mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the exceptional young women in my district who received the Girl Scout's highest honor, the Gold Award, in 2021. Our community is proud of their achievement and grateful for their commitment to service. Sabrina Adler, Troop 2697. Chakrika Aluri, Juliette. Julia Cunningham, Troop 2147. Olivia Davis-Egan, Troop 2992. Grace Dudek, Troop 754. Genevieve Eirich, Troop 2974. Elayna Frost, Troop 230. Sarah Hamer, Troop 2285. Kaitlyn Harrington, Troop 753. Julia Henry, Troop 2020. Natalie Landis, Troop 21809. Jane Macaulay, Troop 21275. Juliana Marino, Troop 2697. Chloe McNabb, Troop 21733. Maura Ott, Troop 2578. Autumn Robinson-Davis, Troop 23. Kelly Schieder, Troop 2060. Tara Shevlin, Troop 2147. Ashley Shup, Troop 2367. Emma Smirk, Troop 2105. Taylor Smith, Troop 2385. Reagan Ward, Troop 2268.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-1-6

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week, I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, I am honored to recognize the Lenoxburg General Store of Foster, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken When Scott and Angela Horn took over the Lenoxburg General Store nearly 2 years ago, they inherited more than four walls stacked with merchandise. The illustrious history and culture of the store bring with it a tradition that the Horn's were determined to uphold and enhance. Founded by Sam Lenoxburg in 1938 during the height of the Great Depression, the General Store brought local farmers and tradesmen together for excellent meals and butchering services. It represented a gathering place for a rapidly expanding community and was the cornerstone of Bracken and Pendleton County. While large cities and towns had cinemas and famous diners to bring about this connection, it was Sam Lenoxburg's store that generated the communal culture in the tight-knit Kentucky town for generations. prgtoken Today, the Lenoxburg General Store continues to supply both general service and deli processing to its local clientele. The location remains a congregation hub, drawing folks from all over and the bordering counties to dine and shop with a traditional flair. Since the Horns took ownership, the store has branched into catering and offers delivery for local events across the community it serves. The location also hosts events of its own, including fish-fry contests and holiday celebrations. But most importantly, during this time, Angela and Scott have continued in their tradition of hiring within their community, serving as a boon to their local economy. This family-owned business has supported a community-first atmosphere in the store which attracts visitors and customers from surrounding counties. prgtoken Philanthropy and hospitality are crucial tenants to Kentucky's character, and the Horns exemplify these traits through their charitable work. Scott, the local game warden, has partnered with Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry to deliver more than 1,450 pounds of venison to more than 350 families in need. The Horns are also involved with national charities and use their business to contribute to the Bracken and Pendleton tourism committees, along with the counties' 4-H programs. Lenoxburg General Store was heavily involved in the preparation and execution of the Heritage Days in Augusta, the longest running event in the area. Scott and Angela are committed to serving their friends and neighbors and get involved whenever they can to improve the lives of those around them. prgtoken The Horns' dedicated approach to supporting the store's family-like atmosphere goes beyond their praised home-cooked specials. As business owners and operators, Scott and Angela go above and beyond for their com
RECOGNIZING SENATOR DOUGLAS J. ERICKSEN
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , my heart is heavy as I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Senator Douglas Ericksen, who passed away on December 17, 2021 after a battle with COVID-19. My prayers are with Doug's family as we mourn his passing. prgtoken Doug dedicated his life to working on behalf of the people of Whatcom County, serving in both the Washington State House of Representatives and Senate for more than two decades. Throughout his tenure, Doug was a champion for the rights of every individual, and he was a fierce defender of the Constitution. prgtoken In Eastern Washington, Doug will always be remembered for being a strong advocate of the Snake River dams--which isn't common for someone from the West side of Washington. His pragmatic approach towards finding balanced solutions to our State's biggest environmental problems made him a special partner of mine for many years, and I will miss his leadership--along with his quick-witted humor--dearly. prgtoken Above all else, Doug was a remarkable husband to his wife Tasha, father to his daughters Elsa and Addi, friend, and neighbor. His loss will be felt deeply across the entire state of Washington for many years to come, but I thank God for giving me the blessing of calling Doug my friend. prgtoken Madam , Doug Ericksen lived an amazing life that deserves to be celebrated. In honor of his legacy, passion, and contributions that inspired so many, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Washington State Senator Doug Ericksen. May God grant him eternal peace in His kingdom.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF MR. JOHN SCHOUTEN
