mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING VETERANS
Peter Meijer (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor our nation's veterans and help shine a light on the struggles they continue to face after returning home from their service in uniform. I want to thank my colleague from Michigan for giving us this opportunity to speak here today. prgtoken With Veterans Day just around the corner, it is important that all Americans take time to reflect on the sacrifices these courageous men and women, and their families, have made for the United States. This is a solemn occasion when we come together as a country to appreciate the selfless service and celebrate the bravery of these heroes. prgtoken I have had many conversations with veterans in my district about the challenges they continue to face once they have returned home. Many have been longstanding for generations: the physical and emotional wounds prgtoken of combat, obstacles in accessing VA care and benefits, and debilitating health conditions resulting from exposure to burn pits and other toxic hazards. prgtoken But recently, there has been an increased call to address other, less talked about challenges, including the mental health impacts of processing what we all witnessed in Afghanistan over the last few months. prgtoken I am proud to have joined my colleagues in leading several bipartisan pieces of legislation to help address some of these challenges, but there is much more to be done. We have an urgent moral obligation to take care of the men and women who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation, and I am committed to continuing this crucial work with my colleagues here in Congress. prgtoken Today, I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of our nation's veterans, and I encourage all Americans to reach out to veterans in their life and let them know that they are valued and that they are not alone. We will never forget those who have answered the call to serve this country in uniform, and we honor them all here today.
CONGRATULATING BESS BUTLER BRUNSON
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-11-2

I rise today to congratulate O.C. Fowler, Jr of Chatham County for being recognized as Veteran of the Year by the Veterans Council of Chatham County. prgtoken Georgia's First Congressional District is home to many of our Nation's veterans who put everything on the line to protect our freedom. So being recognized as Veteran of the Year is an incredible honor. prgtoken Mr. Fowler joined the United States Navy in 1967 and flew over 3,300 flight hours in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. After seeing how Vietnam veterans were treated after they returned home, Mr. Fowler dedicated his life to ensure that our servicemembers are unconditionally supported. prgtoken Among his many lifetime achievements, he helped raise over $35,000 for local charities, including the Chaplain's Fund at Hunter Army Airfield. He is also an active member of the United States Service Organization, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, and the Savannah Council of the Navy League. prgtoken I can't thank Mr. Fowler enough for his outstanding service to our Nation, and I want to congratulate him again on this wonderful accomplishment. recognizing and honoring deborah rodriguez garcia
LOCAL BUSINESS TAXES, REGULATIONS, AND REDUCED WORKFORCE
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his insightful remarks, and I appreciate him quantifying that this is a $420 billion hit to small businesses. prgtoken His comment about working harder and making less, we understand the pandemic caused a lot of dislocation, but we should be past that now. We should be helping businesses get back on their feet, not kicking their feet out from underneath them and adding to the uncertainty with additional rules and regulations. prgtoken I am excited now to have one of the newest members of our conference, Congresswoman Young Kim from California, who is the ranking member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development. She herself has been a small businesswoman in the past, and I look forward to her insightful remarks. prgtoken Madam , from California (Mrs. Kim).
LOCAL BUSINESS TAXES, REGULATIONS, AND REDUCED WORKFORCE
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-11-2

. So I wish that that proposal had been on the table before we got out of that particular hearing because we certainly would have liked to have heard about that. But if you add that up, you are talking about perhaps $1 million per family, and $1 billion in cost overall, more costs to the American taxpayer. prgtoken And by the way, that little payment that the illegal migrants would be given by the American taxpayer is more than we give to Gold Star families, persons who have been lost in the line of duty, as you know. It is more than the victims of 9/11 that they have received for their pain and suffering. And, of course, those separations are permanent, not temporary. It is just not right.
IN RECOGNITION OF KATIE FORDHAM
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Katie Fordham. prgtoken Katie has lived with Parkinson's Disease for the past two years, but she has not let it slow her down. prgtoken This weekend, she has planned a community walk to raise money to beat Parkinson's. prgtoken On top of that, Katie is the wife of Pastor Sam Fordham of Oak Bowery Baptist Church. This year, Oak Bowery Baptist and the surrounding communities were devasted by tornadoes on March 25th. prgtoken Katie worked tirelessly to organize volunteers, coordinate meals, source furniture and find tradesmen from Ohatchee to Wellington to Pleasant Valley. She spent countless hours helping victims and ensuring people had what they needed. prgtoken She established a Facebook page so folks could post their needs and collected gift cards from major businesses to distribute to tornado victims. Seven months later, she is still coordinating and helping victims connect with resources. prgtoken Katie home schools her three children. Their family enjoys camping. She is known for baking her huge cinnamon rolls. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing Katie Fordham for her commitment to her church, her community and to beating Parkinson's. We are behind Katie.
Energy Policies (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-11-2

