mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-11-15

this is at least the third time the Senate is debating Senator Marshall's proposal to terminate the national emergency declaration related to COVID-19. I am going to have just a few brief remarks on why the Senate ought to vote this down and move on to the crucial year-end priorities that actually have a chance of becoming law. prgtoken First, the Marshall resolution has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. As the chairman of the committee, we have long focused on healthcare and, particularly, Medicare. prgtoken And my view is that the Marshall resolution is part of a larger effort to create more redtape and less flexibility in American healthcare. prgtoken Now, I have been talking to a lot of Oregonians about many issues over the last few months. And I can just say, nobody has come up to me in one of our iconic Fred Meyer stores or to a townhall meeting and said, ``Hey, Ron, we need more healthcare redtape.'' prgtoken I want to be specific about what this means. The Marshall resolution will make it harder to keep waivers on the books that have helped resolve critical shortages of healthcare providers in hospitals overwhelmed with sick patients. The policies allowed under the national emergency have also helped address shortages of medical supplies needed to treat patients and protect medical workers. prgtoken Looking at the bigger picture, the Marshall resolution is part of a broader effort by s to wipe out a host of important policies that have saved lives and helped our healthcare system stay afloat over the last few years. prgtoken This larger effort by s, for example, could make it harder for people to get hospital quality services provided at home where they are most comfortable. There is a risk it would lead to a whole lot of vulnerable Americans losing coverage through Medicaid. prgtoken Taken together, that is a recipe for chaos in American healthcare and serious headaches for millions of patients who would have their coverage and their care upended. prgtoken Nobody is saying that emergency policies that began in the pandemic are going to stick around forever. Changes do have to be handled responsibly. And what we try to do in the Finance Committee is work in a bipartisan way. prgtoken So, colleagues, in my view, this effort--and it has been what we have been debating now again and again--comes down to less flexibility and more chaos in American healthcare, and that sounds like an idea the U.S. Senate ought to avoid. prgtoken That begins with voting down the Marshall resolution. My sense is this is also exactly the wrong time to start undermining important healthcare flexibilities. Doctors and public health experts--we have all read these articles--are telling us this is going to be a painful flu season. We are hearing this across the country. Hospitalizations, colleagues, for the flu are already surging. prgtoken At the same time, there is a huge wave o
REMEMBERING ERNEST LEE FLYNN
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2022-11-15

today I would like to honor the life and service of a distinguished Montanan and Vietnam war veteran, the late Mr. Ernest Lee ``Ernie'' Flynn. prgtoken Ernie was a native son of Montana, born May 8, 1949, on the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, MT. A member of the Assiniboine-Sioux Tribe, his grandparents raised him and first taught him the importance of service. prgtoken Ernie was a fierce patriot who loved this country. Never one to shy away from service or sacrifice, he answered the call to duty in the Vietnam war by enlisting in the Army. A combat veteran of the First Infantry Division, the Big Red One, he saw hard fighting at Fire Base Gela near Lai Khe, Republic of South Vietnam. And it was there, in the line of duty, where he received concussive injuries that would soon leave him completely blind and deaf. prgtoken After being honorably discharged from the Army, Ernie returned home to Montana, got married, and raised a family. He excelled in university studies and was a certified Mensa. But blindness forever changed his path in life. Veterans service became Ernie's life's calling, and he became a career veterans' benefits counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort on, MT. prgtoken Ernie's upbeat, positive example instilled in veterans and others the courage to face disabilities. His example inspired and showed Montana's veterans--and veterans everywhere--that a disability shouldn't prevent you from achieving great things. prgtoken Ernie could never see the many national, State, and local civic and veterans' awards that adorned his wall of honor, but he always felt the support of his fellow veterans who knew and honored him. Even after retirement from VA, the tens of thousands of volunteer hours Ernie spent supporting Montana's veterans showed his continued dedication to service. prgtoken On October 30, 2022, Ernie passed away at home in Billings, MT, surrounded by his family and wife of 51 years, Yvonne Rose Brown. Today, it is my honor to commemorate his service and legacy. prgtoken On behalf of myself and a grateful Nation, I commend Mr. Ernest Lee Flynn and extend our deepest appreciation to him and his family. His work will continue to be felt by Montana veterans for years to come, and he will be sorely missed.
