mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO WAYNE DAVENPORT
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-7-8

when we think of coaches, we often think of athletic coaches. But our students also need dedicated academic coaches, like U.S. Army LTC Wayne Davenport of Trussville, AL. Wayne enlisted in the Army in 1985 after graduating from Huffman High School in Birmingham, AL. He served for 22 years, with tours in South America and Afghanistan as an officer in the 20th Special Forces Group. Because of his gift for building successful teams, Wayne was chosen to help redesign the special forces group following 9/11. His blueprint is still used to this day. prgtoken After retiring from the military, Wayne's desire to serve took him into education. And for 15 years, he has been using his talents to help students find confidence and reach new heights as the JROTC instructor at Gadsden High School. His supervisor describes him as a ``Godsend.'' This is evidenced by both his success and the success of his students. Recently, Gadsden High's JROTC team became the first program in Alabama to place as one of the most elite 32 academic bowl teams out of more than 2,000 teams in the world. But, that is not all. prgtoken Wayne also serves as the coach for Gadsden High's scholars bowl team, where he has led four teams to the national championship. He spends many early mornings and late nights preparing for these competitions without complaint. Additionally, Wayne is helping build a culture of academic excellence that begins long before students reach high school age. Now, he is training elementary teachers on how to begin preparing students at an early age so that Alabama's students can compete at all levels with other States. prgtoken I join the city of Gadsden and the State of Alabama in expressing our deep gratitude for Wayne's dedication to helping educate and influence the next generation. It is my honor to recognize him as the July Veteran of the Month.
RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT KEITH ORMSBY
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-7-8

I rise today to honor Muscatine County Vietnam veteran Staff Sergeant Keith Ormsby, who has finally received an Air Medal and his Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle 54 years ago. prgtoken As Mr. Ormsby's Representative in Congress, I had the privilege of pinning him with the Purple Heart and personally thanking him for his dedicated service to our country during a special ceremony that took place on our Nation's Independence Day. prgtoken On January 31, 1970, while leading his platoon through the Vietnamese jungle and unloading a helicopter at a landing zone, Mr. Ormsby's unit was ambushed, resulting in him being shot and wounded. prgtoken Due to the chaotic nature of those times, the paperwork for his Purple Heart was never processed, and he was air-evacuated out of Vietnam immediately. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Muscatine County VA, we were finally able to properly recognize this hero. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Ormsby for his service to our country and expressing our gratitude to the Muscatine County VA and Eric for their exceptional work. God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America. Honoring Dawnell Doreo on Her Retirement
ALABAMA UNDERWATER FOREST NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY AND PROTECTION ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-7-8

the balance of my time. prgtoken Adoption of H.R. 897 will protect the underwater forest in the Gulf of Mexico for future scientific and research efforts while allowing for the multiple uses of the Gulf to continue to occur. prgtoken This legislation also ensures that the Department of Commerce and NOAA work with State and local officials in Alabama, including the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This approach to conservation and the protection of natural resources is consistent with the approach that s have taken toward these issues ensuring that the State and local officials are consulted and that voices with varying perspectives are heard and accommodated. prgtoken , I will just add that this is a very unique opportunity. A little over 20 years ago we had no idea this forest was even there, and because the hurricane had deep waves that scoured the forest floor, they found this marvelous resource of a cypress forest that once grew obviously on dry land when the ocean was at least 60 and probably many feet less deep than it is right now. prgtoken To be able to have this to study to tell us more about our past which should inform us about our future is truly remarkable. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
National Defense Authorization Act (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-7-8

this week, the Senate convenes with important business to address. America's closest allies are in town. The eyes of the world are on the most successful military alliance in human history. Friends and foes are watching to see whether the superpower that forged the NATO alliance and guided its success across seven decades has the will to continue to lead. prgtoken This week, with the leaders of dozens of allied nations here in Washington, the Senate could do its part to answer that question. We could show America's most trusted friends and partners prgtoken that we are still willing to stand with them. prgtoken We could pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee reported overwhelmingly nearly a month ago. We could, but we won't because the ic leader has other plans. As important allies visit the Halls of the Senate, the clearest sign of our resolve to lead will instead continue to collect dust. prgtoken Rather than taking up the NDAA, the Senate have decided to spend precious floor time on performative stunt votes and more of President 's unfit judicial nominees, beginning with Judge Nancy Maldonado. There is a particular irony in our colleague's decision to put off urgent work like the annual Defense authorization in favor of giving lifetime tenure to a judge with a staggering backlog of her own. prgtoken With the eyes of the world on Washington, this week offers the Senate an opportunity to demonstrate the credibility of America's commitments. It is an opportunity we can ill afford to miss.
TRIBUTE TO JENIFER POWELL
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2024-7-8

