mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING MRS. LEIGH WALKER FOR A LIFE OF SERVICE
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-6-7

I rise today to recognize a dedicated citizen from the greatest generation of Americans, Mrs. Leigh Walker. prgtoken Mrs. Walker represents the best of patriotism and what it means to be an American. Eighty-three years ago, a fifteen-year-old in California heard a call to help her country. Pearl Harbor had been attacked, the United States entered the war, and women had just begun joining the war effort. Miss Leigh and her mother were two of the many civilians who reported for duty. Women across the country worked long hours and long weeks, including Leigh and her mother. After months of training, Miss Leigh became a certified welder and began working on ships in Richmond, California at only sixteen years old. prgtoken The SS Red Oak Victory, a ship named for the small town in Iowa, was among the ships Mrs. Walker remembers working on. Built to last, this naval ship is still docked in Richmond today. Now no longer used for war, it is a testament to the skill and perseverance exemplified by young women during the war. Miss Leigh and many of her peers rose to the occasion and served their country well with strength and dedication. prgtoken After the war, Leigh married Leland Walker, who was a highly skilled steamfitter and boilermaker. Together they moved across the country to Tennessee, which is still their home over 70 years later. Together, they raised two children: Jerry Walker, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and Marcia Chandler, an elementary school teacher of 46 years. Mrs. Walker and the late Mr. Walker have four grandchildren. prgtoken Leigh Walker served her community in many informal ways as well. Mrs. Walker spent nearly twenty years helping her daughter's students with reading and writing. She was a reliable volunteer at the high school baseball games where her son-in-law coached and spent many years making cakes treasured by her community for various events. prgtoken Today, she is 97 years old and still resides in Dickson County, Tennessee. The advice she leaves speaks to her legacy; ``Be honest, love your family, and always vote.'' prgtoken Leigh Walker's life is a testament to the American spirit of duty and service, and it is with the greatest respect that I recognize her today.
CONGRATULATING JACKIE KALLEN ON HER INDUCTION INTO THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-6-7

I rise today to congratulate an inspiring trailblazer and groundbreaking Michigan woman, Jackie Kallen, on her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. prgtoken A Michigan native, Jackie Kallen--born Kaplan--has made an indelible mark on the world of boxing. In an industry that has historically been led by men, Jackie broke through barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in sports management, journalism, and competitive boxing. prgtoken Jackie's journey began in the 1970s when, as a show business journalist, she interviewed stars like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and the Rolling Stones. In 1977, she began her focus on sports after interviewing Thomas Hearns, then a boxing prospect from the Kronk gym in Detroit. From there, she would serve as Hearns' publicist over the next decade and became a familiar name in Detroit's competitive boxing scene. prgtoken In 1988, she made the transition from publicist to manager, where she began guiding the careers of figures like Bobby Hitz, James Tony, and Bronco McKart. Because of Jackie's dedication, she has led fighters to championships, built incredible careers, and inspired countless fans. prgtoken In 2004, Kallen was the inspiration for the film Against the Ropes and has gone on to author two books, produce a film, and make nationwide appearances as a motivation speaker. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jackie as she celebrates this outstanding occasion. I am proud to celebrate such an inspiring figure work will be sure to inspire generations to come.
HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO MELISSA ICE
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-7

I rise today to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Melissa Ice. Melissa saw her first incidence of human trafficking when visiting China as a missional director for a church in Fort Worth. During that time, she also visited women in brothels in China, bringing them baked goods and offering them jobs at the bakery to help them get out and start a new life. After these experiences, Melissa realized how little support there was for homeless women in Fort Worth and the young girls on the streets who were being exploited. prgtoken In 2012, Melissa founded The Net, an organization that supports women and children in North Texas who have been victims of sex trafficking. After six years of doing incredible work providing care and recovery for survivors, she went on to found Worthy Co. which gives women employment after they graduate from The Net programs. Women employed at Melissa's organization have the chance to become artisans, learning everything from jewelry making, candle pouring, order fulfillment, and shipping. They're also taught life skills, such as time management and what it means to work in a healthy environment. Melissa's organizations have grown so big that they're opening a secondary location where they'll also educate the community about the issue of human trafficking and exploitation. prgtoken I'd like to thank Melissa for her dedication to supporting victims of human trafficking.
