mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING CHIEF RICHARD HOWELL OF FAYETTEVILLE, TENNESSEE
Scott DesJarlais (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today, to honor Chief Richard Howell for 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Fayetteville, located in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District. prgtoken Chief Howell joined the Fayetteville Police Department in January of 1990. He graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy on April 27, 1990. During his long and successful career, Chief Howell steadily rose in rank, receiving a series of promotions beginning in 1997, when he was named Sergeant, becoming a Lieutenant in 2003, and then a Commander in 2004. The Board of Mayor and Alderman recognized the quality of his work and endorsed his promotion to Fayetteville Police Chief on July 1, 2013. Chief Howell held this position until his well-earned retirement this month. prgtoken Chief Howell achieved multiple certifications/specializations during his career that included certified armorer, certified arms instructor, specialized training in homicide investigations, hazardous materials technician and team operations, chemical weapons instructor, and Training Officer. He was the founder and the first Team Commander of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) established in 2001. Chief Howell developed an active shooter program through SORT that would help train his team members and other departments on active shooter situations. Chief Howell performed the project management oversight, in coordination with the Fayetteville Board of Mayor and Alderman, of the construction of the current Police Headquarters. prgtoken Chief Howell is a graduate of the Leadership Lincoln Class of 2003, attended the Huntsville Police Academy for Critical Deployment of Patrol Officers, attended the Tennessee Law Enforcement Development Seminar, and attended the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy. In addition to his work as a member of SORT, Chief Howell was also a member of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officer Association, the TN Association of Chiefs of Police, and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. prgtoken A devoted family man, Chief Howell enjoys spending time with his wife Suzanne and daughters Kaitlyn and Jessica. His decades of dedication to the citizens of Fayetteville and Lincoln County, Tennessee are truly appreciated. I am proud to represent a community that has the utmost respect for all the men and women who serve our communities as members of law enforcement. Chief Howell's professional demeanor and management skills were well respected and have established a standard for service to community. I ask all Members of Congress to join me in congratulating Richard Howell for a job well done and sending well wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE CENTRAL DeWITT SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize some incredible students from Iowa's Second Congressional District. prgtoken On Saturday, March 12, the Central DeWitt Special Olympics basketball team earned a silver medal and the Sabers unified dance team earned a gold medal at the Mid-Winter Tournament in Iowa City. prgtoken For the last few years, Special Olympics Iowa has put on the Mid- Winter Tournament as part of their ongoing series of events to showcase the amazing skills and talents of our athletes. prgtoken The Mid-Winter Tournament sees competition in basketball, basketball skills, cheerleading, gymnastics, and powerlifting. Healthy Athletes screenings are also provided to athletes by healthcare professionals for dental, hearing, overall health and fitness, and more. prgtoken Organizations like Special Olympics strive to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Through the power of sports, these athletes discover new strengths, skills, confidence, abilities, fulfillment, and success. They also learn the values of hard work, sportsmanship, perseverance, teamwork, and, most importantly, having fun. prgtoken Special Olympics has changed the lives of so many amazing athletes, and I am proud to have them in Iowa. But I am even prouder of the awesome athletes from Central DeWitt who are already making their mark on the world. Go Sabers.
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ENERGY PLAN
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , the administration has a backup plan to address rising gas prices, if their Secretary of Transportation's comical recommendation for every American to buy an electric car doesn't pan out. Unfortunately, the plan includes secret talks with Venezuela, led by corrupt dictator Nicolas Maduro, about lifting sanctions on importing Venezuelan oil into the United States. prgtoken Of course, if that doesn't work out, there is always Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, otherwise known as OPEC, because, surely, begging an oil cartel to make a deal to increase oil production could never go wrong. What is next? Buying oil from Iran, the world's leading exporter of terrorism? prgtoken This begs the question: Is this all that the administration has to offer the American people in a time of crisis? Buy oil from corrupt dictators or buy a costly electric vehicle that you can't afford? prgtoken These are not the ideals on which America was built. Regrettably, this is President 's America.
UNJUST IMPRISONMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICANS DURING WORLD WAR II
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , several weeks ago, we witnessed a very unfortunate milestone, the 80th anniversary of the signature of an executive order by the President of the United States to incarcerate over 100,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. prgtoken This was a direct violation of the founding principles of our country that say that no one should be deprived of their liberty without just cause. prgtoken That is why I was so proud to see this body pass my bill, H.R. 6434, this week that would create a historic network of sites linked to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. prgtoken Madam , the power of history is to gain perspective and learn from the mistakes of the past. I am in hopes that this network will call attention to this unjust imprisonment and ensure that this injustice never occurs in the United States again.