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jenifer Powell of Ravalli County for her dedication to sharing Montana's rich and vibrant history with her seventh grade students in the Bitterroot Valley. prgtoken Powell has taught at Corvallis Middle School for 5 years, and it is clear the impact she made in that time is profound. Her innovative teaching methods covering Montana's history brings the past to life in her classroom. At the end of the school year, Jenifer's students walk away from her class with a comprehensive and enthusiastic perspective on the culture and heritage that shaped the Treasure State into the Last Best Place. prgtoken Recently named the Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year, Jenifer and her class of seventh graders will ring the Centennial Bell in the State Capitol in Helena on November 8, 2024, at 10:29 a.m paying homage to the exact date and time that Montana became a State in 1889. Having its statehood for 135 years, Montana has a wealth of history to uncover, and I am glad to see Jenifer's commitment to preserving each piece of our State's unique cultural tapestry in a way that is accessible and exciting to some of our youngest Montanans. prgtoken It is my distinct honor to recognize Jenifer Powell for her passion for education and her work to inspire Montana's youth to learn more about the formation of the State they call home. I am confident Jenifer has sparked a lifelong curiosity for Montana history among her students. prgtoken Keep up the great work, Jenifer; you make Montana proud.
REMEMBERING WILLIAM F. PICKARD
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-7-8

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William F. Pickard, a distinguished entrepreneur, education advocate, business titan, philanthropist, and co-owner of the Michigan Chronicle, who passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 83. prgtoken William Pickard was born on January 28, 1941, in La Grange, GA. He earned degrees from Flint Mott College, Western Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and Ohio State University. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1971 with the purchase of his first McDonald's franchise in Detroit, later expanding to own several franchises. prgtoken In 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the first Chairman of the African Development Foundation. He continued to diversify his ventures, including purchasing Regal Plastics Company in 1984, founding Bearwood Management Company, Inc in 1987, and serving on the National Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board under President George H.W. . prgtoken In 1998, Pickard founded Grupo Antolin Primera Automotive Systems and ARD Logistics, followed by Vitec LLC in 1999. He also invested in the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit and founded the Global Automotive Alliance, a holding company for several automotive parts manufacturers. His influence extended to the media industry in 2003 when he helped fund Real Times Media, LLC, which acquired the Chicago Defender and other African-American-owned newspapers. prgtoken Throughout his career, Pickard received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Western Michigan University in 1980 and being named Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News in 2001. In 2016, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed him as a trustee on the Western Michigan Board of Trustees. He published ``Millionaire Moves: Seven Proven Principles of Entrepreneurship'' in 2017, the same year Western Michigan University named a residence hall in his honor. prgtoken In addition to his business accomplishments, Pickard was a comanaging partner of MGM Grand Detroit Casino and co-owner of five Black-owned newspapers, including the Michigan Chronicle. His extensive philanthropic efforts supported causes such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Historical Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. prgtoken Pickard's dedication to education and community development was exemplified by his generous contributions to Western Michigan University, his alma mater, and Wayne County Community College District. In recognition of his lifetime of service and philanthropy, he was awarded the Michigan Lifetime Humanitarian Award in 2019. prgtoken I trust that my Senate colleagues will join me in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of William F. Pickard and extending our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire and
Nomination of Nancy L. Maldonado (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-8

