mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--(Continued)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-5-18

I rise today to honor our brave, hard- working men and women in law enforcement as we celebrate their service during National Police Week. prgtoken This week, thousands of law enforcement officers and their families will visit our Nation's Capitol to honor those who serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe. prgtoken Over the past year, North Carolina has tragically lost three law enforcement officers in the line of duty. This doesn't include the numerous law enforcement officers who have also lost their lives over the last year due to other causes, including some due to COVID-19. prgtoken But I would like to take a moment to honor the three officers who lost their lives while protecting those they served. prgtoken Last October, we lost Ryan Hayworth of the Knightdale Police Department after his patrol vehicle was hit by a drunk driver. prgtoken Officer Hayworth was only 23 years old, and he had already established a distinguished record of service. He was in the U.S. Army and the National Guard. prgtoken He answered the call again by becoming a police officer, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a longtime chief of the Zebulon Police Department, and his brother, who is a firefighter. prgtoken Last December, only 2 days before Christmas, in my home county of Mecklenburg, we grieved the loss of CMPD Officer Mia Danielle Figueroa- Goodwin. prgtoken Officer Figueroa-Goodwin, only 33, tragically was killed when a tractor trailer hit her patrol car as she was working to keep drivers safe following a previous crash. prgtoken Officer Figueroa-Goodwin had served CMPD for 6 years. She had a beautiful family, survived by her husband and three young children, including a four-month-old baby. prgtoken In January, we lost North Carolina State Trooper John Horton in a tragic accident with another patrol vehicle as the area was faced with icy and dangerous driving conditions. The accident also tragically took the life of another driver. prgtoken Trooper Horton had served for 15 years, and he is survived by his wife and 6 children. prgtoken The incredible sacrifice of our brave men and women in blue can take many forms. Last month, an act of incredible bravery by North Carolina State Patrol Trooper Cody Thao captivated North Carolinians. When a suspected drunk driver's car was barreling the wrong way down a highway exit ramp, Trooper Thao bravely put himself and his patrol car in the way to stop the driver from hurting or possibly killing others. Instead of speeding the wrong way on the highway, the suspect was stopped by Trooper Thao's split-second decision to angle his car and let the car hit his patrol car. prgtoken This act was filmed by Trooper Thao's dashboard camera, and his bravery has been broadcast literally to the world. prgtoken Trooper Thao's selfless decision undoubtedly saved lives and serves as a reminder of the danger our law enforcement community faces each
PROTECT THE SANCTITY OF LIFE
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-5-18

as a Christian and father of four, the issue of abortion is personal to me. I believe an unborn child is a human life, fearfully and wonderfully made and worth protecting. prgtoken In the last 50 years, scientific advancements have taught us a great deal about the early stages of life. As early as 5 weeks, babies in the womb have a heartbeat. prgtoken Roe v. Wade is an inherently flawed opinion. Nowhere in our Constitution exists the right to abort a child. prgtoken Recently, we watched the far left and liberal media attack our Supreme Court Justices after a leaked draft opinion shows that the Court might overturn Roe and give the States the power to decide this issue. prgtoken Never content to let a crisis go to waste, the Senate tried to advance a radical and inhumane bill that would guarantee the right to abort a baby up until the moment of birth--until the very moment of birth. prgtoken Shouldn't a debate like this take place in the States, where citizens will have more input on this important issue? prgtoken I will continue fighting for the unborn, as well as the radical propaganda coming out of Washington. We must stop extreme attacks and protect the sanctity of life at all costs.
PELOTON VIP MEMBERSHIPS
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-5-18

