mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Israel (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-6-11

on Saturday, in a daring daytime raid, Israel rescued four innocent hostages who had suffered in Hamas captivity since October 7. The mission was the product of careful planning. It demanded the utmost secrecy, professionalism, and bravery. In the case of one elite commander, it required the ultimate sacrifice. prgtoken The people of Israel can take pride in their Nation's dedication to restoring its security and delivering justice for the brutal attacks that shattered a quiet Sabbath morning last fall. prgtoken Of course, the same operation also exposed even further the tremendous obstacle that continues to threaten Israel's sovereignty and block the prospect of peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. It brought into focus the appalling lengths to which hardened terrorists will go to sow chaos and exploit innocent suffering, and it raised uncomfortable questions about the broader complicity of some Palestinian civilians. prgtoken With the help of U.S. intelligence, the Israeli forces' mission led them not to the depths of Hamas terror tunnels but to the heart of a refugee camp run by the United Nations and to the family home of a Hamas terrorist who self-identified as a journalist. prgtoken So the brutal exploitation of civilians is a well-documented tactic in Hamas's playbook. These are, after all, the terrorists who repeatedly deploy their weapons and combatants in or beneath schools, hospitals, and mosques in order to use civilians as human shields. The detention of Israeli hostages in family homes is a predictable extension of this despicable practice, and every drop of blood spilt this weekend is the responsibility of the party that violated a cease- fire, launched a barbaric attack, took innocent hostages, and has refused calls from around the world to release them. prgtoken These are the basic facts, but predictably, they are not what we read over the weekend in the coverage of Western media. Instead of outrage that a Hamas terrorist would exploit their profession as a cover for hostage-keeping, major publications have directed their indignation at Israel for seeing through the prgtoken terrorists' flimsy cover as doctors and journalists and daring to bring its people home. prgtoken One major national newspaper's initial coverage of the raid made no mention of the fact that Hamas had chosen to hide its hostages in private homes. Just days after publishing its own analysis of the bogus casualty reporting of the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, another outlet reverted to breathlessly parroting the terrorist group's own death toll propaganda in the headlines of its coverage on the hostage rescue. And to the surprise of absolutely no one, the U.N.'s so-called Special Rapporteur on Palestinian human rights shamelessly accused Israel of using hostages to legitimize killing innocent civilians. prgtoken If this--if this--is the media diet the American people have to consume, then what came next
TRANSPARENCY AND PREDICTABILITY IN SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ACT
Mark Alford (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-6-11

. Madam , today, I rise to thank Chairman Williams and Majority Leader Scalise for helping get H.R. 8014, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, to this very House floor. prgtoken I am honored to serve on the Small Business Committee, especially having been a small business owner myself. The committee exists in Congress to champion Main Street and to make sure that the small businesses that employ about half of all Americans can continue to thrive. prgtoken Madam , our role is to help lower the barriers to creating small businesses and to support small businesses that already exist. It is quite simple, and I think this bill helps with that. prgtoken Major tools to help existing small businesses are government contracts specifically set aside for small businesses. prgtoken However, Federal agencies cancel contract solicitations often with no warning and no reason, leaving the small businesses that spent thousands or tens of thousands of dollars and a lot of time preparing these bids out in the cold. They have no idea why their deal did not go through. prgtoken This bill, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, will help address the problem. prgtoken This legislation would require agencies to provide to the SBA a justification for canceled contract solicitations. Additionally, this would require the agency canceling the contract solicitation to disclose available information about plans to reissue similar solicitations. prgtoken Finally, Madam , if the agency does not plan on reissuing solicitations, the agency's director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization must assist the small business in identifying similar contracting opportunities. prgtoken I am proud to co-lead this legislation, along with Mr. Mfume of Maryland, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and supporting Main Street America.
HONORING THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER-LEXINGTON
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise to recognize the Federal Medical Center, located in Lexington, Kentucky. David Paul serves as Warden and Keith Blanke is Associate Warden. They lead a large staff of dedicated individuals. prgtoken In 1935, the United States Narcotic Farm facility opened in the countryside outside of Lexington. Known as Narco, this facility's mission was to treat people struggling with addiction, using new and often experimental treatments. It was a combination prison and hospital with a research facility. Inmates worked on the farm that was located on the grounds. They also interacted with each other through playing music, taking painting classes, and participating in social activities. When it first opened, only men who were arrested for drug-related offenses were housed there; women were admitted in 1941. prgtoken In 1967, the farm portion of the operation closed, and the name of the facility was changed to the National Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Research Center. In 1974, the facility became a Federal prison and was named The Federal Medical Center, Lexington. Today, The Federal Medical Center, Lexington celebrates 50 years of service. The Center, operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, serves around 1500 inmates, who each require medical health care. prgtoken The Federal Medical Center serves an important role in our Nation's Department of Justice. I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to each person employed by the Federal Medical Center.
IVF (Executive Session)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-11