in a few minutes, the Senate is going to vote on the confirmation of Judge Nancy Maldonado to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which the Acting President pro tempore and I know very well. prgtoken Since the beginning of the administration, the Senate has confirmed 201 highly qualified, independent, evenhanded judges to the Federal bench. They represent the best of our legal system-- demographically and professionally diverse; they respect the rule of law; they adhere to precedent; and they answer only to the Constitution. We should add another to that list today--Judge Maldonado, an accomplished litigator and distinguished jurist, who will be a great asset to the Seventh Circuit. prgtoken She graduated from Harvard College and Columbia Law School. She clerked for U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo--a retired judge, my friend, and an esteemed jurist in the Northern District. prgtoken Following her clerkship, Judge Maldonado spent nearly 20 years at a firm specializing in employment, civil rights, and fraud matters. Throughout her career, she tried several cases to verdict, judgment, or final decision. prgtoken In addition, she was appointed by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office to serve as a special assistant, tasked with investigating fraud. From 2019 to 2022, she was appointed by the Illinois attorney general to serve as a consent decree monitor in two matters and as a special assistant AG to investigate consumer fraud. You can draw the conclusion from these appointments that she is trusted by her colleagues to be professional. prgtoken In 2022, the Senate confirmed Judge Maldonado on a bipartisan vote-- supported by the Acting President pro tempore and myself--to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Since her confirmation, she has presided over almost 1,000 cases--that is in a matter of just 2 years--plus has ruled on thousands of motions and has issued approximately 300 substantive decisions. prgtoken Notably, Judge Maldonado has never been reversed by a reviewing court in that period of time--nearly 1,000 cases. Despite what her critics have to say, her record is one of the best. It shows she carefully resolves cases in a way that ensures that litigants feel they have been treated fairly. prgtoken Once confirmed, Judge Maldonado will be the first Hispanic judge to ever serve on the Seventh Circuit. History will be made. prgtoken Judge Maldonado has my strong support and the support of my other home State Senator and good friend, the Acting President pro tempore, Senator Tammy Duckworth. prgtoken Judge Maldonado, incidentally, received a unanimous--unanimous-- ``well qualified'' rating from the American Bar Association based on her integrity, professional competence, and judicial temperament. She has broad support across the legal community, from law enforcement to labor unions representing millions of members. prgtoken I urge my S
TRIBUTE TO BRUCE "DD" MacRAE
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-8

I rise today to recognize the more than 45-year career of Bruce ``DD'' MacRae, vice president of U.S. Government affairs for the West Region of UPS, ahead of his September retirement. prgtoken Bruce grew up and attended school in Long Beach, CA, and is a second generation Long Beach native. In 1978, he began his UPS career unloading trucks in the Anaheim package facility. By 1983, he became a full-time driver and Teamster Union shop steward. And in 1987, Bruce entered management when he was promoted to preload supervisor. prgtoken Bruce has risen through the ranks, acquiring skills in operations, industrial engineering, customer relations, community and public relations, security investigations, and U.S. Government affairs. prgtoken In addition to his regional government affairs responsibilities, Bruce has played an active role in his community. He serves as the chairman of both the Los Angeles Sheriff's Youth Foundation and the board of trustees of the Battleship USS Iowa. He also serves on the boards of California State University Long Beach Athletics, the Orange County Sheriff's Advisory Council, the California Renewable Transportation Alliance, Truckers Against Trafficking, and numerous other civic and educational organizations. Bruce is a past president of the California Trucking Association and has held leadership roles in the Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii trucking associations. prgtoken Bruce's contributions have left an indelible mark on his community, on his State, and on the tens of thousands of employees who work for UPS in California. prgtoken As Bruce embarks on this new chapter in his life, his absence will undoubtedly be felt by all those fortunate enough to have collaborated--or enjoyed a cigar--with him. I extend my heartfelt wishes to Bruce and his family for a joyful retirement.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF OFFICER JAMIESON RITTER
Shontel M. Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-7-8

I rise with my colleagues from the Ohio delegation to pay tribute to Cleveland Officer Jamieson Ritter, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our community last week. prgtoken Officer Ritter honorably served his country in the National Guard and Army Reserve and served his community for 4 years as a police officer. Facing the terrible risk law enforcement officers deal with every day, officer Ritter lived the motto, ``Protect and Serve.'' For example, he provided heroic emergency assistance multiple times this year, including saving the life of a gunshot victim wounded just weeks ago. prgtoken For his consistently selfless service, he was named Officer of the Month in May. Officer Ritter exemplified the best of law enforcement, and for that we are profoundly grateful. prgtoken May God hold Officer Ritter in the palm of His hand and give strength to his family and loved ones. prgtoken , I ask all in the Chamber to rise for a moment of silence in remembrance of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter.
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF NARSAI MICHAEL DAVID
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-8