it is an open secret that Americans are facing serious challenges today. Many of these challenges are Washington-inflicted caused by ' incompetence and radicalism. Absolute chaos on the southern border, unsafe streets, record-high gas prices, rising inflation, a broken supply chain, an ongoing labor shortage, a failing education system, and, of course, a baby formula shortage they knew about for more than a year. prgtoken Will this Congress be remembered as the Congress that addressed these issues? Probably not. Instead, this Congress will go down in history as the out-of-touch Congress. prgtoken This week, as families scramble to find baby formula, Pelosi's House decided to add special new perks for Washington lawmakers and staff. One of those perks was a VIP membership to Peloton gyms; paid for by hardworking American taxpayers. What is next, free Jeni's ice cream? prgtoken You may be asking: What is Peloton? It is a bike that costs about $2,000. Not only that, each month you pay a monthly subscription fee to ride your $2,000 bike. Best of all, it is stationary. They charge you about $300 to set it up. It is a $2,000 bike that you pay to use and pay to set up that doesn't go anywhere. What a business. prgtoken Pelosi decided to give everyone in Congress a Peloton gym membership; more specifically, the premier employee benefits package. You know what, she did it without any debate or discussion with any s. prgtoken First, they appoint a political committee and don't allow the s to name anybody. Now they decide to use your taxpayer money and never talked to the other side. We were left in the dark. Congress, meaning taxpayers, will pay Peloton $10,000 up front and $10 per month per person. In all, this contract could cost taxpayers prgtoken an extra $100,000 or more per month. I guess New York City isn't the only place Pelosi went on a spending spree last week. prgtoken As the sixth richest Member of Congress, the might not be worried about this costly new program, but American families should sweat it. It comes as families are getting crushed by the worst inflation in 40 years. It is insane. prgtoken It is also redundant. Members and staff already have access to a congressional gym for a membership fee. The Peloton perk did not replace it. Instead, it duplicates it. prgtoken I would like to see any go to their district, my district, anyone else's district and defend this; look people straight in the face. I will tell you what is happening in our district, there are parents who are going to eight or nine stores looking for baby formula, paying for gas that you can barely afford. prgtoken Instead of trying to help these struggling families, are plundering their pocketbooks to pay for Pelosi's Peloton membership. prgtoken You can't image a more out-of-touch party. This isn't just an exception; it is the rule in the ic conference. Let me tell you somethi
HONORING UPS AIRLINES PRESIDENT BRENDAN CANAVAN ON HIS RETIREMENT
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2022-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor Brendan Canavan, President of UPS Airlines and head of UPS's Worldport Freight Facility located in my district in Louisville, Kentucky, as he begins his retirement after 41 years with the company. prgtoken Under his leadership, Worldport has grown to a 5.2 million square- foot facility that processes more than 2.4 million packages a day, thanks in large part to its massive air operation and a team of more than 3,200 skilled pilots led by Brendan at UPS Airlines. His work has helped grow the UPS Airlines fleet to more than 290 aircraft that circle the globe ensuring that the goods and packages they're trusted to carry are delivered on time. prgtoken Brendan first joined UPS in 1981, loading trucks while earning his degree at Villanova University. Since that time, he has worked his way up through leadership of the company here in America and abroad, becoming a trusted leader and working in numerous positions around the world to help expand UPS's operations and meet the challenges of an always changing global economy. No matter the assignment, Brendan Canavan answered the call. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Kentucky's Third Congressional District, I congratulate Brendan Canavan on his successful career at UPS and wish him the very best in his much-deserved retirement.
HONORING DR. SIRAJUL ISLAM A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-5-20

. Madam , Dr. Sirajul Islam is a doctor, veteran, philanthropist, and father. He has retired from a 35-year career as a gastroenterologist, during which he contributed significant innovations to the field, founded the Kissimmee Endoscopy Center, and served as the personal physician of the prime minister of Bangladesh. As a philanthropist, Dr. Siraj leveraged his medical expertise and strong network to open and manage hospitals in Bangladesh. Since retiring from gastroenterology in 2019, Dr. Siraj has continued to actively support the health care community, both locally as the president of Central Florida's largest Gastroenterologist group, and in Bangladesh as a director of the Hope Foundation. His many other philanthropic projects include a 500-student boarding school in Bangladesh for under- privileged children and The Islamic Center of Osceola. More than anything, Dr. Siraj loves to spend time with his family, and maintains a strong bond not only with his children but also a very large extended family that spans 4 continents.
CONGRATULATING THE WILLINGBORO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TRACK TEAM
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Willingboro High School Boys Track Team as they commemorate nearly 50 years of athletic accomplishment with a celebratory parade. prgtoken Since the 1970s, the high school's boys track team has been a shining example of athleticism, leadership, and teamwork for the community of Willingboro, New Jersey. The school's track program has produced some of the greatest runners in New Jersey Track and Field history, including Olympians Carol Lewis, Carl Lewis, and Lamont Smith. prgtoken Today, the team is coached by Martin Booker, Aaydah Copprue-Worthy, Chuck James, and Robert Cornelius, whose leadership and guidance have upheld the team's impressive legacy and positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes. The Willingboro Boys Track team continues its reputation of excellence as record holders for the most State Indoor Titles in New Jersey Public School history. prgtoken I know I speak on behalf of the entire 3rd Congressional District when I extend my congratulations to the current and former Willingboro players and coaches for their impressive achievements and extraordinary legacy.
IN HONOR OF MR. WINDELL CUROLE
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-5-20

