mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF PINE RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-3-15

I rise today to recognize Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Kountze, Texas, on its 150th year of ministry to the families and residents of Hardin County. prgtoken Pine Ridge Baptist Church was chartered in 1874 by Rev. D.M. Jordan and his wife, Becky; W.J. Jordan; George B. Jordan and his wife, Sultana; Jessie Jordan and his wife, Missouri; Jordan Daniels; Rev. J.W. Teel and his wife, Milley; Mandy Jordan Shaw Cotton; Mary Jane Jordan Teel; Aletha Laird Herrington; and Thomas Laird. prgtoken Land for the new church was donated by Rev. D.M. Jordan and constructed out of rough pine lumber. In its early years, homemade benches lined the walls for seating, handmade quilts were placed on the floor so children could relax or sleep during longer sermons, and church baptisms were held in Little Pine Island Bayou. Following Rev. Jordan's death in 1906, his son-in-law, Rev. J.W. Teel, took on the role, and Pine Ridge has been led by many devoted pastors since. The church congregation has also grown exponentially over the past 150 years, with membership currently at 240 believers. prgtoken Pine Ridge owes much of its preserved history to a man named Nathan G. Jordan, who joined the church in the late 1890s. While serving as the church's second clerk, Nathan's meticulous recordkeeping is responsible for the many documents, obituaries, meeting minutes, and biographical information of the area's early settlers and church members still available today. prgtoken Over the past 150 years, the church and its congregation have been unwavering in their commitment to sharing the good news of salvation with all who seek to know God. With its long history of service and leadership to the community, Pine Ridge Baptist Church continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders. prgtoken I offer my most sincere congratulations on this significant milestone and wish them continued prosperity as they keep to their mission of serving the community as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
CELEBRATING ENZO GAMBA
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-3-15

the Isle of Eight Flags, Fernandina Beach, Florida is home to many great things, whether it be the beaches, parks, or our pirate legacy; now we are also home to a wrestling state champion. prgtoken I rise today to celebrate Enzo Gamba, a Fernandina Beach High School Pirate from my hometown of Fernandina Beach who recently won the Florida High School Athletic Association wrestling championships. prgtoken Enzo, just like the Fernandina Beach pirates of old, went for the treasure and brought home gold. Competing in Class 1A at the 157-pound division, Enzo won the final by decision, 8-4. Not only did this victory win him a state championship, but it also capped off an undefeated season for Enzo. Fifty-four matches, Fifty-four victories. prgtoken Enzo was phenomenal all season long and winning the state championship firmly lands him on the map as one of the all-time great Pirate athletes. We are exceptionally proud of this young man. prgtoken The Pirates team, led by Coach Eric Kubatzke, brought home four individual state medals in total at the wrestling championships. All of Fernandina Beach High School, under the leadership of Principal Chris Webber, played a role in this success. prgtoken , on behalf of Fernandina Beach and Florida's 4th Congressional District, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating Enzo on this remarkable achievement.
UNITED CEMENT GROUP
Wesley Hunt (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-3-15

I rise today to inquire about a possible and deliberate violation of U.S. imposed sanctions due to Russian aggression. prgtoken As the war in Ukraine carries on and as Russian sanctions are imposed, I worry that our focus on Russian assets and agents in Europe has overlooked assets and agents in former Soviet republics such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. prgtoken I would like to draw specific attention to various companies registered in Cyprus which operate in these former Soviet republics. One such example is a Cyprus-registered company which operates in Uzbekistan and Russia called United Cement Group (UCG). prgtoken UCG acquired the Uzbekistan government's stake in one of the country's largest cement factories in early 2022 in what has been described as an ``opaque'' transaction with no formal tender and a significant discount on the sale price. This acquisition by UCG has positioned the company to now control about 50 percent of Uzbekistan's cement capacity. prgtoken We are seeing monopolization under the guise of privatization, to the benefit of Russia. prgtoken This is just one example of a bad actor in these relatively overlooked countries that are taking advantage of the international focus on Ukraine. I will be sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Yellen imploring her to further investigate these apparently corrupt improprieties and potential sanctions violations that continue to transpire in this region of the world.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-3-19

I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Connecticut Humanities, CTH. CTH is a trusted leader and public/private partner with the State of Connecticut, having supported vital, widely accessible humanities programming throughout its 50-year history. prgtoken Founded in 1974 as the Connecticut Humanities Council at the request of the National Endowment for the Humanities, CTH has dedicated itself to connecting residents of Connecticut to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. Over the past 50 years, CTH has inspired storytelling, lifelong learning, informed public dialogue, and civic engagement throughout the State of Connecticut and, in doing so, has strengthened communities and enhanced the quality of life for all residents. prgtoken Connecticut Humanities has created and promoted a number of incredibly worthwhile projects in Connecticut. CTH created the Connecticut Center for the Book, a State affiliate of the Library of Congress that promotes the written and spoken word. Along with its partners, CTH created Why It Matters: Connecticut's Civic Reconstruction, a program that provides frameworks for meaningful discussion regarding often difficult and divisive topics, instruction on civic processes and participation, and avenues that safeguard participation in our democracy for all citizens. CTH has also participated in the Democracy and the Informed Citizen initiative, supporting connections between the humanities and journalism and fostering an informed citizenry and a democratic society. prgtoken Connecticut Humanities has long been a champion of the enduring value of public humanities in our lives and civil society. By implementing and supporting strong, viable, and sustainable cultural organizations that play a pivotal role in promoting the educational, cultural, and economic vitality of Connecticut, and ensuring that their programming is widely accessible to diverse and new audiences across the State, CTH continues to play a central role in the preservation of the humanities and the promotion of civic engagement. prgtoken It is my hope that Connecticut Humanities will continue to grow and expand their vital work in the years to come. I applaud Connecticut Humanities for their exemplary work and hope my colleges will join me in expressing our gratitude and admiration.
TRUMP AND HIS EXTREME MAGA RETROGRESSIVE AGENDA
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2024-3-19