I rise today to honor the life and work of an extraordinary American, Narsai Michael David. prgtoken Narsai David, the child of Assyrian immigrants, was born in South Bend, Indiana on June 26, 1936 and grew up in Turlock, California. He died in his home in Berkeley on June 20, 2024 from injuries suffered as a result of a fall. prgtoken Narsai David graduated from Turlock High School and the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied math and pre-med. He worked in a restaurant during college and after owning a printing company for two years, he worked at a restaurant in Berkeley where he eventually became a partner. In 1970 he launched a catering business and one of his first clients, rock impresario Bill Graham, introduced him to many of the legends of the era. prgtoken In 1976 Narsai opened his eponymous restaurant in Kensington, California, and was in the vanguard of the food revolution of the 1970's. He also owned a vineyard in the Napa Valley where he produced Cuvee and Cabernet Sauvignon. prgtoken Narsai David's inviting smile, warm voice and passion for food and travel made him a widely beloved and highly regarded writer of a cooking column in the San Francisco Chronicle and commentator on KCBS radio and television for many years. prgtoken Reminiscing about Narsai, his colleagues at KCBS remember his signature bow ties, and how he would begin with ``I'm Narsai David to say . . . .'' and launch into his news reports. He never said anything negative on the radio or television about a restaurant or chef, and when he was hosting a dinner he would tinkle his fork on a glass and say ``good evening, good evening and a very good evening,'' all with a sparkle in his eye. prgtoken Narsai was a generous philanthropist who was affiliated with the Assyrian Aid Society of America and Alameda County's Meals on Wheels program. His pride in being an Assyrian American was evident to all, and his gourmet enterprises all reflected the culture. prgtoken , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of a great and good man, Narsai David, and in extending our most sincere condolences to his wife Venus and his son Daniel. We are a better Nation because of this exceptional man who was a dear friend and mentor to me.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-8

. Finally, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Lee nomination; further, that the cloture motions filed on June 20, 2024, ripen at 12 noon and that following the cloture vote on the Lee nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; that if cloture is invoked on the Lee nomination, all time be considered expired at 2:15 p.m. and that if cloture is invoked on the Meriweather nomination, all time be considered expired at 5:45 p.m.; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
ALABAMA UNDERWATER FOREST NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY AND PROTECTION ACT
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-7-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken H.R. 897 would establish the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, which would safeguard a remarkable and ancient natural reserve. prgtoken In 2004, Hurricane Ivan unearthed a well-preserved ancient cypress forest, still rooted in the mud, 60 feet underwater in the Gulf of Mexico, south of Gulf Shores, Alabama. prgtoken Scientific analysis of the cypress trees reveals that they are over 50,000 years old, dating back to a time when the sea levels were approximately 400 feet lower than today. prgtoken This forest is a unique relic of our planet's past and the only known site where a coastal forest of such antiquity remains preserved. prgtoken The Alabama underwater forest is a valuable source of information, offering insights into ancient climate conditions, regional rainfall patterns, insect populations, and plant life on the Gulf Coast before humans inhabited the Americas. prgtoken However, its preservation is under threat. prgtoken In 2020, a furniture company applied for a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to harvest the ancient cypress wood for profit. prgtoken Establishing this marine sanctuary will prevent commercial exploitation and protect this irreplaceable ecosystem for future generations. It will ensure that the site remains undisturbed, allowing for continued scientific research and environmental education. prgtoken Additionally, the sanctuary will provide opportunities for ecotourism and research, boosting the local economy while fostering a greater understanding of our natural heritage. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect and preserve this unique piece of natural history .
REAUTHORIZING LONG ISLAND SOUND PROGRAM FUNDING
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-7-8

I rise to welcome Liat Beinin Atzili to Washington, D.C. She is visiting the White House today to advocate for the safe return of all Israeli hostages being held by Hamas. prgtoken Liat, a dual American-Israeli citizen, and her husband, Aviv, were violently taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 from their Kibbutz Nir Oz. prgtoken Liat's extended family lives in Waterford, Connecticut. She had, in fact, visited that coastal town just weeks before the October 7 attack. prgtoken When her cousin in Waterford, resident Jerry Fischer, learned that Liat and her husband were kidnapped, he immediately called me on the morning of October 8. prgtoken Within just a few hours, my chief of staff, Ayanti Grant, set up Liat and Aviv as missing person cases to the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, immediately putting those agencies into action. prgtoken Over the following weeks, those agencies worked with the Atzili family closely to ensure that her release was a top priority for the administration. prgtoken Thanks to President and Secretary Blinken's persistent diplomatic efforts, Liat was released 53 days later, alongside 104 other hostages taken during that weeklong cease-fire last November. prgtoken Unfortunately, hours after Liat's release, she was informed that her husband, Aviv, had been murdered by Hamas on October 7. The relief and joy that she and her family experienced upon her release was abruptly replaced by grief and sadness. prgtoken Despite her traumatic loss, Liat is here today in Washington as a living, breathing example of what diplomacy and negotiation can achieve. She wants to make sure that every other hostage gets the same result that she did. prgtoken I thank Liat, her father, Yehuda Beinin, and her cousin, Jerry Fischer, for turning this horrific experience into a call for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel.