mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS AND PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service Employment Non- Discrimination Act, which would apply the District of Columbia Human Rights Act of 1977 (DCHRA) to employees of the local D.C. courts and of the D.C. Public Defender Service (PDS). In February, the D.C. Court of Appeals held in Robertson v. District of Columbia that the DCHRA, which protects employees of the D.C. government and of private employers from discrimination, does not apply to employees of the local D.C. courts. The court has not ruled on the applicability of the DCHRA to PDS employees. prgtoken The local D.C. courts and PDS are unique entities, and they sometimes fall through the regulatory cracks. They are neither federal nor D.C. government entities, though both were created and are funded by Congress, and their employees are treated as federal employees for some employee benefits. This bill prgtoken would ensure that their employees have comprehensive protections from and remedies for employment discrimination. prgtoken While employees of the local D.C. courts and of PDS are protected by federal anti-discrimination laws, the DCHRA provides much broader protections and remedies for employees than federal anti-discrimination laws. prgtoken While the D.C. Council may have the authority to pass such a bill itself, only Congress has the clear authority to do so, given the express limitations in the D.C. Home Rule Act on the Council's authority to legislate on matters affecting the local D.C. courts, and given that Congress has generally served as the legislative body for PDS. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF U.S. ARMY SERGEANT ROY DeLAUTER
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to commend the service of Sergeant Roy ``Buddy'' Charles DeLauter, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during the Korean War. prgtoken A resident of Smithsburg, Maryland, Sgt. DeLauter bravely answered the call to defend the values of democracy and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. prgtoken On December 1, 1950, Sgt. DeLauter was tragically killed in action. Like many fallen service members of foreign wars, his remains could not be easily recovered and returned. For over 70 years, his family was deprived of the closure America's Gold Star families so rightly deserve. prgtoken Credit to the tireless efforts of his loved ones, Sgt. DeLauter was finally brought home this week to Hagerstown. Friday, he was given a proper burial with full military honors. prgtoken By all accounts, Sgt. DeLauter was an exemplar of the Army's core values: loyalty, duty, respect, personal courage, honor, integrity, and selfless service. To his family, the same. prgtoken We are forever indebted to Sgt. DeLauter and his family for their service to this Nation.
TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE ``KAT'' MILLER
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-4-25

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank COL Katherine ``Kat'' Miller for her years of service to the people of Nevada. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of public service and dedication to our military and Nevada's veterans. prgtoken Kat Miller grew up in Reno, NV, and after graduating from Reno High School embarked on a 34-year career in the Army and Nevada National Guard. Among her many contributions to our Nation's Armed Forces are her service on four continents and deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Kat was something of a trailblazer serving in multiple leadership positions and commanding thousands of staff as a military police brigade commander in the U.S. and Afghanistan and as the commander of the Department of Defense's largest correctional organization. After retirement from the Army, she taught at the University of Maryland and the University of Nevada, Reno before becoming the director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services-- NDVS--in 2013. prgtoken Nevada has benefited immensely from Kat's directorship of the NDVS. Under her watch, the NDVS made huge strides for our State's veterans. Notably, NDVS assisted the Governor and Nevada mayors in their efforts to reduce suicide among veterans and their families, created nine programs to support unique or at-risk veteran populations, trained hundreds of healthcare providers in understanding how dementia and the aging process affect the care of veterans, and created a program to help employers recruit and retain veterans. prgtoken Kat also successfully led the NDVS in applying for over $70 million in Federal grants for veterans' programs, including for nursing home creation and improvements, cemetery expansions, disabled veterans sports programs, rural transportation initiatives, and telehealth equipment. Under Kat's directorship, the NDVS received five national awards for these innovative veterans support programs: the Nevada Veterans Advocate Program, the Nevada Veterans Legislative Program, the ``Ask a VSO'' Program, Operation Mission Ready, and the Patriot Employer Program. Furthermore, last year, Kat was appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee to help identify barriers to access to healthcare in rural areas and recommend solutions to the Veterans Affairs secretary. prgtoken The list of Kat's achievements and contributions to the State of Nevada and the U.S. Army goes on and on. I have no doubt that Kat's legacy of service will continue to leave a powerful impact on the lives of many veterans in Nevada for years to come. She has my deep thanks.
