a featured writer. Later, he became an editor and reporter at Limestone Communications, where he covered government in five different cities and two regional school districts. prgtoken When he joined the Aiken Standard, Colin initially focused on reporting on the Aiken city government. After some time, he was assigned to report on the Savannah River Site National Laboratory, a multi-billion dollar facility with about 11,000 employees. At times, this assignment brought him to Washington, D.C where he reported on anything involving the Savannah River Site. prgtoken Colin was thoughtful to come to many events over the years. He would report on my Legislative Agenda Tours, Bus Tours, and any other local events that I attended in South Carolina. As a former journalist myself, I know Colin will be successful at his new assignment reporting from the Pentagon. I wish the best for Colin Demarest in all his future endeavors.
HONORING BUILDER NAVY CHIEF PETTY OFFICER RAYMOND BORDER
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the official renaming of the Gulfport Fitness Center in honor of Builder Chief Petty Officer Raymond Border. prgtoken Raymond Border was born on July 22, 1980, in Coshocton, Ohio. He enlisted in the Navy on September 22, 1999. Upon completion of Builder A-school Gulfport, MS BUC Border completed successful tours deploying twice with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE. His daughter, Shelva Border and son Donavan Border currently still live in Gulfport. His father Craig Border and mother Julie Border live in West Lafayette, Ohio. prgtoken A few months after returning home from deployment in 2011 to Afghanistan's Helmand Province with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 BUC Border volunteered for an Individual Augmentee billet on a Provincial Reconstruction Team and returned to Afghanistan, where he lost his life in the line of duty. prgtoken For his outstanding service, BUC Border was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star (with combat V), Purple Heart, and Combat Action Ribbon. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal during his previous naval service. prgtoken Traditionally Seabee facilities are named after Seabees that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. BUC Border was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was executing a road assessment for a convoy in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, on October 19, 2011. prgtoken BUC Border perfectly embodies what it means to be a true American hero and I can think of no better fit than BUC Raymond J. Border the first Seabee, and first Chief Petty Officer from the Seabee Fleet Concentration Area in Gulfport to receive this distinct honor. prgtoken His memory proudly represents all Seabees that deployed to Afghanistan and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Our military servicemembers deserve to be recognized for their commitment to our great nation and I am grateful for his unwavering dedication to our country. The naming of the Fitness Center will allow the Seabees to be able to permanently remember and honor one of their fallen Seabees and Chief Petty Officers.
HONORING SHARON HAWKINS
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo, Senator Jim Risch, and Congressman Russ Fulcher, I rise to call attention to the outstanding career of Sharon Hawkins, who worked for over 30 years on public policy to better the lives of Idahoans. Sharon, served the last fifteen years of her career as the Director of Operations for Idaho's largest business association, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, IACI. Sharon not only made sure every detail of the office ran smoothly, but she was an extremely vital resource to the 300 plus business members who make up that important organization. prgtoken Before joining IACI, she was the administrative coordinator for the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association, executive assistant to the Chairman and CEO of MGM and United Artists Communications, and the office administrator for the investment banking firm, Merrill Lynch. prgtoken For many, Sharon is an encyclopedia of historical and policy knowledge in the Gem State. She knows every player in the business world, not only because she worked with them, but because she became a caring friend to those who crossed her path. prgtoken Sharon is the person you go to when you need things done right. She never left a detail on the table, or a task undone during her time of service. From orchestrating some of the most important business events in modern Idaho history--to making sure Vice President had a Diet Coke, Sharon never missed a beat. prgtoken Her ability to spark conversations, tireless work ethic, and thorough knowledge of Idaho policy history and business acumen will be missed among all who've worked with her over her three decades of service. We all wish her the best in her retirement and to get some much-needed rest and relaxation with her husband Cory and her three sons. I thank Sharon for her service to Idaho.
TRIBUTE TO RETIRED SERGEANT MARIO SALAZAR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PASSING
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the passing of retired Sergeant Mario Salazar of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Sergeant Salazar was born in Highland and served our community loyally for 28 years before retiring in January 2019. His passing on January 22nd of this year is a solemn loss for our San Bernardino County law enforcement community and the people of California's 8th District. prgtoken Sergeant Salazar began his career in California's 8th District in 1991 as a patrol duty officer at the Central Detention Center and the Fontana and Highland stations. He served our communities with outstanding dedication for 14 years before being promoted to detective in 2005 and then again to sergeant in 2009. Mario was critical to San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department operations during his 28-year tenure, and his leadership proved to be an invaluable asset. prgtoken Throughout his life, Mario was committed to our community. As a part of our sheriffs department he relished opportunities to engage with the community, to meet new people, and to lend a helping hand. Mario is survived by prgtoken his wife Sherri, son Ryan, daughter Erin, and grandchildren. My prayers are with his family and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department as we mourn the loss of this dedicated officer and valued member of our community.
RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor National President Jean Hamil and all members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary for their outstanding volunteer service to Veterans and their families. prgtoken In their 108th year of volunteer service the organization continues to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by maintaining memorials to their service and sharing their history with our nation's youth to ensure our nation's Veterans will never be forgotten. The 470,000 members of the VFW Auxiliary all represent the families of those who have served or are currently serving on foreign soil protecting our freedom. Member volunteers have conducted nearly one million hours in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and other hospitals throughout the country. I thank them for their tireless service to our country and to Veterans and their families.
CALLING FOR BALANCED BUDGET
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , the House is set to take up a third stopgap funding bill since the fiscal year started back in October 2021. prgtoken Let me phrase that differently. We are nearly halfway into fiscal year 2022 and Congress has yet to fund the government. prgtoken America is flat broke. Last week the Treasury Department announced that our national debt exceeds 830 trillion, reaching a calamitous level and tripling in the last decade. Inflation is at a historic 40- year high. Yet Congress cannot do its basic job and pass a budget on time. prgtoken Instead of addressing real issues facing our nation, the House of Representatives is once again kicking the can for three more weeks to give Congress additional time to try to pass another bloated budget. prgtoken Congress cannot spend its way into prosperity, and we must end the frantic habit of governing from one crisis to another. Instead of running up bills we can't pay for, we should be funding the common- sense priorities of the American people, including securing the border, adequately funding our military, reducing taxes and eliminating job- killing regulations. prgtoken Today, I reiterate my call for a balanced budget. If we cannot balance the budget rationally, we need a balanced budget constitutional amendment that would force Congress to live within its means, like everyone else. prgtoken I have spent my time in Congress trying to reduce spending and stopping this nonsense. I will be voting against this irresponsible kick-the-can-down-the-road continuing resolution. Spending more money that we don't have will not solve our nation's fiscal problems. prgtoken All of us will pay the price in the future. Unfortunately, our children and grandchildren will be most impacted. This is immoral to harm future generations but that is what today's continuing resolution does.
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. BENITO ANTONIO MARTINEZ OCASIO
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , I rise to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio. prgtoken Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio was born on March 10, 1994, in Almirante Sur, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Mr. Martinez Ocasio wanted to be a singer since he was five years old and pursued the studied audiovisual communication at the University of Puerto Rico at Recinto de Arecibo before leaving the program to pursue his music career. prgtoken A native of Puerto Rico, Martinez Ocasio, has been a great force in the rise of the island's popular reggaeton music. His parents Lysaurie Ocasio Declet and Tito Martinez and family inspired his music aspirations. His mother Lysaurie encouraged Martinez Ocasio into music at a young age in his church choir. prgtoken Benito's family instilled in him the belief that life is not measured by the amount of money or trophies a person has but rather the challenges overcome and an appreciation for life. prgtoken Mr. Martinez Ocasio is actively involved in the betterment of his community, Los Angeles County, and in neighborhoods across our great nation including his hometown of Almirante Sur, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He has been recognized by countless local leaders in Los Angeles County and throughout California for his tremendous support to the community and dedication to assisting those in need. prgtoken In 2018, Martinez Ocasio was vacationing in Puerto Rico when he decided to make a generous donation of $100,000 to the nonprofit organization SER of Puerto Rico. The donation supported children with autism and muscular disabilities who require rehabilitation. At the end of a telethon that he participated in, SER received $1.7 million in donations. Martinez Ocasio has been a role model for disability communities and is working to ensure that one day the cure for autism is found. One in thirty five children born today will have Autism, but people like Mr. Martinez Ocasio have given hope to millions in the fight to find the cure one day. prgtoken Martinez Ocasio has not forgotten his humble roots and the neighborhood that had a profound impact on his upbringing and has given back his time and resources to his community. In one instance, Martinez Ocasio helped a 13-year-old Cayman Islands boy who was residing in a hospital and in need of thousands of dollars to cover his medical expenses including a needed heart transplant surgery. When the boy's story caught his attention, Martinez Ocasio brought public awareness to the boy's critical need for an expensive surgery and called on other artists as well as ordinary people to donate any amount they could afford. Together they successfully raised the necessary resources for the boy's surgery. prgtoken Martinez Ocasio has led the way in helping others in California in the City and County of Los Angeles, focusing on assisting Angelenos with developmental disabilities. He has established himself as a leader and a charitable American utili