RECOGNIZING TODD AND LOUISE MALECHA
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Todd and Louise Malecha, the 2022 winners of Farm Journal's Top Producer of the Year award. prgtoken Located in the heart of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District in Villard, Minnesota, Malecha Enterprises is a multi-generational, family-run dairy, pumping, and custom work operation. prgtoken Both Todd and Louise grew up on dairy farms, and now five of their seven children are in the family business. Louise loves being able to see the next generation getting involved and taking up the reins. prgtoken Their company values include integrity, trust, and a commitment to constant and never-ending improvement. With values like that, it is no wonder they received such a prestigious award. prgtoken Congratulations to the Malechas for this impressive achievement.
RECOGNIZING DANNY POWERS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a good friend of mine, Mr. Danny Powers, on his selection to serve as the Grand Marshal of Savannah, Georgia's, 198th St. Patrick's Day parade. prgtoken The St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah is the third-largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the entire country. We will be expecting around 400,000 spectators to attend Savannah's signature event. prgtoken Since 1824, Savannah has been the home of this fabulous celebration of the rich Irish heritage of our city. prgtoken The grand marshal is an honor that recognizes members of our community for their great service, and Danny is well-deserving of that. prgtoken Danny has been the Chatham County tax commissioner for 27 years, since 1995. During his tenure, Danny has boosted property tax collection rates; integrated online technology to improve accessibility; and has added satellite offices for vehicle tag renewals. prgtoken Danny has been an integral and influential member of the Savannah community for many years, and we are so grateful to have him. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Danny on this tremendous honor; he has earned it.
THOUGHTS ON PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY'S REMARKS TO CONGRESS
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I have been asked many times this week about my thoughts on the address to Congress by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. prgtoken I was moved and inspired by his commitment to the defense of his stricken nation and its besieged people. President Zelenskyy's remarks reminded me of another time when a courageous and determined leader sought the aid of America in defense of his nation as it was being threatened by the armed might of Hitler's Nazi forces. prgtoken On February 9, 1941, Winston Churchill addressed the British Parliament with a speech that was broadcast by the BBC. Churchill spoke to Parliament, but he was really speaking to the United States, and, in particular, to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. prgtoken At the end of that speech, Churchill said this: ``Put your confidence in us. Give us your faith and your blessing, and, under Providence, all will be well.'' prgtoken He concluded his message to Parliament and to America by saying: ``Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.'' prgtoken That is what I heard President Zelenskyy saying to the Congress of the United States. Madam , it is time to listen to the people who are face-to-face with the enemy fighting for their country. prgtoken Madam , they know better what they need, far better than people in suits sitting behind desks who are thousands of miles from the battlefields of Ukraine. prgtoken We should heed their call and give them the tools to defend their country.
RECOGNIZING GOOD NEIGHBORS SHOPPE IN LENOIR CITY, TENNESSEE FOR 20 YEARS OF CHARITABLE SERVICE IN THE LOUDON COUNTY COMMUNITY
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise in recognition of Good Neighbors Shoppe, a charitable organization that is celebrating 20 years of service in Loudon County, Tennessee. prgtoken Roberta and Eugene Burwell opened Good Neighbors Shoppe on March 19, 2002, at 109 East Broadway Street in Lenoir City, Tennessee. Their mission was to financially support other charities in the area using the proceeds from selling donated goods at their store. After early success, Good Neighbors Shoppe built a new, larger headquarters at 420 Leeper Parkway in Lenior City, where it is located today. prgtoken Good Neighbors Shoppe has donated over $5 million since 2002, and at least 80 percent of each year's sales income is donated to charities within the Loudon County community. Domestic and sexual abuse centers for adults and children, food pantries, veterans' organizations, literacy programs, youth development groups, disabled and senior citizen programs, and addiction recovery centers are among the many organizations benefitting from Good Neighbors Shoppe's contributions. Additionally, Good Neighbors Shoppe has subsidized over 35 academic scholarships to Loudon County students and distributed annual grants to all Loudon County public schools. prgtoken Behind Good Neighbors Shoppe's success is a team of over 220 unpaid volunteers. These volunteers screen donated merchandise, professionally display the items that are for sale, and operate the storefront. Gently used and new items available for sale at Good Neighbors Shoppe include women's, men's and children's clothing, kitchen wares, furniture, and other useful items. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize the philanthropic efforts of Good Neighbors Shoppe in the United State House of Representatives. Congratulations to every Good Neighbors Shoppe volunteer, past and present, on 20 years of outstanding service to East Tennessee communities.
