mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today in recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month. prgtoken This Nation is in the midst of a war for the protection and longevity of our children. We have found ourselves battling epidemics at an unprecedented magnitude, many of which are plaguing our youth: violence, suicide, mental health, and, most notably, substance abuse. prgtoken Alcohol use among youth is more prevalent than tobacco or illicit drugs. The dangers of underage drinking are significant, as they can drastically increase the likelihood of alcohol dependency later in life, cause a decline in academic performance, and increase engagement in harmful behaviors such as the use of other drugs and impaired driving. prgtoken In addition to the adverse mental health effects, it puts children and young adults in jeopardy of developing health risks that negatively affect the brain, liver, and endocrine system. prgtoken We have already lost too many young lives by not taking necessary protective measures. Research shows that a lifetime of conversations between parents and their children can prevent underage drinking. Let's all do our part to protect our children.
CHAMPION OF THE WEEK, TAYLOR MIKESELL
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-4-20

as the Congresswoman for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the birthplace of champions, I rise today to congratulate Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week, Ms. Taylor Mikesell. prgtoken Taylor was selected by the Indiana Fever in this year's WNBA draft, and she is the third Stark County player to be drafted by a WNBA team. prgtoken Taylor is an extremely talented shooting guard who honed her skills at Jackson High School before playing at the University of Maryland and the University of Oregon, and finally concluding her college career at The Ohio State University. prgtoken She was a two-time All-Big 10 selection with the Buckeyes and ranked among the top five in the Nation in 3-pointers made per game in both seasons. prgtoken Taylor helped lead Ohio State to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1993, hitting seven 3-pointers to match a career high, and scored 25 points in her final game. prgtoken As we have seen women's basketball continue to grow in popularity, I am proud of Taylor's contribution to women's sports. Taylor's success serves as an inspiration to young athletes who dream of pursuing a career in professional sports, and she has paved the way for future generations of young athletes to follow their dreams. prgtoken Once again, congratulations to Taylor Mikesell, the Ohio 13 Champion of the Week. I am confident that she will continue to make our community proud as she takes her talents to the national stage.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO ERIN O'QUINN
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-4-20

I would like to pay tribute to my chief of staff, Erin O'Quinn. prgtoken Erin and I met just a week after I was elected to Congress. This was in November 2018. It was an overwhelming time. There was a lot to organize, and job number one was to find a chief of staff. prgtoken Dr. Ami Bera suggested that I meet his deputy chief, Erin. We sat down to coffee and hit it off. I never looked back. I knew right away I could trust Erin to guide me through this whole new world of Washington, D.C which was quite a contrast from the life of a community pediatrician. prgtoken I still remember that first meeting when she asked me what I wanted The Seattle Times editorial board to say about me in 2020. It was a way to figure out my values and goals. Wouldn't you know it? Two years later, the comments made by The Seattle Times endorsement board were remarkably similar to what we set out to achieve. prgtoken Erin understands the value of a strong team, remarkable constituent services, outreach, and townhalls. She made sure I was everywhere in the district and that we hired the best team members with hearts of gold and a dedication to service. prgtoken With a background in social work, she kept our team in sync and collaborative, and several of our staff are still here today. prgtoken I couldn't have done it without Erin. We could not have done it without Erin. I thank Erin and wish her all the best in the next chapter in her life. We will miss her.
IN DEFENSE OF SCIENCE, FREEDOM, AND CHOICE
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise in defense of science, freedom, and choice. prgtoken Two weeks ago, a -appointed judge issued a ruling to suspend the FDA's approval of mifepristone, a safe abortion and miscarriage management medication that has been on the market for more than two decades. prgtoken This unscientific, partisan judicial decision is the latest move in the ongoing attack on reproductive freedom across the United States. prgtoken Abortion, including medication abortion, like mifepristone, is still safe and legal in Oregon. But, like so many Oregonians, I am deeply troubled by these attacks, and I refuse to sit idly by as they jeopardize the health and well-being of millions of Americans. prgtoken I will continue to stand up for those who can get pregnant to ensure mifepristone remains available to all who need it, and to restore the right to choose in all 50 States. prgtoken Congress can and must intervene.
RECOGNIZING PASTOR De'SHANTE ERVIN
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-20

