mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING MS. JENNIFER BLAKE AS MOORE COUNTY SCHOOLS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-6-5

I rise today to recognize Ms. Jennifer Blake as the Moore County Schools Teacher of the Year. prgtoken Ms. Blake is a third-grade teacher at Carthage Elementary School. She credits her own student experience as her inspiration for becoming a teacher. Following the example set by her own educators growing up, Ms. Blake works diligently to provide third-grade students with an excellent academic foundation as well as serve as a trusted mentor for students as they develop important life skills. It is imperative that we acknowledge individuals like her who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that educators put into developing our youth for a successful future. I am extremely grateful for her efforts and encouragement which have touched and benefited the lives of so many. prgtoken Ms. Blake has led by example throughout her career and has made impactful contributions to our community. Carthage Elementary School is better today because of her passion and hard work. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for her dedicated service to our youth and wish her the best as she continues to educate and inspire those in her classroom. prgtoken , please join me today in honoring and congratulating Ms. Jennifer Blake for being named Moore County Schools Teacher of the Year.
HONORING CORPORAL RUSSELL "RUSTY" BROWN FOR HIS HONORABLE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-5

I rise today to honor the service of U.S. Army Corporal Russell ``Rusty'' Brown. CPL Brown served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, and was awarded a Purple Heart for his honorable service. prgtoken CPL Brown was born in Little Falls, NY, to Evan and Doris Brown. Raised in Fort Plain with his many siblings, CPL Brown's brothers Les, Ray, and Walt also served in the U.S. Army. While in Vietnam, CPL Brown was on patrol to set up an ambush. Tragedy struck when a member of CPL Brown's unit stepped on a landmine, severely wounding CPL Brown with shrapnel and killing his fellow soldier. For his sacrifice, CPL Brown earned the esteemed Purple Heart award, in addition to the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Marksman Badge Rifle M16. prgtoken Following his honorable service in Vietnam, he immediately continued his service to our nation and his community. Rusty married his beloved wife Billie; both had deep roots in Montgomery County. In 1970, CPL Brown joined the Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post 168 in Saint Johnsville. As a member for over 50 years, CPL Brown has assisted other veterans in their journey to re-acclimate to civilian life. CPL Brown continues this practice as a pillar of support for American servicemembers as they struggle with their personal trials. The Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post 168 has set a beautiful example of how to celebrate the amazing and heroic individuals that served our country. By decorating the village of Saint Johnsville with 379 `hometown hero' banners, the village will continue to honor local heroes each and every day. CPL Brown's banner can be found on St. Johnsville's Bridge Street. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, it is my honor to recognize and honor the service and achievements of CPL Rusty Brown.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BETTENDORF MAYOR ANN HUTCHINSON
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-5

I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life of former Bettendorf Mayor Ann Hutchinson, who passed away at age 74 this past week. She dedicated her life to the Bettendorf community, serving as mayor for 16 years, until 2003. prgtoken When Mayor Hutchinson took office, Bettendorf was struggling to survive financially. She got the city back on sound economic footing and accomplished a wide range of projects, including revitalizing downtown Bettendorf, building the Learning Campus with a library and the Family Museum, and started plans for the new I-74 bridge, which just opened last year. prgtoken After her time as mayor, Ann served the region in multiple leadership roles with the Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, and served as the president of the Iowa League of Cities. prgtoken Mayor Hutchinson played a major part in making the Quad Cities what they are today, and she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. prgtoken I would also like to wish my brother, Richard, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Richard.
SALUTING OUR SOLDIERS OF TOMORROW
Keith Self (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-5

