mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RESPONSIVENESS TO RECORDS REQUESTS AND TRICARE COVERAGE OF COVID TESTS
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to extend remarks I made earlier this session during debate of this year's National Defense Authorization Act. During that floor debate, and many times previously, I spoke about the lack of accountability at the Department of Defense and the need for enhanced oversight. In keeping with this lack of accountability not only to the American taxpayer, but Congress itself, I wish to publicly request information from the Department that my staff has solicited since July of 2018. Namely, I seek information on behalf of Wisconsin-based PFC Lawrence Gordon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that works to locate and identify servicemembers who remain missing as a result of armed conflicts. This request for information on behalf of a constituent is now entering its fifth year of processing--the time has come for the Department to be responsive to this records request. prgtoken Additionally, I also wish to mention another concern relayed to me by a separate constituent--TRICARE's inability to reimburse beneficiaries for personally purchased COVID tests from local drugstores. I encourage the Secretary to examine this matter and consider amending TRICARE reimbursement practices, and I look forward to working with him to address the concern (particularly during the current increases in positivity rates across the country).
NATO
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-8-2

now, I am about to lock in an agreement that will allow the Senate to pass the resolution of ratification for the Finnish and Swedish applications to join NATO. Our NATO alliance is the bedrock that has guaranteed democracy in the Western World since World War II. This strengthens NATO even further and is particularly needed in the light of recent Russian aggression. prgtoken When Leader McConnell and I met with the Finnish President and Swedish Prime Minister in May, we committed to do this as fast as we could and certainly before we go home for the August recess. prgtoken With the help of Chair Menendez, Ranking Member Risch, Senator Shaheen, and Senator Tillis, we were able to get to this point. prgtoken I appreciate their hard work and bipartisan work. I know Leader McConnell does too. For the awareness of my colleagues, I invited the Ambassadors from Finland and Sweden to join us in the Gallery during our debate and votes tomorrow.
RECOGNIZING ART PULASKI
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Art Pulaski, who is retiring after 26 years with the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, which represents over 2 million union members in manufacturing, transportation, construction, service and the public sector. prgtoken Art has a long history with labor advocacy. He began his organizing career at age 16 when, as a supermarket clerk, he joined the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union. After working his way through college and graduate school, he worked as a union organizer. prgtoken Art most recently served as the Chief Officer, after serving as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, where he built coalitions with union and community groups to protect workers and retirees. Under his leadership, the Federation has more than doubled in size and has had numerous legislative achievements. The Federation restored daily overtime pay, raised the minimum wage, and passed the nation's first Paid Family Leave law. prgtoken In 2010, the Federation led a successful campaign to ensure that every California in Congress voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act. Furthermore, in 2003, Art led the creation of the Stand for California Coalition, a group of labor unions, religious organizations, civil rights groups and business interests, as well as helped to develop the Apollo Alliance, a national coalition for cleaner energy and better jobs. prgtoken Art has also served on numerous gubernatorial panels and commissions on economic progress and workforce development. He was a founder of one of California's model childcare centers, called PalCare, and served as president of nationally televised PBS series ``We Do the Work'', the Labor Project for Working Families and the California Works Foundation. prgtoken Art has spent his career protecting our community by advocating for workers, ensuring they are paid fairly, and improving workplace conditions. Art will be missed by the entire Federation but is looking forward to continuing his commitment to the labor community as a volunteer and spending time with his four children: Erin, Katie, Luke, and Kaleb, and his two grandchildren, Wilder and August.
