mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING-- Continued
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-6-23

it is Thursday, and normally, when I am giving this speech, our ``Alaskan of the Week'' speech--you notice we have a new, pro-energy ``Alaskan of the Week'' diagram here-- normally, when I give this speech, everybody has gone home. The pages love it because it is the most interesting speech of the week. Some of our reporters who like this speech, they are kind of viewing this as the end of the week. prgtoken Unfortunately, we are not at the end of the week. There is a lot more business to do for the next day or two or three--who knows?--important business, no doubt about it. But I still want to come down to the floor and talk about a really impressive man who has done incredible stuff for our State. His name is Jeff Streit. prgtoken Jeff has been a builder of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline--what we call TAPS--and then has helped run it for 48 years, almost half a century. We are going to talk about Jeff here in a minute. He has done an incredible job. prgtoken I always like to talk a little bit about what is going on in Alaska. All the people who watch this speech--we know there are millions who tune in every Thursday--come on up to Alaska. Come visit. prgtoken What is happening right now is really, really exciting. It is just a few days past summer solstice. Boy, did we celebrate in Alaska: parties, baseball games. The famous Midnight Sun Baseball Game took place in Fairbanks. I talked about that last week. It took place in Fairbanks on Tuesday. The Goldpanners, whom I talked about, the famous Alaskan baseball team, pulled out a 10-to-9 victory in the bottom of the 10th. The crowd of thousands went wild--Midnight Sun baseball. prgtoken So if you are visiting Fairbanks, as many tourists do right now, you might want to check out a baseball game. We have great baseball in Alaska, as I described last week. prgtoken You also might want to travel a couple of miles outside of Fairbanks to get a firsthand view of one of the engineering marvels of the world, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, what we call TAPS. That is it right there, a big, beautiful, incredible engineering feat: 800 miles of steel pipeline crossing 3 mountain ranges--one about 5,000 feet high-- crossing more than 600 streams and rivers, and has transported over 17 billion barrels of oil to a thirsty America. That is energy security right there. prgtoken TAPS has provided countless benefits in terms of tens of thousands of jobs--good union jobs, I might add--not just to Alaskans but to Americans all over the country. I think even one of our Senate colleagues worked on this. It was the largest privately funded infrastructure project ever undertaken in America at the time it was built in the early seventies. prgtoken Here is the thing: It took 3 years to build--3 years; that is it-- this mammoth, huge, important energy project. prgtoken By the way, we need to get back to that in this country. I and many other Senators are working on that. You can't do an
SUPPORT THE RESILIENCY OF OUR NATION'S GREAT VETERANS ACT OF 2022
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , after hearing from my constituent whose veteran spouse tragically died by suicide, and learning of the obstacles they faced when trying to receive critical mental health support for themselves and their children following his death, I introduced a bill to ensure veteran families struggling from such a loss have access to the support they need and deserve. prgtoken My legislative language, included in this bill before us today, the STRONG Veterans Act, expands Vet Center eligibility for counseling and mental health services to families of servicemembers or veterans who died by suicide. This expansion of services is necessary so that these families can receive the critical mental health support needed to help them heal and move forward. prgtoken We all know that grief can be extremely isolating, and the families of servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide should not have to worry about enduring this difficult journey alone. prgtoken Our military families who support a loved one who is serving, or has served, make a tremendous sacrifice for our country, as well. We must ensure they have access to the care that they deserve and the help that they need when trying to move forward after a suicide has devastated them and their family. prgtoken Madam , I thank the chairman and the ranking member for working with me to include this very important piece of legislation in this package, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.
ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION THROUGH CAMPUS PLANNING ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 291. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Allred (Gomez) Boebert (Bishop (NC)) Bonamici (Manning) Bourdeaux (Correa) Bowman (Chu) (Williams (GA)) Carter (LA) (Williams (GA)) Carter (TX) (Weber (TX)) Cherfilus-McCormick (Williams (GA)) Cohen (Beyer) Connolly (Beyer) Costa (Correa) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) Davis, Danny K. (Gomez) DeSaulnier (Beyer) Dingell (Stevens) Doyle, Michael F. (Pallone) Fletcher (Pallone) Frankel, Lois (Kuster) Garcia (IL) (Beyer) Gosar (Gohmert) Guest (Fleischmann) Hartzler (Bacon) Hayes (Neguse) Huffman (Gomez) Jacobs (NY) (Smucker) Jayapal (Gomez) Jeffries (Neguse) Johnson (GA) (Manning) Johnson (TX) (Stevens) Katko (Meijer) Keating (Neguse) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Krishnamoorthi (Neguse) LaMalfa (Rouzer) Lawson (FL) (Wasserman Schultz) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (Stevens) Newman (Beyer) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Pallone) Porter (Neguse) Rice (SC) (Meijer) Rogers (KY) (Reschenthaler) Rush (Neguse) Salazar (Diaz-Balart) Sires (Pallone) Stansbury (Stevens) Strickland (Neguse) Suozzi (Neguse) Swalwell (Correa) Takano (Chu) Tlaib (Gomez) Walorski (Baird) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Wilson (FL) (Williams (GA))
RECOGNIZING MATT McLOGAN AND HIS YEARS OF SERVICE AT GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Peter Meijer (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize West Michigan's own Grand Valley State University Vice President Matthew E. McLogan, who for nearly 35 years has delivered unparalleled leadership and expertise to our region's academic communities. prgtoken Originally hired in 1987, he is the longest serving executive officer in university history. Prior to his time at GVSU, Matt was a fixture in broadcast news and served honorably as Michigan's former Public Service Commissioner. He took the exceptional skillset he built in these professions and brought it to GVSU. prgtoken When Matt joined Grand Valley and became a Laker, the school's lone campus was home to just 8,000 students. Now, as of 2022, the Laker community has grown nearly threefold, boasting over 23,000 students across five locations. The university's technological centers, libraries, and resources are now the envy of competing institutions at home in West Michigan and across the Nation. prgtoken Having served through the previous four of five university presidents, Matt facilitated and witnessed firsthand Grand Valley State University's historic expansion. For years, he has been essential to the success of Grand Valley's executive leadership, playing a crucial role in government and alumni relations, the school's marketing programs, and as secretary to the Board of Trustees. prgtoken Matt maintains responsibility for some of the institution's most memorable accomplishments: the university's presence on Grand Rapids' famous Medical Mile, the school's unprecedented expansion, and game- changing additions requiring public support. Matt is known widely throughout our community as one of West Michigan's best promoters and academic professionals. prgtoken Largely due to the leadership and expertise of Vice President McLogan, Grand Valley State University is poised to continue unprecedented growth for many years to come. Matt has brought great fortune to the Lakers, and there is no doubt that the successes of his leadership have made a lasting impact on our community. prgtoken Madam , it is my distinct honor to take this time to recognize the accomplishments of this distinguished leader. I applaud Matt for his decades of selfless leadership and service to the Grand Valley community and can say with great certainty that his accomplishments will not soon be forgotten.
THE ONLY CHOICE IS LIFE
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , we always hear preach about choice when it comes to the issue of abortion. However, we never hear them discuss the other side of the coin, choosing life instead of death. prgtoken We do not hear them condemn criminal acts, such as the defacing of prgtoken churches or crisis pregnancy centers being firebombed and vandalized by radical progressive activists. prgtoken If they believe choice is so important, why don't they respect the people who refuse to choose death and instead choose life? prgtoken use ``choice'' as a subjective term. They agree with choice as long as you agree with them--choice on their terms. prgtoken Madam , Americans overwhelmingly choose life. We would all do well to remember that.
TRIBUTE TO RON NUTZ
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-6-23

I rise today to recognize and thank Mr. Ron Nutz of Haddam, KS. prgtoken Last September, I traveled to Washington County and met many outstanding Kansans, amongst them was Mr. Ron Nutz. Ron is responsible for spearheading the construction of the Mark Nutsch Horse Soldier Monument and the 9/11 Memorial in Washington County, KS. Mark Nutsch served as a Ranger in the Army and as a special forces officer, deploying on multiple combat tours. Shortly following the 9/11 attacks on our country, he led his team into northern Afghanistan and fought against the Taliban and al-Qaeda, much of the time on horseback. prgtoken I would like to thank Ron for the work he has done towards the completion of this project. The monument will depict a soldier on horseback and will also incorporate the stone, lapis lazuli, which is found throughout Afghanistan. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on June 27. prgtoken I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ron Nutz for all of his hard work, as well as in wishing him nothing but success in the future.
SUPPORT THE RESILIENCY OF OUR NATION'S GREAT VETERANS ACT OF 2022
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , I rise today in enthusiastic support of H.R. 6411, the Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act, commonly known as the STRONG Act. prgtoken I am proud that this legislation includes language from my bill, H.R. 4233, the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. I introduced this bill alongside Ranking Member Bost to aid veteran transition back to civilian life, especially for those looking to further their education. prgtoken Far too often, we see the tragedy of our selfless defenders losing their battle to mental health issues when returning from service. The intention of our provision is to aid more of our veterans who are readjusting to civilian lives by providing them with overdue access to vital mental health resources. prgtoken This is especially personal to my district, as I represent 89,000 veterans, many of whom are or will be receiving benefits via the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. prgtoken Regardless of which side of the aisle we sit on, we have an obligation to make sure that our counseling services are more accessible for our veterans, and I am glad that the STRONG Act focuses on this obligation. prgtoken My provision would expand counseling and mental health support to student veterans through the VA's readjustment counseling centers, also known as Vet Centers. These centers provide individual, group, marriage, and family counseling, as well as peer support opportunities for Active-Duty servicemembers, veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and certain military family members. Vet Centers are community based, confidential, and free. prgtoken A recent RAND study shows that 20 percent of veterans on the GI Bill face feelings of depression from PTSD. That 20 percent amounts to over 170,000 veterans, double the number of veterans in my district. prgtoken Currently, the option of student veterans using school psychologists, in actuality, provides very little relief for our veterans. The director of policy and advocacy for the National Association of School Psychologists has reported that the national ratio of school psychologists to students is anywhere from 1 to 2,000 to 1 to 5,000.
TRIBUTE TO DALE W. MOORE
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-6-23

I would like to recognize Dale W. Moore for dedicating more than 40 years of his professional life to being a champion for agriculture in the public and private sector. prgtoken For the past 10 years, Dale has served farmers and ranchers as a leader at the American Farm Bureau Federation, first as executive director, public policy, then vice president, public affairs, and finally spending the past 4 years of his career serving as the executive vice president. prgtoken Dale served as chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under four Secretaries of Agriculture, served as legislative director for the House Agriculture Committee, and as a legislative assistant for then-Representative Pat Roberts, who represented the ``Big First'' district of Kansas. prgtoken Dale's Kansas roots run deep. He is a native of Copeland, KS, with a population of approximately 250 people. Dale grew up on a livestock, hay, and grain farm, where he learned firsthand the intricacies of agriculture, the value of hard work, and fostered an appreciation of rural America that he carried with him throughout his entire career. prgtoken Dale received a bachelor of science in animal science and biology from Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, KS, where he participated in activities such as Rodeo Club, Block and Bridle Club, and Delta Tau Alpha. prgtoken In all of his roles throughout his illustrious career, Dale earned a reputation that continues with him today as a mentor, problem solver, counselor, and storyteller whose commitment sets a shining example for policymakers across the political spectrum. Dale has not only been an advocate for farmers and ranchers, but has contributed to the strength of American farm and ranch families, serving as a trusted friend and advisor to many. prgtoken On behalf of this body, the U.S. Senate, it my honor to recognize and thank Dale W. Moore for his dedication to agriculture and service to the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Congress and to congratulate him on his retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-6-23

June is Great Outdoors Month. It is a theme prgtoken that definitely speaks to me. I am an outdoors guy through and through. I love pheasant hunting, boating, swimming, running. I will shoot hoops whenever I get the chance, indoors or outdoors, but this is nothing better than doing it outdoors. prgtoken When I was a kid, my dad attached a basket to a pole in our backyard, and there was nothing my siblings and I liked better than spending long summer days and sometimes fall days and spring days shooting hoops in our backyard in Murdo. prgtoken The outdoors was a huge part of my life as a kid. We spent the long summer days outside, barring the hour every day my mother made us come inside to read. On summer evenings, my dad would take us to get ice cream cones, and then we would drive down to the White River to watch the sunset. prgtoken Another outdoor pastime we embraced was hunting. My dad taught my siblings and me to hunt, and I loved going out with him. Pheasant hunting remains one of my favorite outdoor activities, and I get excited every year as the third Saturday in October--the official start to pheasant season--rolls around. prgtoken It is a tradition that I am happy to be able to share with the next generation, as my dad shared it with me. There is nothing better than a