mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-3-24

I have lent my voice with my colleagues here in the U.S. Senate many times, here on the Senate floor, and elsewhere back home in Kansas in condemnation of Vladimir Putin's attack, invasion, the death and destruction that his actions--his sole actions--have taken on the people of Ukraine. But those actions have consequences broader than just within the borders of the independent country of Ukraine. I want today to bring awareness to a pressing consequence coming out of this invasion, and that is hunger. prgtoken A month ago, Russia, the world's largest supplier of wheat, invaded Ukraine. Ukraine is the fifth largest prgtoken supplier of wheat. Together, they account for about 30 percent of global exports. This has exacerbated--tremendously exacerbated--the already existing global food crisis, and it will only get worse. prgtoken Coming from a State like Kansas, coming from Kansas, America's largest supplier of wheat, I can tell you the effects this invasion will have on the stability of our ag markets here in the United States, and it should be alarming and could prove to be a catastrophic outcome for our global food supply. prgtoken When there is a shortage of food, one of the things we can do is produce more. I would tell you that while the prices of agricultural commodities we grow in Kansas and across the United States have increased, I also would tell you that the input cost--the things that a farmer or a rancher has to purchase in order to produce that crop, to produce that outcome--has increased even more dramatically. prgtoken I would encourage the administration and this Congress to do more in regard to the cost of everything. The increasing cost of food for the American consumer and the absence of food for many around the world can be alleviated by increasing the supply--can be addressed at least in part by increasing the supply. prgtoken To help do that, we need to make certain that we increase our own production of oil and natural gas and of fertilizer. The cost of fertilizer is a huge input cost for the Kansas farmer, and we still have tariffs on phosphates coming from Morocco. The Department of Commerce is contemplating tariffs on nutrients for fertilizer coming from Trinidad and Tobago. prgtoken Increasing the cost of the inputs of producing food is a very damaging thing to occur and should stop. We need to reduce the price-- slow the increase in the price of diesel fuel and fertilizer. Natural gas is a major component of producing fertilizer, and diesel fuel is hugely important. prgtoken Again, we need to increase the supplies of our fossil fuels to help the farmers survive during these times. prgtoken Today, I wear on behalf of Kansans the sunflower pin. It is the State flower of our State, but it also is an important symbol in Ukraine. It is a symbol of the resistance to Putin's invasion. prgtoken Just as Kansas is the breadbasket of America, Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe. Ukrai
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2022-3-24

I rise today to join my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Heinrich, in introducing the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act. Our bipartisan bill would support an innovative approach to fighting poverty, one that focuses on addressing the needs of children and their parents or other primary caregiver-- two-generations together--in order to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. prgtoken Far too many American families are living below the poverty line, and the prolonged public health and economic crisis has exacerbated this problem. In 2020, when COVID-19 shut down our communities and economy, we unfortunately saw the first increase in poverty after 5 consecutive years of decline. Nearly 38 million people, or about 1 in 10 Americans, lived below the poverty line in 2020. Sadly, this includes nearly 11 million children, 35,000 of whom live in Maine. Despite recent progress, Maine's child poverty rate is still higher than all of the other New England States except Rhode Island. prgtoken While Federal programs have helped many of those living in poverty manage day-to-day hardships, they are falling short of breaking the cycle of poverty that has trapped too many families. As Tomas Philipson, an economist who served previously as the Acting Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, recently wrote in the Wall Street Journal, ``you don't cut poverty by increasing reliance on government. You do it by making them self-reliant.'' prgtoken Our legislation marks an important first step toward reevaluating our approach to poverty-reducing programs and encouraging innovative, more effective uses of taxpayer dollars. We support an approach aimed at equipping both parents and their children with the tools they need to have opportunities to succeed and become self-sufficient. Oftentimes, Federal programs intended to help low-income individuals address challenges in silos, over looking the fact that the needs of family members are usually interconnected. Our bill seeks to change that. For example, helping a mother secure safe, high-quality childcare can have a positive impact on her ability to succeed in the workforce, as well as improving her child's ability to be ready for school. While that child receives care and an education, her mother can connect with skills training that could lead to a better paying job. Connecting various Federal programs that target both parents and children with supports aimed at increasing economic security, educational success, social capital, and health and well-being has the potential to lift whole families out of poverty. prgtoken Listen to the story of Kaytlyn Robbins, a mother of four who recently relocated to Windham, ME, from Aroostook County, where a two- generation, or whole family, approach to economic mobility helped her turn her life around. I had the privilege of meeting Kaytlyn in August 2020 at a roundtable hosted by the Aroostook County Community
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF BERNICE FERNANDES
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican, AS) \u2014 2022-3-24