today I want to recognize De'Shante Ervin, in recognition of his appointment as pastor to Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, a house of worship in Detroit in Michigan's 12th District Strong. prgtoken Pastor Ervin brings a wealth of experience to his new position in leadership at Rock of Ages. Born May 23, 1980, to Eddie and Mary Ervin, he was raised alongside his older siblings in the city of Detroit. His upbringing instilled in him the importance of community and service to others. Pastor Ervin accepted his call to the ministry in 1997. He received his ministerial license in May of 2000 and was ordained in January of 2005. prgtoken In August of 2006 Pastor Ervin became the founder and CEO of Rhema Word Ministries, which is his personal teaching and outreach ministry. Through this ministry he has had the opportunity to start up many home- based faith studies throughout the Metro Detroit area and be a blessing to many needy and less fortunate families. Through Rhema Word Ministries, Pastor Ervin is most proud of the joy he was able to share to families in need through its Christmas program, providing families in need with toys and clothing for the holiday. In addition to his charitable work, Pastor Ervin has authored one book and served for many years as pastor at Living in Victory Everyday Ministries (L.I.V.E.) in Southfield, Michigan. prgtoken In 2019, Pastor Ervin joined Rock of Ages Christian Ministries, serving under Pastor Jerome McAfee. He continued his work in service to the community, spearheading Rock of prgtoken Ages' food distribution efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his duties at Rock of Ages, Pastor Ervin serves as a Detroit Police chaplain at the seventh precinct. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Pastor De'Shante Ervin's service to the communities of Michigan's 12th District as we wish him well in his new role as pastor of Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church.
RECOGNIZING MS. CHRISTINE JAMES-BROWN ON HER RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF THE CHILD WELFARE LEAGUE OF AMERICA
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to recognize the exceptional service of Christine James-Brown, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), who recently announced her retirement as President. prgtoken CWLA is an outstanding organization that works to improve the quality and availability of child welfare and related services through standard-setting and advocacy. Ms. James-Brown began her tenure as President of CWLA in April 2007, assuming the leadership of the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. Ms. James-Brown has served as the eighth President of this 103-year-old organization. With more than sixteen years of service, she is the second-longest serving President of CWLA. Ms. prgtoken James-Brown is a national leader in efforts to protect children and strengthen families, and she has led CWLA through historic accomplishments and challenging times. prgtoken Ms. James-Brown led CWLA's advocacy efforts to help enact critical child welfare laws, including the Fostering Connections to Success and Promoting Adoptions Act of 2008 and the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018. Her leadership continued CWLA's policy work in areas including kinship care, adoption and foster care services, prevention services, and residential care. prgtoken Under Ms. James-Brown's leadership, CWLA worked with members and experts across the country during 2012 and 2013 to develop the CWLA National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare that presents a vision for the future of child welfare where all children grow up safely in loving families and supportive communities. prgtoken Her service includes her work as a member of the Congressionally- mandated National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine panel with the mission of making recommendations to reduce child poverty in half over ten years. I and other policymakers used those recommendations and the science behind them to champion legislation that helped reduce child poverty during the global pandemic. prgtoken During her tenure, Ms. James-Brown helped CWLA continue its leadership and engagement of its network of public and private agencies and partners to advance policies, best practices, and collaborative strategies that result in better outcomes for children, youth, and families. She led the organization through 16 national conferences, including a celebration of 90 years in 2010 and a virtual conference during the pandemic on the organization's 100th anniversary prgtoken I join with members of the Child Welfare League of America and the child welfare community to thank Ms. Christine James-Brown for her exceptional service to the children and families of our nation and to wish her health and happiness in her well-deserved retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-4-20

I am honored to be here on the floor with the Presiding Officer today. prgtoken I rise this afternoon to share my gratitude--and I know I speak for our Presiding Officer and every Member of this body, all 100 of us--for those who helped to ensure the passage of the Fire Grants and Safety Act through the Senate today and the weeks leading up to today. prgtoken As we all know, a bunch of us as kids, probably, like my sister and me, wanted to grow up and be firefighters. We ended up finding other ways to serve our States and communities, but, in the beginning, we wanted to be firefighters. I might add that our two sons, who are now grown and off into the world, wanted to be firefighters. Those were the role models they emulated and wanted to be more like. I think, maybe, one of the reasons why is that it is widely known that firefighters put their lives on the line for us not just occasionally or, maybe, during holidays or on weekends but every day--every day. prgtoken So, today, we honor them by passing this legislation and sending it to our colleagues in the House of Representatives. I think the final vote, if I noticed, was, I believe, 95 to 2. It is not every day we pass a bill with 95 votes. That means that just about every and every in this body voted for it. prgtoken I know I hear a lot from people not just in Delaware but in other States that I have visited. People will say: Why don't you just work together? Why can't you guys and gals just work together and get something done? I would present this as a great example of what we can accomplish when we do work together. prgtoken I especially want to thank a couple of people among our colleagues whose hard work actually enabled us to work together and to pull together and to craft this bipartisan compromise. prgtoken Let me just start with our fellow Members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the colleagues on this bill. They include Senator Gary Peters, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Susan Collins, and, the last time I checked, yours truly as well. prgtoken I also want to thank the entire Congressional Fire Services Caucus for their bipartisan work on this issue, including the chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Senator Jon Tester of Montana. prgtoken There were also many organizations that helped us better understand the needs of our firefighters, and I want to thank them too. Let me just mention them briefly, if I may: the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the International Association of Firefighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and the National Fire Protection Association. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that we could never have done this without their hard work and their encouragement even today. prgtoken I just want to say that most of us in this body will go to bed tonight--turn <|p
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-20