CREATING A RESPECTFUL AND OPEN WORLD FOR NATURAL HAIR ACT OF 2021
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , to Mr. Jordan's point, we are beset with problems. prgtoken Two of the most significant are that the Producer Price Index is at 10 percent. We face a cost environment that is unsustainable, and that affects every American's livelihood every time they visit a gas pump or go to the store. We face an employment environment where Americans have been disincentivized to work. prgtoken Every time I speak to people in my district--well, it may be different in the last couple of weeks and the latest catastrophes we have seen. But certainly, until then, the leading concern is the availability of people who are inclined to work in order to fulfill job opportunities. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee's report on this legislation points out that I and Representative Cliff Bentz from Oregon raised a question about this legislation in the markup, that it may prevent employers from regulating hairstyles for workplace safety reasons. prgtoken One of the cases involved, I believe, was about long dreadlocks that could become ensnared in machinery on a workplace floor. prgtoken Let me tell you what the Judiciary Committee's report by the majority says is the answer to that problem. They say that concern is misplaced because under the longstanding burden-shifting scheme applied by courts in title VII cases, an employer may defeat a discrimination claim by asserting that workplace safety was a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for prgtoken taking an adverse employment action against an employee, with the burden then shifting to the employee to prove that the asserted reason was a pretext for discrimination. prgtoken Assuming the employee cannot demonstrate that the employer's assertion of workplace safety was pretextual, the employer would prevail against an employment discrimination claim. How extraordinarily comforting. prgtoken So, if an employee wants to wear dreadlocks, and an employer is legitimately concerned for the health and safety of the employee, that his scalp might be ripped off by a machine, then the employer can enter into the litigation. prgtoken It certainly couldn't be arbitrated. We took care of that yesterday right on the floor of the House. We have to have litigation. We will have expensive lawyers. prgtoken We will start, get the complaint filed, the answer filed. Maybe there will be a motion to dismiss that will be denied. We will get into the discovery process. We will send out the interrogatories and the document requests. We will ask for the other occasions where somebody has been fired, examine the processes and the practices of the employer for the last decade. prgtoken We will get some experts in. We have got to have some experts to come in and testify to the likelihood that long dreadlocks are going to get caught in the machinery. We will have conflicting experts on each side. They will disagree. Then the court will receive a motion for summary judgment, say if there is enough evidence to submi
BIDEN BAILOUT RUINED RECOVERY ALREADY UNDERWAY
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , last Friday marked the 1-year anniversary of the bailout bill. This $2 trillion package has directly led to worker shortages, billions in waste, and the worst inflation in 40 years. prgtoken The bailout didn't rescue our economy. It ruined a recovery that was already underway. prgtoken Madam , $500 billion spent to incentivize business closures, lockdowns, and antiscience masking policies; billions wasted, misused, or repurposed for projects unrelated to the pandemic: Florida golf courses, checks for prisoners and Japanese citizens, trees for New York, libraries in the President's home State. The list goes on. prgtoken And as a result, American families are finding it harder to put food on their table, clothes on their backs, and gasoline in their cars. prgtoken President sold the American people a COVID package that spent less than 9 percent on fighting COVID. He created a massive worker shortage and instigated the highest inflation in a generation. That is his legacy.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL GIFT SHOP TAX ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-3-21

. Madam , today, I rise to introduce the Federal Gift Shop Tax Act, which would allow state and local governments to impose a sales tax at gift shops on federal property. These governments would be able to generate millions of dollars in new tax revenue. prgtoken When the federal government engages in activity that is not inherently governmental, such as operating a gift shop, there is no reason to exempt customer purchases from a sales tax. The items sold at federal gift shops, such as jewelry, apparel, accessories, games and books, would be subject to sales tax if sold on private property. Customers are often unaware of the exemption from sales tax at gift shops on federal property, so the introduction of a sales tax is unlikely to have a significant impact on gift shop sales. It would, however, create a valuable revenue stream for state and local governments. In addition, state and local governments often provide uncompensated services for federal property, such as fire service, and allowing them to impose a sales tax at gift shops on federal property would allow them to recoup some of these costs. prgtoken This bill is of particular importance to the District of Columbia, which is home to a number of gift shops on federal property, such as at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-BANGLADESH BILATERAL RELATIONS