HONORING PROFESSOR HEIDE WHELAN
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-7

I rise to recognize the career of Professor Heide Whelan, Professor Emerita of History at Dartmouth College. Professor Whelan grew up in Lubeck, Germany in the aftermath of World War II. prgtoken One of her earliest memories was of Russian tank units stationed less than a mile from her childhood home. This experience informed her love of freedom, democracy, and independent thought. She later emigrated to the United States, becoming a naturalized citizen, and used her personal experiences to illuminate Central European and Russian history. Professor Whelan was a masterful teacher who brought her fascination with and love of Russian culture and history to decades of students at Dartmouth. Her classes on Soviet history were consistently oversubscribed and some of the most popular on campus. prgtoken Professor Whelan was also a friend and mentor to students--she led several foreign study programs and provided guidance and personal friendship to her students. She cared about her students, and over thirty years later, her students still care for her.
NO HIDDEN FEES ON EXTRA EXPENSES FOR STAYS ACT OF 2023
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-11

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise to speak in support of H.R. 6543, the No Hidden FEES Act. prgtoken Far too often, when consumers go to check out of their hotel rooms, they are hit with surprise fees. Hotels and online travel agencies have many names for these types of fees, such as resort fees, amenities fees, facilities fees, to name just a few. Regardless of what they are called, surprise fees that consumers do not expect make it impossible to comparison shop and impose undue burdens on household finances. prgtoken That is why I am proud that President and House are working to prevent junk fees like these. H.R. 6543, the No Hidden FEES Act, is a bipartisan bill that will ensure that companies make available all mandatory fee information when they advertise a hotel room or other place of short-term lodging. prgtoken The bill would also require hotels and other providers of short-term lodging to provide the total cost of a room to any internet website or other third party that the provider has allowed to advertise, market, display, or otherwise offer the short-term lodging for sale. prgtoken By ensuring everyone in the short-term lodging ecosystem displays the full price of a stay, we will protect consumers from being caught paying extra when they go to check out. I commend my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Representative Castor and Representative Kim, for their leadership on this issue. prgtoken , .
Immigration (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to discuss an issue that I have been working on for quite some time. prgtoken It was over 20 years ago that I introduced the DREAM Act. I introduced it with Senator Orrin Hatch, who was then chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In fact, there was a little competition, at the start, as to who would be the first named on the bill. Senator Hatch insisted that he had the idea before me. I deferred to him, as being in the majority and as chairman of the committee. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation would provide a pathway to citizenship for young immigrants brought to the United States as children and allow them to remain in this country--in fact, the only country they have ever called home. prgtoken These young people grew up alongside our own children, with the same hopes of getting their first job, applying to college, getting a driver's license, having a bright future. And many have gone on to serve as doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, and first responders. prgtoken Yet, without congressional action for more than two decades, every day is spent in fear of their lives being uprooted, facing fear of deportation. prgtoken I am amazed when I think about the issue of immigration. When you really come to understand America and its place in the history of the world, you realize that we are first and foremost a nation of immigrants--people who have come from every corner of the world to be part of the American dream, who, despite the odds, have overcome hardship and really built a future for themselves and made this great Nation what it is today. And yet every successive generation seems to go through the debate as to whether or not immigration is a good thing. prgtoken I think we all agree that we need an orderly process at our borders and otherwise when it comes to immigration. I think we all agree that we cannot absorb every person in the world who wants to be part of the United States today. prgtoken We have a priority to first look at those who live in this country and to measure our needs economically with the reality of immigration. We also have an obligation to only allow those to come to this country who are going to be safe and not cause any danger to those of us who live here. These are the basics. prgtoken But having said that, we are in desperate need of immigrants coming to this country for so many reasons. prgtoken Just yesterday, I was in Chicago taking a look at a new, innovative research project that is going on with our Department of Defense. The gentleman who was showing me the project is named Ben Hernandez. It is called Numat, N-U-M-A-T. It is a new material that will keep our troops safe from biological and chemical warfare. prgtoken It is amazing. His partner in this effort is Dr. Farha. Dr. Farha is Palestinian. He came to this country and used his skill to engage in this effort to keep our men and women in uniform safer--another immigrant, another