. Madam , this Women's History Month, we find ourselves confronted by the regressive forces of and extreme MAGA s. This faction seeks to propel our Nation backwards at the sacrifice of centuries of progress and the well-being of American lives for their own self-serving interests. prgtoken Their agenda aims to strip women of their reproductive freedoms nationwide, slash Social Security and Medicare, rip healthcare away from millions, and funnel even more wealth to the already wealthy through massive tax breaks for big corporations and billionaires. This radical agenda is something everyday Americans, including Virgin Islanders, who continue to receive the brunt of inequity in benefits and access to resources, simply cannot afford. prgtoken Extreme s and the former President attack not just the American people, including veterans and elected officials, but as we saw January 6, the democratic institutions that are a bedrock of our Nation when things don't go their way. Their actions are an unequivocal declaration of war against our democracy. prgtoken Madam , s must secure and defend our Republic and secure the rights and safety of all Americans, especially American women.
END HUNGER NOW
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-3-19

. Madam , the - administration recently announced nearly $1.7 billion in new commitments as part of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. prgtoken In 2022, when President hosted the second-ever White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, I told those in attendance that the event could not be a one-off. We couldn't gather in D.C pat each other on the back, and not deliver on our ambitious goals. prgtoken These new bold commitments from 141 stakeholders from across the Nation, including health systems, insurers, nonprofits, philanthropic groups, academia, and local elected officials, show that we are not taking our foot off the gas to meet the President's goal of ending hunger and reducing diet-related diseases by 2030. prgtoken I want to thank President ; my good friend, Chef Jose Andres, from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition; Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack; Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra; and everyone who is playing a part big and small to end hunger once and for all.
DR. MICHAEL C. BURGESS PREVENTIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACT
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-3-19

the balance of my time. prgtoken , preventive healthcare services can save lives and lower costs for families. It is time for Congress to evaluate and prioritize such innovative policies that have the potential to improve our healthcare system. prgtoken I appreciate the hard work of Representative Burgess and congratulate him on his retirement and Representative DeGette in championing this important effort 11 years in the making. I was proud to vote for this bill in committee, and I urge my colleagues to support it today. prgtoken , .
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-3-19

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon prgtoken such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SENATOR ALAN G. SIEROTY
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-3-19

today I rise to honor the life and legacy of former California State Senator Alan G. Sieroty, a champion for disability rights and a leader in efforts to preserve California's coastline and natural beauty. Mr. Sieroty, who passed away at the age of 93, leaves behind an indelible legacy of devout public service and advocacy. prgtoken Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Sieroty demonstrated his hard-working spirit from a young age. After earning his bachelor's degree in economics from Stanford University and graduating from the University of Southern California Gourd School of Law, Mr. Sieroty began a lifelong career in public service. He served as an Administrative Assistant and Executive Secretary to California Lieutenant Governor Glenn M. Anderson and went on to become the Deputy Director of the Chile-California Program. prgtoken In 1967, Mr. Sieroty became a California State Assemblymember and, after a decade of service, was elected to the California State Senate, where he served until his retirement in 1982. While serving in the State Assembly and Senate, Mr. Sieroty authored over 100 bills, many of which were critical pieces of environmental protection legislation. One of his most significant accomplishments was his leading role in creating the California Coastal Commission in 1972. Today, the Commission continues to play an integral part in protecting California's coastal waters and regulating environmentally sustainable development. prgtoken Mr. Sieroty's commitment to his community expanded beyond his extensive career in public service. He served on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and the Venice Family Clinic. In addition, Mr. Sieroty and his family partnered with the Los Angeles Family Housing nonprofit to transform a former motel into a temporary housing facility for unhoused seniors. prgtoken Mr. Sieroty will be remembered for his decades of service to California and his critical efforts to preserve our environment for future generations. His enduring spirit will live on in his family and the communities he dedicated his life to serving. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Sieroty's loved ones. I know they and the people of California will join me in celebrating his life and legacy.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-3-19

finally, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20; 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 prgtoken business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Kiel nomination; further, that the cloture motions with respect to the Kiel and Lee nominations ripen at 12 noon and that following the cloture vote on the Kiel nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Kiel nomination, all time be considered expired at 2:15 p.m. and that if cloture is invoked on the Lee nomination, all time be considered expired at 5:15; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be notified of the Senate's actions.
DREAM Act (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-19