I rise today to salute our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen of tomorrow, the service-bound academy students of the Third District of Texas. This district of Texas is home to some of the best and the brightest young people, and it is always an honor to recommend such fine students to our nation's service academies. I know they are ready to join the premier military force of the world. This year, Texas' Third District is going to send nine students to the United States Military Academy; seven students to the United States Naval Academy; nine students to the United States Air Force Academy; and one student to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The 26 appointees and their hometowns are as follows: U.S. Military Academy prgtoken Ronald De Madet--Frisco. Brian Dyer--Plano, Jaden Fabiani--Plano, Christopher Newton--Richardson, Andrew Nguyen--Murphy, Andrew Smith-- Plano, Caleb Smith--Richardson, Prachet Upadrashta--Frisco, Brian Yun-- Plano U.S. Naval Academy prgtoken Tanner Call--McKinney, Ajay Goluguri--McKinney, Daniel Gurevich-- Frisco, Chelan McNear--Frisco, Riley Perumal--Prosper, JeaShe Sherpell--Prosper, David Walker Jr.--McKinney U.S. Air Force Academy prgtoken Samuel Adler--Allen, Kailey Blackmon--Plano, Alexander Baum--Murphy, Sophie Kent--Frisco. Kyle Kermes--Anna. Yumin Kim--Frisco, Kim Kyugmin--Plano, William Steen--Plano, Kai Tiede--Frisco U.S. Merchant Marine Academy prgtoken Aidan Graham--Allen prgtoken God bless these 26 appointees. God bless America. I salute them. prgtoken , it is my privilege to honor Jeff Hurt, whose longtime service to Texas and the U.S. Service Academies is to be commended, Jeff exemplifies the time-honored qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership, which in turn have enabled him to assist in seeking out our next generation of servant leaders to lead our Nation as military officers in training. We commend Jeff for his dedication to our next generation of student military leaders.
MIDDLE MARKET IPO COST ACT
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-6-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 2812, the Middle Market IPO Underwriting Cost Act. s from both sides of the aisle, Representatives Himes and Lawler, for working on this important piece of bipartisan legislation that will help ensure that our IPO market remains competitive and attractive, especially for small- and medium-sized companies. prgtoken I thank Mr. Himes for his willingness to work with the majority, and specifically Congressman French Hill of Arkansas, to reach an agreement on this legislation. prgtoken Staff have been working on this since the bill was marked up in April, and I am happy to see that the study will now be carried out by the GAO in consultation with the SEC and FINRA. prgtoken Companies have two ways of accessing capital in the securities markets to fund their operations: an initial public offering, IPO, where they sell securities publicly through a registered offering with the SEC, or a private offering under an exemption from registration. prgtoken Accessing capital through an IPO is a significant step for a company because there are considerable up-front costs, as well as ongoing, increased costs associated with the company's reporting requirements as a public company. prgtoken Before an IPO, companies often spend tens of millions of dollars gathering and compiling mandatory information to submit to the SEC and make available to the public for the sale of its securities. prgtoken The SEC itself has estimated that the average cost of just achieving regulatory compliance for going public is $2.5 million, which may not include additional costs of hiring professionals to help undertake the IPO. prgtoken However, additional data is required to achieve a better understanding of the costs of the added regulatory and prgtoken professional services associated with undertaking an IPO and becoming a public company. prgtoken As a result, the study required under this bill will help Congress and the market better understand the costs associated with small- and medium-sized companies to undertake initial public offerings, IPOs, and become public companies. prgtoken , H.R. 2812 is a balanced and thoughtful bill that will give us the information to better understand those costs with going public so that Congress can continue the work to make our public markets the most attractive and competitive in the world. prgtoken , for this reason, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2812, and .
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-6-6

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Last night, the Rules Committee met and reported House Resolution 463, providing for the consideration of four measures: H.R. 277, H.R. 288, H.R. 1615, and H.R. 1640. prgtoken The rule provides for H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, also known as the REINS Act, to be considered under a structured rule, and provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective designees. The rule makes 15 amendments in order. prgtoken The rule provides further for H.R. 288, the Separation of Powers Restoration Act, to be considered under a structured rule, and provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective designees. The rule makes one amendment in order. prgtoken Additionally, the rule provides for H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, to be considered under a structured rule and provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees. The rule makes two amendments in order. prgtoken Finally, the rule provides for H.R. 1640, the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, to be considered under a structured rule and provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees. The rule makes three amendments in order. prgtoken Madam , .
TRIBUTE TO JAMES BARNES
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-6-6