in vitro fertilization--or IVF, as most of us call it--has brought beautiful babies to so many families. IVF is a wonderful thing that enables so many Americans struggling with infertility to have children and start a family. prgtoken For me, it is personal. My youngest daughter has been undergoing IVF treatments to grow her family. But she is just one of countless Floridians and Americans using IVF to grow their families and bring life into the world. prgtoken While IVF remains available in all 50 States and there isn't any credible threat to it, I believe it is important for the Senate to make clear our unwavering support for current and aspiring parents using IVF to start and grow their families. prgtoken We ought to celebrate Americans trying to grow their families. I am proud to lead a resolution in the Senate doing just that. My resolution affirms the desire of parents trying to conceive a child to start or grow a family; expresses sympathy for the millions of parents experiencing infertility issues as they strive to start or grow a family and recognizes the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll of pursuing medical assistance for infertility, including IVF; cherishes the millions of children born through the use of medical assistance to overcome infertility, including through IVF; recognizes that medical assistance for infertility, including IVF, is and remains legal in all States and territories in the United States; affirms that laws enacted by Congress should promote the sanctity of human life and support the development and growth of families in the United States; encourages further clinical research to improve outcomes for parents seeking medical assistance to overcome infertility as they strive to start or grow a family; and supports State, legislative, and regulatory actions to establish health, safety, and ethical standards for medical facilities offering assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization. prgtoken Now let me take a moment to clarify a few things about the bill the are pushing this week. prgtoken First, let's be clear, there is not a single State in the country that has outlawed IVF or has expressed any interest in outlawing IVF. This is just empty fearmongering by who would rather push unnecessary bills like this than take meaningful action to secure our border, improve our economy, or hold the radical members of the administration accountable for their lawless conduct. prgtoken I think everyone here supports IVF, which is great because are typically advocating for unlimited abortion, not more babies, which is what we get with IVF. prgtoken If a State takes action against IVF, I will be the first to condemn it, but that isn't happening. prgtoken This is ugly politics at its worst. prgtoken I have the resolution I just outlined. I appreciate the work that Senators Cruz and Britt have done on this impor
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-11

it is Tuesday afternoon. The Senate has its first vote of the week coming up in a few minutes, and I am experiencing a sense of deja vu--as Yogi Berra said, ``Deja vu all over again.'' prgtoken This week, the majority leader has teed up three votes on President 's nominees followed by another partisan show vote, this time on in vitro fertilization. It is another made-up controversy. prgtoken In vitro fertilization provides hope for couples across the United States who are struggling to grow their families and has helped millions of babies enter the world. I support IVF, which has been a solution for millions of families struggling with infertility. prgtoken But there is no nationwide threat to the availability of in vitro fertilization, and I am deeply disappointed--but not surprised--that are trying to politicize something that enjoys such widespread support. There is no controversy over access to in vitro fertilization. After all, this is the third partisan show vote we have had recently. prgtoken Last week, the Senate voted on a handful of nominees and held another show vote on a nonexistent threat to contraception access. There is no threat to access to contraception. But the majority leader who schedules votes on the floor, who runs the agenda, decided he wanted to create a controversy out of thin air where there was none. prgtoken The previous week included votes on several nominees, and this time another show vote on a partisan border bill that the majority leader knew would fail but decided to have a show vote anyway. prgtoken Considering the many challenges our country is facing, this is hardly what the Senate should be doing. Families are grappling with high prices as a result of 40-year high inflation rates exacerbated by unchecked spending--throwing trillions of dollars on the inflation fire only to see it get worse and worse. The Federal Reserve has done what it can do, which is raise interest rates to try to slow down the growth of inflation. But the fact is, as Congress continues to shovel money out the door, it just makes things worse. prgtoken And people on a fixed income and people who have a modest earning are being hurt the most. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story saying that a cart full of groceries that cost 100 bucks before the administration came into office, or when it did come into office, now costs $136. That is a 36-percent increase in inflation. Wages haven't kept up that much. prgtoken So what are people supposed to do when the government continues to make their quality of life and standard of living worse this time because of reckless spending? prgtoken The American people are concerned by crime and public safety in their communities, and they are terrified by the spread of fentanyl, which is now the leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 18 and 45. We know where the fentanyl comes from: The precursor chemicals come f
TRIBUTE TO DR. STEVEN T. REED
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-6-11