in watching from the sidelines and since we are not directly involved and because the decided to go it alone, our ic colleagues appear to be playing a game of whack- a-mole to keep their reckless tax-and-spending spree from falling apart. prgtoken After months and months of intra-party negotiating--again, talking among themselves, not to us--they hit the gas pedal last week when they knew that President was going to the U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, and they wanted to give him something that he could actually deliver on. prgtoken So, last Friday, they finally settled on a framework, but the cracks quickly began to show. We don't even have a pricetag on this proposal, but some have estimated its cost at $1.75 trillion--an absolutely staggering amount of money. The truth is no one knows because the bill hasn't even been finalized yet, much less scored by congressional scorekeepers. prgtoken Unsurprisingly, yesterday, one of our colleagues, the Senator from West Virginia, expressed some of his skepticism about the proposal; and I imagine more are in the wings, wringing their hands in private. After all, this bill spends trillions of dollars on radical priorities that are out of step with where most Americans are: expanded healthcare subsidies; handouts for labor unions; government-funded childcare; and an all-out attack on American-made, affordable energy. prgtoken On Friday, the President touted the $555 billion that this agreement would put forward to support clean energy efforts, but these, upon further inspection, are mainly subsidies--taxpayer subsidies--for corporations and the well-off. prgtoken I am reminded of France's yellow jacket protests a few years ago. In 2018, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Paris to protest a hike in gas taxes. At the time, President Macron said the increase was critical to pushing the French people to buy cleaner vehicles, but for most hard-working families, pricey electric vehicles simply were not and are not an option. The yellow jackets felt disenfranchised by the urban elite, saying leaders were talking about the end of the world while they were worried about the end of the month. prgtoken It sounds pretty familiar. Here in the United States, families are being pounded by inflation. Prices are going up on everything from groceries to home appliances. Gas prices alone have gone up 60 percent from just 1 year ago, and families are doing their best to prepare for an expensive winter. Energy bills are expected to soar by as much as 54 percent. prgtoken Despite the serious financial strain that families are feeling, our ic colleagues are pushing policies that will drive up those costs even more. prgtoken But here is the real kicker: Often under these proposed policies, the wealthiest of Americans will stand to benefit the most on the backs of hard-working American families. prgtoken One of the m
TRIBUTE TO BRADEN AND JAYDEN HARPER
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-11-2

I wish to honor two brave citizens of Junction City, KS, Braden and Jayden Harper. These young gentlemen put themselves in the face of danger to save two toddlers from a near fatal accident. prgtoken In September, Braden and Jayden were helping their aunt wash her car, when they heard screaming coming from a nearby house. They thought at first it was just other children playing on a trampoline, but soon the screaming sounded more like people in peril. The two boys peered over the fence of a nearby house to find the source of the noise and saw twin toddlers not even 2 years old about to drown in a swimming pool. prgtoken The second they saw the situation, Braden and Jayden hopped over the fence and made a beeline for the pool to rescue the two toddlers. Both the twins were unharmed in the incident, thanks to the Harpers. prgtoken Because of their efforts, the Harper brothers not only were acknowledged as heroes in school, but also by the Junction City Police Department. Now, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Braden and Jayden for their heroics. prgtoken These two young men have truly shown what being a good neighbor and good citizen means. They have made their families and the great State of Kansas proud.
Whistleblowers (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-11-2