HONORING EVELYN DIXON WILLIAMS
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the 107th birthday of Dania Beach Centenarian, Evelyn Dixon Williams. prgtoken Evelyn Dixon Williams, a Dania Beach resident and pioneer, will celebrate her 107th birthday on August 2, 2022. Born in 1915, Mrs. Williams has witnessed much change in her lifetime and continues to be healthy and aware. She is someone who has been kind and generous throughout her lifetime and is truly an inspiration to others. prgtoken Born in Mosely Town, Georgia, and raised in neighboring Vidalia, Evelyn Williams and her husband Alonzo Williams moved to Coconut Grove, Florida, in 1935 and later relocated to Dania with their two sons-- Deotis and Luriel. The Williams family were early members of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in the Liberia (Hollywood) neighborhood, bordering Dania Beach. prgtoken Mrs. Williams is an encouraging influence in our community, where she has supported young people in pursuing higher education and professional goals. She regularly visited elderly, homebound and nursing home residents--often bringing fruit, staying to read and pray, and always delivering a message of prgtoken hope and Godly love. Evelyn Williams' activism included serving in the Broward Civic Improvement Association--an organization devoted to assisting families in need and ensuring improvements in housing and area schools. Recognized by the Broward County Historical Society as a dedicated poll worker of nearly 50 years, Mrs. Williams was also honored by the City of Dania Beach on her 100th birthday as a noteworthy pioneer for her many years of community service; and as a Broward County centenarian during the County's Centennial Celebration. In her advanced years, Evelyn Dixon Williams continues to be a gracious lady of dignity, demonstrating the resilience of a life well-lived. prgtoken I wish Mrs. Williams a hearty congratulations on this milestone birthday, and I am grateful for her invaluable work to improve the lives of those in Florida's 23rd Congressional District and across Broward County.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , on July 29, 2022, I missed four roll call votes. Had I been present I would have voted: prgtoken YES--Roll Call Vote 414--Continental Divide Trail Completion Act; prgtoken YES--Roll Call Vote 415--Big Cat Public Safety Act; prgtoken YES--Roll Call Vote 416--STREAM Act; and prgtoken NAY--Roll Call Vote 417--To include certain computer-related projects in the Federal permitting program under title XLI of the FAST Act, and for other purposes.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-2

I rise to speak in support of legislation that I introduced today along with Senators Booker, Wyden, Duckworth, Padilla, and Warren: the Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act. This is a companion to legislation introduced by Congressman Adam Schiff in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Our bill would ban the importation and exportation of orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales for public display, with an exception for animals being released to a marine sanctuary or back to the wild. prgtoken Our bill would also prohibit breeding captive whales to raise their newborns for public display, ensuring that the current generation of these whales in captivity would be the last. prgtoken The evidence is clear: Orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales are intelligent and emotionally complex animals that cannot thrive in captivity. In the wild, these whales can travel up to 100 miles per day and dive hundreds of feet deep. prgtoken However, many animals in captivity live in tanks so small they cannot even turn around. Often, these whales are so stressed that they gnaw on the concrete walls of their tanks until the dental nerves of their teeth are exposed, permanently damaging their teeth and requiring constant antibiotics. prgtoken The inhumane confinement for these animals has consequences, which are made clear when news breaks of yet another whale dying well before its time. In the wild, the average orca lives for 40 years. Orcas in captivity in the United States typically live only 12 years. Although no orca has ever been documented attacking a human in the wild, in captivity, these whales have been documented to lash out at their human trainers, causing severe harm or death. prgtoken Despite these well-established facts, more than 50 whales remain in captivity across the United States. My home State of California has already banned orca shows and breeding, and some exhibitors like SeaWorld have promised to end their orca breeding programs. prgtoken It is long past time for Federal Government to apply this policy to the whale species that suffer the most in captivity and end this cruel practice. Our bill, which is endorsed by 15 animal welfare organizations, would do just that. prgtoken , by passing my bill, the Senate can prevent the needless suffering and deaths of these majestic animals who truly belong in the wild. I urge my colleagues to join us in cosponsoring the SWIMS Act.