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. John Schouten for his contributions to the dairy industry and congratulate him on his retirement. prgtoken John Schouten's passion for the dairy industry started over 35 years ago and led him to World Wide Sires, which started out in Hanford, California. He completed German language school shortly after starting and quickly built relationships in the international dairy scene that would last decades. His enthusiasm and desire to put farmers first has created numerous opportunities for U.S. genetics worldwide. prgtoken While at World Wide Sires, Mr. Schouten became known for his remarkable work ethic and empathy for others. He started as an Area Director of Marketing and went on to become VP of Marketing from 1993 to 2001, eventually becoming CEO in 2001. Mr. Schouten's leadership allowed his team to grow as they traveled to over 70 countries, sharing their knowledge and helping farmers. prgtoken Mr. Schouten became CEO at a time of rapid growth and change in the industry. Thanks to his vision, his team launched Global Dairy Solutions along with setting up six global subsidiaries. Mr. Schouten has set a great example of what hard work and compassion can accomplish. His energy to keep innovating has led him to become one of the most recognized and respected members of the U.S. Al community. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. John Schouten for his contributions to the dairy industry and wishing him the best in retirement.
HONORING AND COMMENDING THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF VERNA ELIZABETH ``RITCHIE'' BERTSCHE, ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commend the wonderful Mrs. Verna Elizabeth ``Ritchie'' Bertsche. Verna Elizabeth was born on December 28, 1921, in the era of the Great Depression, and during the presidency of Warren G. Harding. She grew up during the time of the roaring twenties and during prohibition. prgtoken Ritchie excelled in her academic studies, graduating from the University of Cincinnati, where she was also chosen to serve as president of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She married a decorated officer, Carl I. Bertsche, who served in Europe during World War II, having known him since their kindergarten days. She enjoyed her time serving as a pre-school teacher, before her children came along, and then worked part-time in Carl's business, PESCO, where she made a hugely valuable contribution in both an official and unofficial capacity. Well-known in her community as a dedicated volunteer, she has selflessly given 20 years of service at the Good Samaritan Hospital. prgtoken In addition to her service to her community, she has been a generous, loving, and supportive mother to her two children, Patricia B. Deis- Gleeson (who shares Verna's birthday), and Carl I. Bertsche Jr, both of whom are proud to call her Mom. Greater still are her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, to whom she is always showing a genuine and proud interest in their lives and achievements. prgtoken Verna's wonderful memories of Jeeme Hipad, a club consisting of Doie and Bob Stacy, Betty and Nick Weisgarber, Helen and Bob Dhonau, Verna and Carl Bertsche, and Dottie and Phil Spiess. The club's name derives from the letters of their middle names and all the ladies in the club are also members of Zeta Tau Alpha. The club began meeting just for fun but ended up meeting right through the remainder of many of their lives. Jeeme Hipad activities encompassed World War II, the growth of their families, adapting to empty nest syndrome, right through to the passing of their spouses. A truly unique and special group. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Verna Elizabeth ``Ritchie'' Bertsche's devotion to all that is good and wholesome in this life. May God bless Verna on her 100th Birthday.
RECOGNIZING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE STORMING OF THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the United States Federal government's involvement, provocation, and cover-up pursuant to their role in encouraging protestors to enter the United States Capitol building on January 6, 2021. I include in the Record the following links so the American people can review the involvement and protection of Federal assets before and after the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 https://www.revolver.news/2021/10/meet-ray-epps-the-fed- protected-provocateur-who-appears-to-have-led-the-very-first- 1-6-attack-on-the-u-s-capitol/. https://www.revolver.news/2021/12/damning-new-details- massive-web-unindicted-operators-january-6/. https://www.revolver.news/2021/06/stewart-rhodes-oath- keepers-missing-link-fbi-unindicted-coconspirator/.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH ``JOE'' EGGLESTON GARDNER, JR.