FERC Nominations (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to discuss three individuals who have been nominated by President to serve as members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, also known as FERC, F-E-R-C. prgtoken Just last week, climate scientists announced that our planet has surpassed the water half-degree-Celsius warming threshold for the 12th consecutive month. The signs of climate change are all around us. Alaska's rivers are turning orange as a result of rapidly melting permafrost and the resulting chemical reaction. Much of the Western United States is experiencing temperatures 20 to 30 degrees hotter than usual for this time of year, and scientists tell us that there is more carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere today than ever before--in history. We are running out of time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change. Having said that, I have always believed that in adversity lies opportunity, and there is still time today, and there is still opportunity today. prgtoken Thankfully, last Congress, the Presiding Officer and I and a bunch of other folks on this floor passed the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act--two once-in-a-generation investments in infrastructure and in fighting climate change. Together, these laws are making and stimulating the investments in clean energy and infrastructure that we need in order to reduce our emissions and to meet our climate goals. As a result, more clean energy projects are in the pipeline in this country than ever before. In fact, according to the Clean Investment Monitor, clean energy and transportation investment hit a record $71 billion in the first quarter of this year-- that is $71 billion with a ``b'' this year--dwarfing last year's $51 billion in the same timeframe. prgtoken We haven't stopped there. We haven't stopped there. The administration is taking strong steps to build a more efficient and effective environmental review process in order to connect clean energy to the grid as soon as possible. For example, in April of this year, the Council on Environmental Quality issued their final rule to implement changes to something called the National Environmental Policy Act made by the Fiscal Responsibility Act last year. This rule reforms the permitting process and will accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, like solar, like wind, and like battery storage-- all while advancing environmental justice and ensuring that communities have a voice in the build-out of critical infrastructure. prgtoken One might ask, how does the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission support our clean energy future? Well, that is a good question. Let me take a shot at it. prgtoken As it turns out, connecting clean energy to the electric grid and delivering this energy to consumers who demand it remains one of the major challenges prgtoken to help transition our grid to reliable, carbon-free sources. prgtoken With well over 2 tera
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to honor Univision 34 Atlanta's ``Liga de Campeones'' initiative for its 20-year commitment to empowering Georgia's Hispanic youth through education. prgtoken Since 2004, this initiative has provided invaluable support to high school seniors and college students, recognizing their academic excellence, perseverance, and dedication to community service. ``Liga de Campeones'' stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the resilience and determination of our youth in the face of adversity. By awarding scholarships and amplifying the stories of recipients on Univision 34 Atlanta's television and digital platforms, the program inspires others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. prgtoken Through ``Liga de Campeones,'' Univision 34 and its local partners have helped over 150 students overcome challenges and achieve their educational aspirations. prgtoken As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Univision 34 Atlanta as they celebrate this 20-year milestone of ``Liga de Campeones'' and for their continued positive impact on Georgia's Hispanic youth.
Tribute to John Squire Drendel (Executive Session)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to honor the memories of two incredible Nevadans who tragically passed away earlier this year. One is John Squire Drendel, and the other is Tom Rodriguez. These two men were dear friends of mine and fierce advocates for our communities in Nevada, and they will be sorely missed. So I would like to talk a little bit about them to all of you and to those who are listening as well. prgtoken John Squire Drendel, whom you see right here--I want to celebrate the life of this good friend, not just to me but to so many throughout Nevada, whose 100th birthday I recognized right here in the Senate, just a few months ago. prgtoken John dedicated his life to serving his fellow Nevadans and being a voice for those who had none, and, for 70 years, he shaped Nevada's legal community. prgtoken On August 4, 1923, John was born in Carson Valley, NV, a beautiful rural community just south of Carson City. In the midst of the Great Depression, John left home to work on a nearby ranch and complete his studies at Douglas County High School. prgtoken During his first semester at the University of Notre Dame, in the fall of 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor altered the trajectory of his life. John served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant and as a commander of a landing craft tank in Pacific Islands. prgtoken In 1945, when John was on leave from his Navy training, he came here to Washington, DC, where he met none other than President Harry Truman, as you see right here--you see him on the left--two inspiring men who spent their lives giving back to the community. prgtoken And following the end of World War II, John took advantage of the education benefits provided in the GI bill to complete his undergraduate education, and he attended law school at the University of Colorado. After obtaining his law degree, John returned home to Nevada with his wife Marilyn to raise their four children and work as a Nevada highway patrolman. prgtoken In 1950, John passed the Nevada bar exam and later partnered with William prgtoken O. Bradley to form Bradley & Drendel, a premier personal injury firm in Northern Nevada. And, in 1957, in order to make their services more accessible to their clients, the two selected a converted garage in Reno, NV, to serve as their firm's office. prgtoken Now, by 1970, John had solidified his reputation by representing a diesel mechanic from Ely, NV, who suffered from a debilitating injury while at work. John won the highest verdict awarded to a single plaintiff in the United States at that point in time, providing financial security for the mechanic and his family. And, today, his firm--that firm, Bradley & Drendel--continues to serve our community in Northern Nevada, and, currently, John's son Thomas is of counsel to the firm. prgtoken Now, you have to know that John was deeply respected by so many in Nevada--by his peers in Nevada's legal community, as a founding member and former president of th
