mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNITION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Pennsylvania National Guard for their tremendous work in Operation Protect D.C. prgtoken Following the horrifying events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, I am thankful for the Pennsylvania National Guard activating to Washington, D.C. quickly to ensure the presidential inauguration and transfer of power could be carried out peacefully. prgtoken Leaving their families and careers in Pennsylvania, these men and women stood in the cold and rain and slept on floors to selflessly protect their fellow Americans. During this challenging time, it is inspiring to witness so many National Guard Service men and women choose to help their fellow Americans. prgtoken Governor Tom Wolf activated an extraordinary 2,400 Soldiers and Airmen in support of the District of Columbia's preparation for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Pennsylvania has the third largest National Guard in the country with approximately 19,000 members located in more than 80 armories and readiness centers statewide. We cannot thank them enough for their service. prgtoken God Bless our Troops.
HONORING LYLE L. GREEN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM GPO
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-28

. Madam , over the last few months, we have all come to appreciate the quiet competence of our dedicated public servants, without whom none of our democratic institutions would work. One such public servant, Lyle Green, will be retiring at the end of January from his position as the managing director of the Official Journals of Government (OJG) at the Government Publishing Office (GPO). In that role, Lyle has been responsible for publication of the Federal Register, along with every publication from Congress, including the Congressional Record, the House and Senate calendars, bills, hearings, reports, and even the phone directory. prgtoken Lyle began his career at GPO in 1991 as a proofreader, where his colleagues soon recognized his talent and work ethic. Throughout his career, he was at the center of GPO's transition from a print-centric institution to one that leads on the digitization of public information, a transformation that has dramatically expanded the accessibility of key public documents to the American people. When GPO talks about its mission of ``Keeping America Informed,'' they are talking about many of the products produced by Lyle's team. prgtoken Lyle has served as Managing Director since January of 2012 and prior to that he headed OJG's Congressional Publishing Services for five years. In those capacities, he spearheaded the production of the official materials for presidential inaugurations in 2009, 2013, and 2017, and led GPO's team through several blizzards, an earthquake, a pandemic, and now, regrettably, an attack by insurrectionists. Throughout it all, Lyle and his team got it done. Ensuring the timely production of the Federal Register and the Congressional Record is like having to produce two big-city newspapers every day. In addition, Lyle led his team through the production of thousand-page bills for immediate floor consideration, or the production of last-minute credentials for important, historic public events. In each case, Congress got what it needed--on time and accurate. prgtoken There are generations of staff who always knew that if they ran into a problem, they could call Lyle at the Congressional Desk at GPO and he'd get it straightened out. And he always did it with grace and humility. As Lyle wraps up work on his fourth presidential inauguration, he deserves to be proud of his 30 years of service to GPO, Congress, and American democracy. As chairperson of GPO's oversight committee, the Joint Committee on Printing, I want to express Congress' gratitude for Lyle's tireless work on behalf of our constituents, most of whom will never know Lyle's continuing contributions. prgtoken I wish Lyle lots of time with his family and his beloved Washington Nationals secure in the knowledge that he made a great and lasting contribution to his country. With his retirement at the end of this month, he will leave the agency he loves stronger than when he found it.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF ANTOINETTE D. PERRY
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-1-28

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of the 100th birthday of Mrs. Antoinette Delores Perry, of Youngstown, Ohio, who was born on February 4, 1921. prgtoken Mrs. Perry was born in Matrice, Italy and came to the United States at the age of six. She is an alumna of Campbell Memorial High School and graduated from the Cleveland Metro Hospital School of Nursing. prgtoken On June 26, 1948, Antoinette married the love of her life, Mr. Anthony Perry. They shared a strong bond, spanning just short of 69 years of marriage. Mr. Perry passed away on June 8, 2017. prgtoken Mrs. Perry is the loving mother of three sons, Domenic, John, and Anthony. She is also blessed with nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. prgtoken Antoinette has four siblings, three of which have passed, that she dearly misses. She is blessed to have her sister, Mrs. Jane DeSanto, with her today to celebrate this milestone. prgtoken A proud woman of faith, Mrs. Perry is a member of St. Dominic Church in Youngstown. With this in mind, it is no wonder why Antoinette was called to serve as a nurse for many years. prgtoken I send my best wishes and warmest regards to Antoinette and her entire family on this momentous occasion. Mrs. Perry is the mother-in- law to Massillon, Ohio Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, whom I am proud to call a friend. I ask that my colleagues please join me in wishing Antoinette a very happy birthday.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-1-28