CELEBRATING THE TRICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the tricentennial anniversary of the establishment of the Town of Chester, New Hampshire. First known as the Chestnut County, the name was later shortened to Chester after Cheshire County, England, whose county seat is Chester. prgtoken Based in one of the thirteen original colonies, Chester is one of the oldest towns in America and its history is tied to that of the entire nation. Throughout the post-Revolutionary and the Civil War eras, Chester supplied housing and goods for many fellow New Englanders and Americans. Beyond its cultural impact, Chester has also given the State of New Hampshire three governors, three senators, a chief justice of the State Supreme Court, and so much more. prgtoken Chester reached its population low of just over 650 residents during the early 20th century, but over the past 100 years, that number has grown to more than 5,000 residents. This quick growth is a testament to the charm and character of Chester, and I am confident that this town will continue to prosper for generations to come. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Chester on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Chester and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.
TRIBUTE TO MARCINE D. GOODLOE
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-4-25

I rise to pay tribute to a constituent, a trailblazer, a pillar of the Montgomery County community, a neighbor, and a dear friend: Ms. Marcine D. Goodloe. Ms. Goodloe has spent over 40 years advocating for the interests of volunteer firefighters and first responders across Maryland. She has been a special champion for Montgomery County, the place where I raised my family and where I still live. It is my honor to recognize her extraordinary life and dedication to our community and to the safety of all Americans. prgtoken Marcine D. Goodloe has made service her mission. She began her career as the executive secretary for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and later served as executive director for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Commission. Over the years, Ms. Goodloe's commitment to community service moved her up the fire-rescue ranks. At the height of her career, she oversaw the operations of 19 local volunteer fire and rescue departments and more than 2,400 fire, rescue, EMS, administrative, and auxiliary members serving over 1 million Montgomery County residents. prgtoken Following years of exemplary service, Ms. Goodloe made history as the first woman elected president of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire- Rescue Association in its century-long history. Her distinguished tenure lasted 16 years. As president, Ms. Goodloe worked tirelessly to advance the priorities of the entire association family. She partnered with community leaders at all levels of government--from the county council to the U.S. Congress--and delivered real results. At the local level, she successfully advocated for innovative policy solutions that helped strengthen physical standards, first responder training, and drug and alcohol testing. She raised the concerns of the Montgomery County volunteer fire-rescue community in Washington D.C. too, working with Members of Congress to secure Federal resources for first responders. Ms. Goodloe's commitment to service also reached beyond my State. In 2005, she raised more than $20,000 for a fire department in Mississippi that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Goodloe has been a vocal ambassador for first responders everywhere, and her leadership has been nothing short of inspiring. prgtoken Throughout her decades of service, Ms. Goodloe has always brought dignity, strength, and kindness to her work. She has toiled in the trenches, working day-in and day-out to ensure that the men and women who stand guard over our communities get the support they need to do the job and come home safe. Ms. Goodloe has not only served her community honorably, but she has also empowered women across the Nation to enter a career in fire service. Her legacy of good works have earned her numerous accolades including the Mason Fire Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award, the Chief Leslie B. Johnson Community Service Award, and a spot in the Maryland State Firemen Association's Hall
HONORING 75 YEARS OF CINE EL REY
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the historic Cine El Rey, which has provided outstanding entertainment to South Texans for 75 years. prgtoken Cine El Rey opened its doors in 1947 and is one of the longest- running entertainment venues in the nation. Cine El Rey has hosted a variety of entertainment events over the last 75 years, ranging from film screenings and concerts to wrestling events, and propelled the careers of many South Texas artists. prgtoken Established during segregation, Cine El Rey was the only place where Latinos could watch movies in McAllen, Texas. Today, it is a hallmark of Hispanic entertainment. Cine El Rey is the only privately-owned National Historic Landmark representative of Hispanic Culture in America. prgtoken In 2020, like many entertainment venues across the country, Cine El Rey was forced to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, with the support of our community and dedication of its owner, Burt Guerra, Cine El Rey has reopened and again offers the live entertainment it is so fondly known for. prgtoken Madam , I stand here today to celebrate the 75 years that Cine El Rey has been open and entertaining our community, and I look forward to celebrating many more years.