CELEBRATING THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOLEDO CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Toledo Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Its members will gather in a special celebration in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday February 12, 2022 to celebrate this milestone occasion. prgtoken Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is an organization of college educated women dedicated to public service and the development of women, with a focus on the Black community. Its world-wide services offer support through the organization's ``Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development; Educational Development; International Awareness and Involvement; Physical and Mental Health; and Political Awareness and Involvement.'' prgtoken Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have been part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The sorority currently has over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Republic of Korea, the Arabian Gulf, Southern Africa, and Western Africa. Among the chapters is one in Toledo, Ohio. prgtoken The Toledo chapter notes in its history: ``In 1937, the first chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio was formed by seven young women. They were Louise Burgette, Mamie Duffy, Lillian Duffy, Constance Heslip, Mayola Senior, Ella P. Stewart, and Frances Wade. Beta Lambda Mixed Chapter consisted of undergraduates at The University Toledo, Mary Manse College and graduates residing in the city.'' ``On February 12, 1972, Lillian P. Benbow, the National President of Delta Sigma Theta, came to Toledo to establish the Alumnae Chapter. The graduate members formed the Toledo Alumnae Chapter and Beta Lambda became the city-wide undergraduate collegiate chapter.'' ``Delta has been involved in numerous activities that emphasize scholarship, public service, and international involvement. Breakfast for M'Lady has been its annual fundraiser for years at which graduating high school seniors are awarded scholarships. The chapter has also sponsored a Habitat for Humanity house in Africa. Voter registration activities, mentoring and tutoring children through its Delta Academy programs, sponsoring and participating in mental and physical health awareness events are just some of the ways the chapter has given back to our community.'' prgtoken Civil rights and social justice icon Angela Davis encouraged ``We must always attempt to lift as we climb.'' For fifty years, the members of the Toledo Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta have done just that. Always in pursuit of higher goals through the generations, the women of the chapter have grown and nurtured future leaders. As they look back on a half-century of progress, I know they are inspired toward the next.
HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN OF TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commend the service, dedication, and sacrifice of the members of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and their partner agencies at Travis Air Force Base, which I have the distinct privilege of representing as part of California's Third Congressional District. They exemplify the best of America, and their tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home. prgtoken For eighty years, Travis Air Force Base has stood as a pillar of strength, projecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and providing support to American troops around the world. This mission is only accomplished thanks to the blood, sweat, and fortitude of the 18,000 airmen and their families that maintain the highest levels of readiness and capability. Every single day this all-volunteer force provides essential aerial refueling, airlift operations, aeromedical evacuation, highly-specialized rapid response contingency operations capabilities, and unmatched support to produce and execute rapid global mobility in support of our national defense. prgtoken Last year alone the men and women of Travis Air Force Base met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. Team Travis aircrews evacuated 12,962 Afghans while managing security and operations at the airport in Kabul. prgtoken The valor and heroism displayed by the men and women of Travis was imitable and worthy of recognition. Last month, I spoke with Captain Kayleigh Migaleddi, who helped evacuate 117 orphan children from the region during Operation Allies Refuge. She spoke about how she would have been at the Abbey Gate the moment a suicide bomber killed 13 Americans had it not been for an orphaned child who needed her assistance elsewhere on base. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she owed her life to that child, who she later helped reach safety and begin a new life. Captain Migaleddi's story is just one of the many stories I heard that exemplify the character leadership, and bravery that is cultivated at Travis Air Force Base. Service records only scratch the surface of the courageous actions performed by these men and women. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to represent such an upstanding community in Congress. prgtoken This total force effort of active and reserve airmen directly enabled the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known world history, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. Simply put, Travis Air Force Base is the very best our nation has to offer. Its strategic importance stands as a beacon of hope to our allies and a stern reminder of American resolve to our enemies. On behalf of a grateful nation and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to t
COST ESTIMATE FOR H.R. 5633, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSPECTOR GENERAL TRANSPARENCY ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2022-2-11

. Madam , I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 5633, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Transparency Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, February 10, 2022. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5633, the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Transparency Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Lindsay Wylie. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 5633--Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Transparency Act As reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on January 21, 2022 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By fiscal year, millions of dollars--