today I am introducing legislation to address the decades of underinvestment in our Nation's libraries by reinstating Federal support for library construction. prgtoken Libraries are essential community institutions that give the public access to information and services that expand learning and promote economic opportunity. When we invest in our libraries, we are offering a helping hand and hope for the future. During natural disasters and economic upheaval, libraries offer the resources and information that help people get back on their feet. As the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards reportedly said, ``The public library is the great equalizer.'' prgtoken Over the last year, COVID-19 and the heightened attention to racial and economic inequality have made clear that investment in our communities should be a national priority as we work to lift people up and bring the country closer together. And that our investment in infrastructure must encompass vital community assets like schools and libraries and not just roads, bridges, and highways. prgtoken And while we know libraries are more than buildings with books and computers, they are still buildings. For thirty years, the Federal government invested in the physical infrastructure of our libraries, but abandoned that program in the early 1990s. The intervening years have taken their toll on library facilities. Indeed, the average library building is now more than 40 years old and many need large- scale improvements and modernization. prgtoken On top of this longstanding underinvestment, the pandemic has forced libraries to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of their communities despite limited financial resources. The American Library Association projects billions of dollars in losses to libraries over the course of the pandemic, at a time when reliance on libraries from low-income, underserved, and Tribal communities is increasing. The pandemic's outsized impact on vulnerable communities only heightens the urgency of investing in libraries. prgtoken The Build America's Libraries Act would make $5 billion available over three years to support improvements to library facilities and invest in new library infrastructure to expand the reach of library services and programs. Priority is given to libraries that demonstrate the greatest need and predominantly serve underserved or distressed communities. The legislation also places emphasis on projects that seek to enhance facility safety, high-speed broadband access, accessibility for those with disabilities, or energy efficiency. Library construction funded by this legislation will directly boost our struggling economy by putting Americans to work and strengthening the facilities that connect patrons with educational and workforce training resources and local economic opportunities. prgtoken Libraries have always anchored our communities, and as such, we should ensure their ability to provide c
REMEMBERING BARBARA A. O'MALLEY
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-1-28

I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved figure in the Senate community, the late Barbara A. O'Malley, who passed away on January 6. prgtoken For three decades, Mrs. O worked in the office of our former colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland. She ran the front desk, which means I had the pleasure of seeing her regularly on the way to and from my nearby office. Especially in the mornings, she and I would chat about the news, the Senate, our families, and whatever else. She always greeted me with tremendous affection and kindness and baked some of the most delicious cookies I and my staff have ever had. We will miss her greatly. prgtoken Mrs. O deeply loved her family. She was married to her husband, Thomas Martin, for 52 years until his death in 2006. Together, they had six children: Peter, Paul, Patrick, Martin, Eileen, and Bridgett; 15 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. prgtoken She also loved airplanes. While still in high school, she was among the first women to volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, earning her pilot's license and taking to the skies. Later in life, she volunteered at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to bring her love for aircraft and flight to all those who visited. prgtoken The saying goes, if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. Mrs. O proved that wrong. She treated everyone with good will and offered an important example of friendship to Senators and staff alike. Mrs. O lived her life in service to her Catholic faith, to her beloved State of Maryland, and to the Senate. I am proud to have called her a friend.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-1-28

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, February 1; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Mayorkas nomination as provided under the previous order.
IN SUPPORT OF THE GABRIELLA MILLER KIDS FIRST RESEARCH ACT 2.0
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-1-28

. Madam , I rise in strong support of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, which I introduced today. If enacted, this bipartisan bill would make great strides to fund the fight against childhood cancer, birth defects, and other rare childhood diseases. prgtoken Cancer is the number one cause of disease-related death in children age 14 and younger. This year alone, it's estimated that more than 10,000 children in the U.S. under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer. In addition, one in 33 babies born in the U.S. are affected by a birth defect and birth defects are the leading cause of death among infants. Unfortunately, these childhood diseases are still poorly understood, and additional funding is greatly needed to augment existing research to promote new discoveries for children affected by them. prgtoken Congress passed the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act in 2014 to uncover new insights into the biology of childhood disease. The law established a Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund within the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Common Fund and authorized $12.6 million in funds annually for pediatric disease research through the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program, commonly known as Kids First. Since the original law was enacted, Kids First has made progress towards understanding childhood cancer and disease. It has initiated the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center--a comprehensive data resource for research and patient communities meant to advance discoveries. prgtoken The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 builds off the important progress made by the 2014 Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act by providing a new source of funding for the Kids First Research Fund. Specifically, the bill would redirect civil monetary sanctions levied against pharmaceutical, medical device, supplement and cosmetic manufacturers by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. By diverting penalties going into the General Treasury from these companies that break the law, the bill would sustain Kids First's critical childhood disease research for generations to come. prgtoken The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 is named to honor 10-year-old Gabriella Miller who passed away from an inoperable brain tumor. She was a fierce advocate for childhood cancer research and her efforts to boost awareness of childhood cancer helped raise funds for children's cancer charities. January 13, 2021 would've been Gabriella's eighteenth birthday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate her birthday than introducing this bill to honor her memory. I would like to thank Gabriella's mother and my constituent, Ellyn Miller, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of children with cancer through Smashing Walnuts. I am honored to have worked closely with Ellyn on the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2
HONORING KEVEN PARKER
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor an influential and dedicated gentleman from Philadelphia, Keven Parker, a well-known restaurant owner and community advocate whose recent passing on January 15, 2021 has left a void in the minds and hearts of the citizens of Philadelphia. prgtoken Keven Parker was an incredible restaurateur and entrepreneur and his loss will be felt in the city of Philadelphia for years to come. He followed his mother's mission of feeding people delicious meals with restaurants on South Street, in Reading Terminal Market and operating a catering business. prgtoken Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe is a household name dedicated for his mother and her famous penchant for Tootsie's Rolls. Keven as a young child would observe and help his mother Joyce, as she would teach him the details and nuances of producing extraordinary satisfying Soul Food. prgtoken Keven was a hard working and self-made shining star entrepreneur and was one of contemporary Philadelphia's great personalities and a true visionary. He came from humble origins but strong roots. Parker grew up in West Philadelphia and became a successful businessman, overseeing six distinct entities. prgtoken Keven Parker's restaurants were well regarded and were frequented by such people as President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith and a host of others. His groundbreaking establishment Ms. Tootsie's on South Street was named the best Southern-Style restaurant for three years running in Black Enterprise magazine and was featured on food TV shows. The Food Network's Robert Irvine raved about his fried chicken on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. prgtoken Furthermore, Parker was committed to giving back to his community exemplified by hiring 55 individuals in his employ. The Keven Parker Company community outreach includes the Youth Adult Division, giving young men and women the opportunity to work for a progressive and upwardly mobile company while gaining valuable skills in an entrepreneurial and success-driven environment. prgtoken Keven Parker dedicated his life to uplifting and improving the lives of others. He was a model citizen. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Keven Parker for his dedicated support and service to the City of Philadelphia and we mourn with his family and friends.
SPECIAL DISTRICTS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACT
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-28

. Madam , today I reintroduce the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act,'' at the request of the California Special Districts Association and the 237 special districts within California's third Congressional district. I want to thank my original cosponsors for their support of this much-needed legislation. I also want to thank U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) for sponsoring the companion legislation. prgtoken Special districts are independent units of local government that provide public services cities and counties do not provide for residents. Those services include first responders, policing, firefighting, public health, and more, making special districts critical to the communities they serve. prgtoken To date, Congress has inadvertently excluded special districts from the direct federal financial assistance provided to state, county, and municipal governments during this pandemic for essential services. For example, special districts are currently ineligible for direct federal financial assistance under the ``Coronavirus Relief Fund'' established by the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). prgtoken Our bicameral legislation would ensure that the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 special districts nationwide are eligible for any additional assistance provided by Congress to state, county, and local governments to aid in the fight against COVID-19. prgtoken The ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' would also allow special districts access to the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility, which provides states, counties, and municipalities federally guaranteed bridge financing to offset unexpected short-term revenue shortfalls. Like states, counties, and cities, many special districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special districts are not currently guaranteed access to the Municipal Liquidity Facility, even to offset revenue shortfalls caused by this ongoing pandemic prgtoken Madam , I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act.'' Congress must ensure that all local governments have the federal support needed to deliver crucial quality-of-life services for our communities during this global pandemic, including special districts nationwide.
IMPEACHMENT
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-1-28

this morning as I came to work in the Capitol, I saw our National Guard troops outside. I wanted to thank them, again, on behalf of the Senate and the people of America for coming to our assistance during the inauguration ceremonies. Some are still on the job, making sure that we maintain order in the streets of Washington, DC, and that we conduct the business of the American people here in the Capitol Building. prgtoken I want to thank them again, particularly the 270 National Guard forces from my State of Illinois--I had a chance to meet many of them-- sacrificing time away from their families to serve their Nation. It was a job well done. prgtoken For those who continue to do the work, we stand by you, and we thank you again. prgtoken Heather Cox Richardson does a column each day that is really a source of information that is important. She reminded us in her column this morning about what happened here in this Capitol Building just 3 weeks ago on January 6. Let me read what she said: In testimony yesterday, the acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington told the House Appropriations Committee that at least 65 officers filed reports of injury after the January 6 attack. The chair of the Capitol Police officers' union . . . put the number closer to 140. ``I have officers who were not issued helmets prior to the attack [and] who have sustained brain injuries. One officer has two cracked ribs and two smashed spinal discs. One officer is going to lose his eye, and another was stabbed with a metal fence stake,'' he said. One officer died of injuries sustained on January 6. Two officers have since taken their own lives. prgtoken I want to put that in the Record because in a week, beginning with the impeachment trial, we are going to reflect, again, on what happened January 6. prgtoken Some of my colleagues, and many people on their side, are saying we shouldn't spend time talking about what happened on January 6. In the words of the former Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, we ought to ``get over it''--``get over it.'' It is hard to get over it when you consider the facts that I just read into the Record. For the families of those officers who lost their lives and those who were seriously injured, they won't get over it for a long, long time. prgtoken I don't know what the impeachment trial will find in terms of the role of the former President of the United States, but I believe it is an important milestone in America's history for us to stop and recount what actually happened in this building on January 6, where a mob, incited by the President, stormed this Capitol, broke through, smashing windows and doors, and literally took control of this Capitol Building for several hours. Here in the Senate Chamber, we were evacuated. Thank goodness, we returned that same evening to complete our business and compl