REMEMBERING JOAN JACOBS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to celebrate the life of Joan Jacobs, who passed away on May 6 at the age of 91. Through her philanthropic efforts, Joan spent decades improving the educational, technological, and cultural landscape of San Diego. Joan Jacobs was born on January 17, 1933, in New York City. She attended Cornell University, where she received her bachelor of science degree in 1954. That same year, she would meet her husband of 70 years, Irwin Jacobs. The couple soon made San Diego their adopted home after Irwin accepted a job at the small engineering school taking shape at UC San Diego. Years later, Irwin cofounded Qualcomm, which has become one of the largest employers in the region. prgtoken Joan and Irwin began to use their resources to uplift the arts, education, and so many other important causes in San Diego. To this day, San Diegans cannot travel far without feeling the incredible impact that Joan Jacobs left on the region. prgtoken In 2002, Joan and Irwin donated $120 million to the once-bankrupt San Diego Symphony, allowing it to thrive and once again contribute to the cultural footprint of San Diego. prgtoken Additionally, the history of UC San Diego cannot be fully told without highlighting the remarkable impact Joan made on its campus. The Jacobs family has infused over $125 million into the UC San Diego School of Engineering. Today, the aptly named Irwin and Joan Jacobs School of Engineering is one of the top engineering schools in the country and boasts the highest enrollment of engineering students on the West Coast. Joan and Irwin also provided $100 million to help develop the Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego, which has become one of the finest teaching hospitals in the country and provides critical specialized care to San Diegans. prgtoken So many other organizations across San Diego have been the beneficiaries of Joan's generosity, including the San Diego Central Library, the La Jolla Playhouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Salk Institute, and the San Diego Food Bank. prgtoken Joan Jacobs has had an immeasurable impact on the city she loved and the community she served, and her legacy will be felt for generations to come. My heartfelt sympathies go out to my friend and colleague, Representative Sara Jacobs, and the entire Jacobs family. I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating the extraordinary life of Joan Jacobs.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS J. TICKNER
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional office in the U.S. Army, MG Thomas J. Tickner, who serves as the chief legislative liaison of the U.S. Army, and will retire from Active Duty after more that 33 distinguished years of active Federal service on 1 September 2024. Throughout his career, Major General Tickner has personified the highest standards of Army professionalism and the soldierly virtues of duty, integrity, and selfless service to the Army and our Nation. Many of us on Capitol Hill have enjoyed the opportunity to work with Major General Tickner, and it is my privilege to recognize his achievements. prgtoken Major General Tickner is a distinguished leader whose career in the U.S. Army has been marked by unwavering dedication and exceptional service. Born and raised in Wayne, PA, Major General Tickner embarked on his military journey with a commitment to excellence that would define his decades-long career. prgtoken Commissioned as a distinguished military graduate through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, known as the ROTC, in 1989, Major General Tickner began his service as a platoon prgtoken leader in the 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division--Air Assault. His early years in the Army laid the foundation for a remarkable career characterized by a tireless work ethic and a commitment to the mission. prgtoken Throughout his 33 years of service, Major General Tickner has held a variety of tactical, operational, and strategic assignments, each demanding excellence and leadership. From serving as a company commander in the 84th Engineer Battalion--Combat Heavy in Hawaii, to overseeing engineering operations in Afghanistan as the engineer director for the Combined Security Transition Command--Afghanistan, known as the CSTC-A, Major General Tickner's career has been defined by versatility and proficiency. prgtoken Major General Tickner's leadership roles have spanned the globe, including commanding the Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and serving as chief, Army Budget Liaison, in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller. Notably, Major General Tickner's tenure as commanding general of the North Atlantic Division, United States Army Corps of Engineers, in Brooklyn, NY, saw him overseeing an extensive program of projects aimed at supporting the military, protecting water resources, and mitigating disaster risks, among other critical objectives. prgtoken In July 2017, Major General Tickner assumed command of the Pacific Ocean Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where his responsibilities included engineering design, construction, and real estate management across a vast region encompassing Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing multibillion-dollar programs vital to regional security and cooperation. prgtoken Major General Tickner's commitment to