REMEMBERING RODRIGO ``ROD'' GARCIA
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-2

I rise to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Rodrigo ``Rod'' Garcia, a man who dedicated his life to empowering and advocating for the next generation of young Latino STEM students and professionals. prgtoken Born in 1943 in Los Angeles, CA, Rod learned early on the importance of higher education and public service. After graduating from the California State University in Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree of science in engineering, he worked for the city of Los Angeles as a civil engineer. prgtoken As one of the few Hispanic engineers at the time, Rod saw the need to diversify California's booming tech and STEM fields. Beginning in 1973, he gathered fellow Hispanic engineers in his own garage to create fellowship and determine how to expand opportunities prgtoken for their community. In 1974, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, also known as SHPE, was officially founded and incorporated. As the founder, Rod had a vision to advance networking and education opportunities for other young Latino students and professionals in the engineering field. And almost 50 years later, the SHPE has grown to include over 13,000 members and 286 chapters nationwide. Through Rod's leadership and vision, SHPE has impacted the lives of thousands of Latinos, including myself. prgtoken I first met Rod as a young mechanical engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As a young Latino from Los Angeles, joining SHPE gave me a sense of belonging. Rod always took the time to engage with students, hear their unique stories, and encourage them to complete a STEM degree. Rod dedicated his life to ensuring that fellow Latinos had opportunities and understood the value of a STEM degree in the real world. prgtoken Rod left behind an incredible legacy that will continue to live on. He will be remembered for his devotion and advocacy and for his ability to empower the Latino community. I am eternally grateful for Rod's impact on my own life. The American dream endures because of leaders like Rod Garcia, who don't shut the door to opportunity as they walk through it, but who open it wider for those who come next. prgtoken My wife Angela and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife Cynthia Cathy Wong, his children Marlene Tomasina Zamora, Marianne Pilar Garcia, and Rodrick Fitzgerald Garcia, and the rest of his family and friends.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COMPLETION ACT
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 5118, the Wildlife Response and Drought Resiliency Act. This much- needed legislation will take steps to help protect communities from the devastating consequences of extreme weather events by providing crucial investment and response measures to help prevent and respond to wildfire, drought, and other climate related weather issues. These provisions include disaster assistance and environmental justice measures for communities disproportionately harmed by drought, wildfire, and other extreme weather events. prgtoken Extreme weather exacerbated by the climate crisis is increasingly wreaking havoc throughout our country, putting lives in danger while causing tremendous damage on private property and public lands. Currently, much of the western United States is experiencing the driest conditions in over 1,200 years. It is estimated that 1 in 6 Americans live in areas of significant wildfire risk and more than 65 million experienced severe to exceptional drought this summer. Portions of our country are suffering under intense heat waves while in other places, too much rain in too short a period is causing flooding. My heart goes out to families of those who have died in flooding in Kentucky, a toll that stood at 30 at last report, with many still missing. prgtoken The Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act includes policies and resources to strengthen federal efforts to better understand, prevent, and respond to wildfires and other extreme weather events that are affecting our nation, including calling for a 10-year federal wildfire strategy and supporting our federal wildland firefighters and land managers who are on the frontlines in the fight to protect communities and lives. The bill would also create a National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program that would coordinate Federal efforts to reduce the loss of life and property from wildland fires especially in the face of a changing climate. prgtoken The Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act delivers critical drought relief for communities in several ways including authorizing investments in new water supply projects, promoting the delivery of reliable water to Native American communities, and supporting the development of technologies to enhance effective water management. prgtoken I want to take a moment to highlight the bill's provisions on environmental justice because we know that some communities bear a disproportionate share of the burden of extreme weather events as they do environmental hazards such as poor air and water quality, lead exposure, and other environmental threats. For example, in Kentucky, some of the worse hit areas of the recent flooding are low-income. A recent EPA study found that people of color, regardless of region or income, are significantly more likely to live with exposure to air pollution. This leaves communities of color at a heightened risk of developing health complica
HONORING SHERIFF DEVON BELL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , today I rise to recognize my good friend, Placer County Sheriff Devon Bell. We celebrate his retirement and job well done regarding his service and legacy to the people of Placer County and the State of California. prgtoken Working with Sheriff Bell for over 12 years has been a pleasure. I have enjoyed the friendship that has developed as we have partnered on many critical issues. He has proven to be someone I can always depend on, and his deep devotion to public safety made it easy for me to support him. prgtoken Since 1992 Sheriff Bell has been committed to protecting the citizens of Placer County. I am not surprised how he rose through the ranks. Devon is a man of integrity, humor, dedicated work ethic, and a friend to many. He is a man of great character who can be trusted to do the right thing. prgtoken Sheriff Bell holds bachelor of arts in criminal justice management from Union Institute and University, a master of arts in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 222nd Session. This education, coupled with his decades of experience, provided him the background needed to be elected 28th Sheriff-Coroner-Marshall of Placer County. prgtoken Sheriff Bell has been active in the California State Sheriffs Association for nearly 20 years. He began as a legislative committee member, where his voice was essential in passing and rallying against legislation affecting law enforcement throughout California. Devon has served in many capacities on the California State Sheriffs Association Board of Directors and was the Second Vice President at retirement. prgtoken I have observed Sheriff Bell's devotion to those in the law enforcement community and our community in the time he spent on the KidsFirst Board and the Placer Sheriffs Activity League. His service to our community was indispensable and appreciated. prgtoken I wish the best to Devon, Sue, and their children and grandchildren in his retirement. Wherever their path takes them and for all the adventures yet to come, I am grateful for the time he and his family sacrificed for our community. prgtoken God bless my friend Devon on this next chapter in his life. I thank him for all he has done for us here in the North State. Best wishes in retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-8-2

a lot has been said about my amendment that is completely false, mostly outside of this Chamber, so let me say very simply what it does. My amendment does only one thing, it would maintain the current policy of classifying currently authorized VA healthcare spending as discretionary spending, rather than change that classification going forward to mandatory spending as the PACT Act would allow. prgtoken My amendment does not cap any spending. It does not reduce veteran spending. It does not change the classification of PACT Act spending. prgtoken But by preventing this change in classification, we would prevent a budget gimmick that is designed to grease the skids for up to $400 billion in totally unrelated spending. prgtoken So let's pass the PACT Act, but let's pass it without enabling an unrelated $400 billion spending spree. Support my amendment.
RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN DAVID SUMAYA
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor Hanford Fire Department Captain David Sumaya for his 33 years of service to the Central Valley community. prgtoken Captain Sumaya was born and raised in Hanford, California. As a young man, he knew he wanted to serve the community he had lived in all his life and found the best way for him to do so was to become a firefighter. In 1989, he began his work in the fire service and joined Hanford Volunteer Firefighters. As a volunteer firefighter, he ran calls out of the old Lacey Boulevard Fire Station, even working on fire engines from the 1940s. prgtoken In 1991, Captain Sumaya was hired as a full-time firefighter with the Hanford Fire Department. Throughout his decorated career, he held every position in the Department, eventually rising to the rank of Captain. Additionally, he served as one of the original members of the Hanford Fire Department Investigation team, helping the Department understand the causes of fires throughout the community. prgtoken Over his three decades of service, Captain Sumaya served as a role model for all members of the Hanford Fire Department. He has been a source of inspiration for young firefighters in the Department, and a great resource for veteran members. His dedication to his community is an inspiration to us all, and his legacy within the Hanford Fire Department will live on forever. prgtoken I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Captain David Sumaya for his 33 years of service and dedication to the City of Hanford.
Flooding in Kentucky (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-8-2

we learn more each day about the devastating toll that ongoing flooding has inflicted on Eastern Kentucky. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, Kentuckians are grieving lost family members and friends and neighbors. prgtoken One of the victims of last weekend's flash floods was Gabe Hensley, a 30-year-old coal miner and father. Gabe was working a shift when the floods hit. On his way home to rescue his wife and son, he stopped to help a man who had wrecked a four-wheeler. He cleared trees and turned people away from danger. Then, tragically, the floodwaters swept Gabe away. prgtoken As Gabe's cousin told the Herald-Leader yesterday, ``Eastern Kentucky lost a hero.'' prgtoken We are all grieving for the men, women, and children this flood has taken from us. The Hensley family has asked that people honor Gabe by helping other flood victims. Flooding, high winds, and power outages are still ongoing, and forecasters predict more heavy rainfall in the region throughout next week. The threat of even more disaster in Eastern Kentucky is acute. prgtoken I spoke with the Governor, State legislative leaders, and officials on the ground in Eastern Kentucky yesterday. They echoed the need for food, cleaning supplies, and water. prgtoken In such dire times, the ray of hope is the fact that generous Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth are hearing these calls for help and answering loud and clear. Already, the Eastern Kentucky relief fund has received about $2.3 million in charitable donations. Across my home State, from the Winchester VWF to neighborhood restaurants in Northern Kentucky, locals are organizing donation drives. The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville's men's basketball teams are both fundraising for flood relief, and police departments from around the region donated cruisers to help with search and rescue. prgtoken All this generosity will play a crucial role as we begin to rebuild. As the officials I spoke to emphasized, it will be a long road ahead for the families affected by these awful floods. But I know I speak for every Kentuckian when I say: We will be with them every single step of the way.