this month, I am proud to recognize 96-year-old James Barnes of Abbeville, AL. Mr. Barnes was so eager to serve his country that he didn't want to wait until he turned 18 to enlist in the military. So, at age 17, he convinced his dad to sign a parental consent form allowing him to join the U.S. Navy, where he became a radioman third class. He recalls the elder Mr. Barnes saying that giving him permission was one of the hardest things he ever did. Yet he recognized his son's noble desire to serve. Mr. Barnes traveled the world aboard the U.S.S. LCI 963 and 965, with stops in the Philippines and China to promote global stability after World War II. prgtoken After his military service, Mr. Barnes returned home to Henry County, where he began farming peanuts, helping keep the Wiregrass region at the forefront of our national peanut production. Additionally, Mr. Barnes provided a critical service to people in the Wiregrass, faithfully delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 38 years, before his retirement in 1990. He is still involved with American Legion Post 119 and Adoniram Baptist Church, where he has served as secretary, treasurer, and a deacon, over the course of more than 50 years. prgtoken Although Mr. Barnes is a humble man, members of his community will prgtoken tell you what a fixture he is in the local area. They describe him as ``a true Henry County hero who represents all that is great about our country.'' When asked what the secret to his long life is, Mr. Barnes advised, ``No smoking, no drinking, and a lot of country cooking.'' prgtoken Alabama is thankful for Mr. Barnes' many contributions to our State and country, and I am proud to recognize him as the June Veteran of the Month.
Congressional Oversight (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-6

today, once again, I am here to discuss my constitutional oversight of the Justice Department and the FBI. It surely has been a very busy year thus far for congressional oversight, and let me say rightly so. That is the way it should be because we know, first, Congress passes laws, but Congress can't stop there. We have got to make sure that Congress follows up to guarantee, under our checks and balances of our Constitution, that a President will faithfully execute the laws. prgtoken In many of my speeches on the topic of oversight, I have discussed how political infection has taken root in the Justice Department and FBI. Such a political infection is catastrophic to the trust the American people must have in these institutions in order for those institutions to have any legitimate effect. prgtoken To restore this country's confidence in the Justice Department and the FBI, these Agencies must come clean with a 1023 document that whistleblowers have approached me about. prgtoken An FBI 1023 document is used to collect information from what the FBI calls a confidential human source. prgtoken A confidential human source is not--I want to emphasize--is not a mere walk-in or a mere tip like some journalists have reported. Confidential human source purpose is to advance investigative activity, and the FBI takes great care to make sure that they can vet these people and know that they serve a useful purpose. prgtoken The 1023 that I sought from the FBI references a criminal scheme involving then-Vice President and his alleged receipt of $5 million for a policy decision. Now, at first, the FBI refused to even admit that this document existed, let alone admit that this document was marked ``unclassified.'' prgtoken Then I told Director Wray last week that Chairman Comer and I have reviewed the 1023. I told Director Wray that this 1023 is marked ``unclassified.'' I told him that it was dated June 30, 2020, and I and Chairman Comer demanded that he produce that document. prgtoken Director Wray made one excuse after another to not produce it. I reminded Director Wray about how the FBI has a penchant for leaking classified information to the media and producing documents to the media. In fact, we all know that the FBI did exactly that in a May 18, 2023, New York Times article. The FBI, therefore, has no legitimate basis to refuse production of a nonclassified document to the Congress of the United States. prgtoken Let's keep in mind that Congress has received 1023 documents in the past, and now the FBI is subject to a legitimate subpoena for that very document. In last week's phone call with Director Wray, I also asked him if the 1023 is part of an ongoing investigation. He answered that it is relevant to an ongoing investigative matter. prgtoken From that vague answer, it is reasonable to conclude that it is part of an ongoing investigation, otherwise it wouldn't be relative to one. It is also reaso
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-6

I rise today in support of the rule, which provides for consideration of legislation to protect Americans from the draconian, unaffordable energy policies of the administration. prgtoken When winter storm Elliott hammered my district over Christmas, my constituents endured life-threatening blackouts as the electrical grid struggled to operate through this massive storm. It was the most deadly blizzard in my lifetime. prgtoken However, one thing that many of my constituents could count on, despite blackouts and frigid temperatures, was the use of their gas stoves. prgtoken Too often, I have heard from constituents across western New York stories of how these appliances were perhaps the only source of heat in their home for folks who were trapped in their homes for 3 days during a deadly storm, which tragically took the lives of more than 40 people. prgtoken Unfortunately, soon this access to reliable, affordable energy will be cut off by the ban on gas appliances that this administration has disguised as simply higher efficiency standards. prgtoken here in Washington and up in Albany are determined to make the pipe dreams of the Green New Deal a crushing reality for hardworking Americans. prgtoken Our Governor in New York, Kathy Hochul, not to be outdone by the administration, has already marched ahead with a statewide ban on natural gas hookups in new residential and commercial buildings. prgtoken Our State's own energy auditors have already raised alarms, concluding that, prgtoken with New York's current path, we face an energy future made up of higher costs in an overstretched, less secure grid. prgtoken , the administration is ignoring decades of proof that embracing natural gas in our energy supply leads to lower emissions, greater efficiency, and more affordability for American families. Heating bills in New York rose by 30 percent this past winter, and they will continue to climb if we allow the administration to further regulate Americans out of affordable, reliable energy. prgtoken , I support the legislation considered in the rule that protects American families from this administration's radical Green New Deal priorities.
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-6

