mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-7-18

I rise today to recognize and thank the creators and staff at Entertainment Fort Smith magazine for 22 years of championing arts, entertainment, and the people of western Arkansas. prgtoken Lynn Wasson and Linda Seubold launched Entertainment Fort Smith, more commonly referred to as E-Fort Smith, in 2000 to showcase the area's vibrant arts and entertainment scene and keep local residents informed about upcoming events. Within its pages, they covered everything from international mural art found through the Unexpected Project and the annual Peacemaker Music Festival, to the Fort Smith Little Theatre's latest productions and story-time schedules for the local library. prgtoken The magazine printed 30,000 issues every month that were distributed at over 200 locations in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, Alma, Barling, Charleston, and throughout the region. prgtoken Not only was E-Fort Smith a calendar of events, but the magazine's features also spotlighted the lives of local people that make western Arkansas unique. In addition, Wasson and Seubold used their platform to show their great love for the State of Arkansas. prgtoken Brandon Chase Goldsmith, executive director of the Fort Smith International Film Festival, praised E-Fort Smith for its support and for being a driving force behind the region's creative economy over the years. Likewise, the magazine has been recognized as a critical partner in helping secure Fort Smith as the site for the U.S. Marshals Museum, which will honor the over 230-year history of the Marshals Service and is expected to open in 2023. prgtoken E-Fort Smith published its final edition in July 2022 after more than two decades of promoting local businesses and artists. prgtoken I would like to thank the founders and all the staff of E-Fort Smith who inspired the community and highlighted Arkansas's rich culture. Their efforts made a difference and the magazine's legacy will live beyond its final printing.
WHITE HOUSE IS MISLEADING AMERICAN PEOPLE
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , on July 2, the President of the United States sent out this message to small business owners across America: ``My message to the companies running gas stations and setting prices at the pump is simple: This is a time of war and global peril. Bring down the price you are charging at the pump to reflect the cost you are paying for the product, and do it now.'' prgtoken When I first read this message, I was perplexed. After all, the President should know that gas stations already offer their fuel at a price just slightly above what they buy from wholesalers. There is basically no room for cost savings at this final step in the supply chain. In fact, most gas stations make their money on what is sold in the convenience store and not at the gas pump. prgtoken This ill-advised message does nothing to help solve the problem but only confuses and angers the small business owners who own gas stations and convenience stores. Even billionaire Jeff Bezos called out the White House, saying: ``Inflation is far too important a problem for the White House to keep making statements like this. It is either straight- ahead misdirection or a deep misunderstanding of basic market dynamics.'' prgtoken I agree with Mr. Bezos. This is far too important of an issue for the White House to keep misleading the American people. Apparently, President missed the lesson on economics the day they studied it in class, or maybe he has just forgotten what he learned. prgtoken The bottom line is that the President needs to take this issue more seriously and stop pointing the blame at others. First, it was Russia; then, it was the oil companies; and now, it is the gas station owners. It is only a matter of time until the President finds a way to blame this on s or perhaps former President . prgtoken Ultimately, the buck stops at the White House, and the President must take responsibility for his anti-energy policies that have made it more and more difficult to explore and drill for oil right here under our feet in the United States.
DEMOCRATS' FAILED ECONOMIC POLICIES
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , today, I rise to discuss yet another disastrous prgtoken economic record for the administration: Inflation has hit 9.1 percent. Grocery costs are up. Gas prices are up. Nearly every essential item for living is up. prgtoken The administration's failed economic policies and congressional ' unchecked spending has put our economy on the verge of recession. prgtoken In Kentucky, citizens are paying twice as much at the gas pump as they did last year. In fact, Kentuckians have seen a 50 percent increase in gas pries since last year and a diesel increase of 84 percent, which is detrimental to the farming industry. prgtoken Farmers are at their breaking point. The USDA recently reported that farm expenses are expected to rise by over $20 billion next year alone. prgtoken I am hearing from constituents in Kentucky's First District who are deeply concerned and rightfully so. Farmers are saying it is costing thousands of dollars more per day to keep their farm equipment operational due to the skyrocketing price of diesel. This is unsustainable. prgtoken On top of inflation, it is clear that President has made diminishing American energy production a top priority. prgtoken Madam , Americans are in trouble. No matter how hard try, Congress cannot spend their way out of this problem.
INFLATION DENIAL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , President has allowed the American people and Main Street businesses to suffer while his reckless spending policies continue to make things even worse. prgtoken With this crisis weighing heavy on us all, the President and Senate are pushing to add a trillion dollars in higher taxes on Main Street small businesses. That will only lead to more higher prices, wage cuts, and supply shortages, exacerbating the inflation problem significantly. prgtoken Instead of working to address America's inflation crisis, House will spend this week pushing for trillions more in government spending, which will only worsen America's inflation crisis further. prgtoken Instead of addressing the economic crisis, are prioritizing liberal initiatives and increasing Federal spending with some accounts receiving double-digit and triple-digit percentage increases. prgtoken Some of these out-of-touch woke spending priorities include taxpayer- funded abortion. Funding for FDA--the same agency that failed to prevent the infant formula crisis--has increased 10 percent. And partisan climate change initiatives, even though the American people are facing the highest gas prices on record. prgtoken The American people don't need any of these far-left priorities. prgtoken They need a responsible spending plan. prgtoken They need the administration to unleash American energy independence and domestic production. prgtoken They need the s to stop the administration's radical policies from driving our Nation straight into another recession. prgtoken President 's denial of inflation that his policies have created are leading the Nation straight into said recession. prgtoken Last week, June's Consumer Price Index score came out and revealed that inflation has soared 9.1 percent. That is right, the largest 12- month increase in over four decades. I kind of believe 9.1 percent might be a lowball number when it gets right down to kitchen-table issues that regular, everyday Americans have to deal with. So even though inflation is up by 9.1 percent, the American people are paying far more for just about everything, such as gas, approximately 44 percent; airline tickets, 33 percent; used cars, 23 percent; hotels, 23 percent; suits, 22 percent; bacon, 18 percent; oranges, 17 percent; tires, 16 percent; furniture, 15 percent; milk, 15 percent; coffee, 14 percent; deliveries, 14 percent; bread, 14 percent; baby food--if you can find it--13 percent; soup, 13 percent; cereal, 12 percent; eggs, 10 percent; dry cleaning, 10 percent; then the rents on their homes and apartments and such, averaging about 30 percent. prgtoken And we saw that a little over a year and a half ago, lumber had gone up quadruple. It is coming back, but it is still double of 2 years ago for lumber in order to build homes and build anything else. prgtoken So where are we at? These outrageous prices are crushing the American Dream. <|p
TRIBUTE TO KEITH LAWRENCE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-7-18

