mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING TWIN FALLS SANDWICH COMPANY AND KOTO BREWING COMPANY
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-5-3

Idaho small businesses have shown immense resilience in the face of labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs. These small businesses deserve to be celebrated for their great work in preserving the values unique to our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide initiative, on May 6, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Twin Falls Sandwich Company and Koto Brewing Company located in Twin Falls as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for May 2022. prgtoken Fifteen years ago, Twin Falls Sandwich Company owner Shane Cook visited the Magic Valley and fell deeply in love with the community. He believed the downtown area had the potential to be a lively gathering place for the people of Twin Falls. Shane took his restaurant expertise and vision to restore a Main Avenue building to its original rustic red brick and customized a menu almost entirely sourced from local farmers and producers. Thanks to their 10 years of business, the Sandwich Company has become a mainstay for many in the Magic Valley. prgtoken Take a short stroll down Main Avenue, and you will find another passion of Shane's at Koto Brewing Company. Named after Tojiro ``Tom'' Koto, a Japanese immigrant who built the building in 1920, Koto Brewing Co. has been serving gourmet pub food, a full dinner menu, and an eclectic beer list since 2018. Shane and his business partner, Twin Falls native and brewmaster Pierre Tusow, spent a year and a half exposing the building's original brick and wood flooring and adding tabletops made from Twin Falls High School's old gym floor. Shane and Pierre also pride themselves on donating $10 from every barrel of beer brewed to local charities. The local touches along with live music from local artists and a good laugh from comedians from all over the country make Koto Brewing Co. the gathering place Shane envisioned 15 years ago. prgtoken Congratulations to Shane Cook and all of the employees at Twin Falls Sandwich Company and Koto Brewing Company for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for May 2022. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State prgtoken proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
HONORING THE LIFE OF RHONDA FERGUSON
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and memory of Rhonda Ferguson, and express my deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. prgtoken A Northeast Ohio native, Rhonda was an incredibly accomplished woman. She was the first in her family to graduate college, graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. She then earned her Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. It came as no surprise to those who knew her that Rhonda went on to have an extremely successful, storied career. prgtoken In 2019, Black Enterprise magazine named Rhonda one of the most powerful Black women in corporate America. The following year, she was hired as the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of the Allstate Corporation. Her colleagues warmly refer to her as a visionary force and a passionate friend, coach and mentor whose leadership helped ignite Allstate's transformation and create societal impact. prgtoken However, Rhonda's legacy as a well-respected mentor and trailblazer in the workplace would be incomplete without her unwavering commitment to her family. Rhonda cared deeply for her husband, Clayton, and their two children, Kristen and Clayton. I have no doubt that her memory will live on through all of them. prgtoken Kelly and I offer our prayers and condolences to Rhonda's husband, their children, and her parents, as well as her extended family and friends as they navigate their tragic loss during this difficult time. prgtoken Madam , please join me in honoring the life and memory of Rhonda Ferguson.
RECOGNIZING JAY STOUGH
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Joseph (Jay) C. Stough. Jay entered the Doylestown Fire Company Number 1 as a volunteer firefighter on March 1, 1972. Since that date, he has faithfully served the Doylestown community as a member of Fire Company Number 1 and the Doylestown Firefighters' Relief Association. Throughout Jay's time in this public service, he has held many positions within the fire company and the Relief Association's administration, including as President, Vice President and Treasurer. He continues to serve with distinction as the financial secretary of the Doylestown Fire Company. prgtoken This year, as Jay celebrates 50 consecutive years of fire company service, I would like to recognize him for his dedication and leadership, both of which provide immeasurable value to his community and have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. We are grateful for the positive impact Jay has demonstrated throughout his time of extraordinary service and wish him countless blessings as he continues into his next decade with Doylestown Fire Company Number 1.
HONORING DAVID McWILLIAM RASER
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor David McWilliam Raser, a hardworking and dedicated staff member of the House Appropriations Committee, who suddenly passed away on February 5th of this year. prgtoken Son of David and Denise Raser, Dave was born in Long Island, New York on May 3, 1997. Just a few years later, the Rasers added another member to the family, Emily, who would become Dave's best friend. In the early 2000s, the family headed for warmer weather, moving from New York to Naples, Florida. prgtoken Dave grew to become an accomplished young man in his academic, athletic, and service endeavors. He spent much of his time outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, or playing team sports. In fact, Dave and his rugby team--the Naples Bears--went on to win State in 2014. He continued his pursuit of fitness into his professional life, running a marathon and surpassing his goal of running 1,000 miles in 2021. prgtoken In high school, he joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he rose to the rank of Battalion Commander. Because of his leadership and achievements, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart nominated Dave to the United States Military Academy at West Point. prgtoken As fate would have it, Dave instead attended Louisiana State University, where he would receive a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specializing in American government and politics. Before graduating, Dave served as a summer intern for Congressman Thomas Rooney, where he learned the legislative process firsthand, and shortly after receiving his diploma in 2019, Dave moved to Washington, D.C. with hopes of obtaining a full-time position in Congress. prgtoken Dave joined the House Appropriations Committee as an intern in 2019 and did such great work that he officially joined my committee staff in 2020. In his role, he served as the ultimate utility player, always willing and eager to assist when needed, regardless of the task at hand. Whether it was preparing materials for hearings and briefings or assisting staff with prgtoken reviewing legislation, he worked just as hard as anyone and did so with a heart of gratitude and service. Dave always had a smile on his face and a joyful spirit that uplifted others. He truly made a positive impact on everyone he interacted with. prgtoken At the age of 24, Dave passed away just days shy of his two-year work anniversary. Joined by family, friends, and committee staff, his funeral service was held at the same chapel he was baptized in as a child. prgtoken Today, May 3rd, would have been Dave's 25th birthday. In honor of his birthday, we celebrate his life and remember the incredible son, brother, and friend he was. Words cannot express how saddened we are at the loss of someone so young and so kind. Dave is dearly missed by his colleagues. On behalf of Congress and the Appropriations Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to Dave's family and friends.
IN RECOGNITION OF RICK YOST
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-5-3