DELIVERING TRANSFORMATIONAL INVESTMENTS
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , from day one, House have worked for the people and passed historic legislation to address the challenges facing our country, and clearly, the American people resoundingly supported our efforts. prgtoken passed the CHIPS and Science Act that makes significant investments in American manufacturing, which is the backbone of our economy and drives job creation. prgtoken passed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs at the pharmacy counter, in the grocery aisles, and at the gas pump. This landmark legislation also delivers the most significant action on climate in history, while reducing the deficit. prgtoken passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to fix our roads and public transit systems. This is one of the largest Federal investments in our Nation's infrastructure and is laying the foundation for strong economic growth by creating millions of good- paying jobs. prgtoken While congressional s play politics at the expense of our democracy, remain steadfast in putting people over politics, and we will continue to deliver transformational investments for America's working families.
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL NATHAN H. KITZKE
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-11-15

I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Air Force. prgtoken Lt. Col. Nathan ``Nate'' Kitzke has distinguished himself through his professional character and dedication by serving this Nation in uniform. A leader and expert communicator, he has provided distinguished service to our country while assigned to the Air Force Senate Liaison Office. He is an outstanding leader and a great airman to represent the Air Force on Capitol prgtoken Hill. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Nate has served in the Air Force for over 18 years. As a deployed squadron commander and C-130 pilot, Nate has led thousands of airmen in support of U.S. Air Force missions worldwide. prgtoken Throughout his career, Nate has demonstrated exceptional, unrivaled officership. He is a senior pilot with over 2,150 flying hours in the C-130E/H and has flown more than 1,000 combat hours over five deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current assignment, Nate had the privilege of being a deployed squadron commander at the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, where he led two teams of airmen and civilians in managing two strategically essential Kuwaiti airfields. prgtoken As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from June 2020 to June 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Kitzke performed his duties well and without reservation supporting the 116th and 117th U.S. Congresses. His strategic thinking and foresight helped to strengthen and improve our national security. Nate accomplished this utilizing his in-depth Air Force knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress and the Department of the Air Force. prgtoken Nate expertly conveyed Department of the Air Force positions on the Air Force Future Design that included the future bomber, tanker, and fighter force. Nate's direct support provided the U.S. Senate critical information necessary for three National Defense Authorization Acts. His efforts helped establish the U.S. Space Force, ensure the confirmation of the 26th Air Force Secretary, the 22nd Air Force Chief of Staff, and ensured the Department of the Air Force support of the National Defense Strategy in our return to great power competition. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Kitzke planned and led delegations for Members of Congress on visits all over the world to include the bicameral Reagan National Defense Forum. Nate's significant efforts led to successful engagements between this governing body and senior Department of Defense Officials including the Secretary of the Air Force. All of these engagements helped U.S. Senators understand defense equities and their impact on national security. Due to his direct involvement and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensure the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded. prgtoken Aft
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-11-16

I want to share some words of wisdom with my colleagues. These words of wisdom come from 13 former top civilian and military leaders. I am going to start with the list of eight former Defense Secretaries: Dr. Ashton Carter, recently deceased; William Cohen, also a former Senator; Dr. Mark Esper; Dr. Robert Gates; Charles Hagel, also a former Senator; Gen. James Mattis, besides being Secretary of Defense; Leon Panetta, also a former Congressman; and Dr. William Perry. Also added to this list are five former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: GEN Martin Dempsey; GEN Joseph Dunford, Jr.; ADM Michael Mullen; GEN Richard Myers; and GEN Peter Pace. They offer some very sage advice for improving civil-military relations. prgtoken Everybody knows where this principle came from of civil control of our military. It happened December 1783 when GEN George Washington surrendered his papers to the Continental Congress and gave up being commander in chief at that particular time. prgtoken These words of wisdom appear in an open letter that was published September 6 in a national security blog, and that blog is entitled ``War on the Rocks.'' prgtoken I intended to speak about this letter at the time that I first read it, but due to our extended recess, I am just now getting to it about 2 months late. prgtoken These former leaders warn us about what they call ``extreme strain'' in civil-military relations coming from all directions, and these are the directions that this strain is coming from, affecting civil- military relations: the pandemic, with social disruption; wars that ended with unachieved goals; military withdrawal from Afghanistan; rising great-power rivalries; ``extremely adverse'' political environment caused by the divisiveness of polarization in our American society, evidenced here in the Congress of the United States; and lastly, contested elections and the shaky transfer of power. After listing these points, these defense leaders then predict rising tensions. prgtoken This is a red flag that we all ought to observe. Civil-military relations are out of balance. prgtoken Although alarming, the open letter is both educational and reassuring. It offers guidance and remedies. Sixteen what they call ``core principles and best practices'' are spotlighted for restoring ``healthy American civil-military relations.'' Most of these remedies hinge on the all-important principle of civilian control of the military. prgtoken By the way, I spoke on that very subject from a different angle on July 14 of this year. prgtoken The letter that I am referring to views civilian control as I do: ``the bedrock foundation of American democracy.'' It is ultimately ``wielded by the will of the American people as expressed through elections.'' That core constitutional principle keeps our ``powerful standing military'' from threatening democracy. ``Healthy civil-military relations''--those four words are in quotes--``H
RECOGNIZING JOHN KASSNER, JR.