after more than 50 years as a pillar of Owensboro, KY, news media, Keith Lawrence is retiring. As the Messenger-Inquirer's longest tenured reporter, Keith was his community's ever-present voice, covering stories that ranged from local businesses to U.S. Presidents. As the city's mayor put so well, Keith ``will be hard to replace.'' Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Keith in his retirement. prgtoken Keith has written for one newspaper or another since September 1963, when he first discovered his passion for journalism in high school. He cut his teeth during his undergraduate years at Murray State University writing for the Murray State News. After graduating, Keith entered the military, stationing in Fort Hood, TX. Loathe to give up any opportunity to write, he helped publish newsletters on base and worked at the post's newspaper. prgtoken Following his military service and some short stints at a series of weeklies, Keith and his wife Sandy made their way to Owensboro, where he began his extensive career at the Messenger-Inquirer in 1972. Though he has covered local, State, and national stories, community journalism always remained his top priority. Keith felt he needed to be the ``eyes and ears'' of his readers. prgtoken Keith's journalistic gifts have earned him fans both in Owensboro and across the wider Commonwealth. He recently received the Mayor's Award for Excellence for his commitment to community coverage and joined the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. prgtoken Throughout my time in office, Keith has been a constant at any of the events I held in Owensboro. He asked insightful questions, squarely focused on how my work in the Senate affected his city. prgtoken Though he is taking a step back from his position at the Messenger- Inquirer, Keith plans to continue his column and write news stories as a freelancer. Anyone who knows Keith shouldn't be surprised. He will always live and breathe community journalism. For Keith, his work with the Messenger-Inquirer was more than just a job; it gave him a home in which his family flourished and provided a deep bond to his city. prgtoken In honor of Keith's retirement, I would like to thank him for his service to the Commonwealth and persistent loyalty to strong local journalism. He has delivered an invaluable service to Owensboro residents for more than 50 years. prgtoken The Messenger-Inquirer paid tribute to Keith's career in a recent article. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.
TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER VIDRINE
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-7-18