on behalf of the people of Mississippi, I submit this statement into the Congressional Record to honor the public service of Dr. Steven T. Reed. In his professional and personal capacities, Dr. Reed has gone above and beyond for the good of his community. prgtoken In 1991, Dr. Reed graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with highest honors and a degree in biochemistry. He pursued further studies at the Southern College of Optometry, receiving a doctor of optometry. After completing his education, he embraced the entrepreneur's life by opening his own clinic in Magee, MS. prgtoken Over the years, countless Mississippians have benefited from Dr. Reed's expertise. He reached even more of his neighbors when he opened additional clinic locations in nearby cities. prgtoken Despite the demands of running a business, Dr. Reed has consistently found time to help those around him. He is a member of the Magee Lion's Club, and he stepped up to lead the Magee Chamber of Commerce. At his church, Dr. Reed chaired the stewardship committee and served as a deacon. prgtoken The optometry community has repeatedly demonstrated its respect for Dr. Reed. His colleagues have placed him in numerous leadership positions at a variety of organizations, including but not limited to the Congress of the American Optometric Association--AOA--and the Mississippi Optometric Association, MOA. In both 2010 and 2016, Dr. Reed received the MOA's James P. Brownlee Optometrist of the Year Award. prgtoken This year, he will assume the presidency of the AOA, the first Mississippian to be named to the role. His activities as president- elect characterize his charitable instincts. Today, he is helping lead the ``Eye Deserve More'' campaign, which encourages the public to sign up for eye examinations. It is out of gratitude for that spirit of service that I praise Dr. Reed today in the Congressional Record.
CONGRESS SHOULD REMAIN IN D.C. UNTIL BUDGET IS DONE
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-6-11