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the retirement of Mr. Rick Yost, the Superintendent of Fredericksburg Christian School. Rick has faithfully served as Superintendent since 2004. Each year, Rick's love for Fredericksburg Christian School and commitment to the students has grown exponentially. A polished leader and expert communicator, Rick worked tirelessly throughout his time as Superintendent to educate the next generation of Christian Americans and prepare them for a life of amazing opportunities. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Rick Yost. Words alone cannot express the positive impact he has had on the next generation. May God bless the next phase of Rick's journey and continue to guide him in all his endeavors.
Russia and China (Executive Session)
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-5-4

Ukraine's struggle against Russia's invasion has reminded Americans that, sometimes, the world divides into good and evil and into heroes and villains. Not always. There are many fights that are not like that, and we just stupidly talk like it. Debates about marginal tax policy are not good versus evil or heroes versus villains; but, sometimes, fights are heroes versus villains. prgtoken Heroes are men and women who love their country and who love their freedom and who want to pass along freedom to the next generation, but they are also people who believe in freedom more broadly. Heroes are people who believe that we were created in the image of God and that everyone has unalienable rights: the rights to life, liberty, speech, religion, assembly, protest. These are pre-governmental rights. Governments don't give us these rights; we are endowed with these rights by nature and nature's Creator. Heroes recognize this not only about themselves and their own countrymen and -women but about everybody. Zelenskyy is such a hero. prgtoken The villains are tyrants. They are people who want to oppress others, who want to hold them down. They want to take freedom from their countrymen but also from their neighbors. They are people who seek power at the expense of the weak. Putin is such a villain. prgtoken But there is another villain in this drama, a villain who isn't getting nearly enough attention, and he is Chairman Xi, the dictator in China. His Chinese Communist Party has enabled him to do all sorts of oppressive things against men and women in his country. We know what is happening in Xinjiang--there is actually a genocide happening against the Uighurs in our time--but Xi is doing more than just oppressing people at home. prgtoken A hundred years from now, when the history of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is written, assuming that it isn't written as Chinese propaganda, I am confident that the public will have a much clearer understanding of the way that Xi and Putin have worked together and have worked together closely. We can't talk here about everything we know in the Intelligence Committee, but I am confident that, when the history is written, the American people and the people of the world will see Xi and Putin as having worked hand in hand, side by side. prgtoken Americans should understand this today: Chairman Xi is not indifferent about Ukraine. He is on Putin's side, and he has supported Putin's unprovoked war. prgtoken The situation in Ukraine reminds us of a pretty good rule for 21st century foreign policy, and it is this: The Chinese Communist Party is almost always on the wrong side of freedom and human dignity. prgtoken The CCP and the United States are in the middle of a global conflict of visions. It is important for us in this Chamber not to say ``the United States and China'' as if we mean 330 million Americans and 1.4 billion Chinese are locked in a battle; but the U.S. vision, the
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-5-4