Remembering Lorenzo Cervantes (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-4-25

last week, America and Illinois lost a hero. Lorenzo Cervantes was his name. He had been a steelworker living in the small town of Sterling, IL, in the Rock River Valley. That is an hour or two west of Chicago. prgtoken Mr. Cervantes was 98 years old. When he was a young man, he set out to save the world. He joined the U.S. Army in February of 1943, during World War II, before he had reached the age of 20. He was a member of an elite group. There was an American-Canadian commando unit known as the First Special Service Force, a top-secret band of brothers operating deep behind enemy lines. prgtoken The Forcemen, as they were known, earned the nickname ``The Devil's Brigade'' from terrified Nazi soldiers and officers who said that they seemed to appear out of nowhere in the dead of night, like devils. prgtoken That unit he served in suffered one of the highest casualty rates in the war. Listen to these figures. Of the 2,400 men who fought with the unit, 2,300 of them were either killed or wounded, but they never lost a mission--not one. prgtoken The First Special Service Force existed for only 2 years, but the spirit of that force lives on in the Green Berets, Army Rangers, Navy SEALS, Marine Raiders, Canadian Special Operations Regiment, and, frankly, all of today's military Special Forces. prgtoken For decades after World War II, the very existence of that unit remained top secret and classified. The Forcemen didn't tell anyone what they had done in the war, not even their families. Like Lorenzo Cervantes, they quietly returned home, married, raised families, and lived ordinary lives. prgtoken In 2015, some 70 years after the end of World War II, they were finally honored for their service, and Congress awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken I had the privilege of meeting two other Forcemen from Illinois at that Gold Medal ceremony. Casey Celske was one of them. He fought with the Devil's Brigade at the Battle of Anzio--one of the Allies' greatest surprise victories. He was among the first Allied soldiers to enter Rome and liberate it from the Nazis. prgtoken Mr. Celske died 3 years ago, also age 98. After the war, he had returned to Illinois and married. He and his wife had 11 children--11. prgtoken In 1995, 50 years after the war ended, Mr. Celske and one of his sons decided to go back to Europe to take a look and see the places where the First Special Service Force had fought and to visit the towns that the Force liberated. prgtoken Near the Anzio beachhead, they spoke to an Italian man. When the man realized who they were, he dropped to his knees, broke out in tears, and thanked Casey Celske of Illinois. prgtoken The Italian man said to his son: This is one of the soldiers who saved our village. prgtoken Casey Celske turned to his son and said: All these years, I wondered what I was doing. Now I know.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF LISA TROLAN
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to commend the career of Lisa Trolan, who retired from her work with General Dynamics Electric Boat, on December 23, 2021. prgtoken Madam , Ms. Trolan retires from a long, dedicated career that spans 35 years with Electric Boat. As a senior member of Electric Boat's Public Affairs team, Lisa welcomed thousands of visitors to the company's locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island and helped to highlight the skilled workforce of technological marvels produced by Electric Boat. In doing so, Lisa has acted as a staunch advocate for our community, representing a major employer within the region to attract businesses, suppliers, and employees alike. prgtoken A Groton, Connecticut native and a graduate of the University of Connecticut, Lisa has lived out a destiny of nurturing the growth of the very community that raised her. These foundational values trace all the way back to her upbringing under her parents, Julio and Frances, who also served the town of Groton well through their longstanding, respective roles with Groton Utilities and the public school system. It is no coincidence that Electric Boat's Connecticut headquarters is in Groton. It is also no surprise that even in retirement, Lisa remains an active supporter of local civic organizations as well as the University of Connecticut. prgtoken Madam , Lisa's legacy with Electric Boat--one of excellence and commitment to its employees, the Navy and the Nation--is unrivaled. She has always prioritized giving back to her foundational roots and has played a direct part in adding oil to the economic engine that is Electric Boat. To that end, I ask prgtoken that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Lisa Trolan on her well-earned retirement.
HONORING THE TX-03 CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the 2021-2022 Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) as the sixteenth year of the program draws to a close. prgtoken Over the past year, students in grades 9th through 12th from public, private, and home schools across Texas' Third Congressional District participated in my youth program as they learned firsthand about our representative democracy. From student governments, athletics, fine arts, honor societies, and a multitude of community and civic organizations, these servant leaders proved to be engaged members of our community both inside and outside of the program. prgtoken Over the course of the school year, students assembled on multiple occasions and had the unique opportunity to explore the roles of community leaders, engage in policy discussions, and offer innovative solutions to issues of the day. In addition to attending interactive information sessions, these young leaders capitalized on their experience by completing various assignments and offering feedback on current events which corresponded with our meetings. prgtoken These students consistently impressed me with their knowledge and willingness to engage in thoughtful and constructive dialogue, prgtoken even when their opinions differed from one another. It is a reminder that when we come to the table with a desire to improve and a willingness to listen, there is nothing our nation can't achieve. prgtoken Now, as we conclude the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, I am filled with unwavering confidence that this next generation of solutions-minded leaders will work towards ushering our country to greatness. prgtoken I thank every member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council for their steadfast commitment to this program and for their efforts to make our community stronger. It has been an honor to know them and serve them in Congress, and I look forward to seeing what each of them accomplish as they go forward. prgtoken Esther Abiog, Humza Ahmad, Rundransh Arora, Grant Barta, Zain Blair- Roberts, Ainsley Burkes, Neha Chand, Kaitlyn Compton, Kennedy Eagleton, Veronica Fang, Lawrence Gardner, Kendall Gee, Forest Haviland, Peyton Herbert, Victoria Hinnant, Chau Hua, Ishaan Joshi, Keeten Levin, Cassie Liu, Mansi Lohtia, Fardis Mohiuddin, Jordyn Morgan, Arshia Narula, Gikonyo Njendu, Jimmy O'Brien, Sharon Odhiambo, Shayan Parikh, Dhanish Parimalakumar, Nikolas Parker, Tyler Primeaux, Pranavi Reddi, Michael Tallman, Colin Wanek, Danielle Wang, Jedaiah Ward, Luke Yeary, Grace Zou.