I rise today to pay tribute to one of our strongest and valued leaders in municipal government from my home State of Louisiana, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine. On July 30, Mayor Vidrine will be become the first African-American woman to lead the Louisiana Municipal Association--LMA. She will also be the third woman to serve in this prestigious position in the LMA's 96 years of service to municipal government in Louisiana. prgtoken While Mayor Vidrine will undoubtedly lead this fine organization for the next year with great loyalty and enthusiasm, she will also continue to serve her most beloved residents of Ville Platte. Since her election in 2011, Mayor Vidrine has not stopped working to bring improvements and investments to her city. She remains at the forefront of local government officials developing new approaches to solving complicated problems. prgtoken Mayor Vidrine is a woman of great faith who believes in serving her community wholeheartedly. She is a lifelong member of her hometown congregation of the Ninth Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves and assists in a number of leadership roles. prgtoken Her commitment to the elderly and youth are quite noteworthy and deeply rooted in her beliefs. Among her many accomplishments, she is the founder of the Ville Platte Girls and Boys Place where afterschool and summer programs teach children culinary skills, music appreciation, improved communications, and writing techniques. During the summer, Mayor Vidrine is a regular presence at the Girls and Boys Place offering encouragement to the children to expand their thinking, explore their passions and to be a good citizen. She works tirelessly to provide unique opportunities for these young minds, many of which come from very low-income homes. This, in turn, allows parents to feel more hopeful that their children will have a better life. prgtoken When it comes to technology, Mayor Vidrine has practically taken her community from ``worst to first'' as she likes to say, by developing critical partnerships with public and private broadband providers. In the very near future, the city of Ville Platte will begin enjoying internet speeds like they have never seen before, thanks in large part to the mayor's efforts. She knows the importance of technology and how it has an immediate impact on the lives of every resident. prgtoken I consider Mayor Jennifer Vidrine as a most accomplished stateswoman, and I am extremely proud to call her a friend. prgtoken I ask all of Louisiana to join me in congratulating Mayor Vidrine for reaching this important milestone in her career.
LT. RIDGE ALKONIS
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , I rise today to express deep concern about the Japanese government's handling of the case of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, a U.S. Navy officer stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base. prgtoken Last Wednesday, the Tokyo High Court denied Lt. Alkonis' appeal to suspend a three-year prison sentence. I am deeply troubled with the treatment of Lt. Alkonis throughout the case. prgtoken Lt. Alkonis has served three tours of duty in Japan. Before he was in the Navy, he volunteered in Japan for two years. He has a deep appreciation for the country and its people. prgtoken In May 2021, Lt. Alkonis and his family were on their way home from hiking on Mount Fuji. Tragically, Lt. Alkonis lost control of his vehicle. We would later learn from a U.S. Navy physician that the unfortunate event was due to Acute Mountain Sickness causing Lt. Alkonis to lose consciousness, impacting his ability to drive. However, as a result, two bystanders heartbreakingly had their lives taken. prgtoken Lt. Alkonis is remorseful for the medical incident that caused the events of that day. He has offered $1.65 million in extrajudicial restitution to the victims' families, a gesture expected in Japan. This is beyond the family's means, but those who care about them have rallied together to make it possible. prgtoken I've been extremely upset to learn that the case was not conducted in a way that was fair to Lt. Alkonis. prgtoken The treatment of our servicemembers in Japan is governed by the Status of Forces Agreement between our government and the Japanese government. This agreement requires our servicemembers to be released to the U.S. military during trial unless they are a flight risk. Lt. Alkonis clearly was not. Instead of being released as he was supposed to be, he was held for the maximum time period allowed, 26 days, over the objections of our government. prgtoken During those 26 days, Lt. Alkonis was not treated properly, and Japanese investigators' actions had an impact on the outcome of the trial. According to Lt. Alkonis's family, he was kept under bright lights in his cell for the purpose of sleep deprivation, withheld adequate translation services, and denied a lawyer during key questioning. Critically, the Japanese police refused Lt. Alkonis medical care and a timely medical evaluation. By refusing to conduct this test, investigators ensured they would not have evidence that would explain Lt. Alkonis's sudden loss of consciousness. prgtoken I understand that our Embassy in Tokyo has been monitoring this case. I strongly urge them to do more to support a servicemember in need. prgtoken My office has been working with the Department of the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support Lt. Alkonis and prgtoken his parents, Suzanne and Derek, throughout his case. We supported Lt. Alkonis's case with the Department of Defense and also helped his family get visas so they could be with him in Japan for the trial. As I do, the Navy believes t
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-7-18