during my time in the Senate, I have always tried to honor the work of whistleblowers. Those who speak up about government wrongdoing ought to be rewarded and not sidelined and punished. But that is exactly what happened in the Indian Health Service according to a recently released internal report. Now, this goes back a few years, but it still is a constant reminder of how whistleblowers aren't listened to and bad things happen. prgtoken According to this internal report, in August 2006, a Dr. Mark Butterbrodt wrote to his superiors about a fellow doctor. Over the course of years, he repeatedly made extremely serious whistleblower complaints alleging that his colleague, a Dr. Stanley Weber, was sexually assaulting his young patients. He was not alone, because other staff tried to report Weber to those at the very top. His behavior was described as an ``open secret.'' It is even alleged that the standard orientation for new nurses included a warning to never leave Dr. Weber alone with young boys. prgtoken The response from the Indian Health Service senior staff was silence, so the crimes continued. Over a decade after the first whistleblower report, Dr. Weber continued to sexually assault young boys who came to the Indian Health Service for help. prgtoken Instead of removing the man who had been repeatedly, credibly accused of sexually abusing his patients, they punished the whistleblower. prgtoken Too often in government, we see the people who report wrongdoing being punished. prgtoken Numerous senior officials broke the law by failing to report allegations to law enforcement, so the crime could continue. Instead, what did they do? They promoted Dr. Weber to manage those who witnessed his crimes. prgtoken By contrast, the report states that Dr. Butterbrodt was ``banished''--and the word ``banished'' is in quotation marks--to the ``very remote and rural facility'' in Belcourt, ND. So the doctor who was the patriotic American, reporting crimes, eventually resigned, and that was shortly after he was banished to a very remote and rural facility. prgtoken This shameful response by the Indian Health Service leadership had a direct impact on future whistleblowers. If you have an environment that discourages whistleblowing, what are you going to get? Less whistleblowing. prgtoken This internal report states that ``nurses told Dr. Butterbrodt that now he could see why they never speak up.'' prgtoken It is unconscionable that these whistleblowers were ignored and a pedophile was allowed to act with impunity. That is why I recently sent a letter to the Acting Director of Indian Health Service to ensure that future patients and whistleblowers do not face the same treatment. I want to make sure that processes have been put in place so that this doesn't happen again. prgtoken Dr. Butterbrodt and those like him were right to blow the whistle. We need to make it easier, not harder, to do the right thing. prgtoken Th
CONGRATULATING SERGEANT MAJOR RICK CALDWELL
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-11-2

I rise today to congratulate Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell for receiving the Silver Helmet Award presented during the AMVETS 76th national convention. prgtoken The Silver Helmet Award is given to those for their excellent and outstanding accomplishment in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, and congressional and civil service. prgtoken In 2002, Sergeant Major Caldwell helped bring back the AMVETS post to Camp Atterbury. prgtoken After serving in the U.S. Army for 32 years, Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell resigned as a reservist in 2008. prgtoken Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell has committed his life to serving this country and his community in our hometown of Columbus, Indiana. I am honored to call Rick my friend. prgtoken , I congratulate Sergeant Major Rick Caldwell on this award and thank him for his service. celebrating the united states marine corps
HURLEY FLOOD RESCUE
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-11-2

I offer these remarks today to honor the bravery and selfless service of the law enforcement officers and other first responders that worked to ensure the safety of the residents of Buchanan County during the horrendous flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the small town of Hurley, Virginia, on August 30, 2021. prgtoken Their efforts saved lives and were core to rescue and recovery following the destructive power of the flood. Particularly, I honor Buchanan County Sheriff John McClanahan, Deputy Raymond Webb, Deputy Lieutenant Brandon Hall, Deputy Lieutenant Ryan Mitchell, Deputy Billy Owens, Deputy Aaron Skeens, Deputy Andy Webb, Deputy John Hagy III, and Deputy Tasha Meadows. prgtoken The excessive rainfall resulted in blocked roadways, numerous landslides, and severe flooding in the town of Hurley. There were school closures from the storm as well. All of this caused devastating damage and jeopardized the safety of many. prgtoken In the face of danger, these officers and first responders of Buchanan County displayed great heroism by rescuing a number of citizens from harm's way. The storm caused a level of flooding in Hurley which has not been seen for nearly 20 years and matched any level of devastation from a natural disaster that I have seen in the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia. prgtoken Hundreds of residents had to evacuate their homes. As many as a thousand were left without power and drinking water, and I saw roughly 20 homes that had been uprooted from their foundations. But the terrible flood was also an occasion of heroism and helping others. Besides the deputies and the sheriff, around 500 volunteers lent their time to rescue and cleanup efforts. prgtoken , let me highlight one remarkable rescue from the flooding on Monday, August 30, 2021, involving a woman trapped in her home. prgtoken The woman's mobile home had been swept off its foundation, carried downstream, and when it crashed into a railroad trestle, the home, with the woman inside of it, was caught between the raging water and the train trestle. The home would have continued further downstream if it had not been trapped at the trestle. And as officers quickly arrived on the scene, her home was already little more than rubble. prgtoken As the water thundered by and the rain continued to pour down, the trailer, surrounded by water, was precariously positioned and appeared ready to collapse completely at any moment. Amid this peril, the officers showed no regard for their own safety as they came to the rescue. prgtoken Deputy Raymond Webb was first to arrive on the scene. He crossed the railroad tracks, climbed over to where the collapsed home remained, with water raging around, and was able to cut a hole in the roof of what was left of the house. prgtoken Shortly after, Sheriff John McClanahan and Deputies Skeens, Meadows, Hall, Mitchell, Owens, Webb, and Hagy arrived at the scene to assist with the rescue. Deputy Raymond Webb t
HONORING OUR BRAVE VETERANS
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-11-2