we are about to go into conference on what we are basically calling the China bill, but this bill does not address China's practice of purchasing and stockpiling sanctioned Iranian oil on the black market. prgtoken This procurement spike by China is directly correlated with the spike in terrorist activities by Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. Iran is laundering these petroleum products and illicitly transferring the oil at sea to Iranian tankers and foreign-flagged vessels. Three- quarters of this oil is ultimately exported to China, which purchased 310 million barrels of oil from Iran last year. All of this is happening while China is actually negotiating directly with Iran on our behalf in Vienna. prgtoken This particular motion to instruct goes straight at this illicit activity from Iran that is facilitating the terror activities and also addresses the designation that Iran is asking if they are going to negotiate with the administration on the Iran nuclear deal. Iran is specifically asking that they get a lift of the ``foreign terrorist organization'' on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. That is the group that was attacking our troops in Iraq and facilitating their death. prgtoken We need to address this and take it off the table so that Iran does not get by with this and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps does not. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote on my motion to instruct.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-5-4

the United States is in a new cold war with China, but doesn't seem to be up to the fight. China's military is growing while ours is shrinking. The President's Defense budget can't even prgtoken keep up with the ' own rate of inflation. The President even denies that China is waging a cold war against us. prgtoken And while we are shortchanging our own military against a dangerous communist adversary, the Government wants to send $8 billion of your money to a U.N. boondoggle called the Green Climate Fund. prgtoken If anyone should be paying for a Green Climate Fund, it should be the Chinese communists, the world's worst polluters--not American taxpayers. prgtoken My proposal is simple. Instead of giving that $8 billion to the United Nations to waste on climate schemes and corruption, we should send it to our troops and help rebuild our military. prgtoken The U.N. or the U.S. military? It is an easy choice. I urge my colleagues to support the motion.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-4

. Last year, the Senate unanimously adopted my amendment to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to finance gain-of-function research conducted in China. My motion to instruct asks that this language be incorporated into the final bill. prgtoken Gain-of-function research enhances the severity or transmissibility of existing viruses that may infect humans. The dangers are so acute that from 2014 to 2017, the NIH suspended funding for all gain-of- function research projects. prgtoken While we may never know whether the pandemic arose from a lab in Wuhan or occurred naturally, the emergence of COVID serves as a reminder that dangerous research conducted in a secret and totalitarian country is simply too risky to fund. Congress must ensure that taxpayer dollars will not be used to fund gain-of-function research in China. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-5-4

the Senator from Rhode Island and I have offered a motion related to our bipartisan BLUE GLOBE Act. This is legislation that focuses on our oceans. They are a key source of food for us. They produce most of the oxygen we need to breathe. They help us maintain our global climate. But we largely ignore them, unfortunately. prgtoken We haven't done nearly enough to address overfishing, pollution, and acidification. According to NOAA, we have actually mapped more of the moon than we have our oceans. So BLUE GLOBE will help change that by improving data collection, accelerating ocean-focused innovation, and taking other important steps. It will help strengthen our economy, protect against China's illegal fishing, and bolster our national security along the coasts. prgtoken It received unanimous consent support from the Commerce Committee. It is a perfect fit for a bill on competitiveness, so I would urge the Senate to support this motion to instruct conferees to include BLUE GLOBE in the final bill. Vote on Motion
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-4