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable man, John Kassner, Jr. prgtoken Born in 1925, John was the second oldest son in a family of 13, having three brothers and nine sisters. Moving to Manitowoc, Wisconsin at a very young age, John became known as a remarkable high school athlete and was involved in countless organizations, like the High School Dance Club. During John's senior year in high school, he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. During his military service, John volunteered to become a paratrooper in the heralded 101st Airborne Division. On John's 19th birthday, he and his fellow soldiers parachuted into France behind German lines to evaluate strategic locations prior to the Allied invasion. I commend John for his commitment and selfless service to the United States of America. prgtoken Following John's career in the military, he moved back to the United States with the love of his life, Joan, to begin their life together. John began his business career as a door-to-door vacuum salesman, and eventually obtained his real-estate license and began his own brokerage company. Given John's knowledge and dedication to the industry, he soon became a leader among his peers. In the mid-1970's, John was elected President of the Brown County Home Builders Association. In the years to come, given John's success within the industry, he would become the State President of the Wisconsin Home Builders Association and Director of the National Home Builders Association. I commend John for his life- long dedication to his community and country and I offer my sincere condolences to his family during this time. prgtoken Madam , the people of Northeast Wisconsin thank John Kassner, Jr. for his extraordinary commitment and service to his country. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all of the lives he touched.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSE ANNE HOLMAN
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Rose Anne Holman for her years of dedicated service to the people of Georgia's 12th Congressional District and offer my congratulations upon her retirement from public service. prgtoken A valued member of our team, Rose Anne has been with our office from the very beginning. In fact, she's been working for our constituents even longer than I have. prgtoken Having formerly served under my predecessor, Congressman Barrow, Rose Anne brought a wealth of experience to our office that has enabled us to provide the top-quality constituent services upon which we have come to pride ourselves. prgtoken Whenever one of our neighbors needed help, Rose Anne was there. Such was her commitment to our district and to the people who she dedicated lunch time and effort to serve. I heard so many stories, especially from our Vidalia onion farmers, that Rose Anne assisted them in navigating difficulties with the federal government and helped save the day. prgtoken Rose Anne has been an exemplary public servant, and, moreover, a cherished friend and colleague. On behalf of our entire team, I extend my best wishes to Rose Anne and her husband, Howard for all the blessings this new chapter will surely bring and thank her for her time and service on behalf of Georgia's 12th Congressional District.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-11-16

I have come to the floor today to talk about legislation that is going to come before this Chamber this afternoon called the Respect for Marriage Act. I hope the Senate will consider this legislation and pass it. I think it is good for our country. prgtoken Marriage is really important in our society. It is a sacred bond that two people make to each other. It represents a lifetime of commitment and love and care in times good and bad. It is also the foundational unit upon which our entire society is built. I have witnessed this firsthand over the past 36 years with my wife Jane and our amazing family. I was fortunate to have an upbringing with parents who were together for five decades. The recognition and protection of this bond makes the couple, the family, and our country stronger. That is why there is a constitutional right to marry. prgtoken Same-sex marriage has also been a constitutional right since 2015. Today, there are about a million same-sex households. About 60 percent of them are married. prgtoken In the minds of most Americans, the validity of these marriages is a settled question, and the overwhelming majority of Americans want this question to be settled. According to Gallup, 71 percent of Americans believe that same-sex marriage should be recognized as valid by law. The majority of support for same-sex marriage, by the way, is seen across all age groups, races, religious affiliations, and even political parties. In fact, polling from just last year shows that 55 percent of s support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. prgtoken Now, the Respect for Marriage Act we are about to vote on actually doesn't go that far. It simply says that if you get married in one State, another State has to honor it. prgtoken So why are we here? Given this broad American consensus, why is the Senate debating this today as to