mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DULLES CHAPTER 1241
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise to congratulate the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Dulles Chapter 1241 on its 50th anniversary. The Northern Virginia region is home to tens of thousands of federal employees and many retirees who have chosen to stay in the region. Throughout their careers, these dedicated civil servants have given their time and effort to serve their fellow Americans, and NARFE has consistently provided them with coordinated support. prgtoken Founded in 1921, NARFE is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement, and prgtoken health care benefits of federal employees and retirees as well as their spouses and survivors. Dulles Chapter 1241 is one of more than 1600 NARFE chapters nationwide. prgtoken The Charter for Chapter 1241 was issued June 21, 1972. At that time, there were 9 members. Today, the Chapter membership has grown to approximately 350 members with another 400 national members in the Dulles jurisdiction. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues affecting federal retirees, senior citizens, and the public at large. In 2015, following the dissolution of the Leesburg Chapter, the Dulles Chapter welcomed many of these federal employees and retirees into their ranks with open arms. Chapter 1241 has worked from their founding to represent federal employees, but also to better their community. prgtoken This chapter has supported Alzheimer's research for many years through regular drawings, the ``Red Pot'' for monthly donations, and the Alzheimer's Christmas Challenge. Additionally, the Dulles chapter has sponsored several food drives for Fairfax County food pantries, collecting resources for those who have been hit the hardest by misfortune. Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Dulles Chapter has seen its share of hardship, but these federal employees have still banded together to ensure that everyone's needs are met. prgtoken Over the years, members have also participated in health and community fairs, auto shows, and other outreach activities. Additionally, many members have been active leaders in the Virginia Federation of NARFE. These accomplished federal employees have earned the attention and praise of numerous bodies, from Virginia state legislators to NARFE national leaders, as well as travel, medical, insurance, tax, and law enforcement experts. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Dulles Chapter 1241 for 50 years of dedicated service to Northern Virginia's federal employees. These individuals are the lifeblood of our federal government, and I am grateful for their service and proud to represent such outstanding individuals. I wish them the best for their anniversary, and continued success in future endeavors.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-12-22

Senator Lee and I rise in support of this amendment to the antitrust provisions of this legislation for one purpose: to ensure that they match the language of the original bills that earned strong bipartisan support in this Senate as well as in the House of Representatives. We are simply restoring the language that passed in the Senate and passed in the House before this bill went through the mix master that is called the omnibus. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Grassley for his work on the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act, which updates and reforms the merger fees-- something we have not done for 22 years. prgtoken Senator Cotton's Foreign Merger Subsidy Disclosure Act is included and the State Antitrust Enforcement Venue Act--strongly supported by all members of the Judiciary Committee, which Senator Lee and I have led. prgtoken This bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and this language was scored to language originally in the bill. prgtoken Senator Lee will speak briefly, and then in the spirit of the holiday, with Santa Claus on our side, we will ask for a voice vote.
HONORING JOHN WARDEN
Jim Cooper (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and thank Mr. John Warden for his exceptional work on the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee as a detailee from the Institute for Defense Analysis during the second session of the 117th Congress. prgtoken John was responsible for advising on the nuclear weapons portfolio, arguably the most technically challenging and consequential area on which the Subcommittee legislates. Due to John's technical acumen and deep subject matter expertise, the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act prioritizes recapitalization of the nuclear triad, increases oversight across the DoD and NNSA weapons and warhead programs, and rightly highlights the need to continue improving and protecting our Nuclear Command, Communications, and Control architecture. I would like to also commend John on the work he did in the House-passed version of the NDAA to address the fact that the current legal requirements for plutonium pit production are unachievable, despite the language not surviving in the final bill. prgtoken Madam , as the chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, I extend my appreciation to John for his lasting contributions to the Committee, and his work to ensure the United States maintains a safe, secure, reliable, and adequate deterrent given increased nuclear proliferation around the world.
NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , this would only allow for a continuation of National Heritage Areas, including Great Basin National Heritage Area, which just this past August celebrated its 100-year anniversary, which I was proud to attend. prgtoken This legislation is critical to protect and promote National Heritage Areas across the country, so I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in favor of this legislation. I am proud to stand up today for the National Heritage Area Act.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-12-22

I am going to strongly urge opposition to this amendment. prgtoken To be honest, this amendment uses terms that are not traditionally used in the immigration code, so it is really pretty hard to understand what the impact is going to be. prgtoken If the intent is for these transportation restrictions to apply to asylum seekers, then the amendment effectively ends the asylum program for everyone. I am, frankly, not sure there is even consensus to do that. prgtoken If it is not meant to apply to asylum seekers, then the strange drafting has really bad--probably unintended--consequences. prgtoken For instance, if an individual were here on a student visa and they committed a serious crime, this amendment doesn't seem to allow for that individual to be transported for the purposes of removal because they aren't here unlawfully. That is all to say that this amendment really isn't ready for prime time, and I would urge its rejection. Vote on Amendment No. 6559
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-12-22

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate a constituent of mine, Annapolis resident Harvey Lewis Stein, whose inspiration, vision, and perseverance were singularly responsible for construction of the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy. The facility is named for Levy (1792-1862), the first Jewish commodore in the U.S. Navy who was famous for refusing to flog his men, choosing to lead through inspiration, not intimidation. The Levy Center is centrally located between Mitscher Hall, where midshipmen eat together three times a day, and Bancroft Hall, where all 4,400 of them live. It contains a 410-seat synagogue, a kosher kitchen, a fellowship hall, a character learning center, classrooms, and offices for the brigade's social director, the academic board, and the academy's honor board. It is stunningly beautiful, designed by internationally renowned architect Joseph A. Boggs. prgtoken When the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845, all midshipmen were required to attend Christian worship services. It was not until 1938 that the academy allowed Jewish midshipmen to attend a local synagogue--Congregation Knesset--on Sunday to worship their own faith. In 1981, the academy opened an All-Faith Chapel, which provided worship space for Christians and Jews alike. This chapel included an Ark, a Torah reading table, and storage for prayer books and other religious articles. Catholic midshipmen used this chapel to celebrate daily Mass. While this chapel was a great improvement over the other spaces offered for Jewish worship, it too presented problems, particularly with regard to seating. It often proved too small for services celebrating major holidays and life-cycle events. prgtoken Still, the Jewish program grew, and a full-time Jewish chaplain joined the academy's complement of chaplains in 1986. The need for a dedicated Jewish chapel was not just based on space constraints, however. There was a need to show the public, including the Navy, that Jews do serve in the military and have done so in every American conflict since pre-Colonial days. In addition, Jewish middies needed the resources to enhance their identity, both religiously and culturally. prgtoken Supporters of a Jewish chapel created the Friends of the Jewish Chapel--FOJC--to provide programs for Jewish midshipmen and support the needs of the rabbi. CDR Howard Pinskey, SC, USN (Ret), a 1962 academy graduate, became the FOJC's first president. He navigated the organization through its earliest days of development and became the cheerleader who bridged the divide between the birth of a fledgling Jewish community and the opportunities that awaited its growth. prgtoken Many people worked for many years on the project, but one person had the skill and tenacity to see it through to completion. In 1994, Harvey Stein envisioned a dedicated house for Jewish worship, as well as a social ha
IMMIGRATION POLICY
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-12-22

throughout my 48 years in the Senate, I worked to uphold the American tradition of a humane immigration policy and fought to advance comprehensive immigration reform. As an advocate for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence and persecution around the world, I have been committed to allocating resources to help welcome these vulnerable individuals and families to my home State. And I did my best to directly support the Vermont communities that do so much to help resettle and embrace them. prgtoken My office also has directly assisted thousands of Vermonters with visas, refugee resettlement, asylum, and other immigration casework. Over the past 48 years, this work has helped children and adults receive lifesaving medical treatment by enabling nurses, doctors, and dentists to join our short-staffed hospitals and clinics. It has also helped H-2A farmworkers to arrive in Vermont in time for harvest, work that is critical to our food supply and the success of our farms. My office has assisted students, scholars, engineers, musicians, athletes, and so many others to participate in and help grow our educational institutions and workforce, in the process often reuniting families separated for years. My staff and I have had the honor of witnessing Vermonters of all ages and from all walks of life realize their dreams to become citizens of