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19; 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; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Wang nomination, postcloture; further, that all postcloture time be considered expired at 11:30 a.m and that following the cloture vote on the Maldonado nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Maldonado nomination, all postcloture time be expired at 2:15 p.m.; finally, if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-7-18

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
JOB EXPANSION
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2022-7-18

this June, the private sector added 372,000 jobs to the economy, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. prgtoken I would recognize the leadership of the administration and my ic colleagues in Congress for taking swift action to strengthen the economy through robust job expansion. prgtoken Since President took office, the economy has added over 9 million jobs, and the unemployment rate has decreased from 6.4 percent to 3.6 percent after losing 3 million jobs during the pandemic. prgtoken The price of oil is decreasing due to the leadership of President . Despite high inflation rates, today, we are seeing the strongest economy for American workers in decades. People are receiving higher wages, increased benefits, and better jobs overall. prgtoken House will keep working to develop the labor market, underpin economic progress, and prioritize expanding accessible and inclusive employment opportunities for American people, because that is who we care about.
Nomination of Nina Nin-Yuen Wang (Executive Session)
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-7-18

I wanted to share a few words about Nina Wang, President 's nominee for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. prgtoken Judge Wang comes to this floor with a commitment to the law rooted in her earliest moments as a child, her earliest memories as a child. Nina's family emigrated from Taiwan to Kansas City when she was just 2 years old. Like my grandparents who emigrated from Poland, Nina's parents had very strong accents. They knew English, but people in their Kansas suburb couldn't always understand what they were saying. Some of Nina's first memories were ordering pizza for the family or speaking to store clerks on behalf of her parents. prgtoken Her family applied to become permanent residents, but the INS lost their application. Then, once they resolved that issue, the law had changed, and their pathway to legalization was gone. Their family spent years in legal limbo, ricocheting from one court to another. And if not for an intervention by late Senator Robert Dole, Nina's family would have fallen through the cracks. prgtoken At the time, Nina made a promise: If I can stay in America, I am going to give back to America. This experience gave Nina firsthand knowledge of the legal system's power to change lives because it changed her own. It made her cherish America's legal system, where even noncitizens have their day in court, and it inspired her to pursue a career in law. prgtoken She graduated from Washington University summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and served as editor- in-chief of the Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. After graduating, Nina worked as an associate at an international law firm and clerked in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. prgtoken The U.S. Attorney's Office in Colorado recognized Nina's talents and hired her as an AUSA in the Civil Division, where she managed Federal cases ranging from employment discrimination to bankruptcy, to civil rights. prgtoken Nina then went into the private sector, where, over the next decade, she rose from associate to partner at Faegre Drinker, a top firm in Denver. prgtoken In 2015, Nina began serving as a magistrate judge for the U.S. district court in Colorado. prgtoken Judge Wang now comes to the committee and this floor with 25 years of legal experience and exposure to virtually every issue that might come before the court. She also comes with a reputation for fairness and impartiality. Her colleagues tell me she doesn't grandstand. She takes the time to listen to every litigant, whether they have representation or not. prgtoken She has remained committed to the American ideal that everyone deserves their day in court, just like her parents. And I, for one, am deeply grateful that she has devoted her talent to realizing that ideal in our legal system. prgtoken Judge Wang is an exceptional nominee, with unimpeachable character, intellect, and exper
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-18

first, let me thank all of my colleagues for their kind words during my time isolating due to COVID last week. As you can see, I have made a full recovery after experiencing only mild symptoms, thank God. COVID has done incalculable damage to scores of American families, but because I was fortunate enough to be vaccinated and double boosted, my case was not as bad as it could have been. prgtoken I urge all Americans who have not been vaccinated yet to talk to their doctors and get the vaccine, if possible, and then get boosted when the time is right. Speaking from personal experience, it makes all the difference in the world.