I want to thank my colleague from Maryland for his support of the Fire Grants and Safety Act. prgtoken The amendment he is offering would authorize a new grant program at FEMA to fund fire station construction. And while I fully support increased Federal resources for this purpose, I must, unfortunately and reluctantly, vote no on this particular amendment. prgtoken This language has not been moved through committee, and FEMA has not had the opportunity to provide input to ensure that this bill achieves its intended goal. prgtoken But let me say again: I fully support this effort, fully support the Senator from Maryland, and agree with him totally that we need to have more resources to help our communities upgrade their fire stations. This is an urgent need. prgtoken I also agree we want to make sure that we are not raiding the current fund for this purpose, which is why the next amendment coming up, I will also be voting no. But I fully intend to work with the Senator from Maryland to move towards a markup on his stand-alone bill, on this very topic, which has been referred to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, a committee in which I chair. prgtoken But I will reluctantly be voting no on this amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 85
REMEMBERING MAYOR DONNIE WINKLER
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise to recognize the passing of my good friend and mayor of Rockport, Indiana, Donnie Winkler. prgtoken Donnie tirelessly led the Rockport community with a smile and a good sense of humor. For years, his work ethic and sense of duty helped raise the bar for all those living in Spencer County, Indiana. prgtoken His motto: ``Do what you do; do it well and thoroughly,'' is something he took with him in all aspects of his life. prgtoken From his time spent as a farmer, industrial worker, National Guardsman, husband, father of four sons, entrepreneur, small business owner, general contractor, riverboat cook, building inspector, jailor, visionary, and finally as mayor, you saw this motto in all he did. prgtoken I am proud to have had the opportunity to know Donnie Winkler. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire Rockport community during this trying time. prgtoken Godspeed, Donnie.
TODAY'S R&D DOLLARS CREATE TOMORROW'S JOBS
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to introduce the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act. prgtoken Our country is filled with talented innovators who put their heart and imagination into new ideas that advance our Nation. Through research and development, their incredible breakthroughs can come to fruition. prgtoken Unfortunately, the R&D immediate expensing tax provision expired at the end of 2021, removing the incentive to prioritize research and development in the United States. prgtoken By disincentivizing R&D here at home, American tax policy encourages manufacturing and production to move abroad. That is why I am reintroducing bipartisan legislation that encourages R&D throughout the country. prgtoken Sixty-four original cosponsors have joined me and Congressman John Larson to make R&D immediate expensing permanent, cementing this critical tax provision and reestablishing the United States as the leader in research and development. prgtoken Today's research and development dollars create tomorrow's jobs, and we need to keep R&D dollars inside our country where they can help strengthen American businesses and workers. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to join me in advancing this critical legislation.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-4-20

this morning the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee is considering the nomination of Julie Su to be Secretary of Labor. prgtoken Before joining the U.S. Department of Labor as Deputy Secretary under President , Ms. Su previously served as labor secretary for the State of California, and in that post, she was perhaps most notable for presiding over massive unemployment fraud during the COVID crisis. Unemployment fraud was a significant problem during the pandemic, but even with widespread fraud, California stood out for the scope of its problem. prgtoken During the first 6 months of the pandemic, California had an improper payment rate of 36.6 percent. Let that sink in for a moment--an improper payment rate of 36.6 percent. Ultimately, the State paid out around $30 billion in fraudulent claims between the start of the pandemic and last spring. prgtoken Now, certainly, States faced an influx of unemployment claims during the pandemic that put additional pressure on unemployment agencies. But California's fraud situation was not simply a result of an increased workload during the pandemic. It was also in part the result of Ms. Su's decision to remove safeguards intended to help prevent fraudulent claims. prgtoken During the early days of the pandemic, Ms. Su directed the California Employment Development Department to--in the words of the California State auditor--``pay certain claimants UI benefits without making key eligibility determinations and to temporarily stop collecting biweekly eligibility certifications.'' These directives unquestionably helped smooth the path for widespread unemployment fraud as well as a significant number of improper payments. prgtoken It is difficult to know what President was thinking when he decided to nominate someone who presided over massive unemployment fraud to be the next Labor Secretary. If that is what happened when Ms. Su was the labor secretary for a single State, it is difficult to see her as a qualified nominee to head the Labor Department for an entire country. prgtoken But my concerns with Ms. Su don't end there. In addition to questions about her ability to effectively administer a Cabinet Department, I have serious concerns that Ms. Su would use her national platform to continue promoting policies that are hostile to workers. prgtoken During her time in California government, Ms. Su was a proponent of Assembly Bill 5, which is a piece of legislation that reclassified many workers who had been considered independent contractors as employees through a set of criteria known as the ABC test. prgtoken That test proved to be so unpopular and unworkable that ultimately dozens of occupations were exempted from the measure--so many that the list of exemptions ended up being longer than the text of the original bill. Even California voters recognized how problematic it was, which is why they approved Proposition 22, which specifi
TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN JOHN H. CALLAHAN
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-4-20