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the upcoming Independence and National Day of Bangladesh and the 50th Anniversary of U.S.-Bangladesh bilateral relations. prgtoken Bangladesh is a beacon in a region which has historically and even currently today been marred with conflict. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has held firm as a democracy which is why our countries cooperate so closely on a range of issues, including economic development, security, and governance. As our countries progress and meet new challenges, our bond remains strong as evidenced by our collaboration as the world confronts the challenges of COVID-19, counter-terrorism, and more. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this remarkable milestone between our two countries and the independence and achievements of Bangladesh. Our nations have accomplished a great deal together for the advancement of freedom, and as our relationship proves its strength as we confront new challenges in the 21st century, I am excited for what the future holds for our two great nations.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-3-22

. Well, , today, the Senate Judiciary Committee continues a most historic hearing with a most qualified nominee to the most consequential Court in all of the land. prgtoken Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is unlike any other Supreme Court nominee in American history, but yesterday she made clear her approach will be the same as the great jurists who came before her, ``to support and defend the Constitution and this grand experiment of democracy that has endured over these past 246 years.'' prgtoken Her record shows that she is up to the task: a clerk for three judges, including Justice Breyer; a Federal judge for nearly 10 years; and a nominee who commands the endorsements of groups across the political spectrum, including both law enforcement and victims' rights groups. prgtoken Two days ago, a cohort of nine organizations that aid survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence announced their support of Judge Jackson, citing her ``mix of common sense'' and ``thoughtfulness,'' while adding prgtoken that ``Judge Jackson's rulings reflect the judicial consensus.'' prgtoken A few weeks ago, the International Association of Chiefs of Police also celebrated the judge for ``her dedication to ensuring that our communities are safe and that the interests of justice are served.'' prgtoken And in early March, nearly 60 former DOJ officials, including scores of former U.S. attorneys, expressed their confidence that the judge's appreciation for how the criminal justice system works would be a critical addition to the Court. prgtoken Now, when the facts aren't on your side, some are tempted to change the subject, and that is precisely what some s tried to do yesterday. s showed they don't have a plan for addressing Judge Jackson on her merits, so they expended a lot of ink and paper pushing arguments that range from irrelevant to downright misleading. As the judge's confirmation hearing continues today, I am confident that Americans are going to see right through these flimsy broadsides and focus on the judge's impressive, impressive record. prgtoken So, as we enter day 2 of the hearing, s on the Judiciary Committee who will engage seriously with the judge. I again express my confidence she is on track for final confirmation before the end of this work period.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-3-22

before I start my remarks in regard to the 2-year anniversary of the CARES Act, I just want to compliment my colleague from Maryland on his statements in regard to Mr. Putin's aggression in Ukraine. prgtoken Everything he said I totally concur in--the unity that President has been able to instill not only among our traditional allies but the global community; the strength of our help to the Ukrainian people, the help that we have given in regard to humanitarian relief; and the sanctions that were led by the United States--but we now have global support for many of these sanctions, which are making a difference. prgtoken This is clearly a battle between good and evil, and I just really wanted to compliment my colleague from Maryland on his statement, one on which I hope all of us agree, and that we can move forward very quickly on the legislation you refer to that passed the House of Representatives that would make it clear that we will not do business with Russia as normal; that we will revoke the favored nation status and normal trade relations; and that we will do what Mr. Zelenskyy has asked us to do, and that is to make it clear that the Magnitsky sanctions, which are individual sanctions imposed against the perpetrators, Mr. Putin and his enablers in Russia, will be maintained with reauthorization of the global Magnitsky statute. prgtoken I hope we will get to that as early as this week because I agree with my colleague that every day we delay it, in fact, is helping Mr. Putin. We need to make it clear and enact that statute, which, by the way, the administration strongly encourages us to do. CARES Act prgtoken , 2 years ago, the United States declared COVID-19 a national emergency. By then, it was clear that we were experiencing a once-in-a-century pandemic and that preventing the spread of this dangerous virus would require our Nation's greatest collective effort since World War II. Here in the U.S. Congress, we knew that this era- defining challenge would require unprecedented action from the Federal Government to confront the economic and public health crisis created by COVID-19. prgtoken The pandemic has waxed and waned in the 2 years since then, so opportunities for American families and small business owners to return to their normal lives have come in fits and starts. But one lesson that has remained true through these ups and downs and has been confirmed on multiple occasions through the pandemic is that the U.S. Federal Government can--it must--play a role in solving our Nation's longstanding, difficult, and intractable problems. prgtoken Let us remember those first few weeks of the pandemic. The vast majority of Americans did not know what to make of the Centers for Disease Control's January report of a novel virus, the coronavirus identified abroad. By mid-February, small business owners were already feeling the effects