just a couple of days ago, we witnessed an unprecedented attack on the independence and integrity of the U.S. Supreme Court, a third coequal branch of government, when some reporters got their hands on a nearly 3-month-old draft of an opinion, setting off a political firestorm, creating a lot of confusion, more than a little hysteria. And all of which is, frankly, beside the point because the Court actually hasn't decided anything. prgtoken But this was a stunning breach of confidentiality for an institution that relies on a private, confidential deliberative process. prgtoken The Supreme Court was designed to operate, as is our judiciary, free of political and other outside influence and interference. That is why Justices are not elected; they are nominated and confirmed to serve life terms. That is why they don't have term limits. That is why you can't reduce their salary while they are in office, to make sure that politics and outside opinions have nothing to do with the way they do their job because, of course, their job is a limited but important job of saying what the law is, not making it up, not being a policy maker, but saying what the law is. prgtoken It is absolutely critical to our form of government and to our separated powers and our three branches of government that the Supreme Court be protected from pressure campaigns from anyone--politicians, political activists. Anyone. But that is exactly what is happening right now, and many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are fanning the flames. And they know that this is not a final opinion, but they see a political opportunity to fan the flames of hysteria and mislead the American people about exactly what this all means and what the consequences are. prgtoken For example, in the wake of this news, the ic leader of the Senate and the of the House released a statement--an unconscionable statement, in my view. They called it an abomination, one of the worst and most damaging decisions in modern history and one that defiled the Supreme Court's reputation. prgtoken That is what they say about a nondecision, a nonjudgment, about a leaked, 3-month-old draft. prgtoken We have no idea how the Court will ultimately decide the case, but this was a political opportunity that the and the majority leader could not resist. prgtoken Frankly, I think it is because they would like to change the subject. prgtoken The American people's concerns, if you ask them--as public opinion pollsters have--what they are concerned about, they said they are concerned about inflation, they are concerned about crime, they are concerned about the border, they are concerned about the war, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But this is a grand opportunity to change the subject and to mislead the American people. prgtoken For some reason, the Senate majority leader, Senator Schumer, and Pelosi did not criticize the person who actually leaked the opini
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-5-4

reserving the right to object, I find myself here on the floor again as my friend the Senator from Virginia, whose sincerity and urgency on this issue I don't doubt for a second, tries to move a whole slate of nominees to which multiple Senators have objections. And let me give you a sense of why. prgtoken One of the nominees that my friend is attempting to move here, let's be clear, to do this without a vote--we could be voting on these nominees. The majority leader could schedule votes on them any time, but he hasn't done that. He hasn't done it in some of the cases for months. prgtoken This is an act--this is a request to suspend the regular order of the Senate and to confirm these nominees without a vote. Well, I, for one, am not going to consent to confirming without a vote people like Ravi Chaudhary. He is being nominated for Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. prgtoken Mr. Chaudhary, who appeared before the Armed Services Committee, on which I sit, as does my friend from Virginia--Mr. Chaudhary has proposed using AI technology--artificial intelligence--to track members of the military, identify them as extremists, and then have them expelled. prgtoken He said: The key to disrupting them-- prgtoken Meaning ``extremists,'' his word, people whose views he doesn't agree with. The key to disrupting them is uncovering and understanding their initial behaviors, elements that are contained in their electronic footprints. prgtoken What Mr. Chaudhary has proposed to do is to use surveillance on members of the U.S. military to determine whether they might, in the future, commit acts that he might disapprove of and then to take action against these members of the military. prgtoken In 2015, he wrote this: that the military exhibits a ``culture of xenophobic cronyism.'' And he went on to say that there was a ``xenophobic command climate'' in the U.S. military today. prgtoken I said to Mr. Chaudhary, at the time when we had our hearing, that I cannot prgtoken believe that he would propose to use surveillance on members of the U.S. military to track their speech, to track their activity online, to track their movements online, all in an effort to decide if they might, in the future, commit acts that he disagrees with. prgtoken I submit to you, , not only is that wrong; it is blatantly unconstitutional--blatantly unconstitutional--and it is frightening. What is further frightening is that he would be nominated for a leadership position in the Department of Defense. prgtoken I call on the President of the United States to withdraw this nomination today, just as he should withdraw his unconstitutional disinformation board that he is attempting to force on the American people as we speak. This is the most radically anti-free-speech administration in American history. Their actions are an affront to the basic constitutional values of this Nation, including a
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-4

China and Iran are two of the most dangerous enemies of the United States. China is our most significant geopolitical foe for the next 100 years. Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. prgtoken The administration, unfortunately, has been dealing with both from a position of weakness. Specifically, the administration has refused to enforce oil sanctions against Iran, allowing Iran to sell more than a million barrels a day of oil primarily to China. prgtoken At the same time, the administration is negotiating to lift terrorism sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Central Bank of Iran. The IRGC is responsible for murdering over 600 service men and women. The IRGC, right now, is actively trying to murder the former Secretary of State of the United States and the former National Security Advisor. prgtoken If you support terrorism sanctions on the IRGC, you should vote yes, and if you want to lift those sanctions, you should vote no.