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Joseph ``Joe'' Eggleston Gardner, Jr who passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the age of 72, in San Antonio, Texas. prgtoken Joe was born in Washington, D.C on March 26, 1949. However, he was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy and earned degrees at both the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. prgtoken Joe contributed generously to civic organizations by serving on the Texas Water Development Board, the Nueces River Authority, and the Del Mar College Board of Directors. He also co-founded the Animal Rescue Foundation in Seguin, Texas. Joe was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi and I was a board member of Saint Joseph's Anglican Church in New Braunfels. prgtoken Joe and I first met 40 years ago when we served on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners together. Joe was the first public member ever appointed, and I was the youngest dentist ever selected for the board. We were the new guys, but I knew dentistry, and Joe knew ``Robert's Rules of Order,'' a guide of parliamentary procedure, and it was not long before we made our mark. prgtoken We had much in common, and our friendship endured long after our Dental Board tenures. He was a student of history and an astute political mind. Since his teenage years, Joe was an active member of the Party. He was on the staff of Senator John Tower, the first Senator elected from Texas since the Civil War. Joe also served on the Congressional Caucus, and he was, at one time, a candidate for U.S. Congress. He did not win, but he never gave up, and he never gave in on his strong conservative beliefs. prgtoken Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Neely Laura Procter Gardner of Houston, Texas, and his father, Joseph Eggleston Gardner, M.D of Greenwood, Mississippi. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Sarah Gardner of Savannah, Georgia; his son, Joseph Eggleston Peyton Gardner of Austin, Texas; and his brother, William Frank Gardner of Houston, Texas. prgtoken Madam , it is a privilege to honor my friend Joe Gardner today on the House floor. He was one-of-a-kind, always faithful, funny, and someone you could count on in good times and bad. I will be forever grateful for his friendship and will miss him dearly. My heartfelt prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.
RECOGNIZING MR. GREGORY RUSHIN ON HIS RETIREMENT
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and salute Mr. Gregory Rushin, a steadfast leader who has dedicated nearly forty years of distinguished public service at various levels of government. prgtoken Mr. Rushin's career began in 1979, where he served the town of Lewiston, lllinois, as a Deputy Sheriff. Prior to assuming this position, Greg completed his Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement Administration at Western Illinois University and his Master of Science Degree in Human Relations and Business at Amber University. prgtoken In an effort to further expand his knowledge, Mr. Rushin sought additional training and educational opportunities that allowed him to develop skills essential to being an effective leader in law enforcement. In doing so, he graduated from the FBI Academy, the FBI National Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Program, and Harvard's Senior Management Institute for Police. Additionally, for three years he would reside in the Washington, D.C area where he gained invaluable experience serving as a Special Agent with the FBI. prgtoken In June of 1982, Greg began his nearly 34-year career with the Plano Police Department, the latter 18 years of which he assumed the position of Chief of Police. As a result of his leadership, Chief Rushin was selected to serve as Plano's Deputy City Manager where he is responsible for overseeing the City's Public Safety Departments encompassing services including Animal Services, Fire and Rescue, Police, and Emergency Management. prgtoken Mr. Rushin's commitment to our community has been evidenced by his membership and past leadership positions within several organizations including as the President of the Texas Police Chief's Association as well as on multiple boards of directors, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Collin County Child Advocacy Board, the Plano Youth Leadership Board, the Medical City Plano Citizen Advisory Board, and the Brett Adkins Foundation Board. Due to his dedication and contributions to the Plano community, it is no surprise that Greg was recognized as one of the 21 for the 21st Century by Inside Collin County Business. prgtoken While Greg has created a tremendous legacy of servant leadership, it is evident that respect for his efforts run deep among all who have had the pleasure of working with him. Now, as Mr. Greg Rushin prepares to begin a new season of life, it is with a deep sense of gratitude I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing his exemplary contributions throughout his career in public service while wishing him and his family all the best in this next chapter.