the United States of America. prgtoken Working with Vermonters with diverse backgrounds from all across the globe, I have come to know their struggles and hardships as well as their successes and achievements. Some were fleeing war and persecution, others pursuing their own dreams and seeking a better life for their children. With great courage and determination and the assistance of so many caring and generous Vermonters, these New Americans have not only improved their own lives, they have also brought a great and lasting benefit to our State. Vermont, like the rest of this great Nation, is built on the contributions of immigrants. prgtoken The stories I hear from Vermonters who call my office has helped to inform my work in Washington. After countless concerned Vermonters contacted my office as tens of thousands of Afghans fled persecution, I used my position as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee to ensure adequate resources were available for resettlement in Vermont and elsewhere in the U.S. And when Ukrainians fled Russian attacks on their country to find safety in Vermont and elsewhere in the U.S we appropriated funds to help them. prgtoken As former chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I played a central role in shaping Federal immigration policy. At the forefront of my immigration priorities was passing legislation that incorporated the needs of Vermont agriculture and industry because I have long recognized the value immigration reform can have on state and local economies. prgtoken I also sponsored the H-2A Improvemen
HONORING THE SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE CLARENCE ``BUD'' ALBRIGHT
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita R. Ball. Sheriff Denita R. Ball will be sworn in as Milwaukee County Sheriff on January 6, 2023. Sheriff Ball was elected as the 66th Sheriff of Milwaukee County on Nov. 8, 2022, making her the first female sheriff in the history of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, and the first African American female sheriff in Wisconsin. prgtoken A native of Arkansas, Sheriff Ball holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, a master's degree in criminal justice administration from the UW- Milwaukee, and has a doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. Her doctoral dissertation is titled ``Lethal Force: A Police Officer's Deadly Experience.'' prgtoken Sheriff Ball is also a graduate of several prestigious leadership programs, including the Department of Homeland Security's Leadership Academy (2019), Southern Police Institute Chief Executive Leadership Course (2007), the FBI National Academy (2004), the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Executive Development Course, which was sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Department of Justice (1995), and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (1994). prgtoken Before being elected, Sheriff Ball had served since 2019 as chief deputy sheriff/undersheriff of the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the agency. Prior to her service with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Ball was a high-ranking member of the Milwaukee Police Department and retired at the rank of deputy inspector after 25 years of distinguished service. prgtoken While a member of the police department, Sheriff Ball commanded Police District Four, the Professional Performance Division (Internal Affairs), and the Sensitive Crimes Division. Additionally, Sheriff Ball organized, implemented and was the first commander of the Neighborhood Task Force, a group of 200 officers from the following units: Street Crimes (Gang and Narcotic Officers), Tactical Enforcement (SWAT), Motorcycle, Marine Operations (Boats) Canine, and Mounted Patrol and supervised their strategic deployment to high crime areas, which resulted in double-digit decreases in crime. prgtoken In her role as Milwaukee County Sheriff she will lead nearly 600 members, including more than 250 deputy sheriffs, 160 correctional officers, and hundreds of civilian support and administrative staff who are tasked with the safety and security of the 150-plus miles of the Milwaukee County freeway system, more than 150 county parks, the Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex, extended circuit court system, public safety building, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, and numerous other county facilities and properties. prgtoken Madam , for these reasons, I am honored to recognize Milwaukee County Sheriff Denit
RECOGNIZING JEFFREY HUGH ASHFORD ON HIS RETIREMENT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and on behalf of the Members of the Committee, and its staff, to pay tribute to Jeffrey ``Jeff'' Ashford as he retires following nearly 4 decades of government service, including over 25 years with the House Appropriations Committee. prgtoken Jeff began his career in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and later joined the International Security Affairs Branch of the International Affairs Division within the Office of Management and Budget (0MB), where he developed and oversaw security assistance and arms control budgets and programs. Later, after serving the HM Treasury in London for 2 years, Jeff returned to 0MB, this time within the State-USIA Branch where he developed and oversaw the budget for several State Department programs. prgtoken Jeff came home to the House Appropriations Committee in 1997, first serving on the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Subcommittee. He led the Committee's work on Treasury's law enforcement efforts, drug programs, and personnel agencies. In 2003, Jeff took on the difficult task of working for the newly established Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Jeff's work was particularly important in ensuring that the new programs, tasked with protecting the American people, were properly funded and that