every year since 1996, Congress has failed to pass our annual spending bills on time. Every year since 1996, despite work still left to be done, August rolls around and Congress goes home, kicking the can down the road and leaving funding for our Federal Government to another day. prgtoken , let's fix how Washington works and remain in D.C. until our budget work is done and completed this year. prgtoken We must fix how Washington works. That is why I am introducing the Do Our Job Act. If our work is not done, we must not go home in August. Let's show the American people that we are serious about reducing our debt and keeping our government running.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL J. GARSHAK
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, to recognize MG Michael J. Garshak on his retirement from the National Guard and his distinguished service as the Adjutant General of Idaho. prgtoken Major General Garshak has dedicated over three decades of his life to serving our Nation and the State of Idaho. He began his military career in 1987 when he received a commission as an aviation officer through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at Northern Arizona University. prgtoken Major General Garshak has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to duty throughout his career. During his Active-Duty service, Major General Garshak served as an Apache attack helicopter platoon leader in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He also served as an Apache helicopter instructor pilot at Ft. Rucker, AL. In 1993, he joined the Idaho National Guard and served with the 1-183rd Aviation Regiment. He deployed as the 1-183rd Aviation Task Force Commander to Bosnia-Herzegovina from 2002-2003. His career of distinguished service and leadership ultimately led to his 2017 appointment by Governor Butch Otter to serve as the Adjutant General of Idaho. prgtoken Major General Garshak's dedication to his craft is evident through his extensive education and training. He holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Northern Arizona prgtoken University and a master of science in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He has also completed numerous military schools, including the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course, AH-64 Aircraft Qualification Course, AH-64 Instructor Pilot Course, and the UH-60 Aircraft Qualification Course. prgtoken Throughout his career, Major General Garshak held various command and staff positions, including aviation battalion and group commander, State Army aviation officer, G3 operations officer, and chief of staff of the Idaho Army National Guard. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring the readiness, effectiveness, and future of the Idaho National Guard. prgtoken Major General Garshak's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. prgtoken Beyond his military accomplishments, Major General Garshak has been actively involved in professional organizations and has made significant contributions to the Idaho community. He has served as an executive board member of the Idaho National Guard Officer's Association and is a member of the National Guard Association of the United States and the U.S. Army War College Alumni Association. prgtoken Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude and appreciation to MG Michael Garshak for the exe
HONORING PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise today to recognize Daniel Block, a proud native of Little Rock. Daniel is currently a student at Brandeis University and a member of Congregation B'nai Israel, Little Rock's Reform Jewish synagogue. prgtoken Last month, Daniel was named a Truman Scholar, an award for those dedicated to being future leaders in the environment, Tribal public policy, and healthcare fields. prgtoken His work at Zumwalt Acres, a farm in rural Illinois, not only leads the cause of carbon negativity but is also rooted in Jewish values of social justice. prgtoken Daniel is well deserving of this achievement, and I wish him success in his commitment and steps toward a sustainable future. prgtoken , .
RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN VIETNAM
Michelle Steel (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise to call attention to the Communist Party of Vietnam's chilling crackdown on religious freedom. prgtoken Freedom to worship is a basic human right, but with the recent disappearance of Buddhist leader Thich Minh Tue, Vietnam is continuing a pattern of religious persecution. prgtoken Thich Minh Tue recently led a pilgrimage across Vietnam, which ended with Communist authorities detaining him and his followers. prgtoken I am again calling on Secretary Blinken, as I did 3 months ago, to designate Vietnam as a country of particular concern. This designation leads to accountability for nations violating the freedom to worship. prgtoken I represent the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and we will always stand up for human rights in Vietnam. America has a moral obligation to stand for religious freedom, and the full power of the State Department should fight religious persecution and ensure the safety of Thich Minh Tue.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE PLACER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise to name the following members of the Placer County Sheriff's Office to the 2024 Third Congressional District Police Honor Roll: Sergeant Isaiah Tchobanoff, Deputy Richard Porter, Deputy John Tannarome, Deputy Brandon Winschell, Deputy Paul Solbos, Deputy Kevin Hills, Deputy Joseph Durant. prgtoken On the night of May 2, 2024, deputies in the Placer County Sheriff's Office were on patrol in the city of Colfax in Placer County. The deputies observed a suspicious vehicle parked at the rear of a local restaurant that matched the vehicle description of one used while in the commission of a residential burglary earlier in the week of a Placer County citizen. prgtoken Deputies Solbos, Porter, and Tannarome attempted to contact the van occupant, who was verbally uncooperative and refused lawful orders to exit the vehicle. prgtoken Deputy Solbos called for his supervisor, Sergeant Tchobanoff, and Deputy Durant to respond and assist them. Deputies Winschell and Hills arrived a short time later. prgtoken While instituting a plan to deescalate the situation and remove the occupant from the vehicle safely, the driver of the van fired a gun from inside the vehicle, striking Deputy Porter in the upper torso. prgtoken Deputies at the scene returned fire, and Deputy Porter was immediately provided medical aid by deputies on the scene and was transported to the nearest helicopter landing zone by his fellow deputies awaiting an air ambulance. prgtoken Additional deputies and officers from outside agencies began arriving as Deputy Porter was flown to the nearest trauma center, Sutter Roseville Medical Center. prgtoken Deputy Porter spent four nights in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones and his colleagues from the sheriff's office. In tremendous news, he was released to go home on Monday, May 6, 2024, and was escorted home by the sheriff, undersheriff, and assistant sheriff, along with the command staff and patrol staff. prgtoken These law enforcement officers acted with the utmost professionalism and bravery on May 2, 2024. They trusted the advanced officer training the sheriff's office had provided and were calm, committed, and focused. prgtoken That night was a true testament to their unwavering commitment to the community they serve. Their actions embody the core values of the Placer County Sheriff's Office, and all Placer County residents can take enormous pride in these outstanding officers. prgtoken For their bravery and dedication to public safety, I am honored to include these fine law enforcement officers in the 2024 Third Congressional District Police Honor Roll. In Remembrance of Aldo Pineschi
IN RECOGNITION OF FRED MANOCHERIAN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-6-11

I rise to recognize Fred Manocherian, an entrepreneur, innovator, and a role model without peers. prgtoken More than 60 years ago, he founded the National Road Safety Foundation, an organization that holds the mission of educating individuals of all ages about the risks of dangerous driving behaviors. The information, resources, and efforts spurred by Fred's work have saved lives and have helped educate countless Americans while creating safer communities in the process. prgtoken Fred Manocherian deserves to be commended for his efforts and for his longstanding commitment to helping create a safer society for Americans of all ages. He and his wife, Jennifer, have inspired their children to broaden their philanthropic efforts into other areas, such as healthcare, and they have made a tremendous impact in doing so. prgtoken All Americans should be immensely grateful for Fred Manocherian, his family, their examples, and all they have done for others.