every day, Texans reach out to my office to talk about challenges that they and their families are facing, or maybe they see something on the news or read something in the local paper that causes them concern about what the Federal Government is up to; but most often, they call and tell me that inflation continues to strain their household budgets, and they are fearful that a recession is approaching. They are raising concerns about the security breakdown at the southern border and fears about rising crime rates in their communities. They share stories about teenage students who died from fentanyl poisoning, maybe friends of their family, and they tell me they are terrified for their own children's safety. prgtoken Of course, these concerns aren't unique to Texas. People across the country--everyone--wants affordable gas and groceries. We all, presumably, want dangerous drugs off the streets and dangerous people behind bars. We all want to live in safe communities so we can pursue our dreams. In short, the American people aren't asking for a lot. All they want is to be able to live happy, healthy lives. And they are asking Congress to remove some of the burdens that are making that more difficult. prgtoken That is what we need to be doing here in the Senate. In recent months, the -led House has been a flurry of activity. They passed legislation to unleash the power of American energy and reduce costs to consumers. They passed legislation to classify fentanyl as a schedule 1 substance--the most dangerous of drugs--and to give parents a say in their children's education. They have also passed legislation to improve veterans' healthcare, to stand behind law enforcement officials, and to address fraud and abuse in the unemployment insurance system. prgtoken McCarthy and the majority in the House have responded to the concerns of the American people not with rhetoric but with action. prgtoken That is a sharp contrast with what we have witnessed here in the Senate. The first major piece of legislation that passed this Chamber was just last week after months of President saying he wouldn't even negotiate with the House on raising the debt limit; but he finally did, up against the back of a potential default. prgtoken Before that, the Senate has passed legislation repealing the Iraq war authorization. We reauthorized grants for firefighters and we confirmed some Federal judges and other nominees. Then we passed a handful of -led resolutions to overturn administration executive orders, and that is about it. prgtoken Now to be clear, there were some wins in there. Less than a week ago, the Senate passed a resolution I introduced with Senator Cassidy, the Senator from Louisiana, to overturn President 's student loan scheme claiming to cancel student loans for people who agreed to borrow the money. But, somehow, by ``canceling,'' what he really meant was t
RECOGNIZING GEORGE PEDERSEN
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-6-6

I rise today in honor of the life and memory of George J. Pedersen, who passed away on May 22, 2023, at age 87. My prayers are with his family and loved ones, especially his wife, Marilyn. prgtoken George was a caring individual and dedicated entrepreneur who lived his life serving others. He co-founded and led ManTech for more than 50 years. With a fierce love for his country and visionary genius, George evolved and grew ManTech as the government expanded its need for high- end engineering and innovative technology for natural security missions. George's leadership in instilling expectations of excellence and success has made ManTech to be a successful partner with the government during threats of war, the space race, and 9/11. I am personally grateful for his leadership in Virginia, and I know that our communities are safer because of Georges dedication and service to innovate ManTech's technology and solutions. prgtoken Not only did George dedicate his life to building and expanding ManTech, but he also was an amazing mentor and friend to all. He focused on helping people within the ManTech community and the community beyond. He prioritized successful outcomes for his customers and held himself to the highest standard in everything he did. George took a personal interest in the well-being of those around him and lived a life of service and dedication to others. prgtoken George will be remembered for his legacy of service, sacrifice, and care. I pray that his family and loved ones may be comforted as they mourn his loss. Therefore , I ask that you join me in honoring the life and legacy of George Pedersen.