Remembering Orrin G. Hatch (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-4-25

as the Senate convenes today, we are mourning the loss of our dear friend and legendary former colleague, Orrin Hatch. prgtoken When Senator Hatch retired 3 years ago, this body lost its longest serving and its President pro tem. We also lost one of the kindest and best humored colleagues any of us had ever served with and, for that matter, the Senate's only former band manager of a Mormon folk music group. prgtoken Orrin Hatch led an incredibly full, interesting, and accomplished life. By the end of his tenure, our very funny colleague liked to poke fun at his own longevity. I remember when Orrin, a former Judiciary Committee chairman, would pretend to wistfully recall his work on Justice Joseph Story's confirmation back in 1811. prgtoken Humor aside, the reality was impressive enough. Orrin's dogged service for Utah and our Nation was a constant in this Chamber for 42 years. He was an accomplished, influential chairman of three major committees: HELP, Judiciary, and Finance. He was an essential legislator behind a long list of landmark laws--from the Hatch-Waxman law on generic drugs in the 1980s to the Americans with Disabilities Act, to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program--all back in the 1990s--all the way through to the historic 2017 tax reform that Orrin shepherded as Finance chairman. That helped engineer the best economic moment for American workers and families in modern history. There were also countless specific achievements for the great State of Utah that Orrin loved so much. prgtoken Amid all that legislative heavy lifting, Orrin was also a pivotal player concerning the Senate's part in the personnel business. Amazingly, at the time of Orrin's retirement, he had personally participated in the confirmations for more than half--half--of all the article III judges who had ever served in American history. prgtoken Orrin came into the Senate as a young, conservative firebrand. His first campaign for any public office of any kind was the 1976 campaign that landed him here. He left the Senate as a widely admired and universally liked elder statesman. His legacy is peppered with both big, principled victories, bipartisan collaborations, and a roster of friends that spanned the entire political spectrum and sometimes transcended politics altogether. prgtoken But there was never any confusing what Orrin viewed as his proudest accomplishment of all. That would be his remarkable marriage to Elaine and their loving family. Alphabetical order has perhaps never served any man better than when ``Hatch, Orrin'' was assigned the chair next to ``Hansen, Elaine'' in a Brigham Young University classroom. Decades later, Orrin said, ``I can't remember a doggone thing from that astronomy class,'' but the two of them got 65 inspiring years of marriage and a big, happy brood of kids and grandkids out of the bargain. prgtoken So, today, the e
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT COLONEL THOMAS J. JENKINS UPON HIS RETIREMENT
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-4-25

. Madam , I'm honored to recognize Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Thomas J. Jenkins upon the auspicious occasion of his retirement upon more than twenty years of tireless service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. prgtoken Lt Col Jenkins distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service while assigned to the 193d Special Operations Squadron. During this period, he served as the pilot section supervisor and flight commander, managing over sixty (60) aviators' combat readiness, and recruited twenty-nine (29) rated officers, enhancing the group's longevity. Additionally, he excelled through aircraft commander, instructor, and evaluator pilot upgrades in minimum time, and actively trained and evaluated special operations pilots--ensuring the safety and effectiveness of flying operations. prgtoken Throughout his career, Colonel Jenkins compiled over four thousand total flight hours in the MC-130W, AC-130W, C-130E/H, and EC-130J airframes. He flew eight hundred (800) hours as an instructor pilot, and totaled over seven hundred (700) career combat sorties, fifteen hundred (1500) combat hours, and forty-four (44) combat support sorties. He deployed and served as an aircraft commander, director of operations, and an expeditionary squadron commander on the EC-130J Commando Solo in support of operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel. prgtoken Colonel Jenkins' professionalism, expertise, and dynamic leadership contributed immeasurably to the overall mission effectiveness of the 193d Special Operations Group. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Jenkins culminate a distinguished career in the service of our Country and reflect great credit upon himself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force. I wish him Godspeed as he embarks on his next adventure.