. Madam , I rise today in order to share a story of Cajun ingenuity and recognize a man who went beyond the call of duty for his community. prgtoken Windell Curole, Manager of the South Lafourche Levee District, fought tooth and nail to build a more secure flood protection system. Mr. Curole knew the area's levees weren't high enough to defend against a major storm; he began gathering funds and bringing in the necessary resources to raise the levees. Mr. Curole understands his community and gained their support--guided by his leadership, the Parish self-taxed in order to improve their own levee system. prgtoken Mr. Curole is no stranger to challenge: the U.S. Corps of Engineers issued cease and desist orders, even going so far as to threaten him with legal repercussions for lacking the correct permits. Driven by a just cause, Mr. Curole simply kept building. Mr. Curole's efforts successfully protected South Lafourche from Hurricane Ida, which devasted most of the surrounding area. His vision and efforts prevented extensive flooding and helped the region back on its feet after this terrible storm. Come hell, high water, or even legal threats, Windell Curole has always and will always take appropriate action to defend his community. I am proud to call Mr. Curole a fellow Louisianian--and friend.
HONORING THE LIVES LOST IN THE MASS SHOOTING IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-5-20

. Madam , I rise to honor and commemorate the lives lost this past weekend in Buffalo, New York. prgtoken Katherine ``Kat'' Massey--72 prgtoken Pearl Young--77 prgtoken Roberta Drury--32 prgtoken Ruth Whitfield--86 prgtoken Geraldine Talley--62 prgtoken Celestine Chaney--65 prgtoken Heyward Patterson--67 prgtoken Andre Mackniel--53 prgtoken Margus Morrison--52 prgtoken Aaron Salter--55 prgtoken Madam , these are the names and the ages of the 0O people who were brutally and senselessly murdered in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. I rise to record their names in these hallowed Chambers. prgtoken I stand here in solidarity for their deaths and for the suffering that their families and friends are enduring right now. I have thought of little else since this carnage occurred on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Buffalo. prgtoken The murderer--whom I will not give the satisfaction of saying his name--targeted this grocery store and this neighborhood because it was heavily populated with African Americans. As our sheriff, stated, this was a racially motivated act and this was a hate crime. prgtoken I do not have the honor of representing this community in Congress, but I have represented it previously. I served for many years on the Buffalo Board of Education and frequented this area, there are many of our schools in close proximity. Through my service on the Buffalo Board of Education, I came to know Katherine ``Kat'' Massey who was one of the victims. Kat was a tireless advocate for Buffalo's children and her impact to her community will be felt for generations. prgtoken I grew up in Buffalo. Buffalo is a great place for many reasons-- beautiful architecture, the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, its bucolic neighborhoods all contribute--but what makes our community so very special is the people. Kind, warm, fun, with a priority on family, friends and community. That is, in my mind, what makes Buffalo the spectacularly special place it is. prgtoken These 10 represented some of the best of Buffalo, and we mourn their tragic loss. prgtoken I will conclude by saying this: our city is right now in the national spotlight. The politicians and the media have their sights set here due to this vile and horrific tragedy. But predictably and inevitably the national attention will fade, and it will be our community's task to heal and it's my great hope that we come together in this healing process. I hope we unify, and we do not succumb to division and polarization. In honor of those lost, in our healing we become a stronger and more loving community. prgtoken I conclude by quoting a sign someone put in a front yard in our community that says: ``I love you. You're probably thinking, you don't even know me. But if people can hate for no reason, I can love.''
HONORING ARMY VETERAN EDWARD A. FONTAINE
Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr. (Republican, MT) \u2014 2022-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Army veteran, Mr. Edward A. Fontaine, from Montana for being awarded the Bronze Star Medal with `V' device. prgtoken The Bronze Star Medal with `V' device is awarded for distinguished acts of valor and heroism in active Federal military service. While serving in Company A, 2D Battalion, 502D Airborne Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of Vietnam, Specialist Four Fontaine demonstrated exceptional bravery and valorous action in combat as a machine gunner. prgtoken On October 7, 1967, when a portion of the Company defensive perimeter was attacked at night, he responded immediately. Courageously running into enemy fire aimed at the crew, Specialist Four Fontaine opened fire with a M-60 machine gun at only 20 meters away from the enemy, which helped turn the momentum of the battle. prgtoken Not only did Mr. Fontaine's conduct play a major part in securing victory against enemy forces, but it also contributed to saving countless lives of his comrades. Mr. Fontaine's valorous actions are a credit to him, Army Command, and the United States Armed Forces. prgtoken I congratulate Edward on receiving this noble achievement, and thank him for his service to our country.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-5-24