I rise again today to discuss an issue that I have been working on for more than 20 years: the ongoing uncertainty and plight facing America's Dreamers. prgtoken It was a little over 20 years ago when my office in Chicago got a telephone call. There was a girl graduating from high school in Chicago, and she had a problem. The good news was she was a musical prodigy; she played the piano, and she was extraordinary. The bad news was she was undocumented. prgtoken She had been brought to the United States at the age of 2. Her parents had brought her originally from Korea through Brazil to Chicago. Her father's goal in life was to become a minister of a church and preach the gospel, and she used to travel with him to these churches and pound away at the piano while he was practicing his sermons. Over the years, she enlisted in a program called the Merit music program and developed her piano skills to an extraordinary level. prgtoken All of her teachers said to her--Tereza Lee was her name--you have got to go to music school. Juilliard, Manhattan Conservatory--you qualify for all of them. prgtoken So she sat down to fill out the application and came to the space that said her nationality and citizenship. She didn't know what to put there, so one of her friends called our office, figuring Senator Durbin would know the answer. Well, we found the answer, and it was terrible. Because she was an undocumented person in the United States and had been here since the age of 2, her recourse under the law was and still is to leave the United States for 10 years and petition to come back in. She was 18 years old. Her prospect was ridiculous. prgtoken As a result of that casework, I decided to introduce a bill called the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act basically said, if you came to the United States under the age of 18, grew up in this country, and had no problems with the law, you should have a path to citizenship. It was that basic. Well, as one can guess, we tried to pass that bill many times. It has passed on the floor of the Senate a couple of times, but never have we been able to get both the Senate and the House together on this issue. prgtoken I continue to come to the floor to talk about it because there is a new wrinkle. It seems that one of my former Senate colleagues became President of the United States, . He had cosponsored the DREAM Act, and I appealed to him, along with Senator Richard Lugar, a of Indiana, to create by Executive order some program that could protect these young people. He created DACA. DACA, at one point, had almost 800,000 young people in America protected from deportation as they renewed every 2 years their status with DACA so they could go to school; they could have a life; and maybe, someday, at some future time, actually become citizens of the United States. prgtoken I thought the best way to describe this issue to people--because it is still in controversy an
HONORING REVEREND DR. ANTHONY L. RILEY
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-3-19

I rise with the people of St. Louis to honor the outstanding tenure of Reverend Dr. Anthony L. Riley. Rev. Riley has served as Senior Pastor at Central Baptist Church for five years. prgtoken As a historically Black church in the St. Louis community, Central Baptist Church has a rich 178-year-old history. Rev. Riley has made his mark as the church's fourteenth senior pastor. He formerly served as Executive Pastor for the Luke Church in Texas, where he provided leadership to staff, associate ministers, and diaconate. prgtoken As a devoted father and dedicated pastor to the congregants of Central Baptist Church, Rev. Riley has consistently answered the call of public service. In 2022, Rev Riley earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree in Leadership and Preaching at Virginia Union University's School of Theology. Within his education and ministry, Rev. Riley has strived to establish holistic practices for the next generation of ministers. His goal of teaching and unifying our communities of faith distinguishes him as a leader for all people. prgtoken Rev. Riley truly embodies the principles of love, dignity, service, and humility that define the characteristics of a successful leader in ministry. On behalf of Missouri's First District, I congratulate Rev. Riley on his five-year anniversary and thank him for his continued commitment to service.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO CLARIFY CERTAIN DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES SERVING IN SENSITIVE POSITIONS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-3-19

today, I introduce a bill to clarify certain due process rights of federal employees serving in sensitive positions. This bill would overturn an unprecedented federal court decision, Kaplan v. Conyers and MSPB, that stripped many federal employees of the light to independent review of an agency decision removing them from their jobs on grounds of ineligibility. The case was brought by two Department of Defense (DOD) employees, Rhonda Conyers, an accounting technician, and Devon Northover, a commissary management specialist, who were permanently demoted and suspended from their jobs after they were found to be no longer eligible to serve in noncritical sensitive positions. In 2014, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, which allowed the decision to stand. This bill is cosponsored by Representative Andre Carson. prgtoken Specifically, the decision prevents federal employees who are designated as ``noncritical sensitive'' from appealing to the Merit Systems Protection Board if they are removed from their jobs. Noncritical sensitive jobs include those that do not have access to classified information. The decision affects at least 200,000 DOD employees who are designated as noncritical sensitive. Even more concerning is that most federal employees could potentially lose the right to an independent review of an agency's decision because of a rule issued by the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that permits agency heads to designate most jobs in the federal government as noncritical sensitive, which went into effect in July 2015. prgtoken The decision undercuts Title 5, section 7701 of the Civil Service Act, which ensures due process rights for federal workers, as required by the Constitution. Stripping employees whose work does not involve classified matters of the right to an independent review of an agency decision that removes them from their jobs opens entirely new avenues for unreviewable, arbitrary action or retaliation by an agency head. This bill would stop the use of ``national security'' to undo a vital component of civil service protection and of due process. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.