as we celebrate our veterans next week, I rise to honor the dedication and selflessness of the brave men and women who have served our Nation. prgtoken California's 21st Congressional District is home to thousands of veterans who are especially valued members of our community. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices to the cause of freedom, and America is forever in their debt. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we have the responsibility to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they are entitled. Those who have courageously served our country deserve our support, and we must protect their care. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking our veterans for their service to our country in honor of this Veterans Day. It is a privilege to represent these men and women in Congress.
REMEMBERING MARTHA BREENE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-11-2

I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Martha Breene, a staple figure in Pennsylvania politics. prgtoken Martha has been involved in politics since the 1960s. She was a phenomenal grassroots organizer, where she worked tirelessly on both local and national campaigns. prgtoken Martha did what she did because she loves this Nation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She worked so hard to see that people are better served, and she did that through politics. prgtoken In 2004, she was the first women elected to serve as the Venango County chairman. She retired in 2013, only to return to that role in 2017 where she served up until her passing this year. prgtoken I had the privilege of working with Martha and her late husband, Charlie, during my first election starting in 2008. Martha has always had the ability to motivate, and it is that quality that made her an exceptional leader. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be deeply missed in Venango County. prgtoken , my deepest condolences go to Martha's family and friends during this time.
HONORING AMERICA'S BELOVED VETERANS
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Madam , I thank my friend from Michigan for yielding. prgtoken With Veterans Day just around the corner, I am pleased to join my colleagues to honor the brave men and women who valiantly answered the call of duty to serve and protect the United States. prgtoken In North Carolina, we have a rich tradition of military service, and we are blessed to have a large community of veterans in the Seventh Congressional District. It is because of their selflessness and heroism that the United States remains free and continues to be the greatest light for liberty mankind has ever known. prgtoken Their families have devoted just as much to this noble cause. Over the past year and a half many of our citizens across this great land have struggled with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but none have been more affected than our veterans and their families. prgtoken Those veterans who have seen the horrors of war carry scars. Some are physical scars; others are emotional scars. Mental health has always been a need for many, given what they have been through. The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan has further exacerbated that mental anguish for so many who have served. prgtoken This is why now, more than ever, it is important that Congress pay tribute to our country's servicemembers and our veterans. It is also important for them to know that America supports them. To every veteran across this great land and their loved ones, we thank you and we are forever indebted to you. It is my honor to serve as a voice for North Carolina veterans in Congress, and I will continue to support vital measures to honor, provide support, and deliver results for our Nation's heroes. May God always bless them.
HONORING JOVITA MOORE
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-11-2

I rise today in honor of Jovita Moore, an award-winning journalist whose presence and professionalism were known across newsrooms around Georgia and throughout the country. prgtoken I, and so many whose lives she touched every single day, are deeply saddened by her passing. Her life was a positive force for good in this world. Every evening, little girls saw themselves on the television knowing that one day they could be the woman their community trusted at the end of each day. prgtoken So while we mourn her death and suffer our heartbreak, I want to take this time to celebrate the life of a woman who always stood steadfast and resolute, who was classy and consistent in presenting us the facts and the news of the moment. prgtoken This week, our hearts are with Jovita's family and her children, and my prayers are with the WSB team.