the Committee's priorities were considered. He also helped ensure that the Committee exercised strong and responsible oversight over the Department of Homeland Security, especially during a complicated period of transition. prgtoken Since 2013, Jeff has served on the staff of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee. Jeff has helped the Committee and its Members effectively navigate, negotiate, and resolve politically-sensitive issues. His profound technical knowledge of the Justice Department, including its law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and prisons and the Civil Rights and National Security divisions, has benefited the Committee greatly and ensured the Department works most effectively for the American people. prgtoken Jeff's tenacious work ethic and his expert knowledge of the issues under our Committee's jurisdiction have made him an unparalleled asset to the committee. Even during trying circumstances, Jeff always brings with him unfailing good humor and even keel. His hard work has made our government work better and our Congress and this Committee stronger. His dedication to this body and to the American people have made him a truly unique and irreplaceable asset. prgtoken I speak for myself and all Members of the Committee in saying we will miss Jeff's incredible understanding of the federal budget and his hard work and dedication greatly. prgtoken I am excited for what the future holds for Jeff and wish him, his wife Lori, and his children Chloe and Sylvia the very best. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Our Nation and this body will miss Jeff and are deeply tha
HONORING THE LIFE OF GRANT WAHL
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of sports journalist and native of Kansas' Third District, Grant Wahl. Born in Mission, Kansas, Mr. Wahl epitomized everything we value in Kansas City: he was kind, curious, and welcoming to all. prgtoken While growing up in Kansas, Mr. Wahl was an Eagle Scout, a diligent student, and a devoted fan of the Kansas City Comets soccer team. This groundwork of service, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for sports would serve him well throughout his life. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School, Mr. Wahl attended Princeton University. Once there, the Kansas City Comets fan became a Princeton Tigers fan. He not only rooted for the Princeton Tigers men's soccer team but also covered their games in the Daily Princetonian. His love of soccer grew deeper, and his coverage of the sport became richer and more nuanced. He began exploring the intersections of his lifelong interests in civics, journalism, and sports. This foundation would be crucial for the rest of his career as a sports journalist. prgtoken While today we may know Mr. Wahl as one of the premier soccer journalists in America, soccer was only one of many sports that he covered in his career. His diverse coverage of sports led to some incredible journalistic highlights--including his prescient 2002 Sports Illustrated cover piece about then-high school basketball phenom LeBron James. No matter what he wrote about or who he interviewed, Mr. Wahl treated everyone with care and respect. He spent his career promoting women's soccer and the U.S. women's national team and dedicated his life to ensuring equal rights for all, including LGBTQ+ communities. Mr. Wahl loved soccer--much like we do in Kansas City--and used his passion to connect with fans from every corner of the globe. His voice will be missed not just in American sports journalism but by everyone who cheers for the world's game. prgtoken Madam , I am proud that Grant Wahl had roots in the Kansas Third District, and I lament that his life ended so early. I send my condolences for this tragic death to Mr. Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, his brother Eric, and all his loved ones. He leaves behind him a legacy of curiosity and compassion that we may all find light within.
RECOGNIZING MARIA LOI
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Chef Maria Loi. Chef Loi is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, author, television personality and philanthropist. Often called the Julia Child of Greece, she melds the inspiration of ancient Greece with a modern approach to the Mediterranean diet. prgtoken The namesake of Loi Estiatorio in Manhattan, Chef Loi has cooked for celebrities and Presidents. But she most enjoys gathering with a roomful of diners over a good, healthy meal filled with laughter and stories and passing out smiles and homemade cookies to children who visit her restaurant. prgtoken Chef Loi is passionate about sharing the magic of all things Greek especially its culinary treasures and the recipes and practices passed down through the generations. Chef Loi is equally well known for her kindness, friendliness, and warmth, making a friend of everyone she meets and lighting up rooms with her bountiful energy, infectious smile and hearty laugh. prgtoken The founder of Loi Food Products, a specialty brand built on traditional ingredients from Greece; her pastas, beans, botanical herbs, refrigerated dips, honey and olive oil are sold on QVC, at Whole Foods Markets and in other stores. prgtoken The author of more than 36 cookbooks, she is also the host of a new show, The Life of Loi, for the Public Broadcasting Service, debuting on broadcast in December 2022. It aims to build an inspirational and educational movement around the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle--from ancient to modern, food to culture and everything in between. prgtoken Named an official Ambassador of Greek Gastronomy by the Chefs Club of Greece, Chef Loi is also a passionate and dedicated philanthropist who supports a wide variety of causes focused on children and the underserved. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the culinary, professional, and philanthropic accomplishments of Chef Maria Loi.