CAPT John Callahan is a native of Tampa, FL, and presently assigned to Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command Pensacola, FL. prgtoken He began his career by enlisting in October 1982 and completing Navy Boot Camp, Great Lakes, IL; Fleet Marine Force Training, Camp Pendleton, CA; and, Preventive Medicine Technician School, Oakland, CA. prgtoken His enlisted assignments include Naval Hospital Pensacola, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, and Disease Vector Ecology Control Center Jacksonville, FL. His enlisted deployments include U.S.S. Lexington; U.S.S. Ashland; Rota, Spain; Okinawa, Japan; Pohang, South Korea; and, Subic Bay, Philippines. prgtoken In 1995, he was promoted to chief petty officer, a significant highlight of his enlisted career. After selection to the Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program, he completed the Tri- Service Physician Assistant Program, graduating magna cum laude George Washington University bachelor of science, resulting in commission as an ensign in 1998. In 2004, he was awarded the master of physician assistant studies, family medicine, from the University of Nebraska, graduating summa cum laude. prgtoken His officer assignments include Naval Hospital Puerto Rico; Naval Branch Medical Clinic Meridian, MS; Naval Branch Medical Clinic Indian Head, MD; Naval Branch Medical Clinic Naval Air Station, Pensacola; Naval Branch Medical Clinic Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola; Naval Hospital Pensacola; and Naval Hospital Rota Spain. In addition, while leading Medium Medical Team No. 5, he recently provided extended COVID relief and support for Billings Clinic in Montana and Bellin Clinic in Green Bay, WI. His commissioned deployments include Al Anbar Province, Iraq; Djibouti, Africa; Combined Forces Special Operations Command--Forward, Qatar; and Combined Task Force 53, Bahrain. prgtoken He is the only hand-selected physician assistant to serve upon special joint congressional details--State of the Union 2006, State of the Union 2008, Presidential Inauguration 2009, State of the Union 2010, Presidential Inauguration 2013, and State of the Union 2023. Interim dates of special joint congressional details were precluded due to operational service obligations. prgtoken In 2019, he was selected for captain, a significant achievement of his naval career. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6 awards), Navy and prgtoken Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), and various other personal and unit awards. prgtoken His military career has been successful due to the confidence and support of Melonie, his wife and best friend of 30 years. He also has two supportive sons, who are both Eagle Scouts--Caleb and Zachary. Captain Callahan was awarded his Eagle Scout in 1982, 7 months prior to his initial enlistment. prgtoken As a Navy veteran and
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. HOWARD WASDIN AND RECOGNIZING THE FIRST RESPONDERS OF WAYNE COUNTY GEORGIA
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to recognize the Wayne County, Georgia, first responders for their efforts in handling a recent plane crash in Wayne County. I also rise to honor the life of Dr. Howard Wasdin. prgtoken On Thursday, April 6, Wayne County emergency responders answered a dispatch to a report of a missing aircraft. About 30 minutes later, the plane was located approximately a quarter mile from the William A. Zorn Airport. prgtoken The pilot has been identified as Dr. Howard Wasdin, who was a highly decorated Navy Seal. He served in Desert Storm and was part of the operation to capture Mohamed Farrah Aidid, a Somali warlord. prgtoken After 12 years of service, he earned his doctor of chiropractor from Life University and lived in Georgia, where he operated a chiropractic clinic. prgtoken This situation has been particularly difficult due to the impact it has had on Dr. Wasdin's family and the community at large. I thank all of the first responders for their tireless efforts in responding to this tragic accident. prgtoken Dr. Wasdin will be missed greatly by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.