. Madam , I rise to wish a very happy birthday to Bernice Jerves Fernandes, upon turning 100 years of age on March 25, 2022. She was born on the island of Kauai before Hawaii was admitted to the Union. She has made a wonderful difference in many lives, including serving as a teacher for 26 years at Holy Cross parish school, and hosting many foster children. Yet she has made time to also become a successful businesswoman and farm owner. Her late husband, Frank Fernandes, served the cause of freedom in World War II. Bernice is a longtime friend, and her daughter Bernadine has been my close friend since childhood. Bernice has five grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. prgtoken I want to congratulate Bernice on this milestone and assure her of my love and appreciation. Her 100th birthday deserves our honor and acclaim, as it represents a wise lifetime of being a joy to those of us who know her and making the world a better place. The Scripture places great blessing upon a long life that is ``full of days,'' and emphasizes deep respect to age as a ``crown of glory.'' I trust Bernice feels the special affection from her many loved ones, and congratulations all to her family and friends as they celebrate Bernice where she lives in Hawaii. I thank Bernice and Soifua.
IN RECOGNITION OF DANIELLE BISHOP WHO IS ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY AS THE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE U.S. ARMY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-3-24

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Danielle Bishop, a Burlington, Wisconsin, native serving our nation in the United States Army. Danielle enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Burlington High School in 2001. Since joining the Armed Forces, she has served our nation proudly for over 20 years. prgtoken Danielle began her career of service as a military police officer, protecting her fellow soldiers. She joined the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division in 2007, where she furthered her experience and expertise in both law enforcement and military service. prgtoken When Danielle first joined the Army, she was unsure where her career path would lead. But she found something she excelled at, where she could serve and protect the country while doing the same for her fellow soldiers. Danielle has devoted her life to service for over two decades. Now, she will assume responsibility as the Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division. This is a tremendous honor, and one which demonstrates Danielle's accomplishments and dedication. prgtoken On, March 25, 2022, Danielle will be honored at Quantico for her outstanding achievements and commitment to service. On behalf of Wisconsin's First Congressional District, I want to thank Danielle for her leadership and service to our nation. We are safer because of Danielle's service.
RECOGNIZING DR. ANNE PRISCO, PRESIDENT OF HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-3-24

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the inauguration of Dr. Anne Prisco as the sixth president of Holy Family University. After achieving a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a master's degree from Fordham University, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University, Dr. Prisco has gone on to faithfully serve a number of higher education institutions in a variety of roles. Over the course of her impressive career, she has worked as an administrator, faculty member, researcher, and consultant. Prior to her new post at Holy Family. Dr. Prisco was President of Felician University in New Jersey from 2012 to 2020, leading the school through a transformational period. Under her leadership there, the university grew and is now thriving with record-breaking increases in enrollment, growing net revenue, continued facilities enhancements, and a focus on inclusive excellence and shared governance. Dr. Prisco was appointed as the next President of Holy Family University in July 2021 and will be officially installed in that on April 8, 2022. We have no doubt that she will bring the same commitment that she brought to her previous academic posts to Holy Family University. As Dr. Prisco fully begins this new journey, we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact that she has already had community and wish her well in her new role.
RECOGNIZING UTAH'S GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-3-24