. On September 23, 2021, November 30, 2021, and again on February 15, 2022, I spoke on this floor about the fake Russia Alfa- Bank narrative. That narrative started in 2016. It took on a new life when Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann met with FBI General Counsel James Baker. prgtoken In that meeting, Sussmann provided information and data files that allegedly contained evidence of a secret communication channel between the organization and a Russian bank, Alfa-Bank. The evidence was fabricated by the Clinton campaign. The allegations about the organization being linked with a Russian bank were false. Of note, Sussmann also provided Baker information Fusion GPS gave him as part of their work for the Clinton campaign. This was an all-hands-on-deck strategy to destroy the Presidency and the campaign. prgtoken With the ongoing Sussmann trial now underway here in DC, the false Alfa-Bank narrative is more relevant now than ever before. I want to tell you why. prgtoken A mere several days after the meeting with James Baker, the FBI opened a full investigation on September 23, 2016. Around that time, an FBI agent working on cyber matters reviewed the information provided by Sussmann. That agent said: We did not agree with the conclusion . . . that this represented a secret communication channel. prgtoken He also stated that ``whoever had written that paper had jumped to some conclusions that were not supported by the data'' and that ``the methodology they chose was questionable to me.'' prgtoken Here is the kicker: I did not feel that they were objective in the conclusions that they came to. The assumption that you would have to make was so far-reaching that it just didn't make sense. prgtoken So last Friday, in a courtroom, Robby Mook, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, testified that Hillary Clinton was asked about the plan to share this fake information with the media. Hillary Clinton approved that plan. Jake Sullivan was involved in that decision as well. He is, of course, as we know, President 's National Security Advisor. prgtoken The Clinton campaign fabricated evidence trying to connect to Russia. They fed it to the media to start a yearslong wildfire of false allegations. They fed it to the FBI to trigger a Federal investigation into their opposing candidate. prgtoken I said it before and will say it again: The Clinton campaign was the conspiracy, and it was a big bag of dirty tricks. prgtoken This false Alfa-Bank information eventually landed with the media outlet Slate, which ran an article on October 31, 2016. After that article, Sullivan, the now National Security Advisor, issued his now- infamous tweet: ``This could be the most direct link yet between and Moscow.'' Hillary Clinton also tweeted: ``Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Organization to a Russian-based bank.'' prgtoken Now, the
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-5-24

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: The Senator from Arizona (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cornyn), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis), and the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Boozman) would have voted ``nay'' and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis) would have voted ``nay.''
RECOGNIZING DRUTHER'S RESTAURANT
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-24

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the small business, Druther's Restaurant of Campbellsville, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Steve McCarty, owner and operator of the last remaining Druther's restaurant in the world, understands the importance of commitment and passion when managing a business. His dad built the Campbellsville store in 1970, originally named Burger Queen before the company's rebrand to Druther's in 1980. It was an independent franchise fully owned by the McCarty family. Steve developed a love for the Druther's business at a young age, as he began working there at only 15 years old. At its peak of success, the Druther's franchise had around 200 locations spanning from Florida to Missouri, as well as international locations and a devoted consumer base. In light of financial woes burdening the prgtoken company in the early 1990s, the owners decided to sell their business to Dairy Queen, leaving 12 independent franchises remaining. Despite this drastic change within the company, Steve and his family wanted to continue the Druther's tradition and keep their independent restaurant open. Having now worked at Druther's for over 45 years, Steve McCarty is the embodiment of dedication and persistence as he works day in and day out to preserve the Druther's story. prgtoken To this day, Steve will have restaurant-goers come and visit Druther's from all over the country, seeking a taste of the classic food they once cherished. Druther's has maintained the same menu ever since its installation in 1970, only adding additional items to create a wider selection for customers. Throughout its operation, Druther's has always been and continues to be a shining example of what makes a great restaurant: tasty food, excellent service, and an unspoken familiarity among staff and customers. Along with its excellent food and atmosphere, Druther's is committed to giving back to the people of Campbellsville and the surrounding areas. Steve and his team have been a part of several charitable initiatives, including donating to the Toys for Tots program, sending food to Taylor County High School in Campbellsville, and providing free hot meals to all Taylor County residents affected by tornadoes in December of 2021. prgtoken Druther's continues to provide a sense of joyful nostalgia that their loyal customers love. The restaurant's devotion to keeping the magic of the brand alive is evident among their staff, as Steve works alongside several employees who have been there for over a decade--a testament to both Steve as a business owner and to the wonderful work environment he has cultivated since Druther's founding. prgtoken The old-fashioned and welcoming nature of Druther's makes it