whether we should recognize something that the vast majority of Americans already recognize and support? The answer is, because current Federal law does not reflect the will or beliefs of the American people in this regard. The current statute allows States and the Federal Government to refuse to recognize valid same-sex marriages. prgtoken While it is true that this law is not currently enforceable, I would argue, because of Supreme Court rulings, it still represents Congress's last word on the subject. So it is important to clarify that, to get the old legislation off the books. Likewise, current Federal law is silent on the question of interstate interracial marriage, believe it or not, so that needs to be addressed. prgtoken Given this disconnect between the American people and our current legislation, it is time for the Senate to settle the issue and pass the Respect for Marriage Act, as the House of Representatives has already done. By the way, that was an overwhelming vote in the House with 46 s supporting it. prgtoken This bill simply allows
TRIBUTE TO DR. CAROLYN BERTOZZI
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-11-16

today I honor and pay tribute to American Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi. Dr. Bertozzi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022 for her outstanding work and dedication to chemical biology research. prgtoken Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Chemical and Systems Biology and Radiology at Stanford University. She is also the Baker Family Director at Sarafan ChEM-H at Stanford and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She completed her undergraduate education in chemistry at Harvard University before earning her Ph.D. in chemistry at UC Berkeley. Following postdoctoral study at UCSF, she returned to Berkeley as a professor in the college of chemistry and led groundbreaking investigations published in major scientific journals. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the German Academy of Sciences Leopardine. She has also received countless awards, including most recently the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. prgtoken The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2022 is a distinguished honor awarded to Drs. Carolyn Bertozzi, Morten Meldal, and K. Barry Sharpless for the development of click chemistry and biorthogonal chemistry. After Meldal and Sharpless laid the foundation of click chemistry, Bertozzi used click chemistry to study cellular reactions. Cellular machinery that modifies proteins with specific carbohydrates is now leveraged for targeted treatment of cancer and other conditions. I applaud her commitment to this lifesaving invention. prgtoken It is a privilege to commemorate Dr. Bertozzi's Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Her students and peers are inspired by her dedication to her students and research. As a physician and husband of a breast cancer surgeon, I admire her exemplary work on click chemistry and its application to cancer treatment research. I am honored to recognize her today.
RECOGNIZING OF THE 98TH BIRTHDAY OF THOMAS CLEVELAND
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 98th birthday of Thomas Cleveland. prgtoken Thomas was born on October 6, 1923. He spent most of his life in Coosa County, Alabama, but was drafted in April of 1943 at the age of 18. He went to basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. While there he was trained in demolition and experienced his first injury. The soldiers were training with TNT and a detonation cap exploded in his hand. prgtoken After Camp Shelby, he was off to Camp Kilby, New Jersey, where he boarded a troop ship and headed to Birmingham, England. The trip across the ocean was 14 days and he was seasick for seven of those days recalling the ship rocking back and forth sending him to the deck to hang his head. prgtoken Once across the English Channel, he landed on the beaches in Normandy, France, during the second wave of the invasion. It was there he was shot in the shoulder resulting in his first Purple Heart. When he went into the U.S. Army, his mother had given him a small Bible with a metal cover to carry with him. Even today, the Bible has blood stains from the shoulder wound. The bullet is still in his shoulder. prgtoken During the Battle of the Bulge, he received another injury and the second Purple Heart. prgtoken When asked what he remembers most about War World II, he tells of constantly advancing on the enemy and being separated from his unit when they encountered Germans. Once reunited with his unit, only four soldiers were left in his squad. This is when he received a battle- field promotion from the rank of private first class to sergeant. prgtoken Three years after being drafted, the war was over for Thomas and he went back to the United States at Fort Lewis, Washington, to be discharged. After a train ride from Washington to Birmingham, Alabama, he took a taxi back to Hanover, Alabama, where he continues to live today. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing Thomas and wishing him a very happy 98th birthday. I thank him for his service to our country.