I rise today on behalf of a grateful nation to pay tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices of Utah's Gold Star families. Thank you for your commitment to defending the Constitution of our great Nation. Thank you for your selfless service to others. And thank you for your love of our country, the United States of America. It is essential to our Nation's survival that we recognize and remember the sacrifices you have made. prgtoken Given the extraordinary nature of your sacrifices, the duty of recognizing and remembering them is of utmost importance. Furthermore, in a time when our Nation's cardinal values are more regularly attacked, this work mends the fraying fabric of freedom. My purpose today is to honor all that you, the Gold Star families of Utah, have done for our Nation and its citizens. prgtoken On August 1, 2020, a group of Utahns gathered at the North Ogden City Hall. There, in the heat of summer, the families, friends, and neighbors of fallen soldiers came together with business leaders and government officials to dedicate the North Ogden City Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. This monument, the first of its kind in Utah, but not the last, recognizes and remembers the sacrifices of Utah's Gold Star families. A similar monument has been built in St. George and will soon be dedicated. The monuments stand as beacons of light and hope, tributes to those who have been lost. prgtoken The idea for these monuments was inspired by the work of the Woody Williams Foundation whose mission is ``to honor, recognize, and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.'' Their work, which focuses on the philosophical pillars of homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice, and legacy, gave North Ogden City and St. George a vision of what was possible. prgtoken After seeing the monument in North Ogden City, stakeholders in St. George decided they would raise funds, find land, and construct a monument of their own. St. George City, with the help of numerous residents and businesses began the work of designating space, securing over $100,000 of funding, and planning construction for the monument. The committee worked tirelessly to unify, educate, heal, and inspire others. Months of work led to a beautiful monument which now stands to honor Gold Star families and the losses they have endured. prgtoken Eight feet tall and 13 feet wide, the monuments made of solid black granite are two-sided tributes to the fallen. One side of each monument bears the words: ``Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.'' The other side tells a story across four granite panels highlighting the themes of homeland, family, patriot, and sacrifice. The most significant component of each monument is a gaping hole at the center of the solid granite slabs. The empty space, a silhouette of a saluting se
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-24

yesterday, I said I hoped the second day of Judge Jackson's responses would provide more clarity on some vital questions. Unfortunately, the nominee's answers trended the other way. Regarding the Court as an institution, the nominee continued to reject the examples of Justices Ginsburg and Breyer. She refused to denounce partisan Court packing. On judicial philosophy, the judge continued to deflect actually basic questions. prgtoken The lack of candor is especially troubling since the President sent us a nominee with no meaningful written record on constitutional matters. For more than 8 of Judge Jackson's 9 years on the Federal bench, she was a trial judge on the district court. As the nominee herself explained on Tuesday, that role neither requires a particular talent for constitutional interpretation nor gives judges much of a chance to exhibit one. She deflected a question about judicial philosophy by explaining that such questions do not often occur to her on the lower court. prgtoken District court records alone shed little light on what kind of Supreme Court Justice someone might be. prgtoken Now, Judge Jackson's current post on the DC Circuit is a much closer analog. The problem is, she has held that position for less than a year and has only published two opinions. Justice Gorsuch had authored 212 circuit court opinions before he was nominated to the Supreme Court. Justice Kavanaugh had written 306. Senators had an unbelievable wealth of writings to examine. As to Justice Barrett, in just 3 years on the Seventh Circuit, she had already written 91 appellate opinions, not to mention her many academic writings on constitutional law. Judge Jackson has written a total of two circuit court opinions--just two. prgtoken The only real body of evidence before the Senate is her record as a trial judge. Like I mentioned, those rulings communicate very little about the judge's approach to big-picture questions of interpretation. But to make matters worse, Judge Jackson declined to answer basic questions about those rulings. Senators asked about clear patterns in the judge's criminal sentencing decisions. The nominee deflected by saying every case is unique. So Senators tried to examine one case at a time. Then the nominee said she couldn't recall details. So Senators tried to supply the details. Then the nominee stonewalled and said no one case can fully capture a judge's record. prgtoken This made up an endless circle of evasion. Judge Jackson wouldn't address broad patterns in her rulings because she said it was unfair-- unfair--for Senators to zoom out, and she wouldn't discuss specific cases because she said it was unfair for Senators to zoom in. prgtoken Since the only real body of evidence before the Senate is Judge Jackson's trial records, Senators asked why she consistently opposed weak sentences for certain crimes. prgtoken The nominee then ducked the question over and over. She blamed Co
HONORING GORDON C. BAXTER
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-3-24