day spent outdoors with friends and family, followed by a communal meal, sometimes involving pheasant. prgtoken Being in the outdoors isn't just enjoyable; I think it is a part of the good life. The health benefits of time spent outdoors are well- established, and I know a day--or even an hour--out in the fresh air always clears my mind and refreshes my spirit. prgtoken With more and more of our life spent in front of screens, I think time spent outdoors and disconnected is even more important than ever. I am grateful for all those hours we spent as kids running around outside and for family activities outdoors, like our summer trip to the Black Hills. We used to go out there for Labor Day, stay in this little non-air-conditioned cabin and just enjoy the outdoors. prgtoken We would hike, and we would visit caves. We would go to Mount Rushmore, head to the lake--I loved and still love visiting Sylvan Lake in South Dakota. prgtoken I loved being there with my parents and siblings, and I loved taking my daughters there on trips like the ones I took growing up. Nobody who visits South Dakota should miss the Black Hills. prgtoken I am not sure there is a more beautiful place on Earth--the interplay of light and shadow on the trees and rocks late on a summer afternoon, the endless South Dakota sky reflected in the blue of Sylvan Lake and other lakes in the Black Hills, the Milky Way carpeting the night sky with millions of diamonds. There is no better place to spend time in the great outdoors than South Dakota. prgtoken Our State is filled with natural wonders, the Missouri River, Jewel Cave and Wind Cave, two of the longest caves in th
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING-- Continued
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-23

tomorrow will mark 1 month since the tragic shooting in Uvalde, TX. prgtoken A high school dropout with a history of violence and mental health struggles purchased 2 AR-15s within days of turning 18, and he passed a background check. prgtoken He then shot his own grandmother because she wanted him to go back into the classroom rather than drop out of school, and then went to the Robb Elementary School through an unlocked door. prgtoken He then opened fire on two fourth-grade classrooms, killing 19 students and 2 teachers. prgtoken The American people were shocked, outraged, and devastated by this attack and collectively asked: How can we prevent this from happening again? prgtoken Well, the discussion surrounding this topic causes emotions to run high, and I understand why. prgtoken For too long, some politicians have tried to pit the right to live in a safe community against the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. They make it seem like our country can only have one or the other--either the Second Amendment or safe schools and churches and grocery stores. And, of course, this is a false choice. prgtoken Law-abiding gun owners are not the problem. Men and women who buy guns to protect themselves and their family to hunt or engage in sports--they are not a public safety problem. prgtoken Following the shooting, I promised to do everything in my power to try to answer that call to do something. I don't believe in doing nothing in the face of what we saw in Uvalde and we have seen in far too many communities. Doing nothing is an abdication of our responsibility as representatives of the American people here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken At the same time, I reiterated my bottom line, which is: I would not support any provisions that infringed on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Again, they are not the problem. prgtoken But I knew that this effort was about the art of the possible; looking at areas where we could agree and setting aside those areas where we could not. prgtoken I was fortunate to find partners who were thoughtful and realistic about how we could pass this bill. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Murphy, Senator Sinema, Senator Tillis, as well as a larger group of Senators without whom this legislation would not be on the cusp of passage. Thank you. Thank you for not listening to the naysayers and the critics and those who would spew disinformation and outright lies about what we are doing here and for standing up to the responsibility that we all have as U.S. Senators to do our very best to make progress, to try to answer the call in the face of these tragedies, and try, in the end, to save lives, which is what this is all about. prgtoken Now, less than 1 month after the shooting in Uvalde, the Senate will vote soon on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This legislation will protect our schools, protect our communities, and safeguard the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding ci
BIDEN'S BABY FORMULA CRISIS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , in the past 18 months, President has shown the American people that he and his administration are not prepared to lead. prgtoken According to a new whistleblower report, problems at the Michigan baby formula plant were actually reported to the U.S. Department of Labor in February of 2021. Instead of addressing this crisis head-on, the administration squandered precious time. As a result, American families were unable to buy the formula that their infant children so desperately need. prgtoken As a father, I think back on shopping for children's formula for my own children, and I am saddened by the thought of parents arriving today at the grocery store and seeing empty shelf after empty shelf. prgtoken The longer President remains in office, one thing continues to become clear: Americans cannot afford the failed leadership that has allowed this crisis and so many crises to continue.