Recognition of the Majority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-7

I usually don't give such lengthy speeches, but today I will be on the floor for a little while, and I have 12 sections to my speech. The first section is on voting rights, of course. prgtoken The first section is history, equality, democracy, and the Founders' vision. And I begin with a quote. To understand political power right, and derive it from its original, we must consider, what state all men [and women] are naturally in and that is a state of perfect freedom to order their actions and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other [person]. prgtoken John Locke published those words in England anonymously-- anonymously--exactly 100 years before the Constitution of the United States came into effect a very, very long time ago, at least to the human mind. prgtoken They were published not in the era of Republics but of kingdoms; not of Presidents but of Monarchs; not of citizens but rather subjects. It was an era when many argued and took up arms for the idea that the King derived power from the decrees of Heaven, and here John Locke said, no, political power, in fact, comes from free individuals. prgtoken These words were circulated for years in secret--in secret--because to hold these views back then was treason. Locke went further: The natural state is also one of equality in which all power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, and no one has more than another. It is evident that all human beings . . . are equal amongst themselves. prgtoken These words, these ideas, a third of a millennia old, but it is right there staring us in the face. All men and women are naturally free, and all men and women are naturally equal. prgtoken I will admit this may be lofty stuff, but history lessons matter-- because these ideas were the initial blueprints for a different sort of political order that would take shape here in this continent, articulated a century later in the words of the American Declaration of Independence. prgtoken These were the original ideas for what would inspire the Framers to create--not a kingdom but a Republic, a democratic society, a place where people equal in rank decide their own leaders and create free elections. prgtoken It reminds me of the words of James Madison as well: Who are to be the electors of the federal representatives? Not the rich, more than the poor; not the learned, more than the ignorant; not the haughty heirs of distinguished names. . . . The electors are to be the great body of the people of the United States. prgtoken Section 2: American History is a Long March Toward Universal Suffrage. That is the noble side of our early history, worthy of remembering and pursuing to this day. There is, of course, a more complicated, more frustrating reality, one we should no
Freedom to Vote Act (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-1-7

I am so proud to be on the floor with my colleagues Senator Durbin, Senator Merkley, and Senator Klobuchar to work on this issue of such great importance. prgtoken I would like to now discuss the John Lewis Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, critical voting rights proposals that the Senate will soon take up and that the Senate needs to pass. We have tried to bring these bills to the floor in recent months. The minority party has blocked the effort to even consider the bills, with the sole exception of one , the senior Senator from Alaska, who has been willing to vote to proceed to consideration of the John Lewis Act. prgtoken Some of the most epic moments in the history of this Chamber have come as we grappled with voting rights. After the Civil War, the debate surrounding the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were epic struggles about the Nation's new recommitment to the equality principle after the Civil War, and those struggles included dramatic discussions about voting connected to both the 14th and 15th Amendments. The struggle for women's suffrage, culminating in the 1919 passage of the 19th Amendment in the Senate, was also a pivotal moment for this body. prgtoken I believe the most dramatic voting rights struggle in the Chamber was the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Civil rights activist John Lewis and others marching for voting rights were savagely beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, in March of 1965. The building frustration of those denied votes in many States, together with that shocking instance of violence, coalesced into a final push to get a comprehensive voting rights bill approved. President Johnson addressed a joint session of Congress on March 15, just 8 days after the attack on John Lewis, and he threw his support behind the Voting Rights Act. prgtoken The Senate began floor consideration of the bill on April 22. After more than a month of vigorous debating, filibustering, fighting, and amending, the bill passed, and it passed in a dramatically bipartisan fashion. ic support was 47 to 16. support was overwhelming--30 to 2. The House passed its own version in July. A conference report was passed and then accepted by both Houses in early August. President Johnson then signed the bill in a ceremony attended by Rosa Parks, John Lewis, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, and many other legislative and civil rights leaders. prgtoken The Voting Rights Act that was fought for so hard in this Chamber and passed in 1965 is viewed as the most important piece of civil rights legislation in the history of this country. It ushered in dramatic increases in voter turnout, more opportunity for racial minorities not only to vote but also to run for office. prgtoken Studies have drawn a direct connection between the act and concrete actions to provide more government services to communities that had long suffered from public disinvestment. It is obviou