. Madam , today I rise to honor Gordon C. Baxter, a World War II Veteran and Career Fireman of Geneva, New York. Gordon passed away on March 17, 2022, at the age of 95, and it is only fitting that today we remember him for his enduring dedication to his country and community. prgtoken Gordon was a lifelong resident of Geneva, New York. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1944 and joined the Army on May 1, 1944. In August of 1945, Gordon was assigned to the Philippine Islands and returned to the United States in January of 1946. Gordon was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, and World War II Victory Ribbon in recognition of his service to our country. He was Honorably Discharged in May of 1946 and went on to study at the Rochester Institute of Technology for two years. prgtoken Gordon's commitment to the community was an inspiration. He worked for the City of Geneva as a Career Fireman from which he retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Gordon was a proud member of the Hydrant Hose Company Number 1, where he held several offices over his tenure. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 396 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. prgtoken Above all, Gordon was a family man. I have always been inspired by the hard work and kindness of the Baxter family and I appreciate Gordon's service to our country and to our community. He will always be remembered, as his legacy will live on forever through his family and friends. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this legislative body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor Gordon C. Baxter for his lifelong commitment to service.
COMMEMORATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF KEY WEST
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-3-24

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Key West, Florida. The island's rich history and culture has made it an exquisite destination for millions around the world and in our great nation. Throughout the last 200 years, Key West has remained resilient and has always taken pride in its early entrepreneurship, labor force, and culture. prgtoken What is now Key West was originally incorporated as Thompson's Island. Early on, Key West was designated a Port of Entry. Within a few years, it transformed into an active city, attracting merchants, shipbuilders, politicians, and others from all over that were in pursuit of success. In the 1830s the wrecking industry expanded and became the main trade for the island. prgtoken During the mid-nineteenth century migration on the island also increased. Many Bahamians relocated to Key West and specialized in shipbuilding, fishing, sponging, and other maritime industries that were expanding at the time. Due to the expansion of these industries, Key West's success remained steadfast. prgtoken Today, the island is known for its biodiversity, historic sites, beaches, tourism, and rich culture. l commemorate the contributions many over the course of the last two centuries have made to propel and expand Key West. Exploration, entrepreneurship, and hard work have allowed the island to be what it is today--a unique treasure in our state. prgtoken It is an honor to join the South Florida and Conch community in celebrating this grand milestone. Key West has played a significant role in our nation's history and continues to exemplify the best of our great state today. Happy 200th anniversary Key West. Congratulations to all of those who have contributed to our island and have made it what it is today.
RECOGNIZING THE H.E.A.R.T.S. MUSEUM AND THEIR EFFORTS TO PRESERVE VETERAN MEMORIES
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-24

. Madam , today I rise to congratulate the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum in Huntsville, Texas, as it dedicates its replica of the Vietnam Wall Memorial. This wall is a powerful and emotional reminder of our fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice valiantly defending human life and freedom in the Vietnam War. prgtoken The H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum represents a three-decade commemorative community effort born from a humble window front display. Who knew that a single patriotic gesture would result in a permanent museum preserving the names and memories of the men and women who did not make it home from the battlefields of Vietnam. prgtoken The museum began as a traveling student education program, but the mission of H.E.A.R.T.S. quickly brought the community together. The permanent location in Huntsville opened its doors on Veteran's Day in 2009. Spurred by one respectful and reflective gesture, this effort by the Huntsville community truly exemplifies the H.E.A.R.T.S. mission to Help Every American Remember Through Serving. prgtoken Today, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum is a living time capsule that showcases, salutes, and immortalizes our nation's heroes and their contributions. Veterans are the heartbeat of freedom, and this addition will serve as a powerful reminder that our freedom is not free. prgtoken I am proud to congratulate the H.E.A.R.T.S. museum on the completion of their replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This 370-foot-long, eight-foot-tall replica serves to honor our veterans who stepped up to the call of duty and gave their lives for the sake of liberty and justice for all. Their names, forever carved in stone, represent a small token of our gratitude and deep appreciation for their sacrifice. Families and veterans from across Texas and neighboring states can visit this wall to honor the 2,700,000 men and women who served in the Vietnam War. prgtoken I am proud to join my community to recognize the dedication of this deeply moving memorial and congratulate the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum on all the work they have done to honor the brave service